David Stone U.S. Lecture Tour

David Stone visited the U.S. to be feted as the Guest of Honor at the 42nd F.F.F.F. (Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic) Close-up Convention. He arrived early to lecture in several cities in upper Midwest. Following the F.F.F.F. convention, he continued through another 19 cities with his outstanding lecture.

He was not as well known in the U.S. but after this tour, I doubt that many people will forget him. And those who missed out, well...you can hear the stories.Many said his lecture was the best they had seen in many years. I hear that comment from time to time about other lecturers but never have I received so many saying the same thing as I have regarding David's lecture.

For example, one unsolicited testimonial I received about his lecture said, "David Stone was AWESOME!!!  He is a fun, amazing, charming, phenomenally talented lecturer.  We had a huge crowd, and I received many thanks from our members for bring him to Atlanta, and have heard and read ONLY rave reviews from those who were lucky enough to attend.  Many have said it's the best lecture we've had in a very long time... and you know we have a LOT of lectures! 

"David's communication leading up his visit was very pleasant and professional.  His lecture material was accessible to all skill levels, and he covered a tremendous amount of highly commercial magic that appealed to us all.  And the fact that English is his second language, it's nothing short of remarkable that he is such a strong instructor and that his lecture was perhaps the funniest I've ever seen!" - Debbie Leifer

His lecture contained many commercial, creative ideas that were well within the capabilities of any magician from beginner to professional. He covered coin and card moves all of which can be performed in a stand-up situation and great for restaurant or walk-around work. As he reached the end of his tour, I know that he was running low on many items and had to make a few "on the road" to replenish his stock for the next city. But no one was disappointed.

Pictured above in Houston - Daniel Garcia, David Stone and Ben Jackson

Beyond his skill was his presentation. As an actor, he portrayed the part of a magician with ease and aplomb. He said in our interview (hear the podcast here), David stated that he lacks confidence. But is was never evident from his lecture performance. He exuded confidence and hit every mark. For those who didn't buy any of his amazing items (though I can't imagine anyone who didn't buy at least something), I know they came away having been thoroughly entertained by a true magician.

Listen to the podcast with David online here at The Magic Word by following this link : http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/david-stone-trust-yourself or you can download it from iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-magic-word/id460397314

Slydini Lecture by Bill Wisch

Bill Wisch stopped through Houston on the last leg of his 18 city lecture tour across the south and some parts of the Midwest. He left behind a string of compliments and testimonials about his lecture, his technique, and his personal character that stands next to none. Not only is Bill a more than adept magician with great talents, but also a wonderful gentleman, kind father and interesting conversationalist.

Bill studied with Slydini for several years in the 1970's and was the only magician with written authorization from Slydini himself to present this lecture. Bill toured in the late 1970's across the country covering over 30 cities as he helped promote the Slydini name and sold his (then new) books, "The Best of Slydini...and More" and "The Magical World of Slydini". On this redux tour, Bill presented some of Tony Slydini's favorite effects, plus he gave a primer of a couple original card moves of Bill's own devising including the "Wisch Wedge", which was given the appellation by Jon Racherbaumer while on this very tour. Bill taught many subtleties used by Slydini but either overlooked in the printed books and some which have never seen print.

Here are sample comments from a couple attendees: 

"I do not usually make comments but this is one time I have to. If you missed last night's lecture than you missed one of the VERY BEST lectures ever in Austin. Bill Wisch is a gentleman and scholar and a darn impressive magician. His stories about Slydini were mesmerizing as well as entertaining. His card work was a joy to watch and make any non-cardican want to grab a deck and start learning. Thanks to IBM Ring 60 and JD (and the boartd) for bring Bill Wisch in. This will be a difficult lecture to top in the future." - Carl Seagren, Austin, TX

"The lectures [in Houston] are almost always excellent but I thought this one was particularly good. Most lectures concentrate on skills and effects. This lecture had a lot of that material too, but used it to tell the story of a magician who was one of the most influential figures in modern magic. I walked away thinking about the way the Slydini techniques could be used to enhance the magic I already perform and am eager to try and create some things using the techniques and ideas that Bill shared with us at the lecture. This is something that every magician would benefit from seeing." - Ed Cotham, Houston, TX

Following the lecture, Bill sat down with me for an hour's discussion on stories about Tony Slydini plus some other interesting bits of business and behind-the-scenes, rarely told tales that only get discussed late at night.

Chris Randall - Las Vegas and Beyond!

Chris Randall joined Scott Wells for lunch in Houston at Torchy's Tacos when he stopped by Houston to lecture. Chris was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and is considered one of the top sleight-of-hand artists in the world. He has appeared on television's "Masters of Illusion" as well as performing as a regular at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. He has been working up and down the Las Vegas strip for 15 years. The last few years Chris has also been hitting the street becoming one of the finest street magicians in the world being hailed by the best in the business as the "Future of Street Magic". His original material has been featured in MAGIC Magazine, Genii, M.U.M, The Penumbra and his DVD's Live at the Castle, Sugar High, Magic at the Bar, and Sweet.