2007-03 Tampa Bay Convention

The 2007 convention in Tampa sponsored by the Magic shop in Tampa had an impressive line-up of talent and in my opinion delivered. The highlite of the convention was Roccos internationally acclaimed F.I.S.M. act with productions of cards, coins, liquids, fruit, ice cream and transpositions all done at the fingertips with exciting music and a European flair.
This was followed by Sterling Steal technica metal act with chrome steel apparatus productions of steel balls, giant tubular rings and some great manipulation and futuristic mechanistic costume and music.
MC Tom Jones was just the right touch of mild comedy to do the transition between acts. Mr. Bones, a pirate ensemble of characters was a bit long but had some great illusions. Other competant acts were Garett Thomas, Sam Sandler, Danny Archer and Duane Laflin.
Saturday nights stage show, opened with Tony Chapek featured on Genii mag in January. The vanishing of a live video camera was a stunning beginning and then it got better with a large screen hi-def tv image of Chapeks mischeivous other self interacting with the live Tony
Chapek pouring the Tv image a drink, answering a phone by reaching into the image and doing silk vanishes and card effects perfectly timed to give an impressive depth to this performance. He then did a personna and costume transposition as a finale. You should have been there. This first act got the first of two standing o's for the night.
The second one came when Rocco did misers dream, snowstorm in China, card and coin productions and some of the bits from his FISM act. What a showman.
Sam Sandler did the second half with a vigorous barrage of effects, illusions and juggling. An energetic act and well done but the audience stayed seated.
The MC was Ronald McDonald, a lackluster, poor excuse of a performer.
That and some sound glitches were the only complaints.
The dealers rooms stayed opened til midnight but everyone attended the Rocco Lecture which was fantastic and lasted till 12:30 am.
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Other performance of note were Gregory Wilson who did some afternoon magic along with Danny Archer. Archer did a Mafioso accent while entertaining and it sold well.
Lectures of not were Sterling Steal, Gregory Wilson, Garrett Thomas, Magic Ian, Sam Sandler and Rocco.
This convention warranted better attendance that it got, producers Marty Capitano, and Aaron Michaels worked hard and delivered, so make sure you get there next year.
- Ian