Anthony Darkstone Brook (also known as Tony Brook) will appear at the British Ring convention this year in the role of a talk show host with guests Jason Andrews, Shawn Farquahar, Joe M. Turner and Michael Finney. Tony is very experienced in this field having produced many similar activities in the United States for The Society of American Magicians and other overseas institutions.

This Portugal based American has many other talents including those of a performer, author, producer and broadcaster. The event has all the hallmarks of a very interesting part of the convention and Tony promises a special surprise finale.

The convention runs from 22nd – 25th September 2011 with other top names are yet to be announced so keep in touch with the British Ring on www.magicconvention.co.uk or www.britishring.org.uk

The 2011 International Brotherhood of Magicians Annual Convention, which takes place in Dallas, Texas, June 28 - July 2, 2011 has a newly re-imaged dealers room. In addition to the fantastic exhibitors, many of them making their first appearances at the International Convention, you can expect to see the debut of some fantastic new magic products. The Dealers Fair is a uniquely themed environment which pays homage to the largest state fair in the United States; the State Fair of Texas which is held annually in Dallas. Not only will the room serve as an immersive space for attendees to shop for their ultimate magic fix, but it will also serve as the central gathering spot for registrants and will host performances and magic sessions.

Check out the full list of Dealers at The IBM Annual Convention site or join in Convention buzz on the Official I.B.M. Convention Facebook page

This years MagicFest over 18 competition has now reached its maximum number of competitors - six. Although the organisers are still looking for one more person to be on the reserve list. You can find out more by visiting www.magicfest.co.uk/perform for more info.

MagicFest takes place 1st - 8th July 2011, further information can be found at the MagicFest website

The 74th Abbott Magic Get Together takes place this August 3-6 and is probably one of the most unique events in the magic world. First, its not held in a convention hall or hotel, it is held in a small town called Colon MI and the entire town gets involved with the festivities. The city of Colon alone sponsors a huge outdoor fireworks display after the Friday evening show, a Busking Contest with performers strategically placed throughout the city, an outdoor craft show and an outdoor auto show just to name a few. Also other businesses (including other magic shops) have their own events, contest, lectures, etc. There is also great fishing (bring your boat if you like) those who like to camp there are even camping facilities available in town (bring your tent if you like). Itís truly a town of magic and pure fun!

This year Abbott’s is featuring four gala shows as part of your registration (plus a fifth Gala to support the Colon Lions Club) and a Closeup Show. There are also 5 lectures during the event including a question answer session with John Calvert who will be celebrating his 100th birthday with us (yes, there will be cake). Also a blindfolded drive through town by Dan Stapleton, a Vent-O-Rama by George Schindler, a Magic Ministers session by David Laflin, A graveyard tour by Al the Only, A talent contest where you see future talent compete (In 1977 we had 3 teenagers named Lance Burton, Jeff Hobson, and Mac King finish 1,2,3),a ladies party, plenty of Dealers and Auctions (including ‘Dealers on Parade’), and even a golf tournament for those who wish to participate.

Each year, after the final show, everyone gathers in the dealers room for one last look around, a quick auction perhaps, and the Abbott Magic Gettogether award presentation for the Gala Show Performers. The Jack Gwynne Award for Magic Excellence has been awarded yearly since 1969. The Senator Crandall Award for the best bit of comedy business has been awarded since 1976, and the Bill Baird/Neil Foster award for manipulation has been awarded since 1978.

For more information, thousands of pictures, and 74 years of history visit the main Abbott Magic Get Together site

Eric Mead is one of 33 magicians presenting at EMC2011. He is without doubt one of the most versatile magicians on the planet, an expert close-up worker, an incredible mentalist and a wonderful presenter with a knack for using magic to explain scientific concepts. Check out his excellent talk on Magic, Science and Mystery here at Fora.TV on You Tube. Also his acclaimed lecture on the placebo effect at TEDMED.

To subscribers of EMC and the curious:

Eric Mead here, and I’m happy to report that I’ve been invited back to speak again at EMC 2011.

You might think that I agreed to come back again because it’s fun. You would be partially correct, as the first EMC was a delightful three days. Not only the “on camera” talks and real time interaction with attendees through the internet, but we laughed told stories and shared magic during the downtime between sessions-and it was really a great time I’m thrilled to repeat.

But the real reason I’m returning is that I feel something important is going on here. Luis and his team are pioneering something new for magic. A truly world wide magic convention and conversation that is delivered to you through technology, instead of you having to come to it. It’s an idea being explored in many fields, from business and science, to social interests and family gatherings, and everything in between. In times past magic was often on the forefront of cutting edge technology, but has fallen behind in most of the important areas. So I believe what Luis and his team are doing is important, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it at the beginning-when no one, including the EMC creators and staff, can yet see what it will evolve into.

The other thing that pushed me to return was the great variety of speakers and topics in 2010, and how magic was treated seriously as an academic, artistic, and creative art. There were heady talks about magic theory, talks that explored method and secrets, talks about the business and commercial side of magic, and even presentations aimed at pure fun and entertainment. I loved the swirling pool of ideas we swam in, and the palpable conviction that magic is not trivial, but something to be respected, and shared with a sense of import and importance.

My suspicion is that 20 years from now this kind of exchange will be commonplace. For now though, as it is in its infancy, I’m proud to be a part of EMC. I hope you’ll join us on this journey, and participate fully with us as we explore the art of magic together in this new and exciting way.

Eric Mead

Contact your favorite dealer or Register now for EMC2011 and join in the magic event of the year. The Essential Magic Conference 2011 takes place July 7,8,9 2011 online. You can find out more and register for the wonderful conference at the main Essential Magic Conference website. You can also follow all our news, updates and interviews on our Essential Magic Conference Coverage

The All Entertainment Convention Festival takes place in Kissimmee Florida. The convention will cater to all forms of entertainment; Magicians / Illusionists, Haunted house actors/actress, Clowns / Mimes, Balloon artists / Balloon decorators, Make-up artists / Face painters, Dancers (All forms), Specialty acts, Musicians (all genres), Comedians, Puppeteers / Ventriloquists, Jugglers, Celeb - Look a likes, Animee character lookalikes and many more…

So if you fall into these categories, please check out this event. The organisers are also looking for vendors to attend the event as well.

2011’s All Entertainer Convention & Festival (AECF) is a 5 day event in the entertainment capital of the world Kissimmee, Florida, and will run September 14th 2011 through September 18th 2011. Central Florida is the best place for this convention with 8 major themed attractions here. The AECF event will be the biggest of its kind, celebrating the arts of entertainment. (more…)