I was fortunate enough to witness Armando perform last weekend at "The Gathering". He was one of several high level performer/lecturers featured.

In my opinion, this discussion of Mr. Lucero's performance piece "Coin Menagerie" is on the wrong track. Each of the performers during the weekend did a fine job with their work, and don't get me wrong Mr. Lucero's "Coin Menagerie" is a beautiful piece of work, BUT the difference, last weekend, was Armando.

When Armando performed, magic really happened. He could have performed anything - what he brings to magic is his own experiences and struggles to make those effects that he performs "real magic". And, I think that is what we all attempt to do - the difference is that Armando succeeds in a most magical way.

In my humble opinion, the real value one could hope to obtain in attending Armando's workshop on his piece "Coin Menagerie" is how can you apply those same principles that he applies to Coin Menagerie to the work that you already do or intend on doing in the future.

In this case, it is not about the trick - it is about Armando Lucero.

That's true, the techniques he is using are nothing new, it is his performance style that makes it work.

CW, the routine builds as the props are whittled down to just one coin which travels from under one card to under the other under seemingly impossible conditions - a sort of refinement of an effect down to its atomic level which thanks to the mode of presentation is found satisfying.

How's that for a review without tipping?

Oh,the old Bertram-Tenkai-Slydini-Hofzinser routine! I used to do that one myself, back in high school .....

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So the distinguishing elements are plotting and presentation? It might not be entirely unfair to say that sometimes some coin workers may tend to lose sight of those elements, so if that's what A.L is offering, good for him. (I'm sure he'll be thrilled to learn I approve.)

Actually I can think of a couple of non coin guys who would benefit from a workshop on those subjects ... but that's a different thread ....

Don't you think that the price is too much? I hope he puts out a performance only DVD with some of his effects so we could experience his magic.

I have the video for the Lucero effect, and I will admit, as nice as it is, it isn't the best. Dean Dill's 'Explosion' routine is the best I have seen. The finish to Explosion is incredibly Magical, but it is the rest of his Matrix routine which makes it what it is. Though Lucero's routine is really nice, and greatly constructed in my opinion, it is NOT the best; great, but not the best.

May I know where I could purchase one? Or, is it not for sale?

Yeah, it's $2,500 to attend the lecture.

He was asking to purchase the performance video.

Guys, I will just offer this out there. A video performance will not be the same as a live performance. IF you REALLY want to experience the effect, WAIT until you ca see it done live by Armondo.

IT is the same as the Goshman routine. Live completely trumps video. It is no where near the same. I also concur that it is Armondo and his performance, as well as the technique that makes this so special. That is what he is trying to convey to those who are willing enough to learn at his workshop. Obviously you will not be Armondo once you complete the workshop, nor should you want to be, but you will have a firm foundation of the principles and methods as well as the practice so you can continue to grow.

As to whether or not it is the best, that is a matter of personal taste. Some like clean and minimalist more than big and flashy. I just know how the audience reacts when he performs it and how I felt when I first saw it. I have been lucky to see it live about 10 times and it is a work of art.

As far as I know it's not for sell. Isn't this the performance that was floating on youtube awhile ago?