Phil Ackerly Lecture - April 9, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. for a magic lecture by the Northern California magic legend (now living in Nevada) Phil Ackerly!

 

Date: April 9, 2025 Time: 7:30pm Cost: $20 for members of Ring 216, $30 for non-members Phil Ackerly presents his new lecture, "Phil-osophy of Success." Phil offers practical advice, insights from his experiences, theater techniques, marketing and sales strategies, along with a variety of creative ideas. He’ll also share some of his personalized routines and effects tailored for both kids and adults, as well as for corporate events.   Phil has studied with some of the best in the business from Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, and Tobias Beckwith to Peter Samelson, Bruce Gold, and Broadway legend Bob Fitch. He has worked with music writers and scriptwriters to hone his craft and make him the most sought after family performing in the Northern California and Nevada areas.  Whether you're a family entertainer, corporate performer, or a strolling close-up magician, there’s something valuable here for everyone. Lecture notes will be available as well as many of the Phil's products. Visit www.ackerly-entertainment.com/shop  No need to RSVP for the lecture... just show up!

Michael Feldman Lecture - March 12, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. for a magic lecture by the Bay Area's own Michael Feldman — sleight-of-hand artist and international man of mystery.

Date: March 12, 2025 Time: 7:30pm Cost: $20 for members of Ring 216, $30 for non-members Michael's magic is not just about tricks; it's about creating unforgettable experiences. He understands the power of storytelling and uses it to weave narratives that captivate and engage his audience. Whether performing on stage or up close and personal, his charisma and infectious enthusiasm leave a lasting impression on all who witness his magic. Michael is local and started coming to Ring 216 way back in 2007. He has published 3 best-selling magic books, and has been on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Monday Night Magic in New York, The Chicago Magic Lounge, and the Magic Castle in LA. At the lecture, Michael is planning to cover a variety of topics for all skill levels, including a sneak peak at a new deck switching device he invented.  In addition, he's interested to hear what people want to see or have him talk about. He can tailor the lecture to discuss what people would like to hear.    Sign up for Membership At the lecture, you can sign up for another year of Ring 216 membership and enjoy all the benefits: Enjoy this professional lecture at the member price. Get discount pricing on this and other lectures and workshops Be eligible to perform in our annual competitions. Save on Flea Market tables. Take part in raffles and other special members-only events. Feel good about supporting a community of magic in the Bay Area. Membership costs just $25 per year and renews every January. You can renew your membership at any Ring 216 meeting.

 

Gregory Wilson Lecture to kick off 2025

Mark your calendars for Gregory Wilson. He's back on Jan 8th, 2025

TIME: Doors open at 7:00 pm
Lecture starts @ 7:30 p.m. PDT
Workshop from 5-7pm. Location for the workshop to be announced (additional $50 and limited to 12 people total)

Live in Person at Yu-Ai Kai
588 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112
COST: $20 for members of Ring 216; $30 for non-members

Greg will teach his latest and greatest original creations and some of his previous classics. Starting where his last lecture left off, expect more of Greg's popular "Things I Carry and Use" series. Exciting Updates for the Upcoming Lecture below:

LECTURE CONTENT (Updated)

Hundy 500 (The Victory Lap) - A revolutionary new finale for this neo-classic that rivals all previous versions.

ChapStash - A brand new lecture item, never performed or taught to magicians, which is so impromptu that you already carry the items on you.

Coin Con - A new lecture item and also completely impromptu. As a bar bet, a spectator grabs a small handful of coins from a change bowl and you match the exact amount to win the bet.

Pitch Perfect - Greg's modern version of the classic Roth Tuning Fork, that looks completely impromptu. Well, except for the tuning fork part.

King Arthur Sharpie - A new lecture item; product for sale.

Point Blank 2.0 - A new handling and product release of Greg's neo-classic. Amazingly, he says, "If I could only do one card trick for the rest of my life, this would be it!"

High Roller - The ultimate version of the classic Sach’s dice routine with a perfect motivation and presentation.

Split Focus - Many new handlings and enhancements that you’ll want to add to your current repertoire. Note: if you have Split Focus, bring it with you. Also, for one of the handlings, if you have 3 regular silver dollars, bring those as well.

Peek Pack - Greg will spend even more time on this gimmicked deck that is essential for every one of his close-up and stand-up shows.

Meeting Report: December 2024 - Stage and Parlor Competition

 

Ring 216’s annual Stage and Parlor Competition amazed and delighted the audience on December 11, 2024. In the Standard divisions’ clash of talent, Jeff Friend cast a banishment spell, Alex Wu turned blank cards to queens and conjured up a live fish, and Greg Lum played a dating specialist with prognosticating powers. In the Master’s division, a spectator surprisingly guessed the price of Mitch Kothe’s suit, Alan Leeds puzzled out how to fit one’s life together, and Jonathan Chen rang changes on linking four rings together with help from the audience.

  When the votes were tallied, Alex was awarded first place in the Standard division, and Jonathan took the Master’s division.
  Ring Vice-President Yitian Liang was the emcee.

If you are interested in signing up for the RING216 Parlor/Stage Competition on December 11th, 2024, contact Yitian Liang. He is leading and coordinating the competition.

If you have questions about the competition, please reach out to Yitian. The officer leading the event (Yitian) will be the best person to answer questions or chase down the right answers.

Look forward to seeing you all at the competition!

Calvin Lou Tong

President Emeritus

RING216 Silicon Valley

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It's time for our final show of the year!

The 2024 Stage & Parlor Magic Competition is just around the corner — Wednesday, Dec. 11. Come on out to support your fellow magicians as they present their best material in a stage setting.

And be sure to bring your friends and family because magic is always better when more people enjoy it! Your guests can be fellow magicians or, preferably, non-magicians who love magic.

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.

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!

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

Stage/Parlor is 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 cannot see the top of a table.

All paid members, including past winners, are allowed to compete.

If you're new to the club, you have to attend at least three meetings this year to become a member and compete.

If you've won in the past, you must perform a different act.

Acts should be under 6 minutes long, so start timing yourself. (Depending on the number of participants, this number may be larger or smaller.)

We have a cap on the number of competitors to ensure each participant has enough time for their act, so sign up ASAP!

Check out all the competition rules.

Sign Up Now

Regards,

Yitian Liang