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.
On July 17th the Members of Assembly 12 gathered at the Eagle Magic store in Burnsville, Minnesota. Nine people were in attendance (in group photo shown from bottom left going clock-wise): Magic Manny, Todd Anderson, Chris Pidel, Larry Kahlow, Magic Brad, David Farr, Steven Peer, Doug & Jeff Kohagen.
We normally don’t meet in the summer, but we have just elected new officers and the S.A.M 12 board has decided to continue meeting year-round to keep the momentum going, and keep the magic alive!
Brad Gudim, our new president, conducted the meeting. We talked about new and old business, the future of the assembly and new opportunities for the coming year. Items discussed to include in future meetings:
more lectures
more public shows
how to attract new members.
working on a yearly calendar of events so members can see future opportunities
Steve Peer opened a discussion around the open mic night @ Sisyphus Brewing in Minneapolis that occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of every month @ 7PM.
The group recapped the national S.A.M convention in Appleton WI (many members attended).
We also discussed how Houdini made the only known recordings of his voice on Edison wax cylinders on October 29, 1914, in Flatbush, New York. On them, Houdini practices several different introductory speeches for his famous Chinese Water Torture Cell. You can listen to these rare audio bits and read the article at this link here. Thanks to Steven Peer for sharing the link post-meeting.
Performances: Magic Manny shared his fruit cards packet trick w/ Larry (a mentalism effect) and David Farr shared an effect utilizing a peek and a practical in-the-hands version of the cross-cut force. A special thanks to David for attending!
Post meeting Magic Brad also shared this photo of Kevin Smith & Paul Black of Blacksmith Magic performing in The Magic Lounge at the Fridley 49’er Days Festival in July 2026
With many opportunities presented for S.A.M. Assembly 12 in the year ahead we are looking forward to a great 2026-2027 season!
Another month, another SAM12 meeting! Ten people joined us in person at Jeff Kohagen’s house in his secret magic room. (Thanks, Jeff!!) Two more attended via Zoom.
During the business portion of our meeting, we started with the most important task of elections! We had a single nomination for each position, so the vote was quick and easy. Our new club officers are:
President: Brad Gudim
Vice President: Manny Betinis
Secretary: Todd Anderson
Treasurer: Jeff Kohagen
We also chose the delegate for SAM 12 at the SAM National Convention in July–past president Kevin Smith volunteered and was chosen as delegate.
Other performance news:
Brad Gudim was recently the opening act for a sold-out Neil Diamond tribute show!
Brad is looking for volunteer help for a booth he’s hosting in July at Fridley ’49er Days.
Adam Moore is performing a ‘mystery show’ coming up for 10 to 50 people. Good luck, Adam!
Manny Betinis had his best gig ever–he did some strolling magic for fancy execs at a fancy hotel downtown and had a great time!!
Next, Jeff Kohagen gave us a tour of his amazing magic collection, displayed in his secret magic room and beyond. Very impressive.
Performances:
Manny Betinis performed his entertaining version of “Fruit Forecast”.
Finally, our Royal Road book club continued, and Past President (as of this meeting) Kevin Smith taught Chapter VI: The Key Card. He went through the various moves in the chapter, performed Do As I Do, and discussed pencil dots and other methods of marking the back of a key card.
The evening ended with the usual socializing and snacks. While we typically do not meet in the summer, we discussed having some informal meetings, a cookout, etc. A good number of us will be attending the SAM National Convention in Appleton, and we plan on getting together there, too. Watch for details at SAM12.org.
The meeting you’ve all been waiting for: The SAM12 annual magic auction! 20 magicians and guests were in attendance, and all were looking for great deals on tricks, props, cards, and kits that others no longer wanted. Assembly #12 benefited by receiving 10 percent of all purchases and by encouraging that the members’ dues were current.
Guests paid $5 to participate. Many popular items were sold for as little as $1. An evening of sales, stories, and fun!
Special thanks to SAM12 Treasurer Adam Moore and SAM12 President Kevin Smith, who were responsible for coordinating the financials of the auction and to former Minnesotan Geoff Williams for creating the sophisticated Excel spreadsheet that tracked all of the sales.
The evening ended with the usual socializing and snacks. Our Royal Road book club will continue next month, looking back at Chapter 4 –The Glide, presented by Jeff Kohagen. Join us in person or online from anywhere in the world via Zoom. Get the details at SAM12.org.
Another month! Another great SAM12 meeting! 12 people in attendance in person at the Discovery United Methodist Church, and 2 more over Zoom.
During the business portion of our meeting, a couple of volunteer performance opportunities were announced and up for grabs at different assisted living locations. Also, SAM 12 alumnus Nick Diffatte is performing locally in a couple of weeks, and several members are attending the show. Upcoming conventions with SAM 12 members planning to attend include the Gateway Close Up Convention in St. Louis at the end of March, and, of course, don’t forget about National SAM in Appleton, WI, in July!
Two members discussed recent performances: Manny Betinis performed at a birthday party, and Paul Cook did some table-hopping. Paul discovered/confirmed that he is a disorganized magician, but also realized that “disorganized” was a persona he could lean into and make work for him!
Performances this month, with a theme of Birthday Party Magic:
SAM12 President Kevin Smith and SAM12 Scribe Paul Sedler performed their BlackSmith Magic opener “Applause Catcher”.
Manny Betinis wowed us with Brad Christian’s “Mind Reach”.
Paul Ladig showed off his Chop Cup skills.
Norm Barnhart did an amazing card routine he’s done for kids that featured a glimpse, in honor of the book club topic.
Our Royal Road book club continued with SAM12 President Kevin Smith going over Chapter 5 – The Glimpse. He demonstrated and explained the different glimpses and tricks in the book, as well as a couple of others. At our April SAM meeting, we’ll continue the book club with Chapter 4 – The Glide, presented by Jeff Kohagen.
The evening ended with the usual socializing and snacks. Next month, we’re having our annual SAM12 Magic Auction! Join us in person or online from anywhere in the world via Zoom. Get the details at SAM12.org.
Time again for our annual Chili Dinner! It was a great crowd at Discovery United Methodist Church–13 people were there in person, andTodd Anderson joined us via Zoom. Special thanks go to Sandy Meyer (and Steve!) who catered the dinner. The menu was chili, cornbread, veggies, dessert, and more! Very good food, and everyone enjoyed it.
The business portion of the meeting was short (mostly because our mouths were full!) We continued our conversation on where and when we should perform in 2026, and discussed venues, show ideas, size, cost vs goodwill offering, etc. We are definitely going to do something during Magic Week this year.
Since performances were optional this year, we only had one: SAM12 President Kevin Smith demonstrated “Revised Mexican Poker” by David Solomon.
More good things to come!! Next month is our Annual SAM12 Auction, and then in March we’re planning another Movie Night, which usually includes a special guest. You won’t want to miss it!! Join us for our next meeting, in person or online from anywhere in the world via Zoom. Get the details at SAM12.org!
President Kevin Smith called the January meeting of the Assembly 12 to order that was held at Eagle Magic and Joke Store. The fourteen members attending included: Kevin Smith, Paul Black, Brad Gudim, Larry Kahlow, Tom O’Lenick, David Stahl, Drew Hanson, Todd Anderson, Adam Moore, Manny Betinis, Don Bursell, Jerry Martin, Paul Cook, and Roger Schmitt.
A short business meeting included our current Treasurer’s report (about $2400 is available for events and lectures), an idea for a fundraising event and discussion about meeting dates and nights. Larry Kahlow agreed to be committee chair to look into possible lectures. Brad Gudim will head up a committee to discuss fundraising options for the group. No changes were made regarding our regular Friday meeting nights. Our next meeting date was changed to Friday, Feb 28th.
Performances followed. Manny Betinis asked a question about which type of sponge ball vanish of two he demonstrated was perfered by the group. Drew Hanson produced a flaming business card from his wallet and did an effect that used the timer app on a cell phone. Don Bursell performed Ben Blau’s “Unphased,” a card matching effect. Adam Moore did a clever book test using a Harry Potter book. Tom O’Lenick showed a new booklet written by Nick Diffatte called “Funny,” now in its second printing. And finally, new member Roger Schmitt had a card selected which matched another in an envelop using the “Bernard Billis Switch”.
Coffee, chocolate chip cookies and other treats were enjoyed by the members with continued fellowship by everyone until late in the evening. Our next meeting will be the annual SAM Hocus-Pocus Assembly 12 auction. Sort through your stuff to sell and we will see you on Friday, Feb 28th.
Roger Schmidt performs for those attending the monthly meeting.
The SAM Assembly #12 resumed regular monthly meetings with the the September gathering. It was well attended with 15 magicians, many of whom performed for the group. Attending: president Tom O’Lenick; VP, Larry Kahlow; Paul Ladig; Tom Faggerstrom; Jerry Martin; Jack Boyd; Paul Cook; Paul Black; Kevin Smith; Dan Witkowski; Todd Anderson; Brad Gudim; Mike Platt; Adam Moore; and Emmanuel Betinis.
The group discussions were very lively as everyone assembled prior to the official business and performance. The group agreed to hold the October (Fri.,10/18) and December (Fri.,12/13) meetings at the Regency Apartments Community Room at 2200 Plymouth Road in Minnnetonka. The November meeting (Fri.,11/15) will be at Eagle Magic and Joke store in Burnsville (our usual location).
As a final order of business, elections were held. A big “THANK YOU” to Kevin Smith who was unanimously elected as the new club President. Larry Kahlow will continue as Vice-president. The gavel will be passed and pounded at the next meeting.
Performances by Brad Gudim showing “Lucid Dreams” caused a photograph to change magically into a selected card. Mike Platt demonstrated a Paul Richards card effect called “Coersion.” Jack Boyd did a four ace assembly and finished with “Doonebury Delight.” Adam Moore and Manny Betinis also performed.
Jennifer Kahlow, Paul Ladig and Jerry Martin provided snacks and cookies for the group following the demonstration of magic tricks. Mingling continued well into the later evening.
Adam Moore collects dues!
Mike Platt performs a card trick while Paul Ladig, Tom Faggerstrom, Magic Brad Gudim and Tom O’Lenick watch closely.
Magic Brad Gudim is going to fine the spectators card with “Lucid Dreams.” Paul Black happily holds “The Eagle Magician” published by Eagle Magic. Jack Boyd sits in the background.
At one of our recent SAM Assembly #12 meetings the group decided to have an upcoming meeting at the same time as the Minneapolis Magic Collector’s Expo at the Doubletree Hotel in Minneapolis. So we set about to get together at the Expo in Mid June. President Tom O’Lenick got permission from Expo organizers David Sandy and Bill Smith to allow the group to attend member Larry Kahlow’s presentation on the History of Eagle Magic and Joke Store (now the oldest remaining brick and mortar magic shop in the United States) at the Expo.
Those that attended are shown in this group picture. Larry and Jennifer Kahlow, Tom Fagerstrom, Kevin Smith, Brad Gudim, Tom O’Lenick, Paul Black, Paul Ladig, Drew Hanson, Jerry Martin, Steve and Sandy Meyer.
The SAM Assembly #12 now embarks upon its summertime hiatus until September. Until then, best magical wishes!
