The magician Ricky Jay, considered by many the greatest sleight-of-hand artist alive, is also a scholar, a historian, a collector of curiosities. Master of a prose style that qualifies him as perhaps the last of the great 19th-century authors, he has written about oddities like cannonball catchers, poker-playing pigs, performing fleas and people who tame bees. But probably his most enduring interest is a fellow polymath, an 18th-century German named Matthias Buchinger…
Buchinger (1674-1739) was a magician and musician, a dancer, champion bowler and trick-shot artist and, most famously, a calligrapher specializing in micrography — handwriting so small it’s barely legible to the naked eye. His signature effect was to render locks of hair that, when examined closely, spelled out entire Psalms or books from the Bible. What made his feats even more remarkable is that Buchinger was born without hands or feet and was only 29 inches tall. Portraits show him standing on a cushion and wearing a sort of lampshade-like robe. Yet he married four times and had 14 children. Some people have suggested that he also had up to 70 mistresses, but Mr. Jay says that’s nonsense.
Hugh Nightingale was chopping trees at his farm in Speldhurst, Kent
His family stated that the tree fell in a ‘bizarre way’ and crushed him
Mr Nightingale began performing 25 years ago and head of the Magic Circle
Tributes have today flooded in for the ‘lovely’ 62-year-old man
In a tribute to the magician – who had three children to his first marriage to Juliet – Robert, Lucy and Marianne – and two step-children, Felicity and Penny, with new wife Chloe, who he married in 2008, was remembered as a ‘gentleman magician for his unique charm, wit and talent’
A family tribute from his children read: ‘We have been so touched, hearing so many stories about our father over the last few days from his time as a farmer and as a magician.
‘We are exceptionally proud to have had such a diversely talented, loving and dedicated man as our dad.
‘He was loved by so many and we will miss him terribly.’
A tribute on the Magic Daily website states: ‘We have just heard from the President of The Magic Circle, Scott Penrose, that Hugh Nightingale died in a tragic accident at the age of 62.
‘We understand that Hugh was cutting a tree on his farm and a branch fell on him.’
In a tribute to the magician, it stated: ‘Hugh could be seen at the most prestigious venues, working alongside top names in entertainment for world famous clients. Read more…
A Living History event with the dynamic Duffy Hudson appearing as iconic magician Harry Houdini will serve as the centerpiece of the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library on January 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room. After only a few minutes of Friends business, during which they will approve their 2016 Officers and Budget, the focus will shift to show biz legend Harry Houdini (1874-1926), the most famous escape artist who ever lived. Duffy Hudson, recently named by the Los Angeles Daily News as “LA’s Best One Man Show,” will return to the South Pasadena Public Library with his latest compelling character portrayal. Duffy recently brought Houdini to life at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Previously, Hudson was the first Living History performer to appear at the renowned club, when he performed there as Edgar Allan Poe. Duffy is also the Official Voice of the Edgar Allan Poe House in Baltimore and he has toured the country as a variety of timeless historical figures, including Albert Einstein, Dr. Seuss, George Burns, and Audie Murphy.
Duffy Hudson is co-owner of Cincinatus Motion Pictures, a film company that has produced many commercials and a feature film, “Tattered Angel” with Wonder Woman’s Lynda Carter. Hudson’s film acting credits include “The Greater Good,””Finders Keepers”, and “Hell-O-Ween”. Duffy has also performed on Broadway and directed more than 300 theatrical pieces, working with Brooke Shields, Jessica Lange, Don Johnson, Tatum O’Neal, and Marlo Thomas.
The entertaining play for all ages focuses on the character of Harry Houdini, who looks back on his incomparable career as an escape artist and magician. No one else ever completely defined the art of escape as Harry Houdini, who also possessed a magnetic stage personality. Houdini’s most famous stunt was his Chinese Water Torture Cell and he delighted audiences around the nation as he miraculously defied death in his liquid coffin. Images of Houdini hanging upside down with handcuffs and shackles are still emblazoned on the American public consciousness.
The Harry Houdini Living History Night is free and family friendly. It is presented by the South Pasadena Public Library, the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library, and the Living History Centre Fund. Refreshments will be served, no tickets or reservations are necessary, and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street. Free parking is available after 6:00 p.m. in the Meridian Mission Parking Garage adjacent to the Metro Gold Line Station on 805 South Meridian Avenue. Street parking around the library is also available, but it tends to fill up quickly. (Photo by Pasadens Public Library..)
This is a small sample of the many resources found in the MAGIC ROADSHOW. This appeared in the next to last issue, #171 (link is in the Roadshow nav bar)
Penn & Teller’s ‘Fool Us’ – Every Complete Episode of Season 2
In case you missed one.. or all.. of the FOOL US shows this year, here’s the link to the full season on the CW’s website.. Nothing to download.. just click and enjoy.
Season 2 begins with magicians Jon Armstrong, Xavier, Greg Dow and Steve Brundage
Magicians Leon and Romy, Mike Hammer, Shin Lim and Peter Boie
Magicians Brian Brushwood, Simon Pierro, John Lovick, and Kyle Knight and Mistie
Magicians Austin Janik, Amazing Allison, Mac King and Norman Ng
Magicians Bill Cook, Wes Barker, Matt Holtzclaw and David Regal
Magicians Jay Sankey, Greg Wilson, Trigg Watson and Jen Kramer
Magicians Kostya Kimlat, Frederick Falk, Chris Funk and Nate Dendy
Magicians Blake Vogt, Joshua Jay, Levent and Ben Seidman
Magicians Riley Siegler, Jade, Ran’d Shine and David Roth
Magicians Joel and Spidey, Rick Lax, Marcus Eddie and Bruce Gold
Magicians Scott and Puck, Eric Jones, Mark Calabrese and Paul Vigil
Magicians Victor and Diamond, Francis Menotti, Nash Fung and Chad Juros
Season 2 ends with magicians Derek Hughes, Reuben Moreland, Suzanne, and Jared Kopf
