February Teach-in Declared a Success

Before the meeting James Munton had his downsizing sale and all the early birds took home a box of magical goodies. Then President Dwight Redman opened the meeting and introduced the guests to the audience of 64. Three candidates were voted into the National Capital Ring 50. They were: Gary Goodwin, John Hornick and Carlton Silvestro. Dwight reminded everyone to register for Magi-Whirl before the price goes up after April 1st. The February program was “Teach a Slight/Move/False Shuffle/etc.” Several tables were set up to allow a hands-on instruction. The instructors changed tables every 20 minutes.


Bud Smith explained and demonstrated the multiple uses of various applications of the Thumb Palm, Finger Palm, and Bobo Switch in Coin Magic.

Sam Brothers taught two effects: The Poker Player's Picnic from the "Royal Road To Card Magic" by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue. His second slight was 4 Aces Squared from Lennart Green Volume 7: Green Lite.

James Munton explained his version of the Ambitious Card ending with the signed card appearing in his wallet. He went on to teach the double-lift and top palm.

Larsen Eisenberg performed a version of the Cards Across Plot where he had a spectator choose a card and was not shown to the audience. A second spectator cuts off a group of cards and placed them in his pocket. The first spectator’s card is then revealed and that many cards are caused to join the second spectators cards.

Rick Beatty demonstrated the many ways to use the key card principle. He taught us his method of using the Alex Elmsley, Hammond, and Jordan counts. He talked about stage fright, and posed the question of what do you personally want out of this art; from just being a hobbyist, or a semi-pro, or a collector, etc. tried to get the audience to think about more then just sleights, or tricks.

Glenn Gary closed the meeting with a discussion on the art of stage blocking, and framing your act. He also suggested that you video your act and view your movements on stage and insure you draw the audience attention to magic at hand.

Magi-Whirl 2007

IBM Ring 50’s Magi-Whirl 2007, April 13 & 14. We have lots of dealers scheduled for the dealer room. You can see and talk to real magicians and look at new magic items for sale. On Friday night, April 13, there will be a dealer’s show with the dealers demonstrating the latest magical items, silks, accessories, and supplies. The dealers are: Silk King Studio - Ruth Rice Crone, Bob Little's Guaranteed Magic, Fred Mitchell's Magic Books, DoveLite - Bob Sanders, Hughes Magic, Inc – Richard Hughes, Magic Goods - Pravin Ponnuri, Wonder Imagery - Tim Sonefelt, Sorcery with Class - Scott Correll, Magic by M.P. Lair and Wayne Alan with some preowned Magic & Books. For details go to: http://www.magi-whirl.org./

~ ~ Bob Patterson