New Lecture Notes - "The Difficult Second Album"

Hi folks

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In my last post, I mentioned that I was working on a new set of lecture notes for my upcoming lecture at Paisley Magic Circle.  Well, I can now give you the details.

"The Difficult Second Album" is the title of my new lecture notes and they contain 8 items - 7 routines and one move - that I have been using in all sorts of performance settings for some time.  Four of these routines are ones that I do all the time and have been designed for walkaround situations where you might not have access to a table.

Contents
Whatever Number Mentioned	A Card At Any Number that will fool those that don't realise what you're using.
Al-Together Now	This time, it's Any Card At Any Number - but one that can be done with a borrowed deck.
Ardroil Reset	A different handling Paul Harris's "Reset" plot that ends completely clean.
Upstanding Collectors	A version of Roy Walton's classic "Collectors" plot but without needing the use of a table.
Hebridean Sandwich	A couple of selections, a couple of Jokers, put them together and add in a surprise transposition in for good measure.
Selected Vanish	Three lost selections vanish from the deck to your pockets, only for the deck to vanish from your hands entirely.
Come Join The Gang	My walkaround Multiple Selection routine which has cards popping out, changing, and vanishing all the way through.  This will become a real talking point for your spectators.
A Top Change	The handling of the Top Change that I have been using for a number of years.

"...if you like card magic, you'll love these notes!"

Iain Moran, The Cullfather

Cost - £8
Special introductory price - £5

(valid only until 12noon GMT on Thursday 26th January 2012)

Pay by clicking the PayPal button below.
The PDF file will be e-mailed directly to your inbox within 24 hours.

If you have any problems with the PayPal button, please e-mail me on peter@thecardman.co.uk

And a brief reminder that if you would like to see this material being performed and taught, I will be lecturing at Paisley Magic Circle at their usual meeting place of St Ninian's Church Hall, 81-83 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NR (map) on Thursday 19th January starting at 7:30pm.  Entry to non-members will be £10.

Hopefully see you there.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

A Few Lectures In 2012

Hi folks

I thought I'd let you know about a few lectures that I will be presenting in the coming few months.

The first will be at Paisley Magic Circle on Thursday 19th January 2012 at their regular meeting place - St Ninian's Church Hall, 81-83 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NR (map).  The lecture is due to start at 7:30pm and non-member magicians can get full details from the Hon. Secretary, Peter Mullan, by e-mailing pgmullan@hotmail.com.  I am calling this particular lecture "A Work In Progress" as it will be a brand new lecture mostly containing material from my new lecture notes, which I will be releasing that night.  I'll give you more details on the new notes soon.

In March, I am presenting a couple of lectures in England.  First, on Monday 5th March, I will be at Leicester Magic Circle at their regular meeting place - Braunstone Civic Centre, Kingsway, Leicester, LE3 2PP (map).    This lecture is scheduled to start at 7:30pm and you can get more details from the club directly by e-mailing info@leicestermagiccircle.co.uk.

Then, on Tuesday 6th March, I will be visiting the Mid Essex Magical Society who meet at The Cricketers Public House, Penny Royal Road, Danbury, CM3 4ED (map).  The lecture is due to start at 8pm and you can get full details by e-mailing Michael Alderman on mike@michaeljalderman.myzen.co.uk.

If you are the Secretary of a Magical Society looking for a lecturer for the end of the week that I am south of the border (the week of Monday 5th to Friday 9th March) then please get in touch at peter@thecardman.co.uk.  You can get full details of my lecture on "The Lecture" page.

If you are able to make it along, please come up and say hi.  I am looking forward to visiting the different clubs.  Maybe I'll see you somewhere along the road?

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Back Twist by Mathieu Bich

Hi folks

I first met Mathieu Bich some 10 years ago at the IBM British Ring Convention in Scarborough.  Since then, I have had the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions and have watched in wonder countless times as he has performed effects that his brilliantly creative mind has created.  He is one of the performers who fooled Penn and Teller on their ITV series earlier in the year but I'd like to tell you a wee story about one of the first things he ever showed me.

One night, in the hotel bar, Mathieu was performing a few things for some folk.  I managed to catch the last piece that he performed.  He crouched down so everyone could look down on what he was doing and showed 4 blue backed cards.  It looked like he was performing a version of Lee Asher's "Asher Twist" as, one at a time, each of these blue backed cards turned red backed.  We all thought "that's an interesting idea".  We all thought we knew what he was doing and what he was using to accomplish the effect.  But little did we know that he was leading us down the garden path and about to turn the hose on us as once each of those blue backed cards had turned red, he turned them over to show 4 aces!  Where had the blue backs gone?  Seriously, where the smeg were they???  Mathieu was not for tipping the method that night.

Have a wee look at the trailer for it above...

Now, some 10 years later, we can finally discover the ingenious method to this wonderful effect as Mathieu has finally released it under the title "Back Twist" (when you click on the link you will also be able to see a video of the effect itself).  I am tempted to ask you not to buy it as I want to be the only one to have it but I don't think Mathieu would appreciate it.  It is a phenomenal piece.  I am not one for buying "tricks" as such but I will certainly be buying this one!  I think you should do too.

Go on and treat yourself - it's nearly Christmas!

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

POSTSCRIPT
Mathieu e-mailed me a couple of days ago letting me know that he has posted a video with the handling that I saw him perform all that time ago.  So, have a wee watch at this and allow your brain to hurt - lots!

Let the contest begin!

Saturday 19th November at 10am sees the 28th International Magic Close Up Competition for The Kevin Reay Trophy.  The international field competing is:-

Ludovic Julliot - France
James Piper - Wales
Benoit Dulche - France
PIPO - Spain
Claes Danell - Sweden
Andost - USA
Javi Sánchez - Spain
Paul Sommersguter - Austria
Hayashi - Germany
Trabuk - Italy
Alexander Popov - Russia
Hector Mancha - Spain
Hide - Japan
Woody Aragón - Spain
René Jensen - Denmark
Lord Lucan aka Magic Paul - UK

I think it's safe to say that I'm looking forward to this year's convention.  Hopefully I'll see you there.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Magic Fever

Today sees the start of a week of magic in London with the launch of the LONDON FESTIVAL OF MAGIC at the intimate Bridewell Theatre, followed by a weekend of action packed magic commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the International Magic Convention at the fabulous Mermaid Theatre (the theatres are within 5 minutes walk of each other).

The Convention weekend kicks off at 7:30pm on the Friday 17th November with the first ever European appearance of Harry Anderson when he not only performs his one man show, "Tipping The Hat" but then dissects the whole show with trick explanations and analysis in the lecture that follows it.

The whole weekend contains many such firsts and surprises with two previously unannounced acts in the Gala Show, the awarding of The David Berglas International Magic Award to it's mystery recipient, and a 'never-to-be-repeated' moment with David Williamson - you won't want to miss it! For more information and schedule details check our site on www.internationalmagic.com

Speak soon

The Cardman :-)

Truly International

In just over 3 weeks, on Saturday 19th November, 17 competitors from 12 countries (including Japan, Canada, USA, France, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Denmark and Italy) will compete for the Kevin Reay Trophy along with a £1000 cash prize in the International Close Up Competition at The Mermaid Theatre in London.  This event forms just part of the packed weekend International Magic Convention which includes lectures, close up shows, a full evening Gala Show and the presentation of The David Berglas International Magic Award.  Celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year, the Convention is at the end of a week when the MacMillan family also produce their very first Festival of Magic at the Bridewell Theatre.

For full details of all the seminars, shows and events in both these talent-packed fixtures please visit the International Magic website.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

John Carey at the Scottish Conjurers' Association

Hi folks

It's only a short time ago since John Carey decided to pop his head up from the magical underground and start sharing his material with the wider magical world, instead of just a number of close confidants.  In the last couple of years, John has been lecturing around the UK and, on Wednesday 9th November, he finally makes a trip north of the border to lecture, presenting this year's Tommy Frederick Memorial Lecture at the Scottish Conjurers' Association in Glasgow.

John has a knack for creating strong, direct card miracles using simple and devious methods.  If you want powerful, practical material, John’s approach to creating will delight you.  You can check out some of John’s material in the video clip below.

Of John, and his material, Peter Duffie said “John Carey’s card and close-up magic is a pleasure to watch. It’s also a pleasure to learn.  With no extraneous moves or overt flourishes, his tightly constructed routines are to be admired.  If you seek solid commercial magic that packs a punch, then you cannot go wrong with Carey.”

This should be a great lecture with something for everyone, from beginner to advanced.

OK, now you know what's happening, here are the details.  John's lecture for the Scottish Conjurers' Association will take place at The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Ave, Glasgow, G12 0QF (click here for a map) on Wednesday 9th November starting at 7.30pm and admission is £10.

Maybe I'll see you there?

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Whoa and wow!

Hi folks

More news and information has arrived from the gang at International Magic about this year's convention, which is only 4 short weeks away.

Unfortunately Paul Stockman has had to withdraw from the Mentalism Day of the Festival of Magic being held in central London on November 16th, but we are thrilled to announce that Chris Cox - star of 5 Edinburgh Fringe Shows, 3 UK Tours and "one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain" (The Guardian) - has stepped in and will be making his very first ever lecture/appearance at a magic event.  He will be joining Andy Nyman, Luke Jermay and Mark Elsdon for a full day of talks, explanations and discussion all revolving around the most rapidly expanding genre of magic today.  Tickets and details are available for not only this day but all the other full day seminars in the week can be found on the International Magic website.

And following the sell out of Max Maven’s One Man Show, the performance of our Magic & Variety Gala on Saturday 19th November has now sold out too, however there are currently still tickets for the same show on Sunday 20th November and also tickets available for all other events in the Convention weekend.

And finally, the convention rate hotel rooms have now sold out at the Crowne Plaza Blackfriars but as an alternative, we have arranged a very good rate for the convention weekend with Thistle Barbican (1.4miles away from the convention site). Contact them directly with booking code INTE181111 on admin.citybarbican@thistle.co.uk

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Tickets are going... going... (very nearly) gone!

Hi folks

There is just over a month to go before the International Magic Convention (18-20 November) and the London Festival of Magic (14-20 November) and now is the time to register as some of the events are close to being full (the Sunday Night performance of the Gala Show) while some have only just a handful of tickets left (the Saturday Night performance of the Gala Show).  Do not be as disappointed as those who left it too late and missed out on the Max Maven Show (which is now completely sold out although you can join the waiting list).

The Convention has something for everyone, whilst the individual day seminars during the week concentrating separately on Advanced Card Technique, Mentalism, Creativity, Marketing and Making Magic Memorable allow you to focus on your special area of interest and spend even more time with the stars of the Convention.

I've said this a number of times over the last wee while, but the International Magic weekend is one of the highlights of my year and something I always really look forward to.  You will not be disappointed!

Full details, as well as information on how to get tickets, are available on the International Magic website.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Michael Neto lecturing at Paisley Magic Circle

Hi folks

You might not have heard the name Michael Neto before but in Scotland, he is regarded as one of the best Close Up magicians to emerge in recent years.  In the last year or 2, he has really come into his own winning awards at several prestigious magic competitions around the UK:-

• SAMS John Ramsay Rose Bowl - 2008, 2009 and 2011;
• SAMS Ann Warlock Trophy - 2009, 2010 and 2011;
• ‘Magician of the Year 2010’ at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival ‘War of the Wizards’ competition;
• and, most recently, second place in the 2011 IBM British Ring Close-up competition.

Why am I telling you this?  Well, on Thursday 3rd November, starting at 7:30pm, Michael will be presenting his lecture entitled "Structuring A Close Up Competition Act" for Paisley Magic Circle at their headquarters at St. Ninian’s Church of Scotland, 81-83 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NR.  The lecture is a direct result of Michael's work and success in magic competitions.  He will also teach his handlings of a few coin magic classics.  Admission to non-members is £10, payable on the door on the night.

For more details, you can download the PDF lecture flyer here.

Speak soon

The Cardman :-)

An additional name added to The London Festival of Magic

Hi folks

Today, I have a little bit more information about this year's London Festival Of Magic, taking place next month (yay!) in London.  I'm going to hand you over to Noel Britten, the Talent Co-Ordinator of both The London Festival Of Magic and The International Magic Convention who will give you all the details.

“In the world of magic the word ‘genius’ is bandied around rather too freely in my mind.  For those of you who would like to experience the presence of someone who truly deserves the title should make sure that they are in London on November 18th.

Lubor Fiedler will be making his first appearance in over 10 years, and joining the Creativity Seminar which forms part of the London’s Festival Of Magic (which is taking place all that week in the lead up to The International Magic Convention).  Creator of some of the most stunning visual and original effects in magic, Lubor’s methods are often as entertaining as the initial effect, and many which remain as baffling to you even when you perform them!  Often uncredited it was Lubor who invented, amongst many hundreds of other of effects, the Coin Thru Rubber, 4-D, Invisible Zone and Gozinta Boxes (you can check them out on You Tube!).

Lubor will be joining Tom Stone and Mark Setteducati for a whole day of performance, explanations, lectures and discussion and this will be an unmissable day to witness and experience three of magic’s most creative minds.  I expect it to be a really fascinating day, and in these days of people thinking that using red-backed cards instead of blue as some huge creative leap, I urge people to come and be inspired into thinking in a more creative way in terms of both what they do and how they do it.  The evening sees the start of the Convention with Harry Anderson’s first UK appearance and lecture, so even if you are working at the weekend, this one day alone would be worth attending.”

Remember that registration details can be found at The International Magic website but act quickly as I understand that tickets for all events are going very quickly.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

International Magic's London Festival of Magic - Bad News and Good News...

Hi folks

Today's blog post brings us more information about International Magic's Festival of Magic, which will be taking place from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th November in the Bridewell Theatre in London, immediately prior to the 40th International Magic Convention - 18th to 20th November at the Mermaid Theatre.  I'll pass you onto the gang from International Magic...

“Max Maven – Thinking In Person”, which forms part of the Festival of Magic at the Bridewell Theatre, has now sold out.  To compensate for all those Maven devotees that are unable to join him that night, Max has agreed to an intimate evening of interview, including questions from the audience, on the preceding Thursday night, 17th November, at the same location.  The evening will be one of the 5 evenings at the venue that comprise the public show element of the Festival.

Monday 14th November sees a rare re-incarnation of John Lenahan’s Monday Night Magic with guests including John Archer and Danny Buckler, Tuesday 15th November comprises of a double bill with a gambling based show comprising of individual sets from Guy Hollingworth, Jason England and Paul Wilson  followed by Pete Wardell’s one man show “Hustle”. Wednesday night, 16th November, is another double bill of both Todd Landman and Quentin Reynold’s individual mentalism-based one man shows.

Booking details for all these evening shows and events can be found at the London Festival of Magic pages on the International Magic website which, with the sliding price scale based on the number of evenings you attend, gives unbeatable value for money, starting at under £7 per event.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Alan Rorrison's "A Little Bit Mental"

Hi folks

A prediction made days or weeks in advance matches the serial number of a spectator’s borrowed bank note. 

A spectator names a card and is found to be the only card in an examinable blank deck. 

These are a couple of the effects that Alan Rorrison has just released in his latest download “A Little Bit Mental”. A few weeks ago, Alan got in front of the camera and recorded these and a couple of other mental magic effects. In the weeks since that recording, Alan has received some news that means he is going to have to take a break from performing for a wee while. Because of this enforced break, he has decided to release these effects in a new video download, entitled “A Little Bit Mental”. On it, you will find:-

Serial Thriller 
Predict the serial number on a spectators bank note!

Coin-incodence
A direct Bank Night style routine using coins.

Placebo 
A freely named card is THE ONLY card with a face in a fully examinable blank deck.

Cribs! 
This is Alan's crib system that you can carry on you at all times.

28 
A customizable gaffed deck that you can make at home to create some amazing magic. Alan has also included simple and direct method for the Pocket Change effect.

The download lasts more than one hour and is in MP4 format, which you can play with the VLC Player (which is free!).

You can buy “A Little Bit Mental” directly from Alan at www.alanrorrison.com/alittlebitmental.html for only £10 (that’s about US$15 at the current exchange rates).

Those of you who have bought Alan’s material before will know how clever the wee guy is. Those of you who have not, go on and take the plunge. You never know, you might enjoy it!

Speak soon

The Cardman :-)

R.E.M. - It's The End Of The Band As We Know It...

Hi folks

Well, chances are that you will have heard about R.E.M.'s decision to break up.  If you hadn't before, I'm sorry to be the one to break the news.

Before I really get started, let me just say that this post may be a bit rambling.  I'm sorry for that, but I wanted to get my thoughts down before they left me.

I have been a fan of REM since I was in college.  I heard a wee song called "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" when I was in the Students' Union Bar one night.  A raucous song that went at 90 miles an hour for most of the song.  A wee while later, I heard a little known song called "Losing My Religion" which had just been released as a single.  It blew me away.  For me, the rest, as they say, is history.

It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Albums were bought.  Back catalogue sought.  First was "Out Of Time" which contained the afore mentioned "Losing My Religion", then "The Best Of REM", the compilation album that was permanently in the jukebox in the Students' Union Bar that encompassed their early days with the IRS record label.  "Automatic For The People" was bought on the day of release and all subsequent albums were bought as close to their release date as my pay days and finances would allow.

And then, finally, I got to see them live.  The Monster Tour in 1995.  OK, I had to wait 5 extra months as I had a ticket for the SECC concert that never happened (Bill Berry's on-stage brain haemorrhage saw to that).  I got to swap my ticket for their appearance at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh and got to see them live for the first time.  Sadly, for me, I was at the other end of the stadium from the stage and there were no big screens in use for this tour so the band looked like a few dots on a stage 300 feet away.  From then on, I was determined to make sure I was close to the front as I could for any subsequent concerts.  In the end, I got to see R.E.M. live 6 times - Edinburgh, Stirling, T In The Park, Glasgow Green, Loch Lomond and London - and I was not too far from the front for each of the last 5.  My 2 favourites out of that list were Glasgow Green and London.

R.E.M. play a cover of Wichita Lineman

(this is from their Rough Cut documentary, hence the interview footage part way through)

But now, the members of R.E.M. have decided to go their separate ways.  Bill Berry had already left his place at the drum kit in 1997 but Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe continued on for another 14 years and 5 albums before today's news.  Being used to not hearing much for a while before a new album, I was more than a little stunned by the news.  Even now, several hours later, part of me wishes that it is part of some great hoax or prank but I know that it isn't.  Fortunately, we still have the albums, the DVDs and the memories that will keep R.E.M. around forever and a day.

One of my all-time favourites, Pretty Persuasion.

To R.E.M. and all who sailed with them, thank you so much for creating and playing so much amazing music and good luck with whatever you do next.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-(

Pete Wardell - 52 Ideas

Hi folks

I first met Pete Wardell at an International Magic Convention a number of years ago.  This was the year he entered the competition and won it with his brilliant performance of his street act.  Sure, it was the Cups and Balls, but what a performance!  Since then, Pete's gone onto bigger and better things, including being the only performer to have won both Stage Magician of the Year and Close Up Magician of the Year at the Magic Circle - and he did that in successive years!

A number of months ago, Pete decided that he would challenge himself to writing one blog post every week for a year - 52 posts.  And so 52 Ideas was born.  52 Ideas is a series of blog posts all about becoming a successful performer.  He uses playing cards to identify each post and the card's suit provides the framework for that particular post:-

Clubs - Sustainability
Diamonds - Profitability
Hearts - Meaning
Spades - Credibility

So, why am I telling you this.  Well that's easy - it's an excellent, thought-provoking blog that I feel all performers, whether they be magicians or not, should read and I wanted to bring it to the attention of as many people as I can.  Actually, his whole magicstateofmind.com site is excellent but I wanted to bring your attention to his 52 Ideas.  Read his posts, digest them for a wee bit and then put them into action.  You won't regret it, and your clients will benefit.

So you can see who I'm talking about, have a wee look at this clip of his award-winning performance in the 2009 Magic Circle Close Up Competition.  Enjoy.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

Shawn Farquhar Scottish Lecture Tour

Hi folks

Shawn Farquhar is not only one of the magicians who fooled Penn & Teller but is the reigning World Champion of Close Up Magic.  At the end of this month, Shawn will be doing a short Scottish lecture tour.  He will be visiting 3 clubs in 4 night nights.  The details are as follows:-

Monday 26th September
Dundee Society of Magicians - Contact Harry Moodie on 07950 603 409

Tuesday 27th September
Aberdeen Magic Circle - Contact Dave Goulding on 07774 641 230

Thursday 29th September
Paisley Magic Circle - Contact Graham Whyte on 01505 325 998

"I've been doing magic all my life.  My Mom says when I was born the Doctor slapped me and I said 'Pick a card'!"

Shawn Farquhar

I have seen Shawn present this lecture a couple of times in the past and blogged about the one-hour version he presented in Blackpool a few years ago.  Here's what I said back then...

“I've seen Farquhar perform at the last 2 World Championships and he has always impressed me. He performs with enough energy to power a small town and is not scared to perform some impressive material - both in terms of technique and effect. His lecture was full of very easy material (he likes easy!) and the same energy that he gives when I've seen him perform in the past.”

You can get more details about Shawn’s lecture at www.magiclecture.com

I hope you get a chance to see Shawn lecture as I know you'll have a great time.  Just before I go, here's Shawn fooling Penn & Teller on television.

Speak soon

The Cardman :-)

International Magic Close Up Competition

Hi folks

Always a high spot of The International Magic Convention, the Close Up Competition has now reached it's allocated number of entrants. If you wish to be added to the waiting list, for a spot in the event of drop outs, please contact georgia@internationalmagic.com.

The winning performer, picked by the international panel of judges which includes many foreign Convention organisers, wins the Kevin Reay Trophy, an invitation to the FFFF Convention in America and £1000 cash. In the year leading up to each FISM Convention the Competition has traditionally had a very high standard and MacMillan family hope that you'll be able to join them this year for another exciting event.

If you do not believe me about how strong the competition can be, get in touch with the gang at International and buy yourself the DVDs of the 2005 International Close Up Competition. The calibre that year was the best I had seen in any competition outwith FISM.

As always, registration details for the whole Convention and other extra magical events in the same week can be found on the International Magic website.

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

International Magic Gala Show

Hi folks

The Gala Show (19 & 20 November) at this years International Magic Convention - known affectionately known as “Ron’s” - once again promises to be a wonderful evening’s entertainment of magic and variety including three completely new-to-the-UK acts. These include a phenomenal Korean manipulator, a German act packed with unbelievable magic and surprises and an act based on one of the oldest principles in magic but brought bang up to date with a contemporary twist. We’d tell you their names but in this day of You Tube we’d much prefer you to experience their magic for the first time live and in person in the comfort of The Mermaid Theatre rather than alone on a computer screen!

Alongside these acts premièring in Great Britain, are some old favourites from previous Gala Shows including David Williamson, Simmons and Simmons, and London’s first stage appearance of Sweden’s Tom Stone. A great evening of magic, laughter and speciality acts that you can be proud to bring your friend and families to.

Tickets are available for Saturday and Sunday night – but remember if you’re planning to attend the one-off Saturday Night performance of Max Maven’s one man show Thinking in Person: An Evening of Knowing and Not Knowing at The Bridewell Theatre you will definitely need to book Gala Show tickets for the Sunday. Tickets for all shows, the Convention and specialist seminars in London’s Festival of Magic are available on the International Magic website.