Manuel Muerte Lecture
Jubeloh
entertained about 25 people tonight at the Jack's Place, the home of
Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Manuel gave an engaging performance that placed on emphasis on close-
up magic using many props and gimmicks, but also some basic sleight of
hand. I always leave these lectures having learned something new, and
this lecture was no exception. I left wanting to try some of the
moves he explained, but I have his DVD that covered the lecture, as
well as a DVD that shows how to do an impromptu bill switch. These
DVDs together set me back $50, and I am looking forward to learning
the contents "in my copious free time."
Despite the name, Manuel is from Germany. While he did stumble over
some English words, he nevertheless has a command of English, and he
was very easy to understand and follow. His lecture was extremely
entertaining, and despite my sitting "front row centre" I was
nevertheless floored by most of his tricks. I really liked his "slot
machine" trick but I balked at the $50 price tag. I thought it was
really cool, but I did not think it was $50 cool.
However, for me personally the highlight of the evening came after the
lecture was over. I had just finished paying for the DVDs, and
thanking Manuel for signing my 5 of Diamonds card. I then noticed
that Syd was talking to someone in the back who looked vaguely
familiar. It was shortly thereafter that I realised Syd was talking
to Jay Nobelzada! I immediately got out a 6 of Diamonds card, and
asked Jay if he would please autograph it for me.
I had a very nice chat with Jay. He was very friendly to a total
stranger, and he gave me lots of encouragement, and even a few
suggestions for coin work. He told me that he is going to be
launching his own business at www.nobelzada.com. He is going to
remain with Penguin, but he will be also marketing his own work on his
own site. This way he can exercise greater control over his work.
Jay also mentioned that he may be able to give a lecture at Jacks
sometime in the future, and he MAY (emphasis on the MAY) look into
opening a shop in San Diego. One can only hope, but that is a risky
endeavour in this day and age, as the untimely demise of the Grand
Magic Shop illustrates all to clearly.
I had a great time. It was truly enjoyable to sit and watch some
first-rate magic performed by an award-winning magician, and having
the chance to meet Jay Nobelzada was merely icing on the cake.