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January 2009
In this issue:
Greetings and News
KIDabra 2009 Conference Updates
A Very Special Limited Offer for the Next 2 Registrants
KIDabra Journal News
KIDabra International Chapter Interest All Call
Optional Liability Insurance
Congratulations, Thoughts and Prayers
KIDabra International Member News
January
Greetings!
It's
been unusually cold around these parts, so just grab some hot chocolate and
think warm thoughts of August as you read the latest in the KIDabra world. We
have much news to report, so let's get started!
It's
my fault that the December/January KIDabra Journal was delayed. With
John Cooper featured on the cover and his passing in late December. I decided
to pull it from the presses so that we could do a bit of retooling on the
issue. I rewrote my column, we added in a remembrance from Sammy Smith, made a
few changes here and there, and most importantly Tami spent hours digging into
her photo archives for pictures of John. When John and Cathi moved a few years
ago from the Atlanta area to Anderson, SC they lost practically all of the
pictures and memorabilia of John's career to water damage. They were able to
send us only a hand full of pictures and drawings for the magazine. We felt
strongly that for historical purposes we dig a little deeper for pictures and
we found some good ones. I apologize for the delay, but I'm glad we did it,
John was an important and colorful character in the history of Children's
magic!
The
issue should be mailing this week. In addition to the coverage on John, the
issue is crammed packed with great stuff — the continuing terrific column of
Jozo Bozo on Birthday Parties; a brilliant idea for your show from Dean Alan
Carnegie; practical tips from The Tax Magician Steve Snyder (important this
time of year); the finale of Bruce Amato's column on Supreme Magic; a timely
idea from Jim Kleefeld on how to draw Abraham Lincoln on the Axtell Drawing
Board; the priceless Web of Resources from Tim Sonefelt continues to be worth
the cost of KI membership if you pay close attention; a sensational idea for
giving out your business card with that extra special pizzazz from Julie
Varholdt; another incredible dollar store idea courtesy of Barry Mitchell which
will have you rolling up your sleeves and putting your imagination cap on; plus
a motivational jump-start to the year from Brad Ross; solid show planning
advice from Mark Wade; Skip Way's insightful interview of John Cooper and
his review of the 2008 Gala Show from KIDabra conference. Add in the always
interesting Ask David Kaye and the newsy Ken Scott's In the Know,
and you've got an awesome issue of the KIDabra Journal!
KI
member from the UK, Jimmy Carlo (Jimbo), wrote: "I have just had my first
KIDabra Journal come thru my letter box and I have to say it is in my opinion
the best magazine of its kind I receive. It was full of great info and not many
adverts which was great. I hate the magazines that are 60% adverts and
40% info. So a BIG well done. I cant wait now till the next one so I was
wondering can I purchase some back issues if you have any? If you want to print
any of this in KIDabra please feel free as you deserve the praise for a
magazine and convention that is second to none." Thank's Jimmy!
Jimbo
and all current KI members will be receiving the next great issue in a few
days. You don't want to miss any of the Journals, you get the only
magazine that Mark Wade says he "reads cover to cover" every issue.
Couple that with your other KI benefits: Free website, the KIDabra Discussion
Forum, Optional Liability Insurance (the best policy in the industry), the
KIDabra Chapters (10 so far), attending the Conference and the fact that it's
all probably Tax Deductible (that's important this time of year), it literally
pays to be a member of KIDabra International! So join or renew today! Go to
kidabra.org and click on the appropriate Join or Renew button.
If
you're due for renewal, you receive periodic renewal reminders via snail mail.
You can also check your membership card or magazine label for the expiration
date, then please take a moment and renew on-line or by calling Tami at
336-492-7870. We do love having you as part of the KIDabra family!
Thanks
for all the notes of encouragement for Tami and I. She is almost back to
a regular schedule and has healed well since her late November surgery. I am on
the rebound from my Crohn's Disease flare with a new drug called Cimzia that
actually seems to be working well. I mention it only because we heard from many
of our members who have loved ones who are afflicted with colitis and perhaps
this might be a new avenue for them too.
We
have some really exciting things to tell you about the upcoming KIDabra Conference
and KIDabra International in the newsletter, so grab your hot chocolate and
read on carefully as the newsletter has great info throughout. Oh! A bonus
alert — the 2009 Conference Schedule will be posted on kidabra.org in the
next few days (early February), so keep an eye peeled.
Thanks,
Mark
and Tami
KIDabra Conference 2009
News
The 18th Year
The Incredible Year of the Performer
Pigeon Forge, TN • Music Road Hotel Complex
August 12 - 15, 2009
(with
Optional Seminars starting the evening of August 11th)
Featuring: Max Howard,
Mark Wade, Duane Laflin, Magic Al Garber, Barry Mitchell, Tim Sonefelt, Tom
McDonnell, Jeff Jones, and more coming!
Maybe we should call it The
Amazing Year of Live Performances!
The
2009 KIDabra Conference is an unprecedented undertaking. We really have
never attempted anything like it! We're issuing attendees an All Access Pass
to live performance like never before!
David
Kaye put his finger on the challenge — many of us who entertain children or
family audiences, face the overall lack of reference points. For instance you
can go to Las Vegas and see show after show of the best or the worst in live
performance. However, by it's nature many of our performances as children's and
family performers are private, not open to the public.
When
do you get to see someone else present a birthday party show? You don't
because they are in private homes.
A
preschool show? You
don't because they are private to the kids enrolled in each school.
A
library show?
Only if you stumble on to one with your kids. The same for a school show and a
family show.
Well
get ready! It's going to happen in one place, during one week, just for you!
All Access Granted!
The Incredible Year of The
Performer! KIDabra Conference 2009
Who are you going to call for your kid's birthday party?
If
you live in the New York City area and you're famous or wealthy, there are 3
guys you try to get. You call (in no particular order) Arnie Kolodner, David
Kaye, and Magic Al. We're fortunate to have all 3 as active KI guys. This year,
one of them is going to present their Birthday Party "Live"
for a lucky child and their friends (including everyone at KIDabra Conference).
The celebration happens the morning of Saturday, August 15th, and it's going to
be a lot of fun watching the kids giggle and play with one of the best in the
business. After the performance and the kids have gone off to celebrate a bit
more, he'll talk about the show and maybe share a cool story or 2 about the
adventures of entertaining the kids of folks like Jerry Seinfeld, or perhaps
what it's like appearing on Late Night with David Letterman.
By
the way who is this guy? Just one of the nicest guys on the planet and on
the cover of the April/May issue of The KIDabra Journal, the wonderful Al
Garber, known to children all over the New York area as Magic Al. A
Birthday party with Magic Al is a Don't Miss KIDabra Highlight Event!
Folks fell in love with Al at his 2007 lecture at KIDabra Conference about his
Off Broadway Show adventure. Prepare to fall in love all over again!
Top Secret Show Venue Revealed: Vacation Bible School
Each
summer throughout North America and other parts of the world, tens of thousands
of churches host children from their community for a week of fun events in a
day camp atmosphere. Perhaps you've even been called before to entertain with
your regular show at one of these. Perhaps you have no clue where to begin with
this idea. At KIDabra 2009, we will have the answers you seek!
Barry
Mitchell’s Live VBS Show! Barry has NEVER revealed his secrets for booking
Vacation Bible School programs during the summer. With some heavy arm
twisting , we’ve talked him into presenting his full 2009 Aussie Adventure
Show "LIVE" before a group of children. Then we’ll go
behind the scenes and learn how Barry determines his theme, writes the shows,
invents the tricks, writes the songs, markets the show . . . well, you get the
idea.
Barry
will NEVER repeat this performance/workshop again because he doesn't want too
many people to know these secrets. Please note: this is Barry’s
children’s “church” program and biblical references will be used during the
show. However, no matter your personal beliefs you will enjoy the show
and find it to be family friendly, teaching moral values, and just plain
FUN! (Mark's note: Our membership is very diverse we have lots of pastors
and youth ministers who attend who'll glean much, our Jewish members can adapt
Old Testament ideas with this approach (perfect for presenting at JCC summer
programs), and our Humanistic members can build on the moral approach important
to them.)
Plus
the incredible Max Howard, Duane Laflin with performance of A Very Special
Family Show Evening, Tim Sonefelt with a super Library Show, Tom McDonnell and
his Preschool Show, the KIDshow Auction with Gary Shelton, the hands-on KIDabra
Breakouts, a first time lecture with the brilliant Jeff Jones, the Saturday
Night Gala Show, Ken Scott's Midnight Jam and more surprises to come!
Stay
tuned for breaking news and more surprises revealed! Also news coming in the
February newsletter about the optional events. The Incredible Year of the
Performer is a KIDabra Conference like never before!
A Special Offer for the Next 2 Primary Conference
Registrants!
Register
Today for KIDabra Conference 2009 and get a Stylish KIDabra Portfolio Free! The
next 2 primary registrants receive a Deluxe Embroidered Portfolio! The black
portfolio features a zippered outside pocket, two large inside pockets, a mini
organizer, an adjustable and detachable canvas shoulder strap with a rubber
pad, brass hardware, leather trim and a canvas handle beautifully embroidered
with the KIDabra International logo. A $30.00 value free to you, but there are
only 2 left! Call today 336-492-7870 or register on-line. While they last,
first come first serve.
KIDabra Journal News
Coming
in The February/March issue of the Journal will feature our first female on the
cover and she is one of the coolest people you'll meet with an amazing story to
boot. No Kidding! Plus the debut of Roger Blakiston's (Jolly Roger) new column,
a new column from Tommy Johns, and it gets better and better! Good stuff ahead.
Don't miss it!
KIDabra International Chapter Interest All Call
Our
Chicago folks are working hard to reinvigorate their great Chapter, please join
them if you're in the area. A note from Gus Harvatt: The Chicago Chapter of
KIDabra International will hold their meeting on Wed. February 4, 2009, 6:00 PM
at the Evergreen Park Public Library located at 9400 South Troy Ave., Evergreen
Park, IL. 60805 Phone # 708 422-8522 All are welcome to attend, and bring your
ideas. This meeting is to gather as many people as possible to determine the
when and where we will hold future meetings and our goals for the club. Any
questions please contact: Mike "Gus" Harvatt 708-499-4503 e mail
Gusman6264@AOL.com or Darren Hrabe 708-430-8619.
Also
folks in these areas are interested in starting new chapters. Please contact
the person listed:
Kalamazoo
Michigan Area
Roger Bus RBusPs67@aol.com
Massachusettes/New
Hampshire Area Chapter Contact Tami at kidabraconf@aol.com Washington
DC Area Chapter Louis Meyer ChildTime Magic 703-765-1923
British
Columbia - Canada Area Chapter Mike Norden
mike.norden@telus.net
By
the way, who's going to get our first UK Chapter started?
A
Note for all KI Chapters
Do
invite new folks to attend a couple of times, with no obligations. After
those initial visits to become a member of your chapter they must first join
KIDabra International, then your chapter. This makes your chapter
healthy with a solid foundation. Leave egos down the street, I know it's
challenging, we're show folk after all. Put members to work with individual
assignments each meeting. Ask them to do book reports, mini lectures, prop
reviews, brag sessions, marketing minute, techniques of performance,
refreshments, etc... Have a great time of fellowshipping, keep video
presentations to 10 minutes or less and the business meeting outside of the
general meeting. (usually prior to is best.) Be respectful of your pros in
attendance, quizzing them about fees and bookings make them feel like hunted
animals with vultures hovering overhead and scares them away! (Really!) Above
all keep it fun!
Check
with Dennis Michael at Chapter 1 to see how they do this meeting after meeting,
run much like a mini KIDabra Conference. dennismichael@dowhy.com
New KIDabra Member Benefit
Optional
Liability Insurance Optional Liability Insurance is now offered to members of
KIDabra International through K&K Insurance, a strong company that
specializes in insuring performers and athletes. Their motto is "We Insure
Fun!" If you currently are in need of or are considering this
insurance for your performing business, here's some things to ponder. Who can
be covered? Magician, Balloon Artists, Caricaturists, Clowns. Comedian, Face
Painters, Jugglers, Puppeteers, Storytellers, Santa and other Holiday
characters, Ventriloquists and more!
The
Important Details: This policy is not part of a group insurance pool, and
importantly begins when you want it to. For instance some other policies,
especially the group insurance pool policies, renew every year at the same
time. An example, some policies renew every August, so if you take out the
insurance in April you still pay the full fee. Not true with K&K. The
insurance begins shortly after you apply, and upon acceptance. Also you will
receive a certificate of insurance with your acceptance and additional free
certificates of insurance as needed.
How
do I get started?
Please download the PDF application, study it carefully for what's insurable
and what's not. I'm told by Kevin Kutz in sales for K&K that Rabbits and
Doves are fine, other animals and all fire related effects are not covered. We
think you will find it to be one of strongest, if not the best policy in the
industry. You'll find their rates very competitive. Also there are 2 options of
insurance, depending on the amount of coverage you desire. Please note there
are 2 categories of insurance based on gross performance income- 0- $30,000.00
and $30,000.00 to $100,000.00.
You
will need to be current with KIDabra International and enter your KI Member
number on the application. This insurance is available to KI members in the
US. Canadian members must check with the company individually. (K&K does
have a Canadian office) KIDabra International is delighted to make this
optional benefit available to members. Please understand KIDabra International
has no stake, nor receives any compensation from K&K. Any agreement you
enter into is between you and K&K. Please direct all insurance questions to
K&K. (That's the legal stuff)
Congratulations
Our
friend Trevor Lewis is on the cover of the January issue of The
Linking Ring Magazine honoring his year as president of The IBM British
Ring. The Ring is the largest of all of IBM's clubs with over 2000 members.
Thoughts and Prayers
Steve
Varro, KI member, past president of FCM, lecturer, dealer and owner of Dock
Haley Gospel Magic is recuperating from open heart surgery. Well wishes to
stevevarro@gospelmagic.com
Cathi
Cooper, John's widow still needs our help. Please peek through her online
book store at sunnysideupbooks.com and order something. Also, if you'd like to
drop a note with a gift card or donation send to Cathi Cooper 101 Beulah
Drive Anderson, SC 29625
Special
Offer from John's friends Arthur and Leslie Stead
(Arthur
and Leslie are the creators of the wonderful KIDabra theme song and tons of
royalty free music (much of which I use in my own show, Mark)
A
Note from The Steads:
We want to help Cathi, so for an extended period, we will donate 100% of the
proceeds from the sale of two of our Interactive Routines, “The Blessings of
Love” and “Hot Air Balloon.” “The Blessings of Love” is an inspirational,
spiritually uplifting routine, while “Hot Air Balloon” emphasizes a fun
approach to literacy (which was so important to John Cooper). Both
routines utilize props most of us already own, or which are available from any
magic dealer. You can see detailed product descriptions on our website:
www.arthurstead.com. Here’s how you can help: Purchase one or both of these
routines. Make a check or money order payable to Catherine Cooper, and mail it
along with your order to us. We will ship the CDs directly to you, and forward
100% of the proceeds to Cathi.
Thank
you for supporting Cathi Cooper in her time of need.
God
Bless,
Arthur
and Leslie Stead
360)
813-1220
Important KIDabra International Member News
Contacting
Us -
If at any time, you need assistance with any aspect of your KIDabra membership,
please contact Tami directly at kidabraconf@aol.com or 336-492-7870.
For
help with your KIDabra website or logging on to the Discussion Forum, contact
Dennis at dennismichael@dowhy.com.
Change
of Address/Change of Email
If
you move, please tell us! If any part of your address changes, please tell us
at kidabraconf@aol.com. 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 for this newsletter. Thanks!
KI
Member Number
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 free website, for signing a KIDabra Chapter Charter,
purchasing Liability Insurance from K&K 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. 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 will or may have already received a reminder in the mail,
you can also check your membership card and magazine address label for your
renewal date. You don't want to miss a single issue of the KIDabra
Journal and all the other great benefits! Treat yourself to KIDabra
International today!
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.
KI
Cloisonne Pins Available
KIDabra
International Member Laverne Seibert has gorgeous full color KIDabra
logo Cloisonne pins made and available. He sold them at the conference and
Laverne still has some of the pins available and they are very inexpensive!
Wear them on your costumes, to chapter meetings, anywhere. I pin mine to the
collar of my shirt. Purchase direct from Laverne for only $5.00 for one or 5
for $20.00 plus 2 dollars shipping, outside the US and Canada please add
additional shipping. Checks and money orders only. Why not get one for
everybody in your chapter? They make great gifts for your KIDabra friends too!
Order
from Laverne Seibert, 7479 Jacobs Mill Road, East Berlin, PA 17316
The
Discussion Forum at kidabra.org
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!
kidabra.org click on Forum and log in with your membership number.
Free
Website - KI Members Benefit
One
of your most valuable benefits is completely free to you and couldn't be easier
to use. I was checking the other day and a ton 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)
Optional
Liability Insurance is offered to members of KIDabra International through
K&K Insurance, a strong company that specializes in insuring performers and
athletes. Their motto is "We Insure Fun!" Click the insurance button
on the kidabra.org website and download the PDF insurance application.
Chapter
News
Please
keep us informed if you're working on starting 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@MagicalBirthdayParty.com 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.
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
your item to KIDabra Journal Product reviewer Donald Dunphy.
Submission
Guidelines: (1) All review items 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 include retail pricing, ordering
information, your phone # and e-mail address (in case Donald has questions) and
if possible a disk containing a high-resolution picture of your item.
Please
indicate whether you want the product returned. Donald will work with you on
this or if it will be donated to the 2009 KIDabra Auction with proceeds to
charity. Send your review items today to: Donald Dunphy 4487 Majestic Drive
(Basement) Victoria, British Columbia, V8N 3H8 Canada
A Note for all KI Chapters, current and prospective:
Do invite new folks to attend a couple of times, with no obligations. After those initial
visits to become a member of your chapter they must first join KIDabra International, then your chapter. This makes your chapter healthy with a solid foundation. On meeting night, leave egos down the street. I know it's challenging, we're show folk after all. Put members to work with individual assignments each meeting. Ask them to do book reports, mini lectures, prop reviews, brag sessions, marketing minute, techniques of performance, refreshments, etc... Have a great time of fellowshipping, keep video presentations to 10 minutes or less and the business meeting outside of the general meeting. (usually prior to is best.) Be respectful of your pros in attendance, quizzing them about fees and bookings make them feel like hunted animals with vultures hovering overhead and scare them away! (Really! ) Above all keep it fun!
Check with Dennis Michael at Chapter 1 http://www.kidabra1.org to see how they do this meeting after meeting, run much like a mini KIDabra Conference. dennismichael@KIDbra1.org
KI Journal 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 your item to KIDabra Journal Product reviewer Todd McKinney. Submission Guidelines: (1) All review items 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 include retail pricing, ordering information, your phone # and e-mail address. And if possible a disk containing a high-resolution picture of your item. Please indicate whether you want the product returned. Todd will work with you on this or if it will be donated to the 2009 KIDabra Auction with proceeds to charity. Send your review items today to:
Todd McKinney Journal Review P.O. Box 764 Hewitt, Texas 76643
His email address is todd@toddmckinneypro.com
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 affordable full color ads as well, please inquire about pricing.
Back Issues of the Journal Folks ask us frequently if back issues of the Journal are available? The answer is yes some issues are and all are in very limited copies. They are $8.00 for KI members. The only issues available to non-members are the Yearbooks. 2006 is sold out 2007-2009 are available for $20.00 each.
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 are 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
Email kidabraconf@aol.com
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