2020: Perfect Vision for TAOM

Vol. 11, No. 1 January 2020

Message from the President 2020: Perfect Vision for

TAOM

Happy New Year to the members, friends, and family of the Texas

Association of Magicians.

In order to make the convention better this year, we set up a very brief survey to capture the high level reasons why people do, or do not, attend magic conventions. Can I convince you to take 3 minutes and fill out our survey on magic conventions at the following link? https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/57MZZ52. Thank you!

I will publish a synopsis of the data we gather from this survey in this column that way you can see the survey results from other responders such as yourself. In addition, your individual responses are private and your individual identities are protected. In other words, we do not know who is responding. But the data we collect will be made public. We anticipate that your participation will help our committee, and hopefully other committees to come, to make the convention more appealing and attractive to potential attendees.

Just a reminder to book your TAOM registration at www.tarom.org/2020. There you will find menu options with links to register for both the convention and the hotel at our special convention rate. We are limiting registration to 250 registrants - so you do not want to be among the ones who miss out because you did not act early enough.

A special thank you to Mary Cay Gold who was kind enough to print color 2020 Convention flyers and insert them into the mail out of several hundred membership cards for those who attended the convention in San Antonio or renewed their membership for another year! Congratulations to all you TAOM members who received your membership cards as well. We are so fortunate to have you all as part of our TAOM Family.

First of all, I wanted to make a clarification. I want to make the point that the annual TAOM Convention, our 2020 Convention, or theme of our 2020 convention (The Workshop Convention) have nothing at all to do with an annual event held in Kansas City by IBM Ring 129 called "The Workshop." There is no affiliation between the two organizations, and no attempt was made by our Convention Planning Committee to imitate or duplicate the Kansas City event. I do not claim to know their schedule of events, agenda, registration fee, or anything about their event. Though I am certainly aware of the event, our committee did not consider the Kansas City event in our planning. We had our own ideas about what we wanted to do at the 2020 TAOM Convention. The only things I know of their event is that it is run by David Sandy, who is very well-respected by most magicians I know. I have seen flyers and advertisements for the event in years past, and I know that people whose opinions I value, hold that event in high regard. Yearly that event attracts A-list stars and sells out, so it is obvious that they are doing something right! However, our theme is our own idea. Any similarities between the two events, if they even exist above and beyond the actual word "workshop," is merely coincidental. Hopefully one day I will be able to attend the Kansas City event and see for myself what it is all about, but please do not confuse the theme of our 2020 TAOM Convention with the aforementioned event. Rest assured that we are still putting on the TAOM convention that you have all come to love over the years.

That said, let me elaborate a bit on the theme and programming of our convention. Our theme, "The Workshop Convention," is merely that, a theme for this particular convention. Just as Women in Magic, or Magic of Michigan, or Jersey Boys have been themes or subthemes of recent renowned conventions. Neither the format, nor the programming of the TAOM Convention as you know it, is changing. In our case, just as a theme of Women in Magic might feature more women in the talent list than TAOMs of different years, or a convention with the Magic of Michigan theme feature the magic of Stu MacDonald and Gene Anderson, our theme points to the fact that we are featuring more workshops than a typical TAOM might contain. For this one year we are removing the standby lecture from the convention line up and replacing it

with workshops. Lots of them. I do not anticipate this particular idea to permeate beyond 2020. In Austin in 2021, Bertil Fredstrom and his staff will have THEIR own theme and I suspect that lectures will return to the agenda as usual.

Let it be known that we will not have any fewer shows than a typical TAOM convention usually has. Quite the opposite. The very fact that we do NOT combine the Stage contest with one of the evening shows creates one extra show from the git-go. So, add this up. We still have three evening shows, one stage contest show, one close-up contest, one 90 minute Pro Close-up show, one late night Magic Old and Seldom Seen show, and one afternoon Classics of Magic Show. I count eight (8) shows. Plus 12 workshops, plus one bonus speed workshop where some of our stars will get up and conduct a 5 minute speed workshop, plus the Dealer Room. Oh...and did I say, Free Parking? :-)

OK, we have added some talent since our last column, so keep checking www.taom.org/2020 to stay current on who is performing and who you will be spending Labor Day weekend with next year.

Until next month Texas, stay well mi amigos. Joey Byers Your 2019-20 TAOM President

The 75th annual TAOM convention will be in Fort Worth, hosted by SAM Assembly 138, Alliance of Illusionists. This column will keep you up on perpetual developments as they happen on a month by month basis. Our website will keep you up to date on the convention happenings, and process your registrations as well. So, please visit www.taom.org and explore the website for the latest on talent, the convention schedule, hotel info, dealer info, contest info, and FAQs (frequently asked questions). Some of this info is changing daily, so it will be updated as we know more and finalize plans. Also, check out TAOM 2020 on Facebook for latest developments.

KENT AXTEL LECTURES

AUSTIN - January 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Heroes Night Out, 1150 South Bell Boulevard in Cedar Park DALLAS/FORT WORTH - January 26 at 2:30 in the Wylie City Hall, 300 Coultry Club Drive #100 in Wylie

David Stone Lectures

Dallas - February 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Wylie City Hall, 300

County Club Drive, #100 in Wylie

and

Houston - February 25 at 7;30 p.m. in the I.A.T.S.E. Union

Hall, 3030 North Freeway in Houston

CHARLIE MURTHY COMEDY AND MAGIC

Catch Charlie Murthy's comedy and magic show at Las Chiladas, 2387 NW Military Highway in San Antonio, at 7:30 on Saturday, February 8.

Criss Angel in Grand Prairie Febraury 11

Criss Angel is the most influential and imitated magician of the modern era. From his role as star, creator, executive producer and director of the most successful magic television series of all time, Criss Angel MINDFREAK on A&E Network, to his #1 best-selling Las Vegas stage show Criss Angel MINDFREAK LIVE! (in partnership with Cirque du Soleil® and MGM Resorts), to countless critically acclaimed television specials and series, best-selling books, top-grossing retail products, music CDs and more. Hailing spectacular reviews from outlets such as Bloomberg Businessweek – who called him “the biggest name in Las Vegas magic”, and the Las Vegas Sun – “The #1 magic show of all time!”, Angel’s magic revolution has single-handedly brought upon the art’s resurgence. The show will be February 11, 2020 at 8:00pm. The show will be at The Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

BEN JACKSON PRESENTS Magic, Music, & Mayhem

Come to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel located at 1300 Lamar in downtown Houston for Ben's incredible show. Reserve your tickets today at https://www.benjacksonmagic.com/live

February 14 - Sold Out February 15 - 5:00,7:00, & 9:00 p.m. February 28 and 29 - 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.

Ben has earned numerous awards during his career, the most recent being a tirifecta of First Place, People's Choice, and Medal of Merit at the U.S. National Close-up Competition at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. The Medal of Merit has been awarded only 7 times since 1902.

DAVE ELLIOT LECTURE IN DALLAS FEBRUARY 18

Get Ready for it! Dave Elliott is in the house!! 2003 and 2019 TAOM Best Close-Up Magician and 2016 DMC Best Performing Magician will be at our meeting February to bring us his lecture, "Three Cards and the Truth". It’s going to be a great night at the Dallas Magic Club on February 18 at The Treehouse at 14681 Midway Road in Addison.

MARTIN COX TO LECTURE IN TEXAS

Dallas/Fort Worth on March 1 at 2:45 p.m. at The Line Public House at 940 East Belt Line Road in Richardson Houston on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the I.S.T.S.E. Union Hall, 3030 North Freeway San Antonio on March 4 at 7:00 p.m. Location to be decided. Contact Doug

Gorman at [email protected] for details

DOWN THE ROAD....

Alain Iannone in Dallas/Fort Worth on March 29 and in Houston on March 31 Penguin Magic Experience & Expo in Dallas on April 3 & 4 Ferran Rizo & Nataly Machado in Houston on June 2 Chris Philpot in Houston on July 7

BITS AND PIECES OF INTERESTING STUFF

Mid-Cities Magic Circle...

Meeting the second Tuesday of every month at Arlington Golden Corral Restaurant located at 465 East I-20 at 7 for dinner. Magic gets underway about 8 p.m. The topic is "Your Favorite Trick". Bring any trick and perform. Check out Mid-Cities Magic

Circle on Facebook for more details!

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. Each meeting focuses on a single theme -- development of performance skills, routines, and other elements important to the public performance of magic.

There is no formal membership, no officers, no notes or minutes. For more information -- forget it! There is simply no one in charge to respond. Just show up on the second Tuesday of the month at Arlington Golden Corral and join the fun and magic!

THE IMPROV IN ADDISON…

Mike Williams heads up an all star line-up in Addison every other weekend. It’s Comedy and Magic that you won’t want to miss.

Visit www.improvaddison.com for show information or to purchase tickets.

THE IMPROV IN ARLINGTON…

Mike Squires headlines shows at The IMPROV in Arlington on alternate Saturdays. Mike will casually blow your mind. Doors open at 1:00.

Go to www.improvarlington.com for tickets.

John Magic's Theater and Museum

Magic's Theater is owned and operated by magician John Magic and his family, including his wife who runs the front-of- house operations. Each week, the theater hosts a close-up magic show on Friday and a stage show on Saturday performed by Magic himself, who says his goal is to give "the classics of magic to a fresh and brand-new audience."

The theater is located at 13419 Fitzhugh Road off 290 past Oak Hill west of Austin. Buy your ticket at the door or make reservations at http://www.magicstheater.com

NEW MAGIC GROUP IN SOUTH AUSTIN

South Austin Magical (to be named), is a weekly informal magic hangout/meet up; think pizza, beer, magic talk, sessioning, possible book club, etc.

Anyone interested please send a request to join the following facebook group for details. We update every week where we will be meeting and discuss ideas for topics etc. here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/498001170944662/?ref=share

Second Saturday Magic Sale

Magic, Etc., Fort Worth's premier magic shop hosts a Second Saturday Sale every month where magicians can score good savings on props and supplies. Magicians get "special" treatment and special prices. Magic, Etc. is located on Forest Park Boulevard at I-30 in Fort Worth.

Thrifty Third Thursday

Magic, Etc. and Fort Worth Costume started a new monthly gathering of magicians from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. You are invited to wheel and deal for the best buys ever only at Fort Worth's own Magic, Etc. and Fort Worth Costume.

Cards in South Austin

SECOND SATURDAYS

Cardicians in Austin get together once a month to swap moves and stories, routines and fun. To confirm times, locations, and dates and for more info, contact Lou Hornung at [email protected]

New Location

Monday Night Magic in Arlington

All magic aficionados are invited to attend informal gatherings at THE ROCK at 2300 East Lamar Boulevard in Arlington every Monday night. Bring your cards and props to practice your "chops".

Steve Schooler February 3, 1459 - November 10, 2019

Dr. Steve Sherman Schoolar of Fort Worth died on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. Steve worked for many years as the official Stage Manager for TAOM, IBM and SAM national conventions, Las Vegas Magic Seminars, and other magic conventions. His contributions to Texas magic were considerable; he will

be missed.

NEW YEAR FOR MAGIC

Magic is centuries old but that doesn't mean it's stale or outdated. New magic routines and innovations come along almost every day. Whatever your New Year's Resolutions, please promise yourself you will make magic a more important part of your life in 2020. Who will pick up your wand when you are gone? I hope you will make a serious

effort to bring at least one new magician into your club in 2020.

Judy Hollingsworth Editor, Magic Across Texas

MAGIC CLUBS IN TEXAS

AUSTIN - IBM Ring 60

First Monday at 7:00 p.m. except January and September

I.H.O.P at 11654 Research Boulevard in Austin

Contact:[email protected]

AUSTIN - SAM ASSEMBLY 206

Third Monday at 7:00 p.m.

Journey Imperfect Faith Community at 7500 Woodrow Avenue in Austin

Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

CORPUS CHRISTI - IBM RING 157 First Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Ronald McDonald House at 3402 Fort Worth Street in Corpus Christi

Contact: [email protected]

DALLAS MAGIC CLUB - IBM RING 174 & SAM ASSEMBLY 13

Third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Addison Treehouse at 14681 Midway Road in Addison Contact: [email protected] http://www.dallasmagic.org/

FORT WORTH - IBM RING 15 and FORT WORTH MAGICIANS CLUB, INC.

First Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at 4055 International Plaza Call 817-606-7770 for details

Contact: [email protected]

FORT WORTH - SAM ASSEMBLY 138

Third Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Illusion Warehouse at 3917 McCart Avenue in Fort Worth

Contact: [email protected]

HOUSTON - IBM RING 39

Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. except May and December

Bayou Manor at 4141 South Braeswood in Houston

Contact: [email protected] http://www.houstonmagic.com

HOUSTON - SAM ASSEMBLY 19

First Monday at 7:00 p.m. except September

I.A.T.S.E. Union Hall at 3030 North Freeway in Houston

Contact: [email protected] http://www.houstonmagic.com

LUBBOCK MAGIC CLUB First Monday at 7:00 p.m. John Ransom's Home, 6405 CR 7410 Contact: [email protected] http://facebook.com/magicclublubbock

MID-CITIES MAGIC CIRCLE

Second Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Coral, 465 East I-20 in Arlington

Facebook: “Mid-cities magic circle”

SAN ANTONIO - IBM RING 18

Fourth Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Beethoven Hall at 422 Perida Street in San Antonio

Contact: paul,[email protected]

SAN ANTONIO - SAM ASSEMBLY 52

First Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The Longhorn Café, 12311 Nacogdoches Road

Contact: [email protected]

David Stone Lectures

Dallas - February 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Wylie City Hall, 300 County Club Drive, #100 in Wylie

and

Houston - February 25 at 7;30 p.m. in the I.A.T.S.E. Union Hall, 3030 North Freeway in Houston

CHARLIE MURTHY COMEDY AND MAGIC

Catch Charlie Murthy's comedy and magic show at Las Chiladas, 2387 NW

Military Highway in San Antonio, at 7:30 on Saturday, February 8.

Criss Angel in Grand Prairie February 11

BEN JACKSON PRESENTS Magic, Music, & Mayhem

Come to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel located at 1300 Lamar in downtown Houston for Ben's incredible show. Reserve your tickets today at https://www.benjacksonmagic.com/live

February 14 - Sold Out February 15 - 5:00,7:00, & 9:00 p.m. February 28 and 29 - 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.

awarded only 7 times since 1902.

DAVE ELLIOT LECTURE IN DALLAS FEBRUARY 18

MARTIN COX TO LECTURE IN TEXAS

Gorman at [email protected] for details

DOWN THE ROAD....

BITS AND PIECES OF INTERESTING STUFF

Mid-Cities Magic Circle...

Circle on Facebook for more details!

THE IMPROV IN ADDISON…

Mike Williams heads up an all star line-up in Addison every other weekend. It’s Comedy and Magic that you won’t want to miss.

Visit www.improvaddison.com for show information or to purchase tickets.

THE IMPROV IN ARLINGTON…

Mike Squires headlines shows at The IMPROV in Arlington on alternate Saturdays. Mike will casually blow your mind. Doors open at 1:00.

Go to www.improvarlington.com for tickets.

John Magic's Theater and Museum Magic's Theater is owned and operated by magician John Magic and his family, including his wife who runs the front-of-house operations. Each week, the theater hosts a close-up magic show on Friday and a stage show on Saturday performed by Magic himself, who says his goal is to give "the classics of magic to a

fresh and brand-new audience."

Elaborate stage shows start at 7:00 p.m. every Saturday night with family-friendly magic entertainment. Friday evenings feature close-up magic by John Magic and Chris English. Private close-up shows are available Monday through Thursday by appointment. The theater is located at 13419 Fitzhugh Road off 290 past Oak Hill west of Austin. Buy your ticket at the door or make reservations at http://www.magicstheater.com

NEW MAGIC GROUP IN SOUTH AUSTIN

South Austin Magical (to be named), is a weekly informal magic hangout/meet up; think pizza, beer, magic talk, sessioning, possible book club, etc.

Second Saturday Magic Sale Magic, Etc., Fort Worth's premier magic shop hosts a Second Saturday Sale every month where magicians can score good savings on props and supplies. Magicians get "special" treatment and special prices. Magic, Etc. is located on Forest Park Boulevard at I-30 in Fort Worth. Thrifty Third Thursday Magic, Etc. and Fort Worth Costume started a new monthly gathering of magicians from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. You are invited to wheel and deal for the best buys ever only at Fort Worth's own Magic, Etc. and Fort Worth Costume.

Cards in South Austin SECOND SATURDAYS

Cardicians in Austin get together once a month to swap moves and stories, routines and fun. To confirm times, locations, and dates and for more info, contact Lou Hornung at [email protected]

New Location

Monday Night Magic in Arlington

All magic aficionados are invited to attend informal gatherings at THE ROCK at 2300 East Lamar Boulevard in Arlington every Monday night. Bring your cards and props to practice your "chops".

Steve Schooler February 3, 1459 - November 10, 2019 Dr. Steve Sherman Schoolar of Fort Worth died on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. Steve worked for many years as the official Stage Manager for TAOM, IBM and SAM national conventions, Las Vegas Magic Seminars, and other magic conventions. His contributions to Texas magic were considerable; he will be missed.

NEW YEAR FOR MAGIC

Editor, Magic Across Texas

MAGIC CLUBS IN TEXAS

AUSTIN - IBM Ring 60 First Monday at 7:00 p.m. except January and September I.H.O.P at 11654 Research Boulevard in Austin Contact:[email protected]

AUSTIN - SAM ASSEMBLY 206 Third Monday at 7:00 p.m. Journey Imperfect Faith Community at 7500 Woodrow Avenue in Austin Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

CORPUS CHRISTI - IBM RING 157 First Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Ronald McDonald House at 3402 Fort Worth Street in Corpus Christi Contact: [email protected]

DALLAS MAGIC CLUB - IBM RING 174 & SAM ASSEMBLY 13 Third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Addison Treehouse at 14681 Midway Road in Addison Contact: [email protected] http://www.dallasmagic.org/

FORT WORTH - IBM RING 15 and FORT WORTH MAGICIANS CLUB, INC. First Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at 4055 International Plaza Call 817-606-7770 for details Contact: [email protected]

FORT WORTH - SAM ASSEMBLY 138 Third Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Illusion Warehouse at 3917 McCart Avenue in Fort Worth Contact: [email protected]

HOUSTON - IBM RING 39 Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. except May and December Bayou Manor at 4141 South Braeswood in Houston Contact: [email protected] http://www.houstonmagic.com

HOUSTON - SAM ASSEMBLY 19 First Monday at 7:00 p.m. except September I.A.T.S.E. Union Hall at 3030 North Freeway in Houston Contact: [email protected] http://www.houstonmagic.com

LUBBOCK MAGIC CLUB First Monday at 7:00 p.m. John Ransom's Home, 6405 CR 7410 Contact: [email protected] http://facebook.com/magicclublubbock

MID-CITIES MAGIC CIRCLE Second Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The Golden Coral, 465 East I-20 in Arlington Facebook: “Mid-cities magic circle”

SAN ANTONIO - IBM RING 18 Fourth Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Beethoven Hall at 422 Perida Street in San Antonio Contact: paul,[email protected]

SAN ANTONIO - SAM ASSEMBLY 52 First Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Longhorn Café, 12311 Nacogdoches Road Contact: [email protected]