|
|
magicians Inner circle Teacher and Legend 2898 Posts |
The 2007 convention in Tampa sponsored by the Magic shop in Tampa had an impressive line-up of talent and in my opinion delivered. The highlight of the convention was Roccos internationally acclaimed F.I.S.M. act with productions of cards, coins, liquids, fruit, ice cream and transpositions all done at the fingertips with exciting music and a European flair.
This was followed by Sterling Steal technical metal act with chrome steel apparatus productions of steel balls, giant tubular rings and some great manipulation and futuristic mechanistic costume and music. MC Tom Jones was just the right touch of mild comedy to do the transition between acts. Mr. Bones, a pirate ensemble of characters was a bit long but had some great illusions. Other competent acts were Garrett Thomas, Sam Sandler, Danny Archer and Duane Laflin. Saturday nights stage show, opened with Tony Chapek featured on Genii mag in January. The vanishing of a live video camera was a stunning beginning and then it got better with a large screen hi-def TV image of Chapeks mischievous other self interacting with the live Tony Chapek pouring the Tv image a drink, answering a phone by reaching into the image and doing silk vanishes and card effects perfectly timed to give an impressive depth to this performance. He then did a persona and costume transposition as a finale. You should have been there. This first act got the first of two standing o's for the night. The second one came when Rocco did misers dream, snowstorm in China, card and coin productions and some of the bits from his FISM act. What a showman. Sam Sandler did the second half with a vigorous barrage of effects, illusions and juggling. An energetic act and well done but the audience stayed seated. The MC was Ronald McDonald, a lackluster, poor excuse of a performer. That and some sound glitches were the only complaints. The dealers rooms stayed opened til midnight but everyone attended the Rocco Lecture which was fantastic and lasted til 12:30 am. --------- Other performance of note were Gregory Wilson who did some afternoon magic along with Danny Archer. Archer did a Mafioso accent while entertaining and it sold well. Lectures of note were Sterling Steal, Gregory Wilson, Garrett Thomas, Magic Ian, Sam Sandler and Rocco. This convention warranted better attendance that it got, producers Marty Capitano, and Aaron Michaels worked hard and delivered, so make sure you get there next year. - Ian
Illusionist, Illusionist consulting, product development, stage consultant, seasoned performer for over 35 years. Specializing in original effects. Highly opinionated, usually correct, and not afraid of jealous critics. I've been a puppet, a pirate, a pawn and a King. Free lance gynecologist.
|
mentalv Regular user 105 Posts |
Magic By The Bay was great this year. Cant wait till next year. I really enjoyed sterling steal, rocco, darrell mac, sam sandler, gregory wilson and danny archer.
|
Michael Kamen Inner circle Oakland, CA 1315 Posts |
I was in Tampa visiting relatives and took advantage of the fortuitousness of having this convention going on at the same time. Brought the family to the Saturday public show. Everyone was very happily impressed, and the reason was Tony Chapek and Rocco! These gentlemen are setting a very high bar and I applaud them for doing so. I know of Rocco's success at FISM, yet he was a complete surprise to me -- brilliant -- and all the more so because Chapek was an extremely hard act to follow. Not fair at all. But Rocco delivered. Chapek delivered. If the show had consisted of just these 2 acts, that would have been the only improvement I could think of, to a wonderful evening of magic.
Many thanks to the organizers for making my Tampa trip most memorable!
Michael Kamen
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » So Happy together... » » Magic by the Bay Review (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |