Society of American Magicians Assembly 12On Friday, May 16th, in lieu of our normal meeting, there will be an Assembly 12 meet-up at AbraCORNdabra in Des Moines, Iowa. We will meet during the dinner break (4:30–6:00 p.m.) at Bennigan’s, located in the convention hotel. See details.
If you’ll be joining us, please RSVP so that we reserve a big enough table.
Larry Anderson will join us live via Zoom on Friday, April 11th, at 7:00 PM to tell us about shooting The Magician TV series with Mark Wilson and Bill Bixby. Following that, we’ll watch an episode!
Before the meeting, please read an article by Larry accompanied by photos from his collection, the Genii cover story, and a script for one of the episodes. (Access details were sent via email.)
Assembly 12 will provide popcorn and pop. Bring other movie theater snacks to share. Connection information for the virtual view of the meeting will be emailed prior to the meeting.
Location address:
Discovery Methodist Church
275 Lake Drive East
Chanhassen, MN 55317
See you “on the set” on April 11th!
This month’s meeting will be the Assembly #12 Auction!
150 years after his birth, Houdini’s legacy connected the Minnesota Jewish Community Center and Assembly 12, leading to “Houdini’s 150th Magic Show!” at the Capp Center on Sunday, July 14th at 2:00 p.m. Learn more and buy tickets.
Houdini (aka Erik Weisz) was the son of Rabbi Mayer Samuel Weisz, Appleton, Wisconsin’s first rabbi. He chartered Assembly 12 while visiting Minneapolis on his vaudeville tour during his tenure as S.A.M. National President (1917–1926).
There will not be a regular meeting tonight. If you’re at AbraCORNdabra and didn’t already RSVP for dinner, please see more info.
In other news, Matt Fore is hosting a free online lecture by Gregory Wilson and Geoff Williams, on Monday, May 20th at 6:00 p.m. Sign up.
Watch the full episode (Nick’s segment begins at 19:35.)
Our April meeting will be held next week on Friday, April 19th, at 7:00 PM at Eagle Magic (4 lights east of 35W on Hwy 13, southeast corner, next door to the BP gas station).
With everything you’ve heard about the eclipse this week, did you know that magician Nevil Maskelyne’s film, titled “Solar Eclipse,” is thought to be the world’s oldest surviving astronomical film? Speaking of the eclipse, throughout literature and history there are stories of people using a solar eclipse to prove their magical powers. (Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, anyone?) This inspired our theme for this month: Magic That Might Convince Ancient Peoples That You’re a Wizard!
Plus, we have a special treat: there will be a drawing for a $30 gift certificate donated by Don’s Magic and Books. Speaking of treats, bring potluck snacks to share.
Connection information for the virtual view of the meeting will be emailed prior to the meeting.
See you on the 19th, either in person or online!
Lance Burton will join us live via Zoom on Friday, March 15th, at 7:00 PM to tell us about making Billy Topit: Master Magician, the comedic film he wrote with Michael Goudeau, directed, produced, and starred in. Following that, we’ll watch it!
Assembly 12 will provide popcorn. Bring other movie theater snacks (e.g. candy, pop, etc.) to share. Connection information for the virtual view of the meeting will be emailed prior to the meeting.
Location address:
Discovery Methodist Church
275 Lake Drive East
Chanhassen, MN 55317
See you at the movies on March 15th!
Billy Topit (Lance Burton), a Las Vegas magician who performs at children’s birthday parties, convinces the woman of his dreams to be his assistant, while the local Mob guys (Rory Johnston & Johnny Thompson) try to make him disappear permanently. There are cameos by Criss Angel, Mac King, and others.
It’s awards season in Hollywood and time for our March meeting. Coincidence? Probably. Nonetheless, it inspired the theme for this month’s meeting. Lance Burton has given us permission to show Billy Topit: Master Magician — the comedic film he wrote with Michael Goudeau, directed, produced, and starred in. While it might not be up for any awards, we’re going to have a watch party on Friday, March 15th, at 7:00 PM at Discovery Methodist Church, 275 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317. Assembly 12 will provide popcorn. Bring other movie theater snacks (e.g. candy, pop, etc.) to share.
Billy Topit (Lance Burton), a Las Vegas magician who performs at children’s birthday parties, convinces the woman of his dreams to be his assistant, while the local Mob guys (Rory Johnston & Johnny Thompson) try to make him disappear permanently. There are cameos by Criss Angel, Mac King, and others.
The film’s premier was on September 24, 2015, at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas. The black-tie
charity event benefited the SPCA, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the Variety Children’s Charity. A red-carpet showing of the movie on July 11, 2017, at the Kentucky Center in Louisville was the opening event of the I.B.M./S.A.M. combined convention and a fundraiser for local
charities.
Between now and then, listen to Lance Burton discuss his movie, Billy Topit: Master Magician with John Gaspard & Jim Cunningham, and we’ll see you at the movies on March 15th!
Society of American Magicians National President John Sturk presents a presidential citation to Assembly 12 President Kevin Smith at our 100th Anniversary Gala on October 15, 2023.