TAOM was wonderful event! Thanks and more thanks to all of the people that devoted so much of their time and talent so that others could enjoy a terrific weekend.
Carl E. Jones, CFP

I love the feel of a T.A.O.M. convention, and I am glad that the Dallas club did the T.A.O.M. "proud". What a nice convention, what nice people, what nice shows, and what nice lectures.  Wow. My personal thanks to President Scott Wells, to the Dallas Club members and associates, and to the cast and crew. It was fabulous. I must also say thanks to the many Dealers who  worked tirelessly to keep us all entertained as well. They are as much of the talent at a convention as the performers are.

 A special thanks to MarcoM who presented me with the cane  that had belonged to Alexander Hermann in recognition of my work in the re-creation of Hermann and his Beans, Cone and Lemon. It was such an honor and surprise.

My only regret is that Brian Brushwood's "Mr. Happy Pants" did  not win a "Best of Show" award (is there one?) for the convention. "Mr. Happy Pants" is the most creative and hysterical magic  character to come onto the magic scene in years. I expect to see Brian soar in magic as a result of his careful and commercial thinking of how one can reach younger and bigger audiences with his unusual approach to our art.

All in all, this was one of the best T.A.O.M. conventions I've ever had the pleasure of attending. I look forward to being in Corpus Christi next year to do it all again!

With deep appreciation,
David Hira Past President - T.A.O.M. Fort Worth, Texas

Dear WebMaster,

First let me say that the elegant sleight of hand performance by  the winner in the senior stage competition was indeed deserving of recognition. However, the comedy magical performance of Brian Brushwood was outstanding enough to receive recognition  in the comedy category even though there were no other competitors. I am basing this observation on audience reaction and the spontaneous standing ovation that he received.

I have participated in the TAOM competition as a contestant  (two-time winner) and a judge. My observation is simply this; the stage judges really "dropped the ball" and sent the wrong  message to anyone considering entering a TAOM competition. Shame on them. Any comments on this matter can be directed to Lonnie Chevrie at chevrie@camalott.com. Please understand  this is simply my opinion. Thank you for this forum.

Just an Observation, Lonnie Chevrie

First, I want to say that I was very impressed with TAOM 2000! This is the first convention I've been to - and describing everything that I enjoyed would take pages and pages. Simon Lovell's lecture, the professional close-up show, the stage contest, etc. - awesome.

However, I do have one concern about the convention. I was a little disturbed that their were only two types of contests - stage and close-up. Eric Evans, who won the stage contest, deserved  to win it. He was fantastic. But so was Brian Brushwood. Brian's act was outstanding. But, because their was no comedy category  (which there seemed to be before at previous conventions), Brian's amazing act wasn't given the credit it was due. I think it was a disservice to Brian to lump his comedy act into the general stage magic category - when his was an act that should have been in a different category from Eric's.

 If there were too few acts for a completely separate competition, you still could have awarded a Traditional Stage Award and Comedy Award - even though they competed together.

It's just my 2 cents worth - but worth thinking about for the next  convention. Brian deserved to also win an award - and it's a shame that his great act didn't.

Other than that, though. You did a great job! Can't wait until next year!

Best Wishes, Jeff Gardner

The 2000 Convention was very enjoyable. The lectures were marvelous, the shows well done, and the convention staff very helpful. I had great seats for the evening shows, and I must say that the theme of passing the wand was very well carried out.
 

There were a few moments when the sound bleeped out now and then, but it was not bad enough to lose any sleep over. Overall, I thought the lighting, sound and electrical technicians did an excellent job. The CM’s were very good, but I liked Gene  Anderson the best. Very professional. I think that a large part of the success was due to the technical rehearsals that were held. First time I remember seeing that scheduled at a TAOM. Well done.
 

I know that there will be criticism (gripes, bitching, rude comments, complaints, etc.) regarding this convention. I mean there always are, but since I have never put one on, I prefer to be awed by the outstanding work that is done! It is an amazing  thing to hear people sitting back and making sure that most everyone around them knows the problem that they have with the programs, lectures, dealers room, ad nauseum. I have been  coming to TAOM since Abilene ('84?), and I have enjoyed all of the conventions. I like to think of each convention as having its own unique flavor. I think the other members should do the same. (OK, off my soap box)
 

An outstanding convention. Hats off to Scott Wells and the other members of the Dallas magic community for providing such an excellent time, and good luck to the Corpus Christi magicians in the coming year.

Sincerely,
Jim McPherson