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Alan Greenberg, Local Magic Figure and Noted Wall Street Executive, Has Died

7/25/2014

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Alan Greenberg, who was an active member of New York's magic community as well as one of Wall Street's most successful and influential executives died today at age 86. Greenberg had suffered from pancreatic cancer.

For decades, and until very recently, Greenberg was a regular participant in the long-running Saturday afternoon magic sessions which have been held over the years in various midtown restaurants. He also was a member of the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians and he periodically organized his own magic get-togethers at his Fifth Avenue apartment, which were attended by a select group comprising such magicians as Bill Kalush, David Blaine, Steve Cohen, Eric DeCamps, David Roth, and others. 

Although his success in business afforded him access to the ranks of upper echelon society, Greenberg often spent his spare time with the cops, teachers, doctors, lawyers, teenagers, and others who comprised local magic circles. “I’ve never liked a hobby where the guy with the most money wins," Greenberg was quoted as saying in a 2006 Forbes magazine article about his interest in magic. "And magic, believe me, is a very inexpensive hobby.”

"I'm really sorry to hear this news," said Steve Cohen in an entry he posted online at the Genii Forum.  "Ace was very supportive of me, coming to one of my very first public shows in New York. He helped introduce me to many of his pals who later became clients." Cohen first joined New York magic circles as a teenager and now stars each weekend in Chamber Magic, which he performs at the Waldorf Astoria.

Greenberg became intrigued by magic at age nine after seeing Harry Blackstone, Sr. perform in Oklahoma City, Greenberg's hometown. After moving to New York in 1949, Greenberg became part of the local scene. He studied magic with Slydini, developed original effects which were published in the magic magazine Apocalypse, and, with Richard Kaufman, formed Kaufman and Greenberg, which published a series of influential magic books.

In his professional life Greenberg was instrumental in guiding the growth of Bear Stearns, the Wall Street investment company where he eventually served as Chief Executive and Chairman. In 2008 the company was absorbed by JPMorgan Chase after Bear Stearns lost a large percentage of its value in the tumultuous financial decline related to the subprime mortgage crisis.

In addition to his success on Wall Street, Greenberg supported numerous nonprofit organizations. He was a board member of The New York Public Library and the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation and supported the United Jewish Appeal. As nearly every article about him seemed to mention, he also donated $1 million to the Hospital for Special Surgery to provide Viagra to men who otherwise couldn't afford it. Greenberg regularly brought together groups of magicians to entertain at-risk children and teenagers who were participating in programs at Phoenix House, Covenant House and Daytop Village.

"In my view Alan is an example of what we should all strive to be," said Gerald Deutsch, a longtime friend of Greenberg's who met him as a fellow member of the local magic community. "I’m a very ardent admirer of Alan’s not so much because of his interest in magic nor even because of his accomplishments on Wall Street, but primarily because of his generosity as expressed by his support with so many charitable causes.

According to The New York Times, Greenberg is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his children Ted Greenberg and Lynne Koeppel; a sister, DiAnne Hirsch; a brother, Maynard; and five grandchildren.

Greenberg's funeral will be held Tuesday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Emanuel, 1 East 65th Street.

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David Blaine Entertains at Microsoft Intern Event

7/22/2014

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On Wednesday night David Blaine entertained at the "Microsoft Intern Signature Event," which was held at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Evidently working as an intern at Microsoft is a good gig since the interns were invited to the private performance by Blaine, which included access to the fair, and received a gift bag with an X-box and a custom deck of David Blaine playing cards. 

The large-scale live performances are a new direction for the magician, who gained his fame through TV appearances, primarily focusing on close-up magic. Blaine is set to bring his Real or Magic show to venues in Dubai and Asia in late August and early-to-mid September. 

David Blaine is awesome. Private show at the Microsoft Intern Signature Event! pic.twitter.com/XLJapndubr

— Scott Brothers (@sdbro11) July 17, 2014
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David Blaine to Appear in Live Performances in Asia and Dubai

7/15/2014

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David Blaine has scheduled a series of live performances during August and September in Asia and the Middle East. The live shows are titled David Blaine: Real or Magic, reflecting the same theme as the magician's recent ABC-TV special. The web site for the performances in Asia claims that Blaine "blurs the lines between the reality and illusion and leaves people wondering whether they saw real superhuman feats or whether it was an illusion." Promotional materials in Dubai say that "each full-length show will feature life-threatening feats, with a death defying grand finale." Performances in Abu Dhabi, Dubai are scheduled for August 21 through 23 at the Emirates Palace hotel. The appearances in Asia are part of a three-city tour to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (September 5), Singapore (September 8) and Manila, the Philippines (September 12). 

Blaine's fame as a magician was achieved through high-profile TV specials, starting with Street Magic in 1997. Despite recognition as one of the world's most popular magicians, he has rarely given live performances in a seated venue. Blaine did however, previously perform an evening-length show at the University of Buffalo in April. In that appearance he performed a series of effects while submerged in a tank of water, evidently holding his breath during the 10 minute routine which included producing a live eel from his mouth, juggling, and smoking a cigar. After emerging from underwater Blaine delivered anecdotes about his development as a magician, and performed card magic and other tricks including effects from his recent special such as puncturing his hand with an ice pick. Some of the effects from the underwater portion of the show have also been performed for audiences at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey and Dallas's Winspear Opera House.


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Interview With Eric DeCamps from Tannen's Magic Camp

7/14/2014

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During his week as a counselor at Tannen's Magic Camp, Daniel Green Wolf is recording episodes of his Gingerosity Podcast. He kicked of the series with an interview of Eric DeCamps. Eric, a longstanding member of the New York magic community, is an award-winning magician who also serves as North Atlantic Regional Vice-President for the Society of American Magicians. In the wide-ranging interview DeCamps talks about his experiences in magic competitions, his relationship with Rene Levand, the Aregentinian magician who was one of his primary inspirations in magic, and ventriloquism! The hour-long interview can be heard through the following link.
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Saved by Magic: A Community of Conjurors in Queens

7/9/2014

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Among the intersecting circles that make up New York's magic scene is the one encompassing Rogue's magic shop in Elmhurst, Queens. Rogue has been featured here recently for his appearance on America's Got Talent, but this nicely produced short documentary focuses on the role he has played in pulling together a community of magicians, some of whom very much needed the support and direction that they found in his shop.
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RicKy Jay Interview Available for Online Listening • Additional Tickets Released for CongresS of Wonders

7/7/2014

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On April 2, 2014, Ricky Jay participated in an hour and a half interview at The New York Public Library. (The interview can be heard through the link below.) After a somewhat off-kilter start in which Jay expressed considerable discomfort at being introduced as "the greatest magician in the world," he and the Library's Paul Holdengraber settled into an in-depth conversation that covered many aspects of Jay's career and his views about magic. The setting of the talk in the Library led to a discussion about intriguing books from its collections, some of which were displayed, including a limited edition book with magical features that Jay created. 

During the interview Jay also spoke about his upcoming Congress of Wonders, an event which will be held this coming weekend, July 11 to 14, in Rhinebeck, New York and will feature presentations about magic and deception. Jay will present a performance and appear in talks over the three days of the event. Magicians Michael Weber and Steve Cuiffo, lighting designer Jules Fisher, Psychology professor Gary Marcus, and filmmakers Jesse Dylan, Molly Bernstein, and Alan Edelstein will also be featured.

A limited number of additional tickets to the Congress of Wonders were released yesterday. Click here for more information.

Ricky Jay Interview 
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Upcoming Magic Shows

7/7/2014

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Chamber Magic, featuring Steve Cohen, Saturday, July 11, 7 and 9 p.m.; July 12, 2, 7, and 9 p.m. The Waldorf Astoria, chambermagic.com

Magic at Coney, Sunday, July 13, 1 p.m., this week featuring Lee Allen Barrett, Captain Faust, Dr, Denitram, The Amazing Tarquin, hosted by Gary Dreifus. At Peggy O'Neill's, 1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. For information: 718-449-3200 or www.peggyoneillsny.com

Monday Night Magic, Monday, July 7, 8 p.m.; this week featuring R, J. Lewis; Marcus Monroe, and Peter Samelson (headliner); Master of Ceremonies: Harrison Greenbaum; intermission closeup magic by Joe Maxwell and Ben Nemzer. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html

Rogue Magic Bar, Grand Reopening Celebration. Friday, July 11, 8 p.m., Freaky Friday with performances by Rogue, The Mixens, and Robin Channing; Sunday, July 13, 3 p.m. Sunday Matinee featuring performances by Rogue, and father and son magicians Bruce and Nathaniel Robinson. Freaky Fridays is an edgy show for adults. The Sunday Matinee is for all ages. Located in Rego Park, Queens. For information: 917-520-5564. 
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Fund to Support Simon Lovell's Recovery Breaks Its $6,000 Goal

7/3/2014

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Randy Wakeman created a page on the online "gofundme" site to raise money to support magician Simon Lovell, who is returning to Great Britain to receive needed medical care. Within two days the $6,000 goal of the fundraising effort was met, although contributions are still being accepted, all of which will be directed to Lovell's father, Tony Lovell, who will be overseeing the care of his son. More details about Lovell's condition, the fundraising campaign, and his move to Great Britain can be found at the "gofundme" page for the Simon Lovell Farewell Medical Fund.
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Cast Members from "The Illusionists" Appear on Good Morning America Tomorrow

7/1/2014

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Three cast members from The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible will appear on Good Morning America tomorrow to promote the run of the show on Broadway. The show's New York stint, which was officially announced today, will run from November 26 through January 4, prior to a United States tour. Magicians Kevin James, Dan Sperry, and Adam Trent will appear on the ABC morning program. The other cast members of The Illusionists on Broadway are Yu Ho-Jin, Jeff Hobson, Andrew Andrew Basso, and Aaron Crow all of whom have appeared in previous versions of the production. Good Morning America is broadcast in New York on WABC, Channel 7, and The Illusionists segment is expected to appear between 7:30 and 9 a.m.
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