 |
|
|
|
|
|
OUR FIRST YEAR
The first Daytona Festival of Magic was held on September 14 - 16, 2001. If you attended, you probably had enjoyment for the first time in one of the most horrific weeks our country ever endured. After the 9-11 bombing in New York and Washington, Harry and I contemplated calling everyone and canceling the Convention. The airlines weren't flying and people were calling and asking if the Convention was still on. We knew that some of our performers would not be able to make it. We wondered if our attendees would be in the mood to be entertained and attend a fun filled event. If this wasn't enough, we also had a tropical storm headed our way. On 9-11 my son was in a forward deployed special-operations unit of the USMC. I didn't even know if I was in the mood to run a Magic Convention.
Harry and I talked it over and decided that if we cancel the event, we are giving in to terrorism. Thinking of all the entertainers that performed, even though they personally were ill, or in agony, because of a tragedy in their lives, we concluded that "the show must go on." Lose money or make money, the first Daytona Festival of Magic was going to proceed. We started to make calls, we realized that there was probably not enough time for us to arrange for our west coast performers to get here so we released them from any contractual obligation. We managed to get Harry Lorayne, who lived only a few blocks from the World Trade Center, in New York City, on a train. Because he is no spring chicken (sorry Harry) we knew that we had to get him a sleeper car or he would not have been in any shape to do a stage performance and two lectures. This was accomplished. We also knew that we had to cover acts that could not make it here due to no airlines flying.
Harry and I can't thank enough the people who filled in at the last minute to cover the acts of the people who could not come. We also want to thank everyone who braved the storm, both the tropical one and the emotional one and attended our Convention. It is interesting to note that we only had about thirty cancellations and managed to still almost sell out the theater on Saturday night.
The following people performed at the 2001 convention.
OUR SECOND YEAR
The second Daytona Festival of Magic was held on October 25 - 27, 2002. Two of the performers that had to cancel last year were scheduled to perform at this convention, Michael Finney, with all his craziness and Mehdi Talbi from Canada, to do his fire act. Michael Finney's performance was the funniest I have ever seen him. Mehdi Talbi got stuck in Canada. The joke of the convention was, "Don't hire him next year and he will show up!" We were very happy to welcome Michael Ammar and his family to both our convention and our great State of Florida.
Both of Ammar's private teach-ins were sold out. He gave everyone their monies worth at the teach-ins and his regular lecture. The man is amazing. The Friday night Cabaret and Banquet show was a big hit. Dan Garret is definitely one of the funniest Master of Ceremonies I have ever seen. To do magic for magicians using comedy has to be one of the most difficult things to do. I cringed as Dan took out a Pom-Pom Stick to perform at one of the interludes between acts. I thought this is too basic, but WOW! I was surprised. As he pulled on one ball, the other did not do what was expected by every magician in the house. I'm not going to tell you any more about it in case you have never seen this funny routine.
We added this year a stage contest for both kids and adults. There were trophies and $1000 in gift certificates awarded to Daytona Magic. Every kid that entered also got a $20.00 Gift certificate, just for entering. We ended up with 230 attendees and once again almost sold out the public show on Saturday night.
The following people performed at the 2002 convention.
OUR THIRD YEAR
Wow! What a convention. The excitement of the conventioneers was felt from the minute they arrived at the beautiful Daytona Beach Resort Hotel. Attendees were greeted at registration with many gifts and giveaways courtesy of several Daytona Beach Merchants. The convention kicked off with an informative lecture on the business end of Magic by Melody Muñoz, wife of the versatile entertainer Oscar Muñoz. Attendees also had to opportunity to get a first look at some of the premier dealers from around the country who attended the convention. Among these dealers was Tannen's, Sorcery, Sasco, Balloons & Clowns, Magic & Mischief, Daytona Magic and of course our entertainers who featured their signature merchandise.
One of the highlights of this year's convention was the Friday Night Cabaret Dinner Show. As a special treat to the conventioneers, we substituted the Hotel's chicken dinner with a New York Deli Bash. Upon arriving in the banquet hall, guests enjoyed a factious meet-n-greet while enjoying cocktails and gourmet Horderves. The Horderves featured classic New York munchies including knishes, potato pancakes and pigs-in-a-blanket. With everyone's pallet tempted and teased, the catering staff wheeled out trays overflowing with real New York cold cuts, including turkey, smoked turkey, pastrami, salami and corned beef. All of this at no additional cost to the attendees!! After everyone had their fill of delicious food, it was time to serve up the laughs with the Friday Night Show.
The show was held in the same hall as the banquet courtesy of our All-Star technical team led by our good friend Art Thomas, who in less than a day set up a full sized stage complete with state of the art sound and lighting. What these guys do is truly magic. The show started with David Acer as our MC who delighted us with his innovated comedy magic. Daryl astounded us with his magic, especially his knot of Pakistan. Jeff Lovit, a retired policeman and juggler extraordinaire delighted us with his juggling antics including a black light exhibition that was super. David did the traditional MC spot which included a cups and balls routine with garbage cans that was hilarious. Oscar Muñoz closed the show with a complete 45 minute act along with his famous sidekick Pepé.
Was it time to retire in our Convention Center Hotel, maybe take a dip in one of the three pools or a walk on the beach?... Not if you love magic! Still to come were a magic teach in with Daryl and a Midnight Lecture with the Great Scott.
Saturday morning was jammed packed with exciting events. The conventioneers had their choice of attending the Stage Competition, perusing the dealer's room or attending a lecture by Daryl. The quality of performers at the stage contest was outstanding. The adult contest was won by Sterling Steal. Second place was John Ashlee and third place by William Greene. The Junior Contest was won by Aaron Solomon. Coming in second was C. J. Lerman and third John Cason. All received trophies and gift certificates from Daytona Magic, (Adults $300, $200, $100 - Kids $250, $100, $50). It was an exciting morning. Sterling Steal's performance was so dynamic that he was asked to repeat his act on the evening show.
After breaking to get some lunch, the close-up show began. Oscar Muñoz, Scott Francis, Daryl and David Acer rotated amongst three rooms to do their close-up performance. By being in three rooms everyone got to watch up close and TV's were not needed. After the professionals did their performances we had a Close-Up Contest. Michael Bairefoot took first place, Nick Parlin second and Dana Hill third. Trophies and gift certificates equal to the stage contest were given as prizes. Two more lectures, one on strolling magic by Dave Hill and one on Comedy Magic by Oscar Muñoz rounded out the afternoon. We broke for dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants that were walking distances from the hotel or had some lighter fare at the hotel and strolled the beach at dusk.
Our Gala Evening Show was held at Seabreeze High School two blocks away. Seabreeze is the designated High School for the Performing Arts in Volusia County and has a state of the art 700 seat auditorium. Our first surprise for our audience was a USMC color guard. We invited many servicemen and servicewomen who were either coming from, or going to, the war against terrorism, to enjoy an evening of magic and fun with their families . We gave them the best seats in the house and they deserved them. A little Schtick from Harry Allen, a welcome by Jack Cook and the awards given by Daryl were next in the line-up.
Our master of ceremonies, The Great Scott was side-splitting. His Straight jacket routine was uproarious. What a show we had, Dan Sperry did the most fantastic dove act I have seen in many, many, many years. Our first standing ovation of the night. This young man is going to be as famous as Lance Burton some day. Not only is he a great performer, but he has the demeanor of a polite caring person who is a credit to our profession. Tony Chapek's brand of magic stands alone. You can see his act over and over again and it is flawless. Talk about perfect timing!!! No surprise that his act earned him a full house standing ovation.
Intermission followed and then a sound technician came out and began to set up the microphones for the second act. He sang a few bars, got a little applause and caught it from his boss. Wait! the boss joined in the antics and before you could get back in your seat, two other stage crew members were fooling around on the stage. The next thing you know, we had a quartet. They sang for twenty minutes in perfect harmony. They were the professional group, Return to Zero who entertains for Disney and other Orlando Theme Parks. Now the crème de la crème of comedy magic. Kohl and Company did their full 45 minute act, a performance that left people in tears with laughter and standing in an ovation at the end of the show.
Back to the hotel for some dealing and a late night lecture by David Acer. I was told by the Hotel staff that people were performing in the lobby until 4 AM. Man I wish I was young!
Yogi Berea said, "It ain't over until the fat lady sings." Well, it ain't over at a Daytona Festival until you attend the Sunday lectures and visit the dealers for some last minute bargains. Lectures by Harry Allen, Daryl and Dan Sperry rounded out the convention. Everyone seemed to have a great time.
The following people performed at the 2003 convention.
OUR FOURTH YEAR
Our convention was held the weekend after the National Election. I think it was the most divisive election ever. Whether your a Republican, Democrat or Independent the time has come to put parasitism aside and support our President George W. Bush. In these troubled times we have to all stick together. As magicians and performers we know the power of getting along and helping one another. Let's hope our country will come together, win the war in Iraq and continue to lead the free world in freedom justice for all.
The Convention was fantastic!!! Most conventions start off slow and build by the middle of the second day. The Daytona Beach Festival of Magic started off with a bang! Shortly after registration opened, David Ginn, the king of kid's magicians did his lecture aimed at the children's performer. He gave everyone all the time needed to answer those difficult questions on how to handle the kid's show. Of course the dealers room was open and many took advantage of early specials many of our dealers offered.
Jeff McBride, the quintessential magician, did his first special teach-in. The hour and a half turned into two and a half hours of intense instructional material. Everyone settled in and then we had our delicious cocktail party and fabulous Deli-Bash. The finest New York Deli was flown in and we had an EAT-A-THON. I never knew some people could eat so much. How come I eat one sandwich and a little salad and I'm fat, and I seen guys eat three sandwiches, twenty horderves, two pieces of cake three cocktails and they are skinny? Life ain't fair!!!
The evening Cabaret show started off with our MC, David Ginn who introduced our first cosmopolitan magician, Michael P. Lair. Michael's act is true sophistication. Candles, Fire and manipulations set a very magical mood. David did some shtick while our next act set and as he performed I realized that not only did he like entertaining us but he enjoys entertaining himself. What a great performer!
Our novelty act, Chris Michaels was next and what a novelty he was. For the next thirty minutes he played some of the funniest musical instruments I have ever seen. Have you ever heard of a Theremin. You play it by moving your hands through the air. He played the saw, (yes I said the saw), the bones the bagpipe and yes he did dueling banjos with himself using two banjos hanging from his neck. He brought the house down.
A little intermission and then our Friday night featured performer Sam Sandler. What a bundle of energy. Everything Sam did was FUNNY or FAST or both. He reminded me a lot of John Belushi the performer of Blues Brothers fame. He kind of gives you a look that I call the "hairy eyeball." The look sort of says, you get it, don't you? His vigorous performance entertained all. The night was not over yet. Our premiere performer Jeff McBride did another, completely different lecture.
Saturday - day two, when some conventions are just getting started, we started the day with our stage contest for both kids under 18 and adults. Some of the acts were very professional and the conventioneers got to see another full stage show, complete with proper lighting and sound, thanks to our wonderful stage crew led by Art Thomas. Our MC, Scott Humsted showed his professionalism by making everyone feel comfortable and he kept the show moving smoothly. Following the stage contest Jeff McBride packed the main room and did his morning lecture of the convention. Some very semi-professional magicians left the lecture after it was over and I heard one comment, I never realized that I could still learn so much about performing magic."
A little lunch and then the Close-up Show was next on the agenda. We split up into three rooms, which were set up for close-up and our performers rotated. Eugene Berger, Darwin Ortiz, Michael P. Lair and Sam Sandler each did about 20 minutes of "knock your socks off" table top magic. The afternoon still had a close-up contest, and two lectures, Darwin Ortiz and David Ginn. The dealers were open and performing in front of their perspective booths. It was a busy day.
Dinnertime allowed our attendees to seek out one of the fine restaurants in the area and relax in preparation of our Gala Night of Magic. The evening show was held at the new Seabreeze auditorium only a short walk from the hotel. We almost sold out the auditorium but our conventioneers who signed up early had the best seats. Actually every seat in this theater is a great seat because of its state of the art construction. The show began with some comedy before the presentations of the plaques for the contests by Harry Allen and Jack Cook.
The winners of the contest were as follows...
Youth Stage Contest
| 1st Place | Jayson Morrison |
| 2nd Place | Phillip Woodward |
| 3rd Place | Benji Berlant & Matt McCoy |
Adult Stage Contest
| 1st Place | Aaron Weiss |
| 2nd Place | Sterling Steel |
| 3rd Place | Chris Wyatt "Mr. C." |
Close-Up Contest
| 1st Place | Dana Hill |
| 2nd Place | Ed Leto |
| 3rd Place | Josh Brownlow |
Eugene Berger, Abbi Spinner and Jeff McBride received two standing ovations for their performance of the evening. You couldn't go to this show without being electrified. The fast paced award winning show was everything it was billed to be. After the show Jeff remarked to me that he has worked all around the world and has never worked with a crew as professional as ours. Thanks Sue Jacoberger, Art Thomas and the entire CREW for a job well done.
The evening was still not over. The midnight lecture featured Eugene Burger and lived up to what Magic Magazine said about him... "One of the 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century." Believe it or not the lobby operated all night with magicians doing their latest moves and exchanging ideas.
Sunday - The Convention is over - NOT... Harry Allen did his fast paced lecture, Sam Sandler did a wonderful lecture and Jeff McBride did a Four Hour Special Teach-In.
The following people performed at the 2004 convention.
OUR FIFTH YEAR
We had more hurricanes in 2005 than any year in modern times. The weather bureau actually ran out of names and had to use the Greek alphabet, but the weather was great for our magic weekend. What a weekend it was!
Once again we started off strong with a lecture by Samuel Patrick Smith. He had a standing room only crowd and wowed them with his style of entertaining little kids. Sammy always has kids in mind when he performs. One can't say that we did not present both sides of the coin by presenting Steve Bargatze to do the next lecture. Steve is hysterical and his - love of children - shines through in all his performances. Gene Anderson, our next lecturer was, is, and will be till his dieing day one of the cleverest magical artists. He has a wittiness about him that makes attending his lecture a meaningful experience.
The afternoon whisked away and it was time for the Deli Bash and Cabaret Show. The horderves were served a bit slow but the New York deli was great. Some people did not get their pineapple upside down cake for dessert so we are going to let the lady who does the deli platters cater the entire event next year.
The Cabaret Show was just the right mixture for magic, illusion, ventriloquism and fun to please everyone in attendance. We served 297 people and I still took two trays of food home. The day ended with a lecture by Max Maven. You don't sleep much during our convention and we will keep you busier than a one legged man at a butt kicking contest!
Here in Daytona we were in the midst of our local elections and Harry started his morning off with an interview about the Convention on one of our local radio stations. He couldn't resist telling them his favorite political joke. "Politicians are like diapers... They need to be changed often... For the same reason!" I'll never get a break on my taxes in our city or county. All the politicians heard him. He did start off the morning with his fast paced lecture/dealer show.
The stage contest for children and adults were done one after the other, and were both well attended. Jay Sankey followed Harry's lecture with another zany lecture. He has to be the funniest Canadian I have ever heard. Our close-up show with four acts was one of the best we ever did. Ackerman, Sankey, Bargatze and Harlan were brilliant.
The afternoon was rounded out with a close-up contest and lectures by Dan Harland and Kelly Duro. Our Saturday was so busy that people did not want to leave the hotel for lunch. I bought 36 pizzas for $5.00 each and sold them in the lobby for $1.00 a slice. I gave the profit to one of our local food banks and along with a raffle for $700.00 worth of magic, we raised $843.00, which we donated to the federation ( A United Way Agency), to restock their food bank.
The Saturday evening show at the Seabreeze auditorium was a 3 hour magic and entertainment extravaganza. The official "Blues Brothers" showed up and did a 15 minute set. Everyone was so surprised. As tired as everyone was we still had a lecture by Alan Ackerman back at the hotel. I think Alan ran an all night session in the lobby after his lecture.
Those that stayed on Sunday morning were treated to a wonderful lecture by Greg Hamilton or did some last minute shopping. Also 12 people took advantage of the Teach-in with Max Maven. This was a paid event and an intense session with Max.
The following people performed at the 2005 convention.
OUR SIXTH YEAR
I can't make it, someone in my family is sick... I can't make it, I'm in traction... I can't make it, there was a death in the family... I can't make it my wife is having a baby! That is what it was like at the 2006 Festival of Magic and Florida State Magic Convention, yet the conventioneers hardly noticed the changed line-up. We replaced those that could not make it with equally talented performers. Special thanks to John Ferrentino, Erick Olson, Sammy Smith, and Fielding West for filling it at the last moment. We are happy to say that Johnny & Pam Thompson, Scott Humston, and Ron Conley will be with us in 2007. We will try to get the Pendragons back in the future.
The Convention numbers really increased this year. We had almost 400 attendees. The lectures were super! The close-up was astonishing! The Cabaret Show was dynamic! The competition was superior! The Gala Saturday night show produced two standing ovations for Fukai! What I noticed most during the convention was the friendships that have been produced by attending in the past, and renewing acquaintances this year. I saw kids well after 1:00 AM in the morning in magic Jam Sessions in the hotel lobby. I saw adults in small groups just enjoying each others company. This convention brought me back to the heyday of Tannen's Magic Jubilee, or the Florida State at the Langley Hotel when the entertainment was great and the camaraderie was awesome.
Harry and I hope everyone who was with us had a great time. I do have one apology to make. Coming from the Great city of Philadelphia and being in New York City at least one a week, I thought everyone loved Deli. I forgot about my Veggie Friends. I have already made a note of their needs and will supply them with a veggie meal next year. Pasta instead of pastrami? I guess that is what makes the world go around. Now that I am a Southern Gentleman, See Ya'all next year, ya'hear!!! Irv...
The following people performed at the 2006 convention.
OUR SEVENTH YEAR
We have had Tropical Storms, Hurricanes, even a terrorist attack a few days before our convention. What else could happen? I went over to the hotel about three weeks before the convention and saw the following...
No Parking Lot: The front parking lot was covered with construction materials had no base except sand. There were palm trees to be planted, decorative bricks to be laid, cement to be poured.
No Front Door: The entrance to the hotel was boarded over and it was impossible to get in. I went to the parking garage and the guard told me to enter by the second floor, take the elevator down to the lobby and go to the front desk.
No Finished Lobby: The lobby had no carpet on the floor, no dry wall on the walls, no furniture, the registration area was boarded up and the ceiling was a jumble of wires and temporary lights.
The Ball Rooms: When I walked into the ballroom their were no walls, lights, ceiling, floor - get the picture! I began to have chest pain. I figured this was it we are out of business.
The hotel people greeted me with smiles on their faces and the first words out of their mouths was "Don't worry, we have over a hundred people working on the project and it will be done. The only thing that won't be done is the air wall." I told them we need one to separate the rooms during the contests and they said that they would build a temporary one out of Styrofoam. These builders worked 18 hour days 7 days a week and finished the project with only a few minor flaws like the mike system in the lecture room.
The convention began with the Dealer's Room open and a lecture by our own Harry Allen. He had a full house and of course did his shtick. Dan Stapleton lectured next and he was worried that it was too early a spot in the convention. When it was over he said it was one of his best lectures and he did well.
Then came Johnny Thompson and Pam. Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! The conventioneers wouldn't let them go. What legends in our industry. The people would not leave the room and we had to set it for the Cabaret show and dinner.
Lectures, Contests, Close-up show, Stage Show (many people said our best ever) followed for three days. I've been to National Conventions that weren't as exciting. If you want those great seats... SIGN UP EARLY for 2008!
The winners of the contest were as follows...
Strolling Magician Contest
| 1st Place | Michael J. Cook |
| 2nd Place | Greg Solomon |
| 3rd Place | Ed Leto |
Youth Stage Contest
| 1st Place | Trigg Burrage |
| 2nd Place | Ariel & Damara Chaudhuri |
| 3rd Place | Brandon Wagster |
Adult Stage Contest
| 1st Place | Toshiaki & Maromi |
| 2nd Place | Andy Haung |
| 3rd Place | Jason Andrews |
Close-Up Contest
| 1st Place | Ali Shelley |
| 2nd Place Tie | Michael J. Cook |
| 2nd Place Tie | Mark Hlava |
| 3rd Place | Steve Krouse |
The following people performed at the 2007 convention.
 |
 |
 |
