May 7, 2013
Jeff Pinsky here from Browser's Den of Magic.
The BILL ABBOTT LECTURE this past Sunday, May 5 was EXCELLENT! And well attended!
Bill always delivers the goods. He performed and taught magic/mentalism effects that are based on subtlety in handling and patter rather than on knuckle-busting technique. Permitting the performer to well...perform!
And Bill for those of you who have had the pleasure of watching him perform in the past will know that it is this area(performance) at which he excels.
That is, it is just wonderful to watch a performer or on this past Sunday as it was, a lecturer at ease with his material. As a result, we the audience are relaxed as we know we are in good hands.
Bill showed us why so many of his creations that he has invented and marketed have been big hits with the magic community because he can take a classic premise and add some twists and turns to breath fresh 'magic' life into the effect.
There was only one card effect during the lecture...which was his opener. A superb and subtle handling of the key card principle which could throw even the most well versed card man for a loop.
Bill Abbott also showed a fantastic effect wherein he predicted the serial number of a borrowed bill. Actually about 7 or 8 bills were borrowed and one was FREELY chosen by the spectator.
Bill took an old move from a Bill Severn book on impromptu magic and made it into a showpiece!
For many in the audience the highlight was his new presentation for the already successful Powerball 60 that he and Richard Sanders put on the market a couple of years ago.
No longer do you need to have the spectator add up any numbers. Instead they find the lucky number that you the magician/mentalist is thinking of! Great idea!
There were two more phases to the effect.
The lecture was about two hours in length with no break. Those in attendance certainly got their $15.00 of value to say the least.
Plus Anthony Lindan, a past lecturer at our shop, stepped in to perform a cool mental effect with a key fob.
Some of those in attendance to take in Bill's lecture were (This is by memory of a 47 year old shopkeeper at home today)...James Harrison, James Alan, Mark Chan, Anthony Lindan, Bobby Motta, Nik, Owen, Gordon Precious, John Talbot, Linde Weedman, Jahal, Heather, Scott Hood, Mike McErlain, Haim Goldenberg, Terry Streaker, Kristie & Jada, Doug Cuff (from Ottawa!), C Charlie Kennedy, David Fairweather, Vic, Howard, Vicky, Dennis, John Michalson, John Pellatt, Assad, Jeff K, Paul Pacific, Gino, Cam Dix. Okay, I give up. My apologies to the others.
Thanks to all!
Until next time,
Jeff
