Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I also hope that one of your resolutions this year is to attend the TAOM Convention in Austin.  It’s absolutely not to be missed!

Here are two great reasons:  Jay Scott Berry and Peter Samuelson!  And here’s another:  the exciting all-female evening show on Sept. 6th.  It will be a historic first for the TAOM.

And speaking of resolutions — if one of yours is to make more money in 2015, then you’ll love Joe Vitale’s lecture on “How to Attract Fame, Fortune and Immortality as a Magician.”  Joe Vitale is the real deal!  He is a marketer, musician, magician, and globally famous bestselling author of many books including “The Secret,”  “The Attractor Factor,” and “There’s A Customer Born Every Minute.” He’s also a star in the mega-hit movie The Secret.  Check him out at www.mrfire.com

Or maybe you want to break into the school show market? Oscar Munoz, an outstanding family entertainer (and IBM Gold Cups Winner), will perform a live school show and then explain how to structure your own motivational program for schools.

Information on the convention hotel (Sheraton Austin at the Capitol), Magic Camp for Kids and how to register can be found on our website: http://taom.org/2015/convention-registration/

January is the time to set goals and make your affirmations. Here are four of mine:

1)     Every day I move closer to my goal of a successful 2015 TAOM convention.
2)     Every day I take decisive action toward making the 2015 TAOM Convention the most fun and memorable convention in history.
3)    Every day I take steps to reach my goal … yes, every day!
4)    Every day my goal appears larger on the horizon.  Thirty-two weeks and counting until September 4th!

Please like us or let us hear from you on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAOMConvention

I want to wish everyone a successful year, and may it be filled with laughter, happiness and magic.  See you Austin!

Trixie Bond
President, 2015 TAOM

2015 Convention Update

And speaking of resolutions — if one of yours is to make more money in 2015, then you’ll love Joe Vitale’s lecture on “How to Attract Fame, Fortune and Immortality as a Magician.”  Joe Vitale is the real deal!  He is a marketer, musician, magician, and globally famous bestselling author of many books including “The Secret,”  “The Attractor Factor,” and “There’s A Customer Born Every Minute.” He’s also a star in the mega-hit movie The Secret.  Check him out at www.mrfire.com

And here are two more great reasons:  Jay Scott Berry and Peter Samuelson!

But wait — there’s more!  The exciting all-female evening show on September 6th  will be a historic first for the TAOM.  Or maybe you want to break into the school show market? Oscar Munoz, an outstanding family entertainer (and IBM Gold Cups Winner), will perform a live school show and then explain how to structure your own motivational program for schools.

Information on the convention hotel (Sheraton Austin at the Capitol), Magic Camp for Kids and how to register can be found on our website: http://taom.org/2015/convention-registration/

Are you ready to take magic to another place? Another dimension? Who knows, you might even get the coveted Best of Convention trophy.  Enter the highly-acclaimed TAOM Contest where contestants have elevated the art of magic.

You can enter close-up, stage/club, or comedy if you are over 18.  The categories for junior magicians are close-up and stage/club.

Any person registered for the Annual Convention is eligible to submit an application to compete.

Send the following information to Contest Chairman Carlos Santillan at contest@taom.org –
Name
Age
Email Address
Phone Numbers
Postal Address
Category(s) Entering

For complete details on deadlines, entering, please visit http://www.taom.org/2015/contest/

Rules for TAOM Contest can be found at http://www.taom.org/contest-rules/

Bits and Pieces of Interesting Stuff

February 28th – that’s right! The World Famous Austin Magic Auction will be earlier than usual. In fact it will take place in just a little over a month. We have moved the auction date way up to February 28th because the Austin Magic Community is also very busy planning the 2015 TAOM Convention (September 4-7, 2015.)

The auction committee processed the first 300 items on January 14th. Check out our website later this week for photos! Illusions, card, silk, sponge, kid show effects, books, dvd’s, we will have it all. http://austinmagicauction.com/

Interested in selling this year? Good news…there is still time! All you need to do is send an email to selling@austinmagicauction.com and you will get a reply with your seller number and the link to the seller forms. If we can’t sell your items, you owe nothing. All items need to be in good working order and have some type of instructions. The deadline for receiving your items is February 20th.

We are pleased to be back at the Twin Lakes Fellowship Church located at 1150 South Bell Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78750.

The church has plenty of free parking and outdoor picnic areas. It is close to a variety of restaurants and hotels.

There is a brand new hotel within walking distance of the auction site: The Bungalows Hotel & Event Center, 1000 South Bell Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613. They offer a discount to our attendees.

There will be a Texas Collector’s meeting the night before the auction – Friday, February 27th. More details to come!

Our experienced team of outstanding auctioneers (David Hira, Scott Wells, & Grant Walsh) will be back!

Save the Date! Saturday, February 28th 9am-5pm

Magically,

Trixie Bond. Chairman

2015 Austin Magic Auction

IBM Ring 39 Namesake Honored

IBM Ring 39 President Dick Olson (right) presented the club’s namesake, Scott Hollingsworth, with a certificate proclaiming him an honorary life member of the club. Scott was (almost) without words. He did express his appreciation for being named a life member as well as the momentous honor of having the club members vote to re-name the club for him.

Walter Blaney Honored by Houston SAM

Jeff Lanes (right) representing the Society

of American Magicians National Council as Regional Deputy presented a 50 year certificate and pin to Walter “Zaney” Blaney. Then, as President of SAM Assembly 19, Jeff presented Walter with an Assembly 19 Lifetime Achievement Award and the title of Assembly 19 Ambassador of Magic.

The Magic Word Podcast

The Magic Word is a great podcast hosted by Scott Wells filled with magic convention coverage that is not posted anywhere else on the internet. It also includes photos, chats and interviews with magicians about what’s going on in and around the magic world. Be sure to listen and subscribe to the RSS feed so you receive the latest as it is posted. You can download an iPhone app for this podcast at: http://app.cat/themagicword Scott also continues to contribute convention reports on the major magic events to the MagicNewswire podcast. Be sure to tune in and listen. You can listen online or by downloading any of these podcasts and carry it with you for your daily commute. If you have any news items, comments or suggestions, then please contact Scott at Scott@ScottWells.com with your news bits. You can also follow

Magic on the Grill at Tokyohana Every Thursday and Saturday Nigh

David Rangel coordinates a covey of local area magicians who perform close-up magic each week atop hibachi grills at Tokyohana Grill and Sushi Bar. Come enjoy some excellent oriental cuisine or sit at the sushi bar and enjoy some sushi and a drink with some magic on the side.

Where: Tokyohana Grill and Sushi Bar,

3239 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027

When: Thursdays from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Second Saturday Magic Show at the Magic Attic Theatre at Main Street Magic & Fun Company in McKinney

Family-friendly shows at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. February 14.

In other exciting news, the Society of Young Magicians, sponsored by Dallas Society of American Magicians, will have regular meetings beginning February 8 at 1:00 p.m. This world-wide organization for youth, ages 7 through 17 promotes interest in magic as a wholesome hobby that will help develop self-confidence and skill, the ability to speak in public, discipline that comes from learning, practicing and performing magic, and a sense of service to others through helping others learn magic and by performing magic at charitable events. To learn more or to let us know that you will be attending, please email Jennifer at mainstreetmagic@att.net

Downtown McKinney merchants are having a Sidewalk Sale on February 7 and Main Street Theatre will provide tables for magicians who want to sell the “well-loved but looking-for-a-new-home” magic items. Email Jennifer at mainstreetmagic@att.net for more information.

Magic at the Improv

In Addison EVERY SUNDAY at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:00 for lunch and pre-show entertainment.
Click here for discount tickets.

In Arlington EVERY SUNDAY at 2:00 p.m. Featuring Christopher Lyle and Ian Richards on January 25, David Hira on February 1, and Mike Squires on February 8.  Go to www.improvarlington.com for details

In Houston – Ted Schwank and Carter Blackburn take you on a high-energy adventure in magic, illusion, and comedy. For dates and times, go to www.improvhouston.com

Shane Wilson & Chris Alonzo Performing At Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

Shane Wilson & Chris Alonzo now appear regularly at Pearland’s superb hibachi restaurant, Sakura. Catch live performances every Friday and Saturday beginning at 7:00 p.m.See Chris Alonzo on Fridays and Shane Wilson on Saturdays.

See Ben Jackson Live Each Week at Campioni Restaurant in North Houston

Ben Jackson performs close-up magic on Tuesday and Friday nights when it doesn’t conflict with his busy professional schedule of corporate performances. Catch him when you can.

Campioni – 5419 FM 1960 West in Houston

Phone 281-893-2267 for current information and to make dinner reservations.

Second Saturday Magic Sale at Magic, Etc., 9:00 a.m.,

Forest Park Blvd. at 1-30 in Fort Worth.

Cards in South Austi

The South Austin Card Group meets on the last Saturday of each month, usually at the home of Ron Cartlidge. Get in touch with Lou Hornung at lhornumg@sbcglobal.net for details and to be added to the meeting notice distribution list.

Rick Hebert Every Other Weekend at Claudia’s in League City

Rick Hebert is performing restaurant magic every other weekend at Claudio’s Restaurant& Piano Bar in League City. Their website is: http://www.claudiospianobar.com/

Rick will be strolling table-side magic, as well as doing a short magic show on the main stage every other weekend. Check the website to dates and times.

Monday Night Magic in Arlington

All magic aficionados are invited to attend informal gatherings at Humperdink’s Restaurant at LaQuinta Inn, #6 North Six Flags Drive every Monday night. Bring your cards and props to practice your “chops” in the back room.

But wait….there’s more:

Second Tuesday TOO!

The Dallas/Fort Worth Mid-Cities Magic Circle held their inaugural meeting on the second Tuesday in January. This special interest group focuses on performance. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9:30 at Humperdink’s Restaurant at Six Flags in Arlington.

The purpose of the Mid-Cities Magic Circle is to provide a venue for Dallas/Fort Worth performing magicians to study their art and improve as public performers. The meetings will focus on a single theme each month. There is no formal membership, no notes or minutes, no officers — each meeting will address the development of performance skills, routines, and other elements important to the public performance of magic.

For more information… forget it! There is simply no one in charge who will respond! Just show up each second Tuesday at Humperdink’s Restaurant at Six Flags in Arlington at 7:00 and join in the fun and magic!

816 Podcast by Alex and David Rangel

816podcast is the lovechild of David and Alex Rangel – the irregular, irreverent podcast featuring magic, magicians and talk about all things magic. Be sure to set this as one of your regular “must hear” and “must download” to your MP3 player. Also, they give away HUNDRED$ OF DOLLAR$ in prizes through their Twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/816podcast. It is quickly becoming the #1 source for current news and product reviews pertaining to the Art of Magic. “We keep it short and sweet, to the point with an unedited & unbiased opinion” While the 816podcast team makes all efforts to maintain a PG13 rating, well lets just say “You might learn some new words”

The website address is: http://816podcast.tumblr.com/#description

Marshall Brodien Museum

Dallas magician and former TAOM president Mark Jensen has acquired the
Marshall Brodien personal Museum.  While he will keep the core part of
the museum together, he will sell part of it.  Before putting these out
to the greater magic and Bozo’s Circus fan community, he is giving  our
local community an opportunity to own a piece of history first.

A few historic notes about Brodien:

A Sideshow Barker and then a Magician at Riverview Park
A Hypnotist – one nightclub he worked in was bombed by the mob.
Magician – One of the first Trade Show Magicians
Wizzo the Wizard on Bozo’s Circus in Chicago
Producer of TV Magic Cards and Sets
Produced Lance Burton’s first Magic Special for television
Produced the first magic sets for Lance Burton and Siegfried & Roy

Over
the past several decades, hundreds of magicians and Bozo Circus fans
have visited Marshall’s Museum.  David Copperfield  has toured the
museum multiple times, as have many other famous magicians from around
the world.

Marshall and his Museum have been featured on
numerous news programs.  You can find footage on You-Tube and can see
many of the items pictured for sale in these videos.

The link below shows photos for the first batch of items being offered for sale.  Some are priced, others are not.

http://www.thats-impossible.com/MarshallBrodienMuseumSale.html

Additional
items will be posted as the inventory continues.  Please feel free to
share this information with magicians or Bozo fans you think might be
interested.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT auditioning in San Antonio!!!

America’s Got Talent will hold open auditions in San Antonio on January 29th  at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center at 200 E. Market St, San Antonio.  America’s Got Talent is looking for exciting and entertaining acts of all ages and group sizes for Season 10!  If you would like to audition, register today at www.agtauditions.com

Coming Attractions

Houston – Nick Lewin Lecture, Monday January 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Bayou Manor, 4141 South Braeswood.  Free to paid-up IBM Ring 39 members.  Others can pay at the door or pay 2015 dues.

San Antonio – Nick Lewin Lecture, January 27 at 7:00 p.m.,   Contact Doug Gorman for details at douggorman@att.net

Dallas – David Stone Lecture on February 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Crosspointe (the DMC monthly meeting venue), 2425 West Parker Road in Carrollton.  For details, go to www.thats-impossible.com/lectures.htm

Houston – Annual Installation Banquet and Show at 5:30 p.m. on February 15 at the SPJST Hall, 1435 Beall Street, starring David Stone from France and Martin Cox from England.

David Stone from France                                                                            Martin Cox from England

Houston – Martin Cox Lecture, February 17 at 7:30 p.m., IATSE Meeting Hall, 3030 North Freeway in Houston.

McAllen – Rich Marotta Lecture, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the McAllen Incubator.  Contact George Robinson at george@vikingmagic.com  for more information.

San Antonio – Rich Morotta Lecture, February 28 at 7:00 p.m.  Doug Gorman for details at douggorman@att.net

Dallas – The Illusionsts, April 7-19 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Dallas Magic Clubs Annual Banquet featuring Shawn Farquhar –  May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving.  Go to www.dallasmagic.org/banquet/ to reserve your seat.

Sad Farewells

LARRY HEIL

Texas magicians were saddened to learn of the death of Larry Heil on December 5.  Larry was a long-time member of TAOM and past president of the Fort Worth Magicians Club.  He was active in every aspect of club activities, always volunteering with a smile, and helping other magicians in many ways.  He was recently honored by the International Brotherhood of Magicians with the Order of Merlin Excelsior.  He is survived by his wife and three children.  He will be missed.

ANDI DIAMOND

Florida magic dealer and former TAOM member Paul Diamond shared the following:  “It is with great sadness that I write of the death of my beloved Andi.  Andi was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in August and lived her last few months unaware of her condition.  She finally succumbed to her disease last night.  I have lost my partner of 62 years and my very best friend.  Please remember her fondly.   Paul”

Houston magicians suffered a loss with the death of Pat David.  a few weeks ago.  “Aunt Pat” was a faithful member of SAM Assembly 19 and the Houston Association of Magicians, always cheerfully serving as chauffeur for her friend Yeager Markins.  She was a great lady who looked and acted much younger than her 93 years.

The Last Word

See you at the Austin Auction!

Judy Hollingsworth
TAOM Club Coordinator