Magic Castle fire: Officials assess damage to historic venue

Fire officials are trying assess the damage after a greater-alarm fire ripped through the famed Magic Castle in the Hollywood Hills on Monday.

Fire crews said the blaze was contained largely to the attic and walls of the historic venue but that there might be significant water damage.

There is no immediate cause for the blaze, but one source told The Times that maintenance had been done in the building Monday morning.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, a fire was reported in the attic of the building at 7001 W. Franklin Avenue after noon. An LAFD spokesman described it as a greater-alarm fire and said crews were on the scene trying to put it out.

Several photos on Twitter and television coverage showed LAFD personnel on ladders and on the roof of the Magic Castle working on the blaze.

No injuries were reported.

This week at the Magic Castle

Check out this amazing week. Milt Larsen is performing. Also one of my friends, David Gabbay is performing at the W.C. Field's bar. Don't miss Howard Hamburg in the Hat and Hare.

Awesome News About Todd Karr

Dancing with the Stars
Monday, October 31st, 8 p.m. E/P, ABC
Southern California magician Todd Karr received a last-minute call to add a bit of magic to the Halloween episode of Dancing with the Stars. He created a handful of visual effects that one of the celebrity couples could perform surrounded. Todd was also filmed teaching and rehearsing the couple.

Reel Magic Issue 25 is Coming Out Soon

and look at those wise guys on the cover...

Guys, Just wanted to let you know that Issue 25 of Reel Magic will be heading your way very soon and its a GREAT issue! The very controversial David Penn and Craig Petty are the cover boys this issue. They are the OFF THE WALL and well WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY! Simon returns with a new column "Ask Simey" and Shawn Farguhar is our guest columnist and is contributing 3 great effects over the next 3 issues. Also John Armstrong goes to Vegas and Magic Live with "Sessions" PLUS Roth, Silly Billy, Tricks, Moves and so much more! Take a look: Link! So if you're not a current subscriber go to www.reelmagicmagazine.com and subscribe today! Thanks Guys Koz

Halloween At The Magic Castle

I am excited to perform but there is also Dead Eye Dick and Rob Zabrecky this week in the early Close Up room, there is Andrew Goldenhersh in the late. Don't miss Sylvester the Jester, one of my favorite cartoons. The amazing John Shryock will be at the W.C. Fields bar. George Robert and Dave Cox are going to be in the Parlor. Greg Wilsons Carnevil is be in the Peller this weekend. Don't forget about me in the Hat and Hare Pub, conveniently located next to a bar and presenting some awesome things.

If you cannot make it, I am sure it's because it's Halloween. Everyone have an awesome holiday and I hope it is magical.

Did ya see? IMX dates were announced 10 days ago

Put away that Innovention money and save it for IMX 2012

from http://www.imxlasvegas.com:

The dates are set … IMX 2012 takes place 21 to 23 May 2012 at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.

All the details are under wraps for now until pre-registration opens in December. Past IMX delegates receive priority registration.

2011 was off the charts … and in 2012 – we take it to a whole new level.

This is one you are not going to want to miss – stay tuned!

BBC TV Show "The Magicians" Returns with Jason Latimer

Barry & Stuart, Pete Firman & Jason Latimer Tapped For 2nd Series Of BBC’s The Magicians

via Itricks

The Magicians on BBC is returning in 2012 with a few changes. The series will span six 75-minute episodes which will be beamed to viewers live. According to the press release, this will be the first time magic has transmitted live on BBC in 30 years.

But who are these magicians?

Returning are duo Barry & Stuart but two new acts are joining the fray as well. American Jason Latimer and, one of our personal favorites, Pete Firman will help guide a celebrity through an act each week.

Do you think the show will benefit from the live component? How about the magicians? How do Firman and Latimer stack up against last year’s Luis de Matos and Chris Korn?

Paul Stone Won't Stop Spamming About Innovention

I recently got this in my email, it's the fourth email since October 4th. A little excessive Paul. I wouldn't plan on lots of people going.

It appears that there might have been a problem at our end in sending out the latest email about INNOVENTION 2012, resulting in you not receiving it or it being delayed.

So, as a courtesy, we are extending our special $100 VIP discount offer until next Sunday October 22.

Apologies once again for the problem, and we look forward to hearing back from you and registering you for INNOVENTION 2012.

It promises to be a really excellent few days of magic!

Best regards

Paul

Paul Stone

Executive Producer

INNOVENTION 2012

This week at the Magic Castle

This is amazing, so many talent people this week. AMA close up magician of the year, Suzanne. Jonathan Levit from VH1's Celebracadabra, Kalin and Jinger who are my favorite stage magicians, Joe Skilton who amazes me with his hands. Don't miss this week.

Break a leg Dan Sperry, and heal it with horror

I want to wish Dan the Best with his new venture and show Times Scare in NYC. I believe Dan will be in NYC for the next two years and I hope I can see him in the future. For more information about his show that opens tomorrow, please visit: http://timesscarenyc.com/

TIMES SCARE is located in the heart of New York City at 42nd and 8th Ave in one of the most haunted buildings in the nation. Times Scare includes a high tech Haunted House, a 300-seat theater featuring nightly performances by Shock Illusionist Dan Sperry in his full show entitled "MAGIC SHOW" and much more. For guests 21 and older Times Scare is home to two fully stocked themed bars with signature cocktails and a lounge. Guests can also visit the one-of-a-kind merchandise area housing official Times Scare and Dan Sperry souvenirs. Whether you are enjoying one of the live shows, braving the haunted house or just stopping by our store you won't want to miss this unique venue on your next trip! Times Scare is open daily all year: Sunday - Thursday: 2PM - Midnight Friday - Saturday: 12PM - 2AM Box Office is open daily at: 12pm Noon Showtimes of "MAGIC SHOW" Starring Dan Sperry: Monday - Thursday: 7:30PM Friday: 7:30PM, 9:30PM, 11:30PM Saturday: 2PM, 7:30PM, 9:30PM, 11:30PM Sunday: 3PM, 7:30PM

Magic Castle This Week

Amazing week at the Magic Castle. Not only am I excited to see Jay Johnson , one of the best ventriloquists in the world but there is also Mathiew Bich who is the creator of spreadwave which fooled Penn and Teller. You also can see a friend of mine, Paul Draper in the Peller theater. Pop Hayden will be performing at the W.C. Fields Bar. The parlor will be awesome with Francis Menotti and another friend of mine, Chris Capehart.

Why is Innovention resurfacing?

I do not know why this event is being put on again. It was the worst convention I went to. There was not planning it seemed. The hotel was out of the way. There are so many reasons why this is just a bad idea. Look at the price compared to some conventions that happen like Magic-Con and IMX. You can read my review of Innovention here.

STOP PRESS – THE INNOVENTION IS BACK!

After the INNOVENTION 2010 Convention in October 2010 it was never my intention to produce another one but, because so many people have asked me to reconsider, I’ve decided to produce INNOVENTION 2012 in Las Vegas, on October 1-4, 2012.

JOIN THE GOLD RUSH!

INNOVENTION 2012 will be at a new venue! We’re delighted to announce that the Convention has moved to the GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO, located next to the RIO and across from the PALMS and very close to the Las Vegas ‘Strip’.

The GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO has an attractive Cabaret style Showroom, excellent meeting rooms and comfortable accommodation. (We’ve been able to negotiate a truly fantastic room rate of just $40 plus tax for Premium Rooms – Single or Double occupancy for INNOVENTION Delegates!).

All the facilities are conveniently located, so there’s no need to walk miles to every session! And, if you want to visit the ‘Strip’, it is close by.

THE GOLD COAST offers a free shuttle to the Strip and has a swimming pool, fitness centre, a 70 lane Ten pin Bowling Alley and several restaurants including TGI Friday’s and the Award Winning ‘Ping Pang Pong’ Chinese Restaurant.

October is a great time of year to be in Las Vegas. Flights are inexpensive and the weather is perfect!

What makes the INNOVENTION 2012 so different?

Here are a just a few of the many reasons ..

· The number of attendees is limited to 275

· Outstanding talent

· Surprise guests

· Innovative Lectures and Workshops

· Best technical production of any Magic Convention

· Unbeatable accommodation room rates

· Superb location

· Great value for money

So, the combination of a high quality, intimate Convention with top class talent and production, at a great location offering fantastic value for money, makes this the ONE Convention you simply MUST attend in 2012!

We will not be announcing until much nearer the Convention who will be appearing, but what we will guarantee is an unrivalled high quality, exciting and magical few days with outstanding performers and lecturers, and a few surprises too!

As you have already attended either a Convention or Show that I have produced, you’ll know that INNOVENTION 2012 will be a first class event.

General Registration is $345 - the same price as in 2010

BUT NOT FOR YOU!

Just look at this unbelievable VIP Registration Offer!

As a Thank You for supporting the first INNOVENTION in 2010 we wanted to offer you the first option to book your place at INNOVENTION 2012 and ………….

FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS ONLY, we are making an unbeatable one-time only offer … We will knock an amazing $100 off your registration,

SO YOU PAY JUST $245!

( You must book and pay in full by October 16^th 2011 ).

INNOVENTION 2012 will go on general sale on 16^th October 2011, and we are expecting considerable interest, so we highly recommend that you make your booking quickly!

If you’d like to take advantage of this very special offer, email your contact telephone number to info@innovention2012.com and we’ll be happy to call you for your Credit Card details.

We accept payment by Credit / Debit Card only.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Discounted / Special Offer Registrations are non-refundable

Registrations are non-transferable

No refunds will be made after June 30, 2012

We look forward to welcoming you to Las Vegas and sharing a few outstanding days of Magic with you at INNOVENTION 2012.

Best regards

Paul

Paul Stone - Executive Producer

Halloween Details For The Magic Castle

Here are some details if you are going to the Magic Castle on Halloween...

This week at the Magic Castle

It's a great week at The Magic Castle. Not only are some of my friends performing but also one of my favorite variety jugglers is performing in the Palace. The is a puppeteer and a ventriloquist in the Peller. Don't miss my friend Phil Van Tee in the Parlour. If you see Joe Monte, ask him why doesn't tommEE pickles have his Red Three Card Monte.