April 2008 E News

In this issue

1. Greetings and News
2. Breaking News
3. 2008 KIDabra Conference News
4. KIDabra International Member News
5. The Music Road Hotel Complex hosts KIDabra Conference 2008

1. April Greetings!

Spring is here at our house in North Carolina and everything is growing and blooming like crazy. May spring bring you shows like crazy, or whatever the season is in your part of the world! Funny thing, as I talk to performers around the U.S. they're very busy, even with the economy in lousy shape. That's a good thing, being busy I mean, not the economy.

If you had any trouble reaching us from late March through mid-April our apologies, a planned major renovation of our home office slated for one week, took 3, with boxes still everywhere and communications interrupted several times. Tami is thrilled, as once everything is back in place, she feels she'll be more efficient with looking after KIDabra International, the conference, the magazine, my performing business and her Creative Memories business. This may give you some inkling as to why we may have needed a little office revamping, oh my!

The February/March Mike Bent Issue of The KIDabra Journal is fantastic! A terrific story about him from David Kaye and excellent interview from Skip Way, profile one of the really nice and creative guys in our business. Couple that with awesome articles from all of our columnists and some killer routines to make up, including a couple of incredible routines for your summer bug show, make the issue a must read!

Upcoming in the April/May issue watch for a profile on the funniest, most creative super duo around!
Folks are constantly telling us they read their KIDabra Journal cover to cover and then start over! Don't miss another issue, one of the important benefits of membership in KIDabra International!

Our apologies to our Canadian friends! For some reason, the mailing house did not send out your copies of the Dec/Jan, Rabbit Police issue. Look for your copy in the mail any day now. Thanks to those who brought it to our attention by contacting Tami directly!

If it's time to renew your KI membership, you can do it now at kidabra.org, click on Join, scroll down to Renew. If your membership has lapsed, or due for renewal, you should have just received a reminder in the mail. (International friends, yours is on the way!) You don't want to miss a single issue of the KIDabra Journal! Oh, and if you are ready to join for the first time, today is a perfect day to do just that! Treat yourself to KIDabra International today!

Lots of info follows in this Newsletter, you may want to print it out to enjoy reading dinner or lunch and please do forward to a friend.

Mark and Tami

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2. Breaking News!

VH1's Celebracadabra
Watch for our own David Kaye to become a TV star on April 27 on the new VH1 series Celebracadabra. David appears along with other magicians as teachers of magic tricks to celebrities. This is a contest much like American Idol or Survivor where the celebrity and teacher with the low score are voted off each week. I understand much care was taken to guard against exposures. David says it's the hardest he's ever worked in his life. By the way, while this is not a show for children, (its' VH1 after all), one week is devoted to children's magic.
See a sample at http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1585765&vid=225920

You may see our friend from Australia, Melanie Michaels (Fairy Twinkletoes) on the whitehouse.gov site appearing at the Easter Egg Roll March 24th. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Kids.) According to Ralph the Great, Melanie was a sensation! More about the KIDabra members who performed this year coming in Ken's In the Know column in the KIDabra Journal.

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3. KIDabra Conference 2008 News!
KIDabra 2008 Conference
The 17th Year
Pigeon Forge, TN
Music Road Hotel Complex
August 13 - 16, 2008
(with Optional Seminars starting August 12th)

The Year of the Creative
Register now, you won't want to miss it!

Featuring:
Chris Capehart, Duane Laflin, David Kaye, Stan Allen, Barry Mitchell, Steve Axtell, MacGyver Magic Team of Scott Francis and David Allen, Aye Jaye, Jim Kleefeld, Creative Magic's Brian Daniel, Marty Hahne, BJ Hickman, Jim Snack, Chris Frings, Dave Risley, and more to come!

Chris Capehart Returns to KIDabra Conference
First Up: An Optional Master Class - space is limited
Chris Capehart is wowing audiences everywhere he goes. I got to watch him with a mostly lay audience at Monday Night Magic in Manhattan a few weeks ago, and he was a sensation there and he was a sensation last year at KIDabra Conference. Chris is uniquely funny with a fresh approach some call "Street" and I just consider brilliant. His newest DVD release "Kidding Around" which teaches his KIDshow philosophies is garnering rave reviews world wide.
He returns to the conference this year and will be with us for the entire week.
First up, let me tell you about an incredible opportunity on Tuesday, August 12th. Chris presents 2 1/2 hour Optional Master Class starting at 9:30 AM. Join Chris as he teaches 2 classics The Linking Rings and Misers Dream (Coin Pail). Learn in a very small group including one on one time with a world renowned master, who presents arguably the most entertaining presentations of these 2 pieces existent. If you have ever been intimidated by these 2 classics of magic, fear no more, come learn them from a friendly fellow who just happens to be one of the world's best. Class size is limited to 15 and is only $85.00, Tuesday Morning August 12th, 9:30 AM. Learn these two routines well and you'll have a powerful basis for your show anywhere, anytime!

Because of limited seats, registration for this class is by phone only, call Tami at 336-492-7870. Prepayment is required to guarantee your spot.

Stan Allen: A Visit with The Guy With the Rabbit!
Now many of you know Stan as the Editor of the world's largest independent magazine for magicians- Magic. Published now for 17 years, it's incidentally the same age as KIDabra Conference, the magazine is highly anticipated by it's readership worldwide. However the magazine is not really why Stan is going to be with us. You see before he became Editor Stan Allen, he was Stan Allen: The Guy with the Rabbit. A full time pro that, through a series of seemingly happenstance events would travel the world with a puppet. Back in January he sat with us at KGB for a couple of hours and told us story after remarkable story of his adventures and misadventures with a rabbit puppet first named Stewart, later Killer, who would take him from a theme park to comedy clubs, cruise ships, and to world wide live and television appearances for years. Those of us present, sat on the edge of our seats riveted to the stories of a master storyteller and I asked him if he would come do this for us at KIDabra. He said yes, and if you loved Magic Al's story last year of the pursuit of his dream of a TV show that started off Broadway and all the twist and turns that he experienced, you'll love Stan's remarkable adventure with a rabbit. As with Al, Stan's journey is our journey, you'll find humor, motivation and a kindred spirit in this KIDabra Conference Highlight Event. Plus Stan will bring video of some of his live TV performances of Stewart (Killer). (I saw incredible shows and met fascinating folks while I was in Las Vegas in January and it was awesome, however for me this was indeed my favorite, A Visit with Stan, I hope it will be for you as well!)

Hey Hey, It's Aye Jaye
One of the coolest guys on the planet comes back to KIDabra. Ronald McDonald Boss Clown, World Wide for 30 years, best selling author: The Golden Art of Schmoozing, Actor (see below), self proclaimed Carny Trash and general mischief maker will be with us during the week at KIDabra educating, wowing and making you smile at every turn.
Look for Aye Jaye in the new Adam Corolla movie The Hammer. He plays a boxing referee in the production. The movie is winning raves, however it is not yet in wide release. Watch for it. And come enjoy just being around Aye Jaye at KIDabra Conference.

MacGyver Magic: Round 2 Promos on kidabra.org now!
From now until the conference, don't miss the special video treats just for you from Scott Francis and David Allen!
Now available for immediate viewing; Five Hysterically Funny Macgyver Magic Promo Videos!
Go to kidabra.org scroll down the page to the You Tube Video and watch. Stay tuned for the continuing video adventures of MacGyver Magic as they prepare for their lecture: Round 2 at KIDabra Conference 2008. See a new video every 2 weeks! And you'll love the surprise coming in the April/May issue of The KIDabra Journal!

Plus at KIDabra Conference enjoy lectures from Barry Mitchell, David Kaye, Steve Axtell, BJ Hickman, Brian Daniel of Creative Magic, Jim Kleefeld and more coming! And yes there are some HUGE surprises still to come!
And the much anticipated return of the phenomenal MacGyver Magic Team of Scott Francis and David Allen, the playing of The Game (with new questions) and Ken Scott's Midnight Jam. KIDabra Conference 2008 is going to be out of the ballpark! Batters Up!

Optional KIDabra Business Building Seminars (formerly Marketing Day) August 12 & 13
Tuesday Evening August 12th, starting at 7:00PM and Wednesday, Aug 13th, 2007, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Mark your calendars for Business Building and join Nathan Roberts: "Just Do It" - Nathan wowed everyone last year with his fantastic lecture on using Music in your show, this year Nathan returns with "Just Do It".

Nathan discusses changing up your old, tired show by adding new repertoire and cover the whys of what holds us back. Enjoy a motivational lecture to make us better, business people, time managers, and performers. The Lecture Notes are free, only about three tricks are demonstrated to show what and how to practice/rehearse. Not a commercial lecture, but motivation on performing and booking with power. A Don't Miss Business Building Highlight!

Plus lectures from Jim Snack, Brian Daniel of Creative Magic, Marty Hahne (Mr. Controversy) and more, stay tuned! KIDshow Business Building Seminars start Tuesday evening and continue throughout the day on Wednesday. The Optional Marketing Sessions are only $94.95.

Please take a moment and register, make your hotel reservations, travel plans and then we'll see you at KIDabra Conference in August! We can't wait!

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The New KIDabra Live Library Session DVD Available Now
(Just in time as you're looking for ideas for your Summer shows)

The Live KIDabra Library Session - Available Now!
If you do Library Summer reading shows or you're looking for a reading routine to add to your school show or even your Birthday Party, then join a host of today's top library performers for a romp through some great routines with reading, books and some excellent fun!

Opening to the strains of an original song "Going to the Library" performed by David Hennig, the Session is hosted by the incomparable Steve Taylor, whose tips and stories of performing in libraries are worth many times the price of the DVD set. Featuring routines from Barry Mitchell, Ken Scott, Jim Kleefeld, Rick Hubbard, Julian Franklin, Bruce Amato and Chris Frings.

Plus, hidden in plain sight, Rick Hubbard shares the actual finale of his own show that has taken him around the world and yes, into many libraries. Learn "The All Kazoo Band" to perform in your own show. Priceless! (The coolest part is you can do this anywhere, not just in libraries.)

After the performances, go behind the scenes for explanations and then enjoy the bonus features of Steve and longtime library show pro Mark Daniel as they discuss set design ideas for the show and then join a round robin discussion by several of the top pros in the library market led by Ken Scott as they talk about the ins and outs of this unique venue.

The KIDabra Live Sessions exist as fabulous idea generators to spark your imagination. Join many of today's top KIDshow and Family Entertainers sharing between them a wealth of routines and tips. The Sessions are designed not as shows to simply sit back and watch, but as brainstorming jam sessions. A performer with repeated and careful study will glean valuable info and tips. Above all enjoy and learn from different approaches and styles.

Recorded live at The KIDabra Conference 2007, this 2 DVD Set is only $45.00 postpaid in the US and Canada. Please add $5.00 shipping to other countries. Available from your favorite performers on the DVD and at kidabra.org

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Thoughts and Prayers

KIDabra Executive staff member Tim Sonefelt lost his father William "Butch" Sonefelt March 16. One neat little aside, Mr. Sonefelt was a cabinet maker by trade and like my dad would do for me, often built whatever prop Tim needed for his shows throughout the years.
Condolances to Tim at tim@timsonefelt.com

Scott Francis' (of Macgyver Magic fame and the director of fun and mischief at the KIDabra Dealers show) brother Mark suffered food poisoning after eating at a restaurant, that led to a freak stroke. He has remained in intensive care for 27 days as of this writing and has shown some small improvements since near death.

Mark and Scott have toured comedy clubs together in the past. You may have seen a glimpse of Mark on the Amazing Dancing Napkin video introducing Scott on stage at a performance. I've gotten to know Mark over the years, he's a great guy and I've enjoyed attending quite a few magic auctions with he and Scott.
Notes to Scott at magicpro@bellsouth.net

KIDabra Journal Reviewer John Cooper continues to face serious health challenges. He is currently in the hospital. Notes of encouragement to him at johnvcooper@mindspring.com

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4. Important KIDabra International Member News

Welcome to our newest KIDabra Chapter!
We'd like to welcome our newest KIDabra Chapter! Chapter #10 in North Jersey is official! A big thanks to Brad Ross and crew for their efforts in getting this newest chapter up and running. Congratulations and that means New Jersey with Chapter 1 and Chapter 10 marks our first state with multiple chapters!

Contacting Us
If at any time, you need assitance with any aspect of your KIDabra membership, please contact Tami directly at kidabraconf@aol.com. For help with your KIDabra website, contact Dennis at DennisMichael@KIDabra.org

Change of Address/Change of Email
If you move, please tell us! If any part of your address changes, please tell us! Also keep your email address up to date with us for breaking news! There is a link at the bottom of this email to delete or add email addresses. Thanks!

KI Member Number and Membership Card
You will need your KI member number frequently. It's required when you first sign on to the KIDabra forum at kidabra.org. You also need your member number to take advantage of the special offers from vendors, for signing a KIDabra Chapter Charter and more. To keep up with my card I put it in my wallet, then it's always there. If you misplace yours, your number is always printed above your name on your KIDabra Journal envelope.

KI Membership Join and Renewal
It's easy at kidabra.org, click on the Join button, then scroll down to register or renew.

KI Member Logo
As a KIDabra International Member in good standing you may use the special Member Logo (created by Ralph the Great) on your website and promotional materials. Find it at kidabra.com, click on the Logo button on the left. Chapters may use the KIDabra logo for chapter business with their Chapter identification immediately under the logo. The original KI logo is reserved for Headquarters' usage.

The New Discussion Forum - KI Members Benefit
Posting on the informative KIDabra discussion forum is an important KI member benefit. All of the incredible content on the forum is available to KI members! If you have friends who would like to learn all about KIDabra they may view select sections of the forum as guests, however posting is exclusively for our members. Please join in the sharing! See you there! Discussion Forum

Free Website- KI Members Benefit:
One of your most valuable benefits is completely free to you and couldn't be easier to do. I was checking the other day and a tons of KI members have taken advantage of this and you should too! Your website is as easy as fill in the blanks. Use it to advertise your services, shows and talents. Available to paid members in good standing. To get started go to kidabra.org and click on the Free website button on the left. (You'll need your membership number)

KI Flyer
The Current Snail mail version of the six page KIDabra Newsletter is available to you as a PDF Download at kidabra.org scroll down towards the bottom of the page and click away. Print out and share the flyer with friends and prospective members. It's a great tool for member recruitment for forming or growing a chapter. See Also: http://www.kidabra.org/KIDabraInternational.html

Chapter News
Please keep us informed if you're working on a Chapter in your area. We'll help promote it. Please direct Chapter questions to Chapter Development Coordinator Dennis Michael. He is eager and ready to help at DennisMichael@Kidabra.org or 856-753-9754.

Chapters - please send your meeting reports for the Journal to Tate Elliott, Story Editor as a word document the address is Tate_Elliott@juno.com Please place in the subject line Chapter # and Meeting Date, for Issue #. Pictures should 300 dpi and converted to B&W and sent to Tami at kidabraconf@aol.com.
Thanks

KI Journal Reminders
Product Reviews
Yes, we do want to review your product in The KIDabra Journal. Do you have a new trick, prop, book, DVD, E-book or Show-In-A-Box? Then send you item to KIDabra Journal Product reviewer John Cooper. John has developed the guidelines for submission that follow:

In an effort to make the KIDabra Journal the preeminent kidhow/family show entertainers magazine we are implementing some product review submission guidelines.

1. All submissions must be KIDshow/family show focused.
2. All effects submitted need to contain at least one developed show script.
3. Books, CD's & DVD's must be pertinent to the kidshow/family show entertainer or their business.

Please indicate whether you want the product returned (please include a check for the return cost) or if it will be donated in the 2008 KIDabra Auction
Send your review items today to:
John Cooper - KIDabra Product Reviews
PO Box 437
Anderson, SC 29622-0437

Journal Advertising
To advertise in the KIDabra Journal contact Tami 336-492-7870 or kidabraconf@aol.com. Great rates and the perfect way to get the news out to the KIDshow world about your products and services. We now offer full color ads as well, please inquire about pricing.

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5. The Music Road Hotel Complex hosts KIDabra Conference 2008
For 2008 the Conference return to Pigeon Forge and the Music Road Hotel. Great rooms, 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. Melanie Michaels from Australia and John Reid from Long Island both say the Music Road is like going to a retreat.
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. Rooms in the KIDabra block are only $91.00 per night for 2 queen beds. (This special conference rate off regular rate of up to $119.00) (Suites available at a higher rate.) Call Music Road Toll Free at 866-615-6353 and tell them you're with KIDabra. Every room night counts toward our reserved block and makes the conference possible. Soon you can make reservations on-line at musicroadhotel.com. They are upgrading their online system and once everything is in place, and the bugs worked out, we will supply you with the codes for online reservations. Our group is served by Donna in Group Reservations. Her direct number is 865-286-1780, Monday thru Friday. Take a moment and make your reservation today!

If flying into the KIDabra Conference, certainly you could rent a car if you have extra time for sightseeing, however our Official shuttle from the McGee/Tyson Airport in Knoxville is Rocky Top Tours, with amazingly, the same price as last year, 30.00 one way or $60.00 round trip. ( As I travel around the US, I find this very reasonable.)

We continue to update kidabra.com Keep Checking! Don't forget you can read past newsletters at the website to gain the full story of KIDabra! Have you been to the discussion forum lately? With over 5000 posts it is amazing! The depth of subjects there and the valuable info, make it priceless, check it out today at kidabra.com
We can't wait to see you next August or at your local KI Chapter meeting!

Join KIDabra International Today at kidabra.com click on Join
Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the Amazing KIDabra Discussion Forum, KI member discounts and more. $60.00 which includes an initiation fee and thereafter $47.00 on renewal
Associate/Spouse (who assist or are married to a Primary Member) $30.00 Includes a one time 15.00 initiation fee and thereafter $15.00 on renewal. Junior Member (10-18 years old who are the child of a Primary Member) $30.00 Includes a one time 15.00 initiation fee and thereafter $15.00 on renewal. International Member $95.00 Includes a one time 15.00 initiation fee and KIDabra: The Journal, thereafter $80.00 on renewal.

And Register Today For The 2008 KIDabra International Conference!
Member Performer $184.95
Spouse $90.00
Child under 16 with full paying adult $75.00
New Member Performer/ includes Conference Registration and KI Membership $244.95 (US and Canada)
New Member International Performer $274.95/ includes Conference Registration and KI Membership

You can register by phone or fax with Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express
Phone (336) 492-7870
Fax (336) 492-2199
Online at kidabra.com
or by check and moneyorder to
MSD Productions
KIDabra 2007 Conference
P.O. Box 1296
Mocksville, NC 27028

What if there was a place and a group of people that existed to meet the special needs of folks who perform for kids and families? What if there was a place to motivate you, educate you and point you in the right direction? What if there was a place that helped person after person build successful performance careers? What if all of this really existed?  A place so good that your competitors won't tell you they're a member because they want to keep all the resources for themselves.


It does, it is KIDabra International!

KIDabra International
PO Box 1296
Mocksville, NC 27028
Phone 336-492-7870
Fax 336-492-2199
kidabraconf@aol.com
Website
Discussion Forum Discussion Forum


 The KIDabra E News goes out to interested parties and media organizations.