Mystic's President Dinner :: In pictures and words

Last night at The Mystic Circle of Magicians saw Fred Corvenio host his Presidents Dinner featuring Matthew Garrett.  Words are supplied courtesy of Michael Thurston and please enjoy a slide show of the night below or view all the pictures in our Gallery.

"This event instituted by Fred is fast becoming a coveted annual highlight for Irish magicians. A large contingent from the North was joined by magi from the south and west; all of whom enjoyed the night.

Not only did Fred host a great evening, but he also sang; played 12 of the 43 musical instruments he can play; introduced the cabaret; and gave a free trick to 'every member of the audience!' May I add that the North Star are to be congratulated on a fine meal.

Finally a word about the special guest. Matthew Garrett scored with an affable and open personality. I had the pleasure of speaking with him in the bar before hand and he was really interested in the type of magic we each did. 

His lecture covered his approach to performing, the Ninja Rings, Morty the Spiv, and the Magic Square.. I think everyone was won over by his Platted Heart - a balloon item. A lovely idea for weddings which could be used for other happy events.  His closing cabaret act was a lesson in smooth professionalism.

Matthew brought a most enjoyable evening to a most entertaining end and I'm sure he is certain of a very warm welcome when he returns to Ireland. - which I hope will be soon."

Michael Thurston

Matthew Garrett to star at Mystic's Presidents Dinner

Fred Corvenio, President of The Mystic Circle of Magician, will again host his popular Presidents Dinner night.  This year it wil star Matthew Garrett.  Matthew is busy UK professional and was Magic Circle close-up magician of the year for 2010.  You can learn more about Matthew on his website.

The night itself will consist of a mix of lecture, banquet and show.  There is a meet and greet in the bar from 6pm, Matthew will open his dealers table at 6:30pm and his lecture at 7 will be followed by dinner and a cabaret show.  It all goes down on Thursday 20th October in The North Star Hotel, Amien St, Dublin 1.  The cost for this great night is astonishingly good value at €40 all in.  Fred and Mystics would deeply appreciate you let them know you are attending as this helps with place settings and numbers for the dinner.  Call Fred on +353 86 7272600.

Mystic Circle of Magicians :: Open All Summer

Michael Thurston writes to let everyone know that the Mystic Circle of Magicians continue to host their meetings throughout the summer season.  "Just a quick word to say that Dublin's second magic society, The Mystics, still meets in the North Star Hotel on the third Thursday of the month and they continue through the summer. It's members come from as far away as Wicklow and County Down. Last Thursday Fred Corvenieo (pictured) gave a summary of Irish circus history which, as a lecture, would be worthy of a far greater audience."

The Mystic Circle of Magicians can be contacted via email to their Secretary Martin Duffy by clicking here or by phoning President Fred Corvenieo on 086 7272600.

Mystic Circle of Magicians renew Leprechaunship

Thanks to the Mystic Circle of Magicians who have donated to IrishMagicNews for another year and are once again Leprechauns.  The support of what I am doing here at IMN is greatly appreciated and filters it's way back in to the Irish Magic scene in one way or another.  Thanks again guys.

Reminder :: Bill Abbott lecture next Friday

Bill Abbott will lecture at the Mystic Circle of Magicians on Friday 8th April.  In an unprecedented move (as far as your editor is aware) this lecture is a joint venture between The Mystic's and The SIM.  In essence The SIM are part paying the night and in return their members will be admitted free.  For bone-fide magicians who are not members of either The SIM or The Mystics the charge will be €10.

Bill Abbott is without doubt one of the leading stand-up magicians working today.  His passion for magic, mentalism & music coupled with university degrees in both psychology and sociology have made Bill one of the most sought after and interactive performers in the world.

He has released numerous effects that have made their way in to the sets of many of the top working pro's in our industry such as The Thing, Smart Ass and Chico the Mind-reading Chimp.  To find out what all the fuss is about make sure you put this exciting lecture in your diary.

It all takes place on Friday 8th April at 8pm in The North Star Hotel, Amiens St, Dublin 1.  Free for members of The SIM and The Mystics.  All other bone-fide magicians €10

Quentin on the Bill Abbott Lecture

Quentin Reynolds attended the Bill Abbott lecture in Manchester last night and sent along the following note.

Caught Bill Abbott's lecture in Manchester last night. Obviously a busy working professional, Bill's lecture covers a number of routines from his working repertoire. While mostly stand-up material there is also some close-up.

 

Considering that most lecturers today cover solely close-up, it is refreshing to see someone perform and explain real world stand-up material.

 

Even if you don't use any tricks from the lecture you will benefit by paying close attention to Bill discussing how and why his routines are structured the way they are, especially his opener which he uses to set up a standing ovation in his real world performances.

Bill Abbott will lecture on Friday 8th April at 8pm in The North Star Hotel, Amiens St, Dublin 1.  Free for members of The SIM and The Mystics.  All other bone-fide magicians €10

Bill Abbott Lecture :: 8th April, Dublin

Bill Abbott will lecture at the Mystic Circle of Magicians on Friday 8th April.  In an unprecedented move (as far as your editor is aware) this lecture is a joint venture between The Mystic's and The SIM.  In essence The SIM are part paying the night and in return their members will be admitted free.  For bone-fide magicians who are not members of either The SIM or The Mystics the charge will be €10.

Bill Abbott is without doubt one of the leading stand-up magicians working today.  His passion for magic, mentalism & music coupled with university degrees in both psychology and sociology have made Bill one of the most sought after and interactive performers in the world.

He has released numerous effects that have made their way in to the sets of many of the top working pro's in our industry such as The Thing, Smart Ass and Chico the Mind-reading Chimp.  To find out what all the fuss is about make sure you put this exciting lecture in your diary.

It all takes place on Friday 8th April at 8pm in The North Star Hotel, Amiens St, Dublin 1.  Free for members of The SIM and The Mystics.  All other bone-fide magicians €10

Mystics's Convention 2010 in Words & Pictures

Your editor is just back from the jam packed day of magic in Drogheda that was the Mystic circle of Magicians one day convention.  An attendance of around 40 magicians were privy to four fantastic lectures, a busy dealers hall and an almost sold out gala show.  The day was organised by Mystic's President Fred Corvenio, who as you can see by the picture on the left made sure the day ran to time.  Fred was ably assisted by Martin Duffy and Ruairi O'Connor.

The first event was Adrian Sullivan's lecture.  Adrian mixes relatively easy to do magic, mainly with cards with his charming personality and he was well received by an enthusiastic audience.  One thing to note was that Adrian doesn't sell lecture notes, instead he provides handouts.  A nice touch.

Ali Cadabra was up next to entertain.  And entertain he certainly did.  Ali is a busy professional with much experience which shines through in this fun, energetic and engaging lecture.  The highlight for you editor was his opening routine with a mind-reading spring snake and four different coloured ribbons. The snake springs from a can with the correct colour ribbon attached to it's mouth.  The bits of business and gags in the run up to this are pure gold.  A great piece and a fun lecture.

The centrepiece lecture followed with FISM Parlour Champion Marc Oberon.  With only an hour per lecture Mark travelled fast through an impressive array of material.  Starting off with a nice floating wand, continuing with his mentalism pieces and finishing with some nice card work the lecture really did indeed have something for everyone.  Much of what Mark lectures is available from him after the lecture but this was by no means a dealer dem.  Mark took time to explain how to make the items from scratch.  A really enjoyable hour in the company of a superb magician left everyone smiling.

Andrew Normansell finished off a jam packed day in his usual comic way.  In fact his cards across routine was as they say, worth the price of the day.  Full of whitty asides, sight gags, situational humour and good old fashioned innuendo he had the audience in tears.  In some cases literally.

In between lectures registrants talked shop and parted with hard earned cash in the dealers hall which seemed to be doing brisk business.  The evening Gala Show was as good as sold out and featured our four earlier lecturers with the addition of Pat Fallon and emcee Nevin Cody. 

Well done to the Mystic Circle of Magicians for putting on a great day for a very reasonable registration fee.  Fred Corvenio told us he will do it all again in two years time.  Let's hope so.

You can view the photo's we took on the day in our photo gallery by clicking here

Mystics's Convention :: Performer Profile Nevin Cody

The Mystic's one day Convention is taking place this coming Sunday 17th October in Drogheda.  It features Marc Oberon, Andy Normansell, Ali Kadabra, Adrian Sullivan, Pat Fallon and now...Nevin Cody.

Nevin has been named as the emcee for this coming Sunday's Gala Show.  Nevin has been working very hard on his regular act over the last number of years and is a regular performer in The Secret Castle of Magic.  This hard work paid off last may when Nevin won the IBM Shield for Stage magic at the IBM Ring 85 Convention in Belfast.

Nevin mixes razor sharp wit and funny asides  with well structured magic and mentalism routines.  While devising his act Nevin focused very much on the audience, their experience and how his time with them can shape their feelings.  In fact Nevin discussed this in detail with IrishMagicNews in his 'Conversation with...' us which you can listen to below.  While many of you will know doubt know of Nevin few of you may have seen him perform.  Now is your chance to catch this rising star of Irish magic.

The Mystic's Convention is being held at The Westcourt Hotel, Main Street, Drogheda and runs from 9am to 6pm this coming Sunday.  With a heady mix of lectures, dealers, fun & frolics and the evening International Gala Show, being held next door in beautiful The Droichead Arts Theatre, it promises an exciting event.

Registration is unbelieveable value at €40 and includes 4 lectures, access to the dealers and the gala show.  You can register in person on the day.  Please let Mystic Circle President Fred Corvenio know your attending by phoning +353 86 727 2600 as a matter of urgency as there are only about 20 seats remaining for the Gala Show.

LISTEN TO MY CHAT WITH NEVIN HERE

Mystic's Convention 2010 :: Performer Profiles Ali Cadabra and Pat Fallon

Ali Cadabra is a well known Uk based magician.  He is a busy children's entertainer and a master of close up magic, balloon modelling and characters to suit all occasions. Probably most famous for his Charlie Chaplin character he has previously lectured at the prestigous Kidology convention.

Pat Fallon is a member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star and generally recognised within the industry as Ireland's leading all round magician.  Pat will perform on the Gala show, showcasing his award winning bird act and illusions.

The Mystic's Convention is being held at The Westcourt Hotel, Main Street, Drogheda and runs from 9am to 6pm this coming Sunday.  With a heady mix of lectures, dealers, fun & frolics and the evening International Gala Show, being held next door in beautiful The Droichead Arts Theatre, it promises an exciting event.

Registration is unbelieveable value at €40 and includes 4 lectures, access to the dealers and the gala show.  You can register in person on the day.  Please let Mystic Circle President Fred Corvenio know your attending by phoning +353 86 727 2600

Mystic's Convention 2010 :: Reminder

Don't forget that The Mystic's One Day Convention takes place on Sunday week the 17th October.  With 4 lectures (Marc Oberon, Ali Cadabra, Andy Normansell and Adrian Sullivan), dealers and a superb Gala Show it promises to be a great day.  All for only €40.  

Those of you who intend being there are asked to let Mystic Circle of Magicians President Fred Corvenio know by phone on +353 86 727 2600 or email Mystic's Secretary Martin Duffy here

This is to ensure you get a seat allocated for the Gala Show which is being held in The Droichead Arts Theatre and help organisers gauge numbers expected.

For full details on the One Day Mystic's Convention please click here

Mysitc's Convention 2010 :: Performer Profile Andy Normansell

Andy Normansell will be one of the featured performers at this years Mystic Circle of Magicians one day convention which takes place on Sunday 17th October in Drogheda Co. Louth.  Manchester based Andy is an accomplished stand up & close up performer, sough after lecturer and the inventor of a number of commercial hits, including Jinx, Club Sandwich, Zen Coin Collection, Collector's Edition, Hades' Pennies.

He is the author of The Man Who Would Be King and his DVD release 100% Commercial received rave reviews.  Andy's performances and lecture material are jam packed full of hilarious, commercial and direct magic and mentalism.  On top of all that Andy is a very nice guy.  You won't want to miss this highly engaging performer.

The Mystic's Convention is being held at The Westcourt Hotel, Main Street, Drogheda and runs from 9am to 6pm.  With a heady mix of lectures, dealers, fun & frolics and the evening International Gala Show, being held next door in beautiful The Droichead Arts Theatre, it promises an exciting event.

Registration is unbelieveable value at €40 and includes 4 lectures, access to the dealers and the gala show.  You can register in person on the day.  Enquiries & questions to Mystic Circle President Fred Corvenio +353 86 727 2600

Mystic's One-day Convention Update & Performer Profile :: Marc Oberon

As we previously reported back in April ,The Mystic Circle of Magicians are holding a one day convention on Sunday 17th October in Drogheda Co. Louth.  Organised by current Mystic's President Fred Corvenio (pictured).  And what a convention this promises to be.  Headlined by FISM 2009 Award Winner Marc Oberon coupled with a stellar support cast means this is one you won't want to miss.  The day is being held at The Westcourt Hotel, Main Street, Drogheda and runs from 9am to 6pm.  With a heady mix of lectures, dealers, fun & frolics and the evening International Gala Show, being held next door in beautiful The Droichead Arts Theatre, it promises an exciting event.

Registration is unbelieveable value at €40 and includes 4 lectures, access to the dealers and the gala show.  You can register in person on the day.  Enquiries & questions to Mystic Circle President Fred Corvenio +353 86 727 2600.  Performers include - 

• Marc Oberon
• Ali Cadabra
• Andy Normansell
• Adrian Sullivan

In the build up to the convention we will be profiling (in a non criminal way) the performers awaiting you in Drogheda and where better to start then FISM award winner Marc Oberon.

Marc Oberon is an award-winning magician and illusionist based in Nottingham, England.  Being friends with many Irish magicians it is surprising to learn that this is Marc's first magic convention here in Ireland, although he has lectured in Cork for the SBM.

Marc will lecture and perform two spots on the gala show.  Marc is very much a general practitioner when in comes to our art and is equally accomplished on stage or in a parlour setting as he is at the close up table.  He has performed his magic all over the world and continues to win major international competitions and awards such as -

The FISM World Championships 2009

The International Brotherhood of Magicians & Society of American Magicians Peoples Champion 2008

The European Championships of Close-up Magic 2005

His products for magicians have been widely praised and his 'think a card' effect Bang On completely sold out.  His lecture is jammed full of commercial, direct material much of which is from is own professional repetoire.  Enough said!  As the saying goes, 'he's worth the price of the convention.'

BRIEFS - our tidbits of news

We have just learned that Canadian magician Bill Abbott will be lecturing for The Mystic Circle of Magicians next year on Friday 8th April.  Obviously this is some time off but put this in your diary now.  Definitely not to be missed.  More updates on this closer to the to time.

mystic circle convention announced

The Mystic Circle of Magicians are holding a one Day Convention on Sunday 17th October 2010 in Drogheda.  The Venue is The Westcourt Hotel on the main street.  The Day runs from 9.00am to 6.00pm with lectures by Andrew Normansell, Marc Oberon and Adrian Sullivan. There is an evening Gala Show featuring Joe Daly, FISM 2009 Award Winner Marc Oberon, Andrew Normansell and Adrian Sullivan at 8.00pm in the Droichead Arts Theatre which is beside the hotel. More details will follow but for now you can contact Mystic Circle President Fred Corvenio on +353 86 727 2600