Award-Winning Magician Glenn Gary Opens Parlor Magic Show at Historic National Press Club

Sleight of Hand, Close-Up Magic and Charm
Casts Spell on Audience in Intimate Setting

Washington, DC - Glenn Gary, Washington DC's leading magician, announced today that he will perform every Friday night at the National Press Club in a new show called Parlor Magic, starting September 1, 2006.

"This is by far one of the very best close-up magic shows I've ever performed, both for the level of sophistication and mastery required," Gary says. "People won't need to travel to Las Vegas now to see world class magic. They'll be able to see illusions and magic effects that will simply amaze them, right before their eyes, and right here in DC."

The Parlor Magic show harkens back to another age and time a hundred years ago when the rich and famous entertained in the parlors of their homes. With only 40 guests per show at 7 pm and 9 pm, the show takes on an intimate feel of yesteryear. Gary's program includes several signature magic effects, including a floating card box effect which he originated and made famous.

The show is expected to become a must-see event in Washington, DC for individuals and groups visiting the city as well as residents of the greater Washington area. Tickets are available from www.GlennGary.com .

Glenn Gary is considered one the best sleight of hand artists and conjurors practicing today. He has been twice awarded the "Best Manipulation Act" and "Best of Competition" by his peers at The Magician's Alliance of Eastern States. He is the Past President of the Society of American Magicians, Assembly 252, and Past President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, National Capital Ring 50. He resides in a suburb of Washington, DC with his family.

Barry's Magic Shop in today's Washington Post

The Washington Post has written a wonderful  article on Barry's Magic Shop. 
and there is also a video of Barry on www.washingtonpost.com/metro 

You can also post a comment on the Post's website.

Cheers,

Eric Henning

P.S. You may have to register with www.washingtonpost.com to access the article and video. Registration is fast and free.

July 21-22: Alain Nu at the National Theatre DC - FREE!

"Circus of the Mind" in Washington D.C.

The National Theatre is sponsoring Alain Nu to perform in the first annual Capital Fringe Festival. Alain debuts his one-man experience, "Circus of the Mind" in the Helen Hayes Gallery. A FREE evening with Alain Nu that will stretch the boundaries of your mind.

Only TWO shows on TWO nights, totalling only FOUR (4) shows during the week-long Capital Fringe Festival. Showtimes are on Friday, July 21st & Saturday, July 22nd at 6pm and 7:30pm.

Seats are first come first served! Tickets can be picked up from the National’s ticket booth at least a half hour before each show.

Complete info is at Alain Nu's Web site and
the National Theatre site.

Meeting Schedule 2006-7

2006
August 2 -- Children's Show
September 6 -- New Members Perform
October 4 -- Spooky Magic
November 1 -- John Born lecture
December 6 -- Holiday Magic

2007
January 3 -- Ring Magic
February 7 -- Teach a sleight/ move/ false shuffle/ etc.
March 7 -- Mentalism
April 4 -- Auction
May 2 -- Dan Lacy Contest
June 6 -- Winton Carroll Award “Most Humorous Magician”
July -- No meeting - I.B.M. Convention - See you in Reno!

Please remember all of this is subject to change.

Members Attend IBM International Convention

Four members of the National Capital Ring 50 attended the “Greatest Annual Magic Convention on Earth” in Miami Florida June 27 – July 1, 2006. Bob Patterson, Sam Brothers, Reggie Rice and Stuart Finley attended the conclave to exchange and seek new ideas in magic.

Stuart Finley (left) and Bob Patterson waiting for the Aldo Colombini lecture to begin.

Bob and Stuart enjoyed the keynote speaker, Cesareo Pelaez, at the Order of Merlin breakfast. Cesareo, a.k.a. Marco the Magi, is the founder and leader of the long running stage magic show-Le Grand David and His Own Spectacular Magic Company. He had his own magic troupe by the age of fifteen. Cesareo spoke of his experience during his many years of magic. He was recognized by the Academy of Magical Arts as Magician of the Year in 1981. He was voted into the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame, elected National President of S.A.M. in 1985 and has received its Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1995 he was named the prestigious Milbourne Christopher Foundation’s Illusionist of the Year.

There were 30 magicians participating in close up contest and 31 performers from 7 countries and 10 states competing in the stage contest. Dave Kaplin from Ohio was the “Peoples Choice”. The four evening gala shows were held at the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. The theater first opened in 1926 has been totally restored with stunning Moorish architecture, perfect acoustics and simulated night sky complete with rolling clouds. A “Magical Transformation” by David and Dania was an amazing performance. In seven minutes they combined a series of elegant ballroom sequences with at least nine showstopper colorful costume changes.

Reggie Rice (center) discussing techniques with new magic friends.

One of the highlights and junior winner of the talent contest was Eli Portola, a ten-year-old boy with a very professional performance including the Magical production of his sister from seemingly nowhere.

Reggie and Sam shared their techniques and skills to fellow magicians between lectures, performances, and shopping at the many dealer tables. Bob spent a lot of time visiting the many many dealers and purchasing a few magic items. His favorite dealer was Mark Mason from JB Magic. Mark was continuously performing the magical produces that he brought for sale. His British accent and humor was something to be admired. He was like a one-man show all day long. His table always had a gathering of magicians watching his demonstrations and buying several of his products.

Sam Brothers (right) showing an amazing card trick to Joel Dresnick.

We don’t know what went on behind the scenes, but from my point of view it was a very successful convention orchestrated by the convention staff. I believe all attendees experienced a memorable and pleasurable time in Miami. I am looking forward to Reno in 2007.
– Bob Patterson