October 2022

October was a busy month for the Peoria Magicians. Our regular meeting was dedicated to Spooky Magic. Jerry Tupper showed us a Ghost Card, an invisible bat that escaped a box and wreaked havoc until he was trapped under a scarf and returned to the box, and a Spirit Frame. Michael Baker told a story of Dracula vs Van Helsing as Dracula disappeared in a flash of fire.

Jay Zentko had a mind-reading card and Gambit did spectral Touch and discussed the razor blade trick he performed at a recent freakshow event in Wisconsin.

The remainder of the meeting was dedicated to the final planning of The Peoria Magic Gathering held at Expo Gardens the following weekend. The Magic Gathering was an idea we had to add on to our planned public show. What this was, was a day-long event with a magic flea market, lectures, and close-up shows. All daytime events were 100% free to any and all magicians. We had asked that the other clubs in the area to have one representative performer to be on one of the shows. We had great performances from Peoria, Champaign, Springfield, the Quad Cities, and Chicago.

Many people participated in the flea market as both sellers and buyers. Following this, Andy Dallas gave a superb lecture based on his years of performing experience. Next up was S.A.M. President-elect John Sturk who gave a great talk on the S.A.M., and then did some wonderful close-up magic which transitioned into a mini-lecture. Many thanks to all the performers who adjusted to fit our last-minute schedule changes. It’s a pleasure working with real pros.

Next was a close-up show featuring Michael Baker, Yort, Mark Yeager, and Jesse James, Miller.

The event was well represented by both I.B.M. and S.A.M. There were two Past National Presidents of S.A.M., Andy Dallas, and Christopher Bontjes, along with incoming President John Sturk. From the I.B.M., Past International President Don Weiberg and his wife attended.

Following a dinner break, there was a public stage show. For this, we asked for a $10. Ticket donation. Kids under 12 were free. There were several magicians entertaining the crowd pre-show with close-up magic. The show featured Jay Zentko as MC, Mark Yeager, Yort, D’Nordo, John Sturk, Jerry Tupper, Grant Golden, and Andy Dallas. It was a fine show and a few hundred people turned out.

Behind the scenes were Todd Rodewald with Rodewald Sound & Lighting, Terry Grawey manning the follow spot, Rebecca Zentko operating the ticket booth and concessions, and Michael Baker as stage manager. Jill Yeager, Rob Thompson, and Dave Matrisch took many photos from a variety of angles, Jeff Harpring aided in the cleanup afterward. I know there were others helping, and I apologize for overlooking names.

In the end, it was considered a success and we will likely do this again next year. We made a small profit, which will help fund the Dan Fleshman lecture on November 7th. 

Michael Baker