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Magic Calendar of Events (National Events)

Last Updated: September 4, 2008

Breaking News!

The T.A.O.M. convention is in the history books. If you missed this year’s convention then you missed a really good one. I would rate it a 7 out of 10 with lots of variety with a tip of the hat to the past and a view to the future. What better way to lead in to the T.A.O.M. 2009 convention in Houston. We can now announce the new website that is up and running at www.TAOM2009.com Be sure to visit there often to see who is being added to the talent roster and read updates on other exciting things going on. We had a great kickoff with pre-registrations nearing 150 people!

I want to take a moment to remember one of magic's truly great masters, Roger Klause. Certainly the words "master magician" and "legend" are frequently thrown about when referring to many people who might questionably deserve such a title. But there is no doubt when it comes to using those terms when referring to Roger. He has done so much for so many for so many years that only the internet may be able to contain the words. I know that there will be many blogs and online tributes to the greatness of this gentleman and my few humble words will but be a grain of sand in the beautiful sandcastle that will be built for Roger Klause.

The news came as a real shock when news ran through the T.A.O.M. convention on Saturday morning. His good friend, Lance Pierce, sent text messages to a few friends who quickly spread the news. And indeed the sad news spread to the rest of the convention registrants within a short time. We knew that he was in poor health and would not be attending his beloved convention where his "Midnight Madness" was always a fixture and a highlight. We knew that he was getting worse so I guess it shouldn't have come as such a surprise, but still... It is like waiting for the phone to ring and when it does, you're startled even though you know it was going to ring. You just didn't know when it would ring.

An announcement of Roger's death was made prior to the evening show on Saturday and following a moment of silence, spontaneous singing broke out with a heartfelt chorus of "Amazing Grace" by the assembled group of 500 led by Lisa Menna. During the "Midnight Madness" on Sunday night, Ron Wilson (from Wichita Falls, TX) hosted the event and said he had been in contact with Roger prior to the convention. His hope was to have Roger provide a taped introduction to some of the performers who would be on the bill that night. But alas, Ron told us that Roger's health deteriorated so quickly that it was impossible for him to even speak. Following some incredible magic by some great performers (from Scott Hollingsworth to David McGee to Tim Conover and others), Ron showed us a video mélange of photos taken of Roger down through the years with many of us who were close to him. It was a fitting tribute and a good way to end a late, late night session. And indeed it was fitting that Roger died this past weekend when so many of his friends could mourn on each other's shoulders and exchange their favorite stories of this "master magician". Click Here to read Roger's obituary from the Amarillo Globe News. Aloha, Roger my friend. I'll see you down the road.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of long time member, Russ McGee from our roster of magicians. As many of you know, it Russ’s ill health has been reported here over the past year or so. He succumbed on Monday August 25th. A memorial mass for Russ McGee was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in La Porte on Thursday August 28. A "Broken Wand" ceremony by close friend Trixie Bond, a eulogy by best friend Herman Willie and other short remembrances were given at a reception at the church following the mass. We are all lucky to have known this wonderful, gentle man.

John "Ca$h" Carpenter presented a 55 minute, full-scale magic show entitled "The Magical Realm of Edon" that ran from August 7-9. This was a truly magical show and it is a shame that too few people actually attended the production. For a complete review of the show including photos, please Click Here to visit the I.B.M. web portal. Don’t miss his next production which will be Death and Harry Houdini on October 16-19. For further details, please call 281-765-7963.

Daniel Garcia broke his heel while shooting some promo photos with David Blaine at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX. Doctors told him to keep weight off his foot for the next couple months, but he still attended the T.A.O.M. in Ft. Worth over Labor Day weekend and he plans to be at the David Blaine live TV show later in September. We all wish Danny a speedy recovery. Give Danny a call or drop him a line when you can.

Scott & Kathy Wells are performing their comedy magic act at the Magic Island during the month of September with a one week hiatus for another engagement during which time Michael & Jessica will fill in on September 18-20. Discount coupons available at www.scottwells.com/coupon.pdf Scott & Kathy will continue their engagement through October 5^th with the one week off mentioned above. Scott Hollingsworth and Jay Schwaush are the house close-up and mentalist performers, respectively. Remember that the Island is open to the public every Friday and Saturday nights and some Thursdays but reservations are required by calling 713-52-MAGIC (or 713-526-2442).

If you are looking for old stories, please click on the Archives link in the frame to the left.

Be sure to check out www.Magician.org for weekly updates by Scott Wells on the Houston Magic Scene.

Lecture News is the Breaking News!

1. Dal Sanders – September 9, 2008

2. Kostya Kimlat – October 14, 2008

3. Reed McClintock – October 28, 2008 (TENTATIVE)

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Lecture Information – additional information on HoustonMagic page

Who: Dal Sanders will be the second in the H.A.O.M. Lecture Series – IATSE Meeting Hall, 3030 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77009-3201

When: September 9, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Who: Kostya Kimlat will be the third in the H.A.O.M. Lecture Series – IATSE Meeting Hall, 3030 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77009-3201

When: October 14, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Who: Reed McClintock will be the fourth in the next H.A.O.M. Lecture Series – IATSE Meeting Hall, 3030 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77009-3201

When: October 28, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. TENTATIVE

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Magic Calendar of Events

Please note: The things listed below are just a few items of interest to local magicians. Let me know if there is something you think we should list. We believe that the information presented below is correct. Changes may have occurred. Always check with the host before making definite plans. THANK YOU.

September 4-7, 2008 – T.A.O.M. Convention in Houston, TX. See www.TAOM2008.com for the most up to date details.

July 1 – 4, 2009 – I.B.M. Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The next big I.B.M. event will take place over Independence Day weekend in 2009. The combined I.B.M. / S.A.M. event was great in 1008 but Terry Richison, the new Convention Chairman, promises great new things for this event.

July 15 – 18, 2009 –S.A.M. Convention in Buffalo, New York. The next big S.A.M. event will take place shortly after the I.B.M. convention. Be sure to sign up now!

Last revised: September 4, 2008