Duane Laflin Lecture for December

Duane Laflin is a noted magician, teacher, and innovator. He is a sought-after lecturer among magic clubs throughout the U.S. Duane was a featured lecturer at ClownFest 2004 convention and a featured lecturer at the 2007 convention of The International Brotherhood of Magicians held in Reno Nevada. He produced and starred in a popular four-volume series of instructional videos on silk magic. Duane has lectured for magicians at the famous "Magic Circle" in London England and at the "Magic Castle" in Hollywood California. His lecture is a magical experience that inspires, instructs, and entertains! He performs routines just like he would for a regular show. Then he explains the methods and secrets in a clear and easily understood manner. Along with trick explanations, there will be tips on showmanship and stage presence. His ideas apply to close up work, kid show tricks, routines that are ideal for banquet shows, and tricks that work great on stage... and more. Duane initially marketed and sold his props, effects and accessories within his company, "Laflin Magic" but eventually closed his mail-order business to focus strictly on performing and lecturing. Ownership and rights to his props were transferred to his daughter's company, “Lock Family Magic”, a popular magic mail-order company that devotes an entire page to Laflin's unique creations, including his educational videos for magicians. The lecture is free to IBM Ring 50 members. Other non member magicians are invited to attend the lecture for a $10 fee.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Chris Capehart Lecture at November Meeting

Before the Chris Capehart lecture began, in appreciation for his life in magic a Broken Wand Ceremony was held for Russell Glover (Dr. Chang) at the beginning of the meeting. Past International President Bill Wells performed the ceremony along with TVP Jim Flanigan, Dick Christian, and George Woo. Russell Glover was a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and a Ring 50 Honorary Life Member. He was best-known for his performances as the inimitable and hilarious "Dr. Chang". He passed away on October 20, 2008 in Valparaiso, Indiana and was nearly 91. Members of Ring 50 gathered together in the name of God and to commemorate with thanksgiving the life of Russell Glover, as a member of our great fraternity, linked in fellowship with magicians all over the world and Russ’ interest, activity, and skill of performing magic was enjoyed by those who were privileged to share his friendship. We of the Brotherhood express our sympathy, prayers and hope in the power of life eternal to his loved ones.

Chris Capehart began his lecture with a performance before 106 audience members. Twenty-three children sat down front for the performance and antics of the hilarious Chris Capehart. After nearly an hour entertaining the children and accompanying adults left the meeting and Chris continued the lecture with the members of Ring 50. His lecture covered the importance of crowd control and keeping everybody’s attention. Chris has been dubbed "The Ring Master" and for good reasons. The three-ring routine is one of the cornerstones of magical illusions. Chris's three-ring routine, which he perfected in 1981, has been acclaimed by some of the world's most renowned magicians as "the best of the best." He gave us some of his techniques in handling the rings. He demonstrated how to use the Miser’s Dream to get the best interaction from the audience. A comedy routine without words using a lota vase and doll was very funny. It was an interesting performance and lecture by Chris Capehart.

Ring 50 Gets Three New Members
Kevin McGuire from Stafford VA was voted into Ring 50 membership. Kevin started magic when he was 7 years old when he saw a TV special with David Copperfield. Later in High School he had a neighbor that was a professional Magician that showed him some tricks and he was hooked from then on. Ed Pallas of Laytonsville MD is a part-time kid performer, regular Magic Cafe contributor, and criminal investigator for Montgomery County PD. George Woo was nominated by Jim Flanigan for membership into Ring 50.

Dues Reminder:
Ring 50 dues for calendar year 2009 are due by February. Treasurer, Bob Patterson, will be happy to take your dues starting at the December 3rd meeting. Dues are $15 for the year. The Ring 50 Treasurer requests that you pay by check, as this eases the record keeping. Make checks payable to “IBM Ring 50”. Cash will be accepted providing you have the correct change ($15). You can also send a check to his home address at 3450 Wainscott Place, Lake Ridge, VA 22192-5263. Enjoy your Ring activities throughout 2009 by paying your dues.

~ ~Bob Patterson