Magic Tricks

So I'll get the negative stuff out of the way first: The venue was meh as there were visibility issues from outside the first row. You really had to be standing to see stuff. Additionally, there were some HVAC issues for the first half of the lecture and the room was really warm. So a recommendation to Penguin is to consider other venues that are more suitable for a magic lecture. The hotel was fine and the location was pretty central.

Let's get onto the magic: So all of the reviews above are right. Go see this lecture. I've seen Ammar many times before live and on video, and you'll want to see this lecture.

Ammar starts off his lecture with an overview of the topit. He teaches his coin in bottle routine which includes a production of the bottle and shows off the versatility of the topit. While Ammar is known for making magic accessable, you have to realize that he truly is a master with the topit.

He makes it look so easy because he has worked really hard at it. Ammar did a great job explaining the topit. One benefit of being there live is that he lets everyone take a look at his jacket and get a good understanding of how it's installed -- this is something that is difficult to get out of a book or even on video. Ammar also gave some really good tips on how to practice the toss.

The lecture moved on a torn and restored card sequence that is doable and has a unique ending. He also tought a fun gag using the underlying principle of the first phase. He tought a practical add a number and explained why he performs this as mind reading instead of a prediction. He also shared his experinces with this trick and what he learned from Glen Falkenstein doing this effect.

He tought the handkerchief through microphone stand, which was enhanced with a sheer scarf. Alot of folks are going to be doing this.

The lightening round had 10 bits of business and gags -- many which you could include with your magic.

One of the magical highlights for me, aside form the topit was the Bill to Nut. There's alot to be learned here and many ways to apply the basic idea to other routines.

Ammar was gracious taking questions. He also was nice when some folks had requests for his signature tricks and he performed the coins through handkerchief as an encore.

True to his well-earned reputation, and the comments above, Ammar is a really good teacher. He explains just the right amount to get you on your path to mastery.

One other note, Brent Braun was the host. Before and after the lecture he demo'd and sold different tricks that Penguin sold and shared some news about Penguin. Brent really went out of his way to make everyone comfortable and was a treat to watch. Brent sharing the joy of magic in his life was wonderful. Penguin: you have a loyal guy in Brent. Give him a nice holiday bonus.

Thanks to Penguin for putitng this together.