Sights from Day Two of F.F.F.F. 2012

The first official day always begins at Settler's Restaurant for us sitting around the table led by Gene Anderson who methodically asks each of us to tell the highlights of our year since we last dined together. We also love the 2-2-2 breakfast deal for $4.99 (2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 strips of bacon with hash browns).

Marc Desouza and I did a little "dueling podcasts" as he simultaneously recorded our session and he turned the tables on me asking what "my" magic word is. Marc will submit his reports to a "competing" podcast at www.MagicOnTheSide.com Can we really have too many magic podcasts? I don't think so.

Lots of guys were sessioning in the lobby, on the chairs, on the floor...just wherever there was room.

John van der Put from England led off the official day with the morning lecture. He regaled us with funny stories about the development of his "Piff the Magic Dragon" character.

Steve Beam conducted the "Teach-a-Trick" session that included several guys teaching some really great ideas including Scott Robinson's great "Card Thru Dollar Bill".

Matt Episcopo followed as the emcee of the first Mini World Show that was a real knock-out.

Gary Morton emceed the 4F Kickoff Show that included several veteran "4F"ers going for their Masters and Doctorate degrees in magic.

After another fine dinner at Alex's down the street (great garlic ribs, by the way, and a fairly passable vodka martini), it was time for a lecture by the Guest of Honor, David Stone. To begin, he was swarmed by the French contingent (and a few others) wearing "I Hate David Stone" T-shirts (thanks, Pattrick Przysiecki at www.PattricksMagic.com for printing and donating the shirts).

Following his fabulous lecture, I was quite a few dollars poorer but more magically enriched. Soma from Hungary next lectured on the importance of music in your show. My camera battery was charging so I didn't get any pictures. But soon it was time for the hospitality room, donuts, coffee and late night (early morning) sessioning.

049: F.F.F.F. 2012 - Day One

Obie O'Brien, the Head Forker, chatted with me for a few minutes and talked about his expectations for this 42nd annual event. Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic is the Original Close-Up convention having always been held on the last weekend of April. Some of the best close-up magicians in the world attend this "invitation only" event and share some of their innermost secrets with one another. This is the place where everyone feels a true brotherhood and bond with one another. Every year some special magician is selected as the "Guest of Honor" and this year is David Stone. He was featured on the cover of the April issue of "The Linking Ring".

Also sitting with me in the lobby for a few minutes was Past S.A.M. President, Bruce Kalver who talked about apps for the iPhone and iPad. I think you'll enjoy this brief opening salvo from the first evening activities at the 2012 F.F.F.F. convention.

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The 42nd Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic Has Begun

Dateline Batavia, New York, April 25, 2012 - The fun is just beginning as magicians gather from all parts of the globe to share close-up tricks and cammaraderie.

Several new things have been introduced this year including an additional room for dealers and one room just for selling the 4F regalia. There is also a cool gobo illumination of the FFFF logo on the back wall of the performance area.

Obie blew his hockey referee whistle that indicated it was time to sit down and get ready for the first lecture.

Several magicians arrived early to catch the opening night lectures. Some in attendance you can pick out include Daryl, Gene Anderson, Mike Powers, Marc DeSouza, Marv Leventhal, Harvey Berg, Gene Protas, Richard Levin and many others. And this was just on one side of the room.

Will Houstoun, from England, opened the festivities with a lecture on a couple of his books, "The Notebook" and "Hellis in Wonderland" both of which were fascinating views into the lives of 18th century magicians Will is working on his PhD in Victorian magic. He also showed us some most marvelous card and coin work.

Gyula Czili, from Hungary, gave us a dealer demo of his 2012 line of clever apparatus he has for sale at his dealer booth. I'm certain that his items sold briskly after this demo.