THIS WEEK IN MAGIC :: BANACHEK & MEAD

On this episode of the Magic Newswire's "This Week in Magic" we are joined by Banachek and Eric Mead. As our readers will know by now, at James Randi's "The Amazing Meeting," it was announced that Banachek would take over the management of the JREF Million Dollar Challenge. Eric Mead joins us to discuss his foray into the world of mentalism and his experience as one of the hosts of the Essential Magic Conference.

LISTEN TO MY CHAT WITH BANACHEK & MEAD:

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STAN LEE'S SUPERHUMANS

Co-hosted by Stan Lee, the legendary creator of the X-Men, Stan Lee's Superhumans  scours the globe for the real-life counterparts of Lee's characters–people with unique genetic traits that translate into remarkable powers. These include a man whose body is powerfully magnetic, another who can withstand deadly levels of cold and yet another whose brain performs complex calculations at staggering speeds.

In each episode, these "superhumans" undergo tests that may help explain their amazing gifts, while viewers discover the long history of people with extraordinary powers. Daniel Browning Smith, who's been dubbed the most flexible man in the world, hosts this thrilling journey into the farthest reaches of humankind.

So, what's the magic connection? Steve Santini! In Episode 6 of the series Steve will perform three of his signature pieces including,  The Ripper , Dagger Trap and a full view multiple shackle and jail cell escape while totally blindfolded. Watch for this to air on Sept 16th. 

NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP OF MAGIC TO BE HELD IN 2011

The Society of American Magicians will be hosting the North American Championship of Magic as an integral part of its annual four day convention to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 13-16, 2011, it was announced today by Mark Weidhaas, S.A.M. President.

In addition to its stellar line up of gala shows, lectures and other popular events for young and old magic enthusiasts, the convention will be holding up to six contests of magic to accommodate the 50 contestants who will be selected to compete for the title of North American Champion of Magic. Multiple winners across six categories of magic will be guaranteed a position if they wish to compete at the FISM World Championship of Magic to be held in Blackpool, England, in July 2012.

All contest applicants must be a member of either the Society of American Magicians, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Canadian Association of Magicians or the Academy of Magical Arts. They must submit an application plus a DVD of their act by April 15, 2011 to be reviewed for an acceptable quality level by a preliminary judging panel who will decide the final acts for the competition. Contestants selected for the competition are required to be registered for the convention . A full description of contest rules, fees, requirements and procedures will be available on the S.A.M. website,www.magicsam.com shortly after Labor Day. 

The Society of American Magicians, founded in 1902, is the world’s oldest international organization devoted exclusively to advancing magic as an art throughout the world as well as elevating its ethical standards for professionals, amateurs, hobbyists and collectors.

BIMF MAGIC FESTIVAL KOREA 2010

The Magic Newswire's International Correspondent, Shawn Farquhar just sent in this video recapping his experience at the 2010 BIMF in South Korea:

BIMF Magic Festival Korea from Shawn Farquhar on Vimeo.

CRISS ANGEL ON AGT

As a part of the results episode of this week's America's Got Talent, Criss Angel made an appearance and performed his straight jacket escape and Metamorphosis. For anyone that missed it, here's the video:

MICHAEL GRASSO RETURNS TO AGT

UPDATE: It has now been made official and Michael Grasso makes it FOUR magicians moving on to the finals on this season of America's Got Talent! The judges say "This is the best season for magicians ever on AGT!" The advice from the judges? Please keep stepping it up and raising your game!"

Here is his performance from last night:

And here here is the results video:

MAGIC NEWSCAST :: MIDWEST MAGIC JUBILEE 2010

The 54th annual Midwest Magic Jubilee has just concluded in St. Louis and the Magic Newswire was very fortunate to have two of our co-hosts on location to share a bit of the gathering with our listeners. Chase Goforth and Scott Wells bring us interviews with quite a number of the lecturers, contestants and attendees including Tom Burgoon, Terry Richardson, David Acer, Emory Williams, Eric Jones, Michael Lair and many more!

MAGIC NEWSWIRE IS SPONSORS ::

VANISHING INC MAGIC • Trick Shop Magic • Mak Magic • Paper Crane Magic
Ronjo Magic • Outlaw Effects • Magic Network • Magic Cruise 2010 • Maxello Magic
Blue Microphone • Websites4Magicians.com • Magic Warehouse

JOIN US FOR THE 2010 MIDWEST MAGIC JUBILEE:

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SCARLETT TO TOUR?

Are we to be treated to the return of yet another female magician? In an article from the Las Vegas Sun which also discussed the return of Melinda Saxe to the world of magic. Rick Lax writes, "Scarlett was arrested for, allegedly, hitting her 67-year-old boyfriend in the eye — the Princess of Magic has moved on. She now performs locally under her real name. She does fire juggling and fire eating, and she's spoken with producers about starting a touring magic show. "

BROKEN WAND :: JC WAGNER

I am very sad to report the passing of legendary restaurant and bar magician JC Wagner. From the Facebook page of one of his friends and contemporaries, "JC Wagner just passed away. 7:11 Pacific. Private burial at sea. Memorial to be planned by Magi. He was at peace until the very end and amidst family. Good bye old friend. You will be missed." His website was just updated as well to list his current location as: From his own website listing his current location: "Puttin a Card under St Peter's glass & even HE didn't catch it!" What a great epitaph!

In March of this year, I was very lucky to have some time to chat with JC just after he finished a run at the Magic Castle and he was feeling great! We talked about everything from his days working the Disney Magic shop with Steve Martin to his time working the bar with Bob Sheets and Doc Eason. JC also shares some of history with Dai Vernon, Eddie Fecter and other legends of the west coast magic scene. If you want to work magic in the bar, there is no better teacher to learn from than the amazing JC Wagner.

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH JC WAGNER:

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DEL RAY'S DICE BAFFLE DICK CAVETT

In my continuing efforts to find lost videos of great magic, I bring you this clip of the amazing Del Ray baffling Dick Cavett (and everyone else) with one of his dice routines! Watch and be entertained!


Watch for more clips coming in the very near future. Enjoy!

Thanks to Michael Grandinetti & Joe Hanosek for helping me obtain this footage.