If you weren't at the 2012 Branson Magic Bonanza, you missed a wonderful time! But don't take our word for it--check out the recap, photos and comments from our attendees:

So, What Happened? We always start off the Bonanza with pre-convention no charge bonus gospel magic lectures. And this year, we had one of the best: Steve Varro from the Doc Haley Gospel Magic Co. In two 90 minute lectures, Steve gave practical routines and advice too numerous to even mention! He was thoroughly enjoyed by the nearly 70 gospel magicians in attendance. And even if you don't do church programs, Steve's lecture had something for everyone.

Following Steve's lecture, we had an hour to mingle and visit our dealers: Dazzling Magic, Doc Haley Magic, Tom Burgoon, David Ginn, Levent, Greg Wilson and Jim Snack. Then it was time for dinner "on your own," with old friends and new ones, as well. We have the friendliest attendees of any convention, so it's easy to make new friends!

After dinner, it was time for our first featured event: an evening with Levent! At the Bonanza, we have 7 lectures, two of which are special lecture spots, which can go 2 to 3 hours! Levent filled his time in a most entertaining, astounding way! He has no equal when it comes to his depth of knowledge of magic. He is a true artist in every sense of the word. Levent presented "The Ten Fundamental Rules of Stage Magic," based on his work studying Roy Benson. These rules were illustrated with routines including the Salt Pour, the Miser's Dream and the Linking Rings.To say Levent "Blew Us Away" is a gross understatement!

Friday morning started off with Jim Snack, presenting "Success in Magic!" Jim is a consumate professional, and his presentation on the business side of magic was a real eye-opener for many in attendance. Jim's a real giver--he was seen constantly around the Bonanza, going to lunch with folks and chatting on any subject relating to the business side of magic.

Next up, we had the pleasure of bringing on David Ginn, with his new lecture of kid show magic. David is the "dean" of kid show magic, and his lecture was filled with practical, easy to do routines to entertain the "younger set."

Everyone went off for lunch--we believe in taking a 90 minute lunch break so you don't have to hurry, and can spend time chatting with friends, or checking out some of the sights around Branson. Then, it was time to head over to the Hamner-Barber Theater, the site for our "All Star Show!" And with a terrific lineup, this show couldn't miss! MC Blake Walker kept the show running smoothly. Opening was Greg Wilson, son of the famous Mark Wilson, with classic magic, including the suspension of his wife on a microphone stand! Next up was comedy magician Tom Burgoon, who had the entire audience in stitches! For a change of pace, Juggler Michael Chirrick came out and nearly stole the show. Illusionist Jason Hudy assisted by Amber performed with immpecable style and grace. Closing the show was Levent, with his high energy comedy and truly world class sleight of hand. The appreciative audience jumped to their feet with a standing ovation!

Then we all hurried back to the conference center for a "magic fashion show" presented by Touch of Class, a store in Branson that costumes many of the shows in Branson. Several magicians volunteered to model jackets and shirts, and fun was had by all!

After the fashion show, dealers were open, then we all enjoyed the pizza party. What a fun, relaxing way to have dinner, chatting with friends and our star performers.

To cap off our day, we were treated to a lecture by the very funny and clever Tom Burgoon. Tom had destroyed the audience with his comedy and magic in the afternoon show, but he revealed he was just getting warmed up. His lecture has all of us rolling in the aisles, and we also learned some diabolical magic! 

So, a busy Friday came to an end, with lots more surprises still in store for Saturday!

Saturday morning we experienced a once in a lifetime presentation: Greg Wilson uniting with his brother Mike Wilson, to recount their days growing up in the Mark and Nani Wilson household. The Wilson brothers presented the best of Allakazam and the Magic Circus, a DVD that Greg first showed at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York. Along with the DVD, Greg and Mike had several interesting stories, and they also took questions from the audience. It was a very enjoyable, special morning, and ONLY found at the Branson Magic Bonanza!

After lunch, Levent was back for his second lecture. He showed his clever handling of the classic Half-Dyed Hank, then he gave us all a master's class on the Billiard Balls. Levent's lecture included rare footage of Cardini and Roy Benson. Then Levent showed us how he painstakingly re-created Cardini's act!

Once the lecture ended, it was time to head over to Yakov's theater for our Dinner adventure show! Yakov narrates this charming love story, set in the Moscow Circus. As the story progresses, we are treated to wonderful performers, presenting unbelievable feats of skill! And a dinner celebration was part of the script, so we all enjoyed a delicious meal!

After the dinner show, how could we close this fantastic three day convention? The task was easily handled by Jim Snack, presenting "Six Secrets of Showmanship." Jim held the audince in the palm of his hand, and everyone walked away with tools to be a better performer. After the lecture, it was last call for dealers, then our farewell ice cream party.

We can't begin to tell you how much fun we have at the Bonanza. You will just have to come experience it in exciting Branson Missouri! Registration will be opening soon for the 2013 edition, April 18 - 20! And with our low registration rate, top name talent, Branson show included, a great hotel with a room rate of just $55 a night--including a 20 item hot breakfast, plus every night free dessert--you just can't beat the value!

Branson Magic Bonanza is Produced By:
Dazzling Magic
Marty and Brenda Hahne
PO Box 1400
Ozark, MO 65721
marty@dazzlingmagic.com
Call Toll Free 866-329-9531