It is with much sadness that I heard second-hand of the recent death of my friend, Master Illusionist Rick Walker. He died way too early at the age of 64. The date of his death was Saturday, July 20, 2013.
I had not seen Rick for several years, but last I heard is that he was still very active in magic, along with his other businesses. Apparently (as it has been related to me) Rick had an accidentally fall, which caused a bump to his head and caused brain hemorrhaging leading to his death.
Rick Walker & Company was one of the first illusionists I ever saw perform live (at the Florida State Magic Convention in the 1970’s) and had a big influence on me. This was the first time a had seen a magician of a higher caliber perform with the the large illusions – and from that moment on was something I wanted to aspire to. Rick was about 13 years older than me, so when I saw him perform he was in his prime.
Rick was originally from Monticello, Mississippi, but moved to Dallas, Texas in 1977 where he spent the majority of his adult life. He was also an assistant for the Harry Blackstone, Jr. show early in his career. He had numerous national television appearances, was a magic consultant to the movie industry, as well as performing world-wide with his show.
Rick, you will be missed. But your influence and magic will live on.
You can see a video of Illusionist Rick Walker’s performance below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI4Js5U7jtM]
Joe Conrad together with his beautiful lead show dancer and assistant just after his show.
All the key executives of the Cera Sanitaryware Company & employee prize winners, led by Mr. Abbey Rodrigues – Vice-President of Domestic Sales (pictured 2nd from the left). 3 cars were given away that night. WOW!
After the spectacular gala dinner event, everyone was in the mood to party and dance the night away. As you can see from the pic, looks like they could have done with a few more women on the stage to join them! 😉
Even all the Thai ‘pretty girls’ got in the party mood and started dancing!
Joe and Angus hanging out backstage.
Joe Conrad and his ace Bangkok-based photographer Khun Nok. (Who did all the photography too for this series of blog posts on the Cera Sanitaryware event).
The evening started with expert Master of Ceremonies Robert Thomas entering the stage and welcoming everyone. Robert was flown in special from Sydney just for this event!
First on the bill was the internationally acclaimed belly-dancer Jeta Barooshka. She was a big hit with the all-Indian audience. She was to present her spectacular fire act too, but in the end the security of the hotel did not allow any fire whatsoever in the ballroom (which is becoming more & more common these days).
Next up was a grand master Shaolin martial artist. He presentation brought gasps from the crowd and thunderous applause.
Besides Joe Conrad’s magic, one of the other great highlights of the night was the presentation of the 
A short break from the entertainment took place now. This was so 
Illusionist Joe Conrad smiles playfully at the audience while performing one of his tricks.
Paula, one of Illusionist Joe Conrad’s beautiful dancers, just as she disappears in an illusion.
Joe Conrad plunges a one of many swords into his basket illusion, while the dancer is still inside.
From the reaction of the audience, all of our hard work was worth it! Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the show immensely. Which was a big relief to all of us involved in producing it!
The beautiful entrance to the Crystal Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok. Even though not the largest function ballroom in Bangkok, it is very classy and has an intimate feel.
After laying down the stage decking, the specially produced backdrop & side panels were next to get constructed & up. They will take 3 to 4 hours to finish their work. Lighting, sound & the AV (audio-visual) teams can begin their preliminary work too while the backdrop set company does their job.
Stage lighting design being fine-tuned to prepare for the dressed rehearsal shortly thereafter.
One of our top AV technicians preparing the projector for the evening’s award presentation.
The AV set-up continues. This is the monitor so the CEO & award presenters don’t miss a beat. You didn’t think they memorized all that stuff did you, hee hee! Doing it this way we prevents the need for a cumbersome podium too, that would block other elements of the production.
A final check of the AV equipment & presentation with all the key personnel involved.
Sound speakers and monitors placed in the correct positions on the left & right front of the stage. These will be more than enough for this mid-size ballroom.
All plugs in their proper place for the amplifiers and other equipment.
Joe Conrad reviewing all the show cues with top Indian DJ & Sound Man Dominic Dom.
Joe pacing & reviewing to make sure everything is set properly for the final run-through.
All lighting designs, including with the moving heads, are perfected during our final rehearsal and walk-through. The chandeliers on the the ceiling, above the stage, cannot be moved and would normally be in the way – but instead we use them to our advantage and bounce light off of them. This creates a beautiful light pattern.
The simple but elegant table centerpiece.
All the banquet tables are completely set-up with everything in it’s proper place by the staff.
5:30 p.m. and all four of the “pretty girls” (know everywhere else in the world as hostesses or models) have arrived and are properly rehearsed. They will be the first to greet the guests as they arrive, as well as assist them safely on & off the stage for all presentations.
6:00 p.m sharp, doors open and guests arrive. All exactly on-time! 🙂
