Elevate the Art of Magic

October’s gathering of the Society of American Magicians Assembly #12 was a special evening dedicated to one of magic’s most legendary figures: Harry Houdini!

With October 31, 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s passing, our assembly came together to celebrate his remarkable life and enduring legacy through performances, historical presentations, fascinating stories, and plenty of camaraderie.

Fifteen members and guests attended the gathering at Eagle Magic Store in Burnsville, graciously hosted by Larry and Jennifer Kahlow.

Assembly Business & Upcoming Opportunities

President Brad Gudim opened the meeting with a brief discussion of assembly business and upcoming activities.

Treasurer Jeff Kohagen provided a financial update, followed by discussion of future lectures, membership growth, and opportunities to reconnect with former and less-active members.

Our lecture committee, consisting of Larry Kahlow and Paul Ladig, continues exploring opportunities to bring guest lecturers to our assembly.

We also discussed the possibility of bringing a future S.A.M. National Convention to the Twin Cities, potentially in 2030.

Brad shared several exciting ideas for expanding magic’s presence in Minnesota, including his Magic Lounge performance series, along with concepts for magic-themed cruises and a possible magic festival.

Members also exchanged information about upcoming magic events throughout the Twin Cities, including additional celebrations honoring Houdini.

With business concluded, it was time for the main event!

Magic Manny: The King of Cards Meets the Siberian Chain Escape

Magic Manny kicked off the Houdini-themed performances with a lighthearted tribute to Houdini’s early reputation as the “King of Cards.”

His presentation began with a dream in which Houdini himself challenged him to an unusual game of Three-Card Monte.

Using custom-made cards featuring escape trunks and handcuffs, Manny attempted to follow Houdini’s elusive handcuffs through a series of increasingly impossible revelations. Naturally, the legendary escape artist remained one step ahead!

Manny then transitioned into the classic Siberian Chain Escape, first sharing some lesser-known historical information about the effect, including its uncertain origins and evidence that a version was commercially advertised as early as 1910.

With the assistance of our secretary, Todd Anderson, Manny was secured in the chains and padlock before attempting his own escape.

He concluded with a brief reflection on Houdini’s devotion to his wife, Bess, and the idea that genuine love can help us overcome even life’s most difficult obstacles.

It was a fun opportunity to combine magic, history, humor, and a little sentiment in honor of the legendary escape artist.

Paul Ladig: Classic Escapes and Houdini Trivia

Next, Paul Ladig, “The Vintage Magician,” treated members to an entertaining combination of Houdini trivia, historical memorabilia, and escape artistry.

Paul challenged the group with questions about Houdini’s life and career, including his family’s early years in America and his famous appearances in Minneapolis.

He also displayed an antique set of heavy leg irons, giving everyone an appreciation for the formidable restraints associated with Houdini’s escapes.

With the assistance of two volunteers, Paul demonstrated the Hungarian Chain Escape, recreating the suspense of a classic Houdini-style escape using restraints and a curtain.

His presentation was an enjoyable blend of history, humor, audience participation, and classic escape magic.

Larry Kahlow: A Fascinating Journey Through Houdini’s Life

One of the evening’s highlights was an extensive historical presentation by our host, Larry Kahlow, whose knowledge of magic history provided a fascinating look at Houdini’s extraordinary career and final days.

Larry helped set the atmosphere with a lighted pumpkin featuring Houdini’s face—a fitting touch for our October gathering!

He discussed Houdini’s early struggles as a performer, his eventual rise to international fame, and the important role that publicity and public challenges played in establishing his reputation.

Of particular interest were Houdini’s connections to Minnesota, including his appearances in the Twin Cities and his famous aerial straitjacket escape in downtown Minneapolis on September 29, 1915.

Larry also explored Houdini’s relationships with other prominent magicians and his later efforts to expose fraudulent spiritualists who claimed to communicate with the dead.

The presentation took a particularly moving turn as Larry recounted the circumstances surrounding Houdini’s final performances and death in Detroit on Halloween in 1926.

Drawing from historical books and accounts, he described Houdini’s determination to continue performing despite serious illness, his hospitalization, and his final days surrounded by loved ones.

Larry concluded with a touching passage attributed to Houdini expressing his devotion to his mother and his wife, Bess.

It was a fitting reminder that behind the legendary escapes and larger-than-life publicity was a remarkable individual whose influence continues to resonate a century later.

Brad Gudim: A Mysterious Brass Tube and Silk Vanish

Our president, Brad Gudim, stepped forward with an intriguing close-up effect involving a brass tube, a silk, and a mysterious character known as the Crimson Conjurer.

Brad’s presentation explored the differences between transposition and transportation in magic while demonstrating a clever effect using seemingly ordinary objects.

Following the performance, Brad generously shared the ingenious workings behind the effect, sparking discussion among members about the creativity and craftsmanship involved.

These opportunities to exchange ideas and explore the mechanics of magic are among the many benefits of gathering with fellow magicians.

Kevin Smith: Exploring Houdini’s Paper Magic

Next, Kevin Smith shared an interesting presentation about the book Houdini’s Paper Magic, written by Walter Gibson, who was closely associated with Houdini.

Kevin discussed the book’s collection of paper tricks, puzzles, and other curiosities before demonstrating a classic paper-cutting puzzle.

Starting with a relatively small sheet of paper, he carefully made a series of cuts that ultimately transformed it into a loop large enough for a person to step through!

He also discussed Möbius strips and other mathematical puzzles that have fascinated magicians and audiences for generations.

It was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest materials can produce surprisingly entertaining magic.

Steve: The Magic Happens in Your Head!

Our final presentation came from Steve, who offered a fascinating exploration of the psychology of magic and the ways our minds can deceive us.

Drawing from his experiences as an educator, Steve shared a thought-provoking observation:

“Don’t believe everything you believe.”

His central message was that much of the magic we experience happens not in the objects themselves, but in how our brains interpret what we see and feel.

To demonstrate, Steve presented an unusual experiment involving three decks of cards.

Participants were asked to compare the apparent weight of the combined decks with that of an individual deck. Surprisingly, the single deck seemed heavier than all three combined!

The demonstration left members astonished and sparked a lively discussion about perception, expectations, and why our minds can still be fooled even when we understand what’s happening.

It was a terrific conclusion to the evening’s performances and a reminder that the psychology behind magic can be every bit as fascinating as the tricks themselves.

A Special Houdini Keepsake for Everyone

As the evening drew to a close, we had one final surprise for everyone in attendance.

To commemorate the centennial of Houdini’s passing, our assembly presented each attendee with a specially designed “Remembering Houdini – S.A.M. Assembly #12” commemorative button, featuring Houdini’s portrait.

The SAM 12 board had the pleasure of designing and arranging the production of these keepsakes specifically for our October gathering.

It was wonderful seeing everyone receive their buttons, and we hope they will serve as lasting reminders of a memorable evening shared with fellow magicians.

Keeping the Magic Alive

A century after his passing, Harry Houdini remains one of the most recognizable names in magic.

His extraordinary determination, showmanship, innovation, and ability to capture the public’s imagination continue to inspire magicians around the world.

Our October gathering was a wonderful opportunity to revisit that legacy while sharing performances, stories, knowledge, and friendship with fellow enthusiasts.

Thank-you to Larry Kahlow for hosting our assembly, Jennifer Kahlow for providing the wonderful refreshments, and everyone who performed, participated, or attended!

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next gathering on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 PM at Eagle Magic Store in Burnsville!

P.S. – Got Magic You No Longer Use?

Start gathering those unused tricks, props, books, DVDs, and other magic treasures! We’re planning a S.A.M. 12 Magic Auction in early 2027, where members can buy, sell, and discover some hidden gems. It’s a great opportunity to clear out your magic drawer, make a few bucks, and perhaps find your next favorite effect!

— Magic Manny
Vice President, S.A.M. Assembly #12

S.A.M. Assembly #12 gathered at Eagle Magic Store on Friday, September 18 — we had excellent participation with 14 members in attendance!

President Brad Gudim called the meeting to order before an evening of club discussion, member performances, and conversation. The group talked about sponsoring future lectures. Larry Kahlow and Paul Ladig volunteered to look into possible lecturers.

The evening’s performance theme was CUPS, BALLS & BOWLS!

Members also welcomed an idea for a recurring seven-minute presentation: each month, a volunteer could share a personal story, a piece of magic history, a performance lesson, or another subject of interest to the assembly.

Members who attended the recent Abracorndabra convention in Des Moines shared their impressions. The discussion then turned to possibilities closer to home, including whether to contact S.A.M. National about hosting a future national convention in the Twin Cities.

The group also raised the question of how Assembly #12 might take part in National Magic Week in October. These were exploratory discussions, with no event plans announced.

Members brought a wonderful variety of approaches to the table…

• Magic Manny shared a fun sponge-ball magic routine
• Chris Pidel shared several beautiful wooden balls and vases
• Brad Gudim performed a marvelous cups-and-balls routine
• Adam Moore did a show-and-tell with his neat cups and balls set
• Jeff Kohagen presented an elegant ball-and-cone effect
• Paul Ladig presented a very clever bowl vanish
• Doug Andrus shared a cute square puzzle brain teaser

After the meeting, members stayed for snacks and more magic conversation.

Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, shared & contributed ideas. We look forward to seeing you at the next Assembly #12 gathering in October!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our August 21 SAM Assembly #12 meeting at Eagle Magic Store! We had twelve members in attendance and a fun evening of club business, show-and-tell, performances, magic history and plenty of conversation.

Our theme for the evening was “Tubes, Boxes & Screens,” and members brought out a great assortment of classic apparatus and effects. Magic Manny shared his Vampire Block that his Uncle Paul made him when he was just nine years old.

Larry Kahlow and Chris Pidel presented a unique mirrored Square Circle and Blue Phantom.

Brad Gudim demonstrated a Silk Jap Box.

Paul Laidig shared his Genii Tubes.

Jeff Kohagen demonstrated a production chest that produced a bottle of wine.

Adam presented both Candle Through Arm and a Square Circle.

Keith presented a smaller version of a Square Circle.

Steve got into the spirit of the theme with a card trick—the card box was enough to qualify!

With several Square Circles making appearances, Larry also shared some of the history and performance principles behind the Square Circle, along with stories from his own experience performing the classic effect. Members compared methods, construction, handling and presentation ideas throughout the evening.

One thing we’re continuing to encourage at our meetings is that you don’t need to arrive with a polished performance to participate. Our second half can include performances, works in progress, demonstrations, interesting props, collectibles, questions or simply something magic-related you’d like to show the group. The show-and-tell approach made for a very interactive evening.

Around the Magic Community

The conversation also wandered into some great magic history and recent experiences.

Members shared stories from recent performances and travels, and we had an enjoyable discussion about Abbott’s Magic Get-Together in Colon, Michigan. That led into stories about Abbott’s, the long history of magic in Colon, the magician cemetery, and the Broken Wand tradition.

We also talked about how much magic is happening around the Twin Cities that members may not always hear about. Going forward, we’d like to do a better job of keeping everyone informed about local shows, lectures, restaurant magic and other magic-related events. If you hear about something, reply to one of our Assembly emails and let us know so we can help spread the word.

Assembly Business & Looking Ahead

A few items from the business portion of the meeting:

• Annual SAM 12 dues will increase from $15 to $20. The additional funds will help give the Assembly more flexibility to support things such as guest lecturers and other activities.
• We discussed forming or using committees to help with PR and special activities.
• We’d like to create more opportunities to get together outside our regular monthly meetings, including lectures, local magic performances, picnics and informal group outings.
• We’ve begun including an Upcoming Magic Events section in Assembly emails so members can more easily see what’s happening around the area.
• Members are encouraged to attend the IBM annual picnic on Sunday, September 20, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Central Park Lions Shelter in Roseville.
• We also began brainstorming a possible Houdini / Escapes theme for our October meeting, appropriately timed around Halloween and the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death.

Next SAM 12 Meeting

Our next regular meeting will be Friday, September 18, 2026, at Eagle Magic Store.

More details about the September meeting and theme will be coming soon.

Thanks again to everyone who participated, brought something to share, and helped make August’s meeting such an enjoyable one. We ended the night with refreshments, fellowship and—of course—plenty more magic talk.

See you in September!

-Magic Manny