During this Autumn season, our imaginations entertain stories of the supernatural. Please enjoy an old time radio broadcast from 1949 featuring a ghost and Harry Blackstone Sr., The Magic Detective, titled "The Phantom Intermezzo." At the end of the show, Blackstone will teach a trick that anyone can perform. Just click the track below and enjoy the show ... but remember not to tell anyone the secret you will learn!
HARRY BLACKSTONE
World's Foremost
Magician
"Blast From The Past"
Click Track for a Magic Mystery
HELPFUL LINKS
2022-2023
OFFICERS
President
D Jay Lenz
618-462-3675
Vice-President
Terry Richison
314-791-9108
Treasurer
Sandy Weis
314-378-4403
Secretary
Alan Zibits
636-273-9974
2022-2023
BOARD MEMBERS
Scott Smith
Past President
618-610-5947
Steve Finkelstein
314-409-6869
Jerry Collins
314-517-7619
Ted Schnarre
314-440-2341
Michael W. McClure
618-826-5125 & Webmaster
Scribe
Sandy Weis
314-378-4403
Spirit Editor
Gary Chan
617-418-4468
RING ONE
JUNE 2023 REPORT
Sandy Weis
I.B.M. Ring1 Scribe
1927 95 Years of Magic! 2021
IBM Ring 1 Annual Dues
The webmaster asks that Ring 1 members submit images of themselves in action so we can showcase the fun we have to share. The world is visiting OUR www.ibmring1.com to see what the excitement is all about! E-mail a photo of you performing magic (or your preferred headshot) to: watson7654321@gmail.com . Your photo may magically appear on our Ring 1 website!
View Steve Finkelstein's Lecture before it's gone by
A bit of HOGWARTS magic resides on our Officers & Board page ... Check out Ring1's counterpart to Prof. Dumbledore ... our very own animated 1st President!
Annual membership in IBM Ring 1 is $20 and is a bargain, considering our lineup of performers, lecturers, and activities! If any of your contact information has changed, please let Alan Zibits know at alan.a.zibits@boeing.com.
To pay by mail: Write a check payable to “IBM, Ring 1” for $20.
Write “2023 Dues” on the memo line.
Mail the check to"
Sandy Weis
1755 Elkins Drive
St. Louis, MO 63136.
OR PAY ONLINE:
To pay dues by mail:
Write a check payable to
“IBM, Ring 1” for $20
Write “2023
Dues” on the memo line
Mail the check to:
Sandy Weis
1755 Elkins Drive
St. Louis, MO 63136
Harry Blackstone Sr. performed at the 1946 I.B.M. Convention in St. Louis, Missouri - hosted by our I.B.M. Ring 1
Join MAGIC 101
Our Experienced Mentors Are Available To Help New and Intermediate Magicians ...
Please Contact Any Officer Or Board Member Listed Below For Informaton
I.B.M.Ring 1 Annual Dues
PLEASE USE THE DONATE BUTTON ABOVE WHEN PAYING BY PAYPAL.
UPON MAKING PAYMENT YOU MUST SEND AN EMAIL TO
sweis50@yahoo.com
FOR HER TO PROPERLY CREDIT YOUR ACCOUNT.
IF YOU FAIL TO SEND THIS EMAIL, THE FUNDS YOU TRANSFERRED MAY NOT BE CREDITED TOWARD ANY MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL (SINCE PAYPAL DOES NOT ALWAYS PROVIDE ENOUGH INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY WHO YOU ARE). ANY PAYMENT RECEIVED WITHOUT THE REQUIRED EMAIL WILL BE CONSIDERED AS A GENERAL DONATION ONLY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT.
PLEASE USE THE DONATE BUTTON ABOVE WHEN PAYING BY PAYPAL.
UPON MAKING PAYMENT YOU MUST SEND AN EMAIL TO
sweis50@yahoo.com
FOR HER TO PROPERLY CREDIT YOUR ACCOUNT.
IF YOU FAIL TO SEND THIS EMAIL, THE FUNDS YOU TRANSFERRED MAY NOT BE CREDITED TOWARD ANY MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL (SINCE PAYPAL DOES NOT ALWAYS PROVIDE ENOUGH INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY WHO YOU ARE). ANY PAYMENT RECEIVED WITHOUT THE REQUIRED EMAIL WILL BE CONSIDERED AS A GENERAL DONATION ONLY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT.
Annual Dues have increased to $20 effective Jan. 1, 2023
Annual Dues have increased to $20 effective Jan. 1, 2023
Happy New Year,
As this message is being written just prior to Christmas, I want to wish everyone a very warm and safe holiday and a wonderful new year.
With regrets, I was not able to make the meeting in December which is our annual Christmas party and white elephant gift exchange. From what I heard, everyone had a great time at the party and fun with the gift exchange.
Our next performance for Ranken Jordan will be on January 9, 2023. This is the second Monday of the month. We need volunteers for the performance. Please e-mail me if are are willing to perform for the children. Include your phone number in the contact information.
The Veterans and First Responders show was a great hit with the audience. We had about 180 guests to see the show. Everyone enjoyed the close-up performances in the lobby and the artists on stage. The best moment was when a little girl received a stuffed teddy bear from Steve Zuehlke. The young lady was overwhelmed with joy and couldn't believe that she was receiving the bear as a early gift. Also in attendance were Harry and Trudy Monti.
Our January meeting will be slated for video recording of our members performing effects that are level appropriate for children and adults. This recording is being made so that we can reach out to area children hospitals and other organizations. Many patients are still vulnerable to illnesses and these performances can help them while confined to their stay in the hospital. Please consider reaching out to Mike McClure if you are interested in performing one or two effects. Stand-up and close-up effects are welcomed.
Also, our member dues rate for the 2023 year is $20.00. This is still one of the lowest rates for local clubs. We offer so much for a modest amount. We will still continue to bring in lecturers and provide other opportunities for our club to flourish.
By Sandy Weis: Terry Richison shared a few announcements and dates: Christian the Magician will be performing at the Blue Strawberry on May 8th. Michael Carbonaro will perform in St. Louis on May 30th. On June 3rd, the Central Illinois Magic Get-Together located in Springfield, Illinois will host a one-day convention. It is one of the best conventions in the nation. The headliners are Michael Finney, York, Kevin Kelly, Jeff Harpring, Dr. David Goldman, Terry Richison and Howard Mincone. Terry asked the members to consider volunteering for the Ring’s monthly visits to Ranken Jordan. Members should contact D. Jay with the dates they are available. Ring 1 has been performing Project Magic since its inception in the 1980s when it was started by David Copperfield. The theme of the May meeting was Ring on String/Rope. Ted Schnarre kicked the meeting off by performing his Ring on String followed by several rope tricks. Ted then taught the subtleties and moves that he uses for the routines. John Davit also performed a few effects using a rope. He has been performing these effects for years; therefore, they are (or are almost) flawless. Laurence “Nothing up my Sleeve” Levy finished up the teach-in by presenting and then explaining his version of the Ring on String. Then the members broke into groups with Ted and Laurence to hone their Ring on String skills. Two new members were welcomed into the Ring. Also, Ken Domash, a country singer/songwriter, was welcomed back into the Ring.
By Christian T. Misner (Christian the Magician): Gary S. Chan, also known as the “Security Mentalist,” has been wowing audiences with his unique blend of mentalism and cyber security expertise, as I saw at his recent performance at the Gateway to Innovation Conference at the America’s Center in St. Louis, which left the audience of 1,500 tech professionals spellbound. Using PowerPoint slides and audience participation, Gary skillfully weaved mentalism routines into his presentation on cyber security. He created an environment where the audience was practically begging to come up on stage, making the experience truly unforgettable for those in attendance. But Gary’s success is no accident. He has spent years cultivating his craft and developing a unique niche in the world of magic. His background in cyber security, having graduated from the prestigious MIT, makes him uniquely qualified to speak on the subject. And his success is not limited to the Midwest. Gary’s fame has exploded in recent years, with journalists writing about him, international demand for his act, and bookings into 2024. Gary’s audience is always left wanting more. One audience member told me, “I’ve seen a lot of tech presentations, but this was truly unique. Gary’s ability to combine mentalism and cyber security is truly remarkable.” Another attendee said, “I’ve never been so engaged in a presentation before. Gary’s ability to connect with the audience and make cyber security interesting was truly impressive.” Gary’s success is a testament to the power of developing a unique niche. What he’s accomplished is instructive to anyone trying to sell their show - do something unique for a large, well-funded niche audience! And Gary’s dreams are still within reach. He believes that he will know he has made it when he performs on The Tonight Show. With his talent and expertise, it’s only a matter of time before that dream becomes a reality.
By Steve Zuehlke: April 20-22 was the second annual Senior Tour Magic Convention in St. Louis, Missouri (located at the Collinsville, Illinois Double Tree by Hilton). For those who were there, nothing needs to be said. For those who were not, you missed another great time. As Randy Kalin says, “epic.” Another performer said, “This has been one of the best line-ups of talent that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. What fun!” And that statement came from someone who has worked at quite a few conventions over the years. A few other comments: “You guys put on such an enjoyable event” and “I go to quite a few conventions every year and this one was run perfect!” Even the performers had such a good time that most want to come back next year as a “registrant only” to enjoy the fun. One of the notable moments was Scott Wells doing his Magic Podcast each day. Give those a listen, and you can get a sense of the atmosphere. Andi Gladwin made the journey from England with his film crew and interviewed all the Marlo students on hand for a new project he has in the works. This two and a half-day event featured ten performers, nine lectures, and a wine and White Castle burger party too ... that’s something you don’t see too often at a magic convention. Too much talent to list, but all were superstars. Kudos to Steve Buesking and Steve Zuehlke for hosting this event. Special thanks to Randy Kalin, Jesse Bader, Joshua Weidner, Mike and Susan McClure, James Molinari, Scott Smith, Jeff Lefton and Columbus Smith. Make sure you mark your calendars for next year. The dates are April 11th - April 13th, 2024. There are special registration rates for those who attended this year as a thank you for their support. The new rate for all others will be $200. It’s a bargain at that price compared to the other convention rates that have been advertised recently.
By Gary S. Chan: On April 16, 2023, Jeff Lefton entertained a room packed with adults and children at the Funny Bone in St. Charles, MO. His endearing, forgetful grandpa persona was a hit with the audience, young and old. His character is so loveable that everyone wanted to be on stage with him. Volunteers were practically throwing themselves on stage, with some even going on stage without being asked! And, of course, it wouldn’t be a magic show without amazing sleight of hand, of which Lefton is extremely adept. He pulled coins out of thin in air in a modified Miser’s Dream, “hopped” sponge bunnies between hands, and masterfully manipulated cards while appearing clumsy, which was anything but clumsy. For the finale, Lefton chose the perfect volunteer. The volunteer was expressive and reacted exactly the way that Lefton invisibly guided the volunteer to act. Jeff Lefton put on a fantastic show and was mobbed immediately after the show with children looking for his autograph and more magic.
By Dan (the Great) Todd: I performed on the CCTV at Children’s Hospital on Friday, May 5th. The lineup was as follows: Juggling Silks, Alphabet Soup (One Card Speller), Astro Cabinet (my Basketball version), Back to Front (Card Prediction), Countless Cookies, The Book of Magic, Bucket Filler (my version), Crystal Silk Tube, and Genii (knotting a rope without letting go of either end). At Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, D. Jay and I performed for an enthusiastic group of patients. D. Jay performed his rope routines, Fooled Again, Silkworms, and Mother of all Diamonds. I performed Countless Cookies, Alphabet Soup, From the Ashes, Divining (finding under which can is Snoopy, who then dances to Peanuts’ music), Bucket Filler, Crystal Silk Tube, and Genii. On Tuesday, May 9th, and Thursday the 11th, I will be performing magic at Shriners Hospital. I am now a volunteer at Shriners, too. Therefore, I am now an official volunteer at all four local hospitals (Childrens, Cardinal Glennon, Ranken Jordan, and Shriners). Retirement is cool when you get to use your hobbies to teach and entertain kids more.
By Jill “Silly Jilly the Clown” Schmidt: Jill “Silly Jilly the Clown” Schmidt has a fan from Lake Charles, Louisiana. They’ve talked every one or two weeks after Ryan called her out of the blue 3.5 years ago because he absolutely loves clowns. In 2020, Silly Jilly did a Zoom show with her clown friends for Ryan’s 22nd birthday, and he thought it was so funny and amazing. Ryan tells Jill about the food at his dad’s restaurant, Fatboyz Kitchen, and he raves about his favorite local bands. He often asks, “When are you going to visit me?” So, Jill and her husband, Ron, visited Ryan in May 2023. At Fatboyz restaurant, “Silly Jilly the Clown” did some magic tricks for Ryan, and he got to sit on Silly Jilly’s hilarious five-foot-wide whoopee cushion. The next day, Ryan and his family visited the brewpub where Silly Jilly had arranged to make balloon animals and perform a magic show. Jill, Ron, and Ryan attended the Louisiana Pirate Festival together, hung out on Ryan’s dad’s boat, and had a blast. Her upcoming schedule is as follows: • Saturday, June 24, Staunton, Illinois Carnival. Silly Jilly will be performing 5:15 to 6pm. The children’s magic show starts at 6pm. • Monday, July 3, Brussels, Illinois, Independence Day Celebration. Silly Jilly the Clown will do strolling silliness, a magic show, and balloon animals from 5:45 to 8:15pm.
Our Next Meeting
June 7, 2023 at 6:45 p.m.
Please join us on June 7th at
Dielmann Recreation Center
11400 Olde Cabin Road
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
VIRTUAL COMPETITION COMING SOON !!!
Our April Fool Us live event was a huge success, and now it is being reworked as an ongoing virtual competition so YOU can play along in your own homes.
Details to follow in the next couple of months!
Be sure to join RING 1 on June 7th as we host Katrina the Magician! We will be start our business meeting at 6:45, and then Katrina will be joining us via ZOOM to deliver her 90 minute lecture. Katrina gives this synopsis of her lecture:
"The lecture will focus on many of my "absolute best" advice/most helpful tips and tricks to share. Topics I'll discuss: being a professional magician, how to book high-paying shows, how I've helped multiple magicians get on Fool Us and what they are looking for as well as day to day best things to do and practices, (things beyond the basic stuff like " practice" or "have good photos"). I give real advice and share my systems for how I do many things.. I talk about creativity and creating new tricks and scripts, and I will teach a few tricks as well. I know everyone is into learning new tricks so I'll definitely include some but this will center mostly on creative theory, performance, random tricks and tips, and business development. I've really crafted this lecture based on what I wish someone had told me years ago – the 'hacks' that would have blown my mind when I was at an earlier phase in my career."
If we have time after she is finished, we will view our latest video production ... Magic Moments Volume 2!
Katrina Kroetch (AKA Magical Katrina) has performed her unique blend of playful and whimsical magic all over the world in Africa, India, Mexico, Europe, and America. She is a volunteer and advocate with Magicians Without Borders and the non profit Emergency Circus. She has been a cast member of the international touring show Champions of Magic and has been on numerous network television shows including Masters of Illusion and Penn and Teller: Fool Us . She has also performed her magic show for the Magic Castle and Academy of Magical Arts. She was featured for her magic in the Washington Post and in an article about Virtual Magic Shows in the Wallstreet Journal.
Katrina is the winner of 4 different magic awards including winning first place at AbraCORNdabara’s virtual magic contest in May 2020 and was awarded the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians Children’s Entertainer of the year for 2020. Despite our changing world she continues to dazzle audiences with her interactive virtual magic shows.
World Premiere Viewing Of
Following Katrina's Lecture On June 7th
You must be present at our Dielmann meeting site to view this video presentation,
We look forward to seeing you there!
New Year's Message
from Our President
D. Jay Lenz