In a Criss Angel-related commentary, we ask if Criss Angel is underrated among magicians. Click here to read our commentary.
Noted young magician Jason Latimer launched his U.S. tour at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on May 24. In the show, Latimer produced a Lamborghini on stage, manipulated a laser as if it were a solid object, levitated 360 degrees and showcased a dozen new illusions. Click here to read our story.
In August, Branson entertainers Dave and Denise Hamner and Jim Barber were honored as recipients of the “Merlin Award” by the International Magicians Society (IMS). The prestigious awards were presented at “The Hamner Barber Variety Show” by the World President of the IMS, Mr. Tony Hassini. Click here to read our story.
Some 156 top magicians competed in The World Championship in Magic. The influx of magicians pretty much turned Stockholm, Sweden into a conjurers' capital. The top three finishers were guaranteed contracts for shows in Las Vegas, Paris and Monaco. Grand Prix winners were Pilou from France for stage and Rick Merrill from the USA for close-up.
Las Vegas headliner Mac King announced that "The Mac King Comedy Magic Show" had been extended for five more years at Harrah's Las Vegas. Click here to read our story.
The first of two major motion pictures with magic themes arrives in theaters. “The Illusionist” stars Edward Norton and Jessica Biel. Click here to read our story.
Lance Burton celebrates his tenth anniversary headlining at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas.
On a somber note, at the end of August, Harry Anderson, the magician, comic and former star of television’s “Night Court” and “Dave’s World” announced that he would leave New Orleans. Anderson had been living in New Orleans since 2000. After riding out Hurricane Katrina in the French Quarter, in “Oswald’s Speakeasy,” his nightclub, a year later, Anderson said that tourists had become few, and he and his wife had become captives to the depression that had gripped the devastated city.
In September, Milt and Bill Larson, the founders of Hollywood’s Magic Castle are awarded a well-deserved star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Click here to read our coverage of the event.
The venerable S.S. Adams Co., novelty company that invented famous trick products such as the joy buzzer, the snake in-the-can and the water-squirting flower lapel celebrates its 100th year. Click here to read our story.
In October, magician Jonathan Pendragon was involved in a serious accident when he took a shot to the heart while experimenting with a new illusion that employed a bow and arrow. While his injuries were serious, doctors expected a full recovery. Click here to read our story.
Illusionist Greg Frewin opened his "Live Las Vegas Magic Review Show" in the city of Niagara falls, Ontario. According to reports, Frewin's new venue, The Greg Frewin Theatre, included a spacious theater and a fully licensed lobby. Click here to read our story.
Illusionist Marco Tempest, best known for his cutting-edge magic that combines conjuring and high technology, made his presence known on the internet. Tempest recorded and posted a series of "PhoneCam" videos-uncut, unedited footage that was shot via a cell phone and featured a magic trick or optical illusion-onto YouTube. Beyond the usual web surfers who have watched and rated his videos, Tempest’s work caught the attention of CNN and NBC's "Tonight" show. Click here to read our story.
The second of the big magic-themed movies comes to theaters. Directed by Christopher Nolan, “The Prestige” stars Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Caine. Click here to read our review.
In November, the Luxor Resort and Casino in Las Vegas was named as the home of the third season of "Criss Angel Mindfreak." Filming began on Monday, November 6, 2006. The first of the shows will begin to air in Spring 2007.
The magic world loses Bill Tarr. Best known as a sculptor, Tarr was also a magician who wrote some key books for beginning magicians including: "Now You See It, Now You Don't: Lessons in Sleight of Hand." and "101 Easy-to-Do Magic Tricks." Tarr was also the creator of several magic tricks. His "Now You See It, Now You Don’t" books played a key role in my early magic education. Click here to read our story.
