Photo of the day: The magic shop I used to visit everyday after school when I was a Catholic High Primary school boy is still around @ Peninsula Shopping Centre. That was more than 30yrs ago... Time flies and magic is still very much part of who I am. — feeling thankful.

Alex Lee Magic Lecture 2 Sep 2013

Attended an interesting magic lecture by magician Lee Alex. Here are some pictures for sharing.

Some details of the lecture:

If you ever wanted to know more about quick change, now is your chance to learn from an expert in quick change.

"Time for a change?" is a lecture on quick change for magicians. The lecture gives an introduction to quick change for male costumes using practical and innovative methods without the complications of traditional techniques.

Five different costumes with varying applications are explained: 

1) "And so to bed" - pyjamas, bathrobe and slippers change to a full tuxedo. 

2) "One piece suit" - a full tuxedo changes to a casual suit of contrasting colour.

3) "Two piece suit" - a casual suit changes almost visually into the magician wearing cargo shorts and a shirt.

4) "Surf the Wave" - the magician is wearing a short-sleeved shirt and cargo shorts, complete with flippers and leis! In a flash the magician changes into a white long-sleeved shirt and long black trousers plus the "Colour Change Waistcoat". 

5) "The long and the short of it" - the basic principle of changing from a short costume (with skin revealed) to a long costume is explained. 

6) "The Colour Change Waistcoat" - a full expose on this magic best-seller with real tips on how to perform this original piece; history, principles, performance and routines. 

7) "Quick Change Dress" - touching on the principles of changing clothes for women. 

The lecture begins with a short show demonstration of 5 costumes and the Colour Change Waistcoat performed with music and sound effects. 

Each costume is explained interactively with the participation of spectators who are taught the handling and fastest removal of the costumes. 

The spectators are introduced to the latest creation in quick change gimmicks, used by Lee Alex in his own performances, the "Magnaseam". The most silent and quickest release available!

Source: IBM Ring 115 Website 

http://magic.ibm115.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=346:qtime-for-changeq-lecture-by-lee-alex&catid=35:magic-lectures&Itemid=56

Some interesting costume products were put on sale. The BBB temptation was strong. But I resisted. Just wanted to learn and meet up with friends from the community.

Some of my wonderful friends in the magic community

Yes, we do have the "pros" present as well.

A warm welcome by Alex

"And so to bed" - pyjamas, bathrobe and slippers change to a full tuxedo. 

 "One piece suit" - a full tuxedo changes to a casual suit of contrasting colour.

During the break, guess what? BBB!

Do you believe in MAGIC?

Jon Armstrong Magic Lecture_6 March 2013

Who is Jon Armstrong?

Jon Armstrong has performed for some of the most prestigious audiences in over 30 countries worldwide as a magician. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, Jon became fascinated by the magic he saw in the theme parks around him and dreamed of having his own magic show. This dream came true when disney asked him to bring his act to Epcot and he became the resident magician at Walt Disney World. He was only 20 yrs old.

 

After spending 5 years doing his show at Disney World, Vegas called and Jon answered, becoming a recurring headliner at Caesar's Magical Empire. It was between these runs in Vegas that Jon started doing his tours all over the world as both a performer and lecturer, teaching others how to add humour and entertainment to their magic. IBM was privileged to have Jon coming over to share with us his thinking and philosophy about magic.

Jon now loves in Los Angeles and is a frequent performer at the world famous Magic Castle.

Some of Jon's magic achievements:

In April 2007, Jon was named Close up Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts. He has been nominated five times in total as of 2010. In 2010, he was nominated for the Lecturer of the Year by the AMA. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of The Academy of Magical Arts the youngest person ever to be elected to this important group in magic.

Jon's Bio Source: Jon's Lecture Tour Notes, 

The Magical Adventure of Jon Armstrong, pg.67.

I enjoyed the lecture a lot because Jon is a very humourous performer. Very American thou but still love his humour and magic style. Like most Americans will say, it was Awesome!

 

Jon has many talents, besides being a wonderful close up magician, he is also a very talented comic artist! Together with writer Mike Costa, Jon Created a Comic Book Series on Magic titled 'Smoke and Mirrors'.

Upon discovering their mutual love for comic books and magic, the two kept in touch and talked about creating a comic book that would combine both arts. Along with artist Ryan Browne, Costa and Armstrong launched Smoke and Mirrors, a five-part series that follows a sleight-of-hand magician named Terry Ward, who finds himself in a world where magic is real, tries to fit in as best he can, and ends up mentoring Ethan, a young boy who discovers his secret.

Check out more about this five-part comic series here:
http://laist.com/2012/08/17/smoke_and_mirrors_interview.php

During the break, magicians took the opportunity to catch up with each other. Met up with some of my magical khakis and chat about what is the latest in the community. Some decided to practice some rubber band magic Jon shared earlier during his lecture. And yes, big men do play with rubber bands!

 

 

See. This is a big man and he has rubber bands! LOL

I did not have my Kate Spade bag with me for this pose. So I decided to use Derek instead! Ha Ha...

Another wonderful evening spent with my magic community. Taking care of myself spiritually (need not be religion) by doing things I enjoy keeps me sane. Until my next magic adventure. Keep the magic going!

Some of Jon's wonderful routines on YouTube. 

Enjoy the magical moments.

The plunger routine above was everyone's favourite during the lecture. It's funny, visual and amazing. I'll practice and perform the routine very soon. :)