Wizard Craft Magic Happenings

Magic is far from everything, but in everything we do.

2011-08-15T17:27:00.014-04:00

Nothing heals like the ocean

Fire Island Lighthouse

Our Spot - Arial Cameras are fun

The summer has been beautiful, and as we said earlier, we made the decision to not waste our time at the summer conventions here in the states. After speaking to those that did attend them, as far as sales went, our decision was dead on. The organizers continue to be clueless as far as location, scheduling and talent that will draw. So we decided to enjoy the summer. And what a summer it has been. We added a new hobby, I guess performance is in our blood so it was a natural.

Out Beach Compound

My Rev SLE

Dual Line Stunt Kites are a blast in high winds. Hang on with two handles and prepared to be dragged down the beach.

Then came power kites than can lift you off the beach, add to that single line kites, sky art and mega kites and the show grew. We have gotten a little eloborate at the shore, and so many beach goers stop each evening and say thank you for beautiful show to music every weekend. We do it because it is art, and fun, and beautiful. It is work and at the same time relaxing. Everyone knows us, thanks us, and we have made many new friends. We never expected that reaction, it was humbling to say the least. The nice thing is that thousands there enjoy it as much as we do, and the expression on a small childs face is the look we all got to know when we do that magic, and they truly believe. Priceless. We have been able to transform adults back to kids, and kids into dreamers. I have been known to give a few kites away, and again, the expression is priceless. The show goes on, and our collection keeps growing. Here are a few shots so far this summer. The kites in the air there are 12-16 feet across and as one of our flags say "The one who dies with the most toys WINS". Click on any picture, they get bigger.

Flyin High after Hurricane Earl

Our modest beach set-up. OK OK we like toys

Joanne's corner

Joanne even has seating for guests.

Easy to find us, look for the flags.

Let them fly

Gomberg Line Art

12 Foot Delta with 6 foot Skyguyz

Kite Line Popper

Sled with Banner Tail

A small collection in the air.

This sled can pull like a horse when the wind goes up.

Helix. On a windy day we fly a few of these.

More spinning crap, gotta love it.

Flyin High with Boxes

Joanne's favorite - all from Cobrakite.com

10 Foot Delta Coyne with extras

Lots of spinning crap - Hee Hee

Sojourn Double Box Kite

Proud

with some Box Kites

Our Encampment every weekend on Fire Island, NY

If the sun is shining, we are here.

Look for banners and flags, listen for the music.

Paint the Sky

Helix Spinner

Dragon

The Wacky

Jewel Train

Graphic Delta and a 12 Foot Beauty

Gomberg Gear Wheel

Amulet

Elevation Box Kite with Flag Line

The Majestic - 19 Foot Delta

The Banners Mark ouir spot

In Honor of...............

Sun Bird

Our Beach Family Grows with Paulie, Tom, and friends. The sand dunes are our gathering spot for a lot of laughs
and fun in the sun. If you are there, just look for the kites, banners and flags, there we will be, till the sun goes down.

We listen to Classic Vinyl on SiriusXM with Dusty Street

Listen for the music, we play it loud, and say hi.

Best Life Guards on the Atlantic

We do not leave until the sun sets. A perfect ending to the show.

Nothing like the moon over a sand dune. Another type of magic.

RESOURCES - WHERE TO BUY GOOD KITES

http://www.cobrakite.com/

http://www.gombergkites.com/

www.intothewind.com/

http://www.funwithwind.com/

Spring Lecture Tour

2010-04-18T20:56:00.017-04:00

We have just returned from our Spring Excursion, and we had a blast. Joanne took a few pics as we travelled, first at DKOM with President Al Hitt, a great group, and lots of fun. then at Denny's Magic Shop, wow, the new place is awsome, and Denny stocks more great magic than anyone I know. What a shop, and a great theater as well. If you get to Baltimore, this is a must stop and shop. He carry's only the best. We had a great turnout. Joanne took a shot of his theater before the lecture, it filled up fast and was a great evening.

Another treat was the lecture at Marc Desouza's Theater. Marc has been a great friend for many years, and his hospitality is unparalleled. Marc has an incredible magic collection and even a huge collection of guitars from some of the greats. Add to that his incredible theater, and this is a dream house for any magicians, and collector.

We had many other stops, but time did not allow for photos, if you have any, please email them to us so we can post them. We had a great time at the SAM 21 in West Hartford, the Delaware Knights of Magic in Willmington DE, Magi-Whirl Washington DC, Lancaster PA, and State College PA Ring 352 with John Blake. We are glad we had the time to meet so many new friends, and visit with so many old ones. Now its time to pack for FFFF and continue this madness we call magic. See you out there.

Hint: Click the photo for a larger view. :-)

The 2010-2011 Lecture Tour Begins

2010-04-07T12:07:00.020-04:00

See us at one of the following, all begins now. Surprises galore, and if you have ever been to one of my lectures, which are not very frequent, then you know what to expect. If not, you will be entertained, learn some really great stuff, have a fun night, see deals you will never see again, and be very surprised. But we added so much more. We will update each stop here as we progress. Hope to see many of you there.

2010

Mar 8 - SAM 21 West Hartford CT - http://www.sam21.org/

April 8 - Delaware Knights of Magic, Wilmington DE - http://www.dkom.org/

April 9-10 - Magi-Whirl Washington DC (Dealer Only)- http://www.magi-whirl.org/

April 12 - Denny and Lee Magic Shop, Baltimore MD - http://www.dennymagic.com/

April 14 - Marc DeSousa's Magic Theatre, King of Prussia PA

April 16 - IBM Ring 352, State College PA - http://www.ibmring352.com/

June 9 - JMMRT,Magician’s Round Table, Edison NJ - http://www.magiciansroundtable.com/

Sep 9-11 - Magic in the Rockies,Fort Collins CO - http://www.prestodigitators.com/

Oct 15 - SAM Assembly 24, Albany NY - http://sam24.org/

.....................more in the works for the Fall of 2010

2011

Feb 18-20 - Blackpool Magicians Convention UK- Lecture - http://blackpoolmagic.com/convention-2011

May 9 - SAM Assembly 77 - LI Mysitics - Lecture http://www.limystics.org/

May 23-25 - IMX 2011 Las Vegas - http://www.imx2011.com/

May 27 - SAM 136 - Lecture - Tucson AZ

Blackpool 2010 - We returned

2010-03-02T09:41:00.028-05:00

A place like no other. One has to expeience Blackpool and all its charm to understand.

A walk back in time to a magical world full of history, Blackpool UK in all its splendor. A town steeped in history, and featured in films such as "Funny Bones, "Shall We Dance" and a host of others. The Winter Gardens has hosted most of the greats in Entertainment from the Big Bands, Sinatra, almost all major Rock Bands, singers of standards and unique acts to the World's Greatest Magic for over a century. A true treasure. Blackpool is a place you have to visit to understand.

Going through quite a resurection with Pedestrain Malls, street festivals, new shopping at its finests, a huge variety of restaurants, and the best part of all, the people who come. We would not miss it for the world, and this years event did not disappoint, but left us wanting it to not end. We laughed so hard we hurt by the end of the far too short event. I think they will break all records when they host FISM in 2012. This team, and I say team because that is exactly what it is, magicians, husbands, wives, and other family members, that work not only so hard, but so well together, continually do the impossible. They draw over 3700 magicians from around the world for three days of entertainment and fun.

There is not another place like it on earth. This is Blackpool. Three days packed with worldclass lecturers, the world's best Close-Up Workers in outstanding shows spread over two days, special events, competitions, Gala Shows, and over 120 dealers from around the world. This is the Great Grand Daddy of all conventions. Derek Lever and his crew never fail to give us an event they will long talk about. Funny how each attendee comes away with a different perspective, and certainly their own personal favorite things they talk about. There is truly something for everyone, young and old.

We love things not often seen in the states. Old fashioned slap stick and comedy from an era gone bye. Laughs you can not hold in, pure genius, physical and classic comedy. Add to that world class magic, illusions, variety acts, comedy, and you have a convention that stands alone. There are other line by line reviews, we just like to give you the flavor of Blackpool. It is indeed our favorite convention, thirteen years running. Next year they will host the FISM European Championships as part of the event. It will start a half day earlier, and all that means more magic, and more fun. Watch the Blackpool magicians site for early registration details. http://blackpoolmagic.com/ This years event sold out in record time. I predict next years will sell even more quickly.

A Tribute to three great friends. The Blackpool Magicians made a beautiful tribute to three great friends, friends of magic, and friends to us all. We will miss them very much, they added so much to our personal lives, and to the Art of Magic. Mahka Tendo, Ali Bongo and Pat Page. Their contributions to magic set the bar a little higher, and they will always be remembered in our hearts. We will miss them.

Blackpool - The World's Largest and Best

2010-01-10T15:03:00.015-05:00

Blackpool is a convention we have been attending, performing at, lecturing at, and displaying our fine goods for over 10 years. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 19th, 20th & 21st of February 2010, at the Opera House and Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, England . We would not miss it for the world. This year, its extra special for us as the current Blackpool Magicians President, Alan Coventry is like familiy to Joanne and I. We are very proud of Alan, and it will be great to be there to celebrate with him and his lovely bride. Come congratulate Alan, and have tons of laughs with us, Jerry and Marion O'Connell, Thom Dunlop my faithful manservant, and our band of merry wackos. Not only is the Convention the best there is, but the magic never ends, day and night, and even on the streets. Showzam! Circus, Magic & New Variety, Blackpool 12 - 21 February 2010. Taking over the town of Blackpool for 10 days each February, Showzam! is the UK’s only festival dedicated to the dazzling worlds of circus, magic and new variety. This extraordinary and unique festival includes a number of high profile performers, street artists and never before seen acts, showcased throughout Blackpool’s famous landmarks and on the streets.

The picture to the left is about half of the dealers area, the world's largest. If you cannot find it here, it isnt available. 3700 people come every year because they know, it just doesn't get any better than this. They come by car, train, boat and plane from all over the world. We will be there with all our crazy friends. Check out the latests details on their site at http://www.blackpoolmagic.com/ Join us for a week of magic and fun.

Craig and Thom Dunlap

The Mason - Dickson Line. Fun Facts

2009-12-07T13:44:00.005-05:00

The Mason-Dickon Line (or "Mason and Dickson's Line") was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dickson in the resolution of a border dispute between British colonies in Colonial America. It forms a demarcation line among four U.S. states, forming part of the borders of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia (then part of Virginia). In popular usage, especially since the Missouri Compromise of 1820 (apparently the first official use of the term "Mason's and Dickson's Line"), the Mason-Dickson Line symbolizes a cultural boundary between the Northern United States and the Southern United States (Dixie).

In 2006 both Mark Mason, and Craig Dickson were offically commisioned to the title of Colonel by the Govenor of the State of Kentucky.

The highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky is that of Kentucky Colonel. Commissions for Kentucky Colonels are given by the Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation. A list of Kentucky Colonels is a Who's Who of outstanding men and women around the world. The certificate, signed by the Governor and the Secretary of State and bearing the Great Seal of Kentucky, has hung on the walls of such distinguished leaders as Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan, and English Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Certificates are also proudly displayed by great second grade teachers and brave volunteer firemen who have performed in an extraordinary manner.

And thus begins a new Mason-Dickson Line. Friends. See us, Col. Mason, and Col. Dickson back to back in the Dealers Hall at Blackpool 2010.

World's Greatest Magic DVD Special

2009-12-01T10:54:00.008-05:00

The Encylopedia of Great Magic Performances and variations was a project by L&L. Th World'sGreatest Magic DVD series is what was created. Just pick a topic, and on the DVD will be many variations and performances by the top magicikans in magic, many of whom made a reputation on that particular effect.

The special we are offering is "order any 5 DVDs from the WGM series and recieve a 6th DVD from this series absolutely Free. You choose all 6, just pay for 5 online. Email us with the sixth titile, and we will include it free. Begin your collection of these great resource DVDs now before this offer ends.

Over fifty titles are available and in stock now for immediate delivery. A great holiday gift for any magicians, veteran or student.
Get them now at http://www.wizardcraft.com/dvds.htm#WGM

Warning by Kostya Kimlat

2009-11-24T08:46:00.004-05:00

Warning by Kostya Kimlat – $20 Now in stock

!WARNING is an incredible new magic effect that is fast, visual, direct and amazing. Pick up a lighter, peel off the "warning" sticker, light it, and in a flash of fire the sticker has instantly returned to the lighter! WARNING is easy to learn, fun to practice, and addicting to perform. A completely organic magic trick that will get screams from your audience, !WARNING "generates waves of excitement without you having to say a single word!" It's the perfect ice breaker for any magician, a stunning close-up trick for the bar, street, banquet or corporate boardroom.
Reviews from Professionals
"Visually Stunning!" - David Williamson
"Organic and Logical." - Michael Ammar
"...The impossible in a nanosecond." - David Regal
"So off the wall and visual - what a great idea!" - Chad Long
"Fun, fantastic, f@$&!#% unbelievable!" - Daniel Garcia
"Generate waves of excitement without saying a single word!" - Gregory Wilson
"Kostya has come up with the most visually stunning trick I've seen in a long time." - David Williamson
"Organic and Logical. It's as perfect for a dark, loud bar as for an elegant dinner party." - Michael Ammar
"!WARNING is visual, direct, easy to do and looks like magic. It's going into my repertoire right now." - Joshua Jay

Conventions 2010

2009-11-20T08:49:00.005-05:00

Here is where you can see us live in 2010. List will be updated as we get confirmation.

Magi-Fest, Columbus OH
Blackpool Magicians Convention, UK
NEMCON - North Haven CT
LIMAC - Hemstead NY
Magi-Whirl, Washington DC
FFFF - Batavia NY
MAWNY - Batavia NY
Tony Spina's First Annual Magic Jubilee - Fishkill NY
Magic In The Rockies - Fort Collins CO
Metro Magic - Meadowlands NJ
ICBM - Southbury CT
Jersey Magic Jam - Clark NJ

Sherpa Pens back in Stock

2009-11-17T09:47:00.010-05:00

We cannot keep these in stock. We are an Authorized Dealer of Sherpa Pens. What is a Sherpa you ask? Well, originally these were those most skilled of Mountain Guides, who accompanied many adventurers’ on the trek to Mt Everest, but no we are not selling Mountain Guides. What we are selling if one of the coolest Pens to hold a Sharpie. It is a Pen in which a Sharpies fits inside. This way you can use any color Sharpie for having spectators sign cards, bills, envelopes. Also for signing photos and autographs, and drawing details on balloons, plus anything else you would use a Sharpie for. The difference it that this has the look and feel of a very fine writing instrument, which it is. The quality is on par with a Mont Blanc, yet an inexpensive Sharpie becomes the refill. Beautiful and only $30, and we have three styles in Stock. Get yours now. a http://www.wizardcraft.com/

Lecture Tour 2010

2009-11-17T09:04:00.028-05:00

Due to many reasons, and having not done a tour since 2003, we decided to forgo the IBM and SAM conventions this summer, and embark on a Spring and Fall lecture tour instead. To us it is far more fun, we have more time to spend teaching and give personalized hands on service, and get back to what we love about magic. The summer will be spent at the shore, Joannes's favorite place. The entire tour is not set yet, but here is what we have confirmed thus far.

Mar 8 SAM 21 West Hartford CT - www.sam21.org/
April 8 Delaware Knights of Magic, Wilmington DE - www.dkom.org/
April 9-10 Magi-Whirl Washington DC (Dealer Only)- www.magi-whirl.org/
April 12 Denny and Lee Magic Shop, Baltimore MD - http://www.dennysmagic.com/
April 14 Marc DeSousa's Magic Theatre, King of Prussia PA
April 16 IBM Ring 352, State College PA - www.ibmring352.com/
June 9 JMMRT,Magician’s Round Table, Edison NJ - www.magiciansroundtable.com/
Sep 9-11 Magic in the Rockies,Fort Collins CO - www.prestodigitators.com/
Oct 15 SAM Assembly 24 - Albany NY - sam24.synthasite.com/
TBA SAM Assembly 77 - Long Island Mystics - www.limystics.org/
TBA SAM Assembly 9 - Boston
TBA SAM Assembly 181 - Hightstown NJ - www.magicsam181.com/
TBA Fantasma Magic NYC - www.fantasmamagic.com/
TBA Tricky Business Magic Shop - Hicksville NY - trickybiz.com/

A few more stops are in the works, all TBA dates and additions will updated here as soon as they are finalized.

ICBM Gathering Nov 2009

2009-11-16T13:12:00.020-05:00

What is a Bizarre Magic gathering you may ask? No it is not Devil Worship, or geek magic, yet there are some that could enter that category at any convention. I am not what many would class as a Bizarrist. So why do Joanne and I go? First I am a dealer, but more importantly this gathering has evolved, and grown over time. It has a life of its own, and is shaped by the attendees. In many respects it is far from the typical magic convention. There are magicians, misfits, curiosity seekers, performers, hobbyists, those who come merely for fun, and those who are trying to find a place that they fit in. Sort of like life, but there is a difference. Here, like a workshop, you are encouraged to share, encouraged to perform, encouraged to learn, encouraged to grow. There is no need to be embarrassed, no one is here to ridicule or judge. We go to share, learn and evolve. And that it does deliver. The list of attendees, to my initial surprise, could fill any world-class convention around the globe. From people like Jeff McBride, Jay Scott Berry, Eugene Burger, Bob Neale, Leslie Melville, David Goodsell, Losander, Luna Shamada , Johnny Thompson, Bob Fitch, Ed Solomon, to the not so famous to mainstream magic, yet uniquely talented performers such as Larry White, Cardor, Brother Shadow, Dr Mambo, Mary Tomich, Vlad, Evil Dan, and all organized by the Grand Magus, Joe Cabral.

Losander

Why do they come? Because in a unique way, this gathering offers a community atmosphere that is hard to come by. Losander Master of the Art of Levitation and truly World Class performer interrupted his Fall European Lecture and Performance tour, flew back from Germany at his own expense just to be here. He comes back every year, and we have so much fun. Joining him was his wonderful and talented partner in life Luna Shamada, and their son. They made it their vacation together. Wow. What a testament to any gathering.

Leslie Melville

Leslie Melville, comes all the way from the UK every year, just to be at the gathering, and always performs, and brings a sense of wonder so rare to us all with his class, his characters, his stories, and beautiful style. I can be a six year old child once again, and really experience that sense of wonder I seem to forget about the rest of the year. This is true magic, and some of the reasons we would not miss it for the world. Leslie has performed his own style of magic for many years in clubs, cabarets, holiday centres, luxury cruise liners and theatres; specialising for several Christmas seasons in pantomime as the wicked 'Uncle Abanazar' in Aladdin. As work in clubs and cabarets declined during the eighties, he began producing themed children's shows for Scottish schools. The subjects were diverse, including Road Safety, Pantomime History, Litter Abatement, Pirates and Scary Spook Shows! Around the same time, he established a small performance company ‘'Clyde Coast Theatre' which toured schools, libraries and community centres. A by-product of this company was the formation of 'The Tree of Bells Storytellers', playing outdoor galas, fetes and folk festivals. During this time, Leslie also presented his own solo storytelling performances and for the last twenty years has featured in storytelling festivals and gatherings throughout the U.K. and here in the States at the Gathering. Always a highlight, and what Joanne and I look forward to the most. Leslie is currently working on a new production of 'Terrifying Tales' which origiinally opened at Hallowe'en on Friday and Saturday, 30th & 31st October 2009 at the Lawrence House Studio of The Blackpool Grand Theatre.

Bob Neale

Bob Neale, one of the most influential, thinkers, and creators was just one of this years lecturers. He and his wonderful wife are just a joy to spend time with. I was able to spend some great time, and have many laughs with an old friend, someone I have learned so much from, and has given so much to the world of magic, and world of entertainment, including immeasurable contributions to stage, screen, theater and life, and that is Bob Fitch. If you dare to listen, dare to reflect, and dare to try to find who you really are, you can only grow and benefit from being with Bob. And what is truly unique, he also had as much fun as we did, and went away knowing more, feeling more, and understanding more. That is what this gathering has to offer. Like any event, there are highs and lows, good and bad, exceptional talent, and really bad performances. But isn’t that the nature of life, isn’t that the nature of balance? You need to do it all, and experience it all, to know what path you want to be on. That is why we go, that is what I get from it. Each of us gets something different, but that is why Joanne and I would not miss it for the world. If you notice I said spend time with, and it is a small gathering, and that is what makes this all possible. One of the reasons they all keep coming back.

Bob Fitch

Keep up to date on the next one at http://www.icbmmagick.com/

JerseyMagicJam Nov 2009

2009-11-16T10:14:00.003-05:00

A new star is born. jerseymagicjam.com With sleep deprivation, and having just left the ICBM Convention, we headed off to Clark NJ to attend the Jersey Magic Jam Convention. Let me say this first, we attend A LOT OF CONVENTIONS, from the Good, to the Bad, to the Ugly. These four guys bought out what began as Bajor's Convention, then Magic Funday, now JerseyMagicJam. This is First Class, and then some. These guys, through their love of performance and magic, and having quite a lot of class, pulled of what I can say with pride was the best Northeast efforts I have seen in quite a long time. The price was great for what you got. And that was an entire day of Lectures, Magic, Dealers, a Mega Auction, and a great Evening show. Add to that, an Excellent afternoon Buffet Lunch included in the fee, and this was not just a crappy hot dog lunch, this was a first class sit down hot dinner worthy of a banquet at a hotel for any evening event. Just great. Hopefully NYC and the Tri-State Area takes notice of this. I predict it will be a sell out next year, and rumor has it Jeff McBride may headline. Don't be disappointed, register when this becomes available, because word will spread fast. This years event featured Rocco, Peter Samelson both presenting world class lectures.

Peter Samelson

It was great seeing Peter, if you want to be better, and add class , style and theater to your performance, I can think of only two or three people in the world I would look to, Peter is one of them. A rare appearance, and simply great. The event hosted a great array of dealers, superb food, an absolutely beautiful setting and stage , all due to the dedicated work and coordination of four magicians, and their friends and families. I must say, the only other place I have seen wives and family pitch in to this extent is at the Blackpool Magicians Convention in England. They did a great job. It took a ton of work to pull this off, and they did it. The first of what we hope will continue in this fashion for many years to come. The location is easily accessible from anywhere. Check out their current details and future plans at jerseymagicjam.com