On June 11, 2025: The Ring 216 Auction and Flea Market

Mark your calendars! Reserve your flea market table!

Got magic stuff you want to get rid of? Is there anything you have your eye on? Bring your magical friends and join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 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. The costs are: Full table: $15 for members, $20 for non-members Half table: $10 for members, $15 for non-members You can view a layout of the tables when you reserve, and you can make a request for a particular table (although requests are not guaranteed). The earlier you reserve, the more likely you will be to get your preferred location.

Reserve Table

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.

Meeting Report - April 2025: Phil Ackerly Lecture

 

On April 9, 2025, Ring 216 had the pleasure of welcoming celebrated Bay Area magician and the Ring's good friend Phil Ackerly for his new lecture, “Phil-osophy of Success.” Most of the members knew well Phil’s cheerfulness and skill in performing for all ages. In this lecture, drawing on his decades of experience, Phil presented lessons he has learned on how to have a successful magical career, as well as sharing some favorite routines.

  

The personalization of effects to the situation is a feature of his approach, both giving the audience a unique experience for that time and place and encouraging word-of-mouth buzz and achieving repeat engagements. For example, for a birthday party Phil would have a card selected that would be revealed to have on it a picture of the birthday child. At the lecture, he gave detailed instructions on how to create personalized cards of this type.

 

An aspect of Phil’s performing method that the members appreciated was his preparation for questions and remarks that he knew would come at certain moments in the show or even in after the show when chatting casually with audience members – in that situation he might ask, “What’s your favorite trick that you saw?” And then proceed from there with another effect; if the child responds, as they often will, “I don’t know”, Phil has a routine all lined up in response!

 

The Ring members appreciated experiencing the warm humor and the expert insights of this true professional.