096: 2013 F.F.F.F. Day Four

The 43rd Annual Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic is now history and what a year it was. Everyone I talked with seemed to agree that this year was filled with excitement, mystery, energy and creativity unlike some past conventions. It was in no small measure attributable to our Guest of Honor, Steve Bargatze. In this final podcast from Batavia (just outside Buffalo, New York) we start with a nice chat with Stephen who talks about his work in Las Vegas substituting for Mac King plus his family including his professional comedian son, Nate. 

00:29:15 - Chris Hannibal talked about his restaurant/bar work and how he turns it into corporate work. He also gave us his viewpoint of the convention as a participant this year rather than having to prepare for being on one of the scheduled performances.

00:38:45 - Enjoy a cigar and a glass of scotch with Jason Juliano and Roland Meister as they gave a rundown of what impressed them at this year's convention. 

00:52:00 - Ali Shelley and Katalina Absolon gave us a view of magic from the distaff side with tips and encouragement for your women who want to go into magic. 

01:04:45 - More insight from the perspectives of long time attendees George Silverman, Donald Voltz and Steven Duperre. 

2013 F.F.F.F. Day Four
Scott Wells
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Obie O'Brien presents the official award to Stephen Bargatze as the 2013 Guest of Honor.​

Obie O'Brien presents the official award to Stephen Bargatze as the 2013 Guest of Honor.​

The final night show always reads like a "Who's Who" of magic. Tonight was no different. The photos below  features (in order) those who entertained us for three hours of magic, mystery and mayhem: Michael Dardant (from the U.S.A.) assisted by Ed Ripley, Bebel (from France), Red Tsai (from Taiwan), David Stone (from France), Willy Monroe (from Spain), William Watt (from France), Angel San Martin (from Spain), Shawn Farquhar (from Canada), Dani DaOrtiz (from Spain), Paul Gertner (from the U.S.A.), Woody Aragon (from Spain), and Rick Merrill (from the U.S.A.) assisted by Geoff Williams.

094: 2013 F.F.F.F. Day Two

Well, if you enjoyed yesterday's offering then you should love today's podcast. We start with an in-depth chat with organizer Obie O'Brien, better known as the Chief Forker (named after the Forks Hotel where the F.F.F.F. all began 43 years ago). Then later in the day we returned to Alex's Restaurant for more ribs and some delightful conversation with Geoff Williams, from Florida, and Peter McLanachan, from Glasgow, Scotland.

I was a little late getting this one posted because of the late lecture by Guest of Honor,, Stephen Bargatze then a chance to chat with some of our international neighbors and attendees. I hope to have some more interesting interviews tomorrow plus additional pictures. This convention is such a blast. 

2013 F.F.F.F. Day Two
Scott Wells

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The first official show kicked off on Thursday afternoon with Ed Ripley as the opening act. He presented a three part act with cups and balls: one in the classic style, the second as a hip-hop rapper, and the third as Forest Gump. 

The first official show kicked off on Thursday afternoon with Ed Ripley as the opening act. He presented a three part act with cups and balls: one in the classic style, the second as a hip-hop rapper, and the third as Forest Gump. 

Guest of Honor, Stephen Bargatze, is a frequent foil who is often asked to assist with many of the performers. Here he is assisting Harvey Berg (unseen in this photo) with an original card trick.​

Guest of Honor, Stephen Bargatze, is a frequent foil who is often asked to assist with many of the performers. Here he is assisting Harvey Berg (unseen in this photo) with an original card trick.​