KIDabra International News

In this issue:
Greetings and News
Welcome KI Chapter 11

KIDabra 2009 Conference Updates

Breaking News: Kimmo!

Optional KIDabra Business Building Seminars

Optional KIDabra Audio CD Album 2009: Now On Sale

KIDabra Journal News

KIDabra International Member News

Spring Greetings!

We are hard at work on creating an incredible conference for August. There is some really cool stuff to report, however first: Congratulations and welcome to our newest KIDabra International Chapter, Chapter #11 British Columbia. Thanks to Mike Norden and all the BC members for making our first Canadian Chapter happen! For info contact mike.norden@telus.net.

As you read ahead, the things we have planned for you amazing even to us! Huge announcements are ahead in the newsletter so forge on. We do love having you as part of the KIDabra family and can't wait to see you soon!

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, Kimmo, Mark Wade, Duane Laflin, Magic Al, Barry Mitchell, Tim Sonefelt, Julie Varholdt, Tom McDonnell, Jeff Jones, Bruce Amato, Jim Austin, Matt Fore and more coming!

The KIDabra Senior Conference Staff: Trixie Bond, Ken Scott, Jozo Bozo, Mike Bent, Terry Evanswood, Dave Risley, Joe Lefler

The KIDabra Executive Staff: Dennis Michael, Tate Elliott, Gary Shelton, Nathan J. Roberts, Bruce Bray, Chris Weed, Tim Sonefelt, Arnie Kolodner, Dave Hill, Glenn Strange, David Kaye, Tess Andrews

Breaking News:

From the UK, Kimmo Lectures at KIDabra Conference! John Kimmons, "Kimmo" makes his first ever US appearance with us at KIDabra Conference. The 2008 Family Entertainer Championship Winner at the worlds largest magicians convention in Blackpool, England, is a long time pro and well known to Brits and folks on The Magic Cafe. In his highly acclaimed lecture John demonstrates how to derive maximum entertainment value from the minimum of props. Learn how to turn sponge balls or a simple card trick into a show stopping and hilarious piece of family entertainment! Most of the props required are standard items that you already own or are very simple to make. John is perhaps best known as an award winning ventriloquist. In the second half of his lecture he will demonstrate and teach the skills needed to bring a puppet to life. Those of you with puppets at home in the closet will be inspired to dust them off and put them to work! Even experienced vents may pick up a trick or two! Plus, Kimmo will perform on the Saturday night gala! Come meet, enjoy and learn from one of the best! Kimmo's appearance is a KIDabra Highlight Event!

The First Ever KIDabra International Family Performer of the Year Pro/AM Invitational Competition

Friday, August 14, at 7:00PM

We are looking for the best from around the world! Show the KIDshow world your stuff! The KI Family and KIDshow Performer of The Year award will go to one winning performer. The Prize Package for First Place includes: 2009 KIDabra International Family Performer of The Year Trophy! You on the cover of The KIDabra Journal and a feature article in an upcoming issue! 2010 Registration to KIDabra Conference! A spot on the 2010 Gala Show! And the right to use the title in your Marketing and promotional materials!

Ken Scott will host the Friday evening competition. Imagine the prestige of being able to proclaim yourself The KIDabra International Performer of the Year 2009! Who will win? A children's magician? A Ventriloquist? Puppeteer? A hilarious clown? Children's Composer? Will it be someone from Europe, Asia, Canada, The US? Will it be you! Come see for yourself and witness some incredible talent. Learn where the bar is set and root for your favorite! The competition is open to members in good standing of KIDabra International who are registered for the conference. No contest entry fee will be charged. We do expect high quality entrants be they pro or amateur. We are looking for the whole package – entertainment value, originality, creativity, likability. Full details and contest registration are at kidabra.org. Make your plans and prepare today to put the spit and polish on.

Good Luck and bring your best! Game On! Contest Questions to Chris Weed at chrisweed@aol.com

Friday Afternoon Breakouts

Join Mike Bent, Nathan Roberts, Julie Varholdt, Jim Austin and more for the ever popular hands-on seminars. Info about them in the next newsletter.

Saturday Night Gala At KIDabra Conference

Featuring the crazy funny Matt Fore as Master of Ceremonies. Matt was with us about 8 years ago and people are still laughing. Maybe you've even seen the ad for his new DVD in the Journal. Now come and enjoy his zany sense of humor in person. Plus an appearance by Kimmo on the show, and more to come!

Spotlight on KIDabra 2009 Vendor's Room – Fairchild Magic

We are delighted to have with us for the first time in the dealers room Joe Eddy Fairchild: fairchildmagic.com. I own a couple of Joe's smaller pieces and I'll tell you  — Wow! Top quality professional props and just talking to Joe, a long time pro is an education and a treat. His booth is a must visit along with all the other terrific KIDabra Vendors: Joe Lefler, Laflin Magic and Silks, Barry Mitchell, Tim Sonefelt's Wonder Imagery, magicbackdrops.com, Dazzling Magic, Dave Hill's Balloons and Clowns, Matt Fore, Bruce Amato, The Riz and more to come, as confirmed!

Optional KIDabra Business Building Seminars

Tuesday Evening August 11th, starting at 7:00PM and Wednesday, Aug 12th, 2009, 9:00AM-5:00PM

Wednesday, August 12th, 1:00 PM

Max Howard shares with Skip Way "An Artists Journey to a Career." Join KIDabra Journal Features Editor Skip Way for the second in his series of interview/chats with lifelong pros on their journeys of performing for a living. Maybe you were with us last year for the very funny and incredible story of Chris Capehart's career. Regardless, you're going to love Max's amazing story too! From pacing the boards of legitimate theater, to the streets of New York, then on to the grind of making good TV, a twenty six year long mission to bring a wizard named Gus to life, and beyond. Sit back and enjoy with Skip the breathtaking adventures past and present of a passionate guy named Max.

Plus on Tuesday Evening the Business Builder's Kickoff at 7:00 PM — A 3 Hour workshop with Barry Mitchell, Bruce Amato, Tim Sonefelt “The Six Most Powerful Words in the World and How They Will Improve Your Shows: Let Me Tell You A Story." And more events coming! Optional KIDabra Biz Builders Workshops are only $95.00 for everything happening Tuesday night and Wednesday and open to KI members registered for the conference.

Optional PRIVATE COACHING with MAX!

Take advantage of a rare opportunity to work privately with Emmy© Award winning actor, director and performance coach, Max Howard during KIDabra Conference! Develop a script, create a character, frame a show or sharpen your performance skills with one of America’s most respected performers and teachers! Participants may bring performance pieces for personal instruction or bring a DVD for review and critique. For best use of your time contact Max, before your meeting, to structure the best approach. KIDabra Conference Special Pricing for Coaching with Max: One hour: $100.00, Two hours: $150.00

Book by July 1, 2009 and receive one hour of pre-conference coaching free!Only 10 hours of coaching time will be available during KIDabra Conference week! Book now! Contact Max: Max@TheHabitofExcellence.com or Call: (770) 557-1949

Here's What Others Are Saying...

“I was scared to work with you because I thought it was going to be painful and embarrassing, but I knew I needed to do it anyway. You were easy to work with, you made me comfortable and the experience was great! You really helped me. Thank you!” -Brad Matchett

“Max Howard was the highlight of the last year at least! The best hour I have ever spent in my professional career.” -John Pyka

“Before working with you, I had performed for over thirty years and reached a plateau that I couldn’t seem to overcome. Thank you for giving me new insight into performing possibilities.” -Ray Roch

Contact Max today for one of the best things you'll do for yourself as a performer!

Optional KIDabra Audio CD Album 2009

Now On Sale Own an instant collectible - 8 KIDabra sessions recorded live on Audio CD.

Relive the lectures for years to come. Importantly, no albums are sold after the convention as we give each lecturer who participates their master recording at the completion of the project.

FAQ's-

Do you record the entire conference?No, as there is so much that happens at KIDabra, much of which is visual, not lending itself well to recording. We select the optimal listening sessions.

Do you record sessions from the Business Builders Seminars?Yes, usually at least 2 of the sessions are recorded.

What do I get? An album with 8 Audio CD recordings of lectures and sessions recorded live as they happen with no editing at KIDabra on one or 2 CDs as needed per session. Our mission is to have the album ready to take with you Saturday night before you leave. Great quality and ease of use add up to a fabulous bargain and opportunity to relive and continue to learn from KIDabra for years to come.

Who's on the Recordings?

1) Max Howard interviewed by Skip Way: An Artisit's Journey to a Career

2) Bruce Amato, Barry Mitchell and Tim Sonefelt: Storytelling Workshop (on 2 Cd's)

3) TBR as permissions are secured

4) TBR as permissions are secured

5) TBR as permissions are secured

6) TBR as permissions are secured

7) TBR as permissions are secured

8) TBR as permissions are secured

How Much?The KIDabra Audio Album is only $99.95 pre-ordered and pre-purchased, delivered to you at the conclusion of this year's KIDabra Conference. You can also purchase the Album at KIDabra for $110.00

Important Note: Due to the arrangements with our speakers no Album sets will be sold after the conference, so they are available in advance or at KIDabra only. If you can't be with us and would like to purchase a set as an Invisible Attendee you may for only $150.00 including shipping in the US and Canada. (Additional shipping for other countries) Invisible registrants must place their order in advance of the conference and please allow at least 2 to 3 weeks after KIDabra to receive your Album. Attendee CD Album: $99.95 (Pre-registered & Pre-Ordered before 8/10/09) CD Album (Invisible Attendee): $150.00 (U.S and Canada) Order at kidabra.org, click on Register (Shipping to foreign countries extra - charged at actual shipping price)

The Music Road Hotel Complex hosts KIDabra Conference 2009

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. 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. See more at musicroadhotel.com. 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 in August or at your local KI Chapter meeting!

Join KIDabra International Today at kidabra.org.

Click on Join

Primary Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the Amazing KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more. Member dues are $60.00 which includes an initiation fee and thereafter $49.00 on renewal.

Associate/Spouse (who assist or are married to a Primary Member) $30.00 Includes a one time 10.00 initiation fee and thereafter $20.00 on renewal.

Junior Member (10-18 years old who are the child of a Primary Member) $30.00 Includes a one time 10.00 initiation fee 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) $95.00 Includes a one time initiation fee thereafter $82.00 on renewal.International Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the Amazing KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more.

Register Today For The 2009 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

Optional KIDabra Biz Builders August 11&12 only $95.00

You can register by online, by phone or fax with Mastercard, Visa, and Discover

phone (336) 492-7870

fax (336) 492-2199

Online at kidabra.org

Check and moneyorder to

MSD Productions KIDabra 2009 Convention

P.O. Box 1296

Mocksville, NC 27028

Stay tuned for breaking news and more surprises revealed! The Incredible Year of the Performer is a KIDabra Conference like never before!

KIDabra Journal News

The April/May issue of the Journal is at the printer and should start mailing in a few days. We hope you enjoy Skip Way's interview with the creative force that is Doug Scheer! Plus a fabulous routine from Dean Alan Carnegie so good he almost didn't publish it, Product Reviews from Donald Dunphy, a fantastic Jozo Bozo on Kid Shows, Tommy Johns on working with kids, Bruce Amato with a new column, The Daycare Dilemma, the always informative Steve Snyder with Tax Magician, 2 contributions from Doug Scheer, Jolly Roger on Jolly Good Shows, Jim Kleefeld with a sensational piece called Named Assistant, Tim Sonefelt's worth the price of membership column, Web of Resources, Julie Varhlodt's Creative Thinking Outside the Magic Bag, Barry Mitchell with a wicked good Misers Dream courtesy of the dollar store, Brad Ross sharing all important info on website copywriting, Mark Wade on Customer Service, Skip Way with The Missing Link pointing you to some of the coolest website resources around and finally the guy in the know, Ken Scott with what's happening out and about in our world.

Our thanks to the incredible volunteer staff, plus Tate Elliott and Jessica Friend and the folks at SPS Publications who labor behind the scenes with Tami to put out one of the best info filled magazines around.

Do check to see that you are current and not missing a single issue as in this recession here's a membership that doesn't cost, it pays in inspiration, networking, motivation and knowledge. What's better than that? Renew or join at kidabra.org, click the join button.

If you have recently received an email reminder to Renew, do it now so you don't miss out. Our print run covers paid members and we don't usually have any extra copies!

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 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.org, 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)

Newest 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! 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. Full details at kidabra.org, click on Insurance.

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. 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 scares them away! (Really!) Above all keep it fun! Check with Dennnis Michael at Chapter 1 to see how they do this meeting after meeting, run much like a mini KIDabra Conference. dennismichael@dowhy.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

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.

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!

Todd McKinney Journal Review P.O. Box 764 Hewitt, Texas 76643

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