Convention Dates:
August 19 – 21, 2010
Convention Location:
Mt. Laurel Marriott Hotel
Mt. Laurel, NJ
Convention Committee:
- General Chairman – Mike Miller
- Registrar – John Beinhaur
- Publicity – Beth Sheligo
- Site – John Beinhaur and Beth Sheligo
- Talent – Phil Milstead and Mike Miller
- Contest – David Bowers
- Dealers – Scott Correll
Attendance:
- ___ Attendees
- __ Dealers
Award Winners:
- Best Assistant – Ashley Stover
- Larry West Memorial Award for Best Close-Up, Junior – Ian Flinn
- Close-Up, Adult – Ralph Candeloni
- General Magic – Shari Nelson
- Stage Manipulation – Steve Owens
- Earl Canapp Comedy Award – Almar
- Junior Stage – Shari Nelson
- Mentalism – Timothy Crips
- Clint Reidel Best Act of Competition Award – Steve Owens
- Originality – Ralph Candeloni
- M.A.E.S. Award of Excellence – Shari Nelson
- Pierre Fontaine Outstanding Newcomer of the Year Award – Donna Horn
- William H. Endlich Award, to the person who best exhibits the spirit of M.A.E.S. – Dennis Dowhy
The Acts:
 Dr. Michael Rubinstein is a walking encyclopedia of coin magic. His knowledge of the genre is without limits and his skill with coins borders on sheer perfection. His three volume ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COIN SLEIGHTS DVD set is a must for any serious student of coin magic. Winner of the 1983 International close up competition in Bologna Italy, and the 1984 Close up winner in St. Vincent, Dr. Rubinstein has lectured and performed all over the world. He has numerous books, lecture notes, and DVD’s available to the magic public, and is the driving force behind the New York Coin Magic Seminar,with the next one planned for Oct 24-25, 2009. When not doing coin tricks, he works as Clinic Director and Head Veterinarian at the Humane Society of New York. |
 Losander ’s name is synonymous with “levitation.” World renowned across three continents, Losander has performed his magic in exclusive venues from Europe to Japan and Australia. He has performed in the internationally famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, and is currently performing in the World’s Greatest Magic Show in Las Vegas. In 2006, Losander received the Milbourne Christopher Award for Illusionist of the Year and notable contributions to the art of magic. |
 A graduate of the prestigious Chavez College of Magic, Jason Baney has performed his award winning manipulation act all over the globe. He performed in the show “Viva Las Vegas” and “World’s Greatest Magic Show.” Jason started his own production company which offers a wide range of unique specialties designed for magicians. In 2009 he created the Black Market Magic website, an online marketplace for distributing magical collaborations created by “The World’s Greatest Magicians.” Constantly in demand, whether as a performer or consultant, he continues to revolutionize his field. |
 At the age of 12 Tom Ladshaw became a child actor, appearing as ‘Whitney’ in a revival of the long-running Broadway hit, “Life with Father”. The lure of variety entertainment was never far from Tom’s mind, and following a successful career in music, he decided to pursue his dream of making people laugh. Tom is a veteran of thousands of shows in more than twenty countries on five continents. Since the late 1970’s, he has traveled far and wide bringing his patented brand of hilarious mayhem to audiences literally around the world. From comedy clubs to casino showrooms to cruise ships to the largest banquet halls, this experienced multitalented entertainer is always a surefire winner with audiences. He has appeared in print, on television and on stage with a galaxy of stars including Roger Moore, Robert Stack, Regis Philbin, Whoopi Goldberg, Martha Stewart and many, many more. |
 Born at an early age in the small town of Salem, Ohio, Jason Alan was able to grow up an awarded athlete in his community. Set on competing as a professional athlete, his path would soon change. While visiting relatives in Los Angeles, a homeless man approached him while doing the impossible, making a pencil disappear. Instantly, Jason was infatuated with the art of magic and pursued his dream to become a magician. Now, award winning magician Jason Alan travels the globe entertaining audiences, young and old, to rave reviews. Performances spanning from birthday parties to cruise ships, Jason’s magic doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon! |
 Bill Citino ‘s career in magic began over 15 years ago and has led him to performances all along the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Having spent years performing in a variety of restaurants, bars, and for corporate clients in Philadelphia, New Jersey and the casinos of Atlantic City, Bill knows firsthand what it takes to satisfy the latest appetite audiences have for magic. Combining the original routines he created with what he has learned from his experiences and also from his fellow magicians, Bill released his book “COINsomnia-The Random Conjurings of a Sleep Deprived Mind” in 2008. This book quickly rose to “Best-Seller” status in the magic industry. |
 At only 13 years of age, Chase Cottle brings a dramatic mixture to the world of magic. He blends classical manipulation with a modern edge. Chase resides in Indiana, and has started performing his award-winning act at a professional level. He won the 2009 M.A.E.S youth stage competition, making him the youngest person to ever win. He was also awarded the best manipulation act. Chase’s infectious smile and warm manner has captured audiences of all ages. He is sure to provide an astonishing and entertaining stage show! |
 Growing up in the shadow of the Magic Castle, a world famous private club for magicians in Hollywood, California, Roland observed and learned from the acts of such legendary magicians as Dai Vernon, Shimada and Doug Henning. In 2002, Roland teamed up with artist and dancer Susan Eyed to create an exciting, colorful stage show called Dance of Illusion (Roland Sarlot & Susan Eyed). Susan studied Middle Eastern dance and started her own ethno-modern dance company, Hadia Sahara, or “Gift of the Desert.” Susan now combines her dancing with her own magical effects which include the use of swords, daggers, fire, silk veils, and silver rings. Roland and Susan’s experiences traveling the world are displayed in the international stories, settings, costumes, and music of Dance of Illusion. They have combined their passions to create a modern magical variety show that has audiences believing in the wonder of magic again. |
 Pete Geist ’s hilarious one-man show packs as much excitement as an entire day at the circus: magic, pantomime, physical comedy, juggling, and so much more! For over 25 years, Geist has entertained audiences all ages at such popular venues as the Goodwill Games, the International Children’s Festival and the Kennedy Center. During an engagement at Washington’s National Theater, Geist was hailed as “utterly engaging as he is talented…his zany and unpredictable performances held audiences spellbound.” Sit back, hold onto your seats and experience Geist a one-man detour to hilarity! |
 The magic of GULAMERIAN is classic magic with a modern touch. It is a compelling masterful blend of illusion and reality presented in the traditional French cabaret style. GULAMERIAN has successfully entertained audiences through out the country. His lighthearted humor, along with his originality and creativity prompted the Society of American magicians to proclaim him magician of the year in 1979. |
 Kozmo , aka Ted Brainard, is the creator of Kozmo Magic, which is recognized as one of today’s premier magic video production companies. His “Reel Magic Magazine” continues to be the benchmark in the video magic industry. Ted’s alter ego, Kozmo, is acknowledged to be one of the top street performers in the world today. Kozmo recently completed a week at The Magic Castle with great reviews. |
 Robert Sode ’s classical approach to magic is a delight for all, incorporating magic with doves, and more! Robert is an excellent children’s magician, and has entertained family audiences for years with stand up comedy magic at Denver’s world-famous restaurant, Casa Bonita, which has been featured on TV programs such as South Park. During the 1980’s, Robert performed at many comedy clubs, opening for such acts as Rosanne Barr and Pat Paulsen. Today, he remains very active in the magic community, mentoring and sharing his knowledge to young magician across the globe, which he calls “The Future of Magic.” |
 Geoff Williams has won over two dozen magic and comedy awards, in both stage and close-up, in the 20+ years he’s been performing for corporate and family audiences. His “Miracles For Mortals” DVD set (produced by Kozmo Magic) has garnered rave reviews worldwide. The DVD single “The ‘I Hate David Copperfield’ Trick” was on Penguin Magic’s bestseller list for for most of 2009. He has performed and lectured throughout Europe, South America and all over the U.S. Geoff is a member of FFFF as well as the AMA (he’s a featured performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood a couple of times each year). He is known for outrageous, family-friendly comedy mixed with a heavy dose of hard-hitting magic. |
Convention Recap:
Convention 2010 Recap by Beth C. Sheligo
2010 Award Winners
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Dennis Dowhy William H. Endlich Award, to the person who best exhibits the spirit of M.A.E.S.
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Shari Nelson M.A.E.S. Award of Excellence General Magic Junior Stage
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Ralph Candeloni Close Up Originality
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Almar Earl Canapp Comedy Award
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Donna Horn Pierre Fontaine President’s Award
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Steve Owens Stage Manipulation Clint Reidel Best Act of Competition
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Timothy Crips Mentalism
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Ian Flinn Larry West Memorial Award for Best Junior Close-Up
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Ashley Stover Best Assistant
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