Posts
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 05/18/2008 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Board meeting at 6:30 pm
Meeting theme: Hot Magic
Marks Street Center, 99 Mark Street, downtown Orlando
If you visit with us and do not know the room we meet in , please be aware that some of the people in the office at the Senior Center may not be aware we are meeting there! At the last meeting one visitor asked where the "IBM" was meeting and the management apparently thought they were asking for the International Business Machines group! They said that there was no "IBM" on the schedule. So, if you have never been to our ring meeting , please say "magicians" or "FAME" and if that doesn't get the room location , just walk around looking for us. The Senior Center is a public building.
Lunch meetings every Tuesday at noon at Goodings (next to the food court)
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
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Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – Art.Thomas@Disney.com
Dennis Philips- Secretary – Dennis@alliedcostumes.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
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GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
Monday, June 09, 2008
2008-06 From the Editor
Another half year gone by, and summer has hit us with its heat. I write this from just outside Philadelphia where the temperatures are Florida-like. It seems the Don Arthur/Bev Bergeron tribute evening was a huge success. Congratulations to both of them and thanks to Don Stapleton for his organization of the the event.
Thanks too, to this month's contributors, Dennis (as ever), Joe, Joe, Stan, Dan, Jim and Maria/Artie.
Hopefully someone will be able to send me a review of last weekend's Magic on the Beach for the next edition of the newsletter.
Your editor
Stefan
Thanks too, to this month's contributors, Dennis (as ever), Joe, Joe, Stan, Dan, Jim and Maria/Artie.
Hopefully someone will be able to send me a review of last weekend's Magic on the Beach for the next edition of the newsletter.
Your editor
Stefan
2008-06 Ring Report
Ring Report Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
The tourist season is approaching in Orlando and that means that many of our professionals in the ring are working but we still had a very good attendance at the May Ring meeting with 34 enthusiasts in the seats.
Randy Smith joined us from the Melbourne area and was surprised that a few of our older members recalled “The Eclipse” illusion from a few decades ago. It is an intriguing effect where a solid metal disk invisibly moves from one side of the stage to the other and passes by a lighted cloth frame in the center of the stage. The audience can see the shadow moving by the lighted frame. Ken Morrow was also a guest.
George Glasscoff is a local talented woodworker and great guy. He had a display at the ring meeting offering his hand crafted wands and tables. He used a Charlie Pfrogner idea to create what best can be described as a “Light and Heavy Wand”. By cleverly weighting a wand it can appear “light as a feather” or very heavy. George uses “green” wood. Years ago the term “green” had a different meaning; it meant wood that had not been dried in a kiln. What George means is that he uses recycled wood so that new trees do not have to be destroyed to make his creations.
Phil Schwartz was back with his priceless monthly “Magic Moment” on a unique aspect of magic history. This month he explained the unusual item he bought from John Daniel. With the help of Chuck Jones, Phil discovered the effect he had bought was called, “Humboldt and the Globe” named after the famous German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt. The original effect had a bust of Humboldt and a small globe on a pedestal. When covered by two tubes they mysteriously changed places. Phil revised the effect to make a dragon sculpture change places with the globe. Phil gave all the background on how this late 19th century illusion developed. In addition, he also showed an antique Thayer tea-chest and a fake trick that had the Thayer name stamped on it. Phil also presented an informative explanation on the ways that magic experts date equipment using periodicals, catalogs and books.
Following Phil, it was time for the monthly show and “KP”, Kerry Pierce, was the Master of Ceremonies.
First up was Charlie Pfrogner, our new Lifetime Member Honoree. Charlie gave a brief explanation of his “light and heavy wand”. He then had an audience assistant put stickers on the back of a four alphabet cards that spelled “aces”. The cards were put in a wallet and magically changed into four cards that spelled “gone”. The cards did return for Charlie. James Songster did an unusual and entertaining version of the classic “Pea can”… With the help of an assistant, small shredded bits of tin foil transformed into a Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss.
Bev Bergeron presented his version of Billy McComb’s Half-Dyed hank. Bev provided a pseudo explanation on how a white hank can be dyed to red inside his fist. Bev had all the little comedic moves to really gets a crowd going and then he shows that the handkerchief is actually dyed half red and half white. The late McComb would be proud of Bev’s presentation.
Finally, Emcee Kerry Pierce did a unique and very entertaining version of David Hoy’s “Tossed Out deck”. Kerry invited up 5 male volunteers and outfitted them with “Village People” head gear. For those of you that don’t remember the Disco Era, I am sure you remember one of their hit songs, “YMCA”. The deck is bound with a rubber band and each volunteer is asked to peak at just one card. After a bit of by-play and a fun dance to the boom-box playing “YMCA”, Kerry called out five cards and all the volunteers recognized that he had called out their card! They tossed their hats into his bag and he bowed off to a great hand.
Another great ring meeting came to an end. Please plan to be with us when you visit Orlando. Good things are always happening in Ring 170.
Dennis Phillips
The Bev Bergeron Ring
The tourist season is approaching in Orlando and that means that many of our professionals in the ring are working but we still had a very good attendance at the May Ring meeting with 34 enthusiasts in the seats.
Randy Smith joined us from the Melbourne area and was surprised that a few of our older members recalled “The Eclipse” illusion from a few decades ago. It is an intriguing effect where a solid metal disk invisibly moves from one side of the stage to the other and passes by a lighted cloth frame in the center of the stage. The audience can see the shadow moving by the lighted frame. Ken Morrow was also a guest.
George Glasscoff is a local talented woodworker and great guy. He had a display at the ring meeting offering his hand crafted wands and tables. He used a Charlie Pfrogner idea to create what best can be described as a “Light and Heavy Wand”. By cleverly weighting a wand it can appear “light as a feather” or very heavy. George uses “green” wood. Years ago the term “green” had a different meaning; it meant wood that had not been dried in a kiln. What George means is that he uses recycled wood so that new trees do not have to be destroyed to make his creations.
Phil Schwartz was back with his priceless monthly “Magic Moment” on a unique aspect of magic history. This month he explained the unusual item he bought from John Daniel. With the help of Chuck Jones, Phil discovered the effect he had bought was called, “Humboldt and the Globe” named after the famous German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt. The original effect had a bust of Humboldt and a small globe on a pedestal. When covered by two tubes they mysteriously changed places. Phil revised the effect to make a dragon sculpture change places with the globe. Phil gave all the background on how this late 19th century illusion developed. In addition, he also showed an antique Thayer tea-chest and a fake trick that had the Thayer name stamped on it. Phil also presented an informative explanation on the ways that magic experts date equipment using periodicals, catalogs and books.
Following Phil, it was time for the monthly show and “KP”, Kerry Pierce, was the Master of Ceremonies.
First up was Charlie Pfrogner, our new Lifetime Member Honoree. Charlie gave a brief explanation of his “light and heavy wand”. He then had an audience assistant put stickers on the back of a four alphabet cards that spelled “aces”. The cards were put in a wallet and magically changed into four cards that spelled “gone”. The cards did return for Charlie. James Songster did an unusual and entertaining version of the classic “Pea can”… With the help of an assistant, small shredded bits of tin foil transformed into a Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss.
Bev Bergeron presented his version of Billy McComb’s Half-Dyed hank. Bev provided a pseudo explanation on how a white hank can be dyed to red inside his fist. Bev had all the little comedic moves to really gets a crowd going and then he shows that the handkerchief is actually dyed half red and half white. The late McComb would be proud of Bev’s presentation.
Finally, Emcee Kerry Pierce did a unique and very entertaining version of David Hoy’s “Tossed Out deck”. Kerry invited up 5 male volunteers and outfitted them with “Village People” head gear. For those of you that don’t remember the Disco Era, I am sure you remember one of their hit songs, “YMCA”. The deck is bound with a rubber band and each volunteer is asked to peak at just one card. After a bit of by-play and a fun dance to the boom-box playing “YMCA”, Kerry called out five cards and all the volunteers recognized that he had called out their card! They tossed their hats into his bag and he bowed off to a great hand.
Another great ring meeting came to an end. Please plan to be with us when you visit Orlando. Good things are always happening in Ring 170.
Dennis Phillips
2008-06 Recommendation for Fielding West lecture
I was just with Fielding in Miami. great lecture!!!
Harry Allen
Harry Allen
2008-06 Greg Bordner & Abbott's Get Together
NEWSFLASH -- URGENT NEWS --
This just in from Artie Kidwell -- Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg and his family as he faces this difficult medical situation.
PLEASE I would respectfully ask that you keep him in your prayers.
Greg Bordner of Abbott's Magic is in Chicago awaiting a heart transplant. I spoke to the folks in Colon this morning and everyone seems to be very positive for the future.
In the mean time, of course, the rumor mill has already started that there will be no get together this year. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There will be a get together and all is going as well as could be expected.
I'll be there, so should you!
Artie C. Kidwell
The Magic Shop
526 Philadelphia Street
Covington, KY 41011-1239
USA
859-491-1313 - shop
859-491-0096 - fax
859-462-1313 - cell
www.artiesmagic.com
Artie wants to make sure that everyone knows that the Get Together will go on as scheduled.
Keep a dream in the making
Maria Ibâñez
National President
Society of American Magicians
This just in from Artie Kidwell -- Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg and his family as he faces this difficult medical situation.
PLEASE I would respectfully ask that you keep him in your prayers.
Greg Bordner of Abbott's Magic is in Chicago awaiting a heart transplant. I spoke to the folks in Colon this morning and everyone seems to be very positive for the future.
In the mean time, of course, the rumor mill has already started that there will be no get together this year. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There will be a get together and all is going as well as could be expected.
I'll be there, so should you!
Artie C. Kidwell
The Magic Shop
526 Philadelphia Street
Covington, KY 41011-1239
USA
859-491-1313 - shop
859-491-0096 - fax
859-462-1313 - cell
www.artiesmagic.com
Artie wants to make sure that everyone knows that the Get Together will go on as scheduled.
Keep a dream in the making
Maria Ibâñez
National President
Society of American Magicians
2008-06 Review of Magic at Fringe Festival
Saw a very good performance at The Fringe festival two weeks ago. The Fringe is a conference of short theatre pieces that are presented at Loch Haven Park each year. Many of the actors are local and are often one-man or two person playlets. The plays run for nearly 10 days and each one is approx. 45 min. in length and presents at various small theatres in and around the "park". Each show plays six or seven times within the length of the festival.
Last year, as one of the shows, was a "drag" magic act (did not see it) but the year before was Mark Stone's excellent (and old school) mentalism show. Although Mark's show is that of basic "Mentalism 101" it never misses in going over well with the laymen (and I've seen the show three times).
This year included a show entitled Wonder Show of The Universe (a title taken from Thurston's show of the 1920's-30's). To enter any or all of the numerous different Fringe shows you must first purchase a button ($6)...to be purchase only one time. The entrance for each show varies but is approx. $10.00 plus a $1.00 service charge. So it cost me $17.00 to see Wondershow of the Universe...a 37 min. show (was billed as 45 minutes).
Was it worth it? Yes! Starring Travis and Yves as turn of the century conjurors presenting an 1850's "Do The Spirits Return?" presentation. He opens with the Gene Anderson paper tear, a bit out of character I thought but done well. He then does a nice borrowed pocket/wrist watch time match as I have seen Kreskin do and the right timing is needed to "pull it out" (pun for those who know).
Next is a quick and seldom seen self arm severed illusion that was invented by UF Grant. Coincidentally, the only other time I saw this performed was by Magic Ian at The Villages Show. Travis's looked nearly impossible...even close-up. Travis then performed another illusion (I believe that is owned by former David Copperfield's stage manager Michael Keating), Jim Steinmeyer's great illusion Origami. Although this illusion has become the new Zig Zag in that every other magician (I'm "the other") performs it, it still is very popular with audiences. This too was a bit out of character for a show such as this but again, performed well.
Next was the very cool dining room table levitation where six people come up to assist "floating" a large, round, heavy table. The beauty of this illusion is that the damn thing can even be inspected. The only other person I saw do this was Copperfield in his Ghost" TV special. I happen to be at his taping in Tampa when the specia l was being produced. Closing the Wondershow was the best Spirit Cabinet illusion I have seen. The prop was spectacular (might have been built by Wellington) and the routine or at least some ideas might be that from Steinmeyer. Yves looks like Frances Willard and the presentation was near perfect. Seeing this alone was worth the $17.00! One bit I will not reveal was a stunner! After seeing The Illusionist and Prestige movies, I immediately wanted to do a show similar to what I saw two weeks ago.
In fact, after seeing my Magic In Mandolins show, I believe it was Art Thomas and/or James Songster who told me that they could see me doing a similar piece. Maybe I will. But Travis did a good job but not without some things I would have done differently. But that's me. Travis & Yves looked the part with period costuming and some good props and presentation. Next time I hope to see their show where they are not rushed off in order to fill the stage with the next Fringe show that has to start only 30 min. later, having to share that stage space.
Dan Stapleton
Last year, as one of the shows, was a "drag" magic act (did not see it) but the year before was Mark Stone's excellent (and old school) mentalism show. Although Mark's show is that of basic "Mentalism 101" it never misses in going over well with the laymen (and I've seen the show three times).
This year included a show entitled Wonder Show of The Universe (a title taken from Thurston's show of the 1920's-30's). To enter any or all of the numerous different Fringe shows you must first purchase a button ($6)...to be purchase only one time. The entrance for each show varies but is approx. $10.00 plus a $1.00 service charge. So it cost me $17.00 to see Wondershow of the Universe...a 37 min. show (was billed as 45 minutes).
Was it worth it? Yes! Starring Travis and Yves as turn of the century conjurors presenting an 1850's "Do The Spirits Return?" presentation. He opens with the Gene Anderson paper tear, a bit out of character I thought but done well. He then does a nice borrowed pocket/wrist watch time match as I have seen Kreskin do and the right timing is needed to "pull it out" (pun for those who know).
Next is a quick and seldom seen self arm severed illusion that was invented by UF Grant. Coincidentally, the only other time I saw this performed was by Magic Ian at The Villages Show. Travis's looked nearly impossible...even close-up. Travis then performed another illusion (I believe that is owned by former David Copperfield's stage manager Michael Keating), Jim Steinmeyer's great illusion Origami. Although this illusion has become the new Zig Zag in that every other magician (I'm "the other") performs it, it still is very popular with audiences. This too was a bit out of character for a show such as this but again, performed well.
Next was the very cool dining room table levitation where six people come up to assist "floating" a large, round, heavy table. The beauty of this illusion is that the damn thing can even be inspected. The only other person I saw do this was Copperfield in his Ghost" TV special. I happen to be at his taping in Tampa when the specia l was being produced. Closing the Wondershow was the best Spirit Cabinet illusion I have seen. The prop was spectacular (might have been built by Wellington) and the routine or at least some ideas might be that from Steinmeyer. Yves looks like Frances Willard and the presentation was near perfect. Seeing this alone was worth the $17.00! One bit I will not reveal was a stunner! After seeing The Illusionist and Prestige movies, I immediately wanted to do a show similar to what I saw two weeks ago.
In fact, after seeing my Magic In Mandolins show, I believe it was Art Thomas and/or James Songster who told me that they could see me doing a similar piece. Maybe I will. But Travis did a good job but not without some things I would have done differently. But that's me. Travis & Yves looked the part with period costuming and some good props and presentation. Next time I hope to see their show where they are not rushed off in order to fill the stage with the next Fringe show that has to start only 30 min. later, having to share that stage space.
Dan Stapleton
2008-06 Thoughts on the Tribute Evening
This past week I had the opportunity to learn more about 2 members of our ring. Don Arthur who I must admit I knew precious little about, and of course Bev Bergeron who I am so lucky to know and have learned so much from in the past few years. If only I had known these guys when I was starting out. I would not have made some of the mistakes that I made over the years. If only I had known these guys when I was starting out! Oh how much richer my life would have been for it. Don has done and created things and met people I could only dream of. I never knew his of his rich and I mean RICH history in this business. I know Don as a guy who is always willing to help when trying to figure something out or if you are at the auction and not sure of what something might be Don I always willing to help out if he can. I now have learned so much more about him and am glad of it. Bev, well there is a ton of stuff I knew about Bergeron before. All good as far as I am concerned. But after spending some time listening to him remember and tell us of all that I fell lucky the guy would even talk to me. Here is a guy who has been around in the busines and has so much to offer aside from some great performances but the stories, funny, informative, even scary. What a guy!
I have to say if there was one disappointment in the whole evening it was that it could not go longer. I could have listened to these guys for many more hours. It was a lesson in showmanship and history and CLASS. I was truly delighted to hear what they had to say and truly enjoyed the video montages of their work. Bravo Dan Stapleton for the work you did hosting and everything else. I just wish I had seen more of the younger guys there to hear what was being said. We cannot do what we do if we do not know from where it all came, history is as important and the present and the future. Here is to these 2 guys making more history and for a long time to come. Attention must be paid, as Liz Maupin says, and I will always remember that I know some of the best in the business and that they are part of our ring.
Joe Z
I have to say if there was one disappointment in the whole evening it was that it could not go longer. I could have listened to these guys for many more hours. It was a lesson in showmanship and history and CLASS. I was truly delighted to hear what they had to say and truly enjoyed the video montages of their work. Bravo Dan Stapleton for the work you did hosting and everything else. I just wish I had seen more of the younger guys there to hear what was being said. We cannot do what we do if we do not know from where it all came, history is as important and the present and the future. Here is to these 2 guys making more history and for a long time to come. Attention must be paid, as Liz Maupin says, and I will always remember that I know some of the best in the business and that they are part of our ring.
Joe Z
2008-06 Message from Stan Lobenstern
Thanks Dan for sending the picture of the Tribute Evening to me. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was looking forward to attending this function but as with most of the regular meetings, in the condition I'm in, had no way to get there as Sandy was working those hours.
It's always surprised me that as many years as I have been a member of the local club, since 1974 or so and I supposed that I was a long time friend and liked by all, and they all know how ill and disabled I am with this Emphysema, that no one ever not only calls to see how I am, ( or if I still am) but as in the case of Don/Bev Tribute and the meetings, to call and see if I have a way to get there.
I sincerely appreciate your Brotherhood and please keep me posted on all these special events
Stan Lobenstern
I was looking forward to attending this function but as with most of the regular meetings, in the condition I'm in, had no way to get there as Sandy was working those hours.
It's always surprised me that as many years as I have been a member of the local club, since 1974 or so and I supposed that I was a long time friend and liked by all, and they all know how ill and disabled I am with this Emphysema, that no one ever not only calls to see how I am, ( or if I still am) but as in the case of Don/Bev Tribute and the meetings, to call and see if I have a way to get there.
I sincerely appreciate your Brotherhood and please keep me posted on all these special events
Stan Lobenstern
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2008-06 Ring Members in Podcasting
A few members of FAME - IBM Ring 170 have been featured on the National Podcasting Company show, Conjurers, Carnies & Collectors.
James and Joe Interview...
http://www.nationalpodcastingcompany.com/?p=51
Bev Bergeron was interviewed a few weeks ago and his recording can be found here...
http://www.nationalpodcastingcompany.com/?p=46
JoeV
James and Joe Interview...
http://www.nationalpodcastingcompany.com/?p=51
Bev Bergeron was interviewed a few weeks ago and his recording can be found here...
http://www.nationalpodcastingcompany.com/?p=46
JoeV
2008-06 Planning a visit to Ring 170
Hi Stefan,
I forward a copy of this email to your president and thought I would let introduce myself to you as well.
I'm a member of Ring 21 Hollywood, and used to have a cartoon panel in the Linking Ring called "MagicToons" last year. I am also a native of Daytona Beach who eventually wound up in California where I work as a character animator and an amateur magician.
I am planning to return to Florida this summer for a brief visit and would love to visit your ring meeting in July. I could also perform a brief lecture as well as bring along some original prints of my cartoons for sale. Again, let me stress the word "planning" here, since if a summer job pops up here I will have to postpone my visit for a later time.
If things do work out and if you are interested in having me visit, I would love to do so.
Here's a link to my magic cartoons
and here's some animation of a hotdog I did recently:
click here and then on the window labeled "Click to Play"
Thank you and enjoy.
Jim
Jim Richardson
magictoons@heyjimmyanimator.com
I forward a copy of this email to your president and thought I would let introduce myself to you as well.
I'm a member of Ring 21 Hollywood, and used to have a cartoon panel in the Linking Ring called "MagicToons" last year. I am also a native of Daytona Beach who eventually wound up in California where I work as a character animator and an amateur magician.
I am planning to return to Florida this summer for a brief visit and would love to visit your ring meeting in July. I could also perform a brief lecture as well as bring along some original prints of my cartoons for sale. Again, let me stress the word "planning" here, since if a summer job pops up here I will have to postpone my visit for a later time.
If things do work out and if you are interested in having me visit, I would love to do so.
Here's a link to my magic cartoons
and here's some animation of a hotdog I did recently:
click here and then on the window labeled "Click to Play"
Thank you and enjoy.
Jim
Jim Richardson
magictoons@heyjimmyanimator.com
2008-06 Dennis' Deliberations
Orlando Ring 170 enjoyed a grand banquet and exciting show on April 19th that celebrated achievements by notable members and commissioned the returning board members.
President Craig Fennessy and event chairman, Art Thomas coordinated the evening’s happenings along with the help of many ring members and their spouses and children. Again this year we used the facilities in Barnabas Hall at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Southwest Orlando, not far from Universal Studios and the Orlando attractions.
The activities began with a team of walk-around magicians. Wallace Murphy coordinated the performers that included, John Anderson, Mike Bondi, J.C. Hiatt,
Ryan Schlutz and Greg Solomon. Coins, cards, rubber bands, sponge balls and an assortment of paraphernalia were used to delight the expectant crowd.
Chris Dunn arranged for the catering by Shelly Garza. Lynn Fitzgerald handled the printing of the programs as well as the creative table decorations. Gary Adams and Craig Fennessy circulated around the hall capturing photographs of the event.
After the dinner banquet President Fennessy took the platform and introduced the returning 2008 board members for Ring 170: Chris Dunn, Vice-President, Dennis Phillips, Secretary, Art Thomas, Treasurer, Joe Vecciarelli, Sergeant at Arms, James Songster, Director at Large and Steven Bartelski the Editor of our Famulus Newsletter. Fennessy then introduced Dan Stapleton, president of the Florida Magic Association.
In a warm tribute President Fennessy and the board honored member Charlie Pfrogner with a “Lifetime Membership”. Charlie could not be physically present but through the wonders of a cell telephone he was called and communicated with the audience. Charlie is one of our most creative members and his monthly magical innovations are eagerly enjoyed at every meeting.
Craig then called up Art Thomas and Sue Jacoberger, the hard-working duo behind all our live production events. They were awarded the Lee Noble Award for professionalism and their many contributions and tireless dedication to the Ring.
With the official presentations concluded Fennessy turned the evening over to the master of ceremonies, Terry Ward. Terry was recently featured on the cover of MUM Magazine and is a full time professional at Walt Disney World. He would perform later in the show. He brought on Fred and Idina Moore. Fred also is a locally based fulltime professional recently a featured evening performer in The Out of Control Magic Show at Wonderworks in Orlando.
Fred opened with his signature act which features a nerdy character. The character disco dances and then his broom joined in with him to dance. The broom effect is based on the Don Wayne Floating Microphone. After a dozen red balls emerge from his mouth he steps into a cloth cabinet and he quickly is transformed into a slick stylish guy that is anything but a nerd! Fred moved right into a great version of David Hoy’s Tossed Out Deck where he used a very long pole to pass a basket around the banquet hall. Next was Fred’s version of Jerry Andus’ Zone Zero with a nice finish. The ball goes into a bag and is transformed into a cape.
For his finally performance piece Fred did a delightful skit to Gene Kelly’s song “Singing in the Rain”. Fred introduced it by saying he was inspired by Kelly and that he originally wanted to be a dancer. Taking a fedora hat and white umbrella from Idina, Fred did a few dance steps and teased the audience as the umbrella floated on his fingers. While the music was playing he had three audience members select three playing cards. Two of the cards were impaled as they flew up from a card fountain and the final card was revealed on the umbrella cover. Fred and Idina bowed off to a very nice hand.
Master of Ceremonies Terry Ward returned for his performance portion of the show. His audience banter and comic lines are the result of years of honing with crowds at the attractions. Spectators would select a card and Ward would reveal it. He finally revealed a chosen card by counting the values from a random pile. Terry then went into a Copentro coin effect that he transformed into a highly entertaining routine. Four coins vanished and reappeared in a shot glass sealed with another larger glass inverted over it. His use of audience assistants with the coins enhanced the effect. He rewarded his last young boy assistant with a balloon animal.
In a delightful interlude Jake Blues was introduced and he said that Elwood Blues could not make it. James Songster was drafted and dressed like the classic part played by Dan Akroyd. The audience delighted in “Soul Man” and the musical entertainment.
Terry Ward returned and introduced the final performer of the evening, Giovanni Livera.
Giovanni is an Orlando based magician and motivational speaker as well as book author.
He graced the cover of Genii Magazine in February of 2002. Giovanni is a whirlwind of enthusiasm and optimism and translates his solid enjoyment of life into a fun-filled performance. He opened up a thin attaché case and brought out a solid bowling ball that he dropped to the floor with an attention getting thud. He invited up three women to select three playing cards and sign them. Each one was revealed in an unusual way. The last card was revealed folded up in his mouth!
Giovanni then went into a lively version of a Magic Square. While the Mission Impossible music theme played he completed a square that added up in every way to be the number given by a spectator. He next invited up a young woman and presented classic Slydini’s paper balls over the head. He used toilet tissue to great comedic effect and at the end unrolled a large bundle and produced a bottle of Champagne!
A pocket watch vanished into a cloud of confetti, as he prepared for his final effect. It was a clever bit of mentalism. Three spectators each came up with a letters, numbers and a state in the United States. One assistant used a marker to fill in those random selections on an automobile license plate drawn on a large drawing pad. Giovanni then opened a large white sealed envelope that had been in full view all the time and opened up the large piece of paper inside revealing that he had predicted all the items on the imaginary license plate. In a generous gesture, Giovanni then offered a free copy of his latest motivational book to everyone in the audience with any free-will donations going completely to the ring treasury. He finished with a standing ovation.
The technical crew for the excellent stage show included, Sue Jacoberger as stage manager, Art Thomas and Amanda Vecciarelli on lighting, Craig Fennessy and Joe Vecciarelli on sound, and James Songster handling the trusses and stage set-up.
Dennis Phillips
President Craig Fennessy and event chairman, Art Thomas coordinated the evening’s happenings along with the help of many ring members and their spouses and children. Again this year we used the facilities in Barnabas Hall at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Southwest Orlando, not far from Universal Studios and the Orlando attractions.
The activities began with a team of walk-around magicians. Wallace Murphy coordinated the performers that included, John Anderson, Mike Bondi, J.C. Hiatt,
Ryan Schlutz and Greg Solomon. Coins, cards, rubber bands, sponge balls and an assortment of paraphernalia were used to delight the expectant crowd.
Chris Dunn arranged for the catering by Shelly Garza. Lynn Fitzgerald handled the printing of the programs as well as the creative table decorations. Gary Adams and Craig Fennessy circulated around the hall capturing photographs of the event.
After the dinner banquet President Fennessy took the platform and introduced the returning 2008 board members for Ring 170: Chris Dunn, Vice-President, Dennis Phillips, Secretary, Art Thomas, Treasurer, Joe Vecciarelli, Sergeant at Arms, James Songster, Director at Large and Steven Bartelski the Editor of our Famulus Newsletter. Fennessy then introduced Dan Stapleton, president of the Florida Magic Association.
In a warm tribute President Fennessy and the board honored member Charlie Pfrogner with a “Lifetime Membership”. Charlie could not be physically present but through the wonders of a cell telephone he was called and communicated with the audience. Charlie is one of our most creative members and his monthly magical innovations are eagerly enjoyed at every meeting.
Craig then called up Art Thomas and Sue Jacoberger, the hard-working duo behind all our live production events. They were awarded the Lee Noble Award for professionalism and their many contributions and tireless dedication to the Ring.
With the official presentations concluded Fennessy turned the evening over to the master of ceremonies, Terry Ward. Terry was recently featured on the cover of MUM Magazine and is a full time professional at Walt Disney World. He would perform later in the show. He brought on Fred and Idina Moore. Fred also is a locally based fulltime professional recently a featured evening performer in The Out of Control Magic Show at Wonderworks in Orlando.
Fred opened with his signature act which features a nerdy character. The character disco dances and then his broom joined in with him to dance. The broom effect is based on the Don Wayne Floating Microphone. After a dozen red balls emerge from his mouth he steps into a cloth cabinet and he quickly is transformed into a slick stylish guy that is anything but a nerd! Fred moved right into a great version of David Hoy’s Tossed Out Deck where he used a very long pole to pass a basket around the banquet hall. Next was Fred’s version of Jerry Andus’ Zone Zero with a nice finish. The ball goes into a bag and is transformed into a cape.
For his finally performance piece Fred did a delightful skit to Gene Kelly’s song “Singing in the Rain”. Fred introduced it by saying he was inspired by Kelly and that he originally wanted to be a dancer. Taking a fedora hat and white umbrella from Idina, Fred did a few dance steps and teased the audience as the umbrella floated on his fingers. While the music was playing he had three audience members select three playing cards. Two of the cards were impaled as they flew up from a card fountain and the final card was revealed on the umbrella cover. Fred and Idina bowed off to a very nice hand.
Master of Ceremonies Terry Ward returned for his performance portion of the show. His audience banter and comic lines are the result of years of honing with crowds at the attractions. Spectators would select a card and Ward would reveal it. He finally revealed a chosen card by counting the values from a random pile. Terry then went into a Copentro coin effect that he transformed into a highly entertaining routine. Four coins vanished and reappeared in a shot glass sealed with another larger glass inverted over it. His use of audience assistants with the coins enhanced the effect. He rewarded his last young boy assistant with a balloon animal.
In a delightful interlude Jake Blues was introduced and he said that Elwood Blues could not make it. James Songster was drafted and dressed like the classic part played by Dan Akroyd. The audience delighted in “Soul Man” and the musical entertainment.
Terry Ward returned and introduced the final performer of the evening, Giovanni Livera.
Giovanni is an Orlando based magician and motivational speaker as well as book author.
He graced the cover of Genii Magazine in February of 2002. Giovanni is a whirlwind of enthusiasm and optimism and translates his solid enjoyment of life into a fun-filled performance. He opened up a thin attaché case and brought out a solid bowling ball that he dropped to the floor with an attention getting thud. He invited up three women to select three playing cards and sign them. Each one was revealed in an unusual way. The last card was revealed folded up in his mouth!
Giovanni then went into a lively version of a Magic Square. While the Mission Impossible music theme played he completed a square that added up in every way to be the number given by a spectator. He next invited up a young woman and presented classic Slydini’s paper balls over the head. He used toilet tissue to great comedic effect and at the end unrolled a large bundle and produced a bottle of Champagne!
A pocket watch vanished into a cloud of confetti, as he prepared for his final effect. It was a clever bit of mentalism. Three spectators each came up with a letters, numbers and a state in the United States. One assistant used a marker to fill in those random selections on an automobile license plate drawn on a large drawing pad. Giovanni then opened a large white sealed envelope that had been in full view all the time and opened up the large piece of paper inside revealing that he had predicted all the items on the imaginary license plate. In a generous gesture, Giovanni then offered a free copy of his latest motivational book to everyone in the audience with any free-will donations going completely to the ring treasury. He finished with a standing ovation.
The technical crew for the excellent stage show included, Sue Jacoberger as stage manager, Art Thomas and Amanda Vecciarelli on lighting, Craig Fennessy and Joe Vecciarelli on sound, and James Songster handling the trusses and stage set-up.
Dennis Phillips
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