HOCUS POCUS SWAP MEET & GET-TOGETHER

It's almost here! Where will you be this Saturday, January 20th? We hope to see you here in Fresno, California!

Starting at 9:00 AM, the doors will open and the first annual Hocus Pocus Swap Meet & Get-Together will officially begin! Be a part of magic history where, in addition to the swap meet, there will be a fun-filled day of lectures and guests, free gifts, and even a raffle for 3 Hocus Pocus gift certificates! Check out the daily schedule and lineup:

*9:00 AM - Doors open and Swap Meet begins! Free gift and free coffee and cake for all in attendance.

*10:30 AM - First Lecture: Suds

10:30 AM: Special Guest Lecturer Suds (left)

Started out being a regular boy until I was about six years old. That’s when my father took me to see a big magic show. I believe it was the great Blackstone. Well I was hooked. Magic became my number one hobby.

A few years after moving to California I met Bill (Gumdrops) Davey at a magic meeting. He taught me a few balloon animals and I soon became a Magic Clown.

I turned Pro. About 33 years ago. (wow, 33 years) working everything from Churches to Night Clubs. Now performing in many shopping centers and services clubs throughout So. Calif., as well as at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Did the night club circuit and worked the cruise ships but prefer to stay here in So. California. Toured the U.S. with the National School Assembly from LA. To New York.

Have performed at several Magic and Clown Conventions, even one in Japan. Not to forget the original Clown Camp in La Crosse, WI.

Requested by many of the Magic/Clown clubs to MC their Public Shows and Award Banquets.

Inventor and manufacturer of many Magical and Comedy effects used by Clowns and Magicians all over the world.

Honorary Life Member of the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians, the Orange County Mystics, International Brotherhood of Magicians (Ring 21 – Hollywood) and the Orange County Magic Club. Also life member of the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood.

*11:30 AM - Barbeque lunch

*12:30 PM - Second Lecture: Robert Baxt

12:30 PM: Special Guest Lecturer Robert Baxt

Robert Baxt can best be characterized by the description: “If all the world’s a stage, he wants better lighting!”

A ham since his birth in Brooklyn, New York; even as a child Robert was off and entertaining with humor, balloon twisting, and comedy. When asked why he learned some magic tricks, Robert replied: “When I was a kid trying out my jokes on my family, my father would always ask me if I could disappear.”

His parents not being able to afford to send him to driving school, let alone college, Robert worked his way through performing at children’s birthday parties, picnics, comedy clubs, and corporate events. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Theater, he was presented with the dual opportunities of being accepted to both Ringling Brothers Clown College and Law School. Without hesitation, our hero chose the one he felt would give him the better training for a life in comedy: Law School!

Attaining his juris doctorate degree from an accredited New York City law school, Robert realized that no one ever applauded an attorney after a hard day of cheating people. So forsaking a career in the hallowed halls of the judiciary, he turned to a full time career in show business.

Comedy clubs, casinos, and college campuses not being enough, this gifted actor found himself making television appearances in South America, the Orient, Italy, Canada, and Spain; as well as numerous showcases on “America’s Funniest People” on ABC television, and on "THAT'S SO FUNNY" in syndication. As an actor, he can be seen in the soon to be released drama "Even Money" that stars Danny Devito, Kim Bassinger, Kelsey Grammer, and Ray Liotta; and in the French film "Parti Avec Le Vent".

Robert is also known for his writing abilities, having made the finals of the Walt Disney Company Fellowship for New Writers, and for writing jokes for many more famous celebrities and comedians. Different projects including learning to speak Japanese just so he could have a whole other country to entertain!

Making his home in Hollywood, California; with his unique sense of humor Robert is always on the move. Whether he's on stage, behind the camera, writing his next great work, on television, or just using his distinctive delivery for voice-overs, be on the watch for a funny guy: ROBERT BAXT!

Special guest Carl Ballantine will attend

*2:00 PM - Third Lecture: Dick Barry

2:00 PM: Special Guest Lecturer Dick Barry

After 20 years of entertaining on cruise ships, Dick Barry is now giving Lecture Tours around the country. You can learn great stage and close-up magic that packs small, plays big, and is easy to perform.

Dick has mastered the art of entertaining large audiences and close-up shows as well. Discover the secrets of the Magic Castle act that won him 7 nominations for Best Parlour Magician at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. There will be something for everyone! Dick has been a performing magician at the Magic Castle for 25 years!

*3:30 PM - Swap Meet Ends

*4:00 PM - Fourth Lecture: Shoot Ogawa

4:00 PM: Special Guest Lecturer Shoot Ogawa

Recipient of several other Magic and Comedy Trophies and Awards.

Shoot Ogawa was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. He began magic at the age of 10. Shoot has been featured on almost and every television channel in Japan and has performed his magic for talk shows, variety shows, and children's shows. He has produced more than ten videos featuring his original magic. Shoot has also starred as a character in "Magic Master", a popular Japanese teenager comic book. Now living in the United States, Shoot speaks fluent English and he has maintained two homes - in Los Angeles near the Magic Castle and Las Vegas.

From 1993 to the present, Shoot has won first place in more than ten competitions. In 2002, he took first place in London's MacMillan International Magic Convention and amazed the magic world with his Doubled-Hand Matrix and Ninja Rings routines. In March 2003, Magic Magazine featured Shoot on the cover. In the same year, he was awarded "Magician of the Year" in the Close-up Category by the American Academy of Magical Arts. In August 2003, Shoot's biography was published in Japan.

Since moving to America, Shoot has been featured in many major events including the famous Rolling Stone Party. He has also been intimately involved in the Japanese community. In January 2004, "Lighthouse", one of the most popular Japanese publications named Shoot Ogawa as one of the three best Japanese entertainers in America.

Shoot is a creator and performer of beautiful magic. His original magic has been featured in many magazines and tender through his numerous videos. He's also an advisor/consultant for TV and live events. Shoot is available for television, trade shows, casino shows, corporate events, lectures, and private events. If you are looking for that special performer who will knock you off your feet, look no further than the magic of Shoot Ogawa!

*5:30 PM - Break for Dinner

*7:00 PM - Final Lecture: Mark & Nani Wilson