2007-11 Ring Report - Ring #170 - The Bev Bergeron Ring

President Craig Fennessy called the October meeting to order and introduced one of our famous past members who has been doing very well out West. Jon Armstrong began the meeting with some material from his award winning Magic Castle act. He performed a 3 Card Monte with blank cards, one of which was signed by a club member. The signed card was ultimately found in Jon's wallet which was being held by another club member.
(Photos of this meeting can be found lower down in this blog - Editor)
Next was the introduction of Magic Ian, a legend in the magic arts. This was his 30th Anniversary lecture and he shared many effects that he has created and refined over the years. Ian has an informal lecture style and is very entertaining. He began with his own Rope Routine - an original version of Carver's Professor's Nightmare that doesn't use three different lengths of rope. He then presented a spectator-assisted Cut & Restored Rope. There was a Silk Vanish, utilizing a thumb tip, while the wrists were held by a spectator . He had a suggestion on how to use the thumb tip better: Place it on the non-dominant hand and it will be easier to conceal.

Everyone was given a Ring & Spring and then taught a one handed way of performing the "move" and then a magician fooler version . Ian moved to some classic props and his unique routines. He had a silk to appearing cane and a few ideas on keeping the cane hidden before the production, candle to glass of liquid, candle to silk to cane.

Coin Balloonacy, his famous Quarter thru Balloon was fun to learn. It was given five stars in Genii Magazine. Magic Ian showed how to use a Haunted Pack as a hold out device! The Stripper Deck used his Utility Move-Mechanic's Grip to deliver cards rather than the normal usage. Pip Squeak , The $500 Card Trick, was presented. Ian was given three cards from a borrowed deck. He displayed them and had then remembered by a spectator. Still holding three cards he showed that two were still there and the third was now a different card. The original third card was back in the deck still held by its owner.

Pepsilkola was a "Silk to miniature soda bottle". He showed us how he developed the idea. Red, white and blue scarves to American flag utilizing an appearing cane with an interesting set-up. Ian concluded with a Coin Matrix with flashback ending. Many items, especially the coin effects, can be seen on his website --- www.magicians.tv

We gave our thanks to Magic Ian for an informative and enjoyable lecture. Good things are always happening in Ring 170.

Joe Vecciarelli and Dennis Phillips