Magic News Network

A Decade of Class: Lance Burton - Master Magician

Lance Burton and his mom celebrated his tenth anniversary of great magic at The Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino this week.

Lance Burton is not only The Man, he is The Man with three years left on his 13 year contract.

That's a long time for anyone to hold a job much less someone who is holding a job plus decks of cards in preparation for flawless Split-Fans.

The Las Vegas Review Journal's Mike Weatherford believes Mr. Burton "seems more and more the classic magician." 

Mr. Burton's new act shows he's not waning or wilting but growing in depth and quality.  The new opening includes an "homage to past greats."

He's Hip-Hopping and Great: Elliot Zimet

We think it was now-obscure philosopher, Moki Vanderwallenjag who observed, "When I want, I can easily need." This quote is typical of Prof. Vanderwallenjag and probably why there is only a single plaque to celebrate his contribution to Harvard's then-burgeoning College of Philosophy. 

But in surfing the net to find the very best in Magic news for our readers, we found evidence of Prof. V's theory. As deadline approaches, our "wants" convert to "needs." We no longer would enjoy finding a clever story to fill the gaping hole that currently exists on page one of our five web sites and occasionally daily newsletter. 

We also find truth in Prof. V's saying, "Man will adjust his desires to the available stock but not because he does not want more, but because he is willing to trade satisfaction for convenience."

Actually, we were looking for a much better quote to start this article, but Prof. V's nugget will suffice. 

We're running out of time.

Magic in Winter - Bounce in Summer

The Detroit News has an absolutely fascinating look at the business side of magic and the life of those who would forego the corporate world to pursue their dream.

Bruce Pandoff of St. Clair Shores, Michigan is a magician at heart but he knows he needs to make hay whilst the sun shines. 

Summers in Michigan are greatly anticipated, excitedly enjoyed, and far too short. 

During the summer months, Mr. Pandoff works festivals and fairs providing inflatable bounce-walks, climbing walls, and even an inflatable sinking Titanic. 

Mr. Pandoff's Fun-O-Rama Amusement Rentals provides fun equipment and facilitates games and carnival food.

Terry Richison & Jadoo Impress

The Pulitzer Prize Winning St. Louis Post-Dispatch features Jadoo (a/k/a Josh Routh) for not his magic but also the incredible crowd reaction to his brand of magic and comedy at an International Brotherhood of Magicians' contest in the St. Louis area.

Jadoo pulled and pulled on the endless magic rope coming out of his jacket sleeve. Searching, he found the other end coming out of his pant leg. Tugging more, he finally pulled the whole rope out - along with his boxer shorts.

The crowd at the West County YMCA erupted, especially the children. It was a moment magicians live for.

Jadoo told reporters it is not about winning a particular contest, they find the greatest satisfaction in the audience reaction. "It's about making people gasp in amazement or burst into laughter. It's about making them wonder, 'How in the world did he do that?'  and leaving them sitting there with their mouths open.

Prof Shankar Suffers Heart Attack During Show

The New Kerala News reports magician Shankar suffered what has been described as a "massive" heart attack during a performance on June 24th (Saturday). 
He was taken from the performance area to the district hospital where his condition was listed as "serious."  The 56 year-old magician was in Hamirpur for two weeks of shows. 
Shankar has been moved into the Intensive Care Unit. 
We will keep you apprised of his developments. 

The Bullet Trick to be Published in July

The Sunday Times features Louise Welsh and her newest suspense novel, The Bullet Trick .

There is a certain fascination for magic generally, and for magic of a death-defying ilk specifically.

We can't wait for it to come out.

This is Ms. Welsh's second novel and she already has quite a track record.  Her first outing, The Cutting Room, also dealt with the public's prurient interest.  There she chronicled an auctioneer who stumbles upon a collection of pornography and the riches to be made by entering the world of the obscene. 

In The Bullet Trick, Ms. Welsh describes with similar "tone, mood and macabre intent" the story of magician William Wilson who leaves London after "becoming embroiled in a moment of horror and moves to Berlin, where he is drawn into the murky gloom of the city's burlesque nightlife."

Sounds like a happy, feel-good tale of fun-loving magicians traveling the globe.

But it's not.

Magic in the Breeze & Sun: Marty Hahne's Tips

Brenda Hahne

Marty and Brenda Hahne are the owners and prime movers behind the wonderful Dazzling Magic. Marty has kindly allowed us to republish some of his columns here on Inside Magic. In Michigan, where we are based, this is actually time for outdoor magic shows; so his advice is timely.

Do yourself a favor and visit Dazzling Magic. See how how two people who truly care about magic, demonstrate their dedication with style and originality.

If you'd like to contribute a column or article to Inside Magic, drop us a line. We're always looking for thoughtful insights or the latest news. Send your story or column to tim@insidemagic.com .

How Not to Vanish a Plane

The Electric New Paper reminds us why we need to be obsessive about practice and watching your angles. 

You can practice a trick for days in front of your bathroom mirror. You can even fool yourself.  But unless you account for audience members sitting to the side or behind, you may be the only one who sees the trick as you intended.

Magician Wang Qimo is called "The David Copperfield of China." 

Magician Tommy Moss Helps Storm-Tossed Ship

Tommy Moss, his wife and mother-in-law were enjoying their time at sea aboard the cruise ship Legend of the Seas.  He and the other passengers were looking forward to the upcoming ports and excursions on land.  Unfortunately, rough weather changed plans.

The ship was smacked by "a huge wave."  The resulting flooding ran into passengers' cabins and the very rough seas essentially stranded the ship.  It would have been impossible to try to dock in Guernsey, Portugal or France. 

Houdini in Verse - Anatomy of Keys

Patrick Watson knows Houdini and loves the new book of poetry inspired by the great magician.  This morning's Toronto Globe & Mail features Patrick Watson's glowing review of The Anatomy of Keys by Steven Price. 

The new work is inspired by the life and career of Harry Houdini but is different from many of the other literary efforts similarly inspired. 

"And now a young B.C. poet, Steven Price, has imaginatively recounted that life in a gripping volume that travels through a mind stricken by his parents' deaths to the point where the idea of escape becomes the driving image: the pilgrimage, the grail. It is a psyche that is always a part of a body, and a body always part of its own ending."