Abbott's just posted the announcement about the 39th Close Up Convention. The Close-Up Convention takes place March 23 & 24 2018. Registrations are available online at www.abbottmagic.com or call 269-432-3235. The performers for the 2018 close-up convention are Jason Ladanye and Paul Vigil. I am really excited about this. I have never met Jason Ladanye but I am sure he will be outstanding. I had the pleasure of seeing Paul Vigil many years ago at the first mindvention, he blew me away. Paul has not had a lot of Midwest exposure , so this will be a treat. His latest book is fantastic. This will be a great weekend. For any of you who have attended in the past it is a great opportunity to have access to the headliners and other amazing talent. The attendees brings as much to the event as the headliners.

Jason Ladanye has performed his unique brand of card magic at Resort Casinos like Turning Stone, Foxwoods, and Mohegan Sun, and at corporate events for Fortune 500 companies including Fuji Films, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and General Motors. Earlier this year, Jason performed at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. The Road Company, one of the biggest theatrical production companies in North America, hired Jason as a consultant for their hit Broadway show, Cheers Live. In 2004 and 2010, Jason Ladanye represented the USA at the prestigious International Magic Convention held in London, England. He has appeared on ABC’s 20/20 and Inside Edition exposing card cheating scams. In 2013, Jason released his first book, Confident Deceptions which is available worldwide. In 2017, Jason will be releasing his second book, Game Changer. His peers consider Jason one of the best card magicians in the world!

Paul Vigil He has been practicing the art of magic since the age of 5, and 10 years later Paul under took the challenge of becoming a professional performer. Within a further year Paul had become one of the most in demand performers in his native Salt Lake City. The center of magic, Las Vegas, soon called for Paul to join the ranks of the industries leaders and in 2002 Paul moved to Las Vegas, soon to establish himself as one of the finest performers the city has to offer. Alongside a full and demanding performance career, Paul’s creative contributions have not gone unnoticed by his peers. Nominated multiple times and winning the award for “Magic Trick of the Year”, as well as being asked to present his theories, ideas and concepts to other performers in his noted lectures. With numerous performances at every major Las Vegas casino and full-house shows at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, as well as entertaining the likes of Nobel Laureates – he is ready to bring his own type of wonder and astonishment to intelligent audience’s the world over. Paul has appeared on several hit TV shows including the Emmy award winning Penn & Teller’s “Bullsh!t” and multiple performances on “Hocus Pocus” hosted by Fielding West and Teresa Livingstone, as well as being the featured performer at the World Famous Magic Castle, performances that garnered multiple standing ovations.

Had a great time at MagiFest this weekend, hats off to Josh and Andy. Jason Ladayne was there doing stuff at the tables in the lobby. He was fantastic. I am even more excited for March. It will be a great weekend.

Everything is in place and ready. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. Great talent on the way !!

Not sure who will be the headliners next year, but Paul Vigil and Jason Ladanye delivered way beyond expectations this year and our expectations were very high. If these fellows come to do a lecture near you, be sure to get there.