2009-03 Ring Report Ring #170 The Bev Bergeron Ring

We are still homeless! It looks like the Ring will be loitering in the back from of IHOP on Kirkman Road for a while. We had planned to have a permanent meeting place by the spring but so far all the prospects for any of the new locations have fallen through. The current economic downturn has cut funding on city and country recreation buildings. The board continues to work on a new location.

February’s meeting was opened by President Craig Fennessy and a quick mention was made of all the upcoming magic events in the Orlando area. You should frequently check our Ring 170 website for continuous updates. We were thrilled that our own Wallace Murphy was on the cover of The Linking Ring. Wallace is one of our most talented members and is also one of our longest ring members.

After the short business meeting we turned to our guest lecturer for the evening, John Luka from Michigan. John has been an avid magic enthusiast for most of his life. Included among his mentors were Milt Kort and Harry Riser. John is the founder of The Motor City Close-Up Convention, held in Taylor, Michigan, now in its eleventh year. This convention brings top line performers into Detroit to perform and lecture.

John’s “Thoughts On…” column appeared in The New Tops magazine published by the Abbott Magic Company. The lecture contained material from John’s new book, Uncovered. Some of the magic included a no palm card to wallet and a three-ball routine, called Chroma Balls, which we scratched our heads over.

Featured is Licked At Last, which the experts are calling the best yet In The Hands Triumph. Another stand out item was Back to the 19th Century, an incredible assembly that will make you a believer.

There was even more great stuff that works well in the real world. Each and every effect has been audience tested over the years. Every item that John performed at the lecture was fully explained. He also provided his sources of inspiration.

John’s lecture contained do-able, practical magic. Be sure to catch his lecture when he is in your area and find out for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Good things are always happening in Ring 170

Dennis Phillips