IBM Ring 85 Belfast Convention Reviewed

Last weekend saw the staging of the IBM Ring 85 Magic Convention in Belfast and with a strong line up it promised to be a fantastic weekend. Friday night saw the official opening by The Lord Mayor of Belfast who, it had turned out, had an interest in magic and years previous had actually shared the stage with Pat Fallon.

You editor along with travelling companion Nevin Cody arrived bright and early on Saturday morning. As is always the way it was great to meet up with old friends and make new ones. One was struck by the number of younger, newer faces that were attending USM members in the main. Surely this augers well for future conventions.

Andi Gladwin was first up to lecture. I had not seen Andi lecture before and was expecting it to be mainly cose-up card work. I was very pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Highlight for me and many was his Psychometry stage routine.

In between lectures there was time to visit the dealers. If there was one gripe ( and really there is only one) about the weekend it must be the dealers. Save Emerald Magic (Pat Fallon), Banshee Magic (Tony Thursby) and a brief appearance from CasinoShop.ie there weren't any. The individual lecturers did sell merch at the end of each lecture mind you. Also the dealers were in two separate small rooms, not unlike bedrooms. This, possibly had an effect on business as many people may have been apprehensive about entering a small space. At least in a big space one could choose to leave more easy if not purchasing. The fact that the main hall for the lectures could have easily accommodated everything was not lost on some attendees.

The close-up competition was next. Judged by Joshua Jay, Andi Gladwin and Joe O'Donnell it proved to be one of the highest standard comps in recent years. Rodd Hogg from the USM held off challenges from David Lillie, Steven Morgan, Kevin Gartland (who may have one had he not gone under time), Michael Thurston and Fred Corvenio. Congrats to Rodd Hogg.

Aldo & Rachel Colombini followed with a terrific joint lecture that touched on Rachel's recent health scare. Funny, moving, and to end romantic. A great hour spent.

The day finished off with a great close-up show. Gala dinner, a tight three act show featuring the hilarious George Firehorse and drinkies were the perfect end to a super day.

Sunday gave us an illusion lecture from Guy Barrett, the master teacher and presenter that is Joshua Jay and the precise, superb magic of Axel Hecklau. Registrants were also treated to a performance of MathaMagic, a really well thought out, engaging and energetic show touring schools in NI right now. Produced by CahootsNI and starring Caolan McBride, Nicola Cunningham (put a ring on it Caolan) and Victoria Vitesse.

The Gala on Sunday night took place in a nearby theatre which was just perfect. Andi Galdwin as a first time emcee was impressive, the opening act Steffy, a UV hula hoop act was beautiful, Aldo played a stormer, Axel was immaculate and Guy Barrett and his two dancers were high paced and brought that illusion oomph needed to close a show. Gazzo, of cups and balls fame, closed the first half. Terribly disappointing to my eye. Others were raving about him.

All in all this was a cracking weekend. Although somewhat pricey for younger magicians from outside the area (the hotel was £90 per night to stay) if you planned right local B&B's were half the price. The welcome as always was top notch, the line up superb, the magic world class and the friendships made should last a life time.

Thank you, genuinely, to the USM, Ring 85, and organsiers Caolan McBride, Nicola Cunningham, Paul McIneeny, George Bleeks and of course Trevor Price. See you all at Shenanigans 2014!

USM DInner in Pictures and Words

The Ulster Society of Magicians Chairperson Nicola Cunningham hosted Dinner for members and guests last Saturday evening.  As Nicola was the first ever female Chair of the organisation the night itself had a certain feminine flair to it.  Nicola posted the following few words on Facebook and the photo's are courtesy of George McIntyre.

You can view the photo's in our Gallery here or watch the embedded slide show below.

"The USM Dinner Event last Saturday night was a fantastically funny and magical night had at the Rockmount Golf Club. There was a whopping 70 people who supported the dinner and I just want to say thank you to you all for coming along and making the dinner such a success for the club. 

Ursula Burns kick started the showcase titled "Girls just want to have fun" by letting us all know who our harpist was for the evening. :) Her act was witty, laugh out loud hilarious and her music was very enchanting and magical to listen to. 

After a short interval the leading lady, Mandy Muden took to the stage. Mandy's act highlighted exactly what the evening was all about, showcasing performances from women who are bounding ahead in their professions. Mandy put on a fantastic performance of both magic and comedy combined.   Mandy was charming, sophisticated and at times very barmy but everyone really fell for her character on stage as soon as she took to it and really it really showcased that girls definitely have more fun."

Mandy Muden at The USM Dinner

Mandy Muden will headline what looks to be a fantastic evening of fun this Saturday 30th March at The Ulster Society of Magicians Dinner.It all happens at Rockmount Golf Club, Carryduff, Belfast and gusts are asked to be present at 6:45 for a 7:15 start time.

'Girl's Just Want to Have Fun!'

As this Year is special, in that it is the first time ever the Ulster Society of Magician's has had a Female Chair at it's helm, Nicola Cunningham has decided to have an evening dedicated to Female Magic and Performance. 

So with that in mind, the Fabulous Ursula Burns will be playing her beautiful Harp whilst members off the USM club dazzle and delight guests with their magical trickery. Then Ursula will be performing her Musical Stand up act before award winning Magician and Comedian, Mandy Mudden takes to the stage to deliver her funny and witty act. 

Mandy is the only woman ever to combine Comedy and Magic on the UK Comedy and Corporate circuits. She has a striking personality with a razor sharp wit and so creates a fantastic rapport, offering a great line in audience participation. She can adapt her show to any type of event and audience. Having performed all over the world from Comedy Clubs to the most prestigious corporate event. The USM are delighted she is headlining the night. 

Price is £20.00 (Seriously you don't need to go put your glasses on) Yes the dinner this year is just £20.00 for food and the show. The USM are trying to keep the prices low due to the convention coming up in May, so please show your support by attending the night and also getting family members to come along also. 

Those interested in attending should contact George Bleeks by e-mail here.

Irish Magic Convention, Belfast Update

With less then two months to go to this years Irish magic convention excitement is building.  A magnificent weekend of fun and magic await in the beautiful city of Belfast. The line up is nothing short of world class.  To have top performers such as Andi Gladwin, Joshua Jay, Axel Hecklau, Aldo Colombini and Guy Barrett on your doorstep is quite remarkable.  Congrat's must go to organisers The USM on such a strong line up.

Registration is £90 strl and includes your Saturday Banquet dinner.  A WAG's weekend registration of £65 also includes the dinner.  The convention takes place at the fabulous Ramada Plaza Belfast.

You would be a fool to miss this smashing weekend.  Full details on the convention website.

Peter McLanachan Lecture :: Belfast 4th Febuary

Scottish magician, and former IBM Ring 85 Close Up Competition winner, Peter McLanachan - www.thecardman.co.uk - will be visiting the Ulster Society of Magicians to present his "A Force Much Greater Than Luck" lecture on Monday 4th February.  The majority of lecture concentrates on card magic that has been designed for walkaround settings with most of the material also requiring more than one card to be selected, meaning more audience involvement.

The lecture will take place on Monday 4th February at the USM's usual meeting place of The Ramada Hotel at Shaws Bridge, Belfast with the meeting starting 7:30pm for 8pm.  Any non-members wishing to attend should contact George Bleeks, USM Secretary, here.

Guy Barrett and Aldo Colombini added to Belfast 2013 Convention Line Up

Blackpool illusionist Guy Barrett and all round magician & nice guy Aldo Colombini have been added to the already stellar line up for the upcoming IBM Irish Magic Convention being hosted by the Ulster Society of Magicians.  Guy and Aldo will join Joshua Jay, Andi Gladwin and Axel Hecklau for a weekend full of the fun and festivities we all associate with great Irish conventions.

The convention will run 3rd, 4th and 5th of May 2013, and will be hosted in the four star Ramada Plaza Hotel, Belfast.  Registration details are not yet available but we will advise you as soon as they become known. 

Please visit the designated convention website for full details.

USM Walk

The Ulster Society of Magicians have taken part in their first fundraiser to raise money for next year's convention. On Sunday the 1st of July members took part in a sponsored walk which also raised funds for the MS Society in memory of Eamon Mc Keown a past member of the club. The walk took place along the North Down Coastal path starting from the Dirty Duck in Holywood. Both members, family and friends participated in the 10km walk. Thankfully, everyone arrived back safely with no major injuries and a great time was had by all! 

Irish Magic Convention 2013

I have just learned via James Hobart on Facebook that the IBM Irish Magic Convention for 2013, hosted by the USM, will take place at the Ramade Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast.  The convention will revert to it's usual Bank Holiday Weekend which next year is Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th May.

Those are the only details we have at present.  More details as they are announced.

USM 70th in Pictures and Words

Last Saturday evening the USM hosted their 70th Birthday Celebrations.  An evening of good grub, great company and even better magic ensued.

Nicola Cunningham (pictured) provides the words and the photo's are courtesy of Paul Gomac.  See all the pics in our Gallery.

The fun-filled day of magic kicked off with U.S.M. and Friends’ve Got Talent hosted by Trevor Price and Judged by Alan Kennedy, Jim Harvey and guest judge, Richard Pinner. There were five entrants including Maurice Simms, who travelled with his wife Akke all the way from Donegal to take part in the festivities. The competition winners would be announced later.

After the competition, award winning magician, magic consultant and youngest-ever member of the Inner Magic Circle in London, Richard Pinner, performed his lecture. Richard’s lecture was fast-paced, inventive, magical and very entertaining. A smile was never very far from anyone's face throughout and I speak for the club when I say I'm sure everyone learned a lot from this very knowledgeable performer.

After a fabulous dinner, some of the USM's own members performed close-up magic around the tables for the guests to warm up the audience for what was to be a great variety show. Fred Corvenio from the Mystics kicked off the evening’s cabaret by performing his Musical Wizard Act. This took the audience into a bizarre, exciting and fun world where musical instruments created all different sounds and were all shapes and sizes. Then, Caolan McBride and Nicola from the USM performed a fast-paced quick-change and illusion act. Then, the headlining act, Richard Pinner, took to the stage and performed a magic act that was slick, confident, magical and full of surprises that baffled and entertained both magicians and muggles alike.

During the evening, the winner of the USM and Friends've got talent was announced by the club's President, Jim Harvey. First prize and the Downey Cup were awarded to Nicola Cunningham, 2nd prize to Caolan McBride and 3^rd prize to George Bleeks.

I would just like to thank George Bleeks for organising the event and all members and non-members who put loads of effort into performing, attending and supporting the event.

Nicola Cunningham
Acting Chair of the Ulster Society of Magicians

Congratulations to The USM on magnificent 70th years.  Here's to another 70!

Reminder :: USM 70th Dinner & Richard Pinner Lecture

Just a brief reminder that the USM host their 70th Anniversary Dinner followed by The Richard Pinner Lecture on Saturday 31st March.  Full details of the evening can be found here.  George Bleeks has asked us to remind you to let him know of your intentions to travel by 24th March.  You can contact George through email here.

Richard Pinner is one of London's top magicians and offer a heady blend of commercial workers. Richard is very pleased to present his new lecture Half Life 2.0. This is a tricks lecture focusing mainly on highly performable material for most environments and a couple of things you'll never do outside of a magic club!  Also, Richard will discuss his brand new "P.E.T" which is set to revolutionise the Card to Wallet genre.

Shawn Farquhar Lectures :: Belfast 3rd October & Dublin 4th October

Shawn Farquhar will present his highly acclaimed Bread and Butter Lecture for the USM in Belfast on 3rd September.  The lecture will be in the Platform, Holywood, Co Down commencing at 7.30 for 8.00 p.m.  The lecture is free to all USM members in good standing. For non-members and those not in good standing, there will be a charge of £10.

The following night Shawn takes his experience to the SIM for their AGM lecture.  It will take place immediately following the AGM and is free to all paid up members (subs are due on the night) who have attended the AGM.  Bone fide non member magicians or those who have not paid the sub will be charged €15.

We caught up with Shawn on Skype to chat about his upcoming trip to Ireland last week.  Watch below and scroll further down for the lowdowwn on the lecture.

The lecture will include

MatriXpress
Don’t blink or you will miss this lightning fast matrix!

MagiCd
Magic for the digital age ...

Blown Away
A card effect with a commercial twist.

The Ultimate Invisible Deck
A deck of cards turns to glass ...

Torn 2 Pieces
The torn and almost restored photograph

Signed Card in Wallet
It doesn’t get and easier than this ...

Photo Finish
A poker chip moves so fast it gets trapped in a photo

Deck Switch
Completely invisible deck switch!

USM Dinner & Paul Nardini Night Reviewed

Last Saturday week saw the USM host their annual dinner which was coupled with a day time lecture and evening performance by Paul Nardini.  IrishMagicNews' correspondent up north, Nicola Cunningham was there to report on matters.

"On Saturday 12th March it was that time of year again when the Ulster Society of Magician’s all get together to celebrate another year in Magic as a club. This year, our Chairman, Caolan McBride and the committee had loads of treats installed for both Magician’s and muggles alike.

 

The event was held in Malone Lodge hotel in Belfast which was a fine venue for all the Magical goings on. And who better to bring over to join our festivities other than Paul Nardini, member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, and with his wife Mhari billed as The Great Nardini, best comedy act and winner of 2003 FISM Championships to perform his lecture for the club during the afternoon and then perform his cabaret act in the evening as part of the festivities. Everyone who attended his lecture will agree with me that Paul’s lecture was highly entertaining and filled with extremely useful stuff. Paul was very charismatic and when listening to his advice and talking to him both during the lecture and in between it, I think we all would agree that Paul was a really dead on guy who absolutely loves Magic. I think we all learned a great deal from him as a professional performer.

Then for the dinner. This year we decided not only to have the main act perform in the evening but we also asked younger and more experienced members of the society to perform close up magic around the tables during dinner, so that non-members could see the talented magician’s that our own society have. This was a very successful idea and really helped lead into the main event, Paul Nardini. 

Nardini’s stage act was again highly entertaining, very visual and hilarious. Doing tricks with money, cards and his mind, Nardini really brought variety to the stage and everyone will agree that it was a great performance and smashing end to the night."

Paul Nardini Lecture & USM Dinner 12th March

The USM host their annual dinner and the Ted Oldham memorial Lecture featuring Paul Nardini on Saturday 12th March.  George Bleeks sends along the following message...

I am delighted to be able to reveal that the lecturer for the afternoon of the day of the dinner will be Paul Nardini.  Paul is a full time professional magician based in Scotland.  He is one of the UK’s finest magicians working in both the private and the corporate markets. He performs both close up table magic and cabaret magic and is a member of the inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. Paul has performed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Riviera Casino in Las Vegas, at venues in Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Germany, France, Italy, and all over the UK and Ireland.  Many of you will have seen Paul with his wife, Mhairi, in their multi-award winning act, The Nardinis, so you know this lecture will be something special.

The lecture will commence at 2.00 p.m. in the Malone Lodge Hotel and will cost £10 per head.  Please support the lecture as it is the only way we can afford to have a performer of this calibre to appear at the dinner.

Annual Dinner – 12^th March 2011 – Malone Lodge Hotel

Here are the final details for this year’s annual dinner.

The dinner will take place in the Malone Lodge Hotel, Eglantine Avenue commencing at 7.00 for 7.30 p.m. During tea/coffee a number of our members, including some of our newer ones, will perform close-up at the tables.  Following a short break, one of the highlights of the dinner, the raffle, will take place hosted, as usual, by our President, Jim Harvey.  I would like to appeal to you all again - please consider putting up a prize.  All donations will be gratefully received.  You can bring them along to the next club night or to the Paul Nardini lecture or to the dinner on the night or you can pass them to a member of the committee at any time.

Following another short break, the cabaret featuring Paul Nardini will take place.

The cost for the evening is £26.50 per person.  Please book by contacting me before noon on Thursday 10^th March.  You can contact me by e-mail at george.bleeks@ntlworld.com or by telephone on 07860 115611 or by post to 114 North Parade, Belfast BT7 2GJ or in person at the next meeting.  It would be a great help if you could pay in advance if you are contacting me by post or in person.  I need to know the numbers in your party and if there are any special dietary requirements.

As I have said many times before, we really need your support – Thank-you!

Math 'a' magic at the USM this Monday

Nicola Cunningham passed on the following invite for you all...

If any of you Magicians are free and can get up north on Monday 6th December 2010 then why not come along to the Ulster Society of Magician's December meeting at the Platform Bar in Holywood Belfast.

 

USM Chariman, Caolan McBride, his partner Nicola Cunningham and Victoria Vettese from Cahoots NI Children's Theatre Company will be performing their award winning show Math 'a' Magic.

 

Math 'a' Magic a Cahoots NI production sponsored by Northern Bank, is a school show for P7's where Math's and Magic literally Collide! The show combines Performance, Magic, lots of Maths and Illusion. It is guaranteed to dazzle and delight all. Caolan McBride has brought the show especially to the society as a magical treat before Christmas. All Magician's from other societies are welcome to come along to what will be a very fun night!

Michael Ammar Lecture Reviewed

Michael Ammar lectured last night and the night before for the SIM and USM respectfully.  A massive turn out at both venues created a great atmosphere for this superb lecture.  Over 40 in Belfast  and over 55 in Dublin saw Michael at his very best mixing old and new material with great aplomb.  Bottle productions, card in balloon, iPhone magic and various gags and bits of business ensured there was something for everyone.  

In Belfast Caolan McBride stated on Facebook that "his lecture was EXCELLENT!  His magic, his manner and his tips are wonderful!"  In Dublin, from chatting to people afterward everyone was informing how great they thought the night was.

Kudos to everyone who attended.  It is great to see such a turnout, especially for a small little country like ours.  You can see some photo's from Dublin on our Facebook

Update on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 11:01AM by Brendan Byrne

As you will see from the comments below American magician & street entertainer Matt Rambles posted a review of Michael's lecture on his blog.  View it here.