The Genii Forum

I was wondering what was THE magician with which you would like to spend an evening talking magic?
Obviously, you must choose a magician that is still alive.
Personally I would choose Eugene Burger.
And you?

Great question. There are many for me. I am not sure I could pick just one. How about top five?

My choice would be Johnny Thompson.

Teller.

JohnCox wrote:Teller.

I'll second that.

I would have said Teller, except Penn&Teller go to Johnny Thompson when they need advice. :-)

Harry Lorayne.

John Carney

As a hobbyist who rarely performs, I would feel too out of my element to be discussing magic with a lifelong performer. I enjoy watching magic and experimenting with it. I enjoy card magic the most and work on it far more than anything else. With my selected guru, I would enjoy discussing a broad spectrum of magic ideas and would like to hear stories of famous magicians and events in our field. I enjoy magic books immensely so someone familiar with them would be a plus. I would choose our own Chief Genii - Richard Kaufman.

Though we are only a few hours apart, I've never seen him in person. I am looking forward to the Genii Bash in October so that I will finally get to meet him.

Dani DaOrtiz

Kamarr.

No, not Kamarr.

I have to think about this.

If asked this question, I could answer that I've been the luckiest person on the planet. Because I have spent many more hours than one, and with so many amazing people in our field.

But if you were to ask me for the person I think would interest you the most, it would be ...

Well, can't really answer that one. Too many good choices. Vernon, Jennings, Dingle, Berglas, Hamman, Tamariz, Maze, Krenzel, Lorayne, Carney, Earl Nelson, David Roth, Lou Gallo--many many choices.

I'm afraid you'd me rather uninteresting, Smurf (though I appreciate the compliment).

For me personally, it would be: Jamy Ian Swiss or Max Maven

"I'm afraid you'd me rather uninteresting, Smurf (though I appreciate the compliment)."

The experiences you have had (all those masters you have worked with or interviewed) make you rather unique. I'm not very interesting either, especially in unfamiliar company, so you may still be impressive to me.

John

What you get from spending time with people like this is based on what you bring.

Johnny Thompson, seconded.

Dear friends,

When A. De Ascanio was alive said one time that Eric Decamps will be the magician most interesting.
For that reason and other I would like spend an evening with Eric Decamps.

Truly yours,

F. Amlcar Riega i Bello.

And I would like to spend an evening with Ava Do. ;)

Ah, I forgot to put Ascanio in my listing as one of the magicians I spent time with (but unfortunately not enough).

tamariz

You might have that chance, Robert.

I would second the vote for R.K., as well, on all the grounds noted. He's had the creer of a 90 year old; looks like he's 30; and everyone says he does the best pass this side of Derek Dingle.

El Harvey Oswald wrote:...looks like he's 30...

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

I have been fortunate to spend many days and nights with Richard talking about many things. I highly recommend it.

I spent a week sharing a room with Max Maven some years ago. We talked about many things, including magic. I highly recommend it. (One of those nights included Mike Caveney in the room: I just listened.)

There are a lot of people--some well-known, some not--that I have been very lucky to spend some time with that I would love to spend much more time with. But my "magic fantasy" night would be with Ricky Jay. And I would let him do all the talking.

Dustin

"But my 'magic fantasy' night would be with Ricky Jay."

Dustin, somehow I don't quite think that's what you mean.

I like to let my readers use their imaginations.

I would like to second Ricky Jay it would be very entertaining for sure .....If not then Copperfield maybe at his collection what an interesting thought ......

Lance Pierce

Dustin Stinett wrote:I like to let my readers use their imaginations.

But it's too much fun for the melon.

"But my 'magic fantasy' night would be with Ricky Jay."

A few months ago while flipping through the channels, I saw Ricky Jay on television. While watching, I Googled Ricky Jay Unit and one of the first few listings was what may well be the scariest magic related site - It offered Ricky Jay nude pictures and naked scenes. I will leave it to others to check that out.

I have enjoyed the oportunity to talk with Pendragon, Chan Kai and Kavir. I want to talk with Tamariz, Jamy Ian Swiss and Tom Stone

Melinda

"I spent a week sharing a room with Max Maven some years ago."

I'd be curious to hear Max's take on it.

Can they be dead? I mean, it's never going to happen anyway, right?

Al Baker.

Elusive, enigmatic Tony Picasso performs for selects groups in hidden quarters of the Magic Castle; for those who can handle the truth, he's the thinking person's choice here. Picasso has the most trenchant insights on the divide between good magic and bad magic. Can sometimes be found holding court with other Castle elites at surrounding eateries; approach with caution.

Father Photius

I would have to say Bill Mullins.

No laurels to rest upon, no public persona to defend, no hype to live up to - always thinking, always contributing, always learning, always enthused - all the right ingredients for great conversation.

!!!!

Lisa, I'm touched. Thank you.

Bill

Another vote for Harry Lorayne if I can only choose one person.

But I'd quickly add Juan Tamariz, Richard Turner and John Carney if I'm allowed to make it a panel of four.

And now I have to spend the rest of my life apologizing profusely to all of those others I was unable to include because I was only allowed four spots and I really don't mean to imply anything by virtue of their exclusion.

Bill Mullins wrote:!!!!

Lisa, I'm touched. Thank you.

Bill

Gee Bill, I hope I didn't accidentally slip some laurels onto your head, and give you hype to live up to.

I'd love to chat with Harry Lorayne. That guy just has to have a lot of great stories to tell given the company he has kept in his lifetime.

Living on the west coast, it would be a pleasure to meet up with Pop Haydn. If you have not read some of his postings over on the Cafe you might not be aware of his thoughts on magic and entertainment.

Were he still living, Dai Vernon would absolutely be my pick.