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!