174: Michael Dardant - Bitten By A Wizard

Multiple award winner, Michael Dardant, wrapped up his "Bitten By A Wizard" lecture tour in Houston where he stopped by to chat about a lot of stuff he's involved in now and in the future. Since this podcast was recorded, Michael continued to win even more magic contests. In particular, he took first place with the I.B.M. close-up category which included a $2,000 cash prize! He also secured a spot to compete in the close-up category next year in Italy at F.I.S.M.

In this podcast, Michael talks about entering magic contests (how and why he did); working the streets; performing as a emcee; mentoring others; burlesque shows; customizing your act; comedy and improv; working in movies; advice, tips and more. He has a funny story with Sylvester Stallone, too. Wow, Michael can also do great accents and impressions, too!

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Magic & Martinis...uh, I mean Scotch this week

Wish him luck in next year's competition at F.I.S.M. in Italy!

Nest week will begin the daily updates from Colon, Michigan - The Magic Capitol of the World

173: Ray Anderson - Esther's Follies

There's no doubt about it. Ray Anderson is one of my favorite magicians. And I'm not alone in that assessment. Many magicians have trekked to the capital of Texas to see Ray in action. A mainstay of Esther's Follies for over 30 years, Ray continues to deliver a high impact, hilarious and mysterious performance three nights a week, two shows a night with only a few days rest here and there.

Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Austin, Texas to see the hilarious, politically charged satirical songs and dances of the players. Esther's Follies doesn't promote or advertise itself in the normal way. They do it through word of mouth. And that's enough to pack sold out audiences at every show, and I mean every show.

Ray Anderson has developed various stage characters and honed them to perfection over the years. But more than just a magician, Ray also choreographs and helps stage the weekly extravaganzas that change every week.

UPDATE October 2, 2015: Click Here to read a news article of Ray Anderson's magical career path.

THE AMAZING FRANK

During this podcast, Ray chats about magic, creativity and the history of Esther's Follies. Ray doesn't get to talk much about magic as he seldom travels outside Austin (except on those rare "vacations" from Esther's) or attends magic conventions. So it was a fun chat where he talked about where he gets his ideas for new illusions, his friends in magic, illusion builders, and building a show. Although Ray is not widely known in the magic world, he is an exceptional entertainer. And anyone who has ever seen him at Esther's Follies will agree. He's the best!

Magic & Martinis Thursday

**September 11-13, 2014. Hear Ken Scott's interview with Jay Johnson at http://gamagicclub.com/harvest2014/JayJohnson.mp3**

172: Part 5 - My Week at The Castle 2014

In this final installment from My Week at The Castle, we wrap up by giving blood...literally. The Magic Castle became "Castle Dracula" (my own moniker) where you left your blood. It was the first Red Cross blood donation drive at The Magic Castle. This was spurred by Paul Green who has been experiencing health issues that frequently require blood transfusions. I just came in for lunch but got so much more by giving back a little of myself. There were 31 people who gave the gift of life. Please consider donating in your community. The life you save may be someone you love.

While at the Castle this day, I ran into and chatted with Irene Larsen, matriarch of the Magic Castle and the International Ambassador of The Magic Castle. After lunch, I went next door to talk with Dale Hindman, Executive Director of Milt Larsen Enterprises, who helped unravel the mystery (to me) of the difference between the Academy of Magical Arts and the Magic Castle.

Back at the Castle after my last show of the evening, I sat down with President Bill Clinton impersonator and magician, Tim Smallwood. He has a unique act and character that takes him across the country where he performs magic and makes guest "celebrity" appearances. Later that evening I ran into Ray Kosby, former member of The Magic Castle Juniors, who talks about that organization and the early years. And to wrap up the night and this podcast, Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about their new show and lives together.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:32 - Fellow corporate entertainer, Paul Green, is still experiencing some exhaustion due to his illness, but it doesn't deter his positive attitude. He is an obvious advocate of donating blood and organs plus t importance of giving your time to your community.

00:08:1 - Irene Larsen, The Magic Castle Ambassador, talks about some of the interesting people she has met and some of her memorable magic conventions she has attended.

00:12:18 - Dale Hindman, Executive Director for Milt Larsen Enterprises, talks about the full length feature film that is currently in production; licensing "The Magic Castle" brand; how to donate magic to The Magic Castle; the musical "Pizzazz"; the future of"It's Magic" shows; the succession of Castle Board and Director members; and, more.

00:20:49 - Tim Smallwood has been a magician for a long time, but once President Bill Clinton came into the public life, Tim's life changed. He has a resemblance to the President which propelled him in a completely different direction and opportunities for him to perform and meet new clients. However, it didn't just happen overnight. He pursued it with agents plus he tells and interesting story about "nearly" meeting the real President. But his comedy magic shows take him all across the country where he performs straight magic followed by a patriotic conclusion as a magical Bill Clinton.

00:28:53 - Ray Kosby, former member of the Magic Castle Juniors Society, talks about how he got into the group and how he moved from stage to close-up. He also talks about some of the Long Beach Mystics who were part of the Juniors Society. He also talks about the first trick that got him "hooked" in magic...the Red Snapper. He also talks about and recommends books for magic neophytes. He also talks about some of the tricks he has published over the years.

00:42:45 - Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about the "new" direction his act has taken and how West is incorporated in the performance. West also tells a story about how Jonathan protected her by inserting himself into a dangerous situation and defending her from harm, thus exemplifying Jonathan's true loving and protective nature.