A
big thank you goes out to Mark and Nani Wilson who in addition to being
two of the classiest people in the art of magic, also helped me make sure
everything went smoothly. Nani is one touch cookie! We were
all cracking up because one gentleman come into the room while we were
still setting up. The doors were to open at 10:00am and close at
6:00pm. We all got there about 7:00am to start setting up.
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| Calm
Before the Storm - The Set Up! |
At
9:10am the gentleman came into the room confident and assured and Nani was on
him like "cold on ice - white on rice." She politely said,
"Can I help you?" To which the man replied - "No that's not
necessary I'm here for the dealer day." He thought he was way ahead
of the game, but didn't know he was talking to the referee! (Ha!)
Nani politely explained that the room wasn't open yet, and he said, "Oh,
well the newsletter said it was open at 9:00am so it's okay and I'll just stay
here." Nani quickly and again politely said, "No that's not
true, the newsletter said that it opens at 10:00am not 9:00, if you would like I
can get a copy of it for you." The man was a bit taken back, but
still determined (obviously not knowing that he was trying to pull one over on
NANI WILSON - HELLO???"). However, Nani stuck to her guns and the man
finally relented. This guy had no idea what he was up against. We
were all cracking up - YOU GO GIRL! HA HA! I nominate Nani Wilson for
Dealer Chairman at any convention I ever go to.
 |
| |
Check
out some of these rare and antique goodies from Mark Burger and Joe
Stevens Table! Thanks to all the people who complimented us on our booth -
it was a challenge to bring a balance of products that featured a little
bit for everyone, the eclectic, the antique, the modern and classic and
the so fresh it's still hot category of product. Special thanks goes to
our Staff at Stevens Magic who rose to the challenge of putting together a
collection of products that were catered specifically for this event. |
|
When the bell finally rang at 10:00am - the doors officially opened and the
people were there. It was good to see the support that the Castle had in
terms of their newsletter announcing this event. As many of you have read
and heard there has been a lot of gossip and proposed changes going on at The
Castle. I am in no position to even attempt to enlighten anyone about
these changes, but what I can say with assurance, is the overall support of the
membership that we interacted with - was robust and very healthy.
 |
| Action
Baby - We Love The Action!
|
Everyone - including what I would call senior members - were very enthusiastic,
energetic, and optimistic about both the "present" and the
"future" of The Magic Castle. I certainly experienced this from
the positive interactions and steady supply of people that came and went
throughout that 8-hour window and then into that evening.
|
|
| George
Robinson going for the Pitch - You go George!
|
The night before the Dealer Day - Joe, George, Carol, Mark Burger (Buma Jr.),
and myself enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Yamashira House, which is right above
the Magic Castle. For those of you who haven't had the chance to dine
there - it features one of the most breathtaking views of Los Angeles from the
top of the hill.
But for me the highlight of everything was the opportunity to see
friends (old and new), including but not limited to:
| Lee Delano |
|
|
|
Neil Patrick Harris
and Ed
Alonzo - Thanks for stopping by the
booth guys and we're sorry about Buma Jr., we make sure he
gets his shots next time we bring him - HA!
|
|
|
| Monte Smith |
| Johnny Gaughan |
| Ed Alonzo |
| Neil Patrick Harris |
| Billy McComb |
| Ernesto Mellon |
| William McIlhany |
| Paul Green |
| Pete Biro |
| Joe Porper |
| Jim Patton |
| Tim Sonefeit (who was also performing at the Sunday
Brunch too) |
| John Fedko |
| Richard Turner |
Billy McComb came downstairs to spend some time with all of us... The
man has an uncanny knowledge and memory of magic products, their history
and such. What a wonderful contribution he provides the art of
magic, through his knowledge, entertainment and fellowship. The
Magic Castle Dealer Day had another magical phenomena in that we all
couldn't believe how fast the day went - we were all having so much fun
talking magic with friends and having heated debates with others
(all in fun and good faith), demonstrating, performing back and forth...
the day just flew by.
 |
| Mark
Burger chats with Joe Porper.
|
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