Friday, November 27, 2020

MORE FREE FESTIVE FUN FOR FAMILIES:

 My one man show "The Magic Of Christmas" will be showing at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on the 19th December at 1pm.

This all new show reminds us of the "MAGIC" of Christmas. It includes Magic, Puppets and Audience participation. It will be a treat for the young and the young at heart!
Thanks to council support, this is a FREE event however bookings are essential as the venue has strict covid rules to follow regarding numbers and social distancing.
For more details visit:

https://www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au/shows/jds-world-of-christmas-magic



Monday, November 16, 2020

THANK YOU VICTORIAN MAGIC CIRCLE:

While a thunderstorm and damaging winds were unfolding last night in Newcastle, I was online doing a presentation / lecture for the Victorian Magic Circle.

Before my presentation started, it was delightful to hear the Victorian magicians chatting among themselves with great excitement about the idea of meeting in person for their December / Christmas meeting (they have only been meeting on Zoom since March). To see a group that is in such great spirits after months of lockdown is really amazing.
My work was well received and I shall share (with permission) some comments that appeared on their "group chat":
"Love that subtlety!! I have never seen anything like that before...... Very nice!!!" - Jayden Rushby
"Great performance tips. Looking forward to seeing you perform in the flesh" - Gary Cohen
"A very substantial presentation which was competent and engaging." - Mark Bruere





Friday, November 6, 2020

BACK TO SCHOOL:


The DET are allowing school shows again! If you are involved with a School and would like information on my programs or wish to be added to my 2021 calendar please send me a PM or email: jdandfriends@dodo.com.au
Bolwarra Public were very happy with their recent Incursion. Here is a note that I am sharing (with permission) from the Teacher Librarian:


Hi Joel,
Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for the fantastic Books Are Magic Show you presented to the children at Bolwarra P. S. last Thursday.
The children were thrilled, enthralled and super engaged (the teachers too). There were a lot of happy faces and memories made.
Your show certainly made the last few months of the COVID "problem" disappear for a little while.
Thank you so much,
Merena McLaren
Teacher-Librarian
Bolwarra P.S.




Friday, October 16, 2020

PROMO VIDEO 3 - SLEIGHT OF HAND:

Here is the third Youtube video link from my talented brother Patrick Howlett.

Enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYqsJNxALjQ



Wednesday, October 7, 2020

VISUAL MAGIC:

With special thanks to my brother Patrick Howlett. Here is an updated promo clip taken these school holidays:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr60ig6Sq5M




Monday, September 21, 2020

CORPORATE TRAINING DAY:

This afternoon was my first Corporate Training Day gig in many months. I presented 45 mins of award- winning sleight of hand and clean comedy for an enthusiastic group of Early Childhood Educators!

It was a pleasure to be able to break up the day for the group by providing a fun ice -breaker show.



THE WORST DAD JOKES. PART 2:

 

Why would the publisher not publish the comic book?
It was too graphic.

What is the name of an advertiser's best friend?
Bill Board.

How did the marionette get a new job?
He pulled some strings.

What did the detective work on right before he went to bed?
His pillow-case.

Who is the most comfortable person at a meeting?
The CHAIRman.

What do you call your buddy that always picks up the cheque?
PayPal.

What did the dad do when he found out he lost all his hair?
He BALD.

I'm happy to report I received a bill in the mail today. And it wasn't an ordinary bill.
The credit card company let me know it was an OUTSTANDING bill!

Monday, September 14, 2020

THE WORST DAD JOKES. PART 1:

 Why was the painter never cold?

He always used a second coat!

How many push-ups could the coffee do?
None, it was weak!

What is the most important lesson the tree taught it's Son?
'Grow up'

What's a cow's favourite dance?
The Milk Shake

Why do people feel so happy in an elevator?
Because it's so uplifting.

Who won the artist competition?
No one. It was a draw.

Why did the coffee beans leave each other?
They had GROUNDS for divorce.

What excuse did the student give when he fell asleep in class?
He was doing a sleep study.

How could you tell the carpenter was nervous?
He was biting his nails.

Did you hear my toilet is getting married?
Yep, it's finally taking the plunge.



Tuesday, September 8, 2020

THANK YOU MELBOURNE MAGIC FRIENDS:

Thanks so much to The Magic School Of Confidence in Melbourne for having me as a special guest at last nights zoom 'Adult Magic Class'. I enjoyed sharing my magic with such an enthusiastic an encouraging group.

"Outstanding Joel!!
Great Performance and your a great teacher as well"
Rob Bradbury.
"Beautiful routine and so well presented. Thank You"
Mark Bruere




Saturday, June 13, 2020

MAGICALLY APPEARING IN PARENTS MAGAZINE!

Check out the interactive digital Winter issue of Port Stephens No.1 Family Magazine 'What's On In Our Backyard'.

The current issue has a "Magic Section"!!

Follow the link below to read now:


https://issuu.com/whatsoninourbackyard/docs/whatsoninourbackyard_issue39_fa




Wednesday, May 20, 2020

BRINGING MY BUSINESS OUT OF HIBERNATION! LOOKING AT NEW OPPORTUNITIES!



I’m really looking forward to properly relaunching my Entertainment Business once the Coronavirus Restrictions have been lifted.

I realise that the type of work I do may look different for a while. Recently, I have been exploring other opportunities involving video / digital projects. During Coronavirus, I have made a series of videos for Lake Macquarie Libraries, have been interviewed on “Laneway Live” and earlier in the week I worked alongside Central Coast Council in creating Kids Shows that are to be released online in July. I would love to chat with you if you have any ideas for future recording projects. I’m sure that I could use my skills as a Presenter (Host / MC) to promote your product or service!

Another idea that a few of my colleagues have been exploring is “Online Magic Workshops / Classes”. If there is interest in this idea, I am happy to explore offering them.

With New South Wales restrictions easing, another service that I can offer is entertainment at Small Private Parties (I believe groups of 5 – 10 are now permitted). Keep this idea in mind if you know of anyone who is having a birthday! I am at the ready to bring Award Winning Sleight of hand magic, Clean Comedy and Live Animals into your living room!! These shows would be done responsibly at a safe social distance from the audience.

Feel free to send me a PM (Messenger) or email me (jdandfriends@dodo.com.au) with any questions, ideas or enquiries.


https://vimeo.com/420588094?activityReferer=1


Tuesday, April 28, 2020

MAGIC AT HOME SERIES # 4 - COIN THROUGH HANKY:

With special thanks to my friends at Lake Macquarie Libraries, I am able to share a video series teaching magic enthusiasts young and old some simple tricks with household items.


Friday, April 24, 2020

WHAT DO YOU SEE?


Take a close look at the illustration that I am holding in the photo below! Do you see a Duck or a Rabbit or both?



Friday, April 10, 2020

TOGETHER NOT ALONE!

I really enjoyed participating in this video  Great music from my friends Rachelle Adnum, Martin Adnum, and Marty Worrall. It was also fun to see my colleague Jonathan Burrows (Amazing Jono) and Chelsea Wills in the video. Take Care Newcastle and Stay Well!!

https://www.facebook.com/newcastleherald/videos/155575779119255/UzpfSTIzNzMxMDMxNjMyNzQ2OTozMTY3OTUzNTkzMjYzMTEy/



Tuesday, March 31, 2020

MAGIC AT HOME SERIES #1, 2 and 3 - SLEIGHT OF HAND:

With special thanks to my friends at Lake Macquarie Libraries, I am able to share a video series teaching magic enthusiasts young and old some simple tricks with household items.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC2KKrPCf48

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9_uTxKOqkg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PrjIlMJ24s


Friday, March 27, 2020

VALE JIM MC KEAGUE




I am sorry to inform you that my dear friend and magical mentor figure Jim Mc Keague passed away this morning. Jim became an important part of our family and had a big input into all my magic routines.

Jim published three books for the magical fraternity including; “The Best 200 Tricks With A Svengali Deck”, “A Rediscovery Of Ancient Astrology” and “Whispering Fingers. A First Easy Lesson In Sleight Of Hand”.

He was also considered by many (including the late Bob Read!!) to be THE AUTHORITY on the history of the CUPS AND BALLS. In the March 1997 Issue of Stan Allan’s “Magic Magazine”,  Jim discussed the Cups and Balls in great detail as well as retold the story of his adventure to Beni Hassan Egypt to be the first person in history to actually photography the Tomb wall that had a Hieroglyphic (apparently!?) depicting the Cups and Balls.

In recent years Jim was introduced to the wonderful world of the internet and made his Svengali Deck E- book as well as two comprehensive websites (The Indian Rope Trick and The History Of A Fortune Teller) and available to the Magic Community:




My Sympathies to Gwen McKeague and Jim’s Family in Far North Queensland.



Sunday, January 26, 2020

WORKING ON MY DAD JOKES:

With our baby due in April, I have started working on my "Dad Jokes"!
* Do you know what type of lights Noah had installed on the ark?
Flood lights.

* Why did the disco man call in sick?
Because he had Saturday Night Fever.

* Why did the baby wear a nappy to a Birthday Party?
Because he didn't want to be a party pooper.

* What did the big chimney say to the little chimney?
You're too young to be smoking.

* Whats the best parting gift?
A comb

* Have you heard the joke about the garbage truck?
Don't worry, its only a load of rubbish.

* How did the telephones get married?
In a double ring ceremony.

* What did one eye say to the other?
Between you and me, something smells.

* What did the Bra say to the hat?
You go on a head while I give these two a lift.

* What do you call a nun with a washing machine on her head?
Sister Matic

* What do you get if you cross Dracula with an encyclopedia?
A know - it - all pain in the neck.

* Why did the child study in the aeroplane?
He wanted a higher education.

* A truck load of Soap was stolen today.
The thief appears to have made a CLEAN getaway.

* A Thief stole a truck of hair pieces today.
Police are combing the area.