By definition, magicians are pretty special people, but Eugene Burger is considered exceptional even by other magicians. He has written fifteen best-selling books for the trade, starred in eight instructional videos, lectured extensively to magicians' groups in over a dozen countries, and his writings have been translated into several languages. His deep understanding of the psychology and philosophy behind the magic have won him international accolades, cover stories in conjuring magazines, and four awards from the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. But as much as he loves discussing magic with fellow performers, Eugene's true passion is bringing mystery and enchantment to the public, and at this he is unparalleled. His special presence has led to numerous television appearances in Great Britain, Canada, Belgium, Finland and Japan, and on such highly acclaimed shows as The Art of Magic on PBS and Mysteries of Magic on The Learning Channel. He's been profiled twice on CNN. During the past several years, Eugene has been a featured speaker for top executives of such major companies as Coca-Cola, Williams-Sonoma, Unisys and Pottery Barn, as well as top business schools including Wharton, and the graduate schools of business at the Universities of Chicago and Maryland.

What would you have if you combined the hilarious expressions of Mr. Bean with the creativity of Buster Keaton, the agileness of Dick Van Dyke, the spontaneity of Robin Williams, the gentleness of Red Skelton and the wonder of Houdini and rolled them all up in one? Ardan James - The Animated Illusionist. Mr. James started as a ventriloquist but found that neither he nor the dummy were verbally funny...so he taught himself pantomime. While completing his degree in the media arts and a minor in education, he worked in a magic store. It was a few years later that he put together his favorite areas of each of the arts, and with audience participation, developed his award-winning act. Some of these awards include the Steffen Comedy Magic Award, S.A.M. Magical Excellence Award, Milbourne Christopher Award, Multiple 1st place S.A.M. Awards, and the World Magic Festival Winner in China. Ardan has opened for many Hollywood performers including Gary Shandling, Howie Mandel, and Ray Romano.

For more information on all the 75th Get Together Performers be sure to check out the Performers Page.

Abbott's is pleased to announce that George Schindler will be hosting the Ventorama at the 75th Get Together. George (and friends) takes you step by step through the basics of ventriloquism and demonstrates everything along the way. You do not need a puppet! You do not need any special equipment or talent to do this, and the entire family can learn and be entertained at the same time. Highly recommended for everyone who wants to add a touch of fun to their act!

For more information on all the 75th Get Together events be sure to check out the Special Events Page.

Evening Show Ticets are now available here.

Eugene Burger will be performing closeup at the 75th Get Together on Friday, Aug 3 2012. Eugene's talk, "How Magicians Think," applies his special understanding of deception and perception to the corporate world. When the leading international trade journal Magic magazine compiled its list of the one hundred most influential magicians of the twentieth century, Eugene Burger was included for his ability to "arouse feelings of astonishment, as well as a host of other indescribable sensations."

For more information on all the 75th Get Together Performers be sure to check out the Performers Page.

Dale Salwak is well known as "The Gentleman of Magic." One London reviewer said of him, "He doesn't just do magic; he is magic!" Director of the Chavez Studio of Magic since 1978, Dale Salwak works hard to impart the highest standard of artistic values to his students. Since 1974 he has appeared in and produced for audiences across America his annual "International Stars of Magic" - for which he received an Award of Merit from the Academy of Magical Arts. He has served as Entertainment Director at the Hollywood Magic Castle (1996-98), Talent Chairman/Executive Producer of Shows for the IBM Annual Convention (since 1995), and as a member of the jury for magic competitions in over thirty countries. He is also a member of London's Magic Circle (MIMC) for which he is currently serving as an American representative. His writings on the history, theory, and practice of magic appear regularly in all of the magical publications worldwide. Currently he is also serving as the I.B.M.'s International Relations Officer.

For more information on all the 75th Get Together Performers be sure to check out the Performers Page.

The State of Michigan honored Abbotts and the city of Colon with a resolution acknowledging 75 years of magic. The event was covered by the press and you can “read all about it” in the following links.

Its hard to believe another Flea Market/Auction has come and gone (pictures can be found here). We had a pretty good turnout on a rainy spring day and as always the bargains were spectacular. Lots of magic changed hands this weekend and we hope that everyone is satisfied with their purchase and/or sales. Thanks to all who attended the Flea Market/Auction making it a great success and a special thanks to our auctioneer Larry McMechan who was outstanding (For those who don't know, Larry is Grandfather to the Reed sisters).

Thanks to all who attended the Closeup Convention making it a great success and fun time. The first batch of pictures are up and can be seen at Topsmag.com. Big thanks go out to Bill Abbott and Richard Sanders, who were phenomenal all weekend. Kudo's to Gerry Costello for his hospitality and chilli, Debbie Bordner for arranging the Bancquet, John Luka for producing the event, and Gordon Miller for his tireless efforts before, during, and after all these events. Once again, thanks to all who attended and we will see you next year! Registrations are already available for the 2013 Closeup Convention online or by calling Abbott's at 269 432-3235 during normal business hours. Next up this year for Abbott is the May 12 Magic Flea Market and Auction which is free to attend (you only have to pay if you are selling magic).

Michael received the Academy of Arts Award for Comedy Magician of the Year in Hollywood. Michael also received the Academy Magical Arts Parlor Magician of the Year Award. Michael has lived in Phoenix since 1978. He began as a magic bartender at the Golden Eagle Restaurant at the time he was hailed as one of Phoenix's best bartenders by the New Times. For three years he was the "house magician" at Legend City Amusement Park. He then went on to Los Angles and begann working comedy clubs while still living in Phoenix. In 1986 he brought his comedy back to Phoenix with the opening of FINNEY BONES Comedy Club, which ran until 1993 when he closed his club to pursue his career. In 1986 he was finalist on Star Search with Ed McMahon. in 1987 he received the Silver Lions Head from Siegfreid & Roy for comedy and magic. Michael continued to do comedy clubs across the United States up to 40 weeks a year. He made six appearances on Fox's Comic Strip Live, HBO Comic on the Road, Sunday Comics with Lenny Clark, Bud Friedman's Evening at the Improv and two NBC specials hosted by John Ritter "World's Greatest Magic" and "World's Wildest Magic". He also appeared on the Magic Hour with Hall of Fame basketball star, Magic Johnson. Michael, has made two appearances on the George Lopez Show.

For more information on all the 75th Get Together Performers be sure to check out the Performers Page.