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

Egg Bag - December 2008

THE EGG BAG

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY NO. 23, SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS

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 –DECEMBER 17, 2008

THE THEME OF THE MEETING

Transformation, Restoration, Optical Illusion! 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/kl/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).

BROKEN WAND

Morton Rumberg reported on Dec. 13 that Phil Miller passed away in the AM.

His brother reported that at a lodge meeting last evening, he felt sick, went to the rest room
and passed out. He was taken to G.W. Hospital. He died there this morning. Phil was a member of IBM Ring 50, (Order of Merlin) and VMS (Virginia Magic Society).

The Memorial service will be next Monday, December 22, at Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, at 1:00 PM. Mike Miller’s (Phil’s brother) daughters Ruth Ellen and Jeanette are both coming, as are Meghann Davidson (married last January), Joe Mausolf (16), Michael Elsbree (20) and Stephen Elsbree (18). The girls loved their Uncle Phil and so did his grand nieces and nephews.

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.)


Jan. -- Production, Vanish, Clairvoyance
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?


DON’T FORGET TO LOOK AT OUR WEB PAGE FOR OTHER ASSEMBLY NEWS AND INFORMATION AT www.assembly23.blogspot.com

Egg Bag, November 2008

THE EGG BAG

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF

THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY NO. 23

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS

THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY NO. 23, S.A.M. MEETS ON THE 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB AT 14^TH & 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 –NOVEMBER 19, 2008

THE THEME OF THE MEETING

Psychokinesis, Precognition, and Mind reading! 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

We have been asked by the Press Club to provide some walk around magic for their annual children's holiday party starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.

This is an excellent opportunity for our members to do some fun children's entertainment, going from table to table and bring smiles and laughter to many young faces and some adults as well.

This party usually lasts until about 2:30, but the magicians don't have to stay the entire time. This is one of the annual events we do for the Press club in exchange for our meeting space.

We will be calling on volunteers on the Nov. 19th. meeting and finalize the other upcoming magical events of the season.

Monkey Business:

Our October meeting was a lecture by TROY HOOSER. After the lecture several of the compeers met in the Reliable Source for more fellowship and magic.

At the September Meeting: (an abbreviated report)

Ray Eyler presented the floating bill and his handling of Lou Gallo’s “Penetrated Bill” where a is folded lengthwise and covered by a also folded in half, a cocktail sword is thrust through the card and bill and then removed. The bill and card are examined along with the cocktail sword and then again the card and bill are penetrated, however this time the bill is slid from side to side. When the sword and card are removed the bill is found not to be damaged.

Lee Eyler was next to perform and “Sidewinder Card” where the chosen card being returned to the deck on its own levitates from the deck.

Jim Flanigan regaled us with his presentation of his “Presidential Cards” showing us the various candidates and finally arriving at the choice (chosen card).

Joe Tessmer roped us in with his rendition of the “Magic Stiff Rope.”

It was no gamble when Sam Brothers provided us with his performance of “Blind Man’s Poker.”

Dwight Redman as always entertaining, performed “Shinkansen” and coin in the bottle.

Larry Lipman provided us with an effect he is developing for his children’s performance he calls “Reach for the Star,” it is sure to be well received.

Noland Montgomery was next up performing Simon Lovell’s “Card Transposition.”

Matt Hiller arrested our attention with his presentation of “Crazy Man’s Handcuffs.”

Brent Hatherill performed a visual card force and prediction.

Steve Javes ended the evenings presentations with an effect he created – a bill change to credit card.

The group then retired to the Reliable Source for more fellowship and magic.

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.)

Dec. -- Transformation, Restoration, Optical Illusion

N.P.C. Holiday Party, Sat. Dec. 13

Jan. -- Production, Vanish, Clairvoyance

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?

Larry West

A Biography of Assembly 23 Namesake Larry West

Larry in the '70s with cards in hand

In the spring of 1993 Assembly 23 was renamed the Larry West Assembly. So that the newer members and magicians who may not have know Larry, below is a brief biography in order that they might become better acquainted with the person our Assembly is named for along with a group of photos showing his various faces.

Left to Right – Art Emerson & Larry West as they appeared on cover of MUM

Larry was born Gilbert Lorenzo West, Jr. on December 13, 1931 and at the tender age of eight years he received a Gilbert Mysto Magic Set for Christmas, and like so many of us, was never the same. In Larry's case, magic was never the same either! Larry attended Wilbraham Academy, Mass. Preparatory School and later Clark University where he took a degree in sociology. During this period he met and married Lois, a marriage which produced two children, Lon and Lori.

Larry at the piano at the National Press Club.

During his growing up years while visiting relatives in New Haven, Conn., he spent a great deal of time with slight-of-hand artist Rudy Reimer and inventor-manufacturer Todd Petrie. As the years passed he started developing his expertise in card magic, which was his forte.

Larry's full-time work was in broadcasting. After college, marriage and military service, in the 1950's, he started in radio in his home town of Pittsfield, Mass. Larry moved to Springfield, Mass., and for over two years produced a weekly television show (104 programs) for children on TV station WWLP, Channel 22, "The Mad House," under the guise of "MAX the Mad Magician." After working briefly for General Electric Broadcasting in Schenectady, N.Y., Larry went to Washington, D.C. for the Voice of America where he was an announcer and producer-director of documentaries and special English language programs.

Larry demonstrating for Mark Wilson

It was during the TV phase of his career that forced Larry to be inventive since the show used material at a rapid rate. With the appearance of Alex Elmsley's famous "Ghost Count" in the Dai Vernon "Twisting the Aces" routine, Larry found fertile ground for his inventiveness. Add this to his move to Schenectady, N.Y., where he met Vern Chesbro who had combined "Oil and Water" with the Elmsley count, and poor Alex's sleight would never be the same again. Alex Elmsley once commented to Larry, “I’ve created a monster.” Vern and Larry joined forces to write "Tricks You Can Count On," a book of card effects using the Elmsley Count and other counts (currently in its third printing,) which is still considered a classic of this genre of card magic.

Larry as “Witch Hazel” with Russ Glover in their National Award winning act “Professor Baldini & Witch Hazel”

At the 1967 national Magic Convention in Philadelphia, Larry met Art Emerson. The birth in 1968 of Emerson and West paired an inventive mind and a master salesman and introduced a line of exclusive magic effects under the Emerson and West banner at the Columbus Magifest in 1969. The line grew over the years and the Emerson and West packet card effects could be and even now can be seen particularly "Color Monte" the most popular packet ever marketed.

Many of the effects were Larry's. Many of the others, marketed by Emerson and West and credited to others have Larry's fine touch with modifications and improvements which have made the effects better than the original.

Larry as “Max the Mad Magician” during one of his TV shows.

In 1985, following the death of Charles Hudson, Larry volunteered to continue the Card Corner column of the "Linking Ring" with his first offering appearing in December 1985 and continued until his death in November 1989.

Art and Larry with Frank Garcia

In the beginning of the 1980, Larry teamed up with Ray Eyler to form KEE-West Productions. KEE-West printed and published lecture notes and various other magic and non-magic publications. Later in the mid 1980's Larry and Ray started putting together several effects for the magic market.

Three clowns at MAES: Ray Eyler, Larry, and Ed Sparrow

Those who knew Larry also know that mere words could not paint an accurate picture of the total man. His booming voice was recognized by all. His warm heart was always available to help others. And his sometimes off-the-wall humor brought laughter and pleasure. Above all, Larry loved magic and wasn't afraid to show it.

Larry with his wife, Lois

Larry was not only an excellent magical performer but was adapt at the piano even though he could not read music. On occasion he combined the two talents to provide entertainment for his audience.

Larry died of a sudden heart attack during the night of November 24, 1989. In 1993 the Assembly 23 of the Society of American Magicians was officially renamed the Larry West Assembly in his honor and to carry on his memory.

Troy Hooser Lecture

Totally Troy!!!

TROY HOOSER LECTURE
OCTOBER 15, 2008
FREE FOR MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS $10

Straight from the mind of Troy Hooser and into your repertoire. Discover the new lecture from Troy Hooser. This lecture is packed with Troy's favorite routines. Each routine is demonstrated and concisely explained. In addition, Troy describes all the subtleties and finesses required to perform each routine.

HERE'S A PREVIEW OF THE NEW LECTURE

Three coin effects, Three card effects, Three Miscellaneous effects, and a few extra routines thrown in. JUST TWO COINS-Just 2 normal coins vanish and appear at will. COINS ACROSS 101-Start loaded and end clean COINS TO THE BAG LESS PURSE -Three coins melt away visually as they are tossed to the bag less the purse. FOUR CARD MONTE-Troy's favorite card routine. Easy and fun to perform and worth the price of the lecture. TROY'S ACES -An easy to do Ace production with an incredibly colorful ending. PERSONALITY PROGNOSTICATION -A prediction with a killer ending that is easy to perform. RUBBER LOCK -Two rubber bands link and unlink and then they lock themselves together visibly. BOTTOMLESS BOX -Two crystal balls are magically produced from a bottom less box. LACES AND RING -A ribbon and ring routine with the bottomless box. Visual and fun for any audience. If you have any of Troy Hooser's DVDs, books, or effects then you know how good this lecture is going to be.

Sponsored by The Larry West Assembly No. 23, S.A.M.
National Press Club, at 14th and F Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.
Cocktails - 6:00 pm
Dinner - 6:30 pm
Lecture - 8:00 pm

Egg Bag - Sept 2008

OUR NEXT MEETING –SEPTEMBER 17, 2008

THE THEME OF THE MEETING

Levitations, Penetrations and Teleportation! 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

WED., OCTOBER 15, 2008

TROY HOOSER LECTURE

FREE FOR MEMBERS – NON-MEMBERS $10

Straight from the mind of Troy Hooser and into your repertoire. Discover the new lecture from Troy Hooser. This lecture is packed with Troy's favorite routines. Each routine is demonstrated and concisely explained. In addition, Troy describes all the subtleties and finesses required to perform each routine.

HERE'S A PREVIEW OF THE NEW LECTURE:

Three coin effects, Three card effects, Three Miscellaneous effects, and a few extra routines thrown in.

JUST TWO COINS-Just 2 normal coins vanish and appear at will. COINS ACROSS 101-Start loaded and end clean COINS TO THE BAG LESS PURSE-Three coins melt away visually as they are tossed to the bag less the purse. FOUR CARD MONTE-Troy's favorite card routine. Easy and fun to perform and worth the price of the lecture. TROY'S ACES-An easy to do Ace production with an incredibly colorful ending. PERSONALITY PROGNOSTICATION-A prediction with a killer ending that is easy to perform. RUBBER LOCK-Two rubber bands link and unlink and then they lock themselves together visibly. BOTTOMLESS BOX-Two crystal balls are magically produced from a bottom less box. LACES AND RING-A ribbon and ring routine with the bottomless box. Visua land fun for any audience. If you have any of Troy Hooser's DVDs, books, or effects then you know how good this lecture is going to be.

ANNUAL DUES ARE NOW PAST DUE IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID

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.

Monkey Business:

Although due to vacations and other outside activities the meeting was not well attended we forged forward with the individual presentations.

Pres. Matt Hiller had Ray open several canisters, one inside the other, and examine them. He then turned a die to show a number, he chose, on top without exposing it to anyone. He then placed it inside the smallest canister and then placed that canister in the next canister, etc. After the various canisters had been nested, Matt then proceeded to divine the number Ray had chosen.

As a follow-up Matt demonstrated his ability to bend a cigarette in half without breaking it.

Noland Montgomery was next up performing an excellent cut & restored rope routine. Very well done.

Ray Eyler presented Larry West’s “Famous 4-Card Trick.” After having a card chosen, he attempted to mental locate the card to no avail after four tries, however, after the announcement of the chosen card showed that all four cards to be the chosen card only to have them change to the four suits and same value.

Lee Eyler regaled us with a new effect based on the “Paper Clipped Prediction.” After placing a folded bill inside a paper clip on the table, he borrowed a bill and had it signed. He then folded into a small package only to unfold it into a piece of paper with I..O.U. written on it. Picking up the bill that had been on the table in sight of everyone, removed the paper clip and unfolded the bill to expose it as the signed bill.

Joe Tessmer entertained us with his well done presentation of the “Coin Squeeze,” causing quarters one at a time to pass through an opening in a brass cylinder that was small than the couns.

Cristian Vidrascu presented his four card monte using three 7 of Hearts and an Ace of Diamonds. He dealt the cards to the table discarding a 7H and asked us to point out the AD – it had vanished. He then introduced an Okito Box and caused a coin to vanish, this was followed by his performance of a matrix.

He ended the performance with a series of vanishes, appearances and color changing of a poker chip that magically turned int a jumbo coin.

The group then retired to the Reliable Source for more fellowship and magic.

AL COHEN TO BE HONORED

The King Magic Ring will honor Al the evening of Wed., Sept. 24, 2008 at the Hagerstown American Legion Ballroom, 405 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD.

The evening will be a montage of interview and experience of a most magical nature. They will explore the history and purpose behind the Great Magic Demonstrator of the last century. I will be a blast. Admission $5. Contact John Swomley, 304-279-7780, e-mail trickyperson@peoplepc.com.

Egg Bag -- August 2008

OUR NEXT MEETING – AUGUST 20, 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: “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.

FUTURE THEMES: To be announced.

IT HAPPENED IN JULY (Monkey Business):

The social portion of the meeting was started off by Phil Milstead performing what he called “Into the Temple We Went,” a tale about Indiana Jones at a Mayan Temple. He laid out 4 rows of cards 4 to a row. He then turned over several cards showing their randomness and with the assistance of a volunteer turned one row at a time onto itself until there was only one stack of cards. When he had finished the only face up cards were the Aces. Repeating the lay-out and folding in showed that the cards could be made to end with various outcomes. Very puzzling.

Joe Tessmer regaled us by causing a borrowed quarter to be pushed through the bottom of a water bottle.

Ray Eyler next introduced us to one of KeeWest’s Instant Magic Tricks called “A Frog Kissing.”

With the use of cards which had cartoons of a Princess, a Frog, and a Prince Charming on them, told us told tale of a Princess looking for her Prince Charming with a surprise ending.

He followed this with a performance of Larry West’s “Another Stretch on the Elongated Lady.” Showing 3 cards that represented an illusion, caused the Queen to be stretched. After the stretching, she was restored, the illusion turned around and opened as the Queen took her bow. Ray showed that he used more than 3 cards, he had used 4 instead, two spot cards as the cabinet of the illusion, the Queen and last but not least the card showing who had performed the magic. This card had Ray’s name printed on its face.

Our Prez, Matt Hiller, was next to introduce us to “Greed.” He displayed a $1 bill and upon folding it showed that it had turned into a $5, a $10, a $20 and a $50 which he turned into a Half Dollar Coin.

Dwight Redman had a card chosen and then with the help of some cards that we could see through showed us his performance of “See Thru Prediction.” After showing the cards to be transparent and blank proceeded to correctly predict the chosen card which could be seen through the transparent cards. He then performed the “One hand Card Trick,” producing the chosen card from his pocket. Don’t remember what he was doing with the other hand.

Larry Lipman offered James Munton’s “Three Card Bunny,” a beautiful rendition of the classic monte effect with faces of large male and female bunnies on them with a surprise ending all to accompaniment of cleaver verse.

Steve Javes offered us a view of a monte-type printing effect he hopes to market. He showed us a packet of bland cards and then caused a “Gift Card” to printed on the face of a blank card.

Ending the evening’s presentations was Christian Vidrascu stretching our evening with a rendition of “Crazy Man’s Handcuffs” which was followed by the vanishing rubber band that turned up in the pocket of our President.

We then retired to the Reliable Source for more fellowship and informal magic.

New Officers

Phil Milstead presents officers Ray Eyler, dean and secretary, and new president Matt Hiller. (Photo by Larry Lipman)

Photos from National Press Club Picnic

Assembly 23 members performed again at this year's National Press Club picnic. Top down are Larry Lipman, Noland Montgomery, Eric Redman, and Dwight Redman (photos by Joe Tessmer)

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