My first Blog of 2011

This is the 98th edition of your free occasional e-newsletter, "Hickman's Happenings" - thoughts and things from magician/speaker BJ Hickman at the headquarters for Family Entertainment and Speaking Services.

1. WHAT'S NEW? Magically speaking, things are great.

I’m booked for my 36th annual show for the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce for the Cochecho Arts Festival this summer. Details in a future newsletter.

I’m also thrilled that I’ll be performing this summer at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH. (http://www.palacetheatre.org). I went to movies at The Palace when I was a kid and for many years, the historic Palace Theatre has been a focal point of New Hampshire’s largest city as a non-profit performing arts center. Details next month.

Welcome new subscribers!

The end of this school year and this summer are shaping up to be pre-recession busy. Join the band-wagon! Book this magician! (BJ@BJHickman.com)

For your eyes only: I wouldn’t mind some feedback on a new website I’m designing to replace all my magic show pages. Eventually, the new pages will be transferred to my domain names, but for now, check out http://bjhickman.wordpress.com. Let me know any feedback, BJ@BJHickman.com. You will see it’s not completed, but let me know what you think.

Terrific exposure last month, I was happy to be a cover story for Foster’s Daily Democrat Arts and Entertainment insert, Showcase. Read it at: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110224/GJENTERTAINMENT_01/702249982.

Remember, referrals are appreciated! My other e-newsletter for performing artists and speakers is the "T-Report." "T" is for tasteful, tips, tricks, and techniques for improving our shows, other presentations and marketing. A place to learn and share. Subscribe on my magicians only page at www.BJHickman.com.

2. THOUGHT (Quote) FOR THE MONTH:

"What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes." -Harry Houdini

3. Thanks to my business of the month, John Polychronis Financial Services, Dover, NH. 603-740-4040. Watch for his ad on the back cover of the latest BJ Hickman Magic Newspaper!

4. NEWS RELEASE OF THE MONTH:

Hackmatack Open Auditions (For immediate release)

Auditions have been scheduled for the 40th anniversary season at Hackmatack Playhouse (Route 9, Berwick, Maine). Local auditions are scheduled at Berwick Town Hall at 9:00AM on April 9 with possible callbacks on April 10. The 2011 schedule includes "Ten Nights in a Barroom," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Singin' In the Rain," and "The 39 Steps".

The only items necessary are water, headshot, resume, and patience. No other preparation is necessary, although you might allow time to spend most of the day on the 9th. For details, call 207-698-1807 or 207-251-9276.

A few things should be noted for those interested in auditioning. The first show of this anniversary season, Ten Nights in a Barroom, is to be cast with veteran Hackmatack actors. Other participants from Hackmatack’s 39 seasons are encouraged to be in touch if they have interest in performing in this reunion show event.

In Addition, all male roles for The 39 Steps have been cast but a reading for the female role will occur at approximately 3:00 PM. Auditions on April 9th will be focused on roles for "Forum," and "Singin In the Rain". A dance call will occur at some point during the day.

All Hackmatack 2010 season show Directors, musical and technical directors will be on hand.

Tickets and 2011 Hackmatack Playhouse ‘Flexi-Passes" are now on sale as the auditions begin. Hackmatack Playhouse continues a tradition of affordable ticket prices with student, senior, and group discounts. Tickets and more information are available on-line at www.Hackmatack.org or by phone, 207-698-1807.

For More Information:

Michael Guptill

hackplayhouse@aol.com

(207) 698-1807

Submitted by: BJ Hickman

(603) 742-4010

BJ@BJHickman.com

www.BJHickman.com

5. What's the next "stage" in the life of BJ Hickman?

BJ Hickman's Schedule Highlights for April, 2011:

Saturday, April 2, 10 to 4:30. BJ Hickman is one of the judges at New England Magic Contest (Nashua Church of Christ). (It was a fun day, watch for "second annual" next year.)

Still to come in April:

Woodlawn Care, Newport, NH.

St. Mary Academy, Dover, NH.

Hillsboro, NH.

Alton Senior Center (sponsored by Waste Management).

Greenland Central School, NH.

Fox Den, Sandown, NH.

Maplewood, Westmoreland, NH.

Robins Nest, Dracut, MA.

Hampstead Central School (sponsored by Waste Management).

Newbury/Byfield Magic classes, various dates.

Bow, NH Beginner Magic Classes Tuesday, April 26. Open to area children. (For fees and information, call 603-228-2222 or visit: http://www.bowrecnh.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=13397

Lakeport, NH.

May, 2011

Several May dates available.

Manchester, NH.

Rollinsford, NH.

Newbury/Byfield Magic classes, various dates.

Laconia Center (sponsored by Waste Management).

Hampton Falls, NH.

Penacook Elementary School, NH.

Moreau Hall Elem. School, MA.

Portsmouth, NH.

6. PARTLY PERSONAL

Terrific visit with our daughter Jennifer and family last weekend. We almost had a full house for a few days.

7. LINKS: For further information about BJ Hickman Family Entertainment and Speaking Services, please go to these websites: www.BJHickman.com. This is BJ Hickman's home page, which will connect to all departments. www.PediaTRICKS.com. This is specific to speaking engagements for groups of professionals who work with children. www.InventiveTeacher.com. Details here about BJ's teacher professional development in-services. A wonderful artist: www.CarolAllisonArt.com.

8. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED:

At a Wells, Maine library show last month, a little girl in my audience shouted out (for all to hear), "You call yourself a magician!?" Thankfully, she added quietly with a smile, "You’re a comedian!"

Thanks! To subscribe to this as an email newsletter (it's free), email BJ@BJHickman.com and write "subscribe" in the body of your message. If you want to remain on the list and your email address is changing, please re-submit your new email address at my website or email BJ@BJHickman.com.

BJ Hickman / Family Entertainment and Speaking Services

(603) 742-4010

1-888-262-4425 (for booking)

Schedule update

I updated my schedule on www.bjhickman.com/schedule. I'll be back at Hollywood's Magic Castle, back to Deerfield Fair in NH, back to Fryeburg Fair in Maine.

In other news... I'm thrilled to have made the cover of The Linking Ring (journal of International Brotherhood of Magicians). Photo the day it arrived in the mail...

And finally, remember... 10:10, 10-10-10 (see below!

April BJ Hickman News

WHAT'S NEW?

Opportunity: 10:10 on 10/10/10, prices go up 10% for BJ Hickman Magic Shows and Speaking Services. Book before then for any engagement in 2010 or 2011 to guarantee old rates. For example: Book a December holiday event now for 2010 AND 2011, and pay last year’s prices.

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No bookings for next weekend. Grand-daughter Lily and family visit from Colorado. Baptism is next Sunday. Did I mention she can turn over on her own? And she giggles!

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Remember, referrals are appreciated!

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THOUGHT (Quote) FOR THE MONTH:
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”

–Bill Cosby

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Thanks to my business of the month, John Polychronis Financial Services, Dover, NH. 603-740-4040. Watch for his ad on the back cover of the latest BJ Hickman Magic Newspaper!

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NEWS RELEASE OF THE MONTH:
Hackmatack Playhouse Children’s Camp

Registration has begun for the 2010 Children’s Theatre Camp at The Hackmatack Playhouse, Route 9 in Berwick, Maine. Katie Rodgers is the director of the program. According to Rodgers, “The children’s 2010 summer play will be an original show called "The World's a Stage", using American music from the Tin Pan Alley era (Gershwin, Foster, Joplin, Berlin). The campers will have the chance to insert their own personalities and ideas into the show, and will, as always, help paint and build their sets and design and create their own costumes.” This is Rodgers’ 7th summer working with the Hackmatack Children's Theater Camp, and second year as director. She said, “Campers make lifelong friends, enjoy the beautiful grounds, and grow as performers and as children while they strengthen their confidence and self-esteem. While watching the campers perform and realize their talents and strengths is always rewarding, what I truly look forward to the most each summer is watching them make friends, laugh, work together, and include their unique creativity in everything they do.”

Registration for Children’s Camp is limited to 30 children, ages 7 to 13. No experience is necessary. Call Hackmatack Playhouse at 207-698-1807 or email HackPlayhouse@aol.com. More information is also available on-line at http://www.hackmatack.org/.

Measured Progress, a 5013C company in Dover has donated a $550 "campership,” a Hackmatack Summer Camp scholarship for a deserving student to attend. Details are available at Hackmatack Playhouse, 207-698-1807.

Camp runs from June 28th through August 14th, Monday through Friday, 9:00am - Noon. The show will be presented August 6th, 7th (a Saturday), 13th, and 14th(Saturday) at 10:00 am.

The Hackmatack Playhouse regular season schedule this summer includes Cinderella (June 24 through July 10), Leading Ladies (July 14 through July 24), Carousel (July 28 through August 14) and Hello, Dolly (August 18 through the 28th).

For More Information:
Michael Guptill
hackplayhouse@aol.com
(207) 698-1807
Submitted by:
BJ Hickman (603) 742-4010
BJ@BJHickman.com
http://www.bjhickman.com/

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What's the next "stage" in the life of BJ Hickman?

BJ Hickman's Schedule Highlights for April, 2010:
Robins Nest, Dracut, MA
Greenland Central School, NH
Newbury, MA Magic Classes (various dates)
Windham, NH
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Fundraiser, 10:30 at Bowl-o-Rama, Rte 1, Portsmouth, NH.
Alton Central School, NH
Andover/North Andover, MA YMCA
Children’s Development Center, South Hamilton, MA.
Bow, NH Recreation Magic Class (For information, call 603-228-2222 or visit: http://www.bowrecnh.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=13397

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May:
Several May dates available.
Wolfboro Bay, NH.
Laconia Center, NH.
Derry Extended Day, NH
Town of Milton, MA Magic of Recycling, 11:00 to 1:00, Sat., May 15, 2010 Milton, MA Dept. of Public Works.
New York State (Trade Show)
New England Xpo for Business, MA.
Plymouth State University, NH.
Tewksbury, MA. (Two dates).
Boston, MA.

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PARTLY PERSONAL
How did we not notice (until now) one of the trees that fell over in our yard after the wind storm last month?

One of the trees we planted some 17 years ago, is resting on a neighboring tree.

For further information about BJ Hickman Family Entertainment and Speaking Services, please go to these websites:

http://www.bjhickman.com/, http://www.pediatricks.com/, http://www.inventiveteacher.com/.

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A FUNNY THING HAPPENED:
A little boy at one of my shows at an after-school program in Massachusetts said it: “Can you stop for a couple of minutes? My face hurts from laughing and I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back!”

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BJ Hickman / Family Entertainment and Speaking Services
(603) 742-4010
1-888-262-4425 (for booking)

March update

Greetings from BJ Hickman! I have a few things to report.

Don’t go there! I’m changing hosting companies for my websites. They have not been updated in the last couple of months. Everything will be back soon. Right now, you can’t sign up for my newsletters on my site. Please, if you want to get my e-newsletter as an email, send a note via email (BJ@BJHickman.com) to subscribe.

10:10 on 10/10/10, prices go up 10% for BJ Hickman Magic Shows and Speaking Services. Book before then for any engagement in 2010 or 2011 to guarantee old rates.

Photo above is from one of my PediaTRICKS presentations in Las Vegas! Next day, I was at Las Vegas Day School to do a children's show. Love my job!

I'm working on the 2010/11 BJ Hickman Magic Newspaper. Email me if you would like to write a guest column, advertise, help find new advertisers ($!).

Always active with handling the advertising for The Linking Ring Magazine, official trade publication for The International Brotherhood of Magicians. "The single most widely read magic periodical in the world." (And advertising on their web portal, www.Magician.org.)

I can take on one more account! Contact me if interested in details, BJ@BJHickman.com. Put the "Marketing Magician" to work for your business. Email BJ@BJHickman.com and receive no obligation details to improve community relations and marketing efforts for your company. "BJ Hickman has a passion for positive publicity."

Remember, referrals are appreciated!

My other e-newsletter for performing artists and speakers is the "T-Report." "T" is for tasteful, tips, tricks, and techniques for improving our shows, other presentations and marketing. A place to learn and share. Subscribe on my magicians only page at www.BJHickman.com.

THOUGHT (Quote) FOR THE MONTH:
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then a voice says to me, 'This is going to take more than one night. -Charles Schulz

Thanks to my business of the month, Ben Franklin Crafts of Rochester, NH. Check out http://benfranklincraftsnh.com/ They were the first business to re-sign with an ad in the latest BJ Hickman Magic Newspaper!

What's the next "stage" in the life of BJ Hickman?
BJ Hickman's Schedule Highlights for March, 2010:
Newmarket, NH Senior Center
York, Maine Rotary
Derry Extended Day (@Derry Public Schools)
Newbury, MA Magic Classes (several dates)
Bartlett, NH Recreation (Show and Workshop, March 17.)
Colorado trip.
Hampton Falls, NH

April, 2010:
Robins Nest, Dracut, MA
Greenland Central School, NH
Newbury, MA Magic Classes (various dates)
Windham, NH
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Fundraiser, 10:30 at Bowl-o-Rama, Rte 1, Portsmouth, NH.
Alton Central School, NH
Andover/North Andover, MA YMCA
Children’s Development Center, South Hamilton, MA.
Bow, NH Recreation Magic Class (For information, call 603-228-2222 or visit: http://www.bowrecnh.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=13397

Grand-daughter Lily is now 24 inches.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED:
From my notes… This happened a while back… A young boy at a show in Hudson, New Hampshire showed me a few photos he had with him. "Who’s the little baby next to you in that picture?" I asked. "Oh, that’s my brother," he answered. I asked him how old his brother was and he said, "He’s too young to be any age yet. But that doesn’t bother him."

From the new Grand-Dad

Contract re-news for marketing relations with local playhouse... for The Marketing Magician, with a passion for positive publicity!

Back to First Night in Boston.

Now we are grand-parents for the first time. HERE's Lily!

Details and more posted at:

http://www.familyentertainmentusa.com/f/index.htm

The photo below is Magician BJ Hickman with star of magic Shimada. Shimada was honored recently at The International Brotherhood of Magicians convention in Nashville.
(Details below)

New "Hickman's Happenings" Newsletter

This is the 94th edition of your free monthly e-newsletter, "Hickman's Happenings" - thoughts and things from magician/speaker BJ Hickman at the headquarters for Family Entertainment and Speaking Services.

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This month, BJ Hickman's free e-newsletter (Hickman's Happenings) includes:
1. What's New2. Thought for the Month3. Business of the Month4. Press Release of the Month5. BJ Hickman's Schedule6. Partly Personal7. Links8. A Funny Thing Happened

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1. WHAT'S NEW?
I'm back for a week at Hollywood's Magic Castle in October. L.A. area readers take note (there are a few): Some daytime dates are available while I'm out there. (BJ@BJHickman.com)

I just emailed "call for artists" for a group school mailing (Showcase of Educational Performers) that will go out next month. Know anyone who is interested in reaching a thousand or more school assembly decision makers? Email BJ@BJHickman.com.

What a thrill to have met so many magicians, so much fun at The International Brotherhood of Magicians convention in Nashville this summer. It's my 40th year as a member and I was in the "Big Three" line-up of lecturers. Thank you!

The fair season is upon us. Looking forward to Deerfield, Fryeburg, Sandwich.

In November I'll start working on the 2010 BJ Hickman Magic Newspaper. Email me if you would like to write a guest column, advertise, help find new advertisers ($!).

We just got back from Las Vegas. Loved Nathan Burton's Comedy Magic Show at the Flamingo! Check it out.

I am also the Advertising Manager for The International Brotherhood of Magicians monthly trade magazine, The Linking Ring, and their web portal, www.Magician.org. Want to reach thousands of magicians with your advertising message? (12,000 Linking Ring subscribers, average 20,000 monthly web visitors on www.Magician.org.) Let me know and I'll supply details. (BJ@BJHickman.com)

Remember, referrals are appreciated!

I must blush now... I got the following email from Susan B. Kominz. Thank you!!!!!

Dear BJ,

It is with great pleasure that I am writing to thank you for yet another wonderful hour full of fun and laughter! My husband and I have seen your performance several times over the years and yet it is always fresh and full of life as you add new things and present time honored sleight of hand infused with your own personal flair. You are a consummate performer with a delightful sense of humor and impeccable timing which brings a refreshing smoothness to your show. I enjoy it every time! Your comedic presentation and ability to interact quickly and naturally with every audience is an amazing feat of magic in itself! You are a true gentleman with a clean, wholesome act that children and senior citizens alike will appreciate and look forward to seeing again, just as I do! Every BJ Hickman show is "magic"! Thank you!

My other e-newsletter for performing artists and speakers is the "T-Report." "T" is for tasteful, tips, tricks, and techniques for improving our shows, other presentations and marketing. A place to learn and share. Subscribe on my magicians only page at http://www.bjhickman.com/.

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2. THOUGHT (Quote) FOR THE MONTH:

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now." -Jerry Lewis

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3. Thanks to my business of the month, Rouleau's Precision Auto Repair in Somersworth, NH. (www.rouleaus.com) They keep the magic-mobile moving. Someone tell Marty Rouleau that he's being talked about on the internet.

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4. NEWS RELEASE OF THE MONTH:

New Hampshire magician BJ Hickman remembers watching Japanese magician Shimada on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. He was on Carson’s show four times. Shimada has earned the prestige of being the most awarded and celebrated magician in the history of magic. "He has always been one of my favorites," according to Hickman. "Shimada has performed on hundreds of TV shows, in Las Vegas, and all over the world."

The International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) honored Shimada at their annual convention this year. Hickman was on the same bill.

"It was such an honor to meet Shimada and spend some time talking with him," Hickman said. "He’s a star in magic." Shimada’s publicist wrote, "With elegance, grace and undeniable mystery, Shimada is captivating the moment he steps on stage. The sheer intensity of his eyes hypnotizes the audience as he performs feat after feat of flawless magic with doves and silks, cards and candles. Shimada is also famous for his spectacular Dragon Act."

Hickman is a 40 year member of the I.B.M. and spoke at this year’s annual convention in Nashville recently. Hickman shared the best of his magic routines and marketing strategies with I.B.M attendees.

The I.B.M. is the world’s largest organization for magicians and for people interested in the magical arts with nearly 12,000 members worldwide in over 300 local chapters in 73 countries. It is considered to be the most respected organization for magic collectors, amateur and professional magicians in the world.

Magician BJ Hickman entertains family audiences primarily throughout New England and occasionally elsewhere. He returns next month for seven nights at Hollywood’s Magic Castle.

In recent years, BJ has taken his experience to the domain of speaking for various groups. In his humorous keynote presentation or workshop, "PediaTRICKS.com," he instructs children’s health care professionals about keeping patients comfortable and relaxed in the doctor’s office.

With a background in advertising and communications, Hickman also works with a number of fellow performing artists and private businesses in their marketing and public relations efforts.
He and his family live in Dover.

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5. What's the next "stage" in the life of BJ Hickman?

BJ Hickman's Schedule Highlights for September, 2009

St. Ann's, Dover, NH.

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, 4:30, Sat., Sept. 12.

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, 2:30. Sun, Sept. 13.

Estabrook School, Lexington, MA.

Hastings School, Lexington, MA.

Milton, NH Elementary School.

Portsmouth, NH

Showcase of Educational Performers group mailing prep. Details, BJ@BJHickman.com.

October Highlights:

Deerfield Fair, NH, 10:00, 1:00, 4:00, October 1.

Deerfield Fair, 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, October 2.

Deerfield Fair, 9:30, 12:30, 4:00, October 3.

Deerfield Fair, 10:00, 1:00 5:00, October 4.

Every Child Matters event, Concord, NH, Mon., Oct. 5, 11:00 State House lawn.

Bow, NH Magic classes, several dates. (Contact Bow Recreation).

Fryeburg Fair, Maine, 12 - 2 and 4:00, Thursday, Oct. 8.

Sandwich Fair, 11:00, 2:00, Sat., Oct. 10.

Magic Castle, (7 nights) Hollywood, CA.

Exeter, NH Fall Festival, Sat., October 24.

Belmont Elementary School.

Bow, NH Halloween event, Wed., Oct. 28, 6:00.

North Andover, MA, Rotary Ghoul School event, October 31.

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6. PARTLY PERSONAL

No shows Labor Day weekend - most of the whole family will be home!

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7. LINKS:

For further information about BJ Hickman Family Entertainment and Speaking Services, please go to these websites:

www.BJHickman.com. This is BJ Hickman's home page, which will connect to all departments. www.PediaTRICKS.com. This is specific to speaking engagements for groups of professionals who work with children.
www.InventiveTeacher.com. Details here about BJ's teacher professional development in-services.
A wonderful artist: http://www.carolallisonart.com/

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8. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED:

I had a show for the first day of summer camp at an elementary school. A little 6 year old boy was helping me on stage with The Linking Rings magic effect. This little boy had a face like Bill Cosby having just eaten a Jello pudding pop. He gestured for me to listen. He said, 'Last year, I saw you do this at the Dover festival – and the same thing happened! But this time, it’s happening to ME!!!

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Thanks!
If you enjoyed this information, why not forward this newsletter to a friend.
To subscribe (it's free), email BJ@BJHickman.com and write "subscribe" in the body of your message.
If you want to remain on the list and your email address is changing, please re-submit your new email address at my website or email BJ@BJHickman.com.
To get off my list (also free), email BJ@BJHickman.com and write your name and "un-subscribe" in the body of your message. You can also remove your email address from the list by sending a message to newsletter-unsubscribe@bjhickman.com from the same email address the newsletter is sent to. The message subject should be "unsubscribe" and the message body may be left blank.
To subscribe to my magicians e-newsletter, email me a note or submit at my magicians’ only page on my website, www.BJHickman.com.
Your name and/or email address will not be shared with or sold to anyone.
BJ Hickman / Family Entertainment and Speaking Services

(603) 742-4010

1-888-262-4425 (for booking)