2010-04 Ring Report

President Craig Fennessy called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM on March 17th and introduced the Ring's officers to the 41 members and guests in attendance. He went on to report that the Ring's annual Flea Market and Auction was well attended and a financial and social success as well. Gratitude was extended to both Michael Ammar and Michael Eaton for their participation in the affair and the very favorable comments received from those attending their events. The next Ring event will be the Annual Banquet scheduled for May 8th, 2010. Following that, a lecture by Chris Capehart is scheduled for May 11th.

Dan Stapleton reported that a Circus World Reunion was held at the Radisson Hotel recently with 150 attendees from all parts of the Country exhibiting costumes and memorabilia from that historical local venue which closed its doors in the 80's.

Guest Chastain Criswell informed the group that his Ring would be hosting The Carolina Tricks Closeup Convention in Charlotte, N.C. On October 1st and 2nd , 2010.. Anyone who is interested in attending should contact Chastain in Charlotte. James Songster and Joe Vecciarelli were scheduled to perform in Tampa at the end of March. Dave Koenig is scheduled to appear as a guest on Internet Radio's Shadows on the Net, April 14. The business meeting ended with a presentation by Ravelli, a successful professional magician in the area, who is concerned with the rising number of amateur performers who are willing to perform for little or no compensation. A discussion followed and the membership agreed that every effort should be made to encourage those performers to charge for their performances and compete on an even platform with others. Professional members of our Ring do receive competitive compensation for their performances.

Phil Schwartz was up next with Magic History Moment #20 -Magic Sets- He told the membership of the early years of John A Petrie and Alfred C Gilbert, the former, an inventor and the latter a Yale grad with a medical degree, who combined their love of magic to form the Mysto Magic Company in 1909.

Many in Phil's audience developed their love of magic from one of these magic sets. He displayed 3 different Mysto Sets in addition to a Sneaky Pete and a Carl Williams set. Dan Stapleton also exhibited his childhood magic sets, My Favorite Martian and a Dante. Phil ended by stating A.C.Gilbert was best known for his production and sale of Erector Sets for those budding Construction Engineers of the 20th Century.

James Songster handled the emcee chores for the Ring's performance segment. Mark Fitzgerald started the bill with a well rehearsed Oil and Water card routine followed by Charlie Pfrogner doing a multiplying silk and tube effect. James brought Ravelli up on stage to demonstrate the “Devil's Hook”. Phil Schwartz presented A Zig-Zag Coke Illusion and Dan Stapleton did his version from 'Scarne on Cards'- Deck Tracy. Richard {“Mr A”} Adler did a Professor's Nightmare with a twist and finished with balloon swallowing illusion that brought the audience to their feet. Our emcee, James gave a couple from the audience a chance at a double chain release but they were not up to the challenge. Chastain Criswell presented a coin matrix effect and together with Michael Eaton who demonstrated his skill with Coin and Card Magic closed out the evening.

A fine time was had by all.
Sheldon Brook