Vol. 10, No. 9, September 2019

It's a Wrap! from Sal Manfredo

I want to thank all of you who attended this year’s TAOM and discovered the unbelievable magic. A convention is only as good as the team that supports the president. My chairmen and their spouses stepped up and each took on more than one event to make the convention run smoothly. Of course, for me, the four days were nothing but a blur. From the comments, I heard everyone in attendance had a good time.

It was an honor and a pleasure serving as your president this past year.

Now it’s time to turn the organization over to President Joey Byers. He has told me that next year will be a different kind of convention. I’m looking forward to it. Salvatore Manfredo TAOM Past President 2019

2019 CONTEST WINNERS

Trophy and Awards Chairman Bob Emery (left) and TAOM Secretary Treasurer Mary Cay Gold (right) were all smiles as they presented awards to the winners of the 2019 TAOM contests.

The winners are, from left to right, Anthony Wilkins (Junior Close-up), Jeremy Mikaelson (Senior Stage), Jay Zugai (Comedy, and David Elliott (Senior Close-up). All their acts were top notch and highly entertaining. Well deserved, gentlemen!

TAOM ORDER OF WILLARD HONORS

TAOM Secretary May Cay Gold was all smiles when she presented the 35-year medallion to TOAM member Jay Zugai. Those receiving 25-year pins, certificates, and medallions in 2019 were Roger Johnson, TAOM President Sal Manfredo, Dahnene Moravits, and Don Moravits. Not present to receive the honors, E. A. Basse and Mel Babcock. One interesting tidbit is that these six Order of Willard recipients attended their very first TAOM convention in !

The presentation ceremony followed a sumptuous breakfast buffet that was enjoyed by about 50 Order of Willard honorees. Afterward, Ken Cummins gave a delightful presentation about San Antonio icon Lou Berkie and the evolution of his wooden nickel business.

Photos by Toni Pare

2020: Perfect Vision for TAOM

Greetings members, friends, and family of the Association of Magicians.

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Joey Byers, I live in Coppell, Texas, and I am the newly elected President of the Texas Association of Magicians. Magic Across

Texas editor Judy Hollingsworth asked me to take this opportunity and column over the next 12 months, to share with you the vision for the 2020 TAOM convention.

My first words are to congratulate and thank Immediate Past President Sal Manfredo and his team for putting on a marvelous 2019 TAOM convention in San Antonio a few weeks ago. The hotel was fabulous, the talent and entertainment were diverse and top-notch. The lectures were entertaining and informative. The Dealer Room was great! Every time I asked someone what their favorite part or moment of the convention was, I got a different answer, which tells me that the San Antonio convention had something for everybody! Well done Mr. Manfredo, and hats off to you and your staff.

Oscar Munoz told me in 2016 when he was President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, "Joey, I thought the president wielded all this power. Ha ha! There ain't no power!". I thought he was being modest, but I have observed early on how this works. Certainly in the TAOM, accomplishments are made by committees and benevolent people with good hearts who volunteer their time, effort, and even money. People create newsletters, keep records and accounting, and help us with legal work who receive little or no compensation - because they love magic and they love the organization. (Shout outs to Judy Hollingsworth, Mary Cay Gold, and Hull Youngblood). I observed that it's all about service!

The topic of service leads us to my next point: Why am I the President of the Texas Association of Magicians? I am not on the list of the top magicians in Texas. I am not the most eloquent orator in the organization. I do not boast a lifetime of involvement with, or achievement in, magic. Nor do I have extensive contacts in the business, or know and hang out with all the big name magicians or cool people. So why me? Why is Joey Byers the Prez? Here is the answer: My short time in magic has taught me that if you are willing to serve and play by the rules, there is room in magic for you. It's all about service!

With no experience whatsoever in magic, I attended my first magic club meeting in March of 2014. The club needed a volunteer to run for Sergeant-at-Arms and, out of my eagerness to be involved and willingness to serve, I volunteered. Ever since then, I have held some office in some magic club (often multiple offices and multiple clubs simultaneously). Out of my enthusiasm to be involved, I came early to meetings, set up chairs, stayed late and cleaned up trash. In my two years as a secretary, I was perfect and punctual on my article and minutes submissions to the national publications, always with a photo if applicable! I wanted our club to be noticed and our members to feel important by reading about themselves and seeing their pictures in M.U.M. and Linking Ring. I worked to promote our club's events (public shows, swap meets, etc.), and I worked to promote our magic club at events (Conventions, Rodeos, Penguin Magic, etc.). I represented the club in broken wand ceremonies, performed in fund raisers, for charities, led an SYM group for 2 years, became the grunt and the gopher and did behind the scenes work that most people who I know well, have no idea that I did. Things led to things and out of the desire and effort to be involved and to serve, I was elected the President of the Magic Club in 2017. Then I was elected the 2018 President of SAM 138 Alliance of Illusionists in Fort Worth. And now, in 2019, I have been elected President of TAOM for 2019-2020. I had no desire to be an officer when I got into magic. I had no ambitions or plans for these things. It all evolved because I was willing to serve. It's all about service!

So in effort to determine the program, agenda, and operating policies for TAOM 2020, my committee and I are approaching it from the aspect of SERVICE! How can a TAOM convention best SERVE its attendees?

Could it be by reducing the cost of registration, rooms, and parking to help make it more affordable to attendees? Could it be by offering a reduced-rate, basic registration geared toward an accompanying friend or loved one who may not want to attend lectures, but still wants to see all the shows and contests? Hmmm...service?....let's see...maybe we could put all the convention events in one centralized, yet spacious area of the hotel to keep everyone from walking great distances or taking busses to events? Possibly it could be by providing a hotel with an actual night club on the premises so that if attendees wish to have a cocktail, the only thing they have to drive that evening is the elevator? Could we arrange for a hotel lobby that contains an abundance of tables, couches, and comfy chairs near a soothing fountain offering late night jammers and old friends a great atmosphere to sit, visit, and catch up with each other after a year apart? Can we better serve our TAOM magicians by creating specialized, hands-on workshops, taught by experts, using props; training attendees - so they not only buy product, but they walk away with a new skill to improve their act? Can we do all that, and still increase the number and type of shows, that are the quality to measure up to other conventions? SERVICE says we can do that...better yet, SERVICE demands we do it!

The 75th annual TAOM convention will be in Fort Worth, hosted by my home club, The Bruce Chadwick SAM Assembly 138 Alliance of Illusionists. Our 2020 Convention Planning Committee and I are working on an exciting convention for you next Labor Day weekend. I will not attempt to tell you all about it in one writing. In fact, I just wanted to introduce myself and give you an idea of our goals and strategy as we work on assembling what we hope will be a memorable and valuable experience, as you celebrate the 75th anniversary of the TAOM convention with us in Fort Worth. This column will keep you up on perpetual developments as they happen on a month by month basis. Our website will keep you up to date on the convention happenings, and process your registrations as well. So, please visit www.taom.org and explore the website for the latest on talent, the convention schedule, hotel info, dealer info, contest info, and FAQs (frequently asked questions). Some of this info is changing daily, so it will be updated as we know more and finalize plans. Also, check out TAOM 2020 on Facebook for latest developments.

Thank you for reading, Joey Byers Your 2020 TAOM President

36th Annual World Famous Austin Magic Auction

September 28

SAM Assembly 206 And Fantastic Magic Camp are hosting the 2019 edition of The World-Famous Austin Magic Auction

When: September 28, 2019 - Doors Open at 9:00 AM - Auction Begins at 10:00 AM

Where: First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity, Austin, TX 78701

Details:

• Admission is only $10 • Limited number of auction items accepted: 1,000 Silent Auction Items 200 Stage Auction Items 100 Collector Silent Auction Items • Auctioneers have the final say as to which Category an item will be presented. • Each seller will be limited to submitting 50 items for auction. Please do not send duplicate items, broken items or items without instructions. • Unsold items will be returned at the owner’s expense.

Do you want to sell something at the auction?

Please go to accounting.austinmagicauction.com and create an account. From there you will be able to get a seller number and enter all the items you wish to sell. Once you have submitted the list of items you can mail them to Austin Magic Auction Attn. Peter Hinrichs, 9301 Spectrum Drive Apt# 338, Austin, TX 78717. Alternately, you can call Peter at 512-709-8060 to arrange pickup or delivery.

Please make sure that each item is wrapped in see-through plastic (preferably a zippered bag). Also, please place a small piece of paper inside the bag (visible from the outside) with your seller number and the item number. This will help with the tagging process and keep your items from getting lost.

BEN JACKSON PRESENTS Magic, Music, and Mayhem

Come to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel located at 1300 Lamar in downtown for Ben's incredible show. October 11 - shows at 7 and 9 p.m. October 12 - shows at 7 and 9 p.m. October 13 - shows at 2 and 7 p.m.

Ben has earned numerous awards during his career, the most recent being a trifecta of First Place, People's Choice, and Medal of Merit at the United States National Close-up Magic Competition at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. The Medal of Merit has been awarded only 7 times since 1902. For tickets, go to https://www.benjacksonmagic.com/live/

Paul Driscoll Main Street Crossing in Tomball

Paul Driscoll will appear at Main Street Crossing in Tomball on October 15 presenting his "Trickery and Snappy Patter" show. Paul said, "This venue is well known for presenting top musical acts like Lyle Lovett, Billy Bob Thornton and his Band, and Larry Gatlin, to name just a few. I will be the very first non-musical act to headline... and of course, the first magician and comedian to play there."

Go to https://pauldriscoll.wixsite.com/mainstreetcrossing for tickets.

The Petite Palace Returns

Back by popular demand! Big fun in a tiny tent is coming back to the banks of White Rock Lake from October 17 through November 3. The show features circus skills, comedy, and magic. It is produced by The Laughter League and Bath House Cultural Center. Click here for tickets.

Two Amazing Magic Shows! November 3

"The Fantastic Kent Cummins" is celebrating his 70th year as a magician (He started when he was six!) by putting on two amazing magic shows at the historic Scottish Rite Theater in downtown Austin on Sunday, November 3. The "Magic Camp Matinee" at 2:00 pm is especially for kids and the grown-ups whop love them. The evening show at 7:00 pm is family friendly, but designed especially for grown-ups who love magic. The two shows are completely different, and will feature some of Kent's favorite tricks and illusions from throughout his career.

Kent, Order of Willard, won the Teen Trophy at the 1960 TAOM Convention, and was TAOM President in 1983.

Shows will benefit the Fantastic Magic Camp scholarship program and the Texas Association of Magicians. With only 250 seats in the theatre, both shows are expected to sell out quickly, so magic lovers are urged to buy tickets early.

Tickets and more information are available at www.KentCummins.com/70years.

Down the road.... October 21-24 - The Magic of Wylie with Magic Night of Wonder October 26 - Shin Lim at the Majestic Theater in Dallas October 27 - Christian Engblom Lecture in Dallas October ?? - Christian Engblom Lecture in San Antonio October 27 - Christian Engblom Lecture in Dallas November 10 - Bill Wisch lecture in Fort Worth November 12- Bill Wisch lecture in Houston January 18-21 in Las Vegas - S.A.M. Convention Special Event - Peen and Teller "Fool Us" Auditions

BITS AND PIECES OF INTERESTING STUFF

Daryl Howard Featured

A recent issue of "Dallas Voice" featured Dallas magician Daryl Howard. the article detail his accomplishments as a master magician as well as a master electrician. For more than 40 years, Daryl has plied his trade as an electrician and manages his own company these days. His interest in magic has expanded in recent years to professional performances

if varied venues. You can read this interesting article in its entirety at https://dallasvoice.com/practical- magic/

NEW MAGIC GROUP IN SOUTH AUSTIN

South Austin Magical (to be named), is a weekly informal magic hangout/meet up; think pizza, beer, magic talk, sessioning, possible book club, etc.

Where: The Tipsy Pizza at 730 W Stassney Lane #165 in South Austin

When: For the time being, Fridays from 8 to 10 p.m. (or however long we feel like)

Hope to see you there!

Mid-Cities Magic Circle...

Meeting the second Tuesday of every month at Arlington Golden Corral Restaurant located at 465 East I-20 at 7 for dinner. Magic gets underway about 8 p.m. The topic is "Your Favorite Trick". Bring any trick and perform. Check out Mid-Cities Magic Circle on Facebook for more details!

The purpose of the Mid-Cities Magic Circle is to provide a venue for Dallas/Fort Worth performing magicians to study their art and improve as public performers. Each meeting focuses on a single theme -- development of performance skills, routines, and other elements important to the public performance of magic.

There is no formal membership, no officers, no notes or minutes. For more information -- forget it! There is simply no one in charge to respond. Just show up on the second Tuesday of the month at Arlington Golden Corral and join the fun and magic!

THE IMPROV IN ADDISON…

Mike Williams heads up an all star line-up in Addison every other weekend. It’s Comedy and Magic that you won’t want to miss.

Visit www.improvaddison.com for show information or to purchase tickets.

THE IMPROV IN ARLINGTON…

Mike Squires headlines shows at The IMPROV in Arlington on alternate Saturdays. Mike will casually blow your mind. Doors open at 1:00.

Go to www.improvarlington.com for tickets.

John Magic's Theater and Museum in Austin

Magic's Theater is owned and operated by magician John Magic and his family, including his wife who runs the front-of-house operations. Each week, the theater hosts a close-up magic show on Friday and a stage show on Saturday performed by Magic himself, who

says his goal is to give "the classics of magic to a fresh and brand-new audience."

Elaborate stage shows start at 7:00 p.m. every Saturday night with family-friendly magic entertainment. Friday evenings feature close-up magic by John Magic and Chris English. Private close-up shows are available Monday through Thursday by appointment.

The theater is located at 13419 Fitzhugh Road off 290 past Oak Hill west of Austin. Buy your ticket at the door or make reservations at http://www.magicstheater.com

Second Saturday Magic Sale

Magic, Etc., Fort Worth's premier magic shop hosts a Second Saturday Sale every month where magicians can score good savings on props and supplies. Magicians get "special" treatment and special

prices. Magic, Etc. is located on Forest Park Boulevard at I-30 in Fort Worth.

Thrifty Third Thursday

Magic, Etc. and Fort Worth Costume started a new monthly gathering of magicians from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. You are invited to wheel and deal for the best buys ever only at Fort Worth's own Magic, Etc. and Fort Worth Costume.

New Location Monday Night Magic in Arlington

All magic aficionados are invited to attend informal gatherings at THE ROCK at 2300 East Lamar Boulevard in Arlington every Monday night. Bring your cards and props to practice your "chops".

Cards in South Austin SECOND SATURDAYS

Cardicians in Austin get together once a month to swap moves and stories, routines and fun. To confirm times, locations, and dates and for more info, contact Lou Hornung at [email protected]

The San Antonio convention was a blast! Just the right mix of exciting, well-managed events and free time to enjoy the Riverwalk. So many options! Congratulations to Sal Manfredo and his hard-working crew.

Now it's time to take a deep breath and look forward to 2020 in Fort Worth. The team up north has already put many innovations into play for what looks to be an exciting change for TAOM conventions.

Start making plans today!

Judy Hollingsworth TAOM Club Coordinator

MAGIC CLUBS IN TEXAS

AUSTIN - IBM Ring 60 First Monday at 7:00 p.m. except January and September I.H.O.P at 11654 Research Boulevard in Austin Contact:[email protected]

AUSTIN - SAM ASSEMBLY 206 Third Monday at 7:00 p.m. Journey Imperfect Faith Community at 7500 Woodrow Avenue in Austin Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

CORPUS CHRISTI - IBM RING 157 Meeting date in transition Ronald McDonald House at 3402 Fort Worth Street in Corpus Christi Contact: [email protected]

DALLAS MAGIC CLUBS - IBM RING 174 & SAM ASSEMBLY 13 Third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Addison Treehouse at 14681 Midway Road in Addison Contact: [email protected] http://www.dallasmagic.org/

FORT WORTH - IBM RING 15 First Thursday at 7:00 p.m. International Plaza Call 817-606-7770 for details Contact: [email protected]

FORT WORTH - SAM ASSEMBLY 138 Third Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Illusion Warehouse at 3917 McCart Avenue in Fort Worth Contact: [email protected]

HOUSTON - IBM RING 39 Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. except May and December Bayou Manor at 4141 South Braeswood in Houston Contact: [email protected] http://www.houstonmagic.com

HOUSTON - SAM ASSEMBLY 19 First Monday at 7:00 p.m. except September I.A.T.S.E. Union Hall at 3030 North Freeway in Houston Contact: [email protected] http://www.houstonmagic.com

MID-CITIES MAGIC CIRCLE Second Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The Golden Coral, 465 East I-20 in Arlington Facebook: “Mid-cities magic circle”

SAN ANTONIO - IBM RING 18 Fourth Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Beethoven Hall at 422 Perida Street in San Antonio Contact: paul,[email protected]

SAN ANTONIO - SAM ASSEMBLY 52 First Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Longhorn Café, 12311 Nacogdoches Road Contact: [email protected]