International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring #39

Last revised: June 1, 2010

Contents

*   Website Information

*   Important Information – Past and Present

*   Meeting Information

*   Next Meeting

*   Officers

*   Photos and Additional Information

 

Website Information

Yes, there is an official website where you can get pertinent details about I.B.M. Ring #39.  Click here to launch to that site.

 

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Important Information – Present

 

*      Join the International Brotherhood of Magicians.  Use the link in the frame to the left to access the I.B.M. or you can click here to access a membership application on the I.B.M. website. You can pay by PayPal or credit card but you do need two sponsors (current I.B.M. members) to vouch for you and endorse your application. You can then check out all the benefits to becoming a member plus see the costs associated with joining the National organization by clicking here.  Membership forms are available at all I.B.M. #39 meetings or if you prefer, then you can click here and print out your own form.  Just complete that form and bring it on to the next club meeting to get two other members in good standing to sign for you.

 

*      Dues are due now so don’t delay.  Pay Today!

 

Important Information – Past

 

*      The Houston Magicians convened on Monday May 31st at Dr. Crago’s home again for the Annual BBQ. Dr. Crago hosted nearly 70 people in his home. The S.A.M. Assembly #19 and the H.A.O.M. presented special citations to Dr. Crago for his years of service to the Houston magic community and his personal and financial support. The I.B.M. Ring #39 also presented him with a beautiful Lucite plaque shaped like the state of Texas. This year’s entertainment was presented by Jonny Zavant, comedy mentalist from Austin, TX.

*      Lonnie Chevrie presented a FREE Lecture to members of I.B.M. Ring #39 on Monday March 22, 2010 as part of our annual dues drive incentive. Lonnie’s lecture was entitled “The Journey” West Texas to the Magic Castle”. He presented the routine he performed at the Magic Castle then taught the tricks he presented. Along the way interspersed the lecture with funny anecdotes of his experience of working at the Castle.  All the magicians present learned a lot and were very appreciative of Lonnie’s clear instructions and West Texas humor.

*      John Calvert and Tammy presented a terrific performance and lecture for the Houston magic community on February 9, 2009 at the IATSE Meeting Hall. We had a record-breaking 66 people in attendance at this wonderful event.

*      Nathan Kranzo presented a FREE Lecture to members of I.B.M. Ring #39 on Monday February 25, 2008.  This was for all dues-paying (or dues-paid) members of the I.B.M. who have both paid their national and local dues.  This was our annual drive to encourage members to pay their annual dues to both organizations.  Nathan showed us some classics of magic including some nice coin work, clever and commercial card tricks and some great tips on thread loops. We had about 30 members in attendance for this lecture.

*      The 2007 Annual Memorial Day Banquet was held at the home of Rex Crago on Monday May 28. Back by popular demand was Diamond Jim Tyler from Dallas, TX as our entertainer.  He performed some favorites but mostly all new material that delighted our group of about 60 people.  Sam Gainer once again provided the musical accompaniment on the piano during the meal.  We had BBQ, magic, fellowship and camaraderie…what more could you want?

*      Jon Armstrong, Magic Castle’s Close-Up Magician of the Year, provided the FREE LECTURE for paid up members of I.B.M. Ring 39 on Monday April 30, 2007 at the Bayou Manor.  Just another benefit of being a member of Ring # 39.

*      I.B.M. Flea Market had GREAT deals!  Ring 39's Fabulous Magic Flea Market was held Monday, July 24th, 2006 and we had a great turnout.  With over a dozen tables of sellers and dozens of buyers, a good time and great deals were had by all!

*      The 2006 annual I.B.M. Ring #39 Memorial Day BBQ Banquet was held on Monday May 28th at the home of Dr. Rex Crago at 2172 Swift Blvd., Houston, TX 77030. Entertainment was provided by our own Jamie Salinas.

*      Joshua Jay presented a FREE Lecture to all paid-up members of I.B.M. Ring #39 on the regular meeting night of Monday February 27, 2006.  There were nearly 50 people in attendance for this fantastic lecture. Everyone took something away from this lecture that they will put in their shows.  Definitely one of the better lecturers we have had.

*      Gene & Betty Protas hosted our annual holiday party at their home on Friday December 30th.  If you weren’t there along with the 30 or so other revelers, then plan to join us next year as I’m sure they will do it again.

*      The 2005 annual I.B.M. Ring #39 Memorial Day BBQ Banquet was held on Monday May 30th at the home of Dr. Rex Crago at 2172 Swift Blvd., Houston, TX 77030. Entertainment was provided by Doug Gorman.

 

*      New officers were inducted by I.B.M. TVP Scott Wells on November 22nd. 2004.  Congratulations to all the incoming officers and a BIG thank you to all of the outgoing officers.

 

*      Martin Cox presented the annual free lecture for all I.B.M. Ring #39 members during our regularly scheduled meeting night of April 25, 2005.  Thanks goes to Trixie Bond for arranging this lecture.  We had a wonderful turnout for a most enjoyable lecture.

*      In case you missed Jerry Grey’s 83rd Birthday you can click here to view the wonderful video prepared especially for the occasion by I.B.M. Ring 39 President Gene Protas.  Happy Birthday Jerry and thanks Gene for the wonderful job!

 

*                  The 2004 annual I.B.M. Ring #39 Memorial Day BBQ Banquet was another unqualified success again this year.  Special thanks goes to our gracious host Dr. Rex Crago who sponsored the wonderful event.  Claude Crowe traveled from San Antonio to delight the standing room only crowd of about 60 people. Claude opened with a very funny and offbeat “rap” for his Chinese sticks.  Other wonderful effects included the venerable egg bag and a mental conundrum wherein a bottle of old fashioned soda pop was correctly devined.  Lots of fun, fellowship and magic, and, oh, let’s not forget the dart and pool tournaments and sumptuous food, desserts and the wonderful piano styling of Sam Gainer!

*                  Steve Taylor lectured for Ring #39 on Wednesday March 2nd at 7:30 p.m. This was another fundraiser for the club.  The entrance fee was helpful in offsetting our debt for hosting the 2004 T.A.O.M. convention. 

*   Lecture Information – Jay Scott Berry presented one of the best lectures Houston has ever seen.  His FREE lecture to I.B.M. Ring #39 members was sparsely attended by only 25 members but what a treat they got! He included several items from his previous lecture when he last visited us but added a whole lot more.  His “Cloaking Device” was devious, his thinking was original and the lessons learned were timeless.  His ideas were perfect for any type of performer whether close-up, stand-up or stage for children or adults in any setting…and not one card trick!  Jay has been traveling throughout Texas and city after city has been heralding his lecture. Now we know why.

*   Lecture Information – Steve Dacri presented a FREE lecture to I.B.M. Ring #39 members on March 24, 2003.  This annual lecture event was well attended by over 40 members.  Steve’s lecture was crammed full of practical advice, both from the performing and business perspective.  A photo of his lecture are on the Photos page and one of his workshop held at H&R Magic Books is located on the HoustonMagic link to the left.

*   Annual Awards Banquet at the Magic Island was held on Thursday evening November 7th.  Recognition was given to all of those who helped the club throughout the past year.  Steve Burton was awarded the Ring’s highest honor of the Achievement Award.  Congratulations, Steve!  A few pictures of the banquet are seen below on this page.

*   Dennis Castro, Chuck Maricle, Scott Wells and Steve Burton donated their time performing on October 27, 2002 at Trader’s Village to raise $600.00 for the local Ring.  In the stage show, Dennis opened with his classic Linking Ring routine followed by the also-classic Torn and Restored Newspaper, both performed to music.  Chuck Maricle presented an entertaining bit in keeping with the “spirit” of the season.  Assisted by two young but brave volunteers, he showed a small “haunted house” where spooky things happen. When ropes were placed inside they linked and ran through solid rings.  Scott opened with Seven Card Repeat then enjoined two young volunteers to assist with an Egg Bag routine.  He finished with Charlie Miller’s seldom-seen Seven Cornered Hank where three volunteers hold knots made from two ends of a silk scarf then Scott shows a seventh corner yet still free.  When the three volunteers drop their knots held through the scarf, it returns to a regular four-cornered scarf.  Steve Burton finished the show with two more young assistants from the audience who assisted him as their cards flew invisibly from one to the other.  He concluded the afternoon stage show with a very funny routine where he bisected an adult volunteer with a saber saw.  The three magicians spent another couple of hours performing close-up for the masses at Trader’s Village’s “Boo Bash” where young and old were waiting to enter the haunted house that had been constructed.  Many activities were scheduled for the day. The weather cooperated and the crowds showed up.  They were so appreciative that we have already been asked to help again for another day.  Hopefully we will have YOU helping at our next show!

 

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Meeting Information

I.B.M. Ring 39 meets at 7:30 pm the 4th Monday of each month (excluding December). The meetings are located at Bayou Manor, 4141 South Braeswood, Houston, Texas 77024. We meet in the auditorium. Click here for directions.

If you are coming south on 610, (from the Galleria), you will take the Braeswood exit, go left at the first set of lights and Bayou Manor is one mile on your right. It is next to the Jewish Family Center.

If you are coming west on 610, (from the Astrodome), you will exit Braeswood, and turn right at the first set of lights, go to the next set of lights and go right again. Bayou Manor will be one mile on your right.

 

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Next Meeting

Tuesday, June 28, 2010

 

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Officers

 

2010-2011

*   President – Scott Hollingsworth

*      Vice President – Bill Palmer

*      Treasurer – Bob Fostok

*   Secretary –Judy Donaldson

*  Sergeant at Arms – Johan McElroy

 

 

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Photos

 

*      Please submit your photos to Scott@ScottWells.com

*      For Additional information on I.B.M. Ring #39, contact Gene Protas

 

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Last revised: June 1, 2010