The video above is from the Enid News and shows how Wilson the Clown did the best production act ever for students of Chisholm Elementary in Enid, Oklahoma… particularly for the children of Lt. Col. Kevin Kohl who is just back from Iraq.
In sadder news, an apparent equipment failure at a Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performance in Providence, Rhode Island injured nine performers, two critically according to NBC News, when the rack holding up eight women by their hair fell approximately 35 feet. Feld Entertainment (parent company of the circus) issued the following press release:
Ellenton, FL – May 4, 2014 — During the 11am performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents LEGENDS? on May 4, 2014, at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, there was an accident during the hair hang act. All performers in the act received immediate medical attention and were transported to a local hospital for further care.
The 11am performance was stopped at that time. Performances scheduled at 3pm and 7pm on May 4 and at 10:30 am on May 5 have been cancelled. An investigation has begun into the cause of the accident, and no further details are available at this time.
The catalog for the next Potter and Potter Auctions offering, which was mentioned by Gabe Fujari during his recent iTricks Magic Week In Review appearance, is now available. The auction has a playing card theme and will be held on May 31st and June 1st. The catalog is available from the Potter and Potter website in both print and PDF formats.
Finally, AsianOne.com reprinted a story on S. Chandran, who has gone from the Singapore Air Force to IT to professional magician. The Traverse City Record-Eagle also ran a nice feature on Josh Beechraft, which credits at least some of his success as a magician to the “ape hands” inherited from his grandmother.
Have a happy Cinco De Mayo everyone (that is, if you have recovered from May the Fourth).
Asia, Auctions, Headlines, Injury, News | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on January 13th, 2014
George Andrus, 98 year old brother of late magician Jerry Andrus, was the guest of honor at the local library this weekend when a display of his photographs was unveiled. According to the Albany Democrat-Herald George picked up photography after Jerry became interested in the subject almost 80 years ago. His photographs have graced the cover of the Photography Society of America’s magazine and has soap bubble videos have achieved something of a cult following. Some of his work can be seen in the video above from Oregon Art Beat, which was produced when George was 89.
Magician Janne Raudaskoski’s off Broadway family friendly play Wally Watthead and His Lost Glow was mentioned in the New York Times’ Theater Section. The show follows the adventures of a nightstand lamp and his pal the cellphone as they attempt to regain the lamp’s glow. It will be performed tomorrow, Tuesday January 14, at 7:00 PM at the New World Stages.
The Hindu website is reporting that a six year-old girl was visiting a resort near Chennai with her family where they attended a magic show. The performer gathered the children in the audience around him and threw a bell in the air, instead of landing on the stage as planned it hit the girl, cutting her forehead. The girl received medical attention but did not need stitches.
This should be a reminder to all performers to be careful. This accident could have been avoided and yet we are literally reading about it on the other side of the world!
Paul Lee presented his third annual Believe In Magic show yesterday (Sunday January 12) in St. Charles, Illinois. The annual event is a fundraiser for the National Association for Downs Syndrome. Other performers on the bill included Terri Lynn and Ken Mate, Jamahl Keyes and Trent Rivas (who you may remember from Kevin Spencer’s documentary More Alike Than Different).
Finally, Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne premieres tonight on A&E, 10 PM Eastern. Andrew was also the guest on the latest Magic Week In Review podcast.
Andrew Mayne, Asia, Charity, Headlines, Injury, News, TV | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on January 8th, 2014
David Crosser (also known as Robakidze), who made it through a few rounds of Georgia’s Got Talent a couple of years ago, sent us this video of him performing what he called The Devil’s Nail and failing. There is a second video that you can find on YouTube, too that features a close up view. There was a bit of conversation around the iTricks water cooler which led to a debate as to whether or not this was a “real” fail or a stunt. Our general consensus was that something just didn’t feel quite right… but we could not put our finger on it.
What do you think?
Injury, Youtube | 1 Comment »