Vol. 10, No. 6, June 2019
Message from the President
My time in office is going by way too fast. With less than 77 days before the start of the 2019 TAOM convention, I look around and find that all the parts are coming together like the gears of a fine Swiss chronometer. My chairmen are going above and beyond to give you the best convention.
I'd love to share information about the convention with your members at one of your club meetings. Please let me know the time and place if you'd like a visit. Call or text me at 512-799-3176 or contact me [email protected]
Sal Manfredo, 2019 TAOM President
Stuart MacDonald on Stage in San Antonio
Stuart MacDonald made the decision to go pro in the 3rd grade. He put himself through college as a performer and became one of the top touring magic acts in the college market. He performed at over 1,000 college campuses, hundreds of corporate events, and as a cruise ship headliner.
Ten years into touring, Stuart decided that he wanted to take some time off to create an experience that no one had ever seen before. He collaborated with other magicians, directors, and designers, including Tony-nominated Tobin Ost, to help develop a magic show like no other. To prove to the world his new act and character had merit, Stuart decided to compete in the Internationals of Magic in 2017.
Stuart proved to the world he had something new. He swept the competition and made history as he claimed all 5 top awards, the IBM First Place Stage, SAM First Place Stage, SAM Originality, SAM Silver Medal of Merit (rarely given), and the People’s Choice Winner (by a landslide).
From there, Stuart went on to TV and fooled Penn and Teller on their his show FOOL US. Following that performance, he was booked at the Winter Garden Theater in Blackpool, England, for two sold-out shows playing to 7,000 people. that show prepared him for the World championships of Magic in Busan, South Korea, where he got a standing ovation and placed in the top ten his first try. While in Busan, TED TALKS called him to talk about his meteoric rise in magic to a live audience of 4,000. Stuart is now one of the hottest acts in magic, getting bookings all over the world. StuartMacDonaldMagic.com
Mahdi Gilbert
Mahdi is a Canadian professional sleight of hand card magician. He was born without hands and feet and so had to create all the techniques he employs in his illusions. He’s stated, “I had to become self-sufficient from an early age; there are no magic books written for me.” Gilbert appeared on the third season of PENN & TELLER: FOOL US where he performed a version of the card trick Oil and Water that
fooled ‘em. This earned him a trip to Las Vegas to appear as the duo’s opening act.
Hotel Discount Expiring
A reminder to all who are planning on attending the TAOM convention: the Hilton Palacio Del Rio room rate of $149 per night will only expire on August 13th. After that, their normal room rate will apply.
Depending on which online booking site you use, the price can range from $177 to $199 per night... if you don't register before August 13. Call 210-222-1400 for reservations and use discount code TAM or click here
2019 TAOM CONTESTS
As we draw closer to the convention I need to remind you that the deadline for both close-up & stage contest submissions is the first of July. We have two awards this year in the stage category this year -- the coveted TAOM Trophy and the People’s Choice Award of $1,000.
You must be registered for the convention and for the contest to compete in any of the contests. Go to http://taom.org/2019/index.php/taom-2019-contest- info/ for rules and regulations.
CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE: July 1, 2019
HAND-MADE QUILT
This beautiful 50"x50" quilt could be yours!
This gorgeous heirloom was hand made by Cathy Cook, wife of San Antonio magician Jim Cook. It will be displayed at the San Antonio convention.
Buy raffle tickets when you check in at the registration desk. You need not be present to
win.
DEALERS WELCOME! How would you like to be among a select group of magic dealers at the 2019 TAOM convention in San Antonio? We have openings. Dealers pay a low $100 per table fee. No registration required, as we know you will be busy selling rather than attending lectures. The application is not currently on the website but will be added soon. Until then, you can contact our Dealer Chairman Bill Winters at 1534 Saxonhill Dr. San Antonio, TX 78253, call him at 210-679-6026, or email [email protected] You can also contact me at [email protected] or call 512-799- 3176.
BEN JACKSON PRESENTS Magic, Music, and Mayhem
An unforgettable evening of sophistication and sorcery. Only a few tickets are left for the 9 p.m. show on June 28 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Brown Theatre. The earlier show that night and the two shows on the 29th are sold out.
After that weekend, Ben is moving his magic to the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel located at 1300 Lamar in downtown Houston. Ben has earned numerous awards during his career, the most recent being a trifecta of First Place, People's Choice, and Medal of Merit at the United States National Close-up Magic Competition at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. The Medal of Merit has been awarded only 7 times since 1902. For tickets, go to https://www.benjacksonmagic.com/live/
Down the road....
Aug 31 - Sept. 2 - TAOM 2019 in San Antonio September 17 - Nathan Coe Marsh Lecture in Houston October 26 - Shin Lim at the Majestic Theater in Dallas November 3 - Kent Cummins at the Scottish Rite Theater in Austin
BITS AND PIECES OF INTERESTING STUFF
SUMMER SPLASH Sunday, July 28 316 Northaven in Dallas
It’s hard to believe but Dal and Cinde Sanders have now been hosting their annual pool party for 24 years. This year we will begin about 1:00 pm and go on until—well, there are usually people until sometime Monday so don't worry about stopping by late—we'll be up
Variety entertainers (magicians, clowns, musicians, jugglers, mimes and other assorted friends) from all over the state (and often all over the country) will be there and as always we will burn some burgers and dogs (even veggie ones) on the grill, burn our shoulders in the sun, jump in the pool, watch bad magic videos, and of course—lie to each other. Remember, this not an official Dallas Magic Clubs event so feel free to invite your friends that are not DMC members.
If you have never made it before, this is a great chance to just hang out with entertainers who like to have fun. Please RSVP to 214-796-8122
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.
Where: The Tipsy Pizza at 730 W Stassney Lane #165 in South Austin
When: For the time being, Fridays from 8 to 10 p.m. (or however long we feel like)
Inaugural get-together: Friday June 28th
Hope to see you there!
Mid-Cities Magic Circle...
Meeting the second Tuesday of every month at Humperdink's in Arlington 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 Humperdink's 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 in Austin
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
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.
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 in Arlington every Monday night. Bring your cards and props to practice your "chops" in the back room.
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]
Theodore "Ted" Gillam Long-time TAOM member Ted Gillam of Dallas passed away on May 28, 2019, at the age of 76. Ted was fascinating mix of corporate executive, magician, teacher, consultant, radio host and a very successful entrepreneur in the early days of the personal computer market. In retirement Ted developed a strong interest in mentalism and would attend MINDvention, Magic Live and other magic conventions around the country. In addition to TAOM, Ted
was a member of the Dallas Magic Club, the IBM and the S.A.M.
There is so much magic going on all over the State, it looks to be a magical summer. That seems to be true all over the country, not just Texas. New magic conventions seem to pop up every time you read another magic magazine. Don't be fooled! TAOM IS STILL THE BEST! I am really getting anxious for this year's big one in San Antonio. Stuart MacDonald, no less!!! WOW, as Scotto would say.
And I repeat: I would love to include more information about what's gong on in magic circles around the state whether sponsored by member-clubs or individuals. I know many of you do magic for worthwhile organizations as well as public shows. Please share the info. All you have to do is LET ME KNOW!.
Judy Hollingsworth TAOM Club Coordinator
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 – S.A.M. 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 Meeting date in transition Ronald McDonald House at 3402 Fort Worth Street in Corpus Christi Contact: [email protected]
DALLAS MAGIC CLUBS - IBM RING 174 & S.A.M. ASSEMBLY 13 Third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Crossroads Christian Church at 2425 Parker Road in Carrollton Contact: [email protected]
FORT WORTH - IBM RING 15 First Thursday at 7:00 p.m. 4055 International Drive in Fort Worth Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
FORT WORTH – S.A.M. 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]
HOUSTON – S.A.M. 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]
MID-CITIES MAGIC CIRCLE Second Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Humperdink’s at Six Flags 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: [email protected]
SAN ANTONIO – S.A.M. ASSEMBLY 52 First Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location in transition Contact: [email protected]