2016 Stage Competition Winners

Congratulations and thank you to all the magicians performing in our Ring 216 Stage Magic Competition in December. A fantastic time was had by all with a total of 11 magicians competing.

The Standard Division contestants were Thomas Busk, Stephen Michael Patrick, Fred Rasmussen, Spencer Grey, and Sohum Mohda.

In the Masters Division, the contestants were Perry Yan, Calvin Tong, Fred Lee, Alan Leeds, John Jones, and Alan Sands.

The first place winner in the standard division was Spencer Grey, who also won People's Choice. In the masters division, the winner was Perry Yan, who also won People's Choice.

Photos from the evening can be found on our Facebook group page.

November Meeting Recap

In case you missed the Ring 216 action in November, here is a quick recap of the excitement.

The evening began with an informal pre-meeting workshop to review, practice, and discuss the  Garrett Thomas imagination coins routine covered in his workshop last month.

Then the main meeting began with a quick election of 2017 officers. We welcomed our new Sergeant-At-Arms, Thomas Busk!

President: David Martinez
Vice President: Calvin Tong
Secretary: Gary Goldberg
Treasurer: John Jones
Web Master: Stephen Sebeny
Sergeant at Arms: Thomas Busk

The main event was Open Performance night. Ten people volunteered to do about five minutes each. Those who desired it received a few minutes of audience advice and suggestions. These discussions showed our ring at its best: helping each other learn, bantering about ideas and jokes, and having an overall great time.

These were the performers this night:
  • Fred Lee opened with the mental divination of selected cards. 
  • Rafael Delgadillo presented a one-handed Oil & Water and full deck color separation. 
  • Gene Johannsen performed at the club for the first time. He impressed with Larry Jenmings' beautiful card penetration, "Close up illusion." He drew laughs with his "marked card" line.
  • David Martinez matched the colors on a Rubik's curve to a spectator's randomly scrambled cube, then solved the cube without looking at it. This was Greg Wilson's Rubicon, recently released, and new to most members.
  • Patrick Henderson used Liquid Luck to divine the cards that six spectators mentally selected from six packets, concluding with an envelope prediction - a clever presentation of Simon Aronson's "Histed Heisted."
  • Bill Jacobson surprised when he predicted how many cards will be taken by spectator and what card would be chosen using that number. At the end, a written prediction revealed he knew all along what would happen.
  • Sohum Moda induced a spectator to find a set of matching cards, which turned out to be he only eights in a deck full of threes.  
  • Spencer Grey, attending the club for only the second time, presented one of his favorite routines from his professional act, an entertaining effect that destroys a deck of cards and ends with the signed, selected card in his mouth (Hobson routine.)  He dies the routine often in walk around me stage. Ruins a deck each time. 
  • Cal Tong showed a coin box routine and added on a newly-learned effect in which a spectator cuts off cards that match a prediction (from Andy Nyman's "Fight Dirty" lecture notes).  
  • Oscar Bascara, a new member, gave his debut performance. He dared to perform a routine by Ponta the Smith, the Winged Silver from "Sick", and impressed us all.




Reminder: Stage Competition in December

This year's final competition, focusing on stage magic, will be held December 14th. There may be just one or two slots let for competitors, please contact David Martinez at president@ring216.org if you wish to sign-up to participate in the competition.

November: Elections & Open Performances

When: Wednesday, November 9th, 2016
Where: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center

6:30 PM - Informal Workshop on Imagination Coins

Did you attend the Garrett Thomas workshop last month covering his imagination coins routine? If so, join us this month for an informal workshop to discuss and practice the routine.

7:30 PM - Main Meeting - Elections & Open Performances

The nominating committee (Fred Rasmussen & Will Chandler) have confirmed the following candidates as Ring 216 officers for 2017 to stand for election during our Nov 9th meeting.

President: David Martinez
Vice President: Calvin Tong
Secretary: Gary Goldberg
Treasurer: John Jones
Web Master: Stephen Sebeny
Sergeant at Arms: Thomas Busk

Any Ring 216 member can challenge final nominees by a floor nomination at the election. Ring membership must be validated at the election to be nominated as a floor candidate. If we have more than one nominee for a position then a secret ballet will be held to determine the winner. The election of officers will be determined by a majority vote of Ring 216 members attending the Nov 9th meeting. No absent voting ballets are acceptable.

The remainder of our main meeting in November will be devoted to open performances. Please bring your works in progress, or even your favorite gem looking for that extra bit of polish, to share with the group.

Our newest members are especially encouraged to perform at this evening's session. Additionally, we will be emphasizing the sharing feedback on the performances, when desired, so come ready to help your fellow magi improve his or her craft with your constructive feedback. If you're not ready for feedback that's okay too -- simply let us know that you'd prefer to perform only.

To accommodate as many performers as possible please plan to perform a piece no longer than 5 minutes in length in order to allow time for brief feedback.

Reminder: Stage Competition in December

This year's final competition, focusing on stage magic, will be held December 14th. Contact David Martinez at president@ring216.org if you wish to sign-up to participate in the competition.

2016 Close-up Competition Winners

Congratulations and thank you to all the magicians performing in our Ring 216 Close-up Magic Competition last month. A fantastic time was had by all with a total of 13 magicians competing!

The Standard Division contestants, as pictured below, were (Danny) Cheng Li Gung, Aries Broadax, Ken King, Tom Collett, Bill Jacobson, and Solum Mocha.

Ring 216 Close-up Magic Competition 2016 - Standard Division
In the Masters Division the contestants, as pictured below, were Perry Yan, Calvin Tong, Luke Adams, Fred Mordecai Lee, Alan Leeds, Dan Chan, and John Jones.

Ring 216 Close-up Magic Competition 2016 - Masters Division
And now for the moment you've been waiting for! The first place winner in the standard division was Tom Collett, with (Danny) Cheng Li Gung receiving the honor of people's choice. While in the masters division Calvin Tong takes first place, with Perry Yan receiving the people's choice award.

Additional photos from the evening can be found on our Facebook group page.

This year's final competition, focusing on stage magic, will be held December 14th. Contact David Martinez at president@ring216.org if you wish to sign-up to participate in the competition.

Coming in October: Lecture by Garrett Thomas

When: Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Where: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center

ABOUT THE LECTURER
Garrett is known for being an innovator as well as one of the top card, coin, and ring manipulators. His original effects, extreme technical skills, and keen understanding of human psychology culminate in highly visual, entertaining, and often enlightening routines. Garrett has produced several instructional books and videos on the subjects of coin, card and ring manipulation, and creating magical moments. This month he brings his magic and knowledge to Ring 216 for a special lecture and workshop.


WORKSHOP: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
The workshop will consist of a blend of both finger ring magic and a focus on Garrett's imagination coins routine. (In order to work on the finger ring material during the workshop please bring your own ring -- ideally one easily removed from your own finger.) As a special for workshop attendees only Garrett will offer his imagination coins package for only $30 (regular retail price of $40).

Workshop cost: $30 for paid Ring 216 members, $45 for non-members.

Click image to enlarge
LECTURE: 7:30 - 10:00 PM
If you care about magic as an art, you must see Garrett Thomas -- he is like a motivational Speaker for Magicians. You will learn some of the effects that have made Garrett a favorite amongst top magicians, and learn many touches to be applied to your own routines. Click the flyer image above to view more information on lecture contents.

Lecture cost: $15 for paid Ring 216 members, $30 for non-members.

No need to RSVP for the lecture or workshop. Just show up!

We have winners!

Our 2016 Close-Up and Walk-Around Magic Competitions are complete, and we've crowned some winners so far.

Walk-Around Magic (August 2016)
Standard Division
Winner: Tom Collett
People's Choice: Tom Collett

Masters Division
Winner: Cal Tong
People's Choice: Cal Tong

Close-Up Magic (September 2016)
Standard Division
Winner: To be announced at October meeting
People's Choice: Danny Cheng

Masters Division
Winner: To be announced at October meeting
People's Choice: Perry Yan

Congrats to all our competitors! Please visit our Facebook group to see pictures from the event.

What's Next

In October, we will have a workshop and lecture from Garret Thomas. Stay tuned for more information about that.

In November, we have our open performance night and officer elections. If you would like to be considered for an officer's position, please contact Fred Rasmussen.

In December, we have our 2016 Stage Magic Competition. We will limit participation to a maximum of 14 competitors, so sign up early by sending email to president@ring216.org.

Coming in September: Close-up Magic Competition

Close-Up Competition

Our Annual Close Up Competition event is coming September 14th, and we hope you all can show up to enjoy some great magic and support your fellow Ring members who have signed up to compete.

We already have a few signups, so if you want to compete, please send an email to David Martinez (president@ring216.org).

All contestants should check the rules and information on competitions.

Bring your friends or family with you to enjoy an evening of great magic. The more people we have, the better the magic.

Family and friends (non-members) will be the judges for the People's Choice Award, assuming we have at least 10 laypeople present. Paid members in good standing will be the judges for the masters division. The standard division will be judged by master-level competitors and past winners.

The time and place are the same as usual: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center at 7:30 p.m. sharp. See you then!

Ring 216 Walk-Around Magic Competition Results

Congratulations and thank you to all the magicians performing in our Ring 216 Walk-Around Magic Competition for 2016. We had a great time with 12 magicians and many more audience members.

The Standard Division contestants were Tom Collett, Cheng Li Gung (Danny), Seymour Hoff, Rafael Delgadillo, Vikram Singh, and Ken King.

We announced the winners of the Standard Division... Tom won the first place award and also was named People's Choice by the non-magicians in attendance. Danny finished in second place. Congrats to you both!

Danny Cheng (2nd place) and Tom Collett (1st place) at the 2016 Walk-Around Magic Competition 

For the Masters Division, we will announce those winners prior to September's Close Up Competition. Our competitors were Calvin Tong, John Jones, Alan Leeds, Fred Mordecai Lee, Daniel Chan, and David Martinez.

The next competition is just a month away... Contact David Martinez at president@ring216.org to sign up now!

Sign-up NOW for the Walk-Around Magic Competition in August

Sign-ups are now underway for Ring 216's annual Walk-Around Magic Competition. The competition will be held on our regular meeting night — Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at the Yu-Ai Kai Community Center.

Whether you're a past winner, a brand-new entrant, or something in between, now's your chance to share your routines and show off your skills. If you've won a competition in the past few years, you'll take part in the Masters Competition. Everyone else will take part in the Standard Competition. (We need at least four contestants for the competition to be valid.)

Please review the competition rules at here.

Ready to sign up? Send an email to David Martinez at president@ring216.org to reserve your spot in this fun Walk-Around Magic Competition!

If you're not ready to complete, that's OK too, we still look forward to seeing you in the audience on August 10th. Join us to watch the magic and bring please bring your friends and family, too!

Coming in July: Lecture by Martin Lewis

When: Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Where: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center

ABOUT THE LECTURER
Let me give you two fantastic reasons to come see this lecture. Martin Lewis has been the recipient of the Academy of the Magical Art's Parlor Magician of the Year award in both 2000 & 2001! So you're convinced he can amaze audiences, but perhaps you're wondering if he can teach. Well, it just so happens Martin has also received the Academy's Lecturer of the Year award in both 2005 & 2007! And to top it all off Martin will be presenting for us his NEW lecture "Original Magic for Parlor and Stage." Seriously, how many fantastic reasons do you need to attend?

Click image to enlarge

LECTURE: 7:30 - 10:00 PM
Martin’s new lecture is about original ideas in magic. He will teach items for stage, and parlor. His emphasis is on strong effects, using simple methods and entertaining presentations. There are no pipe dreams in this lecture. Only tried & tested magic that has earned Martin’s own living and reputation! He will present all new material plus some classic surprises!

Lecture cost: $15 for paid Ring 216 members, $30 for non-members

No need to RSVP for the lecture. Just show up!

Update: The Auction and Flea Market event is today

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the flea market and auction tonight. All tables have been reserved so we'll have lots of sellers. Hope to see you there!

Coming June 8: Annual Ring 216 Flea Market and Auction

Got magic stuff you want to get rid of? Is there anything you have your eye on? Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 8, beginning at 7:00 PM to shop the collections of your fellow magicians — and/or sell the stuff you don't use anymore.

Flea Market
Tables for the flea market are available now. You must contact Ring 216 president David Martinez (president@ring216.org) to reserve your table today. The costs are:

  • Paid Ring 216 members: $15 for a large table, $10 for a small table
  • Non-members: $20 for a large table, $15 for a small table

View a layout of the tables

Auction
There will also be an auction of magical goods. If you're interested in the auction, just show up. Anybody can sell at auction. The club takes a 10% fee for auction sales, but no fee for table sales.

Itinerary
6:30 PM: Sellers may arrive to set up their tables for the flea market.
7:00 PM: The doors open to buyers.
8:00 PM: The auction begins.
9:30 PM (approximately): All sales end and it's time to pack up.

Make a Donation
If you have some unwanted stuff, consider donating it to the club. We'll auction it off that night, and the proceeds will go to Ring 216.

Want more details about the auction? Read our FAQ.

So bring your friends and your stuff — and your cash.

May Meeting: Open Performances & Feedback

When: Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Where: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center

6:30 PM - Pre-Meeting Workshop
Our very own John Jones (2013 Walk-Around Co-Champion & two time People's Choice award winner) will offer detailed instruction on his "Quicker Silver" routine as published in The Real Magic of Silicon Valley Vol 2. In this effect three coins travel from the performer's hand to the spectator's hand one at a time. Prior to each flight, the coins are shown in their proper places. Note, this routine requires three coins and a matching expanded shell -- please bring your own coins & expanded shell to the workshop in order to fully benefit from this hands on instruction. [If you still don't have your copy of The Real Magic of Silicon Valley Vol 2 contact David Martinez.]

7:30 PM - Main Meeting
First, we'll have a raffle of items donated by fellow magicians. All paid members get a free raffle ticket.

Our main meeting in May will be devoted to open performances. Please bring your works in progress, or even your favorite gem looking for that extra bit of polish, to share with the group.

There will be two specific goals in the evening's open performance session. First, we call on our newest members, those who have not performed at a meeting before, to join us by performing in this evening's session. Second we will be emphasizing the sharing feedback on the performances, so come ready to help your fellow magi improve his or her craft with your constructive feedback.

If you're not ready for feedback that's okay too -- simply let us know that you'd prefer to perform only. However, to maximize the evening's theme of sharing feedback those performers preferring to forgo feedback will be asked to wait until after all of those seeking feedback have performed.

  • New member performances (with or without feedback)
  • Open performances with feedback
  • Open performances without feedback

To accommodate as many performers as possible please plan to perform a piece no longer than 3-4 minutes in length in order to allow for an additional 3-4 minutes of feedback and discussion.

Coming in April: Lecture and Workshop with Alex Pandrea

When: Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center

ABOUT THE LECTURER
Alex Pandrea is a rising star in the magic community. He's the founder and CEO of The Blue Crown and House of Playing Cards. He has lectured around the world, including at the Magic Circle and the Blackpool Convention.

WORKSHOP 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
In this workshop, Alex will go in depth about moves, sleights, and routines that are commercial and well within the skill range of most magicians. He plans to divide the workshop into three parts: 1) Passes, palms, and other card sleights; 2) Routines using those moves; 3) His theory on how to take what you already do and make it more powerful. He will also be flexible about what he will teach to accommodate requests from the audience.

All workshop attendees will get five free videos plus other video downloads based on what he teaches in the workshop.

Workshop cost: $30 for paid Ring 216 members, $45 for non-members

Space is limited for the workshop. Please sign up by sending email to president@ring216.org

LECTURE 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
In this 3-part lecture, he'll go over several of his tips on classic card moves, as well as many original sleights and effects. Part 1 includes practically self-working, easy-to-do magic that anyone will be able to perform in minutes. This includes cards, coins, phones, rubberbands, bottle caps, rings, etc. Part 2 has Alex's famous "5x5." This rapid fire teaching section provides valuable tips about 5 different sleights in 5 minutes. In Part 3, Alex tips his hand and provides detailed instruction on sleight-of-hand card magic. Please note that everything taught in the lecture is accessible by most magicians. Nothing knuckle-busting!

In addition, all attendees to the lecture receive 5 free videos from Alex detailing moves and sleights taught in the lecture.

Lecture cost: $15 for paid Ring 216 members, $30 for non-members

No need to RSVP for the lecture. Just show up!

Download the lecture flyer>

Upcoming Meeting: Awards & Open Performance Night

Here's what's planned for the next Ring 216 Meeting:

Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Location: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center

6:30 p.m. Pre-Meeting Workshop with Cal Tong
Cal will cover the "3 coin routine" he published in "The Real Magic of the Silicon Valley Vol 2." We will have copies of the book available for purchase at the meeting — $20 each.

7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting

Awards Ceremony
We'll be handing out the awards from last year's competitions.

Mini-Lecture
Stan Sieler discussing "Creating Your Own Intro Card: Do's and Don'ts"

Book Raffle
This is a new opportunity for Ring 216 members to get free stuff. This month, we'll offer a raffle of the "The Magical World of Slydini," the two-volume work of one of our greatest magicians. All paid Ring 216 members in attendance will get a ticket, and one lucky magician will win. (You must be present to enter and win.) Thanks to Cal Tong for donating the book!

Open Performance Night
Bring your finished and unfinished routines and ideas to share with the group.

Coming in Feburary: Gregory Wilson "Things I Carry and Use" Lecture

When: Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Where: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center

About the Lecturer
If you have a pulse and have been a part of the magic community any time in the last couple decades or so, then you will not need any introduction to Gregory Wilson or his material. Mr. Wilson is a FISM award winner (not just once, but twice over), frequent performer at the Magic Castle, and "resident Wizard" on Syfy's TV show Wizard Wars. Personally I can attest that in the dealer's room at last year's Magic Live conference in Las Vegas Greg's booth was swarmed while he was demonstrating his numerous items and there was significant buzz around his "Pointless" and "Revolution" effects.

About the Lecture
Greg will present for us a lecture entitled "Things I Carry and Use." As the title suggests the focus will be on items you can carry and be ready to perform in everyday, seemingly impromptu, situations to help you create those wonderful spur-of-the-moment jaw-dropping moments of astonishment.

Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 for Ring 216 members, $30 for non-members

No reservations necessary.

If you still haven't paid your 2016 Ring 216 membership dues be sure to sign up at the event to save big and enjoy all the great magic to come for the rest of the year!