Annual National Press Club Magic Show April 29, 2016

Performers for the evening will be:  Lars Klores, Theo Rushin, Con Ward, Noland Montgomery and Larry Lipman

Emcees will be Dan Holtan and Mike Plotnick.

The event will start at 7 p.m. in the National Press Club conference rooms.  It is free and open to the general public.

There will not be a regular meeting in April because of the show.  Our next meeting will be Wednesday, May 18.  The theme will be to do a trick based on the Willie Nelson song: "The Red-Headed Stranger."  No one is required to adhere to the theme, it's just a suggestion.

We will also vote on candidates for officers for the 2016-2017 year.

Questions: contact SAM 23 President Larry Lipman at lorenzomagic@cox.net

Noland Montgomery and Arnold Fuoco perform in last year's show.


 

December meeting Dec. 17

The Society of American Magicians, Assembly 23. the Larry West Assembly, will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at our traditional meeting place—The National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC on the 14th Floor, starting at 8 p.m. If you can, come an hour early for dinner before the meeting starts. I look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting!

Larry Lipman
President-Assembly 23

 

December Theme

This month's theme, in keeping with our year-long Hitchcock-movie theme, is "The Man Who Knew Too Much."  Hitchcock made two versions, one in 1934 and again in 1956.  We're doing the 1956 version starring James Stewart and Doris Day.

As always, this is only the suggested theme, so if you have some other routine you would like to showcase, or are working on and would like to try out in front of the group, feel free to do so and depart from this month's theme.


REMINDER, Members of Assembly 23 will perform Saturday, Dec. 13 at the National Press Club's annual Holiday Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Here's what happened at the October meeting of Assembly 23, The Larry West Assembly

“PSYCHO”

President Larry Lipman opened the meeting by soliciting volunteers to perform at the National Press Club (NPC) Holiday Party in December. The NPC provides us with penthouse space for our meetings and this is one way we return the favor.  

We are also looking for a local theater director to attend one of our meetings and provide a critique for each member’s performance. Lars Klores has been in contact with Frank Schutts (many local plays including Avenue Q) and will try to set this up for March.

October’s theme was the movie “Psycho.” Larry Lipman opened with a four ace revelation. Starting with a 4X4 playing card matrix, columns and rows were randomly folded on top of each other until only four cards were face up. Incredibly, they were the four aces.  Next, Arnold Fuoco had a four card packet selected and the packet represented the Bates Motel. One by one the cards changed into photos of the characters from the film “Psycho.”  Up next was Dwight Redman who dazzled us with a “vanishing jacks” packet effect. Four jacks appeared and disappeared and transformed into blanks at sonic speed. Continuing the “psycho” theme, Erik Feinberg surprised us with a box that exploded revealing a mouse trap. He also slashed and restored a credit card. Succeeding Erik was Micah Goodwin who performed an amazing mind reading effect. He had Dan Holtan write a name of someone on a folded billet and tore the sheet into many pieces. He was able to divine the name on the sheet: Dan’s father.

Do you like escapes? Stan Hillard had us riveted as he secured two ropes with four silk handkerchiefs, one wand, and two rings. With one stroke all the props came free and the audience was left bewildered. Lars Klores moved into the spotlight with a mind reading routine. He had two members shuffle and select one page from about 20 emotions written on small sheets of paper. Without looking at the sheets Lars revealed both emotions correctly. He then amazed us with his version of “Bux Stop” by Kuda Bux. Up next was Dan Holtan who astonished us with four packets of color changing card backs and his version of “Beam me up Scotty.” The final performer was Nolan Montgomery who entertained us with his classic vanishing wand, appearing hat, and hat and ball routine.

The theme for November is based on the Hitchcock movie "Rope."

Meetings Continue!

Hello,

Just a quick update to let everyone know that SAM Assembly 23 continues to meet the third Wednesday of every month.  Timing, address, and directions are on the right side of this page.

This year, we have an exciting Alfred Hitchcock theme to every meeting.  The November theme is...

"ROPE"

See you there!

November 2010 Meeting Event Reminder

You don't wanna miss the SAM Assembly 23 Special Presentation Event tomorrow night! We will be hosting "An Evening With Michael Vincent" on November 17th at the National Press Club in downtown DC. As always, dinner will be served in the McClenden Room and the presentation will begin shortly after meeting announcements at 8pm.

SAM Assembly 23 members are always FREE! If you are or know someone who is a member of a SAM group but not assembly 23 the fee is only $10. Any non SAM guests are $20.

You are also invited to join Michael Vincent AND A SPECIAL GUEST at dinner (before the presentation) around 6pm. If you are interested please RSVP to either of the following email addresses: rushint@yahoo.com or matgik@hotmail.com. Space is very limited and this SPECIAL dinner will NOT be held at the National Press Club. Don't Miss Out!

SAM 23 Whisperings (Audio Podcast): Michael Vincent

In this episode I interview Michael Vincent and talk about his latest presentation, "An Evening With Michael Vincent", in preperation for his visit to SAM Assembly 23 on November 21st. This is a brand new presentation for 2011. Michael has spent the last 18 months formulating this presentation in his mind. Most lectures by their very nature attempt to impart useful information but unfortunately in some cases, they don't teach, inspire or transform the status quo.

You may follow this link to hear our interview:
An Interview With Michael Vincent

"The Craft of Michael Vincent" - A Special November Event!

 
"The Craft of Michael Vincent"


This is a brand new presentation for 2011.

Michael has spent the last 18 months formulating this presentation in his mind.  Most lectures by their very nature attempt to impart useful information but unfortunately in some cases, they don't teach, inspire or transform the status quo.

Michael has attempted to transform the  "traditional magic lecture" into an interactive conversation, which entertains, educates and inspires.

With this new conversation, Michael will address:

• The Correct Attitude
• Why are you doing Magic and for Whom?
• Rapport and Connection
• Technical Mastery
• Audience Attention Control
• Classic routines and their Construction - (through performance and explanation)
• Contribution and Service
• The Two Most important Questions?

These are just some of the topics covered in a dynamic and experiential conversation.  To fully benefit from this conversation, Michael requests that you come fully prepared to participate.  It is important to mention that this presentation is not a passive experience; you will be required to bring a notebook and questions that you would like addressed relating to any aspect of magic that concerns you.  You will be required to bring one effect that you consider to be your signature effect.  This effect is your calling card, which defines you as a magical artist.

Michael is fully qualified to engage in this type of conversation. His ten years experience in corporate communication workshops and facilitation conversations has given  him the necessary skills in dynamic listening and delivery, so rest assured he will listen actively and assist you in transforming your concerns into new horizons.

Egg Bag - September 2010

Hello,

This month's meeting began with a discussion about November's guest lecture - Michael Vincent. Many of the members in attendance seemed very excited about the prospect of having Michael come to us from the UK. I would like to personally thank fellow member Matt Hiller for initially bringing us the news about Michael Vincent's availability and for getting the ball rolling.

Following the News and Announcements we proceeded with September's theme - "Show and Tell Us … Who". In this month's theme each member performed an effect that was taught to them or inspired by one or more of their favorite magicians. Our members came up with some very interesting effects and revelations.

Starting us off was …

Erik Feinberg - who performed a few iPod app tricks including: "X Card" by Filipe Freitas, "iKnow Your Age" by iMagic Apps, and "No Freakin Way" by Carl R Andrews. His inspiration was Steve Jobs - the man who help make these iPod magic/entertainment apps possible.   

Matt Hiller - presented "The Force That Can Not Be". This was a very interesting effect using a piece of wire that magically reshaped itself into the form of the spectator's card. Matt stated that he learned this effect from Eugene Burger, a highly respected magician.

Theo Rushin - demonstrated the separation between girls and boys by performing the "Ultimate Oil and Water". I was inspired by Dwight Redman to learn and perform more packet tricks. I found them to be a great way to entertain someone with a effect that is quick, visual, and impactful at a moments notice.

Scott McDonald - entertained us with the "Sailor Card Trick". It was taught to him by another sailor as one way to get free drinks.

Hugh Turley - entertained us with a wonderful effect involving a Chop Stick, two rings, and a Chinese Princes Robe. The effect was called "The Chinese Princess Trick". He learned this effect from Bob MCallister and then in turn taught it to James Munton.

Noland Montgomery - graced us with a portion of his street magic act by performing a routine involving a coin purse frame and sponge balls. Carl Andrews was his inspiration for his routine.

Dwight Redman - performed for us an oldie but goodie, "The Magic Ring Escape". His routine involved a borrowed ring that was trapped and locked onto a brass bolt with a nut and lock. Under the cover of a hank he was able to effortlessly make the ring vanish only to reappear in a locked box. He bought this effect a long time ago from the famed Al Cohen.

And that brought an end to September's meeting. The theme for next month - October 20th - will be "Show and Tell Us … How". This will be a bit of a teach-in for our members. Each member in attendance will demonstrate an effect and/or routine and hopefully answer one or more of the following questions:

• HOW to make this effect more entertaining.
• HOW did I change this effect to make it my own.
• HOW does this effect/routine fit my character.

I would like to thank everyone who attended this month's meeting. Your attendance contributes much to the success of this organization. We value each and every one of your opinions and views and I feel that we all can learn something from each other. I look forward to seeing each of you at our next meeting.

Thank You,

Theo Rushin Jr.
Vice President - S.A.M. Assembly 23

Egg Bag - August 2010

Summertime brings about warm weather, sunny days, and family vacations. So there was no surprise that our happy little group of Compeers was somewhat smaller than usual. We began to gather for dinner in our usual meeting place, the backroom lounge of the National Press Club, but found that the previous storms disabled some of the lighting in that room. Fortunately we found refuge in the well lit area of the balcony dinning space.

In the absence of our newly elected President, Cristian Lavidra, Theo Rushin lead the meeting starting with a few announcements including:

• The Magician’s Alliance of Easter States convention starts August 19th.
• The NEW S.A.M. Assembly 23 web site is complete. All that is left is to acquire the domain name and hosting account.

The announcements were followed by the drawing for the Larry West Prize – a $100 gift certificate or check to be spent at the magic shop of the winner’s choosing! The Winner of the 2010 Larry West Prize was awarded to ... (drum roll please) … Noland Montgomery!

The theme for this night’s meeting was “Show and Tell Us … Why”. In accordance with the theme each magician must perform an effect AND then tell us “WHY” they chose that effect. Many of the members were caught by surprise with this announcement but everyone stepped up to the challenge and entertained the group with one or more tricks and their explanation.

First up was …

Noland – started off with a trick involving a borrowed, signed $10 bill. He followed it with a card trick and then finished by finding the borrowed, signed $10 bill in a Sharpie marker. Why? He wanted to test out a new routine that he can use in his street magic set.

Turley – started with a gag, Bed Bugs. This was followed by Turley’s Triangle, a fantastic effect where no matter how many dimes were added to a triangle of dimes each side always added up equally. Why? He just wanted to do what he knows best.

Dwight – performed a ring penetration onto a small sword. The effect was called Samurai Sword. Why? He wanted to dust off this old effect and present it to the group (at the request of yours truly)

Matt – performed the Butterfly Effect (using the 2004 movie as its premise) using a deck of cards. Why? He really likes Joshua Jay.

Apurea – performed a mentalist effect by exploring the mind. His effect was called Intuition (evidently I had Julia Roberts on my mind). Why? He wanted to practice this effect for an upcoming performance.

Eric – performed the mini Zig-Zag, Ring on Wand Box, Clearly Mental, and Cubio. Why? He wanted to try out some of the oldies but goodies.

Lars – performed Card in Zip Lock Bag (very similar to Witness) and Solo. Why? Those effects just happened to be what he was working on.

Theo – performed Rubik Predicted as he spoke about his obsession for the Rubik’s Cube. Why? I really do love the Rubik’s Cube.

That wrapped up our meeting for Wednesday, August 18th. Next month’s theme will be “Show and Tell Us … Who” where, each member must perform a trick that was inspired by one or more of their favorite magicians AND then reveal to us who that magician is.

I would like to thank those who chose to brave our hot summer weather, managed to fight the downtown traffic, and was able to survive our strong summer storms in order to attend our meeting. Our assembly offers more than a chance show off the latest trick. It also helps to foster community, fellowship, and education in our magical arts. Every gathering of our local assembly 23 brings about a chance to strengthen the bonds between each of our members and represent to the world around us that we are indeed a part of “the oldest and most prestigious magician’s society in the world!”

Thank You,

Theo Rushin Jr.
Vice President - S.A.M. Assembly 23

David Acer in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 19

S.A.M. Assembly 23 is proud to host the great David Acer on Wednesday, May 19 at 8:00 P.M. Admission is free for SAM 23 members and $20 for non-members. Lecture will take place in the Zenger Room at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street, 13th Floor.

The David Acer Lecture

Featuring

David Acer

David Acer is a Gemini-award-nominated writer and comedian who has done crazy things on dozens of television shows around the world. The Gemini Awards is the Canadian equivalent of the Emmys. David has appeared on a multitude of international specials: BBC England’s The Secret World of Magic, NHK Japan’s F.I.S.M. 2000, Discovery’s Grand Illusions; a plethora of Canadian comedy classics: CBC’s Just For Laughs, CTV’s Comedy Now, CHCH’s Comedy at Club 54; and an array of American prime-time standards: A&E’s Comedy on the Road, ABC’s America’s Funniest People; not to mention live at The Riviera in Las Vegas, The Magic Castle in Hollywood, and 10 times at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. But younger viewers are more likely to recognize him as “Doubting Dave” from Discovery Kids' Mystery Hunters, which garnered him two Gemini nominations for Best Writing in a Children’s Non-Fiction Series, and the publication of his new book, “Gotcha: 18 Amazing Ways to Freak Out Your Friends.”

As a lesser known sideline to these slightly more public careers, David has been performing, inventing and publishing original close-up magic for over 20 years, beginning in 1984 with Perfect Magicʼs release of his popular coin-through-deck routine, Quartermain. In 1990, David teamed up with The Camirand Academy to release Nomen Omen, one of the most clever versions of the classic “name deck” available.

Since then, he has written three critically-acclaimed books of ingenious effects: Natural Selections, Natural Selections II, Random Acts of Magic, released a handful of popular instructional DVDs: Extreme Close-Up, Open Traveller, On Screen, and marketed a bevy of best-selling tricks: Nomen Omen, Spare Change, Swiss Pack, Deadlock. His innovative material has also appeared in The Magic Manuscript, Apocalypse, M.U.M., Franceʼs Arcane, The Magic Menu, The Linking Ring, MAGIC, and of course, Richard Kaufmanʼs Genii, where heʼs been a columnist since 2002, and now writes the Magicana section.

David Acer skillfully combines comedy and magic. David will teach and perform both close-up and stand-up effects at his lecture.

National Press Club Show

On April 14th, members of SAM Assembly 23 performed at the National Press Club. All photos below by Jim Flanigan.

Sammy Award Recipient Ray Eyler mystifies onlookers.

Larry Lipman Amazes

Theo Rushin Astounds

Noland Montgomery Perplexes

Dwight Redman Bamboozles

Sam Brothers also performed, and the event was MC'd by Cristian Vidrascu and Rick Beatty.

Ray Eyler Receives SAMMY Award

Ray Eyler presented with his Lifetime Achievement SAMMY Award by S.A.M. Assembly 23 President Lars Klores

At a special meeting this month, S.A.M. Assembly 23 presented longtime member Ray Eyler with its second annual SAMMY award, honoring his lifetime contributions to the assembly and the world of magic. Following a dinner in Ray’s honor, attendees repaired to the National Press Club’s Zenger Room where the award ceremony was begun. Buddy Smith led the speakers, telling everyone, “Get comfortable. This is going to take a while.” Buddy regaled us with tales from his longtime friendship with Ray, concluding on an emotional note about the nature of true friendship and true love of the art of magic. It was a tough act to follow, but Augie Arnstein and Charlie “Chazoo” Zuis were up to the challenge and told their own stories of hanging out with Ray. Assembly 23 President Lars Klores then presented Ray with an honorary plaque, and Ray made a heartfelt and humble speech in which he stressed that while he appreciated the award, it was his love for magic that made him give as much to others as he has.

Toward that end, Ray then called up his son Lee and grandson Max, and the entire Eyler family presented to the club a 90-minute version of their latest lecture, “Inside a Close-Up Session.” Among the highlights were an “Eternal Purse” routine, an Elongated Lady Routine, and one of Lee Eyler’s specialities: a 3 cup and 3 ball routine where only one of the cups and one of the balls are visible at one time. Lee also gave a mini-lecture on card-splitting, and offered breakout sessions for attendees at the end of the lecture.

It was a great night honoring Ray Eyler, one of the stalwarts of Assembly 23: a true class act and the apparent scion of a local magic dynasty.

Ray begins his lecture, treating attendees to over a half century of magical knowledge.

Ray's son, Lee, one of the foremost card men in the world.

S.A.M. Assembly 23 Magicians watch Lee's portion of the lecture.

Charlie "Chazoo" Zuis roasts his old pal Ray

Buddy Smith, giving a heartfelt appreciation

Augie Arnstein, roasting Ray

Hudson Taylor - The Wrestling Magician

Kudos to Assembly 23 Member Hudson Taylor for his appearance on the Washington Post's "D.C. Sports Bog." Check it out here.

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