Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

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Dustin Stinett
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Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

Postby Dustin Stinett » August 1st, 2015, 3:19 am

AN EDITORIAL RESPONSE
Trial Balloons: Fortunately They Are Not Made of Stone


The editor of the AMA Online Newsletter, Ben Roman, floated a trial balloon in his comments in the August issue: the possibility that, beginning in 2016, the Newsletter will go to an every-other-month format—or perhaps even become a quarterly publication. In my humble opinion, this is not a good idea for a medium that needs to contain information that is as current as possible. Two months is a long time; schedules change, things are canceled, stuff happens.

The Newsletter isn’t just about featurettes and club business. It includes show schedules, perks, and other local magical entertainments that may be of interest to members.

“But you can get up-to-date information on the website or on Facebook.” If that’s the reasoning, why have a newsletter at all? In fact, with the “Flash Paper” emails, much of the information that is in the newsletter could be disseminated that way once a week. Why hassle collecting material under a deadline, laying it out in a cohesive and artistic manner, and delivering it on time on the first of each month? “Tradition” will be a lousy answer to some in the younger generations, but that’s my answer. And even young Mr. Roman (more or less) acknowledges this “old-fashioned” fact.

When I became a member, the newsletter was one page. Obviously that was way before the Internet, and monthly news via the mail was the only way to get it into the hands of the membership. While times have changed and information can now be delivered at the speed of light, there is something to be said for tradition. There are still people who go to the AMA Newsletter to find answers to questions. I know this for a fact since it just recently happened. When a member who needed something—and said he could not find the answer “in the Newsletter”—only then did he go to the AMA website, and then Facebook to resolve his issue. And this is a “tech savvy” member.

In his traditional process, he looked first to the printed source, the website second, and then lastly social media. How many times have you seen someone bypass this process, ask a question on FB (or the old Castle Forums) only to have people answer, in a snarky way, “It’s in the Newsletter.” (Perhaps both the question and the answer could be labeled as “lazy.”)

Why this is being floated can only be a matter of supposition on my part. My guess is that Ben Roman is a busy man, and having one less thing on his desk each month would be a blessing. A volunteer editor is a dicey proposition: you often get what you pay for. If it is a matter of time for an already busy AMA employee, perhaps the AMA could hire a part time employ to fulfill this need instead of taking away, by half or more, a benefit members have enjoyed for decades, particularly since they already endured losing the print edition.

Moving the Newsletter to online only was a sensible solution to a fiscal issue. Hardcopy print and postage are expensive. And by going online, the Newsletter actually expanded in size. But it still did not please everyone when it happened. Traditionalists were unhappy. Let’s not lock that slammed door by cutting back on the monthly Newsletter.

Professor Carney

I’m going to gush, but that’s just tough: I think John Carney is the best teacher of magic there is, and I have seen many good ones. On the weekend of August 15 and 16, John Carney will be conducting the AMA’s first “Weekend Seminar,” the brainchild of the Board of Trustees (all of whom are living up to the spirit of their job, a phrase I first heard said by Max Maven: “Magic First!”).

This is an intensive and immersive course of study that is not for the beginner (or the timid knowing John, since he knows the best way to learn is to do).

Each day runs from 9AM to 4PM in the Inner Circle. (For out of town attendees, the Magic Castle Hotel has a special rate; ask about it when you register for the seminar.)

Space is limited to 25 students (members), so this will sell out. $225 secures your spot (and I think it’s a bargain, and it includes breakfast and lunch!). For more information, contact Joan Lawton at jlawton[at]magiccastle[dot]com.

More Balloons, But Not the Trial Kind

Balloon doggies your thing? Want to learn the craft? Then this perk will blow you away. Ace balloon sculptor Dennis Forel is conducting his “Balloon Sculpting 101-A” class on August 19 in the Inner Circle. Free to all members and he will have plenty of balloons for everyone. The twisting starts at 8PM.

Ummm … I Don’t Own Pajamas

But fear not, I will not arrive in my usual bedroom attire* for The Magic Castle’s inaugural
“Late-Night Pajama Party.” It commences at 11:30PM on August 24. $10 gets you entry to a special Palace show starring The Amazing Johnathan and a buffet of “sweet & savory treats.” A movie and popcorn starts at 2AM. (Madam President Erika Larsen has—how can I best put this—an eclectic taste in movies, so if she’s in charge of the selection, that could prove most interesting.) Sorry, no sleepovers. When the movie ends, so does the party (officially). It really should go without saying, but it must be said because, you know, some people … :

Age 21 and over only with valid ID. Pajamas must be appropriate. No nudity, sheer, or see-through items (i.e. lingerie, négligée, "teddies", etc.). Tops and bottoms must be worn at all times. PJ slippers are welcome but please avoid open-toe footwear for safety reasons. All members are welcome.

Space is limited. See the Newsletter or the AMA site for details to gain entry.

*I promise that I will never be a party to The Castle being shut down by the Board of Health.

Sumptuous Summer Selections

The Member’s Menu for August (and remember that the vegetarian and vegan dishes are available all week—just ask):

August 3, 4, 5 – Grilled Salmon with Seasonal Vegetables, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Heirloom Tomato and Olive Tapenade
Vegetarian: Cannelloni Pasta filled with Ricotta and Sautéed Spinach in fresh Marsala Wine Tomato Sauce
Vegan: Penne Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichoke, Asparagus, Wild Mushrooms and Walnut Basil Pesto

10, 11, 12 – Calamari Steak sautéed with Bay Scallops, Tomatoes, Olives, Capers, Garlic, Herbs and Anchovy served over Lemon Herb Risotto
Vegetarian: Wild Mushroom Ravioli sautéed with Kale, Artichoke, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic
Vegan: Warm Kale and Toasted Quinoa Salad with Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

17, 18, 19 – Citrus, Honey & Balsamic-Roasted Half-Chicken served with Seasonal Local Vegetables, Baby Yukon Potatoes and Citrus Honey Glaze
Vegetarian: Vegetarian Tostada with Romaine Lettuce, Succotash, Black Beans, Tomato, Feta Cheese and Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
Vegan: Grilled Vegetable Kabobs served over Mediterranean Cous Cous with Harissa Vinaigrette

24, 25, 26 – Smoked Academy New York Strip Loin with Garlic Whipped Potatoes,
Sautéed Spinach & Soy Lager Demi Glaze
Vegetarian: Eggplant Parmesan served over Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Garlic Cheese Bread
Vegan: Organic Tofu Curry with Vegetables and Potatoes in a Spicy Yellow Curry Broth served over Basmati Rice

Getting Real About Fiction

Join author/magician Andrew Mayne and “MAW” (Magician, Actor, Whatever) Steve Valentine for an unusual perk. During “Magic Fiction,” these two talented men will discuss their processes for creating fictional stories and magic for print, TV, and film. Mayne will also chat about his new book, Name of the Devil which is the sequel to Angel Killer, which features the magical FBI heroine Jessica Blackwood. August 26, 8PM in the Inner Circle. Copies of Mayne’s new book will be available for purchase and autographs. All members welcome.

It’s All in the Timing

Beginning on Monday, August 31, the show times for the Palace of Mystery as well as the Peller Theatre will change to 8:00, 10:00, and 11:30 p.m.

August Lecture Lineup

8/2 – Mahdi Gilbert
8/9 – Phil Van Tee (Attendees should bring five feet of magician’s rope along with a matching piece that is nine-inches long. No mention of scissors, but if you bring them, don’t run.)
8/16 – Rob Zabrecky
8/23 – Joseph Barry
8/30 – Bebel

Always a Work in Progress

The Peller Theatre and the Inner Circle are currently closed for a facelift of the AV systems. The WC Fields Bar is open, while access to the Library and the classroom is through the backdoor. This condition will last through August 12. Max Maven will christen the technologically spruced up Peller on August 13.

I Can See Into Your Future …

>The Magic Castle and the AMA offices will be closed on 9/7 in observance of Labor Day.
>“Improvisation for Magicians” perk with the Groundlings, 9/8
>The fall swap meet will be on 9/12.
>”Magic & Wine: Transcending Reality” with David Minkin will show on 9/2 & 16, 10/21, and 11/4.
>”Night of the Raven” returns on 11/16 & 17.
>Halloween Week at The Castle commences on October 26 (Monday) and runs through the 31st. The theme is “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Oh the horror!

… And Read You Like a Book

Just a reminder of the hours to the William W. Larsen Memorial Library (Magician Members only have access to the main library, but there is a small section set aside for the Associate Members with items of interest):

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 6:30 to 10:30PM
Friday, Saturday: 1:00 to 3:00PM and 6:30 to 10:30PM
Sunday (if lecture is scheduled): 1:00 to 3:00PM and 5:00 to 10:30PM
Sunday (no lecture scheduled): 1:00 to 5:00PM and 5:00 to 10:30PM

Your Magic Castle Librarian: Bill Goodwin (with occasional assists by John Lovick and Lisa Cousins)

Now Showing

This is future Stars Week at the Castle, so the Juniors have invaded all of the venues (while an old Junior is behind the WC Fields Bar).

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers…

Jonathan Pendragon (Close-Up: wk/of 8-3)
Arthur Trace (Parlour: wk/of 8-3)
David Regal (Parlour: wk/of 8-3)
Dana Daniels NO SHOW (Palace: wk/of 8-3)
Handsome Jack (Parlour: wk/of 8-10)
Farrah Siegel (Palace: wk/of 8-10)
Max Maven (Peller: 8-13 thru 16)
Jamy Ian Swiss (Parlour: wk/of 8-17)
Danny Archer (Parlour: wk/of 8-17)
Bebel (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
John Carney (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
Thom Peterson (Close-Up: wk/of 8-31)
Alba (Parlour: wk/of 8-31)
Alex Ramon (Palace: wk/of 8-31)
Johnny Ace Palmer (Close-Up: wk/of 9-7)
Thom Peterson (Parlour: wk/of 9-7)
Lady Mystina (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Ice McDonald (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Steve valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Chuck Jones & Company (Palace: wk/of 9-14)
John Ferrentino (Parlour: wk/of 9-21)
David Deeble (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
Scott land (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
PoHan Huang (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
John Carney (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Handsome Jack (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Doc Eason (WC Fields Bar: 9-24 thru 27)


And you can always check the current schedule here: http://www.magiccastle.com/schedule/

Schedule is subject to change without notice

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Dustin Stinett
Posts: 7248
Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Sometimes
Location: Southern California
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Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

Postby Dustin Stinett » August 4th, 2015, 3:36 pm

Now Showing

The schedule commencing yesterday, August 3:

The Close-Up Gallery
Fr.Jim Blantz
Jonathan Pendragon
David Stryker (5-7 p.m. Thursday - Sunday)

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Arthur Trace
David Regal

The Palace of Mystery
The NO Show with Dana Daniels and Richard Allen

W.C. Fields Bar (Thursday – Sunday)
Tim Wise

The Peller Theatre (Thursday – Sunday)
CLOSED for AV upgrades

Friday Lunch
Jonathan Pendragon

Saturday/Sunday Brunch
The Magic Genie

Sunday Lecture
(8/9) Phil Van Tee (Bring two pieces of magician’s rope: one 5 foot and one 9-inch length)

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers…

Handsome Jack (Parlour: wk/of 8-10)
Farrah Siegel (Palace: wk/of 8-10)
Max Maven (Peller: 8-13 thru 16)
Jamy Ian Swiss (Parlour: wk/of 8-17)
Danny Archer (Parlour: wk/of 8-17)
Bebel (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
John Carney (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
Thom Peterson (Close-Up: wk/of 8-31)
Alba (Parlour: wk/of 8-31)
Alex Ramon (Palace: wk/of 8-31)
Johnny Ace Palmer (Close-Up: wk/of 9-7)
Thom Peterson (Parlour: wk/of 9-7)
Lady Mystina (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Ice McDonald (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Steve valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Chuck Jones & Company (Palace: wk/of 9-14)
John Ferrentino (Parlour: wk/of 9-21)
David Deeble (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
Scott land (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
PoHan Huang (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
John Carney (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Handsome Jack (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Doc Eason (WC Fields Bar: 9-24 thru 27)

And you can always check the current schedule here: http://www.magiccastle.com/schedule/

Schedule is subject to change without notice

User avatar
Dustin Stinett
Posts: 7248
Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Sometimes
Location: Southern California
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Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

Postby Dustin Stinett » August 10th, 2015, 7:43 pm

Now Showing

The schedule commencing August 10:

The Close-Up Gallery
Danny Ray
George Tovar
Jason Tong (5-7 p.m. Thursday - Sunday)

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Handsome Jack
Matt Vizio

The Palace of Mystery
David Kovac
Farrah Siegel
Sebastian Kraine

W.C. Fields Bar (Thursday – Sunday)
Mark Collier

The Peller Theatre (Thursday – Sunday)
Max Maven

Friday Lunch
George tovar

Saturday/Sunday Brunch
Wacko

Sunday Lecture
(8/16) Rob Zabrecky

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers…

Jamy Ian Swiss (Parlour: wk/of 8-17)
Danny Archer (Parlour: wk/of 8-17)
Bebel (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
John Carney (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
Thom Peterson (Close-Up: wk/of 8-31)
Alba (Parlour: wk/of 8-31)
Alex Ramon (Palace: wk/of 8-31)
Johnny Ace Palmer (Close-Up: wk/of 9-7)
Thom Peterson (Parlour: wk/of 9-7)
Lady Mystina (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Ice McDonald (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Steve valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Chuck Jones & Company (Palace: wk/of 9-14)
John Ferrentino (Parlour: wk/of 9-21)
David Deeble (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
Scott land (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
PoHan Huang (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
John Carney (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Handsome Jack (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Doc Eason (WC Fields Bar: 9-24 thru 27)

And you can always check the current schedule here: http://www.magiccastle.com/schedule/

Schedule is subject to change without notice

User avatar
Dustin Stinett
Posts: 7248
Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Sometimes
Location: Southern California
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Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

Postby Dustin Stinett » August 17th, 2015, 9:41 pm

Now Showing

The schedule commencing yesterday, August 17:

The Close-Up Gallery
Joseph Barry
William Watt
Tim Isaac (5-7 p.m. Thursday - Sunday)

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Jamy Ian Swiss
Danny Archer

The Palace of Mystery
Chris Mitchell
Hillel
Mike Chao

W.C. Fields Bar (Thursday – Sunday)
Danny Magic

The Peller Theatre (Thursday – Sunday)
Simon Coronel
Shoot Ogawa

Friday Lunch
Joseph Barry

Saturday/Sunday Brunch
Arty Loon

Sunday Lecture
(8/23) Joseph Barry

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers…

Bebel (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
John Carney (Close-Up: wk/of 8-24)
Thom Peterson (Close-Up: wk/of 8-31)
Alba (Parlour: wk/of 8-31)
Alex Ramon (Palace: wk/of 8-31)
Johnny Ace Palmer (Close-Up: wk/of 9-7)
Thom Peterson (Parlour: wk/of 9-7)
Lady Mystina (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Ice McDonald (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Steve valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Chuck Jones & Company (Palace: wk/of 9-14)
John Ferrentino (Parlour: wk/of 9-21)
David Deeble (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
Scott land (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
PoHan Huang (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
John Carney (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Handsome Jack (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Doc Eason (WC Fields Bar: 9-24 thru 27)

And you can always check the current schedule here: http://www.magiccastle.com/schedule/

Schedule is subject to change without notice

Bill Mullins
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Location: Huntsville, AL
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Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

Postby Bill Mullins » August 24th, 2015, 9:53 am

Visitors to the Magic Castle.

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Dustin Stinett
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Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

Postby Dustin Stinett » August 25th, 2015, 10:10 pm

Worth its Wait in Gold

Bill Larsen, Jr. used to say that about Genii when his scheduled—charitably—got off track. The long awaited new AMA/Magic Castle website is up and running. The gang still has a few kinks to work out, but overall, it has been well worth the wait. Members: you will be asked to change your password upon the first time you sign in the Member’s Area. Everyone be sure to scroll through the great front page graphics—in fact, check out everything on the new site; it’s terrific. Kudos to the crew behind its development!

http://www.magiccastle.com/

Now Showing

The schedule commencing yesterday, August 24:

The Close-Up Gallery
Bebel
John Carney
Steven Barnes (5-7 p.m. Thursday - Sunday)

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Fumio
Fitzgerald

The Palace of Mystery
Tony Clark
The Kalvans
Mondre

W.C. Fields Bar (Thursday – Sunday)
Rich Cowley

The Peller Theatre (Thursday – Sunday)
Dave Cox - The Charlatans
Bill Chott - The Charlatans

Friday Lunch
Bebel

Saturday/Sunday Brunch
Frank Thurston

Sunday Lecture
(8/30) Bebel

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers…

Thom Peterson (Close-Up: wk/of 8-31)
Alba (Parlour: wk/of 8-31)
Alex Ramon (Palace: wk/of 8-31)
Johnny Ace Palmer (Close-Up: wk/of 9-7)
Thom Peterson (Parlour: wk/of 9-7)
Lady Mystina (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Ice McDonald (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Steve valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Chuck Jones & Company (Palace: wk/of 9-14)
John Ferrentino (Parlour: wk/of 9-21)
David Deeble (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
Scott land (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
PoHan Huang (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
John Carney (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Handsome Jack (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Doc Eason (WC Fields Bar: 9-24 thru 27)
Misty Mew (Close-Up: wk/of 9-28)
Alba (Parlour: wk/of 9-28)
Alex Ramon (Palace: wk/of 9-28)

And you can always check the current schedule here: http://www.magiccastle.com/now_appearing/

Schedule is subject to change without notice

User avatar
Dustin Stinett
Posts: 7248
Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Sometimes
Location: Southern California
Contact:

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (August 2015)

Postby Dustin Stinett » August 31st, 2015, 11:55 pm

Now Showing

The schedule commencing August 31:

The Close-Up Gallery
Michael Kaminskas
Thom Peterson
Misty Mew (5-7 p.m. Thursday - Sunday)

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Alba
Crow Garrett

The Palace of Mystery
Alex Ramone

W.C. Fields Bar (Thursday – Sunday)
David Gabbay

The Peller Theatre (Thursday – Sunday)
Smoke & Mirrors – George Tovar

Friday Lunch
Michael Kaminskas

Saturday/Sunday Brunch
Norm Barnhart

Sunday Lecture
(9/6) Michael Kaminskas

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers…

Johnny Ace Palmer (Close-Up: wk/of 9-7)
Thom Peterson (Parlour: wk/of 9-7)
Lady Mystina (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Ice McDonald (Palace: wk/of 9-7)
Steve valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 9-14)
Chuck Jones & Company (Palace: wk/of 9-14)
John Ferrentino (Parlour: wk/of 9-21)
David Deeble (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
Scott land (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
PoHan Huang (Palace: wk/of 9-21)
John Carney (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Handsome Jack (Peller: 9-24 thru 27)
Doc Eason (WC Fields Bar: 9-24 thru 27)
Greg Otto (Close-Up: wk/of 9-28)

And you can always check the current schedule here: http://www.magiccastle.com/now_appearing/

Schedule is subject to change without notice


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