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Jordi Magomero Brings Miracles from the "Spanish School" to New York in "Dreams About Magic" • May 8, 9, 10

4/29/2015

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PictureJordi Magomero. Photo ©Herb Scher.
The roots of Jordi Magomero's show Dreams About Magic are in a neighborhood arts center in Barcelona, where he developed it over two years. Eventually the show was expanded and showcased at El Rey de la Magia, the magic theatre at one of Europe's oldest magic stores. Jordi's magic was deeply influenced by his mentors in Barcelona, Gabi Pareras and Ricardo Vizcarra. His show reflects the traditional Spanish style, which he describes as a "journey" with the spectators. Jordi creates intimate miracles with cards, coins, and balls, many of which are woven into stories. In the following interview he discusses specifically the nature of magic in Spain, his work with Pareras and Vizcarra, the broader influence of magicians like Juan Tamariz and Jorge Blass and how his work has been shaped by the more direct style of magic he has encountered while living in the United States. Dreams About Magic will run May 8, 9, and 10 at the Treehouse Theater. More information is available: here.

Jordi, I’m looking forward to your show, but before we get into that, can you tell me a little bit about your background, about how you got interested in magic in the first place.

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Probably I got into magic like 99% of the kids all around the world. They receive a magic set when they were kids. But to be honest it was kind of frustrating when I was 7 or 8 years old. The quality of the props in the kit was really, really bad and I needed the help of my parents to understand how the tricks work, and then I realized that when I was ready to perform, the only audience I had was them and they already knew the secret. So I put it aside, and as a good European I was more focused on soccer and other activities, but the magic was always there. Every single time I had the opportunity to see a live show or a TV show I was there watching the special or the show. I remember that in 2006 I came home and I saw a TV show with young magicians. It wasn’t an old guy with a suit performing. What I saw was a young adult like me and he was performing on the street. His name is Jorge Blass and I got hooked. I saw the entire show and the good thing was that it a regular series shown each week. The show was called Nada por Aqui - Nothing Here.

After the second week I told my wife, you know what, ‘I really need to do that.’ And I went to a magic shop. I bought my first book and my first Bicycle deck and that’s how I started.

Wow, so you were already married at that point.

Yes, I was 28 years old when I started seriously. Kind of old.

PictureJordi performs at the Montgai street magic festival.
Going back for a second to childhood. You got this magic set, but had you already expressed an interest in magic? What was it about magic that caught your attention? Do you remember the first magician you saw?

The first magician that I saw probably was Juan Tamariz on a TV program called Un, Dos, Tres. It was a weekly show where contestants were trying to win prizes and he was one of the characters that appeared. I don’t remember what the precise trick was that I saw, but of course he was the one that I saw. The second one I remember was a Catalan magician. I’m from Barcelona, from Catalonia, and we had our own Catalan magican called Magic Andreu. He was quite popular in the 80s and the 90s. The set that I received was a magic box from Magic Andreu and he appeared on the VHS tape that came with it. But I think that what hooked me probably is that I couldn’t understand what was going on. I don’t like to see magic as a puzzle, but it was something that was impossible to happen, but it happened. The ability to create something that is impossible and then to do it is what got me. [Story continues]


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Miguel Angel Gea to Lecture Tonight at Tannen's

4/28/2015

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Miguel Angel Gea, the widely-lauded Spanish conjuror, will lecture tonight at Tannen's at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: http://tannensmagic.corecommerce.com/Miguel-Angel-Gea-Lecture.html
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Boris Wild Lecture at Fantasma Magic

4/22/2015

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PictureBoris Wild, during his lecture at Fantasma Magic on April 21. (Photo ©Herb's Magic. May not be used without permission.)
Last night Boris Wild performed an hour-long show at Fantasma Magic, which included his FISM-winning "Kiss" act. The performance was followed by a lecture that explained many of the effects in the act. Wild mentioned that the lecture was an out-of-the-ordinary presentation in recognition of his thirty years in magic. Although he didn't explain his entire FISM act, Wild did teach at length the Kiss Count, which is an integral part of the act and can be used for many other purposes. He also taught such effects and moves as Wild Wild Card, his Open Prediction, the Revelation Pass and his Any Card at Any Birthday effect, which is a very clean version of the classic plot. Wild also revealed that his out-of-print marked decks are currently being reprinted by US Playing Card Company (in the Maiden Back) and he spoke about his "Alien Theory" of magic. Among the notable magicians who attended were David Kaye, Peter Samelson, and Doug Edwards. The event began at around 7 p.m. and although it officially concluded a little past 11 p.m., afterward Wild pulled out one last trick, Show-Off, his version of the Ambitious Card, to perform for the handful of attendees who were finding it hard to leave the store.

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Upcoming New York Area Magic Events

4/19/2015

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Lectures

Boris Wild Performance and Lecture
Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m., 
Fantasma Magic, 421 Seventh Avenue, Third Floor
fantasmamagic.com/proddetail.php?prod=bwlctr

Karl Hein
Friday, May 1, at 8 p.m. 
Presented by the Society of American Magicians, Parent Assembly 1, at 
Fantasma Magic, 421 Seventh Avenue, Third Floor
Free for Parent Assembly 1 members, $25 for non-members
S. A. M. national members who are not members of P. A. 1 may attend for $20
http://sampa1.com

Magic Shows

A Taste of Magic
Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m. 
Docks Restaurant, 633 Third Avenue
May 2, 16, 23 and 30, 
Gossip Bar and Grill, 733 Ninth Avenue
A Taste of Magic includes dinner plus performances of close-up magic before the meal and between courses. For more information: atasteofmagicnyc.com

Chamber Magic, featuring 
Steve Cohen
Fridays at 7 and 9 p.m.; Saturdays at 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
The Waldorf Towers, 100 East 50th Street.
For more information: www.chambermagic.com, or 866-811-4111

Magic at Coney
Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m. featuring Carl Mercurio, Lee Alan Barrett, and King Henry, hosted by Gary Dreifus
Sumday, May 3 at 1 p.m., featuring Rich Kameda and Richard Cohn, hosted by Gary Dreifus
Applebee's Bar & Grill, 1217 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
eventbrite.com/e/magic-at-coney-sunday-matinee-tickets-15469758464?aff=erelexporg


Magic Mania, presented by Rich Marotta
Sunday, April 26, 8:30 p.m., featuring Ben Nemzer and David Levitan
The West End, 955 West End Avenue at 107th Street. 
For information: www.magicmania.net, box office: 800-838-3006

Monday Night Magic
Monday, April 20, at 8 p.m.; featuring Dave Chandler, David Oliver, Chris Capehart (headliner); Master of Ceremonies: Harrison Greenbaum. Intermission close-up performers: Mike Patrick, Boris Wild, Rich Cohn
Monday, April 27, at 8 p.m.; featuring Modern Gypsies, David Schwartz, Jeff Moche (headliner); Master of Ceremonies: David Corsair. Intermission close-up performers: Matias Letelier, Ben Nemzer, Jason Suran
Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html, 718-575-1349

Flashback Friday
Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., featuring Joe Pacheco, Chris Baxter, Professor Magic - Steve Okulewicz, Ziggy Ziegelman, Steve "East Village Magic Man" Konzen and hosts, Frank Reyes and Rene Clement.
Flashback Friday will feature screenings of videos from 20 to 30 years ago showing footage of each magician on the bill. Then the magicians will perform in person the same effects that were shown on video, documenting the evolution of their routines from the past until today.
Musicians Union Building, 322 West 48th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)
Free Admission, a program of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 26.

Parlor of Mystery
The British Are Coming: Magic from Across the Pond
featuring: Darryl Rose, Amanda Eve, and Simon Lane, hosted by Mike Maione
Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m.
South Shore Theatre Experience, 315 West Montauk Highway
Lindenhurst, NY (Long Island)
For tickets and information: southshoretheatre.com
Parlor of Mystery shows are held the fourth Sunday of every month.

Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye
Saturdays through April 25 at 5 p.m.
Then, no shows until May 16
Theatre 80, 80 Saint Mark's Place
http://www.thequantumeye.com

The Magician, featuring Dan White
An intimate evening of magic, mystery, and deception.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Show dates are now listed through May 9th.
Nomad Upstairs, The Nomad Hotel, 1170 Broadway (and 28th Street)
www.thenomadhotel.com/#!/experiences/nomad-upstairs
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David Blaine at The New York Public Library • A Video Excerpt

4/19/2015

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On March 16 David Blaine appeared in The New York Public Library's Live from the NYPL series of talks and interviews. A full report of the evening, including unexpected drama and heroics appeared previously in the Magic in New York blog. In this video excerpt Blaine reflects on his earliest introduction to magic and the magician he'd most like to meet.
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Do the Spirits Return? Spiritualism, Horror, and the Role of the devil in the Work of Howard Thurston

4/10/2015

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The Morbid Anatomy Museum is showcasing a collection of items relating to Howard Thurston in its exhibition Do the Spirits Return?: From Dark Arts to Sleight of Hand in Early 20th Century Stage Magic. The exhibition opens tomorrow and runs through January 5. Do the Spirits Return? focuses on what the museum explains are "the surprising relationships between 19th and early 20th century stage magic and the religion of Spiritualism, the pleasures of horror, the empowerment of women and the role of the devil," as exemplified by Thurston's work. Among the noteworthy items on view are three large stage illusions, including Thurston's sword box, one of his spirit cabinets, and the Luxor Mummy, a talking manifestation of a regal soul that would answer questions from spectators and that was used by Tampa, the magician who headlined one of Thurston's three road companies. There also are numerous photos, posters, and original designs. The materials on view are from the collection of noted Thurston collector Rory Feldman. There also is an opening party tomorrow night that will feature tours of the exhibition by its curators, magic performed by Prakash Peru, a magic videorama curated by Acep Hale, and archival film footage of Howard Thurston's stage shows.

The Morbid Anatomy Museum has created a buzz in Brooklyn recently with exhibitions of items that are unusual or, well, morbid in nature. There is a cabinet of curiosities aspect to the museum's approach, focusing on such oddities as a two-faced cat preserved in taxidermy, a Victorian scrapbook of human hair, and an entire exhibition of artworks relating to mourning culture.

The Magic in New York blog will have more on Do the Spirits? return soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the selection of items from the exhibition in the gallery below. The Museum of Morbid Anatomy is located at 424 Third Avenue at 7th Street in Brooklyn. Hours and admission information is available at: http://morbidanatomymuseum.org. Tickets for the opening party can be purchased at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1437631

Items from the Exhibition Do the Spirits Return? at the Morbid Anatomy Museum, from the Collection of Rory Feldman
(Click image for full view).
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Upcoming New York Area Magic Events

4/4/2015

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Lecture

Boris Wild Performance and Lecture
Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m., 
Fantasma Magic, 421 Seventh Avenue, Third Floor
fantasmamagic.com/proddetail.php?prod=bwlctr

Magic Shows

A Taste of Magic
Saturdays, April 4, April 11, and April 25 at 8 p.m. 
Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue (50th Street)
A Taste of Magic includes dinner plus performances of close-up magic before the meal and between courses. For more information: atasteofmagicnyc.com

Chamber Magic, featuring 
Steve Cohen
Fridays at 7 and 9 p.m.; Saturdays at 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
The Waldorf Towers, 100 East 50th Street.
For more information: www.chambermagic.com, or 866-811-4111.

Magic Mania, presented by Rich Marotta
Sunday, April 5, 8:30 p.m., featuring T. J. Tana and Don Swekoski
Sunday, April 12, 8:30 p.m., featuring Joe Howard, Bob Riordan, Jon Stetson
Sunday, April 19, 8:30 p.m., featuring Harrison Greenbaum, Marcus Monroe, Magic Brian
The West End, 955 West End Avenue at 107th Street. 
For information: www.magicmania.net, box office: 800-838-3006

Monday Night Magic
Monday, April 6, at 8 p.m.; featuring David Corsaro, Throwdini, Michael Chaut (headliner); Master of Ceremonies: Harrison Greenbaum. Intermission close-up performers: Matias Letelier, Noah Levine, Mike Patrick
Monday, April 13, at 8 p.m.; featuring Leland Faulkner, Ben Nemzer, Jon Stetson (headliner); Master of Ceremonies: David Corsaro. Intermission close-up performers: Bob Riordan, Joe Howard
Monday, April 20, at 8 p.m.; featuring Dave Chandler, David Oliver, Chris Capehart (headliner); Master of Ceremonies: Harrison Greenbaum. Intermission close-up performers: Mike Patrick, Boris Wild, Rich Cohn
Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html, 718-575-1349

Parlor of Mystery
The British Are Coming: Magic from Across the Pond
featuring: Darryl Rose, Amanda Eve, and Simon Lane, hosted by Mike Maione
Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m.
South Shore Theatre Experience, 315 West Montauk Highway
Lindenhurst, NY (Long Island)
For tickets and information: southshoretheatre.com
Parlor of Mystery shows are held the fourth Sunday of every month.

Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye
Saturdays through April 25 at 5 p.m.
Then, no shows until May 16
Theatre 80, 80 Saint Mark's Place
http://www.thequantumeye.com

The Magician, featuring Dan White
An intimate evening of magic, mystery, and deception.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Show dates are now listed through May 9th.
Nomad Upstairs, The Nomad Hotel, 1170 Broadway (and 28th Street)
www.thenomadhotel.com/#!/experiences/nomad-upstairs

Got a show? Please send info to: herb@herbsmagic.com
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Jimmy, We Hardly New Ya

4/2/2015

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Picture
Jimmy Ichihana entertaining at A Taste of Magic. Photo: ©2015 Herb's Magic, may not be used without permission.
For out of print magic books and more: herbsmagic.com

​Jimmy Ichihana blew into town last August and quickly became an active member of the New York magic scene. With proficient card skills and an upbeat and helpful attitude Jimmy made a strong impression at the weekly Saturday gathering at Cafe Rustico and in the Magnets group that meets on Monday nights. He also became a regular performer at the "Taste of Magic" close-up show which is held in a variety of New York restaurants. But the winds of fate and circumstance have blown again and Jimmy is about to leave New York to relocate to Melbourne, Florida.

"When he performed his audition for Taste of Magic, we were all floored," said Kent Axell, the show's Director. "The magic community rarely sees such an unusual combination of skill and modesty. There’s an overwhelming sense of charm and talent with Jimmy. There's a certain "it" factor, and the best part is it doesn’t even feel like he knows it. You get this wonderful and refreshing sense that the star performing for you has no idea how talented he is."

Growing up in Herkimer, New York Jimmy became interested in magic during childhood and at age 13 convinced his parents to send him to Tannen's magic camp. He was enthusiastic but not yet as thoroughly outfitted as some of his fellow campers. "I arrived with one or two decks of cards, but my roommate rolled in with doves and a rabbit," he remembered. Yet Jimmy credits the camp with introducing him to "the real world of magic." [Story Continues]
PictureJimmy Ichihana. Photo: ©2015 Herb's Magic, may not be used without permission.
Jimmy graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and it was during his college years that he first encountered Juan Tamariz, when he travelled with a friend to a national Canadian magic convention. "Seeing him live is an absolute must," he commented. "When you see him live you remember the effect, you remember the sensation, but you don't remember him touching the deck. It was the best thing we'd ever seen."

Prior to moving to New York, Jimmy followed his passion to Madrid where he spent the year working as a teacher, primarily so he could have exposure to the Spanish magic scene. Although he knew no one from the Spanish magic community before moving there, he launched himself right into it on his second night in town when he found his way to a show at Woody Aragon's Teatro Encantado, featuring a performance that night by Aragon, Gabi Pareras, and Kiko Pastur. From meeting fellow magicians at that event he was able to find his way to the Monday night meetings of the SEI, the Spanish magic society. 

"Every Monday night we'd meet in that club for two to two-and-a-half hours and then ten to fifteen people would all go out to dinner talking about magic until two in the morning. I could do a trick with the Ascanio spread and all of a sudden people are showing me nine different variations. It's all taken so seriously there. Nothing about magic is trivial in their eyes."

According to Jimmy magic plays a more significant role in the popular culture there than it does in the United States. "Seeing Juan Tamariz in a sold out 2,000 seat theatre is unlike anything else. He's doing card magic and he's a rock star. Woody Aragon will perform an hour-and-a-half show of all card magic to a theatre of primarily lay people and the show will end with a standing ovation."

Not surprisingly Jimmy's own repertoire includes effects by the Spanish card magicians, like Woody Aragon's Any Card at Any Number, and Dani DaOrtiz's ace cutting sequence. He also performs his own variations of tricks by David Acker, Chris Mayhew, and John Bannon, to name a few.

In New York Jimmy would often session with other magicians and in his short time on the scene helped many of them advance with their card magic. "I always feel that no matter who Jimmy is talking to, he is prepared to learn something from them," said Kent Axell. "He’s prepared to teach them things, but there never seems to be that power dynamic of teacher and student with Jimmy. It always feels like two peers sharing even if he’s the one really doing all the sharing."

Jimmy's next steps in magic remain to be seen, although he is currently investigating performance opportunities in the Orlando area. "He’s going to go spread his happiness in magic elsewhere and that’s ok," said Axell. "We’re sad to see him go on both a professional and social basis, but
we wish him well in all of his projects, and he’ll always have a home with us here in New York."


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Alec Baldwin Interviews David Blaine

4/2/2015

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On the latest episode of his podcast Here's the Thing, Alec Baldwin speaks with magician David Blaine. Although Blaine recounts some stories that are by now undoubtedly familiar to his followers, there are some interesting and charming moments here, most of all when Blaine plays a recording of his daughter, who it seems, may have inherited the family trade. Blaine also talks about the magic hangout scene in the back of Reuben's Deli and mentions the influence of Tannen's Magic Camp. It's definitely worth a listen.
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