The lineup will be spectacular! Booked so far:
JASON BANEY
Jason Baney became “hooked” on magic at age 17 and studied at the Chavez School of Magic. He gave up his quest for becoming an Archeologist and found a great career in performing and designing magic. He has appeared on TV, around the world and did a stint in “Viva LasVegas” which brought recognition. He became a consultant to Kevin James for many years and certainly has a creative mind for the art. Visit www.jasonbaney.com
MATHIEU BICH
After self teaching magic for a few years, Mathieu met Dominique Duvivier who gave him creation lessons for over 8 years. Since then Mathieu has constantly been creating new magic using original concepts and routines generally based on new principles, or unexpected methods. Since 1998 he presented his lecture more than 50 times all around the world. In 2003 he won at the world magic championship in Stockholm in Invention category (FISM). In 2007 Mathieu collaborated with Nintendo on the interactive magic game "Master of Illusions" and sold one of his tricks to the Japanese firm TENYO. In 2008 he worked as a magic consultant for David Blaine. In 2011 he fools Penn & Teller on their TV Show "Fool Us". For the past 5 years, Mathieu joined forces with 10 other magicians to create an underground magic group called "Theory 11". Learn more about the amazing Mathieu Bich at www.mathieubich.com
NATHAN BURTON
"Nathan Burton Comedy Magic" opened in the main showroom at the Flamingo Las Vegas in 2008 and is currently performing daily at 4pm to sold-out crowds. Also a veteran of television, including "America’s Got Talent", "The Entertainer", "The Surreal Life", "Miami Ink", "Last Cake Standing", and others -- Nathan Burton recently taped a huge episode for Lifetime’s "Coming Home." Nathan Burton became the first magician in Las Vegas to have a building wrap in his image on the Las Vegas Strip. The image of Burton hanging upside down in a straight jacket is on the front of the Flamingo, over 14 stories tall. In 2010, Nathan Burton became the only American magician to headline his own show—simultaneously—on both coasts. Fans could catch sold-out performances of "Nathan Burton Comedy Magic" five times a week in Las Vegas and a large-scale Nathan Burton stage show every week at Harrah's in Atlantic City. Learn more about the amazing Nathan Burton at www.nathanburton.com
JOHN CASSIDY
John Cassidy's bizarre antics have earned him widespread acclaim as one of the most original comedians performing today. Starting his career as a magician and balloon sculptor for children's birthday parties, Cassidy began noticing that the parents were also finding his act to be hilarious and ingenious. The world of magic has taken a special shine to Cassidy and he is now among the most requested acts at various conventions and seminars throughout the world, and has been named one of the funniest comedy magicians working today by MAGIC Magazine. www.johncassidy.com
CHRISTIAN AND KATALINA
have been performing together for 13 years.
Together they have created a fun, yet mystifying act that infuses modern day repartee with psychological illusions. Christian & Katalina bring
master illusionist skills, sophisticated humor, and an undeniable enigmatic spark to their cutting edge performances. Visualize one part
Gomez and Morticia, one part Candid Camera, and one part Twilight Zone. The pair is able to engage authentically with audiences of all ages
spanning the nation. When Christian is not showering Katalina with affection on stage, he might be predicting the next three moves you will
make. Katalina’s ability to have sightless vision drops the jaws of even the most jaded audience. Be prepared to be a part of the audience style
interaction, comedic banter, and moments of disbelief. www.enjoythemystery.com
DAVID COPPERFIELD
Will leave you gaping in unabashed amazement. An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion at the MGM Grand. A ticket to this show is part of your convention registration package.
www.davidcopperfield.com
FUNTASIO
FUN-TASIO, better known as FANTASIO for his world wide famous Canes and Candles and his multiple appearances on the Ed Sullivan TV show with the Beatles and playing in the first Color television show, the Radio City Music Hall in New York and TV Shows in Europe, Asia plus North and South America, will be performing his comedy act that was a FISM Winner in Japan. Learn more about the amazing FUNtasio/FANTASIO at www.fantasio.com
JOSEPH GABRIEL
Johnny Carson, kingpin of American late-night television, introduced Joseph Gabriel, and what transpired on the “Tonight Show” stage for the next several minutes was sufficient to amaze millions of viewers and leave Carson himself visibly and vocally enthused. “ONE OF THE CLASSIEST MAGIC ACTS YOU'RE GOING TO SEE IN A LONG TIME! THE BEST I'VE SEEN!” This was Carson’s reaction after witnessing Joseph Gabriel’s first appearance on the Tonight Show in 1983. Over the next several years, Joseph would appear a total of seven times with Carson. Gabriel has appeared on virtually every major television variety show, most notably his televised Command Performance for President Reagan. He was a featurred act in “Las Vegas! The Show” at Planet Hollywood. Visit www.gabrielmagic.com
KATALIN
After only a few years in America, this "Budapest Bombshell" has taken the magic world by storm. With a fresh look at this ancient craft, Katalin has added a feminine twist to magic with her work being extremely tantalizing, stylish, yet skillful with a hint of comedy. Katalin fell in love with magic at the age 5 and has been performing ever since. She won the "Magician of the Year Award" in her native country at the age of 15, traveled across Europe over the next few years, and was appearing at the World's Greatest Magic Show in Las Vegas by the age of 20! She also just won the "Best Cabaret Magician of the Year Award" at the last "World Magic Award" television special. Learn more about the amazing Katalin at www.katalinmagic.com
KIM HYUNJOON
In 2008, Kim took the Grand Prize in the 124th Club Magico Italiano in Abano Terme, andparticipated in the 2010 Blackpool Magic Convention Stage Magic Championships. And he took FIRST PLACE in the 2011 SAM convention FISM North American championship, and the Presidential Award in the People's choice Award North American champion of stage magic.
CHRIS KENNER
In his first career as a close-up magician, although now known more as a comedy magician, Chris Kenner was one of those rare individuals who was not only proficient, but highly influential in both card magic and coin magic. His best-known creations are Threefly (arguably the most influential coin trick of the last 50 years) and the Sybil cut (which helped inspired a generation of card flourish enthusiasts). www.theory11.com/artists/ChrisKenner.php
MAC KING
One of the best comedy and entertainment values in Las Vegas, the Mac King show at Harrah's is an afternoon show combining mind-blowing magic with the whimsy and wit of Mac's Fig Newton fetish and his "cloak of invisibility". The complete show is part of your registration package at the S.A.M convention!
www.mackingshow.com
LOSANDER
In the world of magic there is only one name that is synonymous with the art of levitation – Losander. World renowned across three continents, Losander has performed his magic in exclusive venues from Europe to Japan and Australia. He has performed in the internationally famed magic castle in Hollywood and was performing in the world’s greatest magic show in Las Vegas. In 2006, Losander received the Milbourne Christopher award for illusionist of the year and notable contributions to the art of magic. www.losander.com
SARLOT AND EYED
STEP RIGHT UP! -LA Weekly called them "Amazing," the Indianapolis Star wrote, "Incredible" and Genii Magazine said they were "Revitalizing Magic." Experience an evening of worldly magical delights with Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed; National Recipients of the Gwynne Excellence in Magic Award. These Magic Castle Featured Performers give a modern-hip twist to the classics of magic. Sarlot & Eyed perform over 150 shows a year as "Carnival of Illusion" (Magic, Mystery and Ooh La La!) Learn more about this enchanting couple at www.carnivalofillusion.com
ROY SHANK
Roy Shank creates “wonder” - in fact his funny opener sets the tone of his act. For those who “wonder“ if Roy Shank is his real name he explains “My father is American and my mother is Japanese. So I’m half Caucasian and half Asian which makes me ...Caucasian?” Since he could not grow up to be James Bond or a secret agent, he decided that being a magician is like being a spy but without the danger. And his fancy gadgets all produce magic. His magic has been seen around the world and he is now based in Las Vegas with an array of fast paced original illusions, comedy and samurai swords. Visit www.royshank.com
ALI SHELLY
she was genetically predisposed to become a magician. Born into a magic family, she spent her formative years traveling alongside her father, Mike Shelley. After attending conventions around the world, she realized that there was more to magic than being an assistant. As a young artist, she became motivated to learn new magic techniques from those she met, books she read, and videos she watched. Competing and winning both the Society of American Magician's Most Promising Young Magician as well as First Place Jr. Close-up at the International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention remain some of her proudest accomplishments. Most recently, she created a new act that combines her love of travel with her love of magic. With this act, Ali gained attention both in and out of the magic community. Recently, Ali was spotted doing magic on Emeril’s Table and Russian television, but ultimately, she is just thrilled and honored to to be performing at her first national convention alongside some good friends and some of her greatest mentors. www.alishelleymagic.com
R. G. SMITH
R. G. Smith is our MC for the Closing Gala. From 1998 to 2011, RG was our convention show producer. You may not have seen much of him as his dedication was to be "with the shows, the crew and the acts" to make certain that you had fun each evening. Dividing his time between his small business and his annual "Comedy & Magic Spectacular" Tour, Smith stays quite busy. Shows are in 6 cities each spring. Year #25 has just been staged and over $2,500,000 has been raised for child abuse prevention. Plans are underway for the 26th! RG has MC'd all 25 and will share some of his experience with the tour and the SAM convention shows.
DAN SPERRY
Dan Sperry defines himself as an Anti-Conjuror, which in his own words is best described as a conjuror or "magician" that goes against the common trend in magic. Going beyond the ostentatious style and use of flashy costumes, girls in skimpy outfits and more; to instead utilize magic in creating a sense of wonder and amazement by placing the audience in situations filled with suspense and anticipation. The ultimate goal is to take audiences beyond the edge of their general comfort zone. This style of performing ultimately brings the audience to experience a state of "Shock," whereby the typical illusions guests may be familiar with are uniquely presented in an original style often times to such a degree it invokes a shocking twist to what you may be expecting. Sperry appeared on season five of NBC's "America’s Got Talent" in early 2010. Today, Sperry calls New York City home starring in his solo headlining engagement "MAGIC SHOW" nightly in the heart of the theater district of Times Square. The venue, TIMES SCARE, is home to two fully-stocked themed bars- "Kill Bar" and the "Parlour of the Paranormal" for guests to enjoy a specialty cocktail while waiting for the show to begin. In addition, TIMES SCARE is home to New York City’s only year-round haunted house. Learn more: www.dansperry.com
DAVID STONE
Micro Magic FISM award winner.
David Stone is a French actor, writer and multi award winning magician specializing in Close Up and Coin Magic. A crazy and very funny performer from Paris, France. www.magiczoom.com
THE GREAT TOMSONI & CO.
THE GREAT TOMSONI & COMPANY are versatile performers with a background of music, magic, comedy and drama. The act is a parody of serious magical performers, but unlike most parody acts, the magic in Thompson's act works and works well. Johnny Thompson's wife and partner Pamela Hayes, plays the bored and dizzy assistant to the hilt. They have become known as one of the top revue show acts in show business starring in such venues as the "Folies Bergere" at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino, the "Lido de Paris" at the Stardust Hotel & Casino, the Las Vegas Flamingo Hilton, Steve Wynn's Golden Nugget, Don Arden's "Jubilee" at Bally's Las Vegas, the Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino, the Aladdin Hotel & Casino, the Sands Hotel & Casino, Caesar's Tahoe, Fitzgerald’s Hotel & Casino in Reno and the Nugget Hotel & Casino in Sparks, Nevada. Atlantic City casino appearances include Trump's Castle, Trump's Plaza, Trump's Taj Mahal, The Showboat, The Tropicana and Bally's Park Place. As international artists, they have played all the top venues such as the London Palladium, the Theatre Princess Grace in Monte Carlo, plus casinos in Nice, France, , Madrid, Spain and Barcelona. The Great Tomsoni and Company's television credits include multiple appearances on "The Tonight Show," and many shows in both the U.S. and in England. Their awards include the "Stage Magician of the Year" award from the Hollywood-based Magic Castle, The International Magician’s Society’s “Merlin Award for “Best Comedy Magic” and Tannen’s Magic “Looie” Award. He has also received the Society of American Magician's "Superstar of Magic" award and “Magicians of the Year” Award, as well as a Performing Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts and, the Academy’s highest award, the "Masters Fellowship." Both he and his wife are recipients of Prince Rainer's "Prix S.B.M." Ives Gran Prix, Magiques de Monte-Carlo, Europe's most prestigious magic award which has only been bestowed upon 4 performers. Thompson, in the capacity of magic technical advisor, has provided material for several television and film credits and as consultant for many to TV and Las Vegas magic acts. We are pleased that they will grace our stage at the S A M convention in Las Vegas. Learn more about The Great Tomsoni & Co., at www.tomsoni.com
FIELDING WEST
Fielding West is not only a magician’s magician but he possesses that very rare and impeccable sense of comedic timing that has landed him the opening spot for some of the biggest names in show business. A winner in the prestigious Desert Magic Seminar’s Comedy Magic Competition, Fielding has opened the show for such A-list celebrities as Liza Minnelli, Glen Campbell, Earth, Wind and Fire, Mel Tillis, Phillis Diller and dozens more. His numerous network television appearances include spots on The Smothers Brother’s Comedy hour, A&E’s An Evening at the Improv, Caroline’s Comedy Hour, and NBC’s The World’s Greatest Magic and World’s Wildest Magic specials. Fielding has also worked as a writer, magic consultant and technical director with Lance Burton, Siegfried and Roy on many of their TV specials. Fielding’s first one hour comedy magic special “Hocus Pocus it’s Fielding West” aired on WGN July 2009.www.fieldingwest.com
BORIS WILD
Boris Wild is one of the most renowned French close-up magicians in the world. He is an international performer, author and lecturer whose creative and original approach allows him to travel to the five continents. He is the creator of the famous "Boris Wild Marked Deck" and the poetic "Kiss Act". He is a French Champion of Card Magic, an FFAP Grand Prix Winner and a FISM Award Winner. In 2008, he was the Guest of Honor at the FFFF Convention, being the first French performer to get this title and the youngest ever. In 2011, he was on the cover of Genii Magazine with a 14-page story. For the 2012 S.A.M. Convention in Las Vegas, Boris will perform his brand new close-up act and lecture on creativity. www.boriswild.com
Check back periodically to watch for additional act listings and photos!
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