On October 29, 2024, be prepared for an evening of Mentalism and Bizarre Magic hosted by Maestro Kevin Brown. You are invited to participate in the evening with your own magical spells and performances.

Please contact Kevin Brown to sign up for your turn onstage. Kevin can be reached by email at glyphman@cox.net

We Welcome Maestro Benjamin Budzak

I’m a magician, mind reader, game show host, and all-around funny guy who finds quite a bit of joy in finding the hidden fun in everyday life, and finding the weird magical, mystical qualities in everyone!

Benjamin Budzak is a motion designer, title designer, and animator based in Los Angeles with over 16 years of professional motion design experience. He's worked at studios across Los Angeles and the world on projects for some of the biggest media conglomerates and brands. his work has been seen on screens from the smallest iPhone to the side of Cinderella's castle!

Not only does he have experience with broadcast, social media, and installation graphics, but he also has experience with UI and UX prototyping, as well as iOS/Swift app development.

When he's not sitting behind a computer, he is performing and inventing magic for magicians like David Blaine, Piff the magic dragon, and dan white, as well as being a featured performer at the magic castle in Hollywood!

BRING YOUR TREASURES FOUND AT MAGIC LIVE 2024 AND SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!

SPECIAL MEETING ON
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024.  
 

This will be Magic Live 2024 Show and Tell, a member Performance Night at the John Fedko Ring.  You are invited to bring your favorite tricks from MAGIC LIVE even if your performance is just a work in progress.  Aren't we all a "work in progress."  

The August 27, 2024 regular meeting of the John Fedko Ring is a member performance night with an emphasis on Magical Moments from the 2024 edition of Magic Live!  

You will love performing it impromptu and your audience will be convinced you can create miracles.  You won't have to tell them you are a magician; they will know you by your clever work.

Maestro Gerry Schiller

Coming to IBM Ring 313 on July 30, 2024

Gerry Schiller was born and grew up in Philadelphia. He first started performing magic as a teenager and joined a group of young performers when he was just fourteen, appearing in variety shows throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He attended college at Temple University and received a degree in Education.

He and his wife Esther decided to head west and settled in the Los Angeles area. Both were admitted to UCLA to do graduate studies: he in the Film Department and Esther in English. 

Gerry taught English in the LA Schools for many years and after retiring, decided to resume his other life as a magician. He joined IBM Ring 21 and shortly after was admitted to the Magic Castle. 

Over the years he has performed throughout the U.S. and even abroad. His accomplishments also include being the author of nine books (two involving magic and magicians) and over a hundred magazine articles on a wide variety of subjects. His current lecture is called “Refreshing Your Magic Act” and includes ideas and new approaches to effects that you may already perform and variations on some traditional magic tricks. 

Our meeting on June 25, 2024 is a JAM SESSION

You are invited to bring one or more of your favorite magic tricks and teach us how to perform the effect in a magical way.

could be a rope trick

could be a coin trick

could be something using cups and balls

maybe a mentalism effect

maybe something torn and restored

maybe a book test trick

packet tricks are welcome

Impuzzibilities would be great!

Oldies but Goodies are more than welcome

Paper currency tricks are the bomb!

ANYTHING GOES!

Come to teach or come to just show off.

The choice is yours!

Ring 313 hosts an
Evening of Magic of
Matt Morgan and Liliana

Prepare for eye-popping illusions, dazzling balloon twister, stunts with live animals along with seemingly impossible tricks in an unusual and incredible display of magic when award-winning magicians Magic Morgan and Liliana take the stage. Try solving some of their magical mysteries as they bring a smile to your face with their mind-boggling performance.
 

Comedian-Magicians-Entertainers

Magic Morgan & Liliana will amaze and astound you, make you laugh, and make you wonder. Their show is a theatrical event for the entire family, full of moments that take your breath away. Objects seem to appear from nowhere and defy gravity. The broken appear to be made whole. Magical objects defy gravity.

People of all ages can enjoy Magic Morgan & Liliana's Grand illusions, live animals, comedy and audience participation. Join them for a unique, magical journey with a powerful message that creates memories for a lifetime.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Doors open at 6:00 pm
ZOOM opens at 6:30 pm

Member Performance

 This night is reserved for you to perform in front of a live appreciative audience that might be able to help you see how to improve your performance.  We spend so much time practicing alone when we really require an informed live audience who can help us see problems with angles, or problems with our methods.  Mirrors and video tapes only take you so far.  

Perform anything you want, even if you are performing from the ZOOM platform.  We are here for you but you have to take the first step and show us what you have.  No animals were harmed in the performance noted above. 

Maestro Phil Van Tee you know him as El Ropo
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Comedian Magician Phil Van Tee ("El Ropo!") is best known for his clean humor, gentle audience participation, ​and excellent sleight of hand. Phil was one of the esteemed Professors of Magic at the world famous​Magic Castle, 'Magic University', in Hollywood, California. 

With more than 20,000 performances across America during 51 years as a professional comedian, magician, puppeteer, musician, circus clown, and juggler in amusement park, circus, comedy clubs, corporate events, libraries, private homes, television shows and movies. He is a graduate from the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College, class of '74.

His 'super power' is the ability to make families laugh... a LOT  (-;

Here is a standup comedian character who just happens to be really good at magic.

​Book this guy NOW !

He's very popular.

By the way, many people believe that El Ropo is tall.  It's not so much that he is tall is that you are not tall.  

Maestro Andost is in the House!
February 27, 2024 | Zoom Connection Open at 6:30 pm

Andost Huang has appeared in countless cities in the US and has traveled overseas to Europe and Asia with his award-winning act. In 2010, he was awarded the "Originality Award" by Society of American Magicians. In 2011, he was titled North American Champion of Magic (stage general and closeup micro). In 2012, Andost represented US to compete at FISM, the world championship of magic, where he won the top prize for closeup micro. With this honor, Andost has become one of the most desirable closeup performers in the community.

Member Performance Night

Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 7:00 pm

President Longacre will call the meeting to order and the election of officers for 2024 will take place. Immediately following the election we are grateful that Territorial Vice President Cliff Gerstman will administer the Oath of Office to the newly elected officers and directors. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Following the election and oath of office we will accept announcements from the floor of upcoming events of interest to our members.  Longacre will reveal the names of upcoming lecturers.

While our usual tradition is to host a lecturer for the January meeting, we are trying something different for 2024.  We suspect that the forces in the universe smiled favorably on our members and delivered holiday gifts to you that have a "magic theme." 

Whether you received the new items as gifts from those who know about your love of magic or more likely it was a "special purchase" made by you for yourself, it is time to show us what you received.  You may not have perfected the magical moves that you must for a public performance, we still want to see what is coming, a gift soon to be a favorite part of your routine. 

You may have purchased an item at the November Swap Meet and are mystified as to how to use it properly.  Bring that sucker to the meeting.  I imagine someone can help you discover the secret that was missing when you purchased the item.  Come on let's have some fun with new magic gear. Who knows, you might discover that among our members someone is prepared to demonstrate to you some methods to perfect your performance. 

If you are like me there are more than one of these items.  I purchased two "toys" from the website The Art of Play. One of them is patterned after the work of the late Jerry Andrus and the other item is just for fun.  It is magical but not real magic; you will understand when I show it to you on ZOOM. 

No matter whether it was Old Saint Nick, the Famous Elf on a Shelf, a loved one, or it was a special purchase you made to reward yourself for being such a good magician, show us what you got!

Come in person or join us on ZOOM, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 6:30 pm.  You can perform something new to your repertory as you progress in the art of magic.

KEVIN BROWN'S Evening of Bizarre and Mentalism Magic Show
MONDAY, October 30, 2023

Two hours of entertainment and scary stuff too! Maestro Kevin Brown invites you to join him on the John Fedko Ring's MAGIC STAGE for an Evening of Bizarre and Mentalism Magic on MONDAY, October 30, 2023.

Sign up while space on the is still available. Halloween magic is welcome too! Any magical effect that will bend your mind or, surprise, scare, or amaze friends and foes alike is welcome.

We Welcome Maestro JEKI YOO

Quick Change and Magic Show | jeki (jekiyoo.com)

Jeki Yoo has accomplished more in his career than most could even imagine. From fooling Penn and Teller on their show “Fool Us”, appearing on The Steve Harvey Show, and even Access Hollywood! Jeki is no stranger to accolades. (click on the link above to visit his website)

In 2009, Jeki met his lovely wife Ellie, who is an incredible magician in her own right. In 2012, they joined forces to create a powerful husband and wife team. After teaming up, they started to win major international magic contests. The popular pair performs their own unique ‘Quick Change’ act where they change outfits in a flash - right before the audience’s eyes! Their lightning-fast quick change was then seen on Britain's Got Talent! Their quick change act as a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent has over 100 million views online.

The magical duo has even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for “The Most Outfit Changes In 30 Seconds”!

Jeki and Ellie continue to amaze audiences with their award-winning, fast-paced, and original style of magic.

They perform nationwide and all around the world.

You want to see Jeki and Ellie's “Quick Change & Magic Show”. Quick change is a unique magic performance where performers’ costumes constantly change in an impossible manner. World-famous illusionist Uri Geller commented, “This is the best quick-change show in the world!”. For an unforgettable night, invite your guests to Jeki and Ellie's “Quick Change & Magic Show”.

Jeki Yoo will visit us on the ZOOM platform. Come to the meeting and enjoy the lecture with the members of Ring 313, or remain at home and connect with the ZOOM app. We are eager to see him work.

BRING YOUR MONEY AND YOUR MAGIC

TO OUR SPECIAL MEETING ON

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2023. 

It is Magical Money Madness at the John Fedko Ring. You are invited to bring your favorite tricks using coins and paper currency.

The August 29, 2023 regular meeting of the John Fedko Ring is a member performance night with an emphasis on Magical Moments with Money. Whether you prefer coins or paper currency we want to see what you can do to make money a tool for magic. Henderson will show his fifty-cent bridge again and give a tip on how to make the $100 bill switch more powerful.

Money magic is great because coins and currency always travel light and for many magic tricks you can use borrowed money, so you are always prepared to perform. Glenn Morphew showed us several of his favorite money magic tricks using coins (a matrix effect) in one instance and paper currency (an extreme burn effect) in another. Everyone ought to have a favorite money trick; it is just too compelling to make money disappear and reappear.

You will love performing it impromptu and your audience will be convinced you can create miracles. You won't have to tell them you are a magician; they will know you by your clever work.

Larry Campbell told me he is always prepared to open a wallet to entertain unsuspecting strangers. Performing impromptu he has entertained the wait staff at a restaurant who then offered his meal complimentary. You never know what good can come from Money Magic Madness. This is a show and tell or show and no-tell evening it is all about having fun.

Come join the fun at Ring 313!

Meeting this month only is in the main building of the Irvine Ranch Water District

Tuesday, July 25, 2023, maestro Glenn Morphew visits Ring 313 in person.

Be prepared to be amused, confused, misused, amazed and inspired while you learn the secrets that have kept Glenn Morphew entertaining audiences around the world for four decades.

Morphew is renowned for his ability to teach magic to all skill levels, from the beginner to the talented master performer. He is stopping by our Ring on his way to MAGIC LIVE 2023!

From Glenn Morphew's website.

If you’re a magician looking for real world, quality magic or instruction, please visit my Shop and Streaming Tutorials section. There are detailed descriptions (and in many cases video demos) of the tricks and sleights I teach. For the most part, the shop has DVDs that have only been available at lectures until now.

I recently added some streaming video tutorials after I found a platform I really like. I like the platform because you get the best of both worlds… immediate access to your purchase (like a download) with chapter navigation like a DVD.

I take pride in the material I offer, the way I teach it and my service after the sale. I only release material I personally use. My unique teaching style insures you will quickly grasp the “hows and whys” of the sleights and tricks you learn. I always include video segments shot from your POV (point of view) to give you the best learning perspectives.

Plus, when you buy any product from me, I’ll provide any additional help you may need. Help is just an email away. Follow the link below to his website.

Glenn Morphew – Learn Sleight of Hand from your POV (povmagician.com)

An evening of Magic with
Maestro Todd Reis. 

Our long time member & friend Todd Reis (REIS as in RICE, not REIS as in REESE) served as President of the John Fedko Ring from 2004 to 2007. He is a popular performer all over southern California from San Diego to Simi Valley & Malibu. He is a favorite for clients seeking a family friendly performer who engages his audiences directly into the show. He considers himself a Family Magician performing for both adults and children. Some weekends he is so busy that he might be booked to perform two or three different shows on the same day. He has been a member of the Academy of Magical Arts for over 35 years. Todd has been teaching magic to adults for more than a decade often inviting his students and business clients to join him at the Magic Castle for an evening of fun, great food, and entertainment.

For more than four decades Todd has developed an artistic form he calls 3D Shadow Boxes. Although his subject most often are Comic Book Covers, he is eager to create 3D art from other kind of publications and posters. He often has made 3D for numerous comic book artists, writers, publishers, and collectors around the world. Several have been repeat clients. One client who is a doctor in Long Beach was a benefactor for 20 years having commissioned 95 3Ds. In the 1990's, DC Comics commissioned 12 3D shadowboxes to give as special gifts for the Superman Creative Team. Over the years he has created more than 700 of these 3D Shadow Boxes. He uses the Facebook & the Internet to promote his work online and also displays at the San Diego Comic Con Art Show.

One of the 3D boxes he made of a GENII Magazine cover was part of the wall art collection in the Magic Castle. Given the depth of the 3D, a hole was cut in the wall to hold it. As you passed from the dining room to the Palace of Mystery you would see it at eye level on your right just before the restrooms. As a result of Mike Caveney reorganizing all the art that the MC during the lockdown, the GENII 3D now resides at eye level atop the fireplace mantle in Irma's room since Irene Larsen was featured on the cover.

While we know Todd from his magic and shadow boxes he began his creative life as an entertainer in music. His father sold band instruments at music stores in WI & AZ and as a sales rep for the Leblanc company. While in school, Todd played trumpet & guitar until the magic bug took over. When I met Todd in the late 1990s, he was employed as a mainframe computer Systems Analyst / Programmer for Ingram Micro where he worked for 10 years after having been a contractor to several other companies. .

Todd Reis has magical friends from all over the world. He often participated in an international event called the IPP, International Puzzle Party. A small group of international travelers would meet annually in the far corners of the world to share new concepts and creations in puzzles. While living in Colorado Todd made friends with Doc Eason, Joe Givan, and David Neighbors. In 2008, he produced a magic stage show at the Mensa National Gather in Denver using several of his magic friends there.

He has also been active in OCMC, the Orange County Magic Club as a Past President and produced two club fund raisers called Magic Faires during the 90's.

Todd will let us in close up to the world of magic as seen through his hands and eyes. Magic is a passion for Todd Reis whether it is performing for an audience, walk around performing, or creating magical 3D shadow boxes, he is a master of the art of entertaining.

April is our first date this year for
MEMBER PERFORMANCE
April 25, 2023

This night is reserved for you to perform in front of a live appreciative audience that might be able to help you see how to improve your performance. We spend so much time practicing alone when we really require an informed live audience who can help us see problems with angles or problems with our methods.  Mirrors and videotapes only take you so far.  

Perform anything you want, even if you are performing from the ZOOM platform.  We are here for you but you have to take the first step and show us what you have.  No animals were harmed in the performance noted above.  Anyone want a hot dog?

Maestro Dan McKinnon you know him as Danny Magic
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 6:30 pm

International award-winning magician Danny Magic specializes in engaging audience members and including them in mind-blowing world class sleight of hand. With the title of 2012 and 2014 Hollywood Magic Castle Champion, Danny Magic is known in his field as Magician of the Stars with a client list that includes many of Hollywood's top celebrities.

With close up and strolling shows, Danny is a featured performer at the Hollywood Magic Castle. His magic is perfect for corporate events, weddings, trade shows, parties, holiday events, banquets, and restaurants. For those looking for stage magic, Danny also offers a family-friendly, mind-blowing show.

Whether he is performing close-up magic at a cocktail party, baffling customers at a restaurant, or delighting guests at a wedding. The quick wit of Danny Magic will bring added sparkle to any occasion. Leaving an audience laughing, mystified, and most importantly, entertained.

Danny specializes in close-up, sleight of hand magic. He was awarded first place at both IBM (ring 313) and Orange County magic’s annual close-up competition. Dan was also IBM (ring 313) Magician Of the Year. Dan is a member at the world-famous Magic Castle (Academy of Magical Arts) in Hollywood, CA.

Join us in person or on Zoom!

Maestro Dennis Forel is in the House!

February 28, 2023

Zoom Connection Open at 6:30 pm

Maestro Dennis Forel, the master of the solo balloon animal, will visit Ring 313 to help us understand how his great storytelling ability makes him a highly sought after performer for children of all ages. Dennis has a long successful career visiting county fairs in the Western States entertaining thousands of children and adults.

While many balloon artists use multiple balloons to create their work, Dennis has discovered that he can create more than 100 figures using just one balloon. Creativity lives most favorably with limitations so the balloon critters that come from his hands are magical in every way. Often Dennis incorporates the use of his working Penny Farthing to help him stand out in the crowd.

As an annual participant in many Fairs, he gets many repeat customers, people who come every year to be delighted by his work. Forel says of himself that he is "not a balloon machine." Each creation comes with a personal story, so he makes up with content for his lack of endless production. Forel inflates each balloon using his mouth rather than a hand pump, this adds to the magic of the production. Have you ever tried to inflate a balloon designed for twisting? It ain't something you can do on the first try.

This is Dennis's third visit to Ring 313. We keep inviting him back because, well, he is just that good. The last visit was during the height of the pandemic, so we were only able to convene on ZOOM. This time Dennis will be present so we can see just how beautiful his work is in person while we learn more about the "art of storytelling" that is really what makes his performances filled with magic.

Michael Close visits IBM Ring 313 on ZOOM
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 6:30 pm
 

Come in person or join us on ZOOM, Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 6:30 pm and learn from a master of the art of magic.

Celebrate the holidays with Ring 313 
Doors open at 6 pm to set up food and entertainment.

Please bring a favorite side dish enough to share with ten people.  Salads, finger foods, desserts, or main course dishes are welcome.  While we prefer homemade items store bought will work out fine.  Doors open at 6 pm to set up your food. 

We will begin performing magic effects shortly after 7 pm.  For this night feel free to perform a magic trick, sing a song, play a musical instrument, dance a jig or a jog or transform into a frog, tell a funny story, tell a story about gratitute and love, any and every entertainment is welcome for this evening.  

What is happening at the November 29th meeting of Ring 313?

On November 29, we look forward to a member performance night.  We are particularly interested in learning the secrets from our past winners of the "Fool Us" contests.  So, be prepared to Fool Us once again and we hope that you will reveal something that we couldn’t figure out on our own.  This night is not limited to just past Fool Us contestants.  We welcome any performance.  Are you working on something new and would like feedback?  Need some ideas for a routine?  There’s a lot of expertise within our club and many of us appreciate an explanation or two to help improve our own acts.  The reveals also help us determine if we should spend more money for a given prop.  Please consider participating regardless of your status.  We all want to learn!

 In addition to a show and tell evening, we will also take a moment to recognize three of our former members.  As a community of entertainers, we need to support each other and be there when the need arises.  Please plan to join us for an important evening as we perform broken wand ceremonies.

One last thing, we have an important task to do.  Election of officers.  We need someone to step up and become our next secretary of the club.  Philip has some mighty big shoes to fill but the reality is that we all bring something different to the club.  Please, step forward and make a difference.  We will all be forever grateful!

November is a month of thanks giving.  I want to thank you all for supporting our Ring 313 club and for all that you do.

ZOOM doors open at 6:30 pm.

Kevin Brown’s Evening of Bizarre and Mentalism Magic Show!

Two hours of entertainment and scary stuff too!

Maestro Kevin Brown invites you to join him on the John Fedko Ring's ZOOM MAGIC STAGE for an Evening of Bizarre and Mentalism Magic on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.

Sign up while space on the zoom platform is still available. Halloween magic is welcome too! Any magical effect that will bend your mind or, surprise, scare, or amaze friends and foes alike is welcome.

You can sign up NOW!
glyphman@cox.net
949.347.0305

Johnny Ace Palmer visits Ring 313!

Johnny Ace Palmer, a world champion magician, has, through a lifetime devoted to practicing magic, accomplished what no other magician has been able to do. In the summer of 1988 in the Netherlands, he became the first and only close-up magician in history to capture the World Championship title across all eight categories of the competition (i.e., even against stage magicians).

Every three years, the International Federation of Magic Societies, known as FISM, holds the World Congress of Magic, a gathering of magicians from all over the world. By far the most significant event at the FISM Congress is always the competitions. In 1988, they were held in several categories of magic, including six stage categories and two close-up categories. First, second, and third place prizes were awarded in each category, and from among all the categories, one person was selected to receive the overall Grand Prix award, giving that person claim to the title of World Champion Magician. (Note: Beginning in 2003, separate Grand Prix awards were created for the close-up and stage divisions, so that Johnny's comprehensive win is unmatched and no longer possible.)

Until recently, the winner of the Grand Prix had always been chosen from one of the stage categories, and since the focus of the FISM competition is generally oriented more towards the stage, it was always assumed that there would never be a Grand Prix winner from the close-up category. So it was that Johnny Ace Palmer, a young close-up magician from Warren, Ohio, by combining his winningly warm and appealing personality with a mastery of sleight of hand skills, and by bringing the theatrical elements of the stage up close, turned the magic world upside down in the Hague, Holland, by becoming the only close-up magician in history (and, incidentally, only the second American) to capture the title of "World Champion Magician."

Please RSVP for a spot in the Irvine Ranch Water District meeting room. This month the limit has been raised above 25 people however, because the guest lecturer is Johnny Ace Palmer, we want to be certain we do not have too many in person participants. Overflow audience can ZOOM into the meeting.

The new limit is fifty!

Come join the fun at Ring 313!

Buster Ballon visits Ring 313!

Maestro Buster Balloon will visit Ring 313 on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 to explain how he puts together acts that engage is audience in delightful entertainment.

Balloons are optional.


Buster Balloon is a master in the art of entertainment. It is not the balloons that make him outstanding, it is how it gives to his audience.

Ooops, I know. I almost forgot. You want to know why this fellow is called Buster Balloon. Well, it is simple, that is his legal name.

Come join the fun at Ring 313!

Greg Wilson Lecture

Guess who is coming to Ring 313 on July 26, 2022?

Yes, it is a fellow named Wilson.

Yes, the initial letter of his first name is G.

Not that Greg, you know the one related to Mark.

It is the other one who is best known as Gregory.

Gregory Wilson will lecture at the Community Meeting room live on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Be certain to make an RSVP starting July 10, 2022, at 10 am. Only 25 people allowed in the room, everyone else must zoom.

Gregory Wilson is certainly a man who needs no introduction to the members of Ring 313. He is a former member who has lectured here five times since 1999, most recently in 2018. Gregory is a two-time FISM winner in close up magic. He is by all measures a creative genius in magic. We keep inviting him back because he always has something wonderful and new to show us, something that is you can add to your performance routine after a reasonable amount of practice.

What is happening at the JUNE 28th meeting of Ring 313?

Our June 28, 2022 regular meeting will be a hybrid meeting with the focus on member performance of effects perfect for children. Much of the regular work for magicians is performance at birthday parts, bar or bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteen, graduation, and other gatherings where the majority of the audience consists of children.

Children are some of the most challenging audiences because they do not have as many preconceived notions of what is possible. They challenge everything. Engineers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, accountants and other highly educated people are the easiest audiences for us to perform for. Our tricks are designed with these kinds of folks in mind. They have preconceived notions of what is possible and what must be magic. Children see almost everything as magical because they do not possess the scientific and logical studies that adults use to understand the world.

Those of us whose primary audiences are children are doing the heavy lifting for the world of magic. First, we delight and entertain children in a friendly way that helps them discover magic in their lives. Often, we deliver meaning to the lives of children in the stories we tell. There is a moral to our stories that teaches children values that develop their character.

Second, some of them, after seeing a live performance, decide they want to become a magician. Remember how you felt the first time you saw a magician live and in person.

Third, the effects and performances you do elevate the art of magic. We who perform for children define what is magical and what is merely science.

Magic, after all, is an art form, just as music, dance, drawing, writing, painting, and sculpting are forms of art. While you expect the other art forms will naturally be taught starting in kindergarten, magic is not usually on the curriculum. When students see us at a library, in a classroom, an auditorium, or a birthday party they begin to appreciate the art of magic. We teach the "magic appreciation" course of study.

Please prepare some of your favorite "children's magic" tricks and present them at this meeting. Some folks think that performing for children is the bottom of the pyramid and the apex is being a Las Vegas Headliner with their own performing Palace. The truth is the reason adults crave the heroes in Las Vegas is because of their early experience of magic as a child.

It is easy to learn to appreciate music, literature and art, because in public education we have MUSIC APPRECIATION and ART APPRECIATION as courses of study. Who can tell me they attended a course called MAGIC APPRECIATION ever? No one, that's who. We also study Literature so we can appreciate the great writers. You can study American Literature, English Literature, French Literature, et.al. but where is the course about the lives and times of the great magicians? That my friends is up to you.

Next time you get a contract to perform for children keep in mind that this is a great opportunity to bring real magic to the lives of the children who experience and APPRECIATE your performance. It is said that you have only one chance to present a first impression . . . for most of your audience YOU will be the first magician they see live and in person. Lots of responsibility so get it right.

Hum . . . have we got your attention yet?

ZOOM doors open at 6:30 pm.

MAGIC

An award-winning magician, John is a co-founder of the Chicago Magic Lounge and currently serves as the National 1st VP of the Society of American Magicians.

Perfect for occasions ranging from private events to cruise ships, John's unique combination of sleight-of-hand and sharp comedy is always a hit!

Personal Statement

"I've wanted to be a performer ever since I was a kid. I remember writing an essay for my third grade class about how I wanted to be a comedian.

I started studying the piano when I was in the fourth grade. My dad played the trumpet, and I wanted to play the saxophone. My parents convinced me to start with piano - especially convenient since the neighbor lady across the street taught lessons. I kept up lessons all the way through the end of high school, becoming especially interested in jazz. I even hosted my own jazz radio program through my high school's 200-watt radio station, WSDP-FM.

I didn't find magic until I was a sophomore at Michigan State University. Before long, I was doing shows around campus and performing at birthday parties. I started getting involved with the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and found my way to the Abbott's Magic Get-Together in Colon, Michigan.

After college, I applied and was offered a job with Fun Incorporated, American's largest magic manufacturer. So I moved to Chicago in the fall of 2007. Wanting to take full advantage of my new surroundings, I started to take improv classes at The Second City. I wanted to take lessons learned from improv and apply them to my magic act. From there, I got involved in working as a piano accompanist for improv comedy theaters all around Chicago.

I can often be seen behind the keyboards at Comedysportz Chicago, the iO Theater, the Laugh Out Loud Theater, and the Second City Training Center. I worked on numerous sketch reviews with groups like Stir Friday Night, and still kept up performing close-up and stage magic in various public and private events. I've even done a bit of teaching - I have taught musical improv workshops for Tara DeFrancisco's The Improv Retreat since 2011.

In 2017, I decided to semi-retire from the improv world to focus full-time on the Chicago Magic Lounge, which I co-founded. We opened a full-time magic bar and theater at 5050 N. Clark in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood. I left there in 2019.

Currently, I’m playing jazz weekly, Friday nights with guitarist Steve Knight, working on a new public magic show called Magic Night Chicago, improv shows with CSz Chicago and Storytown Improv, as well as private magic performances. I like to keep busy!

On top of all this, I remain active with the local chapter of the Society of American Magicians. I served as president of the club from 2013-2016, and then decided to go for higher office. I became the National First Vice-President in 2021."

ZOOM doors open at 6:30 pm.

This evening's event will be a lecture and workshop. Please bring a set of linking rings, cups and balls, and a dye tube to get the maximum enjoyment from this lecture and workshop.

Maestro John Sturk has some useful tips and tricks to make your performance special.

Let's give John Sturk a spirited

Ring 313 welcome!

GUEST LECTURER
Maestro Bill Pearce
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 6:30 pm

Yes, that Bill Pearce! He is my go-to guy when I want to check on the provenance of a magic trick or to track down an out-of-print magic text first printed in the early twentieth century. Bill can either answer my query or send me to where I can discover more information. Yes, he has good products and publications for sale, but he is also an outstanding performer in many kinds of magic.
I met Bill Pearce more than twenty years ago when we were auditioning for membership in the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle one December evening. He and I were two of twenty-six folks auditioning. I became friends with Bill Pearce after I joined IBM Ring 313 in 1997. I always admired Bill’s deep knowledge of the provenance of the tricks he performed. His understanding of who developed a trick and why always fascinated me. I felt as if I were sitting next to the trick’s inventor and was part of the secret. When you understand "why" a trick works then you can play with this essential element and make your performance your own. Bill's revelations on the provenance of a magical effect are the key to understand why the inventor choose the specific words and moves to make the magic come alive for the audience.

When Bill was invited to lecture for the April 26, 2022, meeting of Ring 313 the question was what subject he should feature since his knowledge is not merely deep it is wide ranging. Bill told me he has always enjoyed studying the history of magic and the magicians who wrote the story. In June this year Bill Pearce will celebrate fifty years membership in IBM. He will become an Order of Merlin, Excalibur.
Bill is also an Honorary Life Member of the Orange County Magic Club and of IBM Ring 96. He has served our community as a dealer of magic since 1981. You will often find his exhibit booth at major conventions of magicians.

This introduction was written by Philip Henderson. This year marks my 25th year as a member of Ring 313. Bill has been an IBM member twice as long as I have. Among the concepts he will introduce to us on April 26, 2022, are the following magic effects.

The Gilbreath Principle
Will the Cards Match
The Paranormalist
A Dave Gray Favorite, Max Maven's Mental Match

Rough and Smooth Principle
Stewart James’s Challenge Trick
Pop-Eyed Popper Frill
Tween Twice, my first creation.
Random Match a variation of a Hen Fetch original.

The Hardy Memorized Deck

Diary, Datebook Predictions

Bill's Frills, Some Tricks from my first Lecture.
Al's Speller
Papyrus, Torn and restored straw.
Dots Implussible, an Al Cohen Classic.
Rainbow Match Revised for Flowers.

Other Effects
Stars and Triangles
Starcle, Dan Harlan's Torn and Restored Napkin.
Endless Chain and bracelet.
The Trick that Fooled Einstein, John Bannon Variation and Koran
Elaboration.
Trost Poker Deal, Scott Boeger's Favorite.
Fedko's Poker Deal
Larry Jenning's Close-up Illusion

In Person Reservation Rules: You can begin making an RSVP on April 10, 2022, at 10:00 am. Only RSVPs made after that time are valid. A waiting list will be formed for the 26th person and everyone thereafter.

The waiting list works this way. If you are one of the first 25 to RSVP but something comes up at the last moment and you can't attend, then you are expected to cancel your reservation by April 23, 2022. Cancelling in this circumstance is the responsible and polite way to behave.

You can cancel your RSVP anytime but no later than Apri; 23, 2022. The next person in the queue will be admitted to the meeting room. If you do not cancel, and do not attend, then you will have denied another person a seat in the meeting room. Please cancel your RSVP if you cannot attend. This allows the next person in the queue to get your ticket.

If you have a confirmed RSVP, then it is your responsibility to attend or cancel in time to allow the next person in our queue to take your place. You cannot send someone else in your place, only the next person in the queue can fill your seat.

Member's Performance Night
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 6:30 pm

ANYTHING GOES!

ANYTHING GOES is the theme for our March 29, 2022 zoom gathering of the John Fedko Ring. This special Member’s Performance Night features magic shows from our members and guests. Instead of focusing of playing cards, coins, or ropes. . . you are invited to perform any magic effect that you desire because ANYTHING GOES!

If you are working on a new effect and want to try it out on a real live audience, now is the time.

If you have made ONE DEGREE of change to a trick that has been in your bag of favorite tricks for decades. . . show us what you got.

If you are tired of performing magic using playing cards and want to perform an impromptu effect using ordinary objects one could find in any kitchen, office, or restaurant. . . have at it.

If you want to show us what you learned from recent lecturers at Ring 313. . . let us see what you have done.

If you want to explain how you performed your effect or want us to guess at your method, you are welcome to perform.

If you have been practicing the Beads of Prussia effect made popular by the late John Fedko. . . bring it on, we want to see how you do it.

Several members enjoy performing mentalism effects that involve knowing what you should NOT be able to know. . . you know we want to see those effects. Of course, you know, you are a mentalist.

You can show us a trick that was designed to work best on ZOOM, OR you can perform a trick that does not work on ZOOM but is perfect for an in person live show. We will get over this pandemic and we have to be ready for performing magic with live people standing next to us.

You can perform one trick, or more than one trick, you know anything goes.

If you just want help performing a particular sleight, you can show us what you got and ask for help to perfect the effect. We have some terrific performers in our Ring, someone is certain to be ready to give you tips how to get the sleight done right.

SIGN UP today without delay! He/she who hesitates doesn’t play.

Please make a reservation for your time on stage by contacting Philip Henderson at PhilipHenderson@sbcglobal.net or Steve Longacre at ItsMagic@cox.net. We are ready and waiting to sign you up to play with the magicians of Ring 313.

Remember, ANYTHING GOES on March 29, 2022

In Person Reservation Rules: You can begin making an RSVP on March 10, 2022, at 10:00 am. Only RSVPs made after that time are valid. A waiting list will be formed for the 26th person and everyone thereafter.

The waiting list works this way. If you are one of the first 25 to RSVP but something comes up at the last moment and you can't attend, then you are expected to cancel your reservation by March 26, 2022. Cancelling in this circumstance is the responsible and polite way to behave.

You can cancel your RSVP anytime but no later than March 26, 2022. The next person in the queue will be admitted to the meeting room. If you do not cancel, and do not attend, then you will have denied another person a seat in the meeting room. Please cancel your RSVP if you cannot attend. This allows the next person in the queue to get your ticket.

If you have a confirmed RSVP, then it is your responsibility to attend or cancel in time to allow the next person in our queue to take your place. You cannot send someone else in your place, only the next person in the queue can fill your seat.