Browsed by
Month: August 2015

Magic: What If It Was Real?

Magic: What If It Was Real?

Las Vegas is home to many magicians, most of whom are hard core illusionists. Concentrating on sleight of hand, misdirection, and other tricks of professional conjurers, they ply their trade and compete for bookings. But what if, just maybe, sometimes the magic was real? That is exactly what a small eclectic group, comprised mostly of entertainers who regularly engage in mystifying performances, set out to explore with unmapped territory in an innovative meeting titled PSI Posium.

For three days they met at Sunset Station Hotel and Casino spending many hours listening to presentations, practicing the arts and exchanging ideas and concepts that can be incorporated into public demonstrations. PSI Posium was the brainchild ofAlain Nu (The Man Who Knows) and Jerome Finley (a Showman Shaman) both of whom have personal experiences that seem to defy conventional explanations. In their view stage magic has lost its way placing emphasis on trickery and hosting a general disbelief in the arcane milieu from which they were spawned.

One issue is the nomenclature. The seminar organizers would reject traditional titles such as hypnotist, mentalist, or magician, all of which are encumbered with prosaic baggage from their counterparts. In his performances Alain Nu employs techniques that blur the lines between science and unexplained phenomena and often leaves the audience confounded thus stretching their belief systems. Here Alain demonstrated amazing tricks that caused metal spoons to appear to bend in his hand. But knowing that was an illusion does not negate veridical reports of spontaneous events of true psychokinesis. Rather, the trick provides a model that allows the mind to be open to exceptional experiences. Read more…..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-b-alexander-phd/magic-what-if-it-was-real_b_8057348.html

THE ILLUSIONISTS RETURN TO ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ FOR SEPT. 2 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS SHOW ON NBC.

THE ILLUSIONISTS RETURN TO ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ FOR SEPT. 2 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS SHOW ON NBC.

Eleven Acts Perform in the First Round of the Semi-Finals on Tues. Sept. 1 (8-10 p.m. ET)

NEW YORK – August 27, 2015 –Celebrated magic group, The Illusionists, return to ‘America’s Got Talent’ with a fresh and thrilling performance during the live results show on Wednesday, Sept. 2 (8-9 p.m. ET) from Radio City Music Hall.  Adam Trent, Dan Sperry, Raymond Crowe, Jonathan Goodwin and James More will captivate America with their jaw-dropping showcase of illusion.

The Illusionists have travelled the globe performing astonishing acts of levitation, mind-reading, illusion and disappearance. The ensemble will return to New York City this fall for a limited holiday residency entitled “The Illusionists—Live on Broadway” at the Neil Simon Theatre.  Returning to the “AGT” stage for an encore following last year’s performance will be Adam Trent, best known as “The Futurist,” who balances classic technique, comedy and technology and Dan Sperry (The Anti-Conjuror) who fuses his effortless showmanship with an innate ability to perform jaw-dropping feats. Sperry previously competed on “AGT” during its fifth season in 2010. Joining Trent and Sperry will be three new Broadway cast mates, Raymond Crowe (The Unusualist,) Jonathan Goodwin (The Daredevil) and James More (The Deceptionist) who will each show off new thrilling stunts and awe-inspiring acts of amazement.

“The Illusionists—Live on Broadway” will kick off Nov. 19, 2015 and run thru Jan. 3, 2016. Their return to Broadway will feature three new performers—Goodwin, More and Crowe, along with thrilling stunts and jaw-dropping sleight of hand. Tickets available now at www.TheIllusionistsLive.com.

“America’s Got Talent” kicks off the first round of the semi-finals, with 11 acts performing live on Sept. 1 (8-10 p.m. ET) for America’s vote and the chance to advance one step closer to the $1 million prize.

Last night, America chose Alicia Michilli, Daniella Mass (Judges Save), Freelusion, Gary Vider (Dunkin’ Save), Mountain Faith Band, Oz Pearlman and The Professional Regurgitator to move on to the semi-finals.  The judges also chose Metal Mulisha Fitz Army as their wildcard pick, allowing the previously eliminated act to return to the competition.

Magician Jeff McBride talks Magic and Mystery School and future..

Magician Jeff McBride talks Magic and Mystery School and future..

   

Las Vegas – Magician Jeff McBride chatted with Digital Journal about his plans for the future, as well as his Magic and Mystery School.“We did a big show last night at the Wonderground night club with all the magicians,” he said. “It was wonderful and a record-breaking night in attendance in the seven years that we have been doing it. Magic has been more popular than ever.”

In 1993, McBride was crowned “Magician of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts, and 15 years later, in 2008, he was honored as its “Lecturer of the Year.” “The ‘Magician of the Year’ award was the Oscar of magic,” he said.

When asked about his proudest moments, he said, “It was definitely meeting and marrying my beautiful wife, Abigail. That has to be right up there.”

Regarding his plans for the future, McBride, said, “Right now we are booking a world tour with the Magic and Mystery School to share our magic in Europe, South America, China and maybe even India.”  Read more.. 

https://hellenicnews.com/magician-jeff-mcbride-talks-magic-and-mystery-school-and-future/