THE MOST FEARED INTELLECTUAL IN MAGIC

The New Yorker recently connected with an individual that they identify as "the most feared intellectual in the world of magic," Jamy Ian Swiss. I have to say that I agree. Jamy is not only an amazing performer, but is widely recognized as one of those rare artists that help us to hold onto what is important in our craft. Read "The Real Work" abstract from the New Yorker HERE. LISTEN to Jamy as he talks with Adam Gopnik about the future of magic. This conversation continued with the appearance of Adam on March 12th when he was a guest on Talk of the Nation in which he discussed the future of magic with Robert Smith. LISTEN HERE. 

THE UNSEEN HANDS OF JOHN GAUGHAN

An excellent article profiling illusion maker John Gaughan appears in the New York Times Style Section under the title "Magicians Ask: What’s Up His Sleeve?". "That Mr. Gaughan, 68, is not easily found befits an artisan who has spent most of his life creating large-scale illusions for many of the world’s most famous magicians and illusionists: Siegfried & Roy, David Blaine, Criss Angel,David Copperfield, Doug Henning, Mark Wilson, Ricky Jay. Yet while Mr. Gaughan’s artistry has, for instance, helped Mr.(Criss)  Angel seemingly jump through the body of another man, Mr. Gaughan doesn’t get the glory. In the world of legerdemain, his are vital but unseen hands."

CELEBRACADABRA :: DEREK HUGHES

 During the third episode of Celebracadabra, we said goodbye to the Hip Hop Houdini, Chris "Kid" Reid. Chris bragged about his coach for the show, Derek Hughes during our interview with him and now we have a chat to speak to his magical mentor. Actor, comedian & magician, Derek Hughes has been performing since he was in elementary school. Join us now for the latest in our Celebracadabra Conversations. Click the PLAY button below to listen to our interview with Derek Hughes (Subcribe to the "Magic Newswire" via iTunes HERE.) video.vh1.com CLICK HERE to watch additional footage not aired during the show!

PETA PREPARING PROTESTS FOR BELIEVE?

Recent information regarding Criss Angel's new Cirque De Soleil show "Believe" which seem to suggest that he'll be using live animals in his show has already begun to stir the ire of PETA. According to Lisa Wathne, captive exotic animal specialist for PETA: "We have regularly received complaints about Criss Angel using animals. It is very disturbing that Cirque would consider allowing animals in any of its shows. Cirque's fantastic exhibitions and sold out shows are proof that the public has lost interest in performing animals and the inclusion of an animal act is only going to taint Cirque's reputation." A recent update from the LA Times Vegas reporter states:  I have heard back from a spokesperson for Criss Angel who e-mails: "There are no live rabbits in this show." Still, left unclear is if there will be any other animals used in the show. I've written back asking for clarification. But the message added: "All other details will be announced in the coming months or once we unveil the show."

THE AMAZING STAN AND HIS NOKIA N95

NATHAN BURTON'S CELEBRITY PACKED PREMIER

Nathan Burton premiered his new show at the Flamingo to a celebrity packed house. According to Robin Leach "A mob of magicians, a pack of prestidigitators, a wand of wizards and a crowd of conjurors showed up to lend their support and applause, and also proved Vegas is world headquarters for the abracadabra business." Among the attendees were Teller, Emanuelle Lewis, whom Burton made to appear a'la Larry King, Criss Angell and his latest girlfriend Giselle, Lance Burton, Frank Marino, Gerry McCambridge, Mac King, professional poker player Antonio “The Magician” Esfandari and Flamingo President Don Marrandino. According to the Vegas Eye, "Following the special 8 p.m. show, guests were led by a team of Flamingo-clad showgirls to Voga Bistro where the restaurant served as the venue for Nathan’s special after party/birthday party (his birthday was May 9th) where the sexy girls from X Burlesque performed a special dance for Nathan and his guests."

BRETT DANIELS CLOSES WOHSCIGAM

A labor dispute between Breet Daniels and the local union of stage hands has resulted in Brett Daniels decision to close his new show at the Sahara "Wohscigam." Mike Weatherford reports in the Las Vegas Review Journal. "Last week, Daniels said the Sahara had passed along bills for overtime costs adding up to $33,000 per week from Local 720 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, though his contract called for advance notification and approval of any stagehand costs exceeding $8,000 per week." "My crew were hard workers and did a great job. They were very supportive," Daniels said Wednesday. "My dispute is with the union stewards and the hotel."

COMEDY IS MURRAY SAWCHUCK'S SECRET

Magician Murray Sawchuck, recently seen on VH1 as the magic coach for Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, is profiled in an article from the Las Vegas Sun. Murray talks about his mentor Marvin Roy, a.k.a. Mr Electric, and his future career plans. Roy counseled the teenage magician. “I could spend a year working on a good act and work in the business for five years because I was young and cute,” SawChuck says. “But one day the looks and the youth were going to go and I would be in trouble. Or I could spend five years developing an act and I could work for the next 50 years.” Considering a career in stand-up, Murray talks about how comedy saved him during a recent performance in which he encountered a prop failure. “There were 800 famous people in the audience looking at me, wondering who I was,” SawChuck says. “So I start doing my stand-up. I was onstage a total of 12 minutes, presenting one award. Ten years ago I would have walked offstage when the magic didn’t work.”

HOUDINI FOR SALE

From our Twittering friends at the Home Counties Magical Society, we learn of a magic auction by the famous Matrinka & Co. Among the items available are a letter from Kellar to Houdini, a signed copy of the Jarret Book, numerous magic Posters, collectable apparatus, ephemera, and several pieces that defy classification. Among these, and the one from the original Tweet that caught our eye, is a life sized wax figure of Harry Houdini (pictured to the left). Of unknown origin, the description reads, "This piece could be the centerpiece and conversation piece of most any Houdini or magic collection.  This life-size piece is of the quality found in the finest wax museums. The body stands larger than life and is wrapped in a straight jacket and chains, it could be suspended, placed in a trunk or hung from a chain. The head in incredibly realistic and the artist has really captured the appearance of Houdini.  On close inspection it seems even more real, every hair has been put into place individually. For the short time he has been here, he has been quite an attention getter.  We are told to commission a similar figure would cost well over $10,000"

CELEBRACADABRA :: MOVES TO THURSDAYS AT 10PM BEGINNING MAY 22

We just received a call from Celebracadabra Producer and Creator Chris Martin to advise us that the show will move from Sunday at 9pm to Thursdays at 10pm beginning on May 22nd. Chris discussed the sow's ratings, the leak of the never before aired show Pilot that we received and what we can expect in the future. Click the PLAY button below to listen to our interview with Chris Martin regarding the change in the show's scheduling. (Subcribe to the "Magic Newswire" via iTunes HERE.)