“Curtis Kam is a rare combination of exceptionally creative magic and world-class technical skills. Consider me a big fan of his work!” -Andi Gladwin
“Curtis Kam possesses more knowledge of the art of magic, and its execution, in his little pinky than I do in my entire being. That's a simple fact.” -Jack Carpenter
“People always think of Curtis Kam as that "coin guy from Hawaii." I've encouraged them to think this way because if they knew the true extent of his power, they'd never leave him alone. It's bad enough that he's conquered a genre of close-up that many magicians fear. If I told you about the rest of his material, you might just start offering your first born.” -Kainoa Harbottle
“Curtis Kam is EXACTLY what magic needs right now. He thoroughly knows everything that came before him; he's intimately familiar with everything happening now; and he has the experience, knowledge, talent, and insight to help us carry forward into the future. He's done it all: stage, platform, table-side, walk-around, mentalism, sleight-of-hand, and everything in between. This is all aside from his powerful and numerous contributions to the field of coin magic. Curtis is the real thing -- an allaround skillful magician, always delivering miracles as easily as a knowing smile.” -Lance Pierce
“Curtis Kam is a man among men and a wizard among mere conjurers. His knowledge is all encompassing and you will leave this lecture better but still inadequate in comparison.” -Farrell Dillon
“Curtis Kam... When I have a question about any kind of magic, or an idea I think might be good, he's the guy I call for answers and opinions. Regarding his lectures: if he has something to say, you should listen. Also, it's fun to watch him do tricks, if you like that sort of thing.” -Bill Duncan
What did he teach?
Curtis Kam presented a lecture specifically created for this event, designed to deliver the two things you want from the Big Kahuna of the secret tribe of coin warriors; equal parts of Inspiration & Information.
For inspiration, he performs classics from his nearly famous Coin Act including The Goblet, Coercive Purse 2.0, and Six Cylinder.
Also, he performs and teaches:
Hang Loose Coins: The “slack key” fingering for David Roth's famous Hanging Coins that just about anyone can do. All you need is two hands and the ability to lie with them. Because the method is based on a twisted application of finger palm, the angles are no sweat.
Kamnibal Cards: Thirty years ago, Curtis discovered a sure-fire killer closer for any close up set, living deep within every deck of cards. This major upgrade of the Cannibal Cards is funny and surprising, all wrapped up in a deep and satisfying mystery.
Reach: Extending the grasp of the Bob Farmer/Derek Dingle trick you know as the “Little Hand”, Curtis makes the creepy, funny effect happen on the spectator's hand. Or, if you want, the little hand can reach out of your phone.
XSPELL: Most versions of Dai Vernon's Spellbound don't have an ending, they just stop. This one builds to a strong and definite climax that has stunned even the experienced coin masters at the European Coin Symposium. Warning—the price for getting this one right is practice, but it's a solid example of what you get when your finger palm goes up to eleven.
QUARTERMASTER: This is the effect that we all should have started with, but didn't. We would have learned how to manipulate spectators, rather than coins. Curtis will teach the professional routine he uses for strolling and corporate gigs as well as the refined handling designed for social impromptu settings. The pro handling is modular and scalable, allowing you to build to any of three different endings, or all three.
Who is he?
Without bunnies, birds, boxes or babes, master manipulator Curtis Kam creates deep astonishment and pure magic for audiences all over the civilized world. He serves up expertly crafted mysteries and gourmet food for thought designed for modern imaginations. Gone are the tired Las Vegas clichés, the parade of shining “empty” boxes, the vacant, staring animals. Instead, enter the nearly lost world of genuine wonder where ordinary objects do extraordinary things, your card can be in nine places at the same time, complete strangers know what you are thinking and sensible adults do stupid things with a large rat trap.
Kam headlined “Magic in Paradise” at the Hale Koa Hotel for 13 years, performed tableside sleight-of-hand regularly at Dave and Buster’s, Tony Roma’s, TGI Fridays, and has entertained corporate and private audiences in Hawaii for over 40 years. He has designed illusions for “The Magic of Polynesia,” Honolulu marketing and media firms, trade shows, conventions, Ballet Hawaii, and Hawaii Opera Theater. Since 1989, he has performed as one-half of the mentalism and magic team Paranormal Guys with mythical radio personality Jon Kealoha. For even longer, he has created new magic and has lectured to magicians in Milan, Tokyo, Marseilles, Honolulu, California, Melbourne, Amsterdam, Washington, Las Vegas, Hollywood’s Magic Castle and London's Magic Circle.
He owes his education to Yale University (B.S. In Biopsychology) The William S. Richardson School of Law (J.D.) and a sketchy group of grifters, jugglers, con men, comedians and magicians. In his spare time, he is a trial attorney, and has served as magical and legal consultant to the Hawaii Skeptics, advising scientists on the detection of fraud in the investigation of claims of the paranormal.