Treasurer Noland Montgomery Featured in Washington Post

Assembly 23 Treasurer Noland Montgomery was featured in a great article and video for The Washington Post. Check it out:

Here's the Real Trick: Practice Makes Presto

Former Assembly President James Munton Gives Free Lecture

An email from James:

Hi everyone!

I can't wait to get back and see all my old magic buddies! I'm really excited about this lecture. If you came to the previous lecture I did for SAM 23 you'll know I put an emphasis on workable material that you'll be able to go out and actually use. Several of the routines are from my own performing repertoire that I use every week to earn a living. I'll also have new material (and products!) so if you did attend the previous lecture there will be plenty of new stuff, including a brand new mentalism routine that I think is well worth coming to the lecture to learn.

Anyway, the lecture is F-R_E*E but only if you register in advance. Otherwise it is $5 at the door.

Here is the info:

When: July 11 at 8PM

Where: Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA

There will be over $300 worth of fantastic door prizes for a few lucky people, but only if you register now!

For more information about the lecture and a registration form, please click on the link below:

http://www.jamesmunton.com/lecture/Lecture.html

Big thanks to Larry Lipman for helping to organize everything. Look forward to seeing you all there!

Best regards,

James

P.S. I hope you can also make it to one of my shows at the International Spy Museum.

More info at http://spymuseum.org/programs/calendar_pages/2008/q3/2008_07_13_ks_prog.php

--

James Munton

www.jamesmunton.com

james@jamesmunton.com

Egg Bag - June 2008

Monthly Newsletter of the Larry West Assembly No. 23 Society of American Magicians

The Larry West Assembly meets the 3rd Wednesday every month at the National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Join us for magic, fun and fellowship. Cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 8 p.m. Dress code: please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

OUR NEXT MEETING – JUNE 18, 2008

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, 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.

Theme for this meeting:

The theme is “Show us what you want to show us,” which is to say, there is no official theme this month. The meeting will be an opportunity for each member to show us a work in progress, or showcase a favorite routine, as he or she chooses. This is also an opportunity for performers looking for constructive feed back on their routines to ask for and receive it from other members.

OFFICER ELECTION: The following officers for the new term (July 2008-June 2009) were nominated at the May 2008 meeting, and will be voted on at the June 18, 2008 meeting: President: Matt Hiller; Vice President: Lars Klores; Treasurer: Noland Montgomery; Secretary: Ray Eyler. The incoming president is also responsible for appointing the Assembly reporter and Web Site Administrator.

FUTURE THEMES:

July-“Show us what you want to show us”

(Additonal themes to be added after installation of Assembly’s new President)

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

I’ve been president of enough organizations to know that while the president often gets the credit for a successful year, many people contributed to that success.

I believe we have had a successful year in the Larry West Assembly 23 and a lot of people are responsible for it.

This past year we began two new endeavors I hope will continue in the future.

The first was the mini-lectures at the end of our regular meetings. Many thanks to all those who lectured. I learned some things and I hope others did as well. I hope we can continue the practice of having one member a month offer a mini-lecture.

The second new endeavor was the inaugural “Sammy Award.” This year we honored Barry Taylor at an evening I think many will remember for a long time. Many thanks to our incoming president, Matt Hiller, for taking on this task and organizing a great event. I hope we continue the Sammy Awards. It gave us great exposure in the magic community and we should do all we can to continue encouraging the area’s top magicians to be a part of S.A.M. Assembly 23.

Over the years, we have had a long and excellent relationship with the National Press Club and this year we expanded that in a couple of ways.

After a long hiatus, the Press Club last year held the first of what is likely to be an annual summer family picnic and they asked us to be a part of it. Many thanks to Sam Brothers and Dwight Redman, who joined me doing walk-around magic and a kid’s show for the NPC picnickers. They’ve asked us back again this summer.

As usual, we participated in the Press Club’s annual holiday party in December. Hugh Turley, Dwight Redman and I did walk-around for the adults and children – many thanks.

Once again, we were called on to be a part of the NPC presidential inauguration. Thanks to Noland Montgomery for filling the bill that night.

It only comes around once in a hundred years, but this year the Press Club celebrated its centennial and asked us to be a part of the entertainment. A big thanks to Dwight Redman, “The Legendary” Rick Beatty, and Cristian Vidrascu for doing walk-around magic at the centennial.

And finally, we capped the year with our annual Close Up Magic Show in April. Based on several successful previous years, this year we had an overflow turnout and were forced to open a third room.

Many thanks to our performers: Bud Smith, Hugh Turley, Lee Eyler, Sam Brothers, Dwight Redman and Lars Klores. This marked Lars’ debut performance before a large audience and I hope it was just the first of his many performances. A big thanks to Noland Montgomery, who jumped in to help perform because our performers had to do three rooms instead of two. Steve Javes, as usual, did his elegant emcee role; and a huge hand to Ray Eyler, practically fresh out of the hospital, who pitched in as the third emcee.

There were some other highlights to the year, primarily our lecture with George Schindler. Again, that event reached out to the greater Washington magic community and I think we should continue striving for such top quality lecturers.

We tried something this year that, I think, had mixed success. Instead of having a monthly theme as we have had for many years, I thought maybe we should have a breather and allow members to just “show us what you want to show us.”

I hope that worked for you, but now that we’ve had that breather, I for one, would welcome monthly themes. Sometimes I find them restraining, but they also challenge us to think about new material or new ways to use old material, and I think that is a good thing.

As I said earlier, many people are responsible for our success. I want to particularly thank Ray Eyler for his advice and encouragement at the beginning of my term. Ray was largely responsible for our selection of George Schindler. It’s good to have Ray back after a rough several months.

Thanks to Sam Brothers for keeping track of what we did every month and to Lars Klores who kept up our website. I hope we continue to make good use of that site and hopefully attract new members.

Finally, I want to express my appreciation to Noland Montgomery. Not only is Noland an award-winning magician, he is also one of the most organized people I know. The club would not have run as efficiently as it did this year without Noland.

In addition to serving as our treasurer, (and with our hefty $10 dues he has made a substantial down-payment on a leaky rowboat) Noland also jumped in and took over publication of the Egg Bag in Ray’s absence. And Noland was constantly giving me suggestions and making sure that what needed to be done was being done. We are truly lucky to have Noland as such an active member.

A lot of people contributed this past year, but if there is one weakness in our club it is that we are stretched awfully thin. If we are to survive and thrive in the future we need to attract more new members who will contribute. One such new member is Joe Tessmer. Not only has Joe taken an increased interest in the performance of magic but he has also generously contributed his talents as a photographer to help us document and promote our activities, such as taking pictures at the evening to honor Barry and at the close up show.

We need new blood and people willing to pitch in and carry the load of responsibilities for running this club and performing at future events for the National Press Club. I encourage each of you to be on the lookout for new members who can make a contribution to our assembly. And I encourage those who have not been as active in the past as they could be to also contribute more.

If you review the list of those who participated and contributed this past year, many of them are the ones who have contributed significantly in the past. We need more participation and willingness to serve.

At Wednesday night’s meeting, we will elect a new slate of officers. I offer them best wishes for an even more successful 2008-2009. It has been an honor to serve this past year as your president.

Larry Lipman, President,

Society of American Magicians Assembly 23

The Larry West Assembly

A Brief History of The Larry West Assembly 23

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY 23,

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS

In 1930 the magicians in the Washington, D.C. area formed what was to be Assembly 23, of the Society of American Magicians.

Its first official meeting took place at the National Press Club in December of that year. The SPHINX, An Independent Magazine For Magicians, (then the official organ of the Society) records in its issue of January 1939 that the 6th Annual National Press Club Show for the NPC members and family was a great success. In the early days the Assembly met regularly in what was know as the Silver Room where it entertained the notable magicians of the times as they either performed in Washington or were passing through. This included other well know show biz personalities who dabbled in the art.

The Assembly from time to time has also been home base for many of the well known national and local magicians, too numerable to mention. The SPHINX reports that Arthur Godfrey, Arch McDonald, a well known sports-caster, Joe Kuhel, then manager of the Washington Senators baseball club, applied for and were granted membership in the mid 30's while in later times many of our present day magic notables have enjoyed membership with the Washington Assembly.

The Assembly's association with the National Press Club has remained steady through the years. On December 11, 1980 in the old Ballroom we jointly celebrated our 50th year of association at a show given by the Assembly for the members of the N.P.C. and S.A.M. Joining the celebration was President of the National Press Club Drew von Bergen and President of the Assembly, Dr. William A. Wells. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. John Harter, local T.V. news anchor. The close-up performers were: Al Cohen, Larry Davidson, Leon Picon, Barry Taylor, Hugh Turley, Dr. Wells, Larry West, Joe Sobel and Charles Zuis. On stage were: Christian the Magician, The KEE & Co. (Ray & Lee Eyler), Dr. Chang and the Gustafsons.

Members of the Assembly have provided the talent for the annual N.P.C. Christmas (now Holiday party), they have taken part in many activities of the N.P.C. and were a part of the the Wrecker's Ball at the "close of the old Press Club" and at the "Grand Opening" of the New Press Club facilities.

After the untimely death of Larry West, a well know magical personality and well known among National Press Club members, in April 1993 the Assembly was officially renamed the Larry West Assembly in his honor. Representing the national Society for the renaming ceremony was Fr. Cyprian, then President of the Society of American Magicians. Charles Zuis, the Assembly President opened the ceremonies and then turned over the podium to Ray Eyler as master of ceremonies for the evening. In addition to the renaming of the Assembly the past presidents were recognized and Dave Lederman was installed as our Dean of Magic. Today Ray Eyler serves in this capacity.

Past presidents of the Assembly No. 23, of the Society of American Magicians as they gathered for the re-naming of the Assembly to the Larry West Assembly (1993). Left to Right top row left to right: Alan Drew, Kenneth Trombley, Ray Eyler, Ron Bacon, Charlie Zuis (then Assembly President). Middle row: Ken Norris, Chuck Nuneville, Don Williams, Dr. Dick Wunderlich, Scott Bueller. Front row: Lee Eyler, Fr. Cyprian, Dr. William Wells, Harold (Doc) Dougherty.

Others who have service as President of the Assembly: (In the 1930's) C. F .R. Ogilby; Charles H. Small; R. E. Otterback; Theo T. Golden; Harry H. Baker; F. H. Untiedt; Charles Nyquist; (In the 1940's) Ralph Mittendorff; Carl D. Shoemaker; Trenis L. Jones; C. B. Petree; Hon. Fritz G. Lanhan; George C. Hench; Franklin V. Taylor: Fred M. Johansen; George Walter: (In the 1950's) Carl E. Brockway; Robert Shaw; Willard S. Swayer; Raymond M. Hicks; Orville Meyer; Mario DePrato; Fred M. Johanson; Willam Adamson; Hans Raab; (In the 1960's) Edward Campagna; Edward Tindal; Allan W. Houghton; Dr. I. Rutkoski; Henning Nelms; Wenton Carroll; (In the 1970's) Jim Temple; Larry West; Matthew Permick, Ron Bacon (In the 1980's - 90's & 2000's) Eric Wolf; Scotty Scafidi; Dwight Redman; James Munton; Hugh Turley; Scott Miller, Lee Eyler, Eric Feinberg; John Flanagan, Walter (Bud) Smith; Noland Montgomery. Today Larry Lipman serves as our Assembly President

There were others that served during the period of the 1960's to the present which are not listed. If anyone has additional information please send it to ceyler1026@aol.com.

Ray Eyler, Fr. Cyprian and Charlie Zuis at the Renaming of the Assembly

Fr. Cyprian making the formal announcement of the change of name of Assembly 23 to the Larry West Assembly

Egg Bag - May 2008

Monthly Newsletter of the Larry West Assembly No. 23 Society of American Magicians

The Larry West Assembly meets the 3rd Wednesday every month at the National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Join us for magic, fun and fellowship. Cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 8 p.m. Dress code: please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

OUR NEXT MEETING – MAY 21, 2008

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.

Theme for this meeting:

The theme is “Show us what you want to show us,” which is to say, there is no official theme this month. The meeting will be an opportunity for each member to show us a work in progress, or showcase a favorite routine, as he or she chooses. This is also an opportunity for performers looking for constructive feed back on their routines to ask for and receive it from other members.

OFFICER NOMINATIONS: Officers for the new term (July 2008-June 2009) will be nominated at the meeting. The officers proposed for nomination by the Nominating Committee are as follows: President: Matt Hiller; Vice President: Lars Klores; Treasurer: Noland Montgomery; Secretary: Ray Eyler. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting. Election of the officers will be held at the June meeting.

FUTURE THEMES:

June-“Show us what you want to show us” and election of new officers

PERFORMANCES AT THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY 23 NATIONAL PRESS CLUB SHOW:

The annual close-up magic show at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. is one of the highlights of the year for the Larry West Assembly, S.A.M. #23 and this year’s show, which assembly members put on in lieu of the regular April meeting, lived up to its billing. Seven magicians performed for an overflow crowd that required the use of three rooms, instead of the two rooms the assembly has performed for in recent years. The annual show is free to Press Club members and their guests as part of an arrangement the assembly has with the club in exchange for free meeting space.

The magicians offered a variety of comedy, close-up, children’s and adult magic. Assembly President Larry Lipman, Assembly Dean Ray Eyler and longtime member Steve Javes did the honors as masters of ceremony in the three rooms. Only six magicians were scheduled to perform, but because the overflow crowd forced the opening of a third room.

Dwight Redman stumped the crowd with his rendition of Dean Dill’s Box and with a torn and restored card routine in which he compared the torn card to an automobile’s body work. (Photo by Joe Tessmer)

Lee Eyler offered classic magic with his renditions of What’s Next, cut and restored rope and the Chinese Linking Rings. (Photo by Joe Tessmer)

Turley the Magician (Hugh Turley) brought his brand of children’s magic with a torn and restored napkin routine that worked for the child but somehow left Turley’s napkin in tatters. He had better luck, thankfully, with his sword through the neck of a trusting volunteer. (Photo by Joe Tessmer)

Bud Smith, who rarely performs for children, kept the family audience in stitches with his version of Fred Kap’s variation of Edward Victor’s 11-card trick done with dollar bills. Bud kept counting the bills, but when the volunteer counted them there was always a discrepancy. (Photo by Joe Tessmer)

Lars Klores, making his public debut, did several card tricks including a clever routine in which a card was nailed and stapled to a board, only to wind up free and a different card was found attached to the board. (Photo by Joe Tessmer)

Sam Brothers also did a series of stunning card tricks including his version of Rainbow Deck. (Photo by Joe Tessmer)

Noland Montgomery filled in with comedy magic featuring his puppet “Chester the Rabbit,” who delighted the children by doing just the opposite of everything Noland told him to do. (Photo by Joe Tessmer)

Egg Bag - April 2008

Monthly Newsletter of the Larry West Assembly No. 23 Society of American Magicians

The Larry West Assembly meets the 3rd Wednesday every month at the National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Join us for magic, fun and fellowship. Cocktails normally start at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 8 p.m. However, please plan to come early for the April 2008 meeting as the evening show will start promptly at 7:00 p.m. Dress code: please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress 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.

OUR NEXT MEETING:

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 16, 2008. The show is free to the public and starts at 7:00 p.m. 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. Press Club members, Assembly members, non-member magicians and their guests are all invited. The performances are family-oriented, so children of all ages are welcome. Performers will include Turley the Magician, Lee Eyler, Buddy Smith, Sam Brothers, Lars Klores and Dwight Redman. Rick Beatty and Steve Javes will be the evening emcees.

SPECIAL MARCH EVENT:

At the March 19 Assembly meeting, Barry Taylor was the recipient of the Assembly's first annual "Sammy Award". The dinner was well attended without a single empty seat at the table.

Larry Lipman began the evening with a very short business meeting. The following topics were discussed: the Annual Close-Up show at the National Press Club to be held on April 16th starting at 7:00 p.m. as well as the upcoming IBM Ring 50 Magi-Whirl 2008 to be held March 28th and 29th. The motion was made and seconded to have Sam Brothers carry a proxy vote for the chapter at the National IBM/SAM Meeting in June 2008. The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

All the dinner attendees moved to a larger room in the club and were treated to a standing room only roast in honor of Barry Taylor.

The roast began with a video from Dallas-based James Munton featuring special "guest appearances" (actually, James wearing various disguises) from some of the top names in the magic field such as: a very muscular Greg Wilson, a thoughtful Jeff McBride, Chef Aldo Combini, a hacking Martin Nash, a strangely powerful Max Maven, Dan Harlan, and finally some kind words from James himself.

Then a beautiful and touching video montage was played that was created by Barry's wife Suzie. It was a myriad of photos of Barry showing his history from his beginnings in magic to recent photos with various top names in the industry.

Larry Davidson gave several hilarious stories about Barry struggling to get his start with his magic store. George Woo spoke about several other very funny situations as well. Barry Wood spoke about his relationship with Barry and expressed his frustration as always getting called "the other Barry”. Joe Zable performed a very funny and creative mentalist routine with several cards and spoke about Barry the man, the punster, the lecturer, the shop keeper, his wife, the psychic ghost theatre and his relationship with Al Cohen and Al’s magic shop in Washington, DC.

Al Cohen spoke at great length about his relationship with Barry. Al then performed a card revelation in which the spectator sat on a freely chosen card, and Al seemingly discovered the name of the card by shining a light into the spectator's mouth and down his throat. His second routine was a CD that played by itself without a player.

Next, Larry Lipman presented Barry with a beautiful SAM Assembly 23 Sammy Award plaque. Barry then gave a warm and at times, emotional, speech, and presented a wonderful poem about the rewards of being a magic dealer. He closed the evening with a fantastic stage version of the 3 card monte in which all three card ended up being the same!

FUTURE THEMES:

May-“Show us what you want to show us” and nomination of new officers

June-“Show us what you want to show us” and election of new officers

OTHER NON-ASSEMBLY EVENTS OF INTEREST:

June 6 and 7, 2008 will be the annual Parlour Magic Foray of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns. This year’s featured performer and lecturer will be Bev Bergeron. Please refer to the attached message from Charlies Zuis, an out-of-town Assembly 23 member, for information concerning this annual event, which will be held at the Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns near Cooperstown, New York.

Pictures from National Press Club Centennial Celebration

Cristian Vidrascu, Rick Beatty and Dwight Redman entertained guests April 5 at the National Press Club's centennial celebration. Here are some pictures from the festivities. (Photos by Larry Lipman)

SAMMY Award Presented to Barry Taylor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Long-time magic dealer Barry Taylor was honored at the March meeting of Assembly 23, the Larry West Assembly, with the first of what may become an annual “SAMMY Award” for lifetime contribution to magic.

Taylor, owner of Barry’s Magic Shop in Rockville, Md., was roasted and toasted by a panel of area magicians including legendary magic shop proprietor Al Cohen, whose Washington store closed five years go.

Others toasting Barry’s 34 years in the magic store business included George Woo, Larry Davidson, Barry Wood, and Joe Zabel.

Dallas-based magician James “Wand” Munton, Assembly 23’s immediate past president, compiled a hilarious video tribute for Barry in which Munton shamelessly imitated some well known magical personalities including Gregory Wilson, Jeff McBride, Aldo Colombini, Max Maven, Martin Nash and Dan Harlan.

Barry’s wife, Susie, also put together a touching slideshow tribute to her husband.

The presentation of the first SAMMY Award to Barry Taylor was made by Assembly 23 President Larry Lipman.

Barry accepted the award with a gracious speech about the joys of magic and then entertained with a giant-card Monte routine.

Barry Taylor, (left) owner of Barry’s Magic Shop in Rockville, Md., receives the first SAMMY Award for lifetime contribution to magic from Assembly 23 President Larry Lipman at the March meeting. Al Cohen, bottom left, looks on. (Photo by Joseph Tessmer)

Here Comes the Judge

Photos of Assembly member Apurva Sanghi performing at a private event in March 2008, assisted by U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Stephen G. Breyer

Apurva makes his case to Justice Breyer.

Justice Breyer administered the magic oath by Apurva

Egg Bag - March Issue

Monthly Newsletter of the Larry West Assembly No. 23 Society of American Magicians

The Larry West Assembly meets the 3rd Wednesday every month at the National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Join us for magic, fun and fellowship. Cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 8 p.m. Dress code: please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

OUR NEXT MEETING – MARCH 19, 2008

SPECIAL MARCH EVENT:

Our March meeting will be the first Annual “Sammy Award” night honoring Barry Taylor. The evening will begin at 6:30 with cocktails, dinner at 7 p.m. is optional for $25 and the program will begin at 8 p.m. The program (not including any dinner) is free to Assembly 23 members and $10 for non-members. Attached to this newsletter is a flyer promoting the event for distribution to interested non-members.

FUTURE THEMES:

April-“Annual Close-up Show”

May-“Show us what you want to show us” and nomination of new officers

June-“Show us what you want to show us” and election of new officers

PERFORMANCES FROM FEBRUARY 2008 MEETING.

Rick Beatty performed three effects with the four aces. First, three aces were made to magically join a fourth ace held in a spectator’s hand. Then, the deck was divided into four piles, with one ace being placed in each pile and the piles returned to the deck. Rick spelled to the ace of diamonds and then to the ace of clubs. The last two aces were found when Rick cut them to the top of the deck. To finish, Rick again lost the four aces in the deck, had the deck shuffled and cut by a spectator, but still successfully cut the deck to each ace.

Noland Montgomery performed a “multiple selection” routine in which seven cards chosen by each of seven different spectators were lost in a shuffled deck, and then found by Noland in different ways, as follows: the first card was found by rubbing the deck against Noland’s nose; the second, when Noland “read” a spectator’s mind; the third, when Noland cut the cards to the chosen card; the fourth, when Noland blew on the face of the third card, magically changing it into the fourth spectator’s selection; the fifth, when one card turned over face up in mid-air; the sixth, when it popped up from the deck; and the last (which had been signed by a spectator), in Noland’s wallet.

Larry Lipman performed a variation of monte using four cards, called “Poor Man’s Monte.” Using three tens and one queen, Larry first showed the three tens, placed the queen among the tens and put one ten in his pocket. The pocketed ten then seemingly changed into the queen. Again, the queen was replaced among the tens and one ten placed in the pocket. This time all the cards in Larry’s hand changed into queens.

Jonathan Walker performed a three card monte routine using an ace, two and three in which the location of the ace repeatedly proved impossible to track.

Cristian Vidrascu performed a guessing routine he called a “Tribute to my mentor.” Spectators were asked to guess the name, height and age of Cristian’s magic mentor. Cristian recorded each guess on the back of separate business cards. At the conclusion, each guess was found to correctly match the information Cristian had earlier written down on three other cards. Cristian also performed a routine in which five spectators were asked to write down their favorite destinations on some cards and then asked one spectator to mix up the cards. Cristian was subsequently successful in guessing which spectator had chosen which destination.

Joe Tessmer performed a color changing disc routine called “Black and White or Not,” in which two discs were shown to be white on one side, and black on the other. The discs then magically changed colors to red/green and then to yellow/blue.

Matt Hiller performed a quick coin production in which a card was turned over four times in succession, with a coin appearing under the coin each time the card was turned over.

Dwight Redman performed a version of Professor’s Nightmare, as follows: first, Dwight folded a single piece of rope into three equal lengths and had a spectator apparently cut the rope into three equal pieces. The pieces were again shown to be equal, then balled up and handed to a spectator to separate. When the spectator separated the pieces, they were found to be three different lengths. Next, Dwight magically stretched the ropes until all three were equal again. Finally, Dwight, together with a spectator, tied all three pieces end to end and then made the knots magically disappear, restoring the rope back to one, long piece.

Egg Bag February 2008

THE EGG-BAG-FEBRUARY 2008 ISSUE

Monthly Newsletter of the Larry West Assembly No. 23 Society of American Magicians

The Larry West Assembly meets the 3rd Wednesday every month at the National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Join us for magic, fun and fellowship. Cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 8 p.m. Dress code: please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

OUR NEXT MEETING – FEBRUARY 20, 2008

Theme for this meeting:

The theme is “Show us what you want to show us,” which is to say, there is no official theme this month. The meeting will be an opportunity for each member to show us a work in progress, or showcase a favorite routine, as he or she chooses. This is also an opportunity for performers looking for constructive feed back on their routines to ask for and receive it from other members.

UPCOMING SPECIAL MARCH EVENT:

Our March meeting will be the first Annual “Sammy Award” night honoring Barry Taylor. The evening will begin at 6:30 with cocktails, dinner at 7 p.m. is optional for $25 and the program will begin at 8 p.m. The program (not including any dinner) is free to Assembly 23 members and $10 for non-members. Attached to this newsletter is a flyer promoting the event for distribution to interested non-members.

FUTURE THEMES:

March-First annual “Sammy Award” honoring Barry Taylor

April-“Annual Close-up Show”

May-“Show us what you want to show us”

Assembly member Noland Montgomery performing strolling magic at the 2008 Annual Press Club Inaugural Event

Assembly 23 Treasurer Noland Montgomery impresses a guest with his magic

and humor at the National Press Club's presidential inauguration Jan.
26. S.A.M. members regularly perform at NPC events. The assembly will
also entertain at the Press Club's centennial celebration on April 5 and
at the annual Close Up show on April 16. (Photo by Larry Lipman)

First Annual Sammy Awards

Our March meeting will be The First Annual "Sammy Award" Night honoring Barry Taylor. The evening will begin at 6:30 with cocktails, dinner at 7 p.m. is optional for $25 and the program will begin at 8 p.m.

Egg Bag January 2008

THE EGG-BAG-JANUARY 2008 ISSUE

Monthly Newsletter of the Larry West Assembly No. 23 Society of American Magicians

The Larry West Assembly meets the 3rd Wednesday every month at the National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Join us for magic, fun and fellowship. Cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 8 p.m. Dress code: please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

OUR NEXT MEETING – JANUARY 16, 2008

Theme for this meeting:

The suggested theme is “Love Story,” so dust off your favorite Valentine-day trick and give it a trial-run at the meeting. Or, just “show us what you want to show us,” which is to say, perform a work in progress (no Valentine-day theme) or showcase a favorite routine.

MINI-LECTURE:

This month’s topic: “Fantasy in Silk.” Presenter, Phil Milstead, will teach some silk productions as well as the nuts-and-bolts of silk folding and preparation that is essential to the production of anything from a 12 inch silk to a 6-foot square foulard. Phil suggests that members bring 4 or 5 silks, mostly 12” and 18” for a hands-on practice session.

If there is a topic you would like to see covered, or a topic you would like to volunteer to teach, please e-mail your suggestion to Larry Lipman at: lorenzomagic@cox.net. Remember, the idea behind our mini-lectures is that one member will spend 5 to 10 minutes at each meeting demonstrating a move, a technique or a trick and teach the rest of us.

FUTURE THEMES:

February-“Show us what you want to show us”

March-“Show us what you want to show us”

April-“Annual Close-up Show”

May-“Show us what you want to show us”

OFFICERS:

President - Larry Lipman

Vice President - Matt Hiller

Treasurer - Noland Montgomery

Secretary - Ray Eyler

Egg-Bag Reporter - Sam Brothers

Webmaster – Lars Klores

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Remember to check out our web page at www.assembly23.blogspot.com.

Egg Bag, November

THE EGG-BAG-NOVEMBER 2007 ISSUE

Monthly Newsletter of the Larry West Assembly No. 23

Society of American Magicians

The Larry West Assembly meets the 3rd Wednesday every month at the National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Join us for magic, fun & fellowship. Cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 and the Meeting at 8 p.m. Dress code: please remember that the Assembly is a guest of the National Press Club. Gentlemen should dress business casual or better–no Tee-shirts, shorts, jeans or flip-flops to the dinner meetings. Ladies should dress correspondingly appropriately.

OUR NEXT MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2007

Theme for this meeting:

The suggested theme for this meeting is “Holiday Magic” so that members can brush up on their Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and any other holiday-related tricks they may wish to present during the upcoming holiday season. As always, the theme is not mandatory and members are also more than welcome to present any trick of their choosing (not holiday themed), whether it be a work in progress, that they are seeking constructive feed-back on, or simply a favorite trick.

MINI-LECTURE:

This month’s topic: “Color changes, transformations and switches with a deck of playing cards”

Presenter: The Legendary Rick Beatty

If there is a topic you would like to see covered, or a topic you would like to volunteer to teach, please e-mail your suggestion to Larry Lipman at: lorenzomagic@cox.net. Remember, the idea behind our mini-lectures is that one member will spend 5 to 10 minutes at each meeting demonstrating a move, a technique or a trick and teach the rest of us.

LAST MONTH:

George Schindler was our featured lecturer at the October meeting and drew a packed house with his “Entertainment is First” lecture. George performed and explained his stand-up comedy routine, done entirely from his pocket and drawing heavily on playing cards. George’s professional routine is extremely practical, plays big and very, very funny. For those who missed the lecture, a portion of his presentation is available on DVD from your favorite dealer. George’s lecture was a real education in how to structure and present a highly entertaining, commercial magic routine.

FUTURE THEMES:

December-“Show us what you want to show us”

January-Love Story (Valentine day magic)

February-“Show us what you want to show us”

March-“Show us what you want to show us”

April-“Annual Close-up Show”

May-“Show us what you want to show us”

OFFICERS:

President - Larry Lipman

Vice President - Matt Hiller

Treasurer - Noland Montgomery

Secretary - Ray Eyler

Egg-Bag Reporter - Sam Brothers

Webmaster – Lars Klores

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FROM LARRY LIPMAN:

The National Press Club and S.A.M. Assembly 23, the Larry West Assembly, have a long history together. And we have an unwritten tradition: the Club provides us with hundreds of dollars worth of free meeting space each year and allows us to dine and drink in what is normally an NPC members only area.

In exchange, the Assembly provides free magical entertainment at Press Club functions. One of the most rewarding of these functions, from a performer’s standpoint, is the annual Children’s Holiday Party. This event is usually attended by hundreds of Club members and their families. There is food, drink, games, and Santa Claus. Over the years, a handful of our members have performed children’s strolling magic at the party. This year the party will be held Saturday, Dec. 15 beginning at 11 a.m.

I’m looking for a few magicians who would be willing to perform that afternoon. For those of you who want a little more performing “flight time,” this is the perfect venue: you will not be performing alone so you don’t have to worry about being the sole magical entertainer; and you’re not doing it for payment, so you don’t have to worry that you’re not giving the clients their “money’s worth.” At the same time, you will gain invaluable experience and have a great and rewarding time bringing smiles to the faces of young and old alike.

Normally, the performance is about two hours. But you are not expected to perform for the entire solid two hours. If you would like to do it, please contact me at: lorenzomagic@cox.net.

There will be several other opportunities to perform at the Club. At the end of January, there will be the NPC presidential inauguration. We usually provide two or three very good close-up strolling magicians for this adult, black-tie event. If you think you can handle it and would like to be considered for performance, send me a note to the above address.

This year there will be two opportunities for Assembly magi to perform in April. The Club will be celebrating its 100^th Anniversary with a gala event on Saturday, April, 5. We’ll again be looking for top-notch strolling magicians to entertain adults. Let me know if you would like to be considered for performance.

And our annual Close Up show, for a family-style audience of children and adults, will be the third Thursday of April, in place of our regular meeting. Again, this is a wonderful opportunity to get performing experience, or just help us keep our share of the bargain with the Press Club. This is more of a parlor magic style show in front of about 25 to 40 people in a couple of rooms. We’ll let you know more about it as we get closer to the date. But if you want to be considered for performance, particularly if you have not done so in the past, please let us know.

I am also discussing the possibility of some of our members providing brief magical stand-up entertainment at the Press Club’s monthly “Pub Quiz” nights. I’ll let you know more about that if we can work it out.

Assembly 23 is different from some other magic clubs. We emphasize the performance of magic. That’s why everyone performs at every regular meeting. These events with the Press Club allow us to stretch our performance wings even farther.

Pictures from the October Meeting

Former SAM national president George Schindler is
greeted by SAM 23 President Larry Lipman

Former SAM national president George Schindler gave SAM 23
Vice President Matt Hiller his new-member pin and certificate