BENEFIT FOR FLOOD FAMILIES

From Channel3000.com:  While he couldn't make the homes reappear, a Wisconsin Dells entertainment fixture did perform a benefit magic show for the residents on Sunday to help those devastated by the disaster. Rick Wilcox and wife Suzan have been making magic in the Wisconsin Dells for 10 years. Their loyalty carries over to helping their local fans by donating the proceeds from a recent show to assist families affected by the flood. "That's our job: to entertain them, and make them believe in the impossible," said Rick Wilcox. "We won't be able to rebuild their house 'cause the land's not there anymore, but any little bit will help." More than $4,000 was raised by the show.

ONE MAN'S MESSAGE

Branson magic star Kirby Van Birch is profiled in an article from OneNewsNow.com which focuses on the changes he has made in his life which took him from a $30 Million show at the MGM in Las Vegas to his current show in Branson during which he stresses the role of Christianity in his life. "It's not really magic," Kirby tells his audience. "There's no magic here. It's only illusion. I can't create things. Only God can create."

SERIAL KILLER USES MAGIC AS LURE

In a review of the film "Roman de Gere" from the Baltimore Sun, "We learn of a serial killer who performs magic acts for his victims before he rapes and kills them. Lelouch employs the showbiz magic of misdirection and prestidigitation throughout." Watch a trailer for "Roman de Gare":

BLAINE SPOOFERS

"When members of the Groundlings improv troupe headed to the alleyway behind their Melrose Avenue theater to shoot "David Blaine Street Magic," they had no idea the spoof would end up becoming one of the most popular videos in YouTube history," begins an article from the Los Angeles Times entitled "Groundlings' 'Street Magic' seals the deal." "The video short co-written by Groundlings Michael Naughton and Mikey Day, who also costar, currently ranks in the Top 100 of the most-viewed videos on the content-sharing site. It has logged more than 18 million plays, an average five-star rating from viewers and over 37,000 comments." Add to the next million by watching a clip below:

MORRISON RUNS OUT OF MAGIC

Magician and Magic Castle member Mark Morrison is profiled in an article from Boston.com reporting on his status in the BOA Classic Golf tournament. Speaking of the Castle, Mark says: "The place is "rigged to the hilt," Morrison said. "For example, there is a small library with a bookend that looks like an owl. Say "Open Sesame" to the owl and the walls part, revealing a nightclub. In another room, there is a piano with a "ghost" at the seat named Irma, who will play symbolic songs. Any of the magicians, if we have a guest with us we'll say, 'Irma, I've got my friend in from Boston' and Irma will start playing some Boston theme song. The piano starts playing itself and it's not a player piano. It's rigged up."

CRISS ANGEL APPEARS ON MONTEL

TV ALERT :: MONDAY JUNE 23 :: From the Montel Williams website: Montel's kicking off his brand new season from the exciting city of Las Vegas, where anything can happen! There are tons of surprises and celebrity guests in store as he embarks on a 3-day adventure in Sin City. World-renowned illusionist Criss Angel gives Montel the first-ever look at his home in the Presidential Suite at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, where he's performed his magic-based show, "Criss Angel Mindfreak," for the last two years. Dubbed "the new Houdini," Angel demonstrates some of his skills for Montel, which include mentalism, hypnosis, illusion and escape. During a revealing sit-down interview with Montel, Angel shares personal details about his father's tragic death and other intimate moments of his life. In a tour of the Luxor Galleria, you won't believe the number of fans that mob the duo during a shopping trip to Angel's "Official Mindfreak" store.

TODD KARR INTERVIEW

We are very pleased to announce the availability of our interview with Magician, publisher, consultant and magic creator Todd Karr of the Miracle Factory. Todd’s European engagements included top nightspots in Paris and Monte Carlo, such as the Casino de Monte Carlo, the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, the Princess Grace Theatre, the Casino de Paris, the Folies-Bergère, and the Cirque d’Hiver, as well as regular TV appearances in France and Monaco, where he had the honor of performing several times for Monaco’s royal family. Currently, this rare interview with Todd is only available in the Podcast Feed HERE.

MORE MAGIC AT CINEVEGAS

The final weekend of the CineVegas film festival at the Palms promises to offer up more than just star sightings, it will showcase a bit of magic as well. The Las Vegas Review Journal tells us that the Saturday screenings will include the outstanding film "Women in Boxes," a documentary on the unsung heroes of magic, their female assistants. (3:30 PM) In addition, the John Malkovich film "The Great Buck Howard," which also stars magic legend Rick Jay will appear at 7 PM. WATCH THE TRAILER FOR "WOMEN IN BOXES"
Women in Boxes from Wizard on Vimeo.   WATCH THE TRAILER FOR "THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD":  

CRISS ANGEL :: BODY FREAK

"If you’re going to hang from a helicopter by fishhooks inserted in your body, you’d better be in good shape; your life depends on it," says Kevin Allman in a recent profile of Criss Angel in the latest issue of Muscle & Body which features the Illusionist on the cover as seen to the left. “It’s all about the whole package: mind, body and spirit,” Angel says of his exercise routine. “When I’m working out, I visualize what I want to look like. I’m mentally seeing my muscle grow.”

MASTERS OF MAGIC AT RIALTO

The Colorodoan is promoting an upcoming show at the Rialto bearing the title "Masters of Magic." According to the article, "Audiences will witness grand illusions, slight of hand, exotic birds, mind reading and more." Featured performers include Illusionist  Reza, Joe and Carol Givan a.k.a. "The Dream Masterz," and 17 year old Krystyn Lambert of Los Angeles.  Los Angeles. (Pictured Left) "A rarity in the world of magic, Lambert has earned awards from several national magic competitions, including "Best Teen Magician" on the nationally televised 2007 World Magic awards."