We’re going to try another “hybrid” SAM Assembly 12 meeting this Friday, July 16th, at 7:00 p.m.

The in-person location will be at Eagle Magic in Burnsville, MN. (It’s 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 later this week. For now, we’ll use the same setup as last time as it seemed to work.

Since we didn’t talk about a theme at our last meeting, let’s do this: Think about one of the previous themes we’ve had and do something you were thinking about doing but didn’t or thought up later after the meeting. (If you need help remembering the earlier themes, look back through previous events).

See you on Friday, either in-person or online! 

Our “hybrid” June meeting will be held both in-person and online and will take place this Friday, June 18th, at 7:00 p.m.

The in-person location will be at Eagle Magic in Burnsville, MN. (It’s 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 later this week. We’re using some cutting-edge, experimental technology, so I apologize in advance if it doesn’t work….

Our theme this month, chosen by May attendees, is “Misdirection.” Perform an effect that uses it, demonstrate a misdirection technique, or talk about misdirection theory. Or just enjoy being misdirected!

See you on Friday, either in-person or online!

It’s that time again! May’s Virtual Assembly Meeting is happening this Friday, May 21st, at 7:00. Connection info will be sent out later this week.

Our theme this month, chosen by April attendees, is “Big Box and Dollar Store Magic!” This is magic you’ve created using stuff found at a Big Box Store or a Dollar Store.

Be prepared to demonstrate and teach if possible, and provide guidance and suggestions for others. And if you can remember which aisle you found the stuff on, that’d be great, too….

As always, there will be time for the usual updates, stories, performances, and Show and Tell.

Let me know if you have any connection questions or other agenda ideas.
–Kevin

The meeting originally scheduled for this Friday, March, 20, 2020, has been cancelled per public health guidance. We will evaluate and communicate plans for the April meeting closer to the meeting date, based on the latest guidance. Until then, take care!

Our January meeting will be held this Friday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Eagle Magic in Burnsville, MN. (It’s 4 lights east of 35W on Hwy 13, southeast corner, next door to the BP gas station.) Bring potluck “snacks” to share.

Our performance theme is Something New You Learned Over The Holidays. Our “Round Table Discussion Effect” Is The Gypsy Thread. Bring your favorite routines, ideas, or questions.

We’re also going to talk about potentially changing the day of our meetings–several people have brought this up–so if you have strong opinions please attend! We’ll see you on Friday!

I am a 30-year member of the S.A.M. and am moving to smaller quarters. I must reduce the size of my Magic Library. For the benefit of magicians I have listed 200 books on my Amazon Link (see below). New items are added daily. Kindly forward this information to your members so they can take advantage of this opportunity.

Thank you,
David Crasson

Hello Assembly 12 of the Society of American Magicians! I am writing to you on behalf of the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. On March 8th, 7:30 pm we have the unique opportunity to host a fantastic show, Spencers Theatre of Illusion! Theatre of Illusion is a fun filled, family friendly production filled with original magical creations designed exclusively for The Spencers. People levitate, walk through walls, vanish, and reappear. And in one illusion, the entire audience is asked to participate in a stunning, interactive mind reading experience!

I would love if you could pass this information along to your society at your next meeting, we would love for you all to attend! Tickets are Orchestra = $32.00 Adults; $29.00 Students and Seniors 62+
Balcony = $18.00 Adults; $15.00 Students and Seniors 62+.
Tickets may be purchased at the BPAC Box Office via Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 or ticketmaster.com.

Donn French

Donn D. French age 80, of Bloomington, formerly of St. Louis Park. Survived by children, David French, Carrie (Larry) Haslerud, and John (Debra) French; grandchildren, Chet and Alysa Haslerud and Ava French; significant other, Rita Lee; sister, Joan (Bill) Robinson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by wife, Mary. Donn was a member of S.A.M., I.B.M., Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, and the Minnetonka Men’s Chorus.

From Brian Alexander:

I just wanted to let you all know that the date for the annual magicians banquet is now set for Sunday, January 17, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. If anyone would like more information, or be placed on the Evite invitation list, please contact me at nancyandbrian1@gmail.com.

Thanks and I hope to see you there.

Bruce Russell Jensen, DDS a.k.a Bruce Russell, Magician died on July 2 in Bloomington, Minnesota at the age of 67. He is survived by his wife and magic-assistant, Gigi.

Born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Bruce attended Chetek, WI schools, Superior College and University of Minnesota Dental School to graduate in 1967. Performing magic since age 11, Bruce retired from dentistry in 1989 to pursue his magic career.

Bruce was a friend and mentor to many magicians. His expertise and perfection in the art of manipulation were respected and honored among his peers. A graduate of the Chavez Studio of Magic, Bruce was also a serious student of magic history. He attended many conventions including Magic Collectors’ Weekend, the Yankee Gathering, and Abbott’s Get Together and was a Member of S.A.M Assembly 12 and I.B.M. Ring 19 for 36 years.

Bruce performed a Vegas style show with his wife Gigi. Honored by Winnipeg I.B.M. Ring 40 in 1967, Bruce always had fond memories of his fellowship with the Canadian magicians.

Bruce demonstrated his flawless execution in manipulation in 1965 when he won first place in the S.A.M. national competition. In 1967 Bruce flew to Miami for the I.B.M. convention. He did not bring an act. Rather, he bought a pack of cigarettes, performed his cigarette routine and won first place again for his manipulation at the convention’s contest.

Bruce was meticulous about keeping his magical apparatus in pristine condition. Not only could he repair and refinish just about any prop, he could show you how to perform it properly and hand you a copy of instructions if yours were missing.

Bruce touched the lives of so many magicians, family and friends. From Las Vegas to Minnesota, the legacy of his magic will continue. The full broken wand ceremony was conducted by Fred Baisch at the July meeting of I.B.M. Ring 19.