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2011 KIDabra Conference News Edition
October E-Newsletter
And happy summer to our members down under! Wow, it seems like only a few days ago many of us were together at KIDabra Conference 2011. It was an amazing week of friends and learning! It was quite a Celebration! It was awesome having Trevor Lewis, Greg Britt, Keith Fields, Phil Willmarth, Edd Patterson and tons more wonderful folk like you with us. Our thanks to all of our lecturers, vendors, the KIDabra staff and KI members for a truly special gathering. You'll see the pictures and stories covered in the Journal.
Tami, the boys, and I return from Conference to a hectic schedule like many of you with family birthdays, anniversaries, school, a teeny bit of rest, promoting and mounting a tour, and on it goes. The good news is work never stops with KIDabra projects. There's much to share ahead and lot's of cool surprises coming!
Imagination Library: An Out of the Ballpark Success! Our thanks to Terry Evanswood, Gary Shelton, Steve Axtell, Todd McKinney, The Dollywood Foundation and our KIDabra family for their hard work and donations for our biggest donation yet. Just over $2000.00 was presented to David Dodson (Director) and Karen Wilson (Administrative Assistant and Award Winning Children's Author) at The Dollywood Foundation before we left Pigeon Forge. Now in over 1700 communities throughout the US, Canada and the UK, the Imagination Library encourages kids reading with free books monthly from birth to 5 years old. Info on how you can support or start the Imagination Library in your area at imaginationlibrary.com
And raising the donation was such a joy! Who can ever forget Gary Shelton auctioning off the Axtell Mic Mouth in the hilarious bidding war between Tommy James and Greg Britt. Priceless! Only Gary could turn it into a duel between the US and New Zealand. Thanks to Tom McDonnell for the incredible book cover proof and Todd McKinney for donating two consultations to the cause! And the wonderful Terry Evanswood opened his home again for a tour to the lucky 5 Golden Ticket Winners. Folks who go, come back energized, changed, and inspired. It is magical!
Author, Author!
This year was a banner year for book lovers like me! Adele was there with her autobiography The Elusive Moth. The personal story of her life and adventures with one of the greatest magicians ever Blackstone! Dean Allan Carnegie said he didn't want the book to end. My feelings exactly! (Info on where to find the book from Adele at arhindress@aol.com)
Keith Fields notes turned into a wonderful must have book on KIDshow and family performing called: If Ever A Wiz There Was (keithfields.com) Edd Patterson's story in A Lifetime of Magic and Art is fantastic and a testament to a true KIDshow treasure and his terrific routines too! (eddpattersonmagic.com) And our friend Trevor Lewis has an important book of his original routines out in Routines Matter available at willmarthmagic.com. Plus tons of lecture notes and DVDs were there as well, but love those books!!!!!!!
Next Years 2012 KIDabra Conference August 14 - 18, 2012 Next years Conference dates are August 14-18 and we go back to our classic Tuesday Evening and Wednesday day start with Biz Builders and the Auction Wednesday night, finishing up with the Gala Show on Saturday night. We are putting together another fabulous event for you! Details coming...
Renewing Your KI Membership Thank you for renewing your membership! Membership dues go to the production, publication and shipping of the terrific KIDabra Journal. We have found that with tougher economic times folks let memberships lapse assuming that they don't make a difference. Believe me you do! You are a valued part of the KIDabra family, plus renewing helps in keeping the magazine on schedule. To renew or join now, go to kidabra.org and click on Join. Thanks so much and if you have already, double thanks!
We are often overwhelmed by the incredible group that is KIDabra International and it's accomplishments together and individually! We're so thankful that you're a part of this amazing group! Read ahead for more updates and breaking news throughout the newsletter.
Thanks, Mark and Tami
The Year Of Celebration: 2011 - Some Thoughts
After Thoughts on the Max Howard Project Max and I have chatted several times since the conference and will continue to as we shape the future of the project. The folks that attended all 3 sessions of the project this year were blown away by the lessons learned and any time with Max, I've found, is like that. Our thanks to Tom McDonnell, Jim Kleefeld and John McClenahan for working with Max. Some folks at the conference were not open to the experience of this idea. Some seemed to have difficulty figurining out what they could get out of watching three others receive critiques from a director. For the hard working participants, disappointment came at the small attendance at the 3rd and concluding session. (Carefully reviewing the audio afterwards, I was really taken with the valuable lessons large and small that were shared.)
Working on your show and making it better is challenging and sometimes, at conference, it is not the razzle dazzle of a polished lecture, but instead the necessary nuts and bolts that make a performance succeed. At some point in the past our industry lost it's way on the fact that ours is a theatrical based artform, and that we needed training and direction beyond the props we hold, whether in someone's living room, or on the biggest stage performing. The props are a storytelling device that aid the actor - you.
So do we really need this stuff? The best do and they are always students. We will continue to offer this important training, it's the way we will thrive as performers and uplift our artform in the process. Plus Max and I have too much respect for what you and I do to have it any other way. In the meantime we'll chart the pathway, tweak and indeed polish the next chapter of The Max Howard Project! Stay Tuned!
The 21st KIDabra Conference 2012
Special Preferred Seating for KIDabra Conference 2012! Limited to the first 50 and Available Now While They Last!
In the Resort Town of Pigeon Forge, TN – Music Road Hotel Complex August 14 - 18, 2012 (Optional Seminars starting the evening of August 14th)
Want to be right up front, in the midst of the action with your special reserved seat throughout KIDabra conference? You can be! However to be a part of this group of only 50 reserved seats, you must register now, for when they're gone, the seats are still great, but further back. Register now at kidabra.org, click on Registration or call Tami at 336-492-7870.
Who's Appearing at Conference Next Year? Stay tuned as we start to lay out the roster of stars in the November E News!
KIDabra Journal News
Folks really loved receiving the Trevor Lewis issue at the conference, almost as much as Trevor enjoyed autographing them. Year 6, Volume 6 the Yearbook chock full of great stuff is at the mailing house and headed your way, with the awesome cover again by Angel Contreras. The next issue after the conference always seems to run a bit late as it takes a little readjustment time for your writers, editors, and designers. The good news is, we are hard at work on the next several issues as well.
The issues following the Yearbook will feature memories of Bruce Bray, a special Conference Reviews and News issue, plus more incredible folks profiled and amazing journals. As always with the Journal, enjoy the fantastic columns, routines and expertise of your KIDabra journalists!
By the way, we are always looking for writers, on a regular basis and as occassional feature writers. Please let Tami know if putting words to paper is one of your talents and you feel led to share with your KIDabra family!
Just now joining KIDabra and want to get caught up on Journals? Limited back issues are available at kidabra.org Click on the Journal button. And to join KIDabra, also go to kidabra.org and click on Join.
Congratulations!
Thoughts and Prayers Journal Product Reviewer and full time performer Todd McKinney had exploratory surgery for leg and arm nerve damage resulting form complications with shingles. It has has been and is still extremely painful. Notes to Todd at todd@toddmckinnneypro.com.
Bruce Bray Day On Saturday, September 3rd, Mike Bent, David Kaye, Brad Ross, Ken Scott and I, on the invitation of friend Bill Ford and Bruce's family, gathered in Brick, NJ for Bruce Bray Day. That afternoon we gave a performance for a large group of kids and their families. The kids had a great time, and for us it was an emotional roller coaster as we celebrated our buddy and friend, Bruce. It was great to have Chapter 10 KIDabra folks Charlie Siebert and John Carlson there as well. That night we continued the celebration at Bill's gym, Brick Fitness. With 200 friends and family, we dined on Bruce's favorite Mexican foods, told funny and moving stories and toasted our buddy. It was a special day remembering a friend who impacted so many young and old. Bruce's ashes will be spread by family and friends on the beach of his beloved Mexico in January.
And Now a Word from Our Sponsor
Join many of today's top children's performers as they share tons of ideas on the holidays that you can use in your own shows. Taped live at KIDabra with the hilarious Mike Bent as Master of Ceremonies. Laugh and be inspired by Mikes zany creativeness and don't miss his classic Mummy Dearest.
See Barry Mitchell perform a simple, but terrific routine with Candy Corn. Tim Sonefelt shares an easy to make pumpkin/ jack-o'-lantern zombie, Duane Laflin with a killer pumpkin sponge ball routine, Jim Kleefeld shares an excellent Halloween Safety routine with Trevor Lewis's Flashlight Fun. Dave Risley with a plethora of ideas with old Supreme Routines and David Kaye as first Silly Billy sharing his wand and Halloween routines including a make it yourself Silly String Spider worth the cost of the DVD, then making his first ever video appearance as Dr. Blood along with his very commonsense advice on presenting gross/scary magic for kids.
Plus so much more great stuff - see Sammy Smith's Critter Knitters, Ralph the Great with Necklace Quest and a Pumpkin Card Trick you can make and Ken Scott with a super routine with lots of kids, entertainment, color you can make up and customize easily for any holiday!
After the show enjoy quick how and why segments on the Explanation disc - David Kaye discusses tremendous theming ideas practical not only to Halloween, but Christmas/Hanukkah or any time. Whether it's a quick idea to add into this years show or material to use for years to come - Things Go Magical In the Night is a must have for your working video library.
A Two Disc DVD Set: The Live KIDabra Holiday Session As you're working on your Holiday/Christmas/Hanukkah/Frosty shows turn to a wealth of ideas in the Live KIDabra Holiday Sessions. Terrific routines, tips and bits of business from: Barry Mitchell along with Terry Evanswood, David Kaye/Silly Billy, Jim Kleefeld, Duane Laflin, Dave Risley, Marty Hahne, Jeremy and Cheryl le Poidevin and hosted by the charming Sammy Smith, along with an appearance of Santa himself, thanks to help from Tate Elliott.
These wonderful DVD sets are in stock and available for only $45.00 each, postpaid to the US and Canada. Actual postage charged to other countries. Go kidabra.org and click on Products.
KIDabra DVD Special Sale! - DVD Special -- Pick any 3 for $100.00 Choose from Double DVD sets of: The Holiday Sessions, The Library Sessions, The Birthday Sessions, The Halloween Sessions, and The KIDabra Superstar KIDshow Series with Terry Herbert (1 DVD). From now through December 31st treat yourself! Take any 3 KIDabra Session DVD's for $100.00. Add $5.00 shipping in the US and Canada, actual shipping costs added to other countries. That's a whopping savings. More info on the DVDs at kidabra.org, click on products. You may order 3 from the website and Tami will adjust the price correctly on our end if you put the word SPECIAL in the message section, or by phone 336-492-7870.
The Music Road Hotel Complex hosts KIDabra Conference 2012
We'll be housed in both the Music Road Hotel and the Inn with the Conference Center between. The Inn is only a few steps further from the free standing Conference Center, the Hotel is best if you have special needs, also half of the rooms at the Hotel overlook the river. If the whole family is coming pick the Inn for the most water activities, although no matter which building you're in, you have full access.
The complex is located at Traffic light 1 in Pigeon Forge in a quiet cul de sac just off the main drag, turn at the Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant. Surrounding it for a mile in every direction are restaurants to please every taste and that huge Wal-Mart in Sevierville is only 4 or 5 minutes drive, not to mention every outlet store known to man. Call Music Road Toll Free at 866-615-6353 or 865-429-7700. and tell them you're with KIDabra. Every room night counts toward our reserved block and makes the conference possible. See more, just click on the Hotel/travel button at kidabra.org Take a moment and make your reservation today!
Don't forget you can read past newsletters at the website to gain the full story of KIDabra! We can't wait to see you at KIDabra Conference!
Join KIDabra International Today Primary Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, and more. Member dues are $60.00 and thereafter $52.00 on renewal. Associate/Spouse (who assist or are married to a Primary Member) $30.00 and thereafter $20.00 on renewal. Junior Member (10-18 years old who are the child of a Primary Member) $30.00 and thereafter $20.00 on renewal. If a youth is interested in joining and does not have a parent that is a KI member, we suggest joining at the Primary rate so they can receive the Journal and full benefits. International Member (outside of U.S. and Canada) $95.00and thereafter $85.00 on renewal. International Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more.
Register Today for KIDabra Conference 2012 | ||||||||||
Now after bragging on you guys and the terrific contribution to Imagination Library, let me keep on bragging. KIDabra has become a place for debuts, premieres and releases each year. This year kudos to the authors! Some years I go around the vendors room and the conference looking for the books and wondering where they are?
The 2011 conference had so many remarkable moments - Edd Patterson performing Troublewit was one of them for me. Phil Willmarth animating a handkerchief or not, is one class act! Ken Scott created a room full of fans, Gary Shelton's talents seem to have no limit as auctioneer, comedian and great all around fellow. Keith Fields was truly world class! And Trevor Lewis in the house is like having cake and ice cream! Trevor and Warren Stephen's grandson, Dakota, onstage together was unforgettable! Trust me Dakota's mind is eerily like Warren's and he held his own with Trevor:>) Gregg Britt's enthusiasm for just about everything is happily contagious! It's easy to see why he's so successful. The wheels in his mind never stop turning! It was an amazing week for all who were there!
In honor of their incredible contributions to KIDabra, Tate Elliott and Dennis Michael joined Joe Lefler as Lifetime Members of KIDabra International. Tate is a invaluable part of the KIDabra Staff, as well as the Story Editor of the Journal. 
Skip Way received the first ever KIDabra Volunteer of the Year Award for his journalistic work for The KIDabra Journal. Skip not only contributes to his column The Missing Link, but also has another important job. 
Tami and I were humbled by the recognition of 20 years service to KIDabra, Children's Magic, and the work to raise the bar in family entertainment with the presentation of The Merlin Award on Wednesday evening at the Conference. 
A Two Disc Dvd Set: Things Go Magical in the Night - The Live KIDabra Halloween Session
Plus for your Holiday Show Ideas and planning:
Great rooms, free parking, free wi-fi, on property water parks, pools indoor and outdoor, water slides, lazy river and more, coupled with an excellent free continental breakfast each morning make for a great whole family treat. A lot of folks say the Music Road is "like going to a retreat."