DR RICHARD MOSSEY RING 41, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Meets last Wednesday of month, except July & Aug

Tripoli Shrine Center, 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, 53208

Website: ibmring41.com

Email: [email protected]

Our November ring meeting consisted of two separate topics: “Your Favorite Magic Book” and “Teach-a-Trick.” Robb Fisher, professional Director and Cinematographer, started out  by discussing his favorite magic book Leading With Your Head by Gary Kurtz. Robb explained that the book gave him great insight on how to make his tricks both entertaining and magical. Robb discussed how these concepts and philosophies helped him with not only his magic performances but also with his professional career. Robb went on to present an excellent one coin routine that was extremely professional and polished. He then taught everyone how the routine was done, including the nuances of the construction, misdirection and presentation. It was like a one trick mini lecture and everyone present was very appreciative.

Todd Krohn, Ring 41 Treasurer, was the next one in front of the group. Todd went over his favorite magic book, Performing Magic by Tony Middleton. Todd talked about the book’s emphasis on how to put performance in your magic. Todd then performed two separate tricks. The first trick used a Rubics Cube that seemed to solve itself as it appeared and disappeared. Todd’s second trick was a mentalism routine where he divined the actions of a spectator using ESP cards and envelopes.

Dr William Crowley, Ring 41 member and a director of the Houdini Magic Club of Wisconsin, gave a short report on Gold Dust by Paul Gordon. Dr Crowley performed and explained a wonderful trick with four aces that was a cross between Dr Daily’s Last Card Trick and Dai Vernon’s Twisting the Aces. The trick fooled everyone and I am sure will make it into the working repertoire of several magicians attending the meeting.

Mark Martinez, Ring 41 member and President of the local SAM Assembly 61, gave a report on his favorite magic book, The Magic of Michael Ammar by Michael Ammar. Mark explained that the book contained an amazing amount of practical material for the working magician. Mark then went of to do an amazing book test that completely fooled everyone in the room.

Next, Harlan Nordness presented and explained a trick that involved six cards with numbers on them. Harlan was able to divine the spectator’s previously chosen number as if by real magic. His explanation of the trick was presented in a logical and professional manner and I am sure everyone took away something useful for their own magic presentations.

Scott Edward Lane, Dr Richard Mossey Ring 41 President, showed the group three of his favorite books: Modern Coin Magic by J. B. Bobo, Stars of Magic by various authors, and the infamous Expert at the Card Table by the elusive S. W. Erdnase. Scott went on to do several tricks including a unique version of Coins Across and a Texas Hold’m dealing demonstration where the winning hand was stacked and dealt to the chosen player’s hand. Scott also explained and detailed many methods for stacking standard and not-so-standard poker hands using variations of the Erdnase Overhand Shuffle.

Jordan Verstegen, who drove all the way from Appleton, WI, took center stage and performed and taught many original card tricks and routines. His originality and unique methods were an inspiration to everyone present. It was really a testament to his creativity when he performed trick after trick. He selflessly explained and described in detail his thinking and inspiration for each trick.

Eight year old Sam Verstegen, Jordan’s son and up and coming magician, showed and explained a hilarious routine using the old Snapper and Rubber Band Trick that he had bought that day at Big Guy’s Magic shop in Pewaukee, WI. The trick consisted of a red tube with a yellow cap that only he could connect to the inside rubber band. The spectator, no matter how hard they tried, could not connect the cap to the rubber band creating an environment of levity and laughter.

Most people stayed until the wee hours of the night as the magic flowed like the waters of the mighty Mississippi River. The night not only consisted of excellent magic but deep discussions concerning magic theory and performance.

If you are in the Milwaukee area be sure to check out one of our meetings. Guests are always welcome. Interested in lecturing to Dr Richard Mossey Ring 41? Contact Scott Edward Lane at slanelittleton@yahoo com for scheduling information.

Scott Edward Lane

President

Dr Richard Mossey Ring 41.