If you’re reading these words you probably already realize that magic is an underrated art form requiring creativity, skill, and perseverance. For some of us (especially me!), an element of risk is also involved as we (hopefully) learn to deal with those pesky unexpected moments which sometimes occur in our performances. On the other hand, magic provides many rewarding benefits, among the most important of which are the strong bonds and friendships we’ve made with other likeminded individuals we’ve shared our magic with over the years.
In my case, the members and friends belonging to THE Detroit Magic Club (IBM RING 22) have all impacted my life in many positive ways – it was magic, after all, that kept me at least partially sane during our awful COVID years, and amongst family members, magic is a recognizable priority in my life (and probably yours, too). Although I could easily mention scores of magic-related friendships, there are THREE individuals I am specifically indebted to and I’d like to share some of the many reasons why I feel that way.
Standing next to me in the photo below are some well-known club members and friends I consider to be “super heroes of magic” – individuals who have taught me plenty over the years. A special shout-out goes to club member Arthur Ottney for insisting on taking this photo and capturing a timeless moment! Please ignore the guy on the far right – that’s me, and I’d rather focus on the other guys that I fondly refer to as “My THREE AMIGOS”.
Club VP FRED LENTER (to my immediate right) is a dear friend who always amazes me (and everyone around him!) – he is entertaining, engaging, and a true master of misdirection (a vitally important precept of magic which begs the question FRED often asks, “Miss Who???”). Moreover, he has a keen eye to find and pursue magic effects that are guaranteed to play big with audiences. He understands the main ingredients of magic and utilizes them well. FRED has taught me a lot over the years…
Longtime club member TOM MOSIER (to the right of Fred) is another great friend who has helped me in many vital areas of magic. He is a well-read, experienced magician who has paid his dues over the years and always shares good presentational ideas with those around him – ideas you won’t readily discover in books, video downloads, or DVDs. TOM knows the reasons WHY some of the classics are classics and WHY essential fundamentals are indeed essential – he’s been a real asset for me in many ways…
Veteran magician JOHN LUKA (to the right of Tom) is another club member and true friend who has inspired and taught me the importance of details when it comes to magic – things that can elevate anyone’s magic, taking it to a higher level. He’s the guy who seriously and passionately practices magic – not only working out the main ingredients of an effect but also diving into the smallest morsels of the routine, the important peripherals that I sadly often ignore or forget about. There’s a true method within JOHN’s approach to magic study, and he always finds the most efficient path to success…
Everyone needs friends and mentors, especially when studying any art form, and fortunately for me, “My THREE AMIGOS” have changed the way I think, feel, and operate when it comes to magic. Although we usually don’t adequately acknowledge them, this morning (over my daily coffee break), I thought I’d change that common practice and remind everyone of the importance and significance of those life-changing friends close to us who live within our unique circles of magic!
Now let’s get back to practicing…
