Magic Lectures - one of the best ways to learn magic is in person!

Gregory Wilson lectured for us in person for RING 216 on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Location: Yu-Ai Kai Community Center, 588 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA

TIME: 7:30 –9:20 p.m.

PRICE: $15 for members, $30 for non-members

(Annual membership is $25; you can sign up at the lecture.)

You can pay via cash, check, or PayPal to: payment@ring216.org Feel free to make one payment of $40.00.

If you want to learn magic and join the SF Bay Area Magic Community, feel free to reach out to the current, 2024 below.

Dan Chan @ president@ring216.org

Syd and Mitch K vicepresident@ring216.org

Yitian sgt-at-arms@ring216.org

Dylan webmaster@ring216.org & socialmedia@ring216.org: 

Gary secretary@ring216.org:  

Cal Tong and David Martinez - nominatingcommittee@ring216.org

Dec. 13: Ring 216 Parlor/Stage Magic Competition

 

The 2023 Stage & Parlor Magic Competition is just around the corner — Wednesday, Dec. 13. Come on out to support your fellow magicians as they present their best material in a parlor setting... think the Parlor of Prestidigitation at the Magic Castle (without the cover charge). And be sure to bring your friends and family because magic is always better when there are more people to enjoy it! Your guests can be fellow magicians or, preferably, non-magicians who love magic. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and performances start at 8:00 p.m. sharp! We'll be at our usual location at Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, 588 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA.   Sign up to perform! 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. This is a great, low-stress way to hone your act and get feedback. Remember: The goal is to do your best and not focus on winning. Just have fun! Send email to president@ring216.org to sign up! If you're thinking of competing, please keep in mind the following information: Parlor is defined as an act presented in a formal stand-up setting with a sound system and curtains. There will be 5-6 rows of seating. But remember that we don't have raked seating, so be aware that people in the 2nd or 3rd row will not be able to see the top of a table. All paid members are allowed to compete, including past winners. If you've won in the past, you must perform a different act. Acts should be around 6 minutes long, so start timing yourself. (Depending on the number of participants, this number may be larger.) Check out all the competition rules.

Ring 216 November Meeting: Coming Nov. 8

Officers elections, teaching, and open performances 

On Nov. 8, 2023, Ring 216 will host our monthly meeting both live and streaming on Zoom!

Here's what's on the agenda:

• Officers elections (see below)
• Teaching magic: If you would like to share a move or idea, teach it to us!
• Open performances: Show us your magic! We'll provide feedback and suggestions if you want.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.! We'll be at our usual location at Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, 588 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA.

And we will stream it on Zoom for those who can't make it. You will receive the Zoom link on Wednesday.

2024 Officers Elections

There is one open position this year on the slate. This is a great opportunity for “qualifying candidates” to get involved with leadership of the club. As an officer you will have a vote in the club’s direction, provide a valuable service, expand your social network, meet new magicians and have fun. Candidates must be 18 years or older.

• Treasurer – A great opportunity for a key position to run the club finances.

Current Candidates that have qualified by nominating committee are:

• President: Dan Chan
• Vice President: Mitch Kothe, Syd Kashima (Note: Two V.P. positions are proposed)
• Secretary: Gary Goldberg
• Treasurer: OPEN
• Webmaster: Dylan Levine
• Sergeant at Arms: Yitian Liang
• President Emeritus: David Martinez

All paid up Ring 216 members are invited to submit their names to also be considered as a nominee for any of the above positions. Deadline is ASAP.

Also any Ring 216 member can challenge final nominees by a floor nomination at the election. Ring membership and qualification 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.

For inquiries contact Cal Tong at calvinloutong@yahoo.com or Fred Rasmussen at fredemail@comcast.net.

2023 Parlor/Stage Magic Competition

Coming Wednesday, Dec. 13

We are now taking signups for the final competition of the year, the 2023 Parlor/Stage Magic Competition.

Please learn about the competition and read the rules here.

To sign up, send email to president@ring216.org.

Magic Competitions - Ring 216 Close-Up Magic Competition

On Oct. 11, 2023, Ring 216 will host its annual Close-Up Magic Competition, both live and streaming on Zoom!

Mark your calendars and plan to come out to support your fellow magicians as they present their best material in a formal close-up setting.

And since magic is always better when there are more people to enjoy it, bring your friends and family!

The performances start at 7:30 p.m. sharp! We'll be at our usual location at Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, 588 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA. And we will stream it on Zoom.
 

Sign up to compete.

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. This is a great, low-stress way to hone your act and get feedback. Remember: The goal is to do your best and not focus on winning. Just have fun!

Sign up now ›

If you're thinking of competing, please keep in mind the following information:

• The goal is to create an atmosphere as close to a formal close-up environment as possible. If you've visited the Magic Castle, picture its close-up room. Guests will join together in groups and will be seated typically in 1-3 rows arranged in a semicircle. The last row will likely be standing to allow all to view the table.
• You'll perform your act up to 4 times for different audiences, depending on the number of guests in attendance.
• All paid members are allowed to compete.
• Acts must be no more than 6 minutes long, so start timing yourself. Note: We may increase this limit based on the number of participants (fewer participants would mean longer acts).
• The competition usually has two divisions: Masters Division is for previous winners of any competition; Standard Division is for everyone else. Each division must have at least four competitors; if not, we will have a single division.
• We hope have at least many non-magicians among our audience members, and we'll try to mix the non-magicians throughout the groups.
• If you've won in the past, you are free to compete, but you have to perform a different act.

Check out all the competition rules.

Coming Sept. 13: Highlighting "The Real Magic of Silicon Valley"

Back in 2014 and 2015, Ring 216 published two books of magic developed by members of the club: The Real Magic of Silicon Valley Vol. 1 and Vol.2.

Yes, it's true! You can even learn more and order your own hardcover copies here and here!

At this month's meeting, we're going to pay tribute to those books by inviting contributors to perform their tricks... and even teach them! 

We'll provide e-book versions of the books for all attendees, and we may possibly have a limited number of hardcover versions for sale for $20 each.

We'll also have food and drink. You can bring something if you want to share, but otherwise we'll have pizza, water, and maybe wine or beer.

Date: Sept. 13, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m. PDT
Location: Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, 588 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA

ALSO WILL BE STREAMED ON ZOOM:Check your email for the Zoom link
See you then!

Coming July 12: Focus on Self-Working Magic

 This month's Ring 216 meeting will focus on magic everyone can appreciate: sleight-free magic, sometimes known as "self-working magic."

This is magic with cards, objects, words, and more that require no special moves or sleights... but instead rely on special counts, subterfuges, and subtleties.

Bring your favorite tricks to perform and teach (with permission). And come prepared to learn some new ideas that you can add to your repertoires with just a little practice.

Date: July 12, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, 588 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA

See you then!

Ring 216 Flea Market and Auction

 

Bring your magical friends and join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 13, 2024 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 A few tables are still available to reserve, so don't miss out! Reserve your table today using our easy online form. Full table: $10 for members, $20 for non-members Half table: $5 for members, $10 for non-members When you reserve, you can view the table layout and request a particular table (although requests are not guaranteed). The earlier you reserve, the more likely you will get your preferred location.

Reserve a table

Invite your friends We want this event to be well attended, so please invite your friends in magic. 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. 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. Evening Agenda 6:30 PM: Sellers may arrive to set up their tables for the flea market. 7:00 PM: The doors open to buyers. 8:15 PM: The auction begins. 9:30 PM (approximately): All sales end, and it's time to pack up. Want more details about the auction? Read our FAQ. So bring your friends and your stuff — and your cash.

RESCHEDULED for May 17: Zoom lecture by Joe Rindfleisch

ABOUT THE LECTURE

This lecture is more like a workshop where Joe will teach several rubber band effects. This will be a hands-on event where people will leave knowing how to do several rubber band effects. The only thing that will be needed is a few rubber bands.

ABOUT JOE 

Joe is known as a pioneer in the field of rubber band magic. His new rubber band effects are visual foolers and have helped to revitalize the interest in rubber band magic. In addition, Joe has traveled the world teaching not only his incredible rubber band effects but also hundreds of published close-up effects using cards and coins. Joe received a standing ovation at the 2016 invitation only Fechters convention and after you see his performance and lecture, you will understand why. 

LECTURE DETAILS 

DATE: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 

TIME: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. PDT 

PRICE: Free for paid members, $15 for non-members (see below) 

HOW TO WATCH THE LECTURE

This is a Zoom-only lecture, so join us on the day/time from your own device. Paid members will receive a Zoom link on the day of the lecture.

Coming March 8: Zoom lecture by Doug Conn

 Join us for a Zoom lecture by New Orleans-based street magician/Internet star Doug Conn.

DATE: March 8, 2023

TIME: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. PST

PRICE: Free for paid members, $15 for non-members

ABOUT DOUG

Doug began his magic career at a young age performing in amusement parks and after segwaying to busking, found a home in New Orleans, where he's performed professionally for over 30 years.

Doug spends his free time in pursuit of the illusive miracle and these pursuits have produced a large body of original work, including a hardcover book "Tricks of My Trade" and several DVD/Instructional videos

During the pandemic, Conn turned his attention online where his efforts gathered over a million followers between TikTok and YouTube!

ABOUT THE LECTURE

In this event, you’ll learn all the “Tricks of the Trade” that go into being a Conn Man! The lecture comprises three parts...

Conncrete: Doug performs his ‘Street Magic Show’ and offers advice for aspiring buskers. We’ll talk about getting a crowd, dealing with the elements, getting paid & more

Trick Tok: Learn what it takes to create viral videos which garner 100’s of millions of views!

Connjuring: We’ll cover a selection of Doug’s original sleight of hand: Cards, Coins, Cups & Balls and more!

Conn’s knowledge runs deep and he’s excited to share the info with kindred spirits! Bring a notebook and an inquisitive mind & let’s level up!

TWO WAYS TO WATCH THE LECTURE

• On Your Device: Doug will be lecturing on Zoom from his home in New Orleans. Paid members will receive a Zoom link on the day of the lecture.
• With our Group: We will stream the lecture in person at Yu-Ai Kai for those paid members who would like to meet up. We will also provide pizza and drinks!

ABOUT MEMBERSHIP

If you haven't already, please sign up for Ring 216 membership to enjoy this lecture and other upcoming Zoom lectures.*

Membership is $25 per year. It entitles you to the following benefits:

• Members-only pricing on in-person lectures, workshops, and flea market tables
• Free admission to any online-only Zoom lectures we host
• Eligibility to perform in our annual competitions
• Eligibility for raffles and other members-only events
• Knowledge that you are supporting the local magic community

HOW TO PAY

• PayPal: Send $25 to payment@ring216.org
• Cash: Bring cash to your next meeting and pay our treasurer
• Check: Bring the check to your next meeting or contact treasurer@ring216.org for the mailing address

*We will be hosting a Zoom lecture from rubber band magician Joe Rindfleisch at our meeting in May!

Coming Feb. 8: Awards, Giveaways, Open Performance

Dear friends in magic,

We're finally ready to have our first in-person meeting of the year. This is a  chance to catch up with each other, show off your acts, get feedback, and also have fun.

DATE: Feb. 8, 2023

TIME: 7:30 p.m. PST

HOW: In-person at Yu-Ai Kai and online Via Zoom

COST: Free for all

ZOOM: The Zoom link will be sent the day of the event.

AGENDA

Here's what we have in store for you:

Pizza: Yes, we'll have some pizza and soft drinks to enjoy.

Awards ceremony: We're going to give out trophies and certificates for winners of our 2022 Close-Up and Stage Competitions

Giveaways: A friend has donated a bunch of classic and family magic props for us to find a new home. We'll offer the items as free giveaways. And if YOU want to donate some used items, please do!

Open Performances: Share a routine, trick, or move with your friends in a safe environment. You can even get feedback. If you're a new member and have never performed for us, this is your chance!

Mini-Lectures...? See below.

CALL FOR MINI-LECTURES

Do you have some tips, advice, or ideas you think the group would benefit from?

Sign up for a mini-lecture slot! Send email to president@ring216.org

QUESTIONS? REQUESTS?

The Board is always seeking input from our members to make the club more fun and useful. Send email to president@ring216.org.

Meeting Report - Jan 11, 2023: David Gerard Lecture

 Ring 216 kicked off 2023 with a special lecture by one of the Bay area’s top magicians, David Gerard. Due to continuing heavy rains and flooding, President David Martinez restricted the meeting to on-line only. The lecture, on January 11, attracted dozens of Zoom participants.

 

After an introduction by Colin Cloud, David gave an action-packed, no-holds-barred extravaganza of a talk on what it takes to be a magic professional and what he was doing to try to achieve his aspirations. With great energy he explained the essential marketing concepts he used, the need to identify one’s desired market and how to go for it, the necessary aspects of becoming professional – image, clothing, networking, web site, responsiveness, pricing. He emphasized the need to choose how one keeps score to know how well goals are being achieved, and how he imposed on himself the highest of goals.

 

In the second part of the evening, David focused on some of his favorite effects, those he did for attendees close up before or after his set show: a stunning card effect, an interactive coins across, and some classic mind reading. He enthusiastically went over what he had kept or discarded over time in the constant search to improve their presentations—to become memorable to those people who next need to hire an entertainer.

Coming Jan. 11: Lecture by David Gerard - UPDATE

 

Date: January 11, 2023

Time: 7:30 p.m. PST

Location: Zoom Only

UPDATE on JAN. 10: Due to the uncertainties of the weather and for the safety of our members, we have decided to make the lecture a ZOOM-ONLY event. See below for instructions on how to view.

About the Lecture

Join us for a very special event to kick off 2023!

Our own local pro David Gerard will be sharing parts of his Magifest lecture for the club as well as teaching tricks and doing an open Q&A session. This will be a casual, fun night with one of the most accomplished magicians in the area.

Cost

As an online-only event, David's lecture will free for paid members of Ring 216 and $30 for non-members.

Since this is our first lecture of the year, we ask that you sign up for your 2023 membership for just $25. This price has not changed in more than a decade. Send payment via PayPal to payment@ring216.org.

How to watch the lecture

Paid members of Ring 216 for 2023 will receive a Zoom link on Wednesday prior to the lecture.