75th Get Together Aug 1-4 2012

Mac King - Acclaimed by MAGIC Magazine as the premiere comedy magician in the world today, Mac was just named "Magician of the Year" by the Magic Castle in Hollywood, just appeared on his seventh TV special for NBC-TV, just got voted the 6th best show in all of Las Vegas, and just rocked the audience on The Late Show with David Letterman. He is currently starring in the long running The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas where, over the last 11 years, he has performed an incredible 5720 shows to nearly one and half million fans. Before moving to Las Vegas, Mac spent 200 days a year on the road as an after dinner corporate entertainer, wowing companies around the world (Microsoft, Nationwide Insurance, Nissan, AT&T, and hundreds more) with his astounding sleight of hand and irresistible humor. He still does a select few of those shows. According to his wife and daughter, Mac is a fine husband, a great dad, and all around swell fellow. Mac was part of the famous 1977 Abbott Talent Contest Winners where he competed against Jeff Hobson and Lance Burton.

Tom Mullica - Tom enlisted in the Army at age 18 and after 3 years in Korea and Germany, moved to the magic capitol of the world, Colon, Michigan, where he built illusions and demonstrated magic for the famous Abbott's Magic Company. Tom then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended bartending school and opened his own nightclub called The Tom-foolery Magic Bar Theatre. His popularity in Atlanta led to an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, World's Greatest Magic, Penn & Teller, Viva Variety and hundreds of television appearances throughout the world. With countless hotel and casino performances in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, Tom Mullica remains one of the greatest variety acts of our time. Between 1976 and 1987,the Tom-foolery was visited by countless notables - including alongtime favorite of Tom's ... Red Skelton. After 11 years performing at the Tom-foolery, Tom wanted to move on. He asked Red for his advice and he suggested, "Take 10-15 minutes of your best material and perform it pantomime to music and you'll be able to work any place in the world - you'll have no language barrier." Tom took Red's advice and after six months of rehearsal moved to Paris, France where he was one of the featured acts at the world famous Crazy Horse Saloon. Tom returned to America in 1991 and continued his comedy magic career until 1996 when he began writing RED SKELTON (A Performance Tribute) which is now featured in theaters throughout America and Canada.

Michael Finney - Michael received the Academy of Arts Award for Comedy Magician of the Year in Hollywood. This award is similar to the Academy Awards for movie stars. The entertainers are nominated and voted upon by Members and peers of the craft. Michael also received the Academy Magical Arts Parlor Magician of the Year Award. Michael has lived in Phoenix since 1978. He began as a magic bartender at the Golden Eagle Restaurant at the time he was hailed as one of Phoenix's best bartenders by the New Times. For three years he was the "house magician" at Legend City Amusement Park. He then went on to Los Angles and begann working comedy clubs while still living in Phoenix. In 1986 he brought his comedy back to Phoenix with the opening of FINNEY BONES Comedy Club, which ran until 1993 when he closed his club to pursue his career. In 1986 he was finalist on Star Search with Ed McMahon. in 1987 he received the Silver Lions Head from Siegfreid & Roy for comedy and magic. Michael continued to do comedy clubs across the United States up to 40 weeks a year. He made six appearances on Fox's Comic Strip Live, HBO Comic on the Road, Sunday Comics with Lenny Clark, Bud Friedman's Evening at the Improv and two NBC specials hosted by John Ritter "World's Greatest Magic" and "World's Wildest Magic". He also appeared on the Magic Hour with Hall of Fame basketball star, Magic Johnson. Michael, has made two appearances on the George Lopez Show.

Eugene Burger - By definition, magicians are pretty special people, but Eugene Burger is considered exceptional even by other magicians. He has written fifteen best-selling books for the trade, starred in eight instructional videos, lectured extensively to magicians' groups in over a dozen countries, and his writings have been translated into several languages. His deep understanding of the psychology and philosophy behind the magic have won him international accolades, cover stories in conjuring magazines, and four awards from the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. But as much as he loves discussing magic with fellow performers, Eugene's true passion is bringing mystery and enchantment to the public, and at this he is unparalleled. His special presence has led to numerous television appearances in Great Britain, Canada, Belgium, Finland and Japan, and on such highly acclaimed shows as The Art of Magic on PBS and Mysteries of Magic on The Learning Channel. He's been profiled twice on CNN. During the past several years, Eugene has been a featured speaker for top executives of such major companies as Coca-Cola, Williams-Sonoma, Unisys and Pottery Barn, as well as top business schools including Wharton, and the graduate schools of business at the Universities of Chicago and Maryland. His talk, "How Magicians Think," applies his special understanding of deception and perception to the corporate world. When the leading international trade journal Magic magazine compiled its list of the one hundred most influential magicians of the twentieth century, Eugene Burger was included for his ability to "arouse feelings of astonishment, as well as a host of other indescribable sensations."

Mark Kalin - Simply put, throughout the past fifteen years Mark Kalin and Jinger Leigh have redefined the traditional concepts of a "magic show". Their unique productions have garnered accolades throughout the entertainment industry for their innovative and theatrical approach to magic and show production. Whether appearing on network television, at the most exclusive, high-powered corporate functions, or within the framework of their own theatrical stage productions, Mark Kalin & Jinger Leigh are respected around the world as powerful and trend-setting performers. The World Magic Awards honored their show with Best Magic Show and the following year they received the coveted Magicians of the Year, by Fox Television. Because of their success, Kalin & Jinger have made numerous television appearances including NBC's, "Word's Greatest Magic", "Hidden Secrets of Magic", Fox Family's "Magic on the Edge", Fox TV's "World Magic Awards" hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, as well as appearances on "Entertainment Tonight", CBS, and ABC. In 2009, Kalin & Jinger made multiple appearances on "Masters of Illusion", a 13-part series for Fox TV. Also, scheduled for international broadcast is "A Royal Performance for Siegfried and Roy" at the London Palladium for eStaris Television.

Dale Salwak - Dale Salwak is well known as "The Gentleman of Magic." One London reviewer said of him, "He doesn't just do magic; he is magic!" Director of the Chavez Studio of Magic since 1978, Dale Salwak works hard to impart the highest standard of artistic values to his students. Since 1974 he has appeared in and produced for audiences across America his annual "International Stars of Magic" - for which he received an Award of Merit from the Academy of Magical Arts. He has served as Entertainment Director at the Hollywood Magic Castle (1996-98), Talent Chairman/Executive Producer of Shows for the IBM Annual Convention (since 1995), and as a member of the jury for magic competitions in over thirty countries. He is also a member of London's Magic Circle (MIMC) for which he is currently serving as an American representative. His writings on the history, theory, and practice of magic appear regularly in all of the magical publications worldwide. Currently he is also serving as the I.B.M.'s International Relations Officer. Awards include Stage Magician of the Year Nomination (three times), Academy of Magical Arts, Jack Gwynne Award for Excellence in Magic, Chavez Memorial Trophy for Excellence in Manipulation, Bill Baird Memorial Award for Manipulative Magic, Lecturer of the Year Award (twice), Academy of Magical Arts, Award of Merit, Academy of Magical Arts, Presidential Citation (twice), International Brotherhood of Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 264, Best Lecture, Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame, Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, London, Official Service Award, IBM/SAM Combined Convention, IBM Linking Ring Award for Best Article, 2010

Victor and Diamond - This award winning team has brought their dynamic show around the world, using seductive background of primarily jazz music to enhance their flawlessly orchestrated illusions. Internationally their success is so widely acknowledged that in addition to all the awards they have garnered here in the states, Victor & diamond were voted the best act for television by NHK, the Japanese Broadcasting Association. They have shared the spotlight with many stars and performers at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. Whether they are appearing on Good Morning America, at the Vegas Monte Carlo, or at the Magic Capital of the World, Colon MI, one thing you can be sure of is Victor and Diamond are always fresh, and always different. Victor & Diamond are two of the brightest stars of magic today and you can catch their Smooth Magic & Illusions at the 75th Abbott Get together.

Gay Blackstone - At any given time, Gay may be producing award-wining shows for television, providing technical management for stage spectaculars, or carefully overseeing quality control for her latest venture…the production of exquisite, top-of-the line jewelry. She is truly a renaissance woman. Arla Gay Blevins first caught the public's eye as a two-year-old, when her sparkling face graced the cover of LOOK magazine. Naturally comfortable in front of audiences, Gay popped up in myriad show business venues as she grew older. She was a member of The Howdy Doody Show "Peanut Gallery", and a "Ding-a-Ling" on The Andy Williams Show. She later honed her dancing skills, and landed recurring roles with the prestigious San Francisco Ballet Company and on The Dean Martin Variety Show as one of the famous "Golddiggers." What began as a one-time gig assisting Harry Blackstone Jr. on a magic show turned into a lifelong love affair, not only with the world-renowned illusionist, but with the world of magic and the entertainment industry as a whole. Arla Gay Blevins became Mrs. Harry Blackstone Jr. on October 14, 1974…..a date which marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Blackstone legacy. She has served as director and producer of several magic-oriented television shows for PBS, CBS, PAX, HBO and NBC networks. Gay has coached and provided magic illusions for such notable performers as New Kids on the Block; Earth, Wind & Fire; Alice Cooper; Michael Jackson and The Boys Choir of Harlem, among others.

David Charvet - Since 1974, David has been performing, creating and writing about magic. History is David's passion and he credits his father for his appreciation of things past. When David was 18 he began capturing the task of capturing the story of Jack and Anne Gwynne. In 1986 he published his book on the pair (Jack Gwynne: The Man, His Mind, and His Royal Family of Magic). However for David, history isn't just in the written word. In 1990 David recreated the Gwynnes vaudeville act as a feature at the I.B.M. convention. At the 75th Magic Get Together you can bet that David will be performing some of the greatest classical magic of all time as he will be reprising his role as none other than Harry Blackstone Jr (with Gay's blessing). David's awards include Literary Award from the Milbourne Christoper Foundation and Society of American Magicians Magic Hall of Fame; Award of Merit from the International Brotherhood of Magicians; Associate of the Inner Magic Circle (AIMC) - London.

Dana Daniels - Corporate Entertainer and speaker, Dana Daniels, brings to the stage years of performing skill encompassing magic and improvisation wrapped up with impeccable comic timing. Dana Daniels has been entertaining and motivating at Corporate events around the country with great success for companies such as McDonald's, Lincoln Financial and Frito-Lay. Teamed with his Psychic Parrot Luigi, (yes, a Psychic Parrot) Dana sets out to prove his little green friend is truly clairvoyant by performing incredible magic blended with rapid-fire clean comedy and audience participation. Dana has been awarded some the top honors in magic such as "Comedy Magician of the Year" and "Stage Magician of the Year" by the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood, CA. Dana's many television appearances include, Stand up Live, Evening at the Improv, CBS Morning Show, Masters of Illusions, Lance Burton's Guerilla Magic and the best selling clean comedy series on DVD, Thou Shalt Laugh 4. Dana has also opened for such stars as Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Ray Romano,Tony Orlando and Charro. It's Dana Daniels unique twist on magic that separates him from other magicians, and separates Luigi from other poultry.

Stan Allen - The editor and publisher of MAGIC Magazine, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest-selling magic periodical. Stan grew up in Southern California, part of a unique teenage magic club called the Long Beach Mystics. He was a full-time comedy magician for the better part of the '70s and '80s, working comedy clubs and cruise ships. For eight years, he was an exclusive entertainer for Princess Cruises, working both at sea, as well as performing for the marketing division on land. In 1985, Stan "settled down" to start a family and Inside Magic, an eight-page monthly newsletter that quickly gained an international following. During this time, he also teamed up with Rick Gerber, the Anheuser-Busch Magician, to stage corporate events for Nestle, Rainbo Bread, Pioneer Stereos, Gibraltar Savings and, of course, Budweiser. In 1991, the little newsletter morphed into a full-color, glossy monthly - MAGIC Magazine. Since launching MAGIC, Stan has limited his performing to one or two conventions per year and the occasional short run in Las Vegas shows, such as Spellbound and World's Greatest Magic Show. In August of 2011, Stan and is team will produce the fifth MAGIC Live! gathering in Las Vegas. This "unconventional convention" will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of MAGIC, bringing the pages of the popular magazine to life.

Tim Wright - Tim Wright is an experienced entertainer who blends audience participation with humor and mystifying magic into a people pleasing performance. Tim also specializes in theme-focused programs designed to educate, enlighten and entertain. Tim is a rare two time winner of the Neil Foster / Bill Baird Award for Manipulation during the 2003 and 2009 Get Togethers and also a recipient of the Best Stage Performer Award at the Columbus Magi Fest in 1995 and the Spellbound Grand Champion, October 2009. Tim is a regular performing member of The Magic Castle Hollywood and also an International Brotherhood of Magicians life member.

David Seebach - A featured performer at the SAM National Convention, David has also created specialized magical performances for Ford, Oldsmobile, Buick, McDonald's, IBM, General Electric, Sony, Miller Brewing, Mercury Marine, and Walgreen's. In 1991 David and his staff created Illusions in the Night, perhaps the only elaborate magic and illusion show designed to scare an audience. It has appeared annually in Milwaukee. The show -and its ghosts-has also traveled to upstate Wisconsin and Illinois. Within his field David Seebach has won honors and high acclaim. He has been a featured performer at the national convention of the Society of American Magicians, the east coast Magic Jubilee, and the annual Magic Get-Together where he has been featured frequently and won the coveted 'Best of the Best' trophy. He has also appeared at Hollywood's famed Magic Castle, long considered a crown jewel in magicdom. His writing was featured monthly in a long-published conjuror's magazine

Tina Lenert - Tina has combined silent comedy with a touch of magic to produce a most unusual and enchanting act entitled "Maid in Heaven," wherein a very sad and frumpy cleaning lady is magically transformed and finds happiness. Her pantomime skills were honed as a founding member of the L.A. Mime Company, a talented five-some who performed at colleges and appeared on several television series. Her magic skills were developed by being a regular performer and life member of Hollywood's Magic Castle, where she was voted Stage Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts. For the past several years, Tina has toured Europe several times, appearing in major theatres including the London Palladium and a performance for the Royal Family in Monte Carlo. She has been featured on television in Italy, Germany, Spain, Holland, France, England, Norway, Portugal, Chile and Japan. In the United States she has appeared at Harrah's Reno and Atlantic City, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, as well as being featured on the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and CBS and NBC television specials.

Mike Caveney - A performance by Mike Caveney is unique. Each of his original routines is perfectly suited to his dry comedic wit. He doesn't tell jokes but you won't stop laughing and when something amazing happens, it isn't just a trick, it's a miracle. Mike is a member of the most prestigious group of magicians in the world, The Inner Magic Circle of London, England. He was voted STAGE MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR by the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. His talents have taken him from Japan to Russia, from Monte Carlo to Borneo, Australia, China, throughout Europe and most of the 50 States. On television, Mike was named one of the NEW VAUDEVILLIANS and the Hollywood Reporter described him as, "...one of the funniest magicians in America." Mike has performed on the legendary Orient Express, at the World Congress of Magic (FISM) in Belgium, Japan, Portugal and China, the Sydney Arts Festival in Australia, the world famous London Palladium and was featured on A&E's Story of Magic and NBC's The World's Greatest Magic special.

Gordon Miller - Gordon has been involved with Abbotts Magic and the Magic Get Together since the re-birth of the New Tops in 1961. Gordon succeeded his good friend Neil Foster as editor of New Tops Magazine and has appeared as a performer at more Magic Get Togethers than anyone else, breaking the old record set by Karrell Fox. Gordon's smooth style and gentle humor are displayed each year as he traditionally leads off the Wednesday evening show with his unique and novel acts which signals the official start of Get Together Shows. In addition to being one of the top magic men in his field, Gordon has authored several books on magic (including one of my favorites, the Abbott Compendium of Card Magic which is a best seller at the Abbott Magic shop) and also is a Special Service veteran of the military.

BJ Mallen - Growing up in the Magic Capital of the World, BJ Mallen has been involved with performing magic most of his life. At the early age of 16, BJ was hired by the legendary Abbott Magic Shop in Colon MI as a demonstrator, following in the footsteps of great Abbott demonstrators such as Neil Foster, Tim Wright, Tom Mullica, and Gordon Miller. BJ has been with Abbotts for over 15 years and currently works inside sales for the magic giant, but performing magic is BJ's first passion and many times you can find him behind the counter at Abbotts performing comedy magic and doing demonstrations for the customers in the showroom.