The April 10, 2019 meeting of Ring 216 welcomed the magic students of Robert Strong. We were happy they could make it to the meeting and see the variety of magic we had that night: of three Workshops and the Open Performance Night.
The workshops were kicked off by Gary Goldberg as he demonstrated how privacy wasn’t safe today, using a deck of cards as a database and a cryptic mathematical principle. Cal Tong taught a multiphase two-coin routine illustrating relationship problems that employed some diabolical sleight of hand. To lead us into the open performances, John Mosch presented a set of constructive guidelines on giving and receiving feedback, based on the thoughts of Kayla Drescher. Remember, when you receive criticism, “It’s not about you, it’s about the work.”
Open performances were in the corners format: three groups of audience members table-hopped from one clutch of performers to another, a method that gives heightened feedback and chit-chat opportunities. David Martinez presented a bold routine with a poker chip and a very closely watching spectator. Phil Ackerly made a short movie incredibly appear on a small plastic device from his pocket (I think he called it a “smart phone”), and in this movie he made a table float and a spectator’s ring vanish and reappear on her finger. He sought and received technical advice on improving the ring effect.
Mitch Kothe showed off his movie mentalism. Danny Cheng charmed with his cups and balls done entirely in Chinese. Grant Gomez had a startling three coin routine. Rafael Delgadillo had a fooling effect with a mixed up deck. John Jay had three card selected using randomly chosen times that impossibly revealed themselves. Bill Jacobson let spectators have a free choice of envelopes, yet somehow he ended up with the envelopes containing the money. Dan Chan revealed a chosen card on his Instagram account viewed with a spectator’s phone.
Now here's your quiz: How many magical effects did people see that night? How much did they learn? Weren't you glad/don't your wish you were there?
