Author Archive

Nick Diffatte on “Penn & Teller Fool Us”

Saturday, April 20th, 2024
Nick Diffatte on last night’s episode of Penn & Teller Fool Us — “Magic Is for the Birds”

Watch the full episode (Nick’s segment begins at 19:35.)

You’re a Wizard on April 19th

Friday, April 12th, 2024

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 joins us live on March 15th

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

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.

Watch Party for Lance Burton’s Movie

Friday, March 1st, 2024

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!

Presidential Citation Honoring Centennial

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024

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.

Auction on Friday, February 16th

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

This month’s meeting will be the …

Assembly #12 Auction
Friday, February 16, 2024
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
at Eagle Magic, 11995 County Road 11, Burnsville

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to find the magic props, books, videos, collectibles, etc. that you’d like to sell. This will help give your fellow magicians a nice selection of items to bid on and, the more you sell, the more new-to-you treasures you can win!

Fee:

  • Assembly 12 members who have paid their local dues for 2023–2024 ($15) may participate for free!
  • There is a $5 fee for any non-Assembly 12 member (buyer or seller).

Buyers:

  • Fee allows you to bid on any auction items
  • Bring cash or checks

Sellers:

  • Fee allows you to sell any auction items.
  • Sellers go in registration order.
  • Each seller will have a limited time. Please bundle smaller items and be prepared with a minimum bid for each item (if desired).
  • Sellers will pay Assembly 12 a commission of 10% of the selling price.
  • All accounts are settled at the end of the auction.
  • Sellers will be paid with cash and/or check.

Everyone is welcome!

SAM 12 January 2024 Hybrid Meeting

Tuesday, January 16th, 2024

It’s time for our January meeting!

We’re meeting Friday, January 19, at 7:00 PM. Our theme this month, chosen in anticipation of next month, is “Magic you found while going through your stuff for the auction!” We will also learn more about a possible performance opportunity in partnership with a community group.

We’ll meet at Eagle Magic and Joke Store. (Eagle Magic is in Burnsville, MN, 4 lights east of 35W on Hwy 13, southeast corner, next door to the BP gas station.) Bring potluck snacks to share. Connection information for the virtual view of the meeting will be sent prior to the meeting.

See you on Friday, either in person or online!

Gather items to sell next month

We are hosting an auction in February, and now’s the time to find the magic props, books, videos, collectibles, etc. that you’d like to sell. This will help give your fellow magicians a nice selection of items to bid on and, the more you sell, the more new-to-you treasures you can win!

100th Anniversary in the News

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

On October 16th, FOX9 ran this story about Assembly 12’s 100th anniversary.

They aired a few other variations of this throughout the day. See them all!

Nick Diffatte performing at 100th Anniversary Gala

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

Nick will be a featured performer in our after-dinner program. He has performed at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, appeared on The Late Late Show on CBS, appeared on the cover of both Genii and Vanish Magazine, has won multiple awards for both his magic and his comedy, has held multiple long-term residencies on the Las Vegas strip, headlines on Disney Cruise Line and has performed a multitude of shows at casinos, comedy clubs, and corporate events internationally.

Register now for our 100th Anniversary Gala!

Register by Thursday for 100th Anniversary Gala

Tuesday, August 29th, 2023

Register by Thursday, August 31st and get a free drink to enjoy during the cocktail reception, dinner, or program.