Sessions 2009

I see that Noel is one of the headlining performers at next year's Session Convention in Gloucester.

Has anyone here been to one of these conventions? They sound like early morning magic jamming sessions with lectures thrown in, and I wouldn't mind finding out a bit more about them.

Noel, if you read this, what's the format like?

Thanks,

Mark

www.sessionsconvention.com

That link should be http://www.sessionconvention.com/

Dave

Although I've not been myself, I've always heard good things about the Session from people who have.

I suspect that my core skill of staying up late drinking would be valuable, but unfortunately my (even worse than ever) complete lack of any skill might let me down if it comes to late night "jamming".

Ian

Hi Mark,

I'm here better late than never.

I'm doing a couple of short bits in between the "proper" lectures as flashtalks and I might be doing a few other bits but nothing too taxing.

I know the organisers Andi and Rob very well so i guess I am a bit biased but i have to say that the Session is a lot of fun. Its the only purely close up magic convention in the UK so none of that box jumping gash or never ending card manip acts. This year is going to be a bit of a change of direction, in the past the focus has been on innovative sleight of hand from world class lecturers and performers but this year things will be slanted a bit more to the everyday magician and working magicians. One of the big focuses for the session is booking really entertaining magicians as well as super skillful guys, some times you get both in the same package but its very rare.

I think there is something for everybody who really loves great close up magic. There is crazy advanced technique if you want it but also simle self working stuff. If you want great late night sessioning and boozing with an accesible bunch then this is the right place.

I remember a couple of years ago i arrived the day before it started and seen Allan Ackerman sessioning ferociously with eary arrivees. His deck looked like shit, like he had dipped the cards in oil. He told me he had just arrived about 10 minutes before i turned up and he started sessioning straight away after a 15 hour trip where the cards never left his hands. I watched him then bust moves, tricks and chat non stop with attendees for the next 48 hours. You dont get that kinda enthusiasm or access at other conventions.

So in short, come and tel Andi that you are coming to see me. He'll laugh his ass off and ring me straight away so it would be worth it.

Cheers,

Noel

Thanks to the miracle of facebook, I recently saw some pictures of the sessions talk, including a few of Noel, both standing and sitting (with cards) at a table.

What was it like, Noel? From the pictures, it looked like it was worth going to - and well attended, too.

Yeah it was a big success Mark, shame no one could make it from this establishment. I did a couple of short talks on a few card moves I'd pulled outta my ass, took part in a panel discussion and did a bit the public show. Its the first time I've really done anything for magicians and I was relatively pleased with how it went....well no written complaints.

Acer ddin't make it through immigration because he said he was a magician here to work! So they turned him around and sent him straight back. In a mad 24 hours, 2 emergency events were scheduled to replace him. The first was a fascinating talk with card magic legend Gordon Bruce and Gazzo did a talk about Walter Scott. Gordon Bruce thing was a huge scoop because he hasn't lectured or appeared in front of magicians in 20 years.

Ade from the splendid Monster Creations has a stand at Blackpool and is flogging a budget trick I put in the book for the Session. It's only a fiver and Gordon bruce said it was his fave trick of the convention so look it up. God, I sound like Paul Gordon shilling my stuff, I must stop immediately.

noel wrote:

Ade from the splendid Monster Creations has a stand at Blackpool and is flogging a budget trick I put in the book for the Session. It's only a fiver and Gordon bruce said it was his fave trick of the convention so look it up. God, I sound like Paul Gordon shilling my stuff, I must stop immediately.

That wouldn't be the Pokemon Pickacard trick would it?

My second baby is due at the end of March so I can't leave a heavily pregnant woman alone with a 2 year old toddler while I swan off to play with magic tricks. So... I'll miss Blackpool, which means I'll miss seeing your trick at Ade's stand.

Are you selling it yourself (and, while you're at it, the iDeck?)...?

At the moment I respect you Noel but if you ever sink to the depths of the 'Great Oily One' himself, I may have to find you and shoot you. For the good of mankind, you understand.

If i do turn into him I'd understand if you shot me.

Nah it's not Pickacard That's so 2008. Erm I'm sure if you email Ade after Blackpool he can send you one. It's only simple fluff but folks seem to like it.

Unfortuanetly ideck wont be ready for Blackpool which is very annoying.

Shame you cant make Blackpool. Hopefully see a few of the other regulars at Blackpool

noel wrote:

Erm I'm sure if you email Ade after Blackpool he can send you one. It's only simple fluff but folks seem to like it.

LOL - I'll be sure to quote you directly

So what's the trick called, and what's the effect? I can't email Ade asking for a bit of simple fluff...

noel wrote:

Shame you cant make Blackpool. Hopefully see a few of the other regulars at Blackpool

We're looking very "regular light" at Blackpool. No Simon either or overseas visits.

You can buy me a beer though

Ian

Message for Noel,
I was e-talking with a guy called Oliver Meech who attended the Session. He seemed very impressed with one Noel Qualter

I have ordered his book "The Plot Thickens" he seems a really nice guy.

Chris

Christo wrote:

I was e-talking with a guy called Oliver Meech who attended the Session. He seemed very impressed with one Noel Qualter

Isn't it amazing what they can do with technology nowadays? Braille keyboards & screens - wow!

Ian

PS Sorry Noel - had to be done...