REPORTS...

NOV

2019

 This next meeting will witness another first ever displayed effect from Ricker M

OCT

2019

 Happy Halloween coming soon and you know what that means, It's going to be National Magician's Week (25th to 31st). MICHAEL COLLINS headed up the night with some fantastic sharing of his newer effects to all who came. BRANT showed off some wild card effects. Awesome night fellows.

SEP

2019

 Cancelled due to hurricane winds appearing.

AUG

2019

 SUMMER MAGICAL PICNIC hosted by JOHN TUDOR on the 10th of Aug at 5pm. We will be having a Picture Frame Creation/Performance contest.

JUL

2019

 TONY METZE lectured on his Sand Frame presentation and the 1 out of 10 picture selection.

JUN

2019

 We had a new person appear at our meeting that moved down from Greenville, SC and performed beautiful card magic for us. We then had an extended evening of magic and food at IHOP (Magician's Favorite expecially for his Helpers)

MAY

2019

 Holiday Party

APR

2019

 Holiday Party

MAR

2019

 Holiday Party

FEB

2019

 Holiday Party

JAN

2019

 Holiday Party

DEC

2018

 Holiday Party

NOV

2018

 Carry Over Spooky Magic mixed with Holiday Themed Magic

OCT

2018

 Cancelled due to Hurricane-Spooky Magic

SEP

2018

  

AUG

2018

 The August meeting of Ring 105 began with the usual business and eight present. The magical portion opened with Rich Soos displaying Two Card Monte. Next up was Tony Metze with a Rubic’s Cube with a Magic Square twist. Nick Propst performed several effects; disappearing silk, a version of Hopping Halves, a Sliding Knot, Kings and Queens with amazing patter, and a color changing deck. Randy Bennett did a revelation of a selected card. Rich Soos was back up with an Insurance Policy Card Trick with some new handling. Hippie Torales performed - Just a Count. Randy Bennett was back up with a coin vanish with gospel patter. After the performances it was decided for each person to offer their favorite card force. As a result we saw; Cut Deeper, Swing Cut, Slip Cut, Marlo Force and The Rich Slip equevoque- so named after our own TVP Rich Soos who made a significant variation on a normal Slip Cut! First Time visitor Ken Bitsky offered up 2 jokes instead of forces wishing he knew more. Considerable attention was given to Rich’s presentation of a Yo-Yo routine he is working on. All ended with fellowship and the promise to return and continue to make magic and strengthen our ties as a club.

JUL

2018

 Alot of performers were busy this and had 2 people show up but leave soon after all others were out.

JUN

2018

 Territorial Vice President (TVP) Ricker M Soos arrived early on 14 Jun 2018 giving him time to lay out some oldie but goodie tricks from leftover inventories of his past stores he found after unpacking and moving back into his burned house. Ring members slowly trickled in to include Michael Dupree, Michael Poole, Eric Bothur, Brent(a teen member) and finally Russel Anderson (his stolen trailer of illusions is still a mystery). It turned out to be a great night beginning with a small greeting and jumping right into a magical night reminiscing over all these great effects from the past and excellent performance of danger magic by Ricker M. He started off by presenting his version of Spiked. It fooled us completely, he was even offered $50 by one member for his secret. The spike effect was performed in the following order. Ricker M provided 6 unopened, brand new, paper lunch bags, 6 paper cups and 6 decks of cards with one deck having a sharpened screwdriver rod through it. The spectators put the cards into the brown paper bags, then put the paper cups on top of each deck including the "spiked deck" to further disguise spike, The bags were shuffled around on the table while Ricker M. and the trusting volunteer had their backs turned. There was absolutely no way Ricker M. or the volunteer could know where that spike was. They both turned back around and asked "do you know where the spike is," NO!, then the trusting volunteer turned back around again while Ricker M mixed up the bags furthermore confusing us, then he turned around and allowed the volunteer to move the bags yet again. His hands came nowhere near the bags after that, no one knew where the spike was. Ricker M. then asked an audience member to select a bag where he immediately slammed his hand upon it safely. Then volunteer was handed a dice of which he rolled telling him which bag HE should cautiously slam his hand upon safely. Ricker M then put the dice into a cup and displayed 6 numbered cards on a stick. Volunteer shuck dice and revealed a comical interlude with a surprise HUG, less known to the volunteer all the other cards hand worse surprises than the spike. He continued eliminating bags by having volunteer select 2 bags and both of them slammed their hands at the same time upon each of them safely. To select the last safe bag, his and volunteer hands joined together and slammed their hands on a single bag cautiously agreed upon by both and revealed the real danger by not touching the last bag but just dropping an apple on top which was speared by the spike. All were shaking, because nothing from known spike effects were present to help reveal the climax. We all calmed down a bit at which time, Mike Dupree presented a color changing disk routine where we could never guess which hand held the black or white disk then both disks were handed out with all different colors on them. Brent performed an elegant card routine where a selected card multiplied and later appeared as the previously selected tabled card, funny and suspenseful. Michael Poole bought one of the self-folding dollar bill oldies and displayed it after practicing it for a bit by causing the folds to happen while he blew on the bill from different directions and received many ideas offered on how to enhance the performance to include handing out the folded bill soon after. Russel presented sands to silk bowl and chain escape. Then Ricker M finished us off by introducing his Rubik's cube color prediction. We all broke out to lust more over what old effects we could not live without and further discussed the impossible spike effect.

JUL

2017

 Present were: Mike Kimble, Clive Lugmayer, Ricker Soos, John Tudor and George plus Wife. Ricker M opened up our magic time with a performanc of his trapdoor rubber band routine which wowed us at the end by producing coins from the trapdoor in the bands. he then lecture on how to do each effect, then he performed with cards wrapped in bands had card selected and the bands took the shape of that card. WOW afterwards Mike took the stage performing a rubiks cube routine and a color segregation card routine. Clive performed a rigid rope to scarf routine then George did a card find routine. All in All even with John needing to leave early it was a great evening.

JUN

2017

  

MAY

2017

  

APR

2017

  

MAR

2017

  

FEB

2017

 Present at our January meeting were: President Michael Dupree, Tony Metz, Mike Kimble, Michael Collins, Clive Lugmayer, Ricker Soos, George Sophocleous, John Tudor, Sam Miller, and guest Marcus.

I.B.M. Ring 105 meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on the corner of Blanding and Bull Streets in Columbia SC. We spent 30 minutes greeting one another and introducing ourselves to our guest.

We officially started our meeting at 7:30 PM talking about the upcoming Kozmo lecture on March 7th and the Live Magic Expo on June 3rd, among other things.

Michael D. start off with a few magic tricks he picked up at the Magic Expo in Charlotte, the first being a quick chewing gum effect called Sticky Situation By Andy Leviss, and then a fascinating card effect called Monkey in the Middle.

Tony wowed us by making the Statue of Liberty vanish from a postcard, another effect purchased at the Expo. Tony then had us all wondering how he pulled a named card from a deck of blank cards. The trick is called Colossal Blizzard.

Ricker demonstrated a few card tricks, one was called Multiplicity where the card was revealed with a flying drone. I think he managed to take a few aerial pictures as well.

John did a Double Boomerang trick with two selected cards.

Mike K. mixed a Rubik’s Cube to match a previously mixed cube and solved one of those cubes in a paper bag, his variation of Karl Hein’s Cube FX and Steven Brundage’s cube magic. Mike also performed a card trick called White Bikes, with a similar ending the trick that Tony demonstrated earlier.

The magic continued until we broke up the meeting at 9 PM.

JAN

2017

 IBM 105 Ring Report for January 2017
First of all we would like to invite all who have an interest in magic to attend our club meetings. If you have not been to a meeting in a while we would love to have you back!!
Officers for 2017 are President – Michael Dupree / Vice President – George Sophocleous / Sectaries – Tony Metze and Mike Kimble / Treasurer – James Adams

Meeting Times will be 7pm to 7:30 – Meet and Greet / 7:30 to 9PM – Ring Meeting and Magic

Magic in the Midlands Show scheduled for Friday May 19th / Show Committee/Coordinators: Tony Metze and John Tudor

If any of you have any ideas that we can implement to make the club better please let me or one of the other officers know. We value your input!!

Next Meeting Will be February 9th

DEC

2016

  

NOV

2016

  

OCT

2016

 Friday evening Oct 21st for the Luis Otero Lecture. Let's have a good crowd show up and welcome Luis to Columbia SC. Plan on starting the lecture around 7 to 7:30.

SEP

2016

 Thursday Sept 1 IBM RIng 105 welcomes David Ginn to lecture!!

Lecture will start at 7:30pm and end at 9pm. Everyone who attends the David Ginn lecture will receive a free booklet and two free tricks.

Cost for lecture will be $10 for members and $15 for non members! I would like to encourage everyone to support and attend the above events.

Davids Bio
MAGIC MAN; BOOK WRITER; FUNNY TALKER
PERFORMER: David performs 300-400 shows yearly at schools, libraries, conventions, churches.

AUG

2016

  

JUL

2016

 We held our Regular Meeting July 14th, the second thursday of the month. Our theme was "Stage Magic". We had 4 presenters but sorry to say none of which fit our stage theme. Many ideas flowed for the creations brought that night. Had a great conversational night about conventions and local events.

JUN

2016

  

MAY

2016

  

Apr

2016

The April meeting began with the usual business meeting. We decided to change the meeting start times from 7:00PM to 7:30 (starting in May). Plans were explored for performing at the local children's home. Members shared local performances including our own John Tudor who will be performing in Florida at the State convention.

The magic began with JOHN TUDOR taking stage and performing a wand production from his foot, continuing with outstanding flip stick effects.RUSSELL ANDERSON then appeared performing a spoon bending effect ending with a rose production then opened up a great conversation about stage illusions and cruise ship performances and preperation. MICHEAL DUPREE was up next with Mark Mason's ESPectation and Magick Balay's card selection. MIKE KIMBLE added a perfomance of Danny Archer's Animental routine and closing our night was MICHAEL COLLINS performing a keen prediction card effect.

P.S. The Special Guest appearance is the UNKNOWN MAGICIAN. We will have a visit again in the future, just feel lucky that you came this night and was able to witness the incredible performance. Performer's real name and description of performance is being kept in the Top Hat So that you can witness this personnally at hour next meeting.

Mar 2016

 March meeting was Bright and Light with 4 Magi Appearing. Mike Kimble, Clive Lugmayer, Michael Collins , and George Sophocleous. MIKE KIMBLE opened with an enthusiastic Nickles to Dimes effect to yawns and twisted faces. Then cards appeared out of clouds of smoke with CLIVE LUGMAYER and MIKE KIMBLE demonstrating an old method of card location with several regular decks of cards. Group finished up with a demonstration, challenges and lecture of Richard Osterlind's Breakthrough card system.

The spelling of my name needs to be corrected for April and I'd appreciate being added to our very outdated member list.

FEB

2016

Who is this furry critter?

Tony M. opened up our the Magical Gathering with a few minutes of local business.

Our theme for the night was Card Packet Effects. He then invited our lady of magical illusions up to perform a two's company card effect. where 2 cards are selected, placed into a full deck of cards face up and upon spreading that deck they were found to be in the company of their sister card.

John T. arose next with packet trick that I believe he stole from a giant. excellect pater went along with a complete routine.

Our newly aquired magician to Columbia appeared next. Jaysin K. amazed us with his card artistry and control as studied from Jeff McBride Mysterry magic school.

Ricker M. took the stage next to astound us with homemade packet effects that he created 20 to 30 years ago. First effect was a Show and Tell school themed routine where 2 cards were chosen. The first card was revealed by the entire deck changing to his card. the second card was revealed by the entire deck spread out telling the chosen card by spelling it out. A few more home made full deck effects were shown His and hers, Blank and Blue and Choose it. He then showed us his packet add on effects which 3 of them were said to be a show stopper and need to be on the market. They were titled Shoot out, Hare Tell, Looking Glass, Ifected and Silk is your card.

JAN

2016

  

DEC

2015

 Theme: December 10 Holiday Show / Party

NOV

2015

Theme: Nov 12 Coins & Cards

OCT

2015

 Theme: October 8 Mentalism

SEP

2015

 September 10 became a real eye opener at the simplicity of a memorized deck of cards. James opened the meeting with introduction of Jeffrey's Parents and Equipment they brought from his repretore to share with the club. Then Ricker M performed his Super Simple memorized deck by allowing a person to think of a card and having another person deal down to a number that was written on the back of his business card to find the thought of card. He then taught the system and had a contest to stack a deck while standing up with out putting cards down. At least seven people tried while Ricker M was also doing the same. He was done in half the time the next person finished and offered the winner not counting him of course a Metal Bending DVD of which the next month's meeting will include a demo from the winner's choice of performance off that DVD. Ricker M continued to WOW us with another playing card prediction and a Heads or Tails Envelope prediction that will be shown at the next meeting. Many attendee's were asking many questions about his simple memory setup at end of meeting plus use of his Palm Able Remote.

AUG

2015

Theme: August 13 Story time Magic


This month’s theme is Storytelling, but don't feel like you have to create a brand-new act to come and play! All magic is storytelling in one way or another, so bring whatever you are working on. Or a polished routine. Or just a good story! Love to see you there.

We will continue the Never Ending Auction. Bring anything, sell it for whatever you want & donate 10% of the purchase price to the club.

Also, bring anything you have written up for our LInking Ring Parade. We'll start editing those together into a submission over the next couple of months. See you there!

JUL

2015

 July Magic in the Market (Soda City)
July 9 Jumbo Magic

JUN

2015

Theme: Classics of Magic

May

2015

 Heard great things were Popping at our meeting this month, Jeff Pardue did an excellent Balloon Lecture showing many amazing twists and turns most magicians rarely get a chance to learn first hand. Way to go Jeff.

APR

2015

 After discussing some business we went into a performing frenzy. First up was Michael Dupree with a jumbo card effect. Next up was Eli Sellers with an interesting coin through Ziploc Bag effect. Then Michael Collins performed a card find effect. Then Brent Shuman performed a card effect. Then Greg Lindsey visiting from Fort Mill performed a card effect. Then Jeff Pardue with a coin matrix and a card effect. Then Brent again with an out of this world card effect. Closing with Ricker M. performing his version of an assisted professor's nightmare routine that included an appearance of a diamond, smiles and a flag.

JAN

2015

We opened 2015 with a very energetic meeting of 10 magicians, including 2 youth and a new visitor. The club introduced a new feature, the Never Ending Auction, where any member can bring items for sale during our gathering & fellowship time. Magicians get to clean their closet or pick up new effects, and the ring gets 10%. Mike Dupree sold some items, and Don Akers brought some amazing looking walking sticks and wizard's staffs that he carved by hand!

2015 President, Jeffrey Pardue, presented Mike Dupree with the Ring 105 Magician of the Year award for his outstanding efforts for the club last year. We had a truly world-class lecture series in 2014 with Paul Draper, Henry Evans, Rachel Colombini, Dan Stapleton, Chris Hannibal, Chef Anton & Nathan Kranzo.

We then discussed some business, including an announcement that we are lowering annual dues this year to $15 for adults & $10 for youth! We also discussed making a road trip to see The Illusionists in Charlotte on either Friday night or Saturday matinee. Gary had seen them on Broadway over the holidays & highly recommended the show for magicians & non-magicians alike.

On to the magic!

We opened our theme of Something I Got for Christmas with Tony Metze performing Rachel Colombini's Zodiac Code - a colored silk is selected using zodiac signs, and the selection turns out to be the only one that doesn't win $$! Don Akers performed a nice Gold/Silver "transposition" effect. Mike Poole performed Run "Fluffy" Run, and the dragon was quite taken aback! Jeffrey Pardue performed a nice card effect with a hand-drawn Snowglobe, and also performed"Ninja Aces" and an original effect called "Smurfed".

Eli Sellers stunned with his own, independently developed impromptu pencil thru bill routine. It's seemingly a version of Jay Sankey's "Dough", but Eli had never heard of it before. Looking at both, I think I like Eli's version better, since it doesn't require the post-it note. He then showed a Coke bottle production using a black art table, which sparked an extended discussion of black-art tables.

At this point, Tony Metze challenged the ring to commit to doing a Ring Parade for the Linking Ring Magazine. Challenge accepted! We will be collecting entries over the next couple of months.

Gary Patterson then performed a thought projection effect called ESPionage using Phoenix ESP cards from CardShark.de This sparked a Tony Metze performance of some more mind-reading, which led to another discussion on mentalism & one-ahead principle.

Ryan "Blur" Woodall followed with a great bit-and-restored bill routine he learned at SCAM a few years back, called the Druid Bill. I'm still chuckling over "didn't know I was Druish" and "still taste the mint". The effect was really good, but the delivery was priceless!

Don Akers closed us out with a performance of Calendar Cards, using a vintage 1942 deck he got from American Pickers (by Zestos in W Columbia).

The formal meeting was adjourned, not unusually, for even more discussion and sharing, starting 2015 with a great vibe and energy for Ring 105 in the coming year! Can't wait to see even more of our old friends and look forward to more new members and visitors as well.

SEP

2014

 We had a fantastic showing that included 7 members that do not come regularly. After our brief meeting, Rick Soos mini lectured his three way mental choice routine with handouts and displayed his floating gift bag.

MAR

2014

 After having to cancel our February meeting due to the Great Southern Blizzard (about 2” of
snow, but, hey, that’s pretty serious down here!), Ring 105 roared back with strong attendence
of 19 magicians & family.
!
John Tudor
performed tearing a bill into quarters, as well as producing a pound of coins (a real
heavy, that one), and the infamous off-­-beat coin bucket.
Gary PaVerson
demonstrated a nice
version of the brass Coin Squeeze with 10 pence coins.
Dalton Clayton
entertained with a truly
mysterious effect that sGll defies explanation.
!
Mike Collins
performed a coin vanish with the assistance of volunteer Jackie Adams.
Sean
Adams
combined our themes of mentalism and coins to show a nice remote viewing of coins
under a coffee cup that had some of the regulars scratching their heads.
!
Will Henderson
brought us to the edge of our seats with some staple gun Russian Roulette -­-
ouch!
Mike Dupree
was able to read Jason Mills’ Target Chip every Game, despite having his
back turned, more and more chips added and other shenanigans.
Jason Mills
closed the
performance Game with his take on the Miser’s

JAN

2014

 Join us Thursday, January 9, 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, as we escape the cold and ring in the new year with some awesome plans for shows, lectures, development and fun.

January Theme: Escape! Handcuffs, Ropes, Straight-Jackets, Oh-My! ..or jailbreak-themed card patter, historical memorabilia, or your own clever twist. Special prize for "Most Original".

We'll continue with the Magical Grab Bag and introduce the Member's Moment -- a mini 5-10 min lecture on a trick, story, tip or other item related to the monthly theme.

Starting with the January meeting, we will move the business portion AFTER the magic, but still keep it as short as possible.

Agenda:
7:00 - 7:30 Registration, Gathering & Fellowship
7:30 - 7:45 Welcome & Announcements
7:45 - 8:00 Installation of Officers for 2014
8:00 - 8:15 Magical Grab Bag & Member Moment
8:15 - 9:00 Magic Time
9:00 - 9:30 Business Meeting
Business Agenda
- 2014 Goals (5 min)
- 2014 Budget (10 min)
- Calendar & Communication (5 min)
- New Business (remaining)
9:30-ish Adjourn & Sidewalk Seminars

DEC

2013

 Christmas Party

We closed out the year with 15 members and guests attending the annual Christmas Party. It was a great time socializing with Christmas music, deserts, and a slide show of some of the highlights of 2013.

Guest Will Henderson auditioned to join the club, performing a great second sight routine with a very polished personal narrative and morale. He was voted in unanimously – welcome to the club, Will! Our youth participation continues to be strong, with George Sophocleous and his mother, Maria joining us for the second time. George and his brother Philip also joined us for Lutherfest and have applied for membership. We look forward to their auditions.

Vice President Elect, Jeffrey Pardue introduced the Magical Grab Bag as a regular meeting feature. Each member selected a card as their “raffle ticket” and then we searched nearly in vain for someone we trusted to draw cards at random for a match. After finally settling on Ben Sellers (surely a “muggle” parent would be safe…), Eli Sellers was the winning card! Some nice items in our first bag, now it’s Eli’s turn to bring a little something for January. Reminder: don’t go out and spend a lot — we’re just looking for "good junk" or something interesting.

Performances kicked off with a cool homemade Temple Screen from Tony Metze that generated a lot of interest for it’s chameleon nature — the panels are page protectors that can change with the seasons! Brent Shuman did a nice card on forehead that nicely showcased his presentation and stage management to go with his well-known technical skills. Jason Mills entertained with a polished Six Card Repeat that perfectly matched his performance character, and Gary Patterson offered Magik Balay’s “Four Corners”, an in-your-face bill switch with the inside-out dollar bill. There was much more that we didn't’t manage to capture in the notes, including some interesting Zombie work with no cloth!

We then continued our Dirty Santa tradition, this year with all playing cards! Some junk, some good stuff, and a lot in-between, which made for some entertaining steals.

Finally, outgoing President, James Adams, thanked everyone for the wonderful time and amazing growth we’ve had under his 2-year tenure. The club was in debt and struggling when he took over the reins, and we have truly turned a corner. He then made us all a generous offer — he would kick in $5 for everyone who paid up their 2014 dues at the December meeting! I’ve never seen our members cough up cash so fast. Sorry about that James, but thank you very much for your generosity, and even more importantly, for helping the club find its joy again. We’re off to an amazing start with our renewals.

We adjourned the formal meeting, and as usual, continued talking and sharing magic as the tables and chairs were put away for 2013. It was a fantastic year, and 2014 is shaping up to be even better! Happy New Year to all!

NOV

2013

Something You Made

We had a great turnout for our final regular meeting of the year with 24 magicians, guests & visitors in attendance. Our numbers have been on an upswing this year, with a steady trend line up (see below). We are especially happy about all the youth members & guests, as well as parents and family members. Thank you for coming out every month and supporting magic in the midlands!

It was a record for guests and youth as Ring 105 welcomed Russell Anderson, Carson Jordan, Will Henderson, Jake Treiber & more. (Please reply if I missed one of your guests!) We were also pleased to welcome Dan Stapleton from the Florida Magician’s Association, traveling through our fine city at an opportune moment.

Dan gave us an update on the Florida State Magic Convention in May 2014, which sounds really amazing and well-planned (see details & link above). After announcements and conducting our voting for 2014 officers, we adjourned to the magic!

James Adams showed us a very easy, inexpensive close-up table made with a picture frame & easy-to-find hardware. It’s solid & we used it for the rest of the night. Guest Russell Anderson gave an almost mini-lecture on his amazing tuxedo jacket — lovingly modified to fit his show, animals and style. John Tudor again showed why he could host the magician’s dream garage sale, demonstrating stunning and cleverly thought-out props that he has retired! We saw his appearing guitar, dye tube gimmick and routine, and a beautiful torch to rose with pedals that float to the floor. Jason Mills performed a homemade spirit cabinet and demonstrated the workings and secret sauce.

But then, wait, hold the presses! We started with the adults before holding Eli Sellers youth membership audition. And it was one of the most polished and poised performances we’ve seen for an audition! We saw cards, coins, ropes and lots of audience involvement and surprisingly good stage management. He had clearly prepared and practiced and was easily voted in by acclimation. Welcome, Eli!

After the audition and voting, Jeffrey Pardue continued with our theme, showing his homemade color–changing shoelaces, Gary Patterson demonstrated a 20-year old Jon Kennedy’s Shrinking Deck, and we closed with Dan Stapleton's paper plate mentalism — a nice demonstration of how presentation is so much more important than method!

OCT

2013

 Coe Notorton Lecture by John Tudor

SEP

2013

 Theme: Close-up

Don't miss the September meeting on Thursday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. At St. Paul's Lutheran Church (click for map) 1715 Bull Street
Columbia, SC. A full agenda of magic & fellowship this month.
• Special: Who's Trick is it Anyway?
• Jonathan Keane audition
• Close-up Round Up!
Also, updates on conventions, lectures and events around the southeast. Make plans now for the October meeting (Oct 10) with John Tudor's brand new Coe Norton Lecture & some more great things coming up in Ring 105. Don't miss it!

AUG

2013

August heat! For those at the July meeting, we were treated to a treatise from Joey Vazquez on making an effect your own and finding the story to bind it together. He challenged us to bring our variations on this 4 Ace reveal to the next meeting and we had. Many attendees presented how they made the effect their own.

We ALSO had time for open mic (or open close-up pad).

JUL

2013

 Joey Vazquez treated us to a mini lecture about making an effect your own and finding a story to build upon it.

JUN

2013

 We had a full house at our special June meeting at The Dark Cabaret! A very special thank you to Christian, Joseph, Joey & the entire Dark Cabaret family for hosting the club and for the great performance. It's always interesting presenting a show of mystery and intrigue for a pack of magicians, but you pulled it off with aplomb and not only entertained, but gave us all a glimpse of what prestidigitation can look like when it reaches beyond tricks and into ... something else!

A few more comments on the evening:

"Thanks!! We thoroughly enjoyed it. The show is fabulous and Christian is a wonderful host." - Tim Clayton

"I just wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for all of you that supported us tonight, whether you were there in person or not. On behalf of The Dark Cabaret crew, we thank you all! We had so much fun before, during, & after the show, thank you for all the kind words and open minds." - Joseph Daniels

"I dyed my hair red just for the occasion." - Jonathan Keane

MAY

2013

Not Ready for Prime Time!

In May, we set a regular-meeting record for the year of 18 magicians, including two youth visitors, Jonathan Keane, 13, and Jewell Croy, 12. Welcome guys! Jason Mills presented our financial report (in full Treasurer garb), showing us remaining solidly in the black. John Tudor invited club members to perform at the fundraiser for Barclay School, and Chris Cook invited us to come out to his WalMart/Bi-Lo marathon tour supporting PatriotOutreach.org. Gary reminded us of Lutherfest on November 1. We continue to see strong support and enthusiasm for our community outreach. Great job everyone! Joseph and Joey offered to host the club in June at The Dark Cabaret, their acclaimed celebration of the bizarre, and we settled on Friday, the 14th for a date. Then on to the MAGIC!

Dalton Clayton, sporting his Krispy Kreme hat again (a new signature for him, I think), performed a neat quarter vanish & reappearance. Gary Patterson performed Richard Wiseman's "The Grid", a cool magic square card trick (when you properly lay out the grid!) with a kicker ending. Mike Dupree performed "Odd Quad" by Daryl and also showed the utility of the aluminum wallet (As Seen on TV!) for keeping up with packet tricks. Michael Collins demonstrated a well done poker chip vanish and reappearance using the Backhand Subtlety. James Adams promised us two performances next time, but have to admit, he was well groomed. Brent Shuman performed some very nice card work that we decided to dub "Cards off the Internet", and newcomer Jonathan Keane performed his quick zip-tie escape & a one-handed fan color change reveal! Joey Vazquez followed with a baffling book test that he claims is experimental, but it played nice & clean. Finally, Joseph Daniels closed with a spooky cool mind reading bit with wine, fire, ashes a drinking straw and the help of a spirit that he had dreamed up only the night before (the effect, not the spirit. Maybe.)

Afterwards, we talked about cold reading, hot drops, unsuspecting stooges and the overwhelming desire for pancakes. We managed to close up on time but continued talking until, once again, loved ones began to wonder if we'd gotten lost on the way home!

APR

2013

JOE JESSE LECTURE

For our April meeting, Ring 105 welcomed the incomparable Joe Jesse from Myrtle Beach for a great lecture and a record-high attendance for the year of 23. President James Adams welcomed Joe & Nikki and thanked everyone who helped make our March benefit show a great success, donating over $500 to Epworth Children's Home while entertaining the kids, increasing awareness of the club and having a great time in the process. Treasurer Jason Mills gave a quick financial report, showing us continuing to operate in the black with even more upcoming opportunities for fundraising. We welcomed three guests — Paul Nadler, with Rich Soos, Christopher Bailey from Newberry, with Michael Collins, and Gary Maurer, from Hilton Head Ring 349.


On to the lecture! Joe first entertained us with his impressive coin routine, building into jumbo coin manipulation and a 4-jumbo coin production. The routine was entraining just to watch, but the real fun started when Joe then walked us through the setup and each move step-by-step. Many of the moves were custom variations on classic sleights and gimmicks, so we were got to learn about the "Jumbo Coin Thong" (with credit to our own John Tutor's diaper pin), the "Jesse Grab" and the "Jesse Flick". Joe brought a stack of jumbo coins for the teaching portion, so we all got to try out the moves and bend our fingers into strange and new positions. We also learned the secrets of XKM — and why it's a "K".

We then continued with some inspired presentation of thimble & cane work, card manipulations and some knockout card work, including setting up a freely shuffled deck in front of a room full of magicians! Joe enlisted our youngest member (and Krispy Kreme afficianado), Dalton Clayton to demonstrate the selected card to burned-on tattoo, with some great ad-lib banter. After the lecture, we continued to talk music, magic and stories until well past getting kicked out onto the sidewalk! We can't thank Joe & Nikki enough for making the trip to Columbia and for a one of our best club meetings — thanks guys, and have a fantastic summer run at the beach!!

MAR

2013

 Our March meeting was a bit chaotic as we prepared for the public show opening the very next night. We had 16 magicians in attendance, including two guests, Jeffrey Pardue, moving to the Columbia area from York, SC. And Jennifer, a talented balloon twister, who had heard about us from a work colleague. After some time catching up with old friends, President James Adams called us to order & we had a brief financial report and welcomed the new folks. A representative from Epworth Children's Home was on hand to thank the club for their work and let us know that one of our biggest fans from last year had been adopted. Then on to the show rehearsal!

Dalton Clayton opened with the appearing cookie & insurance policy and then joined Tony Metze for a nice Hippity Hop Rabbits routine set to Cupid Shuffle. Newcomer Jeffrey Pardue performed the disappearing ketchup bottle, billiard balls and linking rings. Ray Hardee set up for coin stand, candy store and Lossandar's floating table. Caroline Dupree was set up to perform the Ghost Wand to Abba's "Money", followed by Jason Mills' Miser's Dream to close out the first act.

James Adams and Gina Wild then opened the second act with the Doorway Appearance, Torn & Restored Newspaper and Gumball machine, neatly recovering a borrowed $20 bill from before the opener. Michael Collins was scheduled next with the Magic Coloring Book, followed by Michael Dupree, who performed the Jumbo Card and Blendo. Finally, the show closed with Gary Patterson performing the Mailbag Escape, with a surprise twist at the end, producing Dalton Clayton from the bag on stage to close out the show.

Joey Vazquez, Rich Soos and Clive Lugmayer provided some valuable feedback for all, while Don Akers performed the duties of stage manager. As a finale to the rehearsal, we tested a flash pot on stage, which turned out to be incompatible with the fire alarm, and got a prompt visit from the City of Columbia Fire Department!

FEB

2013

Fourteen magicians attended our February meeting, including Order of Merlin visitor Jay Altemus, and Frank Reisz, President of Hilton Head, Ring 349. It was great meeting new folks and getting re-acquainted with old friends. Before the meeting, everyone pitched in to help bag canned goods for Ranne Elementary school, and then SC Territorial Vice President, Tony Metze led the installation of officers for 2013:
President, James Adams
Vice President, Tony Metze
Treasurer, Jason Mills
Secretary, Gary Patterson
Sergeant at Arms, Don Akers
Please support your 2013 officers in helping make Ring 105 even more successful and fun!

Next We discussed the ring show on March 15 & 16 to benefit Epworth Children’s Home. Gary will circulate the sign-up & follow-up on rehearsal dates. Dalton Clayton, Ray Hardee, Jason Mills, Brent Shuman, Gary Patterson & James Adams are confirmed so far, with Tony Metze as MC. Joey Vazquez suggested we have a theme to tie all the acts together, so any suggestions welcomed! The March meeting will be on March 14, so the topic will be Stage Magic and our dress rehearsal. The April 11 Meeting will feature the Joe Jesse lecture.
Dalton Clayton started off the magic by showing a solid, ropey rope, which Jay Altemus used to tie him securely. After a bit of head-scratching, Dalton easily escaped. Don Akers presented an old trick with a new twist – Scotch & Soda, but the date on the half was 2099!! (Where’d you park the DeLorean, Don?) Mike Collins escaped from a securely locked Siberian chain, but without the usual setup. “Lotion” the rabbit escaped from Jason Mill’s ... uh, actually, we’re not sure. (Maybe he does secrete bunnies!) Ron Brown took on the persona of Strawman, which could have been “the last straw”. Gary Patterson moved to the stage to demo his challenge mailbag escape with Brent Shuman assisting on iPad. James Adams along with many others gave great feedback on staging, pacing, equipment and more. Joey Vazquez gave us an informal demo of the no-Topit with Brent’s racquetball! The meeting adjourned as usual with more informal magic and then a mad dash through the rain.

JAN

2013

 A dozen magical members attended our first meeting of the year. We had a remembrance of our departed friend Creighton Shull, and discussed the Broken Wand ceremony that was presented at the gravesite by Tony Metze, and Doris Welch, former Ring 105 member. Creighton wanted members of IBM Ring 105 to be part of his honorary pall bearers, and about a dozen ring members were able to attend.
President James Adams led a discussion of plans for the ring for 2013.
Another public show is planned for February 22 & 23, possibly to benefit the Wounded Warrior program. John Tudor has to step down as Ring Secretary, and Gary Patterson was voted in as his replacement. A meeting night change was discussed, to move to SECOND Thursdays instead of the first, to take effect in March.
Guest Ron Brown (a member of the Ring in year's past) came to visit to discuss his idea to start a magic club at the University of South Carolina.
Then to the magic! Tony Metze started with a card selection routine, with a selected card being found by a little ceramic skull. John Tudor followed, and keeping with the "My First Trick" theme demonstrated the "Mummy's Finger" trick which he made at about age six or seven, from a Bulova watch case. Jason Mills did a multiple card selection and assembly ending with the final selection reversed in the deck placed in the card box. James Adams did the first simple tricks he learned as a child, vanishing a paperclip and demonstrated a couple methods and how they had progressed over the years with new available technology. Guest Rob Brown showed a cute drinking straw penetration with some witty patter about The last straw..... the straw that broke the camel's back.... strawberries, etc. Don Akers presented a nice mentalism piece with a book test style prediction.

DEC

2012

Our annual Magic Club Christmas Party was a big hit, hosted by Mike DuPree, at his lovely home in Lexington.

About eighteen members and guests came out to celebrate, and enjoy a holiday feast and magic. After the pot luck feast was done (and this writer had too many cupcakes) we held the Secret Santa gift exchange. A nice pile of wrapped magic items were brought to swap with others. Some swapped with other's gifts too. A holiday show was performed, and everyone sat and watched Caroline Dupree open, making Xmas lights appear that she put in a gift bag, then vanished. Brent Shuman was right up with his gift, a card prediction effect with paper clips and a CD, then a rope effect taught by Mike Heidtman a few months ago. Gary Patterson picked up a trick deck that had been someone else's gift and performed as if he'd done it every day - when really he hadn't touched one in years! Dalton Clayton made a silk appear tied between two others. Mike Cole did a zig zag card that was a real fooler. John Tudor borrowed someone's iPhone, and levitated it while listening to the music. Jason Mill's friend, Lee, performed a clever topical paper tearing effect. Our host Mike Dupree performed a gospel M&M candy routine, (yes you read right) and Jason Mills wowed with cards, coins and cups. And there was more I am sure I forgot. When we had to leave, the whole crowd was going down a spiral staircase to Mike's Magic Room...I'm sure the magic carried on for hours! Come visit us! John Tudor, Secretary.

NOV

2012

Our theme for November was Story Magic, anything that conveys a story using magic. Treasurer Jason Mills and Secretary John Tudor called us to order, thirteen in attendance. Treasurer Jason Mills gave us another very positive financial report, that the club is back "in the black", if everyone renews their memberships we can be debt free, start doing lectures again, etc. . We discussed a variety of issues about the club, and ways to keep improving it. A NEW MEETING NIGHT was discussed, the first or second Tuesday seeming to be a better day for most. A new date will be announced In order to beef up our appeal to young members, we voted to drop the age for YOUTH MEMBERS down to 10 years old, requesting that they be accompanied by a parent or guardian. John mentioned the nice letter we got from Dalton Clayton's dad, and their intention to keep on attending. Brent Shuman agreed to become our first Youth Director. Brandon Wagster and Hannah Lynne were visiting, told us that his show at Surfside Beach has closed, but good prospects for the future. Don Akers told us about a club he's celebrating his birthday in called Ventures. Brent Shuman was happy to report that he was the subject of a school TV news interview profile. Webmaster Rich Soos invited us to try the Forum now on the Ring website, where we can have our own private online discussions. He is also creating a downloadable business card to help inviting new members.

Then on to the magic! Young Brent Shuman dove into the story theme with an excellent trick called This, That, and the Other; followed by Cup and Ball moves. Jason Mills told a story (somehow tinged with Batman references) while doing the Six card Repeat. Mike Dupree shared a work in progress, based on Barry Mitchell's Mother of All Diamonds, and got good feedback from the room. Brandon Wagster shared the card trick Silas and the Slickers. John Tudor followed with another trick by the author of Silas (Elmer Applegit) his signature One Card Pete. John then followed with a story based version of Triumph. Rich Soos followed with his Extremely Dangerous Creature, the Rubber Duck of Horror, following with a Rubik's cube prediction routine while juggling and solving 3 cubes. We talked a little about Rich's dove table, then headed outside where Brent performed a nice Phoenix Match routine. This started up an in-depth discussion of numerous additions and a Phoenix reverse performance by our triple purple heart winner, Don Akers. Come see us in December!

OCT

2012

Prez James Adams called us to order, a group of about a dozen of us. Four guests were in attendance, Mike Collins, young Dalton Clayton (and his dad Tim), and Mike Heidtman and Michelle Householder from Myrtle Beach. New member Gary Patterson was here for his first real meeting.

Mike Heidtman gave a quick preview of the Magic at the Beach Convention and Gala Show in January in Myrtle Beach.

Treasurer Jason Mills gave us a very positive financial report, that the club is back "in the black", if everyone renews their memberships we can be debt free, start doing lectures again, etc. We can now also accept credit cards for dues payment, etc.

Election Committee Chairperson Gina Wildeman presented the proposal that, with the current officers having done a good job in re-vitalizing the club over the last year, that the existing officers continue in their roles for another year, serving out their maximum 2 year term. All four officers were willing, although John Tudor would be able to continue only if another meeting night were selected. All were open to that idea. A motion was made, seconded, voted on and carried, so the officers will remain the same for the coming year. The meeting night discussion will be picked up at a later date.

The Christmas party is to be held at Mike Dupree's house, date to be announced. Other business was discussed including young magician attendance, upcoming auditions, and another fundraiser and lectures in the coming year. John Tudor invited the Ring members to the Spooktacular Night at the Museum, and Magic Workshop at Columbia Children's Theater.
(see above)

Auction Challenge was the theme, accepting the challenge to perform something purchased at the September Auction. John was up first with a show and tell of a very nice set of Multiplying Bottles, purchased from Ray Hardee. Lots of good information was shared...next up was Brent Shuman, who was our big buyer at the auction. He performed a Double B'Wave effect, an Appearing Rose, a Multiple Selection Card routine, and Three Card Melody. Kudos to Brent, he's working hard on his magic! Mike Heidtman presented an effect with hotel key cards. Newcomer Mike Collins performed some rope knot effects, and really nice Four Ace productions. Gary Patterson performed and demonstrated a rope escape, using the well known Triple Dalton knot. Dalton himself told jokes, and was actually funny!
Welcome, young man! Mike Heidtman was back with a rope routine, with an original twist, replacing the "sucker" aspect with a "teamwork" ending.
Brent Shuman was awarded Magician of the Month! Come see us in November!

SEP

2012

The September meeting was the ever popular Magic Auction. Don Akers presided, and we got down to business, with a room full of tables overflowing with magic props! John Tudor admits he loves magic auctions.
There were lots of individual tricks, lots of books and dvds, and even some VHS tapes! Costume hats, ceramic figurines, and other very cool oddities. Who bought the most? Hands down the prize goes to birthday boy Brent Shuman, who brought home armloads of stuff. THANKS to Mr. and Mrs. Shuman for the magic birthday cake! The prize for coolest item sold was in my opinion the "Fastest Trick in the World" (vanishing pot of flowers) that Tony Metze bought. The club made around $100, so...good news guys, if everybody pays their dues at the end of the year, the club will be out of debt with a sum in the bank.
There is good news and bad news, too, unfortunately. While we were holding the auction, Ring Treasurer Jason Mills' car was broken into, and his entire show was stolen! How is that for irony? (magic show props stolen, from outside a church, while auctioning magic props inside!) Here's the good news: with just a simple email or two, we were able to find replacements for about half of the items so far, thanks to local magic clown Julie Buckley and soon to be Ring member Gary Patterson. That, friends, is the brotherhood of magicians!

AUG

2012

Mental Magic

JUL

2012

Twenty one members and guests attended our Annual Summer Picnic, on Saturday July 14. A long tradition with our club, this time we were at John Tudor's house, in West Columbia. It was great to have everybody over again!
The gathering started early with a Magic Jam. Cameron Burks and Brent Shuman were the first to arrive, we hung out and did magic! Flo Johnson was the first to arrive with food, and suddenly we had a full house and a spread of delicious summer delectables and desserts.
After we had all eaten our fill, told jokes, and traded close up effects and manipulations, we all made a short trek to the studio. (Many have a magic room, I’m lucky enough to have a magic building! It’s really just a big converted garage, but with lights and curtains and memorabilia on the walls...great for a magic party.) TECHNO MAGIC was the theme, anything that involves technology.
Mike Kimble gave a tour de force performance of the Magic Switchboard, that always fools everybody. Brent Shuman did an impossible cell phone in balloon. John Tudor did an iPhone app trick, iOpener, where a bottle cap pops on and off the screen with some surprizing physical appearances of what was shown on the iphone. Our webmeister Rich Soos did a variety of tech effects to include an oldy but a goody, laser light card find. Jason Mills did a slick coin routine, with coin to pocket and coins across phases and many other neat effects. Tony Metze caused a nut and bolt to come to life, via the electro-magic energy felt around an parasychologists book . Really cool!
By popular acclaim, Mike Kimble was selected as Magician of the Month! We then all retreated back to the house for ice cream and other desserts, and talked magic into the wee hours.

JUN

2012

 Another big night at the Coe Norton Ring with sixteen members in attendance, including newcomers Mike Dupree, Kenny Taylor, and Robert Skotty Wannamaker. A brief business meeting was held where we discussed our Fundraiser show August 10-11, conventions coming up, and the travels and news of members.
Our theme was Coin and Money magic. The main event was a performance and brief lecture by Joey Vazquez, who presented a stand up, silent coin routine, and card assembly. It was really beautiful, and showed off the “cool groove” style of his magic. It was created from work by Homer Liwag, Troy Hooser, and Tom Stone. Joey said “A piece of magic really has to speak to me on a visual, artistic, and sensible level. It has to be visually strong, and clear enough to understand. Going beyond just "tricks", I ask myself: is the method sensible...? How can I get from point A to point B clearly? How can my audience best understand the magic, without a lot of convoluted moves thrown in that don't add to the experience?”
Joey demonstrated the workings of his performance, as well as on the Muscle Pass. One of Joey’s effects, a surprising cell phone production, is in the current David Acer book. He’s also one of the creators of The Dark Cabaret, a evening of art and magic; at the home of illusionary artist Christian Thee (nice to see you back at the club, Chris!) Joey took home our Magician of the Month award.
Jason Mills followed with his coins across routine. Brent Shuman stepped up and performed his coin penetration. John Tudor did Joe Jesse’s Change for a Dollar. Mike Dupree followed with a slick bill switch routine, with $2 bills. Robert Skotty Wannamaker was the big spender of the evening, who presented Extreme Burn, flourishing a handful of C notes. Ring president James Adams did a check to bill, along with funny stories of how he uses it in restaurants. Joe Daniels (headliner of Dark Cabaret) demonstrated his work on a one handed copper to silver coin sleight.
Michael Dupree demonstrated something similar that he’d worked on. John Tudor gave a brief workshop on a giant coin production, with everybody picking up a Jumbo and trying the move. And more I don’t remember!

MAY

2012

Seventeen members and guests were in attendance for our May meeting.
President James Adams called the club to order and we were off!
Introductions and financial affairs were taken care of, and discussions of our upcoming fundraiser show was the main topic. Our preference for a charity tie-in is Pets, Inc. A date of August 10, and 11 was set. We also heard about The Dark Cabaret, a local show by guests Joey Vazquez and Joseph Daniels, at the home of illusion artist Christian Thee.

This months theme was Ropes and Silks, the most beautiful type of magic!
Spotlight performers were new members Hannah Lynn, and Brandon Wagster.
They began with a slick performance of the Gypsy Rope Tie. Brandon followed with performances and explanations of his Silk Act. He began by explaining a bit about silk sizes, thickness (weight measured as momme, and types (square, streamer, diagonal, diamond, etc.). The effects he taught included the Untying Knot, the Pop Silk, One Handed Vanish, Fountain of Silks, a simple Blendo, and a six foot silk production. This was quite good material, even down to how he packed the act!
More magic followed as Tony Metze performed a fooler of a card prediction.
New member Brent Shuman put a guests’ iPhone inside a balloon. James Adams made a big candy bar appear in a flash of fire. Rich Soos returned to the theme with the classic Professor’s Nightmare, and his own performance variations. The entire room took a break to sing “Happy Birthday” for Hannah Lynn and Joey Vazquez. Hannah loved it, anyway. A cool very moment followed; as Brandon Wagster, and guests Joey Vazquez and Curtis Smoak did the "Coin That Falls Up" (muscle pass) in unison. A coin stunt in triplicate! Rich Soos was back with a performance and mini workshop on metal bending. And the magic went on and on, and later some of the younger members (aren’t we glad we have some again) went to a midnite premiere of The Avengers movie! Not magic, I admit, but fun! Please join us if you are in the area!

APR

2012

April 10th: Meeting Theme - Cups & Balls, Chop Cups, Benson Bowls, etc.We had a very interactive magical meeting with fourteen in attendance, led by Prez James Adams. We gladly welcomed a number of members old and new, even a slithering ball python. Our new Facebook page is just up, as well as a renewed website. We discussed our Ring Fundraiser show to be held in July.

Spotlight performer Jason Mills stepped up to give a talk on the Cups and Balls, the history and importance of the classic trick. He performed the classic street style with a pouch, and surprised us with his loads.He was also selected as our Magician of the Month. More cup demonstrations came from Brent Shuman who perfomed his version with character foam loads to finish, Brandon Wagster impressed us with many ideas to use and Richard Soos who showed us an idea to pull a silk thru the bottom of cup and a load using a smaller chop cup. Alot of ideas and talk sparked the night keeping us there to almost 11pm. Great Night wish more could come.

MAR

2012

President James Adams opened up the night. It was a jam packed night, as we had impromptu performances happening from members and guest Justin Fann.

John Tudor acted as emcee for the evening, which started with a successful club audition by young Brent Shuman, who performed a Four Queen Assembly, and a stand up Cups and Balls routine. Congratulations, and welcome Brent!

Next up was a lecture by professional street magician JoeJoe from Myrtle Beach, SC. He is a fifteen year veteran of street performance and a proud "worker". He opened with performances of the Street Dancing Cane, Unshuffled, Chop Goblet, and Misled. Most of all he gave a very rich and interesting talk about the realities and techniques of street performance stressing the elements of Sound, Motion, Color, and Breaking the Ceiling. Strategies for the Pitch and Building the Hat were covered as well as outdoor levitations. His Floating Cigarette was outstanding, and utilized his Thread Tube, now handled by Steve Fearson. Best of all, to my taste, was his sincere statement that magic is about emotion, expressing and giving. It was easy to see why he's done so well.

Afterwards the night went on with more casual performances and magic. Thank You, JoeJoe. You can learn more at amazingjoejoe.com . Recommended.

FEB

2012

Seventeen magicians attended, with excitement in the room as we welcomed several new members and members from previous years who recently returned to the city. The agenda was reviewed with the usual business- upcoming is the JoeJo Lecture March 1, (street magic and thread work) and lectures of other Rings, other possible lectures for our Ring, financial report of Ring and SCAM, and plans for Ring 105. We then moved into our magical portion for the evening.

Tony Metze owns all eight volumes of the Tarbell Course in Magic. On occasion he refers to it for creative insight. As a child he learned the “flipstick” move. Candidly, though he practiced the move and could execute it, but he never performed it. For some reason it did not seem strong enough to suit his taste, until he witnessed the lecture of our February meeting by John Tudor.

John demonstrated moves, flourishes and performance pieces for the simple “flipstick” move beyond anything we expected. It was fabulously entertaining. John took the club participants through all the moves, holding the wand properly, proper pressure of the fingers, variations on vanish and appearances, and utilization of a silk. In John’s hands the “flipstick” move became a
true performance piece. Each member of Ring 105 had the opportunity to execute each move and practice as John watched. John’s professionalism showed in his patient handling of each participant and his extensive knowledge in this simple sleight with multifaceted applications.

Our Ring is already off to a great start for 2012. If you are in town please come visit us.

JAN

2012

The Columbia Ring convened on it’s usual first Thursday of January with thirteen magicians, including guests Steve Sawyer from Columbia and Chip Bunce from Charleston. Our TVP for South Carolina, Rev. Tony Metze, performed the installation of new officers, James Adams, President, Tony Metze, Vice President, Jason Mills, Treasurer, John Tudor as Secretary, and Don Akers as Sgt. At Arms. (Tony had a very clever idea for the installation - each officer held a magic prop to symbolize their office: The President held a wand, the Vice President, a rope, the Treasurer, a Miser’s Dream Bucket, Secretary, a set of Linked Rings. Can you guess how each symbol related to the job?)

Next we had a presentation of a special plaque to our outgoing officers Helen and Henry Pettit for years of service to our Ring and the Art of Magic. Our new Prez took the floor, and brought up the NEW - how this ring is changing for the better. May things were discussed (keeping within the 30 minute business time limit!); like our upcoming lectures, Magic At The Beach convention, a Fundraiser show, and a new monthly award for the best received trick of the evening.

Then on to the magic. James Adams was first up with a card effect that surprised everybody- a card was selected, then a button from James’ shirt vanished and re-appeared, inside the card box next to the chosen card. That it was actually sewn to the card was the surprise! He followed with an inspiring talk about “gift magic.” Jason Mills followed with Thurston’s Five Card Vanish and Reappearance, as well as a coin Matrix. Tony Metze did a vanishing and reappearing ball, done to a salsa beat! John Tudor was next with Flipstick routines, and a report on the movie Hugo. Chip Bunce performed a coin thru the table effect. New member Steve Sawyer discussed black light magic effects he’s doing - we hope to see it at the club! James Adam’s original card/button trick won by popular acclaim. Come join us the first Thursday of each month!