JUN - Assembly8.com

June 2013 – St. Louis Assembly 8
Larry Lucy, Randy Kalin, Mike Heindrichs and Steve Barcelona
Magic Assemblies are about Magic and friendships.
Welcome to S.A.M. Assembly 8
“Calendar of Events”
S.A.M. Meetings are held at Mt. Tabor United Church; 6520 Arsenal St. at 7:30 PM
The Doors will open at 6:30 if you would like to come early and share some of
your Magic. You can Jam, perform, converse with good friends in Magic!
Date
and Time
June st,8th,15th ,
22nd & 29th
1:00 to ????
June 13th, 2013
7:30 PM
June 25th, 2013
7:30 PM
June 29th 2013
5:00 PM till ???
Event
Description
And Location
Who can come to event
More info on Assembly 8
Assembly8.com
Magic Roundtable
Schnucks –
Manchester
12332 Manchester
Road
S.A.M. Meeting
Mt. Tabor Church
Welcome back Magic
S.A.M. Meeting
Mt. Tabor Church
Relay for Life
Florissant Community
College
Anyone with an interest in Magic,
Conversation & Food
Magic and Comradery
is the Topic of the Day
Any S.A.M. Member, Guest or with an
interest in Magic – Welcome to our Meeting
Any S.A.M. Member, Guest or with an
interest in Magic – Welcome to our Meeting
Any S.A.M. Member willing
To perform, entertain, and promote S.A.M
It is our first – Steve Barcelona Chairman
July 4th – 7th
All day everday
S.A.M. National
Convention
Arlington Virginia
Any Magician look to find info at
MagicSAM.com
click on National Convention Link
August 11th-14th
All day everyday
MagicLive
Orleans – Las Vegas
Any Magician interested in learning Magic
MagicMagazine.com
Danny Garcia’s last Roundtable at Schnucks on June 1st, and something to
eat with Michael Weber after his Lecture on May 21st at Denny’s.
The Presidents Page
S.A.M – Assembly 8
St. Louis, MO
Hello to all St. Louis Assembly 8 members, friends and those who are
receiving this newsletter. Let me introduce myself, my name is Randy Kalin and I
am lucky to have been elected President of Assembly 8. My Buddy Steve
Barcelona is V.P. and he is not only a skilled performer, but understands what
the clubs need and he will strongly help guide this club on our new voyage. We
are lucky to have mister Dick Blowers who is once again the secretary and
Treasurer. He not only competently works those two jobs but brings loads of
knowledge and experience from being involved both locally and nationally, if
you don’t know him he was National Administrator for the National S.A.M. for
many years and is currently the Treasurer for the National Conventions which is
chaired by our own John Apperson. By the way, Dick’s wife, Mary, was National
Treasurer until last year. What many of you don’t know, Dick is a regular
performer, I have been lucky enough to see him in action, and he is fun to watch.
Greg Lewis our New Sgt. at Arms has gotten involved with magic strongly over
the last number of years, he has traveled to a number of major conventions, his
skills are good… If you doubt it you should ask him to show you some things.
Harry Monti, Jason Stack and Sandy Weiss, all on the Board of Directors to guide
this Assembly. Harry has shared and lectured with his knowledge literally all
over the world, Dai Vernon constantly tried to get people to practice to get
better, to work out better methods to make moves look natural, but referred
people to check out Harry Monti when you wanted to see Perfection in Magic. We
all should be counting our Blessing on how lucky we are to sit in the same room
with him, let alone have him as a regular participating member, I have known the
likes of Lance Burton, Tomsoni and many of the greats in Magic to call Harry, to
get advice and discuss Magic. Who can say that? So get to know him… get to
really know him, he is truly a gem, I am lucky to call him a Friend! Sandy has
been teaching and working with elementary students and troubled kids and uses
magic as a reward and has been very involved in this club as well as the IBM,
adding her knowledgeable input can only be beneficial to our Assembly. Jason
has participated in both organizations as well and in many ways, He is currently
the V.P. of the I.B.M. - Ring one, one of our newer members but an avid
participator and learning much and sharing much to all our members. He is
constantly growing and sharing his perspective, he is more knowledgeable and
helpful to our club because he seeks out information and participates, he will be
majorly beneficial as well, we will learn from his actions.
Dan Todd will continue to run the Website, be the Assembly Scribe to put
information in the national Magazine and he will account for the points we all
collect to earn the clubs appreciation at the end of the year. We are lucky to
have him as well. People can’t find out about us without those types of items and
I know no one that can do it as consistently and quickly as Dan does. He is the
Eveready Bunny, he keeps going and going and going, he is full of action to make
us the best Magic Assembly ever. Be careful what you say he often has taken lead
with thoughts that come out only in discussion, what a great guy we are honored
to have him on our team.
With this group of people leading the Assembly, I am not only proud to be
President but confident we have great things in store this coming year. I hope
you are getting excited about the meetings, I know I am so allow us a couple of
meetings to show what we can do to bring Magic to the forefront of the meetings,
I know you will love it. So start spreading the word to bring members, magic
hobbyists and professionals back to the meetings and let’s get new members to
join. The more the merrier and better for the assembly, we all do better with
more members.
I know, in some people’s minds the meetings have been not as Magic oriented as
some would like. My good friend and V.P. Steve Barcelona and I will change that
and make you excited to come back to our meetings. We will do this with your
involvement, by teaching some easy but effective magic things at the meetings;
shorten our business meetings where you just may say we need to lengthen the
meetings…. Lol…. We will have information about new products coming out, and
occasionally some videos of what’s new in Magic. If you love Magic as we know
you do, all we can ask is you come prepared to have fun, to see some good magic
and you provide some involvement by performing yourself. If you have
something you want advice on, please come and perform, but please practice it
and come prepared to perform. You don’t have to be perfect but don’t be reading
the instructions as you arrive. We are challenging you to attend and be involved,
ready to participate, by adding to the business
Meeting, adding to the performance portion or completely volunteering to
run a meeting. I already have 3 people who have agreed to run a meeting and
Steve & I feel confident their meetings will be something you will enjoy. From
Quiz Shows, to videos, to Skype meetings, to what’s new in Magic. Two hour
meetings will, with the wave of a wand, vanish… and in its place a mystery worth
exploring from the world of Magic. We will keep you inquisitive about what will
be in store next. Our Vice President Steve Barcelona and I intend to bring
meetings under 30 minutes… way under… hopefully 15 minutes or less. We are
here for Magic… Whoa..,. Yes there’s a concept… but we need to keep track of the
treasurer and Minutes and notify you of future endeavors and we shall never
sleight you of your right to have questions answered or need for information.
We shall spend as much time as is appropriate regardless, but seriously… how
long should that take. So come to the next meeting not expecting a long meeting
but sharing of Magic, but if you attend late… don’t expect us to review what we
have already done. We start at 7:30 for now and let’s plan on being there on time.
The doors will open at 6:30, if you want to come to show, share, jam on some
ideas, bring a mat, some cards, coins or whatever, set up a table and lets do
Magic.
We all expect common courtesy and respect due to each other. We have
Greg Lewis as our Sgt of Arms now and he will honor you with respect, please do
the same to him and respond to his requests. If you have a phone call that is
important please do so out in the hall, the rest of us should not be in on it.
There will be plenty of time for conversation with our friends who are in our
membership, but please don’t bother the performers or speakers! I plead for
your advice, your guidance and most importantly your participation, we are only
as good as we are a team. Let us grow stronger together. We all look forward to
seeing you on Thursday June 13th and again on the 27th… I have a late afternoon
show on the 27th so I may arrive late then, but I will be there and expect the
doors to be open on time.
Magically, yours… Randy
314-630-1300, [email protected]
“BOOKS”
Books: They are invaluable try and use them more often they may take more time but you
get so much from them – use DVD’s they will show what an effect looks like and are great
tools to learn from, maybe I should say Mimic, But when you read books they will let you
create the effect in your own image and help make an effect yours. Try it and you may be
surprised what you can learn and you may find something others never did.
One of my favorite Books is not a book about tricks, The Secret life of Houdini-The making of
America’s First Superhero. As magicians we all know about Houdini, most people still bring
him up to this very day when you ask someone to name a Magician. This book will tell you
information about Houdini you never knew and a fun one to read.
Tarbell Course in Magic – 8 Volumes – An Average of $30 to $35 a Volume or cheaper as a
complete set. If you want resource material this is the best collection. Anything in Magic
usually can be found in some version in these books. From ropes to coins, Illusions to cards,
silks to ribbons, you name it; it probably is in here in some version.
I am curious if you could share with the Membership your favorite Books, tell me, call me or
email me your information we will put it in an upcoming newsletter. If you disagree on
anything in this newsletter, please share your opinion… I look forward to learning from you
all; only by sharing can we all grow, so please let us know your thoughts, opinions, favorites
and things that make you go Hmmmm!!!!
I am sharing the below AD because Revizzit sofware is relatively new and is a
piracy protection software that many in Magic are currently using. You can buy
magic on it, get free magic Magazines, get books, find out some new things in
Magic, The catch is you can’t share, print or send stuff. Thus the name Revizzit
it to get it. Check it out, upload the software, go to the catalog and search
Magic… you may enjoy all you can find! You just have to explore it on your
computer or your Ipad only for now. It’s Free, and now you know aboutit!
Member Spot Light – Harry Monti
We all know Harry Monti But
few really know Harry so I
thought I would tell you a little
about him, there is so much
more than below, but this
might fill you in on some things
to know about Harry! - Randy
Who Is Harry Monti, we have seen him perform at the meeting and he is
that kind guy that many gravitate too, but who is he really? That is a fair
question. So let me make a pitch about Harry Monteith, who goes by Harry
Monti, and who will be the only person to perform all 50 years at the World
Famous Magic Castle when he performs there Nov 11-16th and never missing one
year ever ... Just for trivia, he has performed in every room at the Castle and
lectured there many times and all around the world.
Harry Monti Designed the Monti cups made out of Aluminum, steel, and
Silver that are produced to this very day by Rings and Things (which he helped
create also), and the cups were endorsed by Francis Carlyle. He created a
number of personal leather Himber and LePaul-type wallets used for Magic that
he hand made and sold as a high quality magic item. He Studied Houdini to the
extent that he performed escapes from Handcuffs, Packing cases and upside
down hanging strait Jackets and water filled Milk Can’s. I personally helped
shackle him up on some of upside down escapes. He has an extensive collection
of Houdini Handcuffs and to this very day lectures on Houdini.
In July 1999 MUM, Jon Racherbaumer wrote that Ernie Heldman, who was a
Magician who hosted a TV show in the 50’s and was a High-profile professional
who worked with many top names and started the Midwest Magic Jubilee,
referred to Harry Monti as the Pro-to-the-bone, a solid dependable
entertainer, but we all already knew that.
Harry was a good friend to Dai Vernon himself and
Dai referred to Harry as the only act at the Castle that he
couldn’t criticize some of his moves. He said Harry
performed without any telegraphing what was to happen.
In the book the Vernon Touch page 106 Dai said Harry’s
Magic was performed flawlessly.
Harry became National President to the S.A.M in 1999;
he created the SAM Magic for Special Education program
to use magic in performance to help those with
disabilities with mental and physical skills to build up
self esteem, and positive awareness. He personally
enlisted Lance Burton to help with the training and
promotional videos to get the program up and running.
Harry also has created a scholarship in his and his wife’s
name (Trudy) for tuition and books for those who possess
the potential to perform magic professionally.
St. Louis has a rich history of Magic and magicians.
Harry has always been involved with the local Assembly
and Ring and not only helped with the Jubilee for many
years, 15 years he was the Chairman of the Midwest Magic
Jubilee and brought names like Dai Vernon, Slydini, David
Copperfield, Al Goshman, Mark Wilson and Nani, Michael
Weber, Jay Marshall (who was a regular attendee) and just
about every Major Magic act in the business. he helped
mentor People like Chris Kenner, Chris Korn, Jonathan
Levit, Justin Willman all successful magicians that came
from St. Louis. He even had his own Magic Shop that
Jonathan Levit and I worked at many years ago.
The Great Tomsoni wears a medallion in his
performing outfit… did you know Harry gave him that
medallion to wear. Shaun Rivera our Regional vice Pres.
his Wife Z, Greg Lewis and Harry & Trudy and I went to see
Penn & Teller last year. P&T came out for autographs and
when they were done Teller Took Harry backstage and they
talked for hours discussing Magic. There is so much more
to find out, did you know he was a trapeze artist? Talk to
Harry and find out even more about him yourself, as I said
we are lucky to have him!!!!
Movie Review – “Now You See Me” - by Randy Kalin
. . . Come in close, because the more you think you see, the easier it will be to
fool you . . . says Morgan Freeman, a magician who wants to figure out what the 4
horseman are doing. Is he helping the Police? Or part of the con??
This movie opens up with 4 magicians doing what they do best to get what
they want, and that is to entertain, to rob, to become famous and of course to
make money, but alas a Mysterious person arrives who brings them together
with Tarot cards. Don’t get too caught up on why or how, there are things the 4
Horseman don’t know, Just enjoy the ride because when the movie starts that
ride keeps moving faster and does all kinds of turns, but answers do come. These
four show real Magician skills and occasionally magic that is buffed up but when
it is, you can’t help but enjoy it. The Magicians are always the stars & ahead of
the police and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the plot zigs, and then
it zags, just like the police, you won’t see all the turns or do the police see
more than we know.
I am not sure you will ever know what you are really seeing. Are the
Magicians the good guys? Well you will have to decide. Will this movie turn
Magic Geeks into Hero’s… probably not, but if you have real skills this show will
bring interest to Magic in all the right ways. The creators of this movie never
take anything too serious, and a mysterious character seems to be in the
background and just when he seems to be an afterthought this character becomes
vivid and important to everything. I don’t usually like to get hopes up, but I
will tell you I will surely see this again. When I saw the original previews they
did some crazy robbery thing, and some stuff that seemed outlandish, It made me
skittish of the movie outcome and how we as magicians were going to answer for
this or be treated, but with the likes of Dan & Dave Buck making moves at the
beginning, Ricky Jay like card throwing in crazy thrill ride scenes, Chris
Kenner, Homer Liwag, & Jonathan Levit and their creative thoughts to guide this
movie, Well it becomes an action packed thrill ride, but like in Indiana Jones, in
its own little crazy way, they make everything plausible in a dreamlike vision.
Could Die Hard really happen? How about James Bond, it seems crazy and we
are a little wishful that it could work, that’s how this movie treats the Magic,
the plot and the story. Yes if you get the best of the best in Magic, and all the
Money needed to back it, with years of planning, then somehow yes we believe in
our fantasy that it could. They do some crazy stuff in this movie, that everyone
will say, I wish I could do that and you will find yourself rooting for the
Magician. So don’t be surprised when people come up to you and say, can you
throw cards, can you predict my card from a flourished deck of cards, can you
bend spoons or hypnotize someone in an instant. Some of you will answer yes and
show more when the discussion is opened and I believe it will. This movie is a
wild rollercoaster of a ride; you can tell I loved it. Will You? Well if you like
Magic and even some of you who may not, this is a movie you will want to see. I
give this movie 4 Magic Wands for a must see now and if you buy movies then this
is a movie for you. It’s refreshing that this is one for the magicians and I think
you will enjoy this and you will want to own this.
www.nowyouseememovie.com
www.gwww.gigapunch.com Wrote
a review and used some S.A.M
Greg Green & Greg Lewis performed for a Premier
of the movie and Josh Weidner and Jason Stack as
well enjoyed the movie on May 23rd at Ronnie’s 20

MAGICIANS ONLY Events at the International Festival of Magic in Louisville:
LECTURES FOR MAGICIANS WILL ALL BE HELD IN THE ROSE ROOM AT THE MARRIOTT.
ALL LECTURES ARE $15 WHEN PURCHASED HERE - $20 AT THE DOOR.
A SPECIAL "MAGICIANS ONLY" PACKAGE FOR $140 INCLUDES ALL EIGHT LECTURES AND
ONE VIP SEATING TICKET TO THE GALA SHOW ON SATURDAY, JUNE 15 AT 8 PM.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15




9 am - Christopher Hart
11 am - John Lovick (Handsome Jack)
1 pm - Banachek
3 pm - Chad Long
SUNDAY, JUNE 16

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
9:30 am - Danny Orleans
11:30 am - David Williamson
2 pm - Tina Lenert
4 pm - Michael Weber
www.louisvillemagicfestival.com
Some of the other performers that will
appear are Lance Burton, Mac King,
David Williamson, Chad long, Eric Mead,
Max Maven, Danny Orleans, Banacek,
Jon Stetson, Jason England, Danny Cole,
Rob Zabrecky, Mike Caveny, Christopher
Hart, Dana Daniels, Ardan James, Rick
Merrell, Harrison Greenbaum, Tina
Lenert, John Lovick, Michael Weber,
John Cassidy, Michael Goudeau, And
even more. Bill Herz & Mac King are
basically responsible for this… if it is a
success it may come to other cities in the
future. We Wish them all well.
I'm trying to clean out some space at my home. I have an Abbotts Thin Line
Sawing I bought 20 or so years ago ( yes a box) for one specific client. I have
used it twice. Though" it" is an icon of Magic. Would be happy to sell it for $900
to some one if he will pick it up.
I was going to list online but thought I would see if someone local was
interested. Above are pictures if any one is interested. Thanks,
For more information and questions contact at the email below.
Dennis
Dennis Schoen
[email protected]
Why Do Magicians
Hate Chris Angel?
Thoughts by Gregory Green
Why do magicians hate Criss Angel over the past couple of weeks I have seen some disturbing post from
magicians particularly on S.A.M. run websites. Magicians posting negative articles or making negative
comments on positive articles, to be frank it just astounds me. Why in the world would you put down the
man that has become the face of magic for today’s youth? I have to say that I do not always agree with
Mr. Angel or his tactics. I think though that to display your disagreement with Mr. Angel in a public forum
shows an incredible lack of disrespect and even greater amount of lack of understanding and most of all
the green face of jealousy.
When I hear magician disrespect Criss Angel this is what I hear. It should have been me, I have more
talent, and I have better looks, cry whine cry. Guess what you're wrong if it should have been you then it
would have been you. You don't have the looks you don't have the talent or maybe just maybe you were
not in the right place at the right time. Get over it make your own gig create your own following. Start an
exercise program, practice more, realize that this is show business and it is twenty percent show eighty
percent business. And for those few of you that are still wondering how Criss Angel made it well let’s list a
few awards.
Magician of the Year - 6 times (National & International)
2001 -IMS
2004 -IMS
2005 -AMA
2007 -IMS
2008 -IMS
2008 -DCMA
Magician of the Decade 2009 -IMS
Innovator of the Decade 2010 -Innovation
Magician of the Century 2009 -AMG
Youngest Magician inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame 2011 -IMS
World Magic Living Legacy "Living Legend" Award 2011 -WMS
Outstanding Achievement in the Magical Arts' Louie Award 2004 -Tannens
And by the way he also has a long running TV magic show, and a show on the Las Vegas Strip. So yes
he has some chops, he knows some magic, he has an incredible work ethic, he hits the gym daily. Criss
Angel has earned the success that he has achieved. Now I am going to let you in on a little secret he is a
super nice guy. He has taken time out of his day on several occasions to speak with me and was
extremely gracious and everyone that I know that has met with him says the same thing. Here is a guy
that understands a core concept in today's business world. Nice guys and Nice Companies Finish First.
A lot of magicians and a lot of companies do not understand this and they will fail because of it. We live
in a world in which the things that you say and do can and will be broadcast for all to see. If you offend
one customer you risk offending one hundred or even a thousand. So be nice be gracious and really try
your best at least in a public forum not to put down an incredible success story.