New Meeting Place for Ring 50 in Vienna, VA

Beginning with our Wednesday, January 4, 2012 meeting, Ring 50 will meet at 8:00 p.m. in Louis Meyer's

ChildTime Magic Party Place,
312 Dominion Drive NE, Vienna, VA 22180.

While the Vienna Metro is not within walking distance, we hope those members who rely on Metro can team up with other Ring 50 members to and from meetings. And taxi rides are only a phone call away.

In terms of logistics, there is plenty of nearby parking and there are several excellent restaurants nearby. We can easily be find a restaurant that would hold an area for us to dine as a group. (Amphora, anyone?) Louis even mentioned that Ring 50 members could use the dining area of his place and call in for pizza delivery, if that's what some members would like to do.
- Bob Patterson

December 7th Meeting - Childrens Magic

Wednesday, December 7th at 7:30 PM there will be a "Children's Holiday Magic Show" sponsored by I.B.M. Ring 50 featuring four of Washington's finest children's magicians. Admittance is FREE -- with donation of can of food or toy for local charity. The show starts at 7:30 PM and will be about 1 hour in duration. Be sure to come to the Holiday Inn, 2460 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA and see the show.
The magicians are Lorenzo The Great (Larry Lipman), Captain Token (Louis Hofheimer), Turley The Magician (Hugh Turley), and Laurie Curry.

Al Cohen Presents "Gems from the Past" at THURSDAY November 3rd Meeting

Coming up on THURSDAY, November 3rd will be a lecture entitled "Gems from the past" by Washington DC’s famous retired magic dealer, Al Cohen.

For more than 55 years, Al’s magic shop was the source for quality magic in Washington DC. The ceiling in the shop was covered with playing cards signed by great magicians. Al has hundreds of stories he can tell of his years in the shop and performances at Washington DC’s celebrity functions, such as: Presidents Harry Truman & George H.W. Bush, DC Mayors Walter Washington and Marion Barry, GEN Norman Schwarzkopf, Mohammed Ali, Jay Leno, Joel Grey, Joan Rivers, Avery Brooks…and the list goes on.

When Al retired and sold the shop in 2001, the magic world went into mourning. In 2003, Al Cohen won magic's equivalent of a Lifetime Oscar, the Academy of Magical Arts' Lifetime Achievement Award.

I.B.M. Ring 50 meets the first Wednesday of each month (except July) at the Holiday Inn I-95 at Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, Virginia, at 8:00 PM.

The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, All other magicians $15 at the door.

Ring 50 Teach-In Scheduled for October 5th Meeting

The October ‘Stars of Magic’ Teach-in is shaping up for an educational evening to enhance our Art of Magic. The lecturers may present a bit of related magic history, techniques, and then teach a trick or two. Each lecture will last 30 minutes. Members will choose three of four lectures to attend. Here’s the line-up for the October Teach-in: Bud Smith, the master of coins will teach some coin routines. Glenn Gary will teach us about the mystery of threads. Sam Brothers, will teach incredible card magic that you can do. Rucj Uffelman, mentalist deJour will present some easy to learn Mentalism and ESP effects. You may want to being some coins (dollars or half dollars), fishing line, safety pin, or deck of cards to follow along with the demonstrations and a pad to take notes on.

Patterson Receives SABAR Award

Bob Patterson was presented the SABAR award by his peers for the outstanding work he has done to support I.B.M. Ring 50 over the past several years. The Award is given to a current member who has given generously of his or her time and talents to the Ring. This is only awarded in cases of exceptional performance or service over an extended period. The SABAR Award Committee appointed by the president includes the past recipients of the SABAR Award (if possible). The award was named after Sam Shapiro; SABAR was his stage name, a contraction of the names Sam and Barbara, his wife. The Ring created the award sometime prior to 1971 and over the past 45 years there have only been 11 recipients. Previous winners of the prestigious award are: Lou Bertol 1966, Al Cohen 1967, Ray Eyler, Larry West, Winton Carroll 1971, Art Emerson 1975, Bill Wells 1978, Jack Nance 1988, John Roberts 1996, Jim Flanigan 2009 and Bob Patterson 2011.

Bob says, “I want to thank all those involved in this award and all the Ring 50 members who come out and support the Ring activities. I am most grateful and I enjoy keeping the Art of Magic glowing within the I.B.M. and Ring 50. For you to honor me with the SABAR award is what magicians call ‘the extra kicker’.”

The Great Zucchini to Lecture Sept. 7

If you ever have preschoolers or Kindergarteners attending your show, you MUST come to the September 7 Ring 50 meeting! The Great Zucchini (Eric Knaus), Washington's funniest and most magical PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN entertainer will give a lecture at I.B.M. Ring 50 on September 7, 2011 at 8:00 PM following a brief Ring meeting.

"In the world of local kid's entertainment, there is no bigger name than The Great Zucchini! You're like a phenomenon ... all the parents know you!"
- Tony Perkins, Fox 5 News

"The Great Zucchini is instantly likeable, and effortlessly charming."
- Gene Weingarten, The Washington Post

The Great Zucchini has been entertaining young children as a magician and preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows for more that 400 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel comfortable and ready to laugh. He will have you laughing at the gags he does to entertain toddlers. We each have different styles, but it does come down to keeping the kids attention and keeping control. If you EVER entertain children, this is a lecture you will want to attend. There is a lot to be learned from studying Eric's approach to entertaining young children. The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $15 at the door.

Past Ring 50 President Featured in Washington Post

Past President Eric Henning is mentioned prominently in Monday's Washington Post. In An article entitled, "‘Magical’ iPhone put to use in actual magic," Post staff writer Michael Rosenwald, along with other DC-area magicians Brian Curry and Josh Norris, as well as GENII Magazine Editor Richard Kaufman. Congrats to all!

Wayne Houchin Lecture Scheduled for August 3rd

The very creative and inspiring magician Wayne Houchin will be lecturing at the August 3rd meeting. Synthesis Magazine has this to say about Houchin: "The more you pay attention to what he's doing, the more you can't help but think you are watching something extraordinary in the making." He was a consultant on the national television series "Criss Angel: Mindfreak” and agreed to allow a few of his original pieces of magic to be performed on the show and subsequently shot a DVD of his impromptu signed quarter through soda can, Sinful, with Angel. He released the groundbreaking international best selling DVD's Stigmata and Indecent, and is one of the founders for Theory11.com – the groundbreaking new online resource for magicians. Houchin has helped to revolutionize the art of teaching magic on video. Houchin has spent his time developing his own effects and perfecting them in front of audiences across the country.
The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $15 at the door.

July Magi-Gram is here!

Due to the IBM Convention, we do not have a July meeting, and usually, no July newsletter. But despite his enormous duties as Registrar for the IBM Convention, erstwhile Editor Bob Patterson has managed to create a July issue! You can view it online by clicking here, or see the link in the right hand column ---->

Ring 50 Officers 2011-12

Congratulations to our new officers!

President
Danny Selnick
703-347-5540
president@ibmring50.org

Vice President
Kevin McGuire
703-675-5323
vp@ibmring50.org

Secretary
Wayne Spillner
secretary@ibmring50.org

Treasurer
Bob Patterson
(703) 490-1222
treasurer@ibmring50.org

Sergeant-at-Arms
Scott McDonald
703-491-7989
sgtarms@ibmring50.org

Webmaster
Theo Rushin, Jr.
240-988-3441
webmaster@ibmring50.org

Magi-Gram Editor
Bob Patterson
(703) 490-1222
magi-gram@ibmring50.org

Ring 50 Officers for 2011-2012

Danny Selnick was sworn in as the new president of The National Capital Ring at our June meeting. He stepped up from the vice president’s position to assume the leadership role. Washington, D.C., Territorial Vice President Dwight Redman conducted the candlelight Eight Points of Light installation ceremony. Others taking their oaths of office were Kevin McGuire as vice president, Bob Patterson returning as treasurer, Arnold Fuoco as secretary and Scott McDonald as Sergeant-at-Arms. Outgoing Ring 50 President Arnold Fuoco joined by former Ring 50 presidents Michael Taggert and Louis Meyer to serve as directors.

Winton Carroll Contest Results in June Magi-Gram!

Congratulations to Past President Louis Meyer, who won the Winton Carroll Most Humorous Magician Contest and was awarded the well-deserved DC Comedy Magician of the Year staff! Read all about it here, or look at the right column for the link.

Special Magi-Whirl Newsletter is Here!

In addition to the May Magi-Gram, Editor Bob Patterson has put together a special edition of the newsletter, with an extraordinary look at Magi-Whirl 2011, which is rapidly becoming the best little convention in the East. You can also look in the right-hand column for the current links to the Magi-Gram and many other great things!

April Magic-Gram is Here!

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Treasurer Bob Patterson, the April issue of Ring 50's Magi-Gram is online and ready for you to read. You can view it online, print or download it here.
Later, you can simply click on the Magi-Gram link in the column to your right --->

Wayne Alan Lecture Debut Impressive

I.B.M. Ring 50’s April 6th meeting was opened by President Arnie Fuoco. After a few business details he introduced our lecturer, Wayne Alan, Corporate Illusionist.

Alan opened his lecture with balloon to bouquet and then two more bouquets appeared. After explaining the production and giving a few tips, he had two spectators join him on stage. He did a Two Card Monte with a regular size Ace and a Queen and then he did it with jumbo cards. Finally, removing the table cloth he showed two very large cards (40”x30”) which were set up on the stage. From these two cards a live Queen (Cassandra) was produced! He explained the workings of the effect and how to build it for less than $300. Next was a coin routine with his version of coins across and the coins appearing under a glass.

Alan's lecture was based on his decades of experience and proven show business concepts, covering 1/3 talent, 1/3 marketing, and 1/3 publicity. Wayne Alan says, " Be a showman and act like a star, be mysterious without being hokey, dress like a star, have beautiful assistants, and ride the coattails of the famous."

Other effects that he demonstrated and taught included the famous rabbit from a hat, card shark gags, a card routine ending with his business card, chop cup, a white board card revelation, a comedy mind reading routine using a spectator blindfolded with a Mardi Gras mask.

Alan also did a torn and restored card with the card reappearing in a frame held by a spectator. The card had a corner missing and it matched the one held by another spectator. He ended the evening with a crystal silk cylinder routine. Throughout the lecture he gave credits to contributors of the effects and routines. A great lecture by Wayne Alan! The May meeting is the Dan Lacey contest for Washington DC Magician of the Year.

- Bob Patterson

Wayne Alan Lecture – April 6th, Wednesday

Wayne Alan introduces his brand new lecture to the magic world. It is called The Secret Formula for Success in Magic-1/3 Talent, 1/3 Publicity and 1/3 Marketing. It is based on a proven show business formula. Alan is a world-class illusionist and the only American to win the prestigious Gold Medal for Grande Illusion at FISM, the World Championships of Magic. Unlike the majority of magic lectures, the business side of magic is not ignored but it is embraced in this presentation. The lecture is packed with strong and funny commercial magic. Some of the features include: ♠ Top 10 things To Do to be a successful magician and develop into a Magical Star; ♥ Top 10 things NOT To Do to be a top successful magician and develop into a Magical Star; ♣ 13 sure fire ways to get great publicity and become a magic celebrity in your area; ♦ 13 commercial close-up, stand-up and stage tricks/routines (including an illusion). The lecture is free to Ring 50 members. All other magicians must pay $10.00 at the door.

March Auction Has Something For Everyone

Forty-eight members and guests attended the auction with 37 registered bidders. Auctioneers Dick Christian and Wayne Alan ( photo, right) did a fantastic job demonstrating the live auction items and coaxing out the best dollar. Danny Selnick and Bob Patterson were the accountants, Louis Meyer helped with the bagging the winning bids. Reggie Rice contributed by putting the unsold items in a holding area. The drawback for the evening was there were too many items (142) in the Live Auction and the time ran past 11:00 PM.

Overall the lucky bidders bought some great magic equipment, videos, collectable magic, and publications. In the live auction, Louis Meyer walked away with a great deal on an Abbott’s Botania. Avi Littky was the lucky winner of a Voice Amplifier. Greg Clements acquired a Dancing Cane at a very reasonable price of $30. After some spirited bidding Sylvia Lett was the top winner for a Boy to Rabbit illusion with a bid of $115. Tom Bohacek didn’t go hungry, he won a Peanut Butter and Jelly set. Ed Kaczka was the top bidder and walked off with a Disappearing Cane and Louis Meyer found an appearing cane that he liked. A Deluxe Handle Style Change Bag was another piece of magic that drew a lot of bids but was won by Louis Meyer for only $40.

The Silent Auction had many great deals on magic items. A card effect, a Victorian-styled Box of Destiny, had several bidders with Cassandra Rogers being the winner for $30. A very nice Chick Pan went to Bob Malinchock for $14. Mike Wolfson was the high bidder for a set of cups and balls. Dan Miller was the top silent bidder for a Confusing Crayon with a bid of $13. Karl Keat won a Self-Lighting Light Bulb. Ken Busch was top bidder at $13 for the popular rope effect “Hang ‘em High”. Danny Selnick and Dick Guay battled it out for a Milson-Worth Card Frame, with Dick placing the winning bid of $12. Eric Henning snagged a $40 Shufton's Portal for only $5. Another Silent Auction battle raged on for a 2 inch Crystal Ball with Cassandra Rogers placing the final bid of $13.

Altogether, it was a very busy night with a total of 63 items being sold in the live auction for a total of $1,930 and 101 magic items sold in the silent auction for $676. - Bob Patterson

Photo credit: Eric Henning

March Magi-Gram Newsletter is Here!

Once again, thanks to the nimble cursor of Bob Patterson, we have the Magi-Gram uploaded. To read it, you can click here or visit the link in the right-hand column on this page.

February Magi-Gram Newsletter is Here!

The February Ring 50 Magi-Gram Newsletter is here! You can view it here, or look for the link in the right column.

January 2011 Magi-Gram is Here!

The January Ring 50 Magi-Gram Newsletter is here! You can view it here, or look for the link in the right column.