Craig Mitchell has kindly sent some of his on the ground reporting, which he’s covering over on the Genii Forum as well from Kentucky:

Day 4 in Louisville Kentucky. The gift today was a specially minted souvenir medallion to join the custom printed playing cards, convention poster, leather wallet and special convention close-up set already received. A fantastic line-up of ‘goodies’ for the registration bag which really make a big difference … whoever was responsible had clearly gone to a lot of trouble in getting these extra touches together.

First event of the day was the much anticipated lecture by David Williamson on “Organic Magic - The Art of Impromptu”

Those who have seen David’s antics at past FISMs will know just how manic a magician he can be - unfortunately that mad cap magician is slowly being tamed - and that completely zany character was nowhere to be seen today. Instead we had David sitting behind a laptop computer attempting to present a ’serious’ lecture … technical difficulties however plagued the Powerpoint presentation leaving the impression of an ‘unrehearsed’ impromptu lecture ( the gods of fate are curious beings ). A few highlights though were video clips of David let loose on the streets of Kentucky to much hilarity. All in all though the lecture lacked magic and was disappointing having gone into it with such high expectations …

From there it was onto round 3 of the stage contest with a bumper 16 contestants.

Tony Chapek - presented his now famous TV interaction act with a brilliant vanish of the camera at the start and ending with a standing ovation by the audience.

Jei-Min from Seoul destroyed the once innocent fairy tale that was Snow White with Prince Charming reaching into Snow White’s cleavage to remove her bra ( why, I have no idea ) The only saving grace of the act was an amazing levitation sequence with a brilliantly smooth execution. Being the trick bunnies that magicians are, all was forgiven and they received a standing ovation.

Will someone please educate the audience that standing after nearly every act defeats the object of a standing ovation if just about everyone gets one ? Even more so when you are applauding appearing lingerie?

David Sousa from Portugal presented his FISM winning act - measured, graceful manipulation with a powerful soundtrack that just adds immensely to the magic. A standing ovation once more ( but this time deserved )

Skilldini - a supposed comedy routine which saw him grabbing his crotch to vanish the zombie - maybe he and Snow White need to get together.

Oh Young Jung - South Korea - appearing flowers, fans, pots - the slowest of quick changes and never ending production of fans from one’s sleeve.

Christian and Katalina - USA - presented a Hungarian fortune teller mentalism act. Quote from the gentleman behind me was “What the hell was that ?” This has to quite possibly be the WORST example of mentalism I have EVER seen. If mass confusion is what you are after - this act wins. Choose a carnival ride, select a teddy, this matches that, who knows what was happening - just a complete blur

Soma - Hungary - set against a phone booth. A great appearing hand from briefcase bit ( ala Kevin James ) and a mobile briefcase that zoomed around the stage. Another standing ovation received from our liberal audience.

Tim Trust from Germany was back again with his ridiculous mad-hatter’s hat and frilly shirt. I can’t understand how they can be allowed to have 2 acts in the same contest considering they have already performed in yesterday’s stage contest ? Nevertheless they presented an unbelievable sword through cardboard box illusion which quite possibly surpasses Hans Moretti’s version. The macabre twist saw blood flowing down the sides of the box as the magician licks the falling drops. An amazing illusion that received a standing ovation.

Kouyou Sugaya - Japan - Snowstorm, color changing mask.. A novel twist was the using the mask to the take the form of a person during the mask zombie routine leading to the end production of the ‘masked’ figure.

Nathan Kepner - USA - with a jukebox music themed act. Vanishing microphone, appearing CDs, clarinet, card manipulation and vanishing saxophone.

Charming Choi - Korea - with a very strange close-up act that is literally presented in a fish tank to the strains of the Little Mermaid’s Under the Sea. If you ever wanted to see cups & balls done under water, this was your chance. Creative it was - and another standing ovation followed ( the audience clearly need their exercise )

Kieko Muto from Japan with a - you guessed it - traditional Asian act. Fans, manipulation of bells, snowstorms and everyone’s favourite - parasols.

Chin Chin - from the USA - a young performer with luminous spiked red hair that presented a ‘hip’ dove act to head-pounding rave music along with a UV black light sequence and compulsory snowstorm.

Peter Pitchford - USA - a Sorcerers Apprentice style routine done in tribute to Cardini.

Mulan - China - appearing bows, swords, appearing masks, fans, card manipulation, card throwing, required parasols and complete with standing ovation ( these people need to stretch more often )

Final performer was Timo Marc fresh from his recent win at the World Magic Seminar. Timo’s act fuses live interaction with an LCD screen with ‘painted’ magic, animated figures and so much more. A very entertaining act that received - you guessed it - a standing ovation.

3 hours later - the stage contest had come to a close.

With a now SIX HOUR gap in the program, the final event of the day was scheduled for 9 pm - EAST MEETS WEST Close-up Gala show which was held in the smaller 500 seat Bomhard Theatre - ideal for close-up.

The evening was hosted by MC David Williamson who had been hard at work in creating comical short video intros to each of the performers - giving a glimpse into their life stories ( Simo Aalto for instance being raised by reindeer’s in Finland )

Line-up included Simo Aalto, Brian Gillis, Hiro Sakai, Martin Eisle, Dr Sawa and Rick Merrill. A mixed bag of okay acts and some fantastic FISM champions.

Tomorrow - Friday - sees the last round of the close-up contest, Derek Lever lecturing on the World’s Greatest Magicians, David Kaye on Kids Magic through the Century and Harry Willard the Untold Story by Mike Caveney ( 3 lectures on one day - what’s going on ? ) and the International Gala Show ….

Until then …