Sep/Oct/Nov 2023
Report for Sept/Oct/Nov 2023
The September meeting was lightly attended. The bulk of our meeting was devoted to details regarding the upcoming Peoria Magic Gathering and October Magic Show.
This was the first time we reinstated the attendance award since suspending it during the pandemic. The year is divided into quarters and everyone who attends all 3 months in a quarter is eligible for a drawing. The prize is $50. This quarter’s winner was Gambit. Gambit (Kyle Bassett) also provided the magic after the business was concluded.
October’s meeting was largely devoted to last minute preparation for the upcoming mini convention and public show. We had two guests attend, who we feel will become vital members of the PMA… Matthew Moland and Scott Nicely.
Both newcomers performed magic. Matthew did a nice version of a chosen card travelling from one packet of cards to another. Scott performed a variation of the Color Monte plot, also well done.
D’Nordo (Rodney Nordstrom) pulled off a miracle when a trick he has tried many times before actually worked. From a shuffled deck any two values are named, say an 8 and a King. Those two values will be found next to each other. Michael Baker performed a torn and restored card.
On October 21st, we hosted the 2nd Annual Peoria Magic Gathering and October Magic Show at Expo Gardens Opera House. The mini-convention held from noon until 5:00pm is a totally free event that we offer to any and all magicians. It begins with a flea market in which anyone may sell. There is no fee for tables or sales.
Following this, were 4 mini lectures. Michael Baker began with a talk and demonstration of how to theme a Halloween Show. CJ Diamond (Loren Williams) was next with a talk on Magicians and Masons. Yort (Troy Keefer) discussed busking. A portion of Yort’s timeslot was used by Mark Yeager, who talked about his time working with Bill Malone and his beginnings in magic. Finally, Jack Ackerman gave us several examples of Story Magic.
After a short break, the close-up show began. Performers were Christopher Bontjes, Mikayla Oz, Jeff Harpring, Luke Cannon (Lucas McCannon), Steve Daly (Steve Hinrichs), Mark Yeager, and Yort. All gave outstanding performances.
Now it was the dinner break. There are a number of restaurants within a short drive of Expo.
The evening show was open to the public and was very well attended. Prior to showtime, several magicians roamed through the audience performing close-up magic. Raffle tickets were sold for a magic set giveaway.
This year’s show welcomed “Masters of Scare-A-Moanies”, Skeezer & PopEye from Dr. Zirkus’ Haunted Dungeon. These are two giant skeleton puppets that wisecracked, told corny jokes, and introduced the various acts. The performances began with Remarkable Jay Zentko, who has graduated from magician to wizard. He performed a variety of magic and entertained with his ukelele.
Next was Luke Cannon, the Silent Magician. It was an interesting act that culminated in a big surprise to lots of applause. Jerry Tupper followed with an act done entirely to music. Silks were produced and finally transforming into an American Flag.
Yort brought a volunteer from the audience and entertained in his inimitable style. Everyone knows when Yort is in the house! He finished by producing a dove from a balloon.
Closing out Act 1 was Mikayla Oz. She showed a beautifully routined and performed Silk and Flower act all perfectly timed to music.
Following a brief intermission, the magic set drawing was held. It went to happy child (at heart) who we hope will one day become a magician!
Steve Daly, who conducted the raffle, opened Act 2, with a great routine using 2 children from the audience. Steve’s trickery is masterful and what appeared to be a simple routine, turned out to be a stunner. What a pro this guy is!
D’Nordo took the stage next and brought several children up to participate in a routine where all the kids won a prize… but the magician himself beat them all by getting the best prize.
CJ Diamond performed a variety of rope tricks in front of the curtain while the stage was being set behind.
The final act for the evening was Grant Golden. Grant’s professionalism on stage is evident in his performance. It shows what years of training and performing on stage will do. He was assisted by his daughter and granddaughter and delighted the audience with a variety of colorful magic and illusions.
A curtain call allowed the audience to applaud for all the performers once again. The “puppeteers” were revealed to be CJ Diamond and Michael Baker.
Then, we surprised Grant Golden by giving him a Lifetime Achievement Award. Yort conducted this worthy event by giving a brief rundown on Grant’s accomplishments in magic and then handing him the framed certificate.
On November 1st, we hosted a lecture by Keith Leff, who presented a well-received talk on restaurant magic. The modest crowd seemed to enjoy it and it appeared that Mr. Leff’s sales were brisk.
The November meeting was devoted entirely to a post-mortem review of the October event and discussion of the Central Illinois Magic Get-Together 2024 that we’ll host in April.