March:  Techno Magic -  Magic that uses some form of technology.  This could be a mobile device, remote control, email, fax machine, laser, GPS unit, hidden electronics, or some other cool technology.  We will also accept new nominations for the 2012-2013 officers.

Character Magic -  Become a “character” and perform a trick or routine that goes with your character.  For example, a chef character might perform a trick with pots, pans, and a spatula.  A scientist might do a magical experiment with beakers and test tubes.  A nerd character could do a trick with pens, pencils, and books.  An electrician could perform an effect with an extension cord and a light bulb.  In other words, get creative!  Perform anything you like, but it has to fit the character you have chosen to perform as. 

Anyone who performs to theme will earn 5 Mark Wilson bucks and a chance to win a free $20 gift certificate to Hocus-Pocus.com.
 
Andrew Grill will be our opening act, and we will also be accepting nominations for our 2012-2013 officers.  I strongly encourage our new members to consider running for a position on the board.  
 
Our top raffle prize for the evening is Twisted Sisters 2.0 by John Bannon (DVD + Gimmick).
 

Eric Buss Lecture
January 12, 2012
Doors open at 7pm, lecture starts at 7:30pm
Ring 280 Members: $5
Non-Members: $10

THE LECTURER

Eric Buss graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Theatre, and an emphasis on acting. He was the head instructor at David Goodsell’s West Coast Wizard Magic Camp for 7 years. Many young minds were warped. He has written articles for numerous magic publications including MAGIC Magazine. Eric has two original pieces of magic that are on the market to magicians: The “Phoney” Magnet and “incREDiBULL.” Both of these props are handmade and sold by Eric. He is also a graduate of “The Second City,” considered the Ivy League of comedy schools. Eric is a magician, comedian, inventor, actor, teacher, husband and goof ball.

THE LECTURE

Eric loves to lecture, as long as he doesn’t have to lecture about chemistry to MIT students. That was a very awkward afternoon that he would like to forget. He apologizes to the entire chemistry department and reminds them that bologna is highly-flammable.

Eric prefers to lecture to magicians. But he actually prefers NOT to call it a lecture… it’s more of an informal chat about magic creativity, character development, improvisation, as well as a few routines performed, taught and sold. But since that’s way too many syllables and words, we’ll call it a lecture. Eric usually opens his lecture with a few simple improvisational games that gets everyone’s energy and creative juices flowing in a very safe and supportive environment. It also puts most magicians out of their comfort zone, which is a perfect way to grow as a performer. Throughout the lecture, Eric discusses many different methods and formulas for creating original magic and adding theatrical strength to your act. It’s a casual atmosphere and questions and discussions are always welcome.

In addition to that, Eric will also be performing some bits from his act and selling and teaching a few magical gems that he has invented. He usually finishes the lecture with stories from his Letterman and Jerry Lewis experiences. If you ever want to perform on TV, these stories are priceless.

THE MAGICIAN

Co-me-dy  Im-ag-i-na-tor: Kah-me-dee  I-maj-uh-ney-ter

1.    A clever and funny person who imagines crazy concepts and inventions, turns them into reality, and performs them for an audience with hilarious results. (noun)

2. Eric Buss (noun)

Eric Buss was born in Tucson, Arizona. When he was born, the doctors all laughed at him. That laughter gave Eric a rush… or it could have been the snipping of the umbilical cord… either way, at the age of seven seconds he knew what he wanted to do when he grew up… Later in life, at the ripe age of 8, he learned how to tinker in his dad’s workshop… or as Eric used to call it, “Dad’s Magical Tool and Gadget Nirvana.” At 16, probably after ingesting some paint chips, he decided to make day dreaming and performing comedy magic a career. He never looked back.

Although most would agree that his props are totally awesome, it’s Eric’s personality that wins audiences over. His high-energy, and hilarious act has been called, “Pure Art, Pure Madness!” It combines pogo sticks, wigs, frozen turkeys, dancing licorice, impaled rabbits, and 375 spring snakes into a non-stop ride of mischief and magical gadgetry that most people could never imagine. Eric not only imagined it, he turned it into an award-winning act that he has performed around the world and on “The Late Show” with David Letterman. In fact, Letterman called his performance “Tremendous, sensational, beautiful and a real crowd pleaser,” and that was only 90 seconds of it! If he can impress Letterman, he must be good!

Eric’s hard work began to pay off at the age of 20, when he won the coveted “Stage Champion of the Year” award at the world convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Since then, Eric has performed on five continents and on TV in six countries. Did we mention, he was a featured guest on “The Late Show” with David Letterman? He has also appeared on the “Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon” and has shared the stage with William Shatner at the world renowned “Just for Laughs” Comedy Festival in Montreal. He made a command performance for the Royal Family of Monaco at their annual International Magic Gala in Monte Carlo. Eric is also a graduate of The Second City, considered the “Ivy League of Comedy Schools.”

Now, at the age of “adult,” Eric spends most of his time either in his own workshop (Eric’s Magical Tool and Gadget Nirvana), or on stages around the world performing his clever brand of comedy, which is glued to his unique style of magic and props, which is duck-taped to his energetic personality. He loves the results!

The main dish for our potluck will come from Stonefire Grill, provided by Ring 280.  

If you would like to take part in our magic gift exchange, please bring one brand new, wrapped magic gift valued at $20.  Your guests may bring a non-magical gift to exchange.   We will once again have a white-elephant themed exchange.  

Most importantly, come prepared to share your holiday magic.

Email info@ibmring280.com for more information.

The meeting theme for October is Jeff Ezell’s "Any Four.”   Create a routine using Jeff Ezell’s special card (pictured above).  If you do not already have one, a card will be available for your use at the meeting.  We will have a member vote for the crowd favorite, and award the winner $10 in Mark Wilson dollars.

Opening our meeting is our newest and youngest member Daniel MacLean.

Teaching us the monthly trick is Barry Sokolsky.

Our top raffle prize is (Paul Harris Presents) Rattled by Dan Hauss (DVD + 2 Gimmicks).  “A coin vanishes from under your spectator's hand.  All under your complete control.”  You can watch the demo at: http://bit.ly/jpxyS0  This DVD retails for $35. 

We will also have a Rattle Box (retail $13) and some other surprises.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Our August meeting should be another great evening of fun magic.  Opening the evening will be Barry Sokolsky;  teaching a trick will be Dave Norman;  and our grand raffle prize is David Stone’s “Tool” (a $35 retail value).  The theme for the evening is “Dollar Store Creativity”.  Your performance must include something you purchased from a dollar store (Dollar Tree, 99 cent store, etc.).  When you are finished performing, please share the item with us. 

To start the meeting off, I have a few things I’ll be sharing about using dollar stores for magic ideas.  Oh, and did I mention you will want to perform to theme to have a shot at winning a free $20 gift certificate to The Magic Apple?

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Swap Meet
This month’s meeting is going to be a little different than our normal meetings.  We are having a swap meet for the second year in a row.  This year will be free for all to come and buy and sell.  I've been receiving a great response and think we are going to have a ton of magicians selling.  We will begin with a few announcements, and move right into the swap meet.  We will not be holding a raffle or any of our meeting segments such as teach-a-trick or our traditional opening act.  

Magic Youth International (MYI)
The board of directors has agreed to start an outreach program to introduce and teach kids magic.  Our first meeting will be from 6:00pm - 7:00pm on July, 14, the night of our monthly meeting.  If you would like to be part of this new program, be sure to come early to the Boys and Girls Club.  We are coordinating the program with the B&G Club so they will be advertising to their kids.  We hope to have quite a few kids in attendance.  MYI is open to any child or young adult, so if you know any, please be sure to invite them.  The participants are welcome to say for our regular meeting.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Our Theme for June is Money Magic.

Get ready for some Conjuring with Currency!  Dollar Bills, Credit Cards, Coins, Checks, Gift Cards... they all count!

Plus, to keep things interesting, Brian and Tim have pre-selected a secret denomination/currency, and the first person to perform with it will receive bonus Mark Wilson Dollars. 

We will also be sharing some top ideas for making money with magic!