Incredible Balloon Artists at the SPWC

Mr Balloonatic, or Michael Abrahamson as many of you will know him, leads a team of superb balloon modellers at the Street Performance World Championship this weekend in Merrion Square, Dublin.  SIM member Lorcan McIvor is one of Michael's team.  Other magicians at the festival include last years winner Jack Wise, who due to inclement weather, did not perform today and in a non-performing capacity but enjoying the fun were Jamie Skelton and Donal Byrne.  For all the details on The SPWC please visit their website.

Jack Wise on RTE's Nationwide

Ahead of this weekend's Street Performance World Championships in Dublin, Jack Wise appeared earlier tonight on RTE's Nationwide.  He talks about the SPWC and his start in magic.  He also apologises to his Mum for the torment he put her though in his younger years.  Watch Jack on Nationwide the RTE player here until 6th July.

Jack Wise back at the Street Performance World Championship

Reigning Street Performance World Champion Jack Wise returns to the festival this year.  With dates in Cork and Portlaoise already in the bag the roadshow comes to Dublin this coming weekend.  It all goes down on Merrion Square from 16th - 19th June and features an array of the world's best street entertainers.  Having been there persoanlly last year it really is an event not to be missed.  For full information visit www.spwc.ie   

Jack Wise SPWC Video

Especially for readers of IrishMagicNews Jack Wise has posted video of his winning performance at the recent Street Performance World Championship on his website here.  You will be required to enter the word magician (all lower case) in the password field.  Thanks Jack. 

JACK WISE WINS STREET PERFORMANCE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Yesterday, Sunday 20th June, Jack Wise won the 2010 AIB Street Performance World Championship.  Heartfelt congratulations to SIM member Jack who competed over weekends in Cork and Dublin.  IrishMagicNews caught up with Jack on the Friday before his win for a quick chat which you can view below. 

Jack has put a huge amount of work in to his act over the last few years and all this hard work is evident as the crowd young and old lap it up.  Jack uses his quirky sense of humour to bally up his crowd before launching into his main act which includes smashed and restored watch, found in a stuffed teddy bear, sword swallowing while walking on broken glass and finishing off with his vent mask routine.

Also competing over the weekends were the amazing quick-change act of David and Dania.  They have travelled all over the world, headlined on Royal Caribbean cruises, came second on AGT and performed in front of the British Royal Family and 3 US presidents.  This is not a street act per se but all the more amazing when seen at these close quarters.  Your editor was sitting less then 3 yards from them and you still couldn't see a thing.  Check out the Youtube footage below.

Also spotted attending over the weekends were magicians Barry Sinclair, Harry Guinness, Michael Lahiffe, Steve Thompson, Anthony Galvin and Ger Kearney. Some of you will remember a then young magician Michael Abrahams.  Michael, pictured, was the man behind the official balloon modellers for the festival and it was nice to catch up with him again.

The AIB Street Performance World Championships is fast becoming one of the events of the summer.  The organisers are hoping to expand further by adding a list of more cities and towns to host a weekend of the Championships. 

Congratulations again to Jack Wise and watch this space for a full "Conversation with...Jack" in the near future. 

Magic at the Streeet performers world championship

SIM member Jack Wise and  David & Dania are two of the acts that will take part in this years Street Performers World Championships (SPWC) in both Cork and Dublin.  The Cork leg takes place over the 12th & 13th June at Fitzgerald Park and The Mardyke Sports Ground.  The Dublin leg takes place 17th - 20th June at Merrion Square.  To get filled in head over to the SPWC website

Quickchange supremos David and Dania...

..are to perform in Ireland this summer.  It is over 4 years since David and Dania performed at the Limerick convention so it is great to see them heading back our way.  We bumped in to Dania after the Blackpool Gala Show where she told yours truly that they have been booked to perform at this years Street Performance World Championships in Cork and Dublin.  The event takes place in June.  Keep an eye on IrishMagicNews for more information as it becomes available.