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.

Reminder :: Michael Ammar Lectures Next Week in Belfast & Dublin

Michael Ammar lectures for the USM in Belfast this coming Monday the 4th of October and for the SIM in Dublin the following night Tuesday 5th October.  Michael's lectures' are always jam packed full of usable, commercial and entertaining routines and Michael is considered by many to be the very best teacher of magic in the world.  Details of each lecture should be available on the individual host society website which you can access by clicking on the resources link on the top of this site.  Needless to say you don't want to miss this lecture.  Please view the embedded video below to whet your appetite.

neville wiltshire to appear at USM

Neville Wiltshire will explain tricks, tell yarns and generally hold court at the USM meeting on the 1st July.  I have been privileged to see Neville in action a number of times and always come away with at least 3 ideas or bits that go straight into my professional repertoire.  Fore more information visit the USM website

In other Neville news he recently performed at his 21st Leixlip Festival.  There must be a record in that somewhere.  Congratulations Neville, here is to another 21 eh?

IBM Ring 85 Convention 2010 Update

Hope to see as many of you as possible in Belfast at the IBM Ring 85 Diamond Jubilee Convention next weekend.  Places for both the stage and close up competitions are still available but filling up quickly.  If you haven't already please let convention organiser James Hobart know that you are intending to attend.  All contact details are on the USM Website We will have a review of the convention in our next issue on 10th May.

Your editor recently acquired an iPhone and will be uploading video highlights of the convention at the end of each day.  I hope to catch up with familiar faces in addition to visiting artists so those of you who are unable to attend will get a sense of whats happening.  These video highlights will not be uploaded here until our next issue as I have no access to my publishing software when away from the office.  You will be able to view any footage we take on our Facebook or Twitter streams.

Michael ammar's on his way

Michael Ammar will lecture at the USM in Belfast and SIM Dublin this coming October.  Michael lectures at The USM Monday 4th and The SIM Tuesday 5th October.

Featured on the WORLDS GREATEST MAGIC, twice on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, three times on The International Magic Awards, and the first ever 6-time award winner from The Academy of Magical Arts. The BBC documentary The Greatest Tricks In the Universe EVER! ranked Ammar's Cups and Balls routine as the 7th greatest effect of all time! No wonder MAGIC Magazine listed Michael as one of the Most Influential Magicians of the Twentieth Century.

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL AMMAR is now in its 18th printing, and his numerous instructional DVD's, which have out sold all others worldwide, have forever changed magic instructions for future generations.

You'll be entertained by his wit and enlightened by his wisdom as he teaches in complete detail many signature routines from his professional repertoire as well as new favorites of modern close up and stand up magic. Prepare to learn, laugh, and be inspired!

Only a month to go till the convention!

With just over a month to go till Irish Magicians converge on Belfast for the IBM Diamond Jubilee Convention the organisers have just released their convention poster.  Impressive we think you will agree. 

Online facilities this year mean that booking cannot be easier and has already attracted one Wizard all the way from Oz !

The USM have invested a huge amount of effort (and money) to bring world class magicians to your doorstep so please support them and let them know you are coming, even if you are planning to register at the door.

Junior Registrations - as announced in the last issue of IrishMagicNews have now been added to the online booking facility.

It is likely that by now the Stormont Hotel is already fully booked but the Park Avenue is currently offering a very good three night deal for £170 Bed and Breakfast for a twin or double room. That will save you £130 on the Stormont which will go a long way towards taxis and liquid refreshment in the wee small hours. Who goes to a magic convention to sleep anyway ?

For those who can only attend for part of the weekend a Provisional Programme of Events has been published on the USM website.  Friday night will offer your first opportunity to register at leisure and visit the Dealers before a cabaret show. This will be hosted by Steve Dela under his “Fantasmagoria” brand, currently running monthly in London and Brighton, with guest appearances from two well known Irish Magicians.

Saturday will see additional Dealers setting out their stalls, three lectures, the Close up Gala, Banquet and Stage Competition. Later Neil Henry will present his one man show which received rave reviews in the Magic Circular among others.

Sunday is your last chance to spend money in the Dealers Hall and features two more lectures and the Close up Competition. Highlight of Sunday is of course “Diamond Jubilee Magic” when Neil Henry will introduce The McMaster Stage School, Caolan McBride & Nicola, Lee Hathaway a.k.a. “Tall Daniels”, Steve Dela, George Bleeks, John Kimmons and Thom Peterson in our Grand Finale.