Greetings from a very tired bunch here at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. Well, another Conclave has come and gone, and to say it was a good one would be an understatement. If I do say so myself, and I do, it was a great one! On every level. I had a great time, right from the start. So much to tell. This week’s Newsletter is a little long, but I wanted to tell you everything!
My old friends Gran Henry and Henry Jr. came by the shop on Thursday afternoon and were joined by talent extraordinaire Eduardo Galeano. The four of us drove to Cape Cod together. Despite the fact that Henry speaks little English, we reminisced about 35 years of magic conventions. We laughed, a lot.When we arrived in Hyannis, it was a quick trip to the Dealers’ Room, where Bob, Steve, Don, Skip and Joel had been working all day to create a masterful display of magic! Bob Riordan organizes the Dealer’s Room, and he does a masterful job! It was good to see old friends Paul Richards from Elmwood Magic, Bob Little, Chris Smith from MagicSmith, Kozmo from Kozmo Magic, Tom Burgoon, Rich Marotta, Chastain Criswell and a few other dealer pals. The Dealer Room was one of the best ever!
Thursday evening, Bonnie hosts a pre-Conclave dinner and party for those who arrive on Thursday. Lots of food and wine and beer and fun. Aron the Elder Son had flown in for this year’s Conclave and it was so good to see him! The party went on until two in the morning. I am sure it’s a record!Friday morning the Dealers’ Room opened at 10:30 and the excitement began. There was so much magic to see, and so much magic to sell. As always, my first stop is Bob Little’s booth. He always has some little trinket that I must have. This year was no exception. He had some wooden magic puzzles that were so clever. I bought a few.
While Bonnie, Denise and Helen & Joe, the in-law elves, held the registration fort down, it was time for the first lecture. Chastain Criswell wowed the crowd with his smooth as silk down-home magic. Chastain was a welcome talent at this year’s Conclave. And, such a nice guy! He was followed by Eric Jones, who did a fabulous lecture and then the one and only Bob Sheets. Not too shabby for the first day’s events!The Friday show at the Mashpee High School Theater featured Ice McDonald, Tom Burgoon, Chris Randall, Arthur Trace, Eduardo Galeano and David Garrity. It was a power-packed show which got very high marks from the most-discerning crowd.
After the show it was back to Hyannis for some action in the Dealers’ Room and then the Tom Burgoon midnight lecture. Tom is one funny guy. Suffice it to say the lecture hall was packed and remained that way until the end of the lecture.Saturday it was up early and off to the Dealers’ Room. I did detect some yawns among the Conclavers, which can only mean that folks were up late magic-ing. Saturday is a really full day with lectures from Chris Randall, Larry Wilson (he did not teach a single trick but had one of the most talked about lectures of the weekend.) and Ice McDonald, whose lecture could be heard all over the Convention Center even with the lecture hall doors closed. A very powerful presentation!
The final event on Saturday is our most-anticipated Close-Up Show. Chastain Criswell, Eric Jones, Rich Marotta, Chris Randall, Arthur Trace and Bob Sheets. A powerhouse show. People start filling the close-up rooms long before the shows begin. Everyone wants a good seat. Steve Kradolfer organizes the Close-Up event, and he does a fantastic job. Five close-up rooms. Six performers. And a ton of great magic.
After the show it was back to the hotel for a visit to the Dealers’ Room, followed by the Midnight Show starring Rich Marotta. Lots of laughs, a bit of magic, and a ton of fun.
Sunday morning, the Dealers’ Room opened at 10:00 for a last chance visit with the dealers. Then, it was Mark Kalin & Jinger presenting their Life In Magic. They answered all kinds of questions from the audience and imparted some really good information. And, Parker Kalin did a great job selling lecture notes!Suddenly, the 2011 Conclave was over. Except for one last event. Mark and Jinger offered a workshop for just a few lucky folks. It was a very private event and went on for almost four hours!
As you might imagine, we are already planning next year’s Conclave. How we can ever top this year’s is a mystery to me!If you were not able to attend this year’s Conclave, I would like to give you a little souvenir gift. We produce a really nice program book with full color covers and lots of photos and stuff. If you would like one, just request one with your next order and I will send it along. Of course, this is a limited offer and will be in effect as long as the supply of program books last.
Now, to this week’s excitement! AFTER-CONCLAVE SALES EVENT: This year’s Conclave is over. So sad. But, we are having an After-Conclave Event. So happy! For the next 4 days, from the very moment you receive this email until Monday, April 18th at midnight, everything (well, almost everything) is on sale at 30% off the retail price. All you need to do is enter the special code AFTERCONCLAVE in the Discount Coupon Box of the online checkout at www.magicfact.com and we will automatically deduct 30% from your order total. If you are calling your order in to the Toll Free Order Line at 800 874 7400, FAXing your order to us at 781 395 2034 or emailing us your order to magicfact@aol.com make sure and mention the special code so you can save a huge 30%!
Here are the rules:
• The minimum order to use the 30% off discount is $30.00.
• The 30% is deducted from the retail price of the item. No intermediate discounts (such as HankoGram pricing) may be applied. In the case of sets, such as DVDs and Videos, the 30% is deducted from the retail price of each item and not from the set price.
• We cannot combine offers.
• Certain items, due to contractual restrictions, are not included in this sale. All Viking/CW items, Kennedy Enterprises items, Colin Rose items, Mike Caveney Books, Johnson Products items, theory11 items, MagicSmith items, Greater Magic Teach-In DVDs, One Of A Kind Collectors' Items and a few other items are not included in the sale.
• If you place an order for an item that is not on this list or not noted in our online catalog, but is excluded from the sale, we will let you know before processing your order.
• Coupons and Reward Points may not be used as part of this sales event.
• As the discount is automatically generated, you must put the special code AFTERCONCLAVE in the Discount Coupon Box. You may have to scroll to the bottom of the page to find the box, but it is there. If you are not sure how to do this, please phone your order in to our toll-free order line at 800 874 7400, and we will take care of you. We cannot offer discounts retroactively.
And that's it. It could not be easier. So, get your order together and save yourself some serious money! But, act quickly. The sale positively ends Monday, April 18th at midnight, Eastern Time.
Have fun!
(1) Badlands Bob – Collectors’ Workshop: A great close-up miracle, ready to perform any time, anywhere.
Display a small walnut box with a die sealed within. The die can be seen through the clear acrylic top.
Begin to relate a wonderful and colorful story about Badlands Bob. Sadly, he lost his life on the roll of this very die!
A spectator is asked to try and change the uppermost number on the die by shaking the box, which he soon finds is impossible. The performer then asks the spectator to choose a number between 1 and 6. "If you were Badland's Bob, which number would you have chosen?"
The box is simply pushed toward the spectator and lo and behold, the uppermost number now matches the spectator's selected number!
No switches; there is a hidden gimmick, but easily concealed. Any number between 1 and 6 may be used as there is no force. Instantly resets and therefore is a great walk-around effect. Can be examined before and after. No awkward moves; done right under their noses.
Finest quality and a joy to perform. Exactly what you would expect from Viking Magic! Comes complete with die, secret and instructions. You'll do this 10 minutes after receiving it and you'll perform this often. It's that good!
1-5/16" square; 1/4" soiid walnut sides.
$45.00 (10.1631)
Note: This is a non-discountable item
(2) The Erdnase Journal: Since The Expert at the Card Table was published in 1902, there have been over 50 editions. It has been translated into various languages and transcribed by the brightest minds. It is the greatest book on card technique ever written and likewise, the most studied. Its contents are just as relative today as they were over 100 years ago.
In the June 2010 issue of MAGIC magazine, John Lovick wrote that Erdnase “inspires religious fervor and pilgrim-like devotion from its disciples,” which is to say the least for serious students. It has indeed become a devotional vade mecum with new insight and inspiration gained with every read. Many magicians have spent their life studying the book. Dai Vernon, a master of close-up magic, left us all with his wonderful annotations in Revelation, giving many of the methods a modern approach.
Erdnase will always have its devout scholars, but lately it’s become more of a trend. We think this started a few years ago when the Conjuring Arts Research Center released its Bible edition, a pocket sized version, which you won’t find a card man without. This year, we saw the release of a custom deck of cards paying tribute to Erdnase, and there is even talk now of an Erdnase convention. It is clear Erdnase is no longer just shorthand for the author’s famous work, but also a brand representing serious students and professionals of sleight of hand card technique.
Adding to the brand is a beautiful reproduction of the original 1902 publication. On the outside, it’s a perfect facsimile. However, leaf through the pages and you’ll discover an empty canvas for new ideas. This isn’t just another edition, but as John Lovick writes, “a journal in which to coalesce your card-centric thoughts.” Although you won’t find a description for the Bottom Deal, or the S.W.E. Shift, as all the text has been removed, the publisher has left all 101 drawings by M.D. Smith in their respective positions. Some might say this will get in the way, but we think it’s a simple reminder of what this journal is for. Although, if you have kids, it makes for the greatest coloring book ever!
Erdnase aficionados will be delighted with this new homage to The Expert at the Card Table and be eager to fill its pages with everything from annotations to new ideas. We can’t wait to fill ours. $24.95 (BK01773)
(3) Nick Trost’s Subtle Card Creations – Volume 3: Nick Trost was well known for his simple, easy-to-do card magic using simple moves and principles to produce entertaining card effects.
This book is part of a multi-volume compendium of card magic based on subtle moves and principles rather than difficult sleight of hand; the majority of the material has not been published previously. The entire set of volumes contain his best card effects, plus variations by his fellow magicians.
Volume 3 includes several of Nick's best marketed tricks including Oscar, Fly Circus (with Sid Lorraine patter), Quadraplex and Rainbow Miracle, which includes presentations by Hank Moorehouse and Rich Bloch.
Over 100 tricks are carefully explained in 12 chapters. A few of the areas covered:
You Do As I Do
Royal Marriages
Reversed Card Effects
Special Decks
Gambling Tricks
Packet Tricks
Poker Tricks
ESP Cards
Computer Cards
Introduction by Martin Gardner.
292 pages. Hardbound with Dust Jacket. $45.00 (BK01772)
(4) Double Faced Super Triple Coin – Johnny Wong: The latest set of gimmicked coins from Johnny Wong.
This coin set enables any performer to perform the highest level coin magic by using only simple and basic skills.
The DVD includes previous instructions from Super Triple Coin and Johnny Wong's brand new illusion routine.
Double Face Super Triple Coin enables you to perform countless magic effects.
It is the best gimmick to improve one's coin magic skill.
Routines include:
Johnny Wong's Illusion Routine
One Coin Routine
3 Fly Routine (No shells used!)
Appearance & Vanish of Three Coins
Visual Appearance of Four Coins
One At A Time Matrix
Plus other excellent routines using these powerful coins!
Precision made with Kennedy Half Dollars and Chinese Coins.
$109.00 (20.457)
(5) Bolt Trick – Peki: One of the most astounding close-up effects you will ever perform
Start with a normal nut and bolt from the hardware store.
The spectator threads the nut on the bolt.
You hold the bolt at your fingertips and suddenly, in a most spooky manner, the nut starts to turn and turn itself off of the bolt. Absolutely amazing!
A small electronic gimmick does all the magic for you. You always have complete control. You can easily control the speed of the nut. Fast, slow or stopped
Neither the nut or bolt are magnetic, and there are no threads.
You can perform it surrounded and in any clothes.
This new version of the classic effect is totally practical and works like a charm. The gimmick is the size of a single AA battery! That’s all.
No advance preparation!
The trick comes complete with everything you need, and instructions for several routines.
$65.00 (10.1630)
(6) IncREDiBULL – Eric Buss: Are your audiences tired of the same old tricks? Wake them up with Eric Buss’ incREDiBULL!
At anytime during your act, explain that looking at a picture of a cozy bed makes you sleepy. Instantaneously, the picture changes into a can of energy drink! It happens so fast, it looks like a special effect.
It’s a magical transformation sure to receive gasps from your audiences! Best of all, it’s ready to perform right out of the box!
This simple new method allows for endless applications! You will also learn how to produce a lit candle from a picture of a flashlight, and a saltshaker that pours salt! Plus, you can build your own gimmicks by printing the jpegs from the disc, which includes: 52 on 1/Drink, Fries/Salt Shaker, Dirty Lungs/Jumbo Cigarette (for anti-drug shows), Royal Flush/Poker Chips, Bathroom Sign/TP Roll, and many more!
$35.00 (60.1738)
(7) Legacy: From the Underground Collective (Jamie Badman and Colin Miller), the creators of Heirloom, comes a miracle that elevates magic to a whole new level. Legacy is the kind of trick we search for as magicians. It's self-contained, can be carried with you at all times, and it automatically performs an astounding trick that also let's you give a compelling presentation. They get to know you and your magic during the effect.
The effect is simple: A story of your grandfather's greatest magic trick, performed using his original props.
Remove a five card poker hand from his old wallet and have someone think of one of the cards in the hand.
You then show that even from the grave, your grandfather knew exactly which one the participant freely picked.
Legacy is an easy to perform, completely sleight-free routine that comes with a custom-made soft-leather wallet, pre-aged props and a collection of strong routines to suit a variety of styles. This is a blockbuster effect that you will be proud to carry with you.
Includes custom leather wallet and specially printed gimmicks. $39.95 (30.1582)
Note: This is a non-discountable item.
As always, I thank you for stopping buy and spending some time with us. Whether it’s online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street in Medford, we love the company.
Hank
