Awards

sterlini magic capital close up convention

Ring 22 Takes 1st and 2nd place at Sterlini Magic Capital Close Up Convention

Andy Makar

Sterlini Magic Capital Close Up Convention 2025 Recap

Ring 22 was well represented at the Sterlini Magic Capital Close Up Convention (March 14-March 15th, 2025). John and Tamara Sterlini always put on a great convention providing outstanding close up and more importantly outstanding camaraderie amongst its guest. This year the features performers included:

Caleb provided a close-up magic lecture and an outstanding lecture on his approach to marketing to corporate events. I learned a lot from the marketing lecture especially his approach to avoiding being perceived as an hourly rate vs. value based pricing to a client. Ofcourse his card magic was outstanding and his close-up show in the night was excellent. His multiple card selection routine with revelations that built on top of each other was excellent.

Nick Locapo was OUSTANDING as well. He provided an excellent close-up lecture on the invisible thread and a device we all have purchased years ago but likely rarely used. As the official magician for Penguin Magic, he could have lectured on thousands of different tricks but I appreciated the focus on effects we all likely have in our magic drawer..or cases...or bookshelves. His close-up show was also amazing and very creative with scripting, call backs and a feeling of time travel.

Next year the Magic Capital Close Up will be march 13 and March 14, 2026. Registration information will be available at https://magiccapitalcloseup.com/

Don't bother asking who the headline performers will be. Sterlini keeps it a secret until you get to the convention. I love this idea as the convention is built around its attendees and the experience every year connecting with friends and making new ones!

One Trick Contest and Ring 22

Ring 22 had a number of performers enter the One Trick contest which opens the Sterlini Close Up Convention every year.

One Trick Content Performances

Congratulations to Ferren Charles (1st Place) and Fred Lenter (2nd Place)! It was great to see Ring 22 was well represented and took home some accolades!

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Johnny New York Receives Presidential Recognition

Andy Makar

On May 16, 2023 International Brotherhood of Magicians, president Billy Hsueh, presented Ring 22 club president, Johnny New York with a presidential citation at last night’s meeting.

If you have attended a Ring 22 meeting, then you've seen first hand how John "Johnny New York" Smith puts his passion, energy and commitment to make Ring 22 the BEST magic club. During the COVID pandemic, most clubs fell into a slump - but not THE Detroit Magic Club. Through Johnny's leadership, he orchestrated club meetings and lectures via Zoom for all club members. We even had special jam sessions where we explored niche topics in addition to the usual meeting.

Once COVID restrictions eased up and people met in person, Johnny continued to broadcast the live meetings via Zoom using a 3 point camera system with special thanks to Keith Fields for providing the video infrastructure.

johnny new york ibm award
Johnny New York Recognized by IBM President Billy Hsueh

If you've attended a Ring 22 meeting, then you've benefited from Johnny's planning and creativity. No two meetings are the same as members and guests are treated to a single member spotlight performance, facilitated magic topic discussions, member teach-a-trick, historical video presentations and of course the stage spotlight for any member to share a trick. We even have monthly highlights of new effects at the Wunderground Magic Shop.

Johnny's leadership brings a unique approach where the "business" of running the club is handled before the meeting and all participants focus on the actual magic. Membership has grown significantly under Johnny's watch and the average meeting size is 35-45 attendees.

Compared to earlier years where we had at most a dozen members show up, the impact Johnny New York has had on THE Detroit Magic Club | IBM RING 22 is a significant one. This award is well deserved and it is great to see a leader's accomplishments recognized. Congratulations Johnny!