238: Day One from Jacksonville, Florida - the opening day for the annual convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Unfortunately, this year seems to be the "Year of Magic Conventions" and as such, the nationals (like SAM and IBM) are suffering lower attendance than usual. But smaller numbers does not eiminish the excitement, fun and learning experience. This year's event has a powerhouse of talent (like Tom Mullica, Chad Long, Boris Wild, Michael Dardant, Dan Garrett, Paul Cummins, Bill Abbott, Eric Buss, David Cox, David and Leeman, and many, many more) that attracted nearly 400 registrants.

You can read the blog, watch a video, see some photos, listen to the podcast, and download the MP3 file for Day One at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwell......-day-one You can also download the file from iTunes, Stitcher, Tunein and FeedPress.

Watch this thread for the links to the daily updates.

239: Day two from Jacksonville was the beginning of the "Big Three" event when the registrants were broken up into three different groups. Each attended a different event: the professional close-up shows, the David Cox lecture and the David and Leeman show. They will rotate the next copule of days. The evening show was outstanding that featured Eric Buss with his variety show, "Shenanigans".

Contest Chairman, Oscar Munoz, announced the stage finalists who will appear in the Friday night show:
From New Hampshire: David Chandler
From Japan: Hannah
From Florida: David Hernandez
From Illinois: Trent James
From Michigan: Stuart McDonald
From Nevada: Chris Randall

You can see some photos, read the blog, hear the podcast and download the MP3 file at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwell......-day-two

240: Day Four included four hours of close-up contests in the afternoon and the final six stage contestants performing on the stage for the evening show, hosted by Dave Cox. Also lecturing during the day was David Kaplan and Chad Long.

You can hear the podcast and see the photos at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwell......ay-three

241: The convention is over and the contest results are in. No gold cups or gold medal was awarded this year. For a listing of the winners, photos of some of the people I chatted with, and the podcast, please visit: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwell......day-four

Thanks for listening.