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Caleb Wiles Inner circle Indianapolis, IN 1132 Posts |
I’ve attended the Carolina Close-up Convention (a.k.a. Tri-C) for the last three years. I usually attend 3 to 5 conventions a year, but this one is always my favorite. There’s just something about the atmosphere and the close knit unit of guys who attend. It’s also one of the only conventions where the attendees are as talented as the scheduled performers. In fact, many of the featured performers return year after year, even when they aren’t booked…that’s really saying something.
Honestly, as much fun as it usually is, I really think this year topped previous installments of the get together. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights from this weekend. Robert Moreland’s Lecture- Unfortunately, my four hour plane delay prevented me from seeing all of Robbie’s lecture. However, what I saw was pretty cool. Later, Robbie was kind enough to sit down with me individually and show me some of the stuff that I missed. His work with Masuda’s WOW Gimmick is the best use of the prop that I’ve seen. The gimmick has been sitting in my drawer since I purchased it a couple of years ago. Robbie’s routine makes me want to dust it off and add it to my performing repertoire immediately. Rich Aviles’s color change- I’ve mentioned his work before, but Rich Aviles is one of the most creative people I know. He was blowing everyone away with his new “Bus Driver Change.” In fact, Rich was awarded the “Beam Baton” this year (a magic wand given to the person who performs the “trick of the convention”). I don’t know if he plans on publishing it or not, but it looks amazing. Steve Reynolds performing the Zarrow Shuffle- From what I’ve seen, Steve’s work on this famous false shuffle is the absolute best. In fact, to start the lecture, he repeatedly shuffled the deck saying, “This is a real shuffle. This is a false shuffle.” It looked absolutely legitimate. After a few of these, he spread the deck face up on the table. It turns out that they were ALL false. Steve has broken down the teaching of the Zarrow shuffle into small manageable steps that make learning it much easier to understand. I hear that he has a project in the works where he’s going to tip all of his work on the topic. I’m definitely keeping my eyes peeled for it. What a powerful weapon for any cardman. Joshua Jay Lecture- Josh is the total package: great chops, super creative, a polished performer, and a great teacher. I’ve seen him lecture a number of times now, and I always walk away satisfied. I’ve always thought his work on the torn corner bill to impossible location effect is underutilized by magicians. Seeing it in action once again just reminds me of how good it really is. It’s the most revolutionary work I’ve seen with this kind of plot in a very long time. I also got to see a few effects that I had never seen before including an extremely powerful effect with a signed card. The spectator writes his name on a piece of a napkin which is burned in a glass. Two small diamonds emerge from the flame. The card was, of course, the Two of Diamonds. When the deck is spread, one card is blackened with burn marks and is missing two diamond pips. It is the spectator’s signed card. What a commercial routine. Paul Vigil Lecture and Performance- Paul has a performing persona unlike any other I’ve ever seen. He’s at same time charming and intimidating. He absolutely grabs you from his opening line and doesn’t let you go until he walks off stage. He is definitely one of my favorite performers. He takes his magic seriously and makes sure that his audiences do the same. While some of the routines are things that I’ve seen other magicians do, Paul elevates them to new levels. I’ve seen mentalists who I’ve thought could really make an audience believe that it was all real, but I haven’t seen really any magicians who can pull that off. Paul may be the only one on that list. He isn’t doing “tricks,” he’s seriously messing with your mind. I can’t think of enough nice things to say about his act. If you ever get the chance to see him perform, you better take advantage of it. He’s awesome! There were some other really great things about the convention, but these were my own personal highlights. The event was just what I needed to get my magic batteries recharged. The lectures, performances, and late night sessions were all top notch. I can’t wait for next year! For more information on the Tri-C Convention, visit www.TricsConvention.com
Check out my Main Event project (DVD or Download).
"Magicians, stop what you're doing right now and pick this up!" - John Guastaferro "Caleb Wiles is the real deal!" - David Williamson "...my very highest recommendation." - John Carey |
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