Egg Bag - January

Our Next Meeting is January 20th where local legend Ray Eyler will receive our second annual "Sammy Award" followed by a lecture from Ray and his son Lee entitled "Inside a Close-up Session"

• Wednesday, January 20, 2010
• National Press Club, 14th and F Streets, 13th Floor
  
• Award Ceremony and Lecture in the Zenger Room begins at 8:00
• Free for SAM Members; $15 for all others

December Meeting:

I've Got You Under My Skin

Ray Eyler performed a variation of “A Very Good Hand” in which four Ace of Spades magically become a Royal Flush. Larry Lipman followed with his performance of Martin Lewis’s “Cardiographic.” Jason King dazzled attendees with his demonstration of a killer muscle pass, then perplexed them with his vanish then reappearance of a finger ring. Club Treasurer Dwight Redman performed a real fooler of a card to card box, followed by Noland Montgomery’s Flip Stick and Multiplying Billiard Ball Routine. Theo Rushin performed “Retro Sight,” a spooky routine in which words shown in a mirror fail to reverse themselves. Theo followed up with a quick performance of Richard Sanders’s and Bill Abbott’s “Powerball 60.” Next up was Lee Eyler, who performed his own marketed effect, “It’s a Pip” in which a card pip is plucked off a card to match the spectator’s chosen card. Brent Hatherhill regaled us with his knife swallowing routine, which was followed by Joe Tessmer’s Wine Bottle from Silks production. Lars Klores performed a four-ace routine which ended with David Regal’s “Leap of Faith” in which a chosen card travelled from one hand to his other hand. Alan Drew performed a hugely entertaining card and bill routine. Hudson Taylor performed his handling of “Out of This World” from a fully shuffled deck. Matt Hiller, who had planned to do OOTW himself, changed to a killer dice prediction at the last minute.

JANUARY’S MEETING

The McClendon Room has been reserved for dinner and the general meeting. All compeers are encouraged to join us for dinner.

THE $100 LARRY WEST PRIZE

In July 2010, Assembly 23 will have a drawing for a $100 magic-shop gift certificate. To be entered into this drawing, simply show up to the meetings. Each member in good standing at each meeting will be entered into the drawing. Every month, you have another chance to be entered, so at the end of the year those with perfect attendance should have 12 entries.

A bonus entry each month will be awarded to the member whose magic performance best exemplifies that month's theme.

DRESS CODE:

Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:

Dues are now past due! Dues are $10 per year. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), you may pay the Treasurer, Dwight Redman, at the meeting or mail. Make your check payable to “SAM Assembly 23”.

MEETING AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

In the future a member of the National Press Club needs to be in attendance at all SAM assembly meetings held at the National Press Club. This is a requirement of the Press Club. The secretary Joe Tessmer, a member of the National Press Club, will be in attendance at the November and December meetings.

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

The monthly themes for 2009-2010 are:

February: Come Fly With Me

March: You're Getting to Be a Habit

April: (NPC Show)

May: (Lecture TBA)

June: I Got Plenty of Nothing

July: What Kind of Fool Am I?

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

It is now required that all members of any assembly be national members of the Society of American Magicians S.A.M.

The Kapital Kidvention, a three-day convention for Children's Magic Show entertainers to be held in the D.C. area in January. More information is at http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/.

Egg Bag - December

NOVEMBER’S MEETING:

DANCING IN THE DARK

Among new business was the announcement of previous winners of our monthly contest for best use of that month’s theme. Lee Eyler was announced as the inaugural winner in September with his Houdini-themed “Sub-Trunk, Okito Style,” while Jonathan Walker won October’s competition with his “Trick or Treat” effect. Winners receive an extra entry into our end of-the-year drawing for the $100 “Larry West Prize.”

Performances began with Phil Milstead’s baffling effect where a free choice of folded papers yielded the letters U, M, and S, which not only matched a sealed prediction, but also matched the December theme of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Unfortunately, Phil was a month early, as this was November, and our theme was “Dancing in the Dark.” You’re a man ahead of your time, Phil. Better luck next month. Noland Montgomery did not disappoint with his well-performed Tabary/Sanders rope manipulations. Assembly President Lars Klores performed “Dancing With the Dark Card,” a routine combining Jean Boucher’s “Dark Card” with Royal Magic’s “Glorpy” to allow the ghost of Frank Sinatra to not only find a chosen card, but write a message on it insulting the chooser’s shuffling ability. Jonathan Walker’s “Dancing on the Deck” vanished an entire deck save for a single selection, while Joe Tessmer’s “Snickerdoodle” transformed a chosen card into a candy bar, which Joe promptly made disappear… by eating it. Dwight Redman followed with a killer handling of “Haunted Card,” for which he provided handling tips afterwards. Theo Rushin wowed the gathering with his “Imagination,” a great sentimental routine in which the sound of a radio mysteriously emanates from nowhere. Larry Lipman continued his search for the perfect Cards Across, this time baffling the crowd with Trevor Lewis’s routine, while Christian Vidrascu closed out the performances with a powerhouse memory demonstration.

DECEMBER’S MEETING

The McClendon Room has been reserved for dinner and the general meeting. All compeers are encouraged to join us for dinner.

The Theme for the December meeting is “I've Got You Under My Skin”. (Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

THE $100 LARRY WEST PRIZE

In July 2010, Assembly 23 will have a drawing for a $100 magic-shop gift certificate. To be entered into this drawing, simply show up to the meetings. Each member in good standing at each meeting will be entered into the drawing. Every month, you have another chance to be entered, so at the end of the year those with perfect attendance should have 12 entries.

A bonus entry each month will be awarded to the member whose magic performance best exemplifies that month's theme.

DRESS CODE:

Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:

Dues are now past due! Dues are $10 per year. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), you may pay the Treasurer, Dwight Redman, at the meeting or mail. Make your check payable to “SAM Assembly 23”.

MEETING AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

In the future a member of the National Press Club needs to be in attendance at all SAM assembly meetings held at the National Press Club. This is a requirement of the Press Club. The secretary Joe Tessmer, a member of the National Press Club, will be in attendance at the November and December meetings.

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

The monthly themes for 2009-2010 are:

January: (Ray and Lee Eyler Lecture)

Coming Attractions:

February: Come Fly With Me

March: You're Getting to Be a Habit

April: (NPC Show)

May: (Lecture TBA)

June: I Got Plenty of Nothing

July: What Kind of Fool Am I?

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

It is now required that all members of any assembly be national members of the Society of American Magicians S.A.M.

The Kapital Kidvention, a three-day convention for Children's Magic Show entertainers to be held in the D.C. area in January. More information is at http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/.

Egg Bag - November

JEEPERS CREEPERS

Several members being out of town this month, the Assembly 23 gathering was relatively small for October with only eight attendees, so we were able to move to a more intimate setting for cocktails and dinner: the large roundtable by the fireplace in the National Press Club bar. Following a long dinner in which several decks of cards somehow found themselves on breadplates, the group retired to the backroom lounge for the performance section of the evening, which was eyed surreptitiously by the National Press Club members. Our rat-pack theme this month was “Jeepers Creepers.”

The gathered magicians cut a (probably) ungimmicked deck to determine performance order. Winner (or loser, depending on your point of view) was new candidate for membership Hudson Taylor. Hudson performed his own impressive version of the Haunted Deck in which ghosts, represented by aces, magically appeared on the face of the deck when it was shaken. Matt Hiller followed with a totally inexplicable 2-ring version of Jay Sankey’s “Three-Ring Circus.” Theo Rushin then performed Chris Kenner’s “Five-Speed,” the climax of which produced audible gasps from the audience. He was followed by Lars Klores, who performed “Masque of the Red Death,” his original handling of Robert Neale’s “Thirteen at Table” inspired by a conversation with David Parr. Tom Kee performed a killer Marlo sandwich effect which left everyone befuddled, then Jonathan Walker, who had apparently spent all day with a playing card in one shoe and a piece of Halloween candy in the other, performed “Trick ‘R’ Treat” in which a chosen card was discovered in the magician’s shoe. Dwight Redman demonstrated a beautiful wooden finger chopper, then followed with “Further Than That” in which a Ten of Spades shows up in increasingly impossible locations. Final performance of the night was Sam Brothers, who favored us with a classic from Royal Road to Card Magic entitled, “Gary’s Spelling Trick.”

The performance segment concluded, attendees were already in the bar, so we stayed where we were and continued with drinks and sessioning.’

NOVEMBER’S MEETING

The McClendon Room has been reserved for dinner and the general meeting. All compeers are encouraged to join us for dinner.

The Theme for the November meeting is “Dancing in the Dark”. (Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

THE $100 LARRY WEST PRIZE

In July 2010, Assembly 23 will have a drawing for a $100 magic-shop gift certificate. To be entered into this drawing, simply show up to the meetings. Each member in good standing at each meeting will be entered into the drawing. Every month, you have another chance to be entered, so at the end of the year those with perfect attendance should have 12 entries.

A bonus entry each month will be awarded to the member whose magic performance best exemplifies that month's theme.

DRESS CODE:

Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:

Dues are now past due! Dues are $10 per year. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), you may pay the Treasurer, Dwight Redman, at the meeting or mail. Make your check payable to “SAM Assembly 23”.

MEETING AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

In the future a member of the National Press Club needs to be in attendance at all SAM assembly meetings held at the National Press Club. This is a requirement of the Press Club. The secretary Joe Tessmer, a member of the National Press Club, will be in attendance at the November and December meetings.

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

The monthly themes for 2009-2010 are:

November: Dancing in the Dark

December: I've Got You Under My Skin

January: (Ray and Lee Eyler Lecture)

February: Come Fly With Me

March: You're Getting to Be a Habit

April: (NPC Show)

May: (Lecture TBA)

June: I Got Plenty of Nothing

July: What Kind of Fool Am I?

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

It is now required that all members of any assembly be national members of the Society of American Magicians S.A.M.

Ray Eyler has a DVD of over 800 high-resolution professional photographs that document the entire 2009 S.A.M, convention for review by Assembly 23 compeers.

The Kapital Kidvention, a three-day convention for Children's Magic Show entertainers to be held in the D.C. area in January. More information is at http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/.

Egg Bag - October 2009

OUR NEXT MEETING – WEDNESDAAY OCTOBER 21, 2009

Current Assembly Officers:

Lars Klores, President

Cristian Vidrascu Vice President

Joe Tessmer, Secretary and Assembly Reporter

Dwight Redman, Treasurer

SEPTEMBER’S MEETING:
Al Cohen performed and gave a lecture to a packed house. A few photographs are attached. Al seemed to enjoy the talk as much as the audience. A big THANK YOU to Al from Assembly 23.




OCTOBER’S MEETING

The McClendon Room has been reserved for dinner and the general meeting. All compeers are encouraged to join us for dinner.

The Theme for the October meeting is “Jeepers Creepers”. (Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

THE $100 LARRY WEST PRIZE

In July 2010, Assembly 23 will have a drawing for a $100 magic-shop gift certificate. To be entered into this drawing, simply show up to the meetings. Each member in good standing at each meeting will be entered into the drawing. Every month, you have another chance to be entered, so at the end of the year those with perfect attendance should have 12 entries.

A bonus entry each month will be awarded to the member whose magic performance best exemplifies that month's theme.

DRESS CODE:

Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:

Dues are now past due! Dues are $10 per year. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), you may pay the Treasurer, Dwight Redman, at the meeting or mail. Make your check payable to “Larry West Assembly 23”.

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

The monthly themes for 2009-2010 are:

November: Dancing in the Dark

December: I've Got You Under My Skin

January: (Ray and Lee Eyler Lecture)

February: Come Fly With Me

March: You're Getting to Be a Habit

April: (NPC Show)

May: (Lecture TBA)

June: I Got Plenty of Nothing

July: What Kind of Fool Am I?

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

It is now required that all members of any assembly be national members of the Society of American Magicians S.A.M.

Ray Eyler has a DVD of over 800 high-resolution professional photographs that document the entire 2009 S.A.M, convention for review by Assembly 23 compeers.

The Kapital Kidvention, a three-day convention for Children's Magic Show entertainers to be held in the D.C. area in January. More information is at http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/.

The secretary of Assembly 23 looks forward to attending the November meeting and wishes everyone well with “Jeepers Creepers”.
You might want to check out the following You Tube clip of Hans Klok & the Divas of Magic who perform 10 illusions in 5 minutes at
http://www.flixxy.com/worlds-fastest-magician.htm

Egg Bag - September 2009

Current Assembly Officers:

Lars Klores, President

Cristian Vidrascu Vice President

Joe Tessmer, Secretary and Assembly Reporter

Dwight Redman, Treasurer



AUGUST’s MEETING:

Luck Be a Lady

Following cocktails and dinner, the meeting commenced with the announcement of strong advance ticket sales for the club's September 14 lecture with local magic legend Al Cohen. We then moved into the performance portion of the evening.

August's theme, in keeping with the Rat Pack motif, was "Luck Be a Lady," so of course there were lots of effects involving queens. New candidate for membership Wayne Spillman performed a version of "52 Card Monte" in which he found the four queens in increasingly impossible ways. Incoming Assembly Vice President Cristian Vidrascu showed us his sponge ball routine, his own take on the "Papa Rabbit" theme, and there was much debate about how to tell the "Mama Ball" from the "Papa Ball." Max Eyler did "Monte Mania," a version of "find the queen" which resulted in the queen being nowhere to be found, and a set of 10s in their place. Lee Eyler presented "Sub Trunk - Okito Style," a real fooler of a coin transposition with patter referencing Harry and Bess Houdini, and Bess's attempts to escape her Okito Box restraint. Joe Tessmer performed Chris Kenworthey’s Telethought Wallet, divining a number written on a business card and encased in a leather wallet. Jonathan Walker showed us his handling of the Princess Card trick, with which he had been fooling laypeople in the bar prior to the meeting. Dwight Redman was able to find not only the chosen queen, but all four of them, reversed in a shuffled deck. Noland Montgomery perfomed a flip-stick routine on which he has been working. Hugh Turley did "Swami River Mentalism," his homage to Carnac The Magnificent and predicted the contents of several sealed envelopes. This routine allowed members to practice their Ed McMahon impressions. Assembly President Lars Klores performed Mike Rose's "The Grail," a card at any number (which just happened to be a Queen). Matt Hiller performed "Synchronicity" in which a card lost in the deck appeared in the magician's mouth. Theo Rushin peformed "Rub a Dub Dub," a cups and balls routine with a rhyming, sometimes singing, patter. Ray Eyler finished off the performances with a killer "Marsupial Queens."

Assembly members then voted unanimously to induct Wayne Spillman into Assembly 23. Exhausted and thirsty from the vote, they adjourned to the Reliable Source bar for further sessioning and libations.


THE $100 LARRY WEST PRIZE

In July 2010, Assembly 23 will have a drawing for a $100 magic-shop gift certificate. To be entered into this drawing, simply show up to the meetings. Each member in good standing at each meeting will be entered into the drawing. Every month, you have another chance to be entered, so at the end of the year those with perfect attendance should have 12 entries.

A bonus entry each month will be awarded to the member whose magic performance best exemplifies that month's theme.

DRESS CODE:

Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:

Dues are now past due! Dues are $10 per year. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), you may pay the Treasurer, Dwight Redman, at the meeting or mail. Make your check payable to “Larry West Assembly 23”.

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

Dinner on Monday September 14th. A few months ago the date of the September meeting was changed to next Monday. Someone reserved the Zenger room for Al’s lecture, unfortunately both the McClendon Room and the mezzanine were booked for the evening. Good fortune smiled on assembly 23 and yesterday, Joe Tessmer went to the press club and working with the Mesfin Mekonen was able to secure the use of the mezzanine for our dinner next Monday. Please let Lars Klores know if you will be attending the 6:00 dinner with Al before the lecture. His e-mail address is klores@gmail.com

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

The monthly themes for 2009-2010 are:

September: (Al Cohen Lecture Monday September 14th)

October: Jeepers Creepers

November: Dancing in the Dark

December: I've Got You Under My Skin

January: (Ray and Lee Eyler Lecture)

February: Come Fly With Me

March: You're Getting to Be a Habit

April: (NPC Show)

May: (Lecture TBA)

June: I Got Plenty of Nothing

July: What Kind of Fool Am I?

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

There is a new, eco-friendly option, to new and renewing members at a reduced fee. Members may now choose to go "paperless". For many months, M-U-M, the official magazine of the S.A.M., has been available on-line. Compeers may now elect to receive M-U-M on-line and save $20.00 per year.

It is now required that all members of any assembly be national members of the Society of American Magicians S.A.M.

Over 800 high-resolution professional photographs that document the entire convention, many of which are have been included in this months M-U-M are now available for review by Assembly 23 compeers.

The Kapital Kidvention, a three-day convention for Children's Magic Show entertainers to be held in the D.C. area in January. More information is at http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/.

Congratulations to Ray and Lee Eyler who premiered their new lecture "Inside a Close-Up Session" at the Jokers Gone Wild convention in Fairborn, Ohio last month.
You might want to check out the following You Tube clip of Hans Klok & the Divas of Magic who perform 10 illusions in 5 minutes at

http://www.flixxy.com/worlds-fastest-magician.htm

Egg Bag - August 2009

Current Assembly Officers:

Lars Klores, President
Joe Tessmer, Secretary and Assembly Reporter
Dwight Redman, Treasurer

JULY’s MEETING:
Sam Brothers did an impromptu "Out of This World" of his own devising (after cheekily pretending to stack his deck to throw us off the scent).

Laurie Curry then performed "Zebra". She first displayed a silk with a white donkey on it. The silk was put in a bag, then removed and shown to depict a black donkey. It appeared that Laurie was using two silks, until she showed the bag to be empty and the silk changed to depict a zebra!

Jim Flanigan performed his own Harry Potter-themed automatic coloring book, followed by a Potter-themed card prediction, which seemed to go wrong until the magician was saved by an insurance policy, which predicted the correct card.

Matt Hiller presented his version of Jim Steinmeyer's "Nine Card Problem" using an interesting method in which the spectator decides the placement of the selection.

Theo Rushin performed a routine of his own devising which combined "Ambitious Card", Masuda's "Wow", and a finale from Jay Sankey's "Reconstruction" in which the magician produced a card which was one-off from the selection, but was then changed into the selection by peeling off a pip.

Noland Montgomery performed Paul Green's Copper/Silver routine that amazed all.

Ray Eyler performed Andy Dallas's "Vanishing Coin Box," a version of the "Sucker Die Box" which packs flat, followed by Larry West's "Roy's Ploy," a "Color Monte" variation using two selections and the Kings.

Larry Lipman, ever on the search for the perfect "Cards Across", performed a real stunner out of an obscure source he indentified as "Tarbell." This version used sealed envelopes to preclude any tampering.

Lars Klores chose Guy Hollingworth's "Reformation" for his first trick as president, and presented it with a faith-healer theme.

Dwight Redman performed his handling of Mark Jenest's "No. 2 Pencil," then followed it with a real baffler called "Blankety-Blank" from Aldo Columbini in which three kings and a blank card changed to four kings, then to four blanks.

Lee Eyler finished off the performance section with part of an Al Leech card effect in which a card was chosen, and then found via an indicator card reversed in the deck. In between the indicator card and the selected card the four aces were found. Lee then finished with his own incredible sandwich effect, "Club Sandwich."

Compeers are requested to e-mail the secretary with a brief explanation of their performances to included in the Egg Bag.

THE $100 LARRY WEST PRIZE
In July 2010, Assembly 23 will have a drawing for a $100 magic-shop gift certificate. To be entered into this drawing, simply show up to the meetings. Each member in good standing at each meeting will be entered into the drawing. Every month, you have another chance to be entered, so at the end of the year those with perfect attendance should have 12 entries.

A bonus entry each month will be awarded to the member whose magic performance best exemplifies that month's theme.


DRESS CODE:
Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:
Dues are now past due! Dues are $10 per year. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), you may pay the Treasurer, Dwight Redman, at the meeting or mail. Make your check payable to “Larry West Assembly 23”.

OUR NEXT MEETING – AUGUST 19, 2009

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

The monthly themes for 2009-2010 are:
August: Luck Be a Lady
September: (Al Cohen Lecture Monday September 14th)
October: Jeepers Creepers
November: Dancing in the Dark
December: I've Got You Under My Skin
January: (Ray and Lee Eyler Lecture)
February: Come Fly With Me
March: You're Getting to Be a Habit
April: (NPC Show)
May: (Lecture TBA)
June: I Got Plenty of Nothing
July: What Kind of Fool Am I?

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

To the consternation of some members of Assembly 23 the secretary did not attend the monthly meeting. Rather he had the temerity and unmitigated gall to attend the annual meeting of the Society of American Magicians, as the assembly’s representative to the S.A.M.
National Council. Two items of importance to Assembly 23 members are:

A: There is a new, eco-friendly option, to new and renewing members at a reduced fee. Members may now choose to go "paperless". For many months, M-U-M, the official magazine of the S.A.M., has been available on-line. Compeers may now elect to receive M-U-M on-line and save $20.00 per year.

B: It is now required that all members of any assembly be national members of the Society of American Magicians S.A.M.

Additionally, over 800 high-resolution professional photographs that document the entire convention, many of which are expected to be included in next months M-U-M are now available for review by Assembly 23 compeers.

The Kapital Kidvention, a three-day convention for Children's Magic Show entertainers to be held in the D.C. area in January. More information is at http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/.

Ray and Lee Eyler will premier their new lecture "Inside a Close-Up Session" at the Jokers Gone Wild convention in Fairborn, Ohio, August 21 and 22. For more info see http://www.magical1.org.

Egg Bag - July 2009

The Egg Bag - July 2009
Society of American Magicians Assembly 23 - The Larry West Assembly

A Note from the President:

Greetings Compeers,

I am excited to be the Larry West Assembly's new president for the 2009-2010 year. As my first order of business, I want to thank outgoing president Matt Hiller for his service to the organization, and also those "senior advisors" who have helped me get up and running as President: Ray Eyler; Lee Eyler; Larry Lipman; Noland Montgomery; Joe Tessmer; and Dwight Redman.

As you all know, we are starting off the Assembly year in real style by getting the great Al Cohen as our September lecturer. There is not a more important or influential figure in the D.C. magic scene, so we're all really thrilled to have him and looking forward to his lecture on September 14th. Please note, this is a MONDAY, not our regular Wednesday meeting time. To reserve your place, please email alcohenlecture@gmail.com.

In January, we will be presenting "Inside a Close-Up Lecture," a new lecture by the father-son team Ray and Lee Eyler, and then in May a third lecture still to be confirmed.

The $100 Larry West Prize

In July 2010, Assembly 23 will have a drawing for a $100 magic-shop gift certificate. To be entered into this drawing, simply show up to the meetings. Each member in good standing at each meeting will be entered into the drawing. Every month, you have another chance to be entered, so at the end of the year those with perfect attendance should have 12 entries.

A bonus entry each month will be awarded to the member whose magic performance best exemplifies that month's theme.

What are the themes this year? I'm glad you asked.

Meeting Themes 2009 - 2010

August: Luck Be a Lady
September: (Al Cohen Lecture)
October: Jeepers Creepers
November: Dancing in the Dark
December: I've Got You Under My Skin
January: (Ray and Lee Eyler Lecture)
February: Come Fly With Me
March: You're Getting to Be a Habit
April: (NPC Show)
May: (Lecture TBA)
June: I Got Plenty of Nothing
July: What Kind of Fool Am I?

Doing a trick which meets that month's theme is appreciated, but not required. Though, as always, each member must perform at the meeting.

The July Meeting

Our regular meeting at the National Press Club opened with new officers being sworn in. Dwight Redman replaced long-serving Noland Montgomery as Treasurer, while Lars Klores took the reins of president from Matt Hiller. Lars got off to a great start as president by announcing that the legendary Al Cohen had been booked by the club for a rare lecture on September 14th. Al has been in retirement, so this is his first lecture in years, and the club is extremely excited. Later in the year, SAM Assembly 23 will play host to a new lecture, "Inside a Close-Up Session" from the venerable father-and-son team Ray and Lee Eyler, longtime club members and owners of Kee-West Productions. A third lecture may be announced shortly.

In other announcements, Laurie Curry told the club about the Kapital Kidvention, a three-day convention for Children's Magic Show entertainers to be held in the D.C. area in January. More information is at http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/. Ray Eyler then announced that he and son Lee would be premiering their new lecture "Inside a Close-Up Session" at the Jokers Gone WIld convention in Fairborn, Ohio, August 21 and 22. For more info see http://www.magical1.org.

The performance portion of the evening began with Sam Brothers doing an impromptu "Out of This World" of his own devising (after cheekily pretending to stack his deck to throw us off the scent). Laurie Curry then performed "Zebra". She first displayed a silk with a white donkey on it. The silk was put in a bag, then removed and shown to depict a black donkey. All those in the know were sure Laurie was using two silks, until she showed the bag to be empty and the silk changed to depict a zebra! Jim Flanigan followed Laurie with his own Harry Potter-themed automatic coloring book, followed by a Potter-themed card prediction which seemed to go wrong until the magician was saved by an insurance policy which predicted the correct card. Outgoing president Matt Hiller presented his version of Jim Steinmeyer's "Nine Card Problem" using an interesting method in which the spectator decides the placement of the selection. Theo Rushin then performed a routine of his own devising which combined "Ambitious Card", Masuda's "Wow", and a finale from Jay Sankey's "Reconstruction" in which the magician produced a card which was one-off from the selection, but was then changed into the selection by peeling off a pip. Noland Montgomery performed Paul Green's Copper/Silver routine which amazed all. Ray Eyler then performed Andy Dallas's "Vanishing Coin Box," a version of the "Sucker Die Box" which packs flat, followed by Larry West's "Roy's Ploy," a "Color Monte" variation using two selections and the Kings. Larry Lipman, ever on the search for the perfect "Cards Across", performed a real stunner out of an obscure source he indentified as "Tarbell." Wonder when that is coming out on DVD... This version used sealed envelopes to preclude any tampering. New club president Lars Klores chose Guy Hollingworth's "Reformation" for his first trick as president, and presented it with a faith-healer theme. Dwight Redman performed his handling of Mark Jenest's "No. 2 Pencil," then followed it with a real baffler called "Blankety-Blank" from Aldo Columbini in which three kings and a blank card changed to four kings, then to four blanks. Lee Eyler finished off the performance section with part of an Al Leech card effect in which a card was chosen, then found via an indicator card reversed in the deck. In between the indicator card and the selected card? The four Aces! Lee then finished with his own incredible sandwich effect, "Club Sandwich."

Members then retired to the Reliable Source bar for sessioning and libations.

Contributions

The Egg Bag is a great place to make announcements, or to contribute effects or handlings you've been working on. Please send contributions to SAMAssembly23@gmail.com

The Usual Info

SAM Assembly 23 - The Larry West Assembly - meets on the third Wednesday of every month in the Reliable Source bar on the 13th floor of the National Press Club on 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C., between E and F streets. Dinner and drinks commence at 6:30, the meeting commences at 8:00.

Dress is business casual or better.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is August 19th. The theme is "Luck Be a Lady". See you there.

Egg Bag -- June 2009

THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY NO. 23, S.A.M. MEETS ON THE 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IS ON 14TH STREET BETWEEN E & F STREETS,
IN WASHINGTON, D.C.


OUR NEXT MEETING – JUNE 17, 2009

June – Lecture by Kozmo aka Ted Brainard is expected to contain a performance of his Professional Street Act; Translocation Coins (The reasons why Kozmo opens with this effect); Coins in the Cup (How to make this effect play big rather than play small); Card Trick (How to make this trick play big or play small); The Sugar Packet Trick (Why this effect plays so strong), and Chop Cup Routine (Kozmo’s complete routine with all its nuances).


MAY’s MEETING:

The following nominations were made:

Lars Klores as President (replacing Matt Hiller)
Vice President TBD (replacing Lars Klores)
Joe Tessmer as Secretary and Assembly Reporter (replacing Ray Eyler)
Dwight Redman as Treasurer (replacing Noland Montgomery)

The following compeers provided information on their performances last month:

Noland Montgomery performed Aldo Colombini's 'Rope-in', a variation on the classic Professor's Nightmare in which 3 unequal pieces of rope become the same length. In the Colombini variation, the ropes are then shown to be one rope, then one rope with 3 ends, one rope with 4 ends, then 2 ropes and finally, 2 ends are tied together, the knot removed and the 2 ropes fuse back into one (examinable) length of rope

Larry Lipman performed the "Nothing Box" where something kept showing up in his empty box of nothing.

Lars Klores performed "Heinsight" in which a prediction that the spectator would choose the Joker was written on a card box. The spectator then chose a card, which turned out to be the four of diamonds. It was revealed that every other card in the deck was a joker. It was then revealed that the card box prediction had magically changed, now predicting the four of diamonds.

Joe Tessmer –requested three spectators to agree on a single card within a standard deck. Using the missing think effect he requested each of the three spectators to select one of eight lists of cards that contained the agreed upon card. (This effect is based on the combinations of 8 things taken 3 at a time.) Using an invisible deck he then placed a card in the hand of one of the spectators. Joe then asked the spectator to place his remaining hand on top of the card. The spectator was then asked to invert his hands. Joe then revealed the card, and to the amazement of no one, the card was in the hand of the spectator.

DRESS CODE:
Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:
Dues are now past due! Our dues are only $10 per year, a real bargain. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), you may pay the Treasurer, Noland Montgomery, at the meeting or mail your check payable to “Larry West Assembly 23” to Noland Montgomery, P.O. Box 581, Beltsville, Maryland 20704-0581.

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:
June 5 and 6, 2009 will be the annual Parlour Magic Foray of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns. This year’s featured performers will include Bruce Kalver, 2008 S.A.M. President, Mike Miller, 2009 S.A.M. President, and Andy Dallas, 2007 S.A.M. President. The event will be held at the Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns located near Cooperstown, New York. Admission is $35. Checks may be sent to: Charlie Zuis, Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns, Box 72, Schuyler Lake, New York 13457. Please contact Charlie Zuis (Chazoo) at 315-858-2576 for more information.

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)
July -- T.B.A. / Make close-up mats?

Egg Bag - May 2009

THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY NO. 23, S.A.M. MEETS ON THE 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IS ON 14TH STREET BETWEEN E & F STREETS, IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

OUR NEXT MEETING – MAY 20, 2009

THEME OF THE MEETING

Escapology, math-magic, street bizarre! As well as show us what your working on! While we have a theme you are at liberty to show us something else and perhaps you will be able to fit what you are working on into the theme. Remember the most important thing is that you perform.

APRIL’S MAGIC SHOW:

Performers included: Hugh Turley, Allen Cleveland, Laurie Curry and Greg Clements, Noland Montgomery, Larry Lipman, Cristian Vidrascu, and Dwight Redman. In addition Jim Flanigan and Steve Javes were the performing masters of ceremony for the evening.

Allen Cleveland performed using the Pom Pom sticks, the vanishing (Nielsen) ketchup bottle and the invisible deck.

Laurie Curry and Greg Clements did the Gypsy Rope Mystery to the amazement of the audience.

Noland Montgomery opened with a short card routine involving the four aces, he then produced an apparently live mouse named George from an empty hat. George then engaged in a number of comic antics. He closed with a four-ring linking ring routine also with a child from the audience.

Larry Limpan did a version of "What's Next" with the multiplying dots and the "mismade flag" with the American flag that kept coming out incorrectly. He was assisted by a child portraying Abraham Lincoln.

Cristian Vidascu chose a random member from the audience by throwing a ball to the public. Cristian then asked the volunteer to choose a Jack (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs). The whole time he had an envelope in his hand. He pulled out the four cards and showed that the Jack of Diamonds was upside down. He then showed that he did not rely on sleight of hand, because the chosen Jack had a different color back. As a climax, he showed that the experiment wouldn’t have worked had the volunteer chosen another Jack, because the remaining three cards were blank. Finally he vanished a red silk, made it reappear, and subsequently transformed it into a flower, which he gave to a girl in the front row.

Dwight Redmand did a torn and restored card with an auto insurance story. He then did the anniversary waltz (two signed cards merge into one) and finished with his card to bottle routine with a Star Trek story.

Jim Flanigan, who was one of the evening's emcees, came to the rescue and filled some blank time with magic of his own. He showed a Spiderman coloring book in which the pages were colored magically with the audience's help. He also asked two men from the audience to hold the ends of a long rope which he pulled through his body in his version of the popular "Hang 'Em High" illusion.

DRESS CODE:

Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

ANNUAL DUES:

Dues are now due! Our dues are only $10 per year, a real bargain. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009), you may pay the Treasurer, Noland Montgomery, at the meeting or mail your check payable to “Larry West Assembly 23” to Noland Montgomery, P.O. Box 581, Beltsville, Maryland 20704-0581.

KOZMO LECTURE REXCHEDULED:

Due to a death in the family, the Kozmo lecture has been rescheduled for our June Meeting. The lecture by Kozmo aka Ted Brainard will contain a performance of his Professional Street Act; Translocation Coins (The reasons why Kozmo opens with this effect); Coins in the Cup (How to make this effect play big rather than play small); Card Trick (How to make this trick play big or play small); The Sugar Packet Trick (Why this effect plays so strong), and Chop Cup Routine (Kozmo’s complete routine with all its nuances).

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

June 5 and 6, 2009 will be the annual Parlour Magic Foray of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns. This year’s featured performers will include Bruce Kalver, 2008 S.A.M. President, Mike Miller, 2009 S.A.M. President, and Andy Dallas, 2007 S.A.M. President. The event will be held at the Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns located near Cooperstown, New York. Admission is $35. Checks may be sent to: Charlie Zuis, Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns, Box 72, Schuyler Lake, New York 13457. Please contact Charlie Zuis (Chazoo) at 315-858-2576 for more information.

UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

June – Lecture by Kozmo aka Ted Brainard

July -- T.B.A. / Make close-up mats?

Munton Makes New Friends

Former Assembly 23 President James Munton surrounded by girls at a recent sorority performance in Dallas, reminds us why we all became magicians in the first place. We miss you James. Don't work too hard.

Annual National Press Club Show - Photos

Assembly 23's Annual National Press Club Show was a great success. Below are some pictures. All photographs are by SAM member and Master Photographer Joe Tessmer (http://www.tessmeroffairfax.com)

Hugh Turley

Jim Flanagan

Noland Montgomery

Allen Cleveland

Egg Bag - April 2009

THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY NO. 23, S.A.M. MEETS ON THE 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB ON 14TH BETWEEN F & G STREETS, IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

OUR NEXT MEETING –APRIL 15, 2009

In lieu of the regularly scheduled meeting, the Assembly will hold its annual close-up/parlor show for the National Press Club members and other guests on Wednesday, April 15, 2008. The show is free to the public and starts at 7:30 PM instead of at the regular 8:00 p.m. meeting time. Please arrive early and if you will be dining at the Press Club, arrive extra early. The performances are family-oriented, so children of all ages are welcome. Even if you are not performing in the show, please come and lend your support to the assembly.



DRESS CODE:

Please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress in business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.



ANNUAL DUES:

Dues are now due! Our dues are only $10 per year, a real bargain. If you have not yet paid dues for the new fiscal year (April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009), you may pay the Treasurer, Noland Montgomery, at the meeting or mail your check payable to “Larry West Assembly 23” to Noland Montgomery, P.O. Box 581, Beltsville, Maryland 20704-0581.



KOZMO LECTURE RESCHEDULED:

Due to a death in the family, the Kozmo lecture has been rescheduled for our June Meeting. The lecture by Kozmo aka Ted Brainard will contain a performance of his Professional Street Act; Translocation Coins (The reasons why Kozmo opens with this effect); Coins in the Cup (How to make this effect play big rather than play small); Card Trick (How to make this trick play big or play small); The Sugar Packet Trick (Why this effect plays so strong), and Chop Cup Routine (Kozmo’s complete routine with all its nuances).



OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

June 5 and 6, 2009 will be the annual Parlour Magic Foray of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns. This year’s featured performers will include Bruce Kalver, 2008 S.A.M. President, Mike Miller, 2009 S.A.M. President, and Andy Dallas, 2007 S.A.M. President. The event will be held at the Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns located near Cooperstown, New York. Admission is $35. Checks may be sent to: Charlie Zuis, Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns, Box 72, Schuyler Lake, New York 13457. Please contact Charlie Zuis (Chazoo) at 315-858-2576 for more information.



UP-COMING THEMES & ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSEMBLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

May. -- Escapology, math-magic, street bizarre

June – Lecture by Kozmo aka Ted Brainard

July -- T.B.A. / Make close-up mats?

Egg Bag, March 2009

OUR NEXT MEETING – March 18, 2009


THE THEME OF THE MEETING

Penetration, Prediction, Prestidigitation! As well as show us what your working on! While we have a theme you are at liberty to show us something else and perhaps you will be able to fit what you are working on into the theme. Remember the most important thing is that you perform.


SPECIAL NOTE

Our April meeting will be devoted to our annual close-up show for members and guests of the National Press Club. Even if you are not performing that night, please come and lend your support to the assembly members who will be performing.


Kozmo lecture rescheduled

Due to a death in the family, the Kozmo lecture has been rescheduled for our June Meeting.

The lecture by Kozmo aka Ted Brainard will contain a performance of his Professional Street Act; Translocation Coins (The reasons why Kozmo opens with this effect); Coins in the Cup (How to make this effect play big rather than play small); Card Trick (How to make this trick play big or play small); The Sugar Packet Trick (Why this effect plays so strong), and Chop Cup Routine (Kozmo’s complete routine with all its nuances).


Up-Coming Themes & Activities of the Assembly - Subject to Change

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)
Apr. -- National Press Club close-up show.
May. -- Escapology, math-magic, street bizarre
June -- T.B.A. / Mini Lecture teach in?
July -- T.B.A. / Make close-up mats?

Lecture Program Change

Justin Miller has replaced Kozmo as Assembly 23's lecturer this Wednesday.

Kozmo had to bow out due to a family emergency. However, we are excited to have Justin lecture. Justin does astonishing close-up magic. His DVD releases include "The Cloak," "X Marks the Spot," "Time and Space," and most recently "Captured." You don't want to miss this! The lecture is free to Assembly 23 members and $15 for non-members.

Kozmo Lecture - Wednesday, Feb. 18

On Wednesday, February 18th, the Larry West Assembly will be sponsoring a lecture by the famous street magician Kozmo.

Please join us at 6:00 for cocktails, 6:30 for dinner. The lecture begins at 8:00.

The cost of the lecture is $15 for non-members. SAM members are admitted free. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Here's a little more about Kozmo and his lecture:

Kozmo

Teaches...

More Than Just Magic Tricks

Kozmo

Ted Brainard is the creator of Kozmo Magic, which is recognized as one of today's premier magic video production companies. His "Reel Magic Magazine" continues to be the benchmark in the video magic industry. Ted's alter ego, Kozmo, is acknowledged to be one of the top street performers in the world today

Kozmo will begin his lecture with a performance of his professional street act. This is a treat in and of itself. Kozmo will proceed to explain each effect in his street act. Kozmo pushes the envelope by teaching you why he has chosen each effect and why he has placed each effect where it is in his act.

You will hear Kozmo talk about conditions on the street. He will give you his thoughts on how to make your “hats” bigger. You will laugh at some of the anecdotes you will hear, including a great story about Harry Anderson.

Kozmo will show you how the principles of performing in the street can also be applied to the restaurant magic venue as well as the trade-show floor.

You may well jump for joy, as there is ONLY ONE card trick in the lecture. To some of you this may be your motivation to attend the lecture.

What You Will Learn At Kozmo’s Lecture:

• Translocation Coins – The reasons why Kozmo opens with this effect
• Coins In The Cup – You will learn how to make this effect play big rather than play small
• A Card Trick – How to make this trick play big or play small
• The Sugar Packet Trick – Why this effect plays so strong
• Chop Cup Routine – Kozmo’s complete routine with all its nuances

Learn how to make your hats bigger, your magic play stronger, and learn a lesson in psychology, magic, and audience management!

Plus much much more!!!

"Kozmo is what magicians need to be -- ENTERTAINING!" - Karl Norman

"All magicians need to see you work". -- Obie O'Brien

Egg Bag, January 2009

THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY NO. 23, S.A.M. MEETS ON THE 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB AT 14th & F STREETS, IN WASHINGTON, D.C.


Join us for fun, magic and fellowship. Cocktails start at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., and meeting at 7:30 p.m.


OUR NEXT MEETING – January 21, 2009

THE THEME OF THE MEETING:

Production, Vanish, Clairvoyance! As well as show us what your working on! While we have a theme you are at liberty to show us something else and perhaps you will be able to fit what you are working on into the theme. Remember the most important thing is that you perform.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Remember on February 18, 2009, the Assembly will sponsor a lecture by Kozmo a/k/a Ted Brainard The lecture will contain a performance of his Professional Street Act; Translocation Coins (The reasons why Kozmo opens with this effect); Coins in the Cup (How to make this effect play big rather than play small); A Card Trick (How to make this trick play big or play small); The Sugar Packet Trick (Why this effect plays so strong), and Chop Cup Routine (Kozmo’s complete routine with all its nuances).

The Magic of the Evening

Laurie Curry presenting her handling of the Drawer Box; showed us an empty small box only to produce a multitude of items from inside this “empty” container. Oh where, oh where did these things come from??

Noland Montgomery regaled us with a beautiful one coin routine.

Dwight Redman changing props provide us with an insight to his card expertise with the presentation of “Guess Again Revelation and Chameleon Jokers.”

Joe Tessmer not to be outdone caused a Queen and Nine to transpose.

Ray Eyler performed Kee-West’s “Marsupial Queens” and John Bannon’s torn, burnt & restored cigarette paper, “Shrike of the Mutilated.”

Larry Lipman entertained us with his rendition of “Paint my Flower” a beautiful Kids routine with silks.

Matt Hiller performed “Cheek to Cheek,” and to end the evening...

Christian Vidrasco did a cut & restored rope performance and a card spelling effect.



The group then retired to the Reliable Source for further exchange and socialization.


Up-Coming Themes & Activities of the Assembly - Subject to Change

(Remember, although we have a theme you may perform something else, the most important thing is that you perform.)

Feb. -- Kosmo Lecture
Mar. -- Penetration, Prediction, Prestidigitation
Apr. -- National Press Club close-up show.
May. -- Escapology, math-magic, street bizarre
June -- T.B.A. / Mini Lecture teach in?
July -- T.B.A. / Make close-up mats?

Pics from the National Press Club Children's Holiday Party

SAM Assembly 23 members Steve Javes, Jim Flanagan, and Dwight Redman performed at this year's annual National Press Club Children's Holiday Party. Here are some photos:

Steve Javes

Jim Flanagan

Dwight Redman