050: F.F.F.F. 2012 - Day Two

The convention got underway officially today with a full day (and night) of magic lectures and shows. I sat down to chat with Marc DeSouza who turned on his recorder as we did a little "dueling podcasts" since he is reporting on this convention for www.MagicOnTheSide.com Also sitting around us in the lobby was Marv Leventhal, Raj Madhok and Chris Hannibal. I chatted with Glenn Brown in the registration room about the numbers plus he told us about the fantastic electronic program he prepared for this year's convention. For those who would like to see it, the document will be posted until the end of the convention at https://public.me.com/magimac (the password is F3ct3rs).

First timer, Francis Menotti shared a bit of what he is up to in the magic consulting business plus what it's like for someone attending the F.F.F.F. convention for the first time. Christian and Katalina talked a little about their experience here this year. Then I started the recording a little late into my conversation with Shawn Farquhar talking about cruise ship stories.

I know you will enjoy today's podcast.

Day 2 - 2012 F.F.F.F.

Scott Wells

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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.

Day 1 - 2012 F.F.F.F.

Scott Wells

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Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here  then right click to save the file.