Chip Romero - A "Chip" Off Of Doug Henning

[Scott Wells]

Chip Romero has had a "love affair" with all things Doug Henning for many years. As a result, it has made him arguably the ultimate authority on Doug Henning. Chip has accumulated one of (if not "THE") largest collections of Henning memorabilia extent. Along the way, he has also collected many stories and facts about Doug that have never been seen nor heard by the public which he plans to eventually put into a book.

In this week's podcast, Chip talks about his collection and the first time he saw Doug Henning perform live. You can hear the podcast, watch a video of Doug's first TV special (featuring the Houdini Water Torture), see some original photos of Doug (including my backstage meeting with Doug in 1980), and download the MP3 file at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/sco ... hip-romero

And if you haven't already done so, you still have an opportunity to enter the contest for a chance to win one of three copies of Nate Staniforth's new book, "This Is Real Magic". Just visit last week's blog at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/sco ... staniforth You must have a U.S. postal address to enter the contest.

[Scott Wells]

So, Chip mused whether or not there would be interest in holding a one-time magic event honoring Doug Henning. If such a “Doug Henning Weekend Of Wonder” was held in or near Lake Charles, Louisiana (so registrant could visit Chip’s collection), how much interest would there be?

Would you attend?

[performer]

My feeling is that any event should be held in Canada. That is where he hails from.

[Scott Wells]

My feeling is that any event should be held in Canada. That is where he hails from.

Yes, but the key word in your post is “from”. He made it big in the U.S. and the reason I suggest (and it’s only a suggestion) that it be in Louisiana is so people could see Chip’s collection rather than having him haul a portion of it to some other location.

But I’m just trying to get an indication if the idea of a Henning convention is worth pursuing.

[Scott Wells]

My feeling is that any event should be held in Canada. That is where he hails from.

Yes, but the key word in your post is “from”. He made it big in the U.S. and the reason I suggest (and it’s only a suggestion) that it be in Louisiana is so people could see Chip’s collection rather than having him haul a portion of it to some other location.

But I’m just trying to get an indication if the idea of a Henning convention is worth pursuing.

[performer]

In that case perhaps there should be two conferences. He may have "made it big" in America but nobody has ever heard of him there now except magicians but of course they don't count. However, in Canada not only did he make it big he is still known among the public. Laymen mention him to me all the time. And of course he might not have made it big anywhere if the Canadian Government hadn't given him a grant to pursue his studies in magic. And one of his main teachers was a Canadian chap named Vernon.

I think Canada should get a mention somewhere. Not that the country is perfect. I find that there are far too many Canadians here for my liking.

[Scott Wells]

... except magicians but of course they don't count.

Except in terms of attendance at magic conventions. I think that Chip was envisioning this as being a conference for magicians rather than the general public. Perhaps there would be more of the public interest and attendance in Canada who would register for a Henning conference. I hadn't really thought about that. Perhaps we need a Canadian representative to do a feasibility study on hosting a local convention there.

Any takers?

[performer]

Oh, ask David Ben. That is probably more his cup of tea.