News

Everyone knows that our RING 22 members include many very talented magicians.  Among our most celebrated members is the well-known magician Keith Fields and his wife ("The Lady Sarah").  Together they're not only regular performers at the legendary MAGIC CASTLE (in Los Angeles, California), their unique brand of magic, humor, and entertainment is commonly booked around the world.  Apparently not "busy enough", they've recently launched two HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ventures.  Of course, you've probably already attended their monthly "hit" dining/magic galas (known as "Lady Sarah's Magic Soiree"), which brilliantly promote magic and magicians with  family-fun fare featuring top drawer close-up and parlor prestidigitation.   Normally scheduled on various weekend evenings at the Camp Ticonderoga in Troy, MI, you'll have to hurry to reserve tickets as every Soiree normally sells out quickly.

During the rise of the life-changing COVID-19 pandemic, Keith and "Lady Sarah" managed to make "lemonade out of lemons" - but in this case the lemonade happens to be "TEA TIME", a weekly television-type show airing every Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM on their Facebook and YouTube channels (see links listed at the end of this post).   This is must see viewing entertainment as Kieth and Sarah interview local celebrities, entrepreneurs, and representatives from many worthwhile organizations.  Not surprisingly, they even feature daily magic presentations by some of the best magicians in our area as well as several internationally known performers.  The 30 minute TV show experience is loads of fun - Kieth and Sarah possess a magic all their own and collectively bring out the very best from their guests.  A large part of the show's success comes from the help of their producer, their daughter, Felicity, who adeptly keeps everything on track.  Several RING 22 magicians  have been featured on TEA TIME, including the RING 22 VP Fred Lenter and Wunderground Magic Shop owner Josh Wilde,  just to name a few.   

Recently, our British TEA TIME hosts honored me as an interviewed guest (discussing, of all things, the success of RING 22!) and also as a performing magician.  The entire experience was a blast, and needless to say, I learned plenty from their experience regarding camera angles, backdrops, and interview do's and don'ts.  Below is the clip of the entire 30 minute segment.  Fortunately (in case you may have missed any of their previous TEA TIME shows), you're able to watch all of their past episodes directly from their Facebook page.   I'm sure you'll agree with me - Keith and "Lady Sarah" are well worth the watch - be sure to tune in for their next TEA TIME.  Check them out at https://themagicsoiree.com/.  CONGRATS and THANKS to Keith Fields and "Lady Sarah"!

Follow Keith and Sarah at:

Facebook/TheMagicSoiree 
Youtube/KiethFields 
The Magic Soiree

Our club is always excited to share the many wonderful activities we've scheduled - not only events hosted in the past but those planned for the future - and we're ALWAYS proud of the outstanding contributions and support of our unique membership!  In that spirit we've recently created a campaign to promote RING 22 and MAGIC in the Detroit area.  Below is a short three-minute YouTube video clip advertising and explaining the nature of our organization - we think you'll have fun watching this!

RING 22 is proud of its unique members and from time to time we like to feature one of our many “superstars” of magic.  Whenever I think about the long-running history of our club, I’m always reminded of  MARVIN MATHENA, who actually became a RING 22 member soon after the club OFFICIALLY began!   In case you didn’t know, MARVIN was originally from Bluefield West Virgina and moved with his father in his early years to Detroit, his father seeking work in our auto factories (the rest of his family reunited in Detroit shortly after a year or two).  He's been a "Detroiter" ever since, becoming a professional magician as a mere teenager after frequenting and “sessioning with the guys” at the Roy Hall Magic Shop in downtown Detroit. 

He’s the proud recipient of IBM’s rarely issued certificate for 60+ consecutive years as an IBM member.   MARV actually served as a past President of RING 22 (way back in 1986, when the club met monthly in Ferndale, Michigan), and he has taught magic to many students while working for about 12 years behind the counter at an unnamed magic shop in Garden City that has since fallen by the wayside. 

MARVIN is certainly an impressive and accomplished magician.  He has officially been inducted into the IBM MAGIC HALL OF FAME (yes, that’s his picture currently displayed in the American Museum of Magic in Marshall, MI). He’s also been honored in recent years, being inducted into the MICHIGAN MAGIC DAYS HALL OF FAME in 2014, along with well-known magicians Claire Cummins (as in “Milky the Clown”), and Kevin James.  Like many of us, he cut his teeth reading magic books, attending countless lectures, and perfecting his craft while learning the finer points of magic from a couple of well-known mentors you may have heard of -- Carrol Fox and Wayne Dobson. 

There are a lot of “FIRSTS” under MARV’s belt since he became a full-time stage illusionist back in the 1970s – the FIRST to cut a lady into sixths, the FIRST to use a fiberglass Hindu Basket (as well as the FIRST to fill the basket with no less than three assistants at one time!).  Not surprisingly, he’s well-versed and familiar with close-up effects as well, and currently his favorite tricks make use of cards, coins, silks -- just about anything he can get his hands on (he even does memdeck work) – all quite remarkable since he is the survivor of two strokes in recent years and is still going strong in the world of magic!

Hats off and a "STANDING O” to MARV MATHENA – it’s safe to say he’s truly a “magician’s magician”, and we're glad he’s always happy to share his unique history with all of us!  THANKS MARVIN!

One of the largest magic festivals over recent years is Vanishing Inc’s annual MAGIFEST.  This year (January 2020) it became even larger (watch out, Blackpool!), with well more than 1000 magicians gathering in the same hotel (in Columbus, Ohio).  Among the star attractions were DAVID WILLIAMSON and DANI DAORTIZ, just to name a few.  Proudly, RING 22 was well represented with 11 members attending the convention, sharing magic, mayhem, and fun.  Some of our members took a moment to pose with our new friend, DANI DAORTIZ, as shown in the photo below! 

Wherever the magic convention and regardless of the location or time of year, there’s always some dedicated RING 22 members present!  Next stop:  Abbott’s Close-up Convention, March 27-28, in Colon, MI.  See ya' there!

Many of us have heard with saddened hearts the unfortunate passing of our good friend and master magician, Bruce Florek, on Wednesday, January 9, 2020.  One of our dearest RING 22 members, Bruce was a mentor and inspiration to so many of us who had the pleasure and opportunity to know him.   He will be missed by all of us, and we will always remember the unique gift his presence brought to everyone in some special way. Bruce was one of RING 22’s most knowledgeable members, a noted performing magician among the magic fraternity, and he will always be a true friend to each of us.  Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the entire Florek family.

We will hold a special tribute to Bruce as an honored RING 22 member at our next meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

"Our world will be a much less magical place without Bruce Florek.  We will miss him, but we will never forget him, and he'll always be in our hearts." - his friends at RING 22

Congratulations to everyone - our recent RING 22 SPECIAL HOLIDAY CLUB MEETING (Dec. 17, 2019) broke ALL records with an amazing 43 members and guests in attendance - now that’s what you call REAL MAGIC! 

Everyone shared their unique brands of prestidigitation - close-up as well as on our center stage - and a couple of lucky members won our HOLIDAY RAFFLE, earning gift cards to the world-famous WUNDERGROUND Magic Shop!  As always, about 15 members kept the party going at our own “Magic Castle, THE HIDEOUT, giving Clawson a reason to “stay open” and accommodate “magician’s hours” after dark!  A special guest was in attendance - JEFF BRODERICK (from Grand Rapids), currently IBM’s Regional Representative and an IBM Vice-President, who not only performed for us but invited our club to some exciting activities in the future.  The very best news of all - we have all kinds of exciting and magical things coming your way in 2020 and RING 22 will have plenty of spectacular meetings and events in the future!   On a personal note, I was presented with an unexpected and wonderful gift from our membership that literally made this a very special holiday for me - to ALL of you I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to share magic with YOU!   

For everyone still in the midst of Fathers’ Day activities, why not continue the celebration with a true magical SUMMER BLAST?  

RING 22’s monthly club meeting is now only TWO DAYS AWAY (!) and it promises to be another “CANNOT MISS” event (on TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024, 7:15 PM, at the Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, 749 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, MI  48017).   We’ll be making history once again, SPOTLIGHTING the amazing magic of internationally recognized performer KEITH FIELDS!  After his performance, KEITH will also present a MINI-LECTURE devoted to the improvement of performance skills, revealing important tips, thoughts, and presentational ideas that he’s learned from a lifetime of world experience!   

BUT THE BEST IS YET TO COME…
At this meeting we’re providing EXTRA TIME to give EVERYONE a chance to perform on our wide-open, no-holds-barred stage - BRING A TRICK ALONG AND SHARE YOUR WONDER WITH SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS!   Remember, we’re more than a monthly meeting, we’re a monthly FETE of FANTASTIC MAGIC, and YOU are the CENTER of it all!

 
MORE THINGS AHEAD…

• UNPOSSIBLED, with ALEXANDER the MAGICIAN, Fridays, June 21 & 28, 2024, at the Ann Arbor Regent Event Space.  Click Here for ticket info.

• WINE, DINE, & MAGIC with RICK RAIMONDO and JOHNNY NEW YORK, MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024, at the FILIPO MARC WINERY.  visit http://www.filipomarcwinery.com/ or call 586.226.3990 for info and tickets. 

Hope to see you all at our RING 22 club meeting on TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024.  GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! 

SPECIAL INVITATION for RING 22 CLUB MEMBERS ONLY - Please read everything!
We’re getting down to the wire, and we still haven’t heard from YOU!!!  Our annual Members-Only BBQ & Club Meeting (Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 6-9 PM EDT) is only a few days away and we need your RSVP soon.  Specific meeting details have been emailed to you.  If you haven’t done so already, please let us know you’ll be attending - we don’t want anyone to go hungry!  

Our BBQ is always a magical “KNOCKOUT EVENT” you simply cannot miss, with plenty of OUTSTANDING COMPLIMENTARY BBQ FIXINS especially catered by club member RICK RAIMONDO as well as GREAT MAGIC provided by EVERYONE!   For our members who have not responded, please RSVP SOON!

RING 22 Members-Only OUTDOOR BBQ (RAIN or SHINE!)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024, 6-9 PM!
NOTE:  Specific directions and info will be emailed to those attending!

Remember, we’re more than a monthly meeting, we’re a monthly EXTRAVAGANZA of ENDLESS ENCHANTMENT and YOU are the magic behind it all!

MUST READ - IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER…
MAGIC SOIREE, Dinner/Comedy Magic with Keith and Sarah Fields, September 14, 20, 27, 28, and 29, 2024.  Contact https://themagicsoiree.com/ for specific details!

STAND UP COMPETITION hosted by the Grand Rapids Ring 211, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, 1 PM.  EMAIL DAVE for details.

JOHN BANON / TOM DOBROWOLSKI DUAL LECTURE, hosted by the Toledo RING 68, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.  Contact pattrick@pattricksmagic.com for specific info.

POP-UP MAGIC SHOP FLEA MARKET hosted by the Ann Arbor Magic Club, Saturday September 28, 2024 @ Noon – 3:00 pm (Plymouth Community Arts Council, 774 S Sheldon Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170); admission:  $5 at the door.  CLICK HERE to reserve tables.

FREE ONLINE ZOOM LECTURE SERIES presented by Matthew Sawchuk (Card Magician’s Guild), Sept. 12, 14, 16, 2024.  These lectures are beginner oriented and completely free!  CLICK HERE to register!

FIRST ANNUAL MAGIC MARKET & SWAP MEET hosted by the Toledo RING 68, Saturday, October 5, 2024, 11AM - 3 PM, Admission free (tables only $5!), Maumee Elk’s Ballroom, 129 W. Wayne St., Maumee, OH 43537. 

AND IN THE NOT-SO DISTANT FUTURE!
MICHIGAN MAGIC DAY hosted by RING 22, Saturday, May 17, 10AM - 10 PM.  Save the date - don’t you dare miss this one!  More news coming soon!!!

Hope to see you at our BBQ meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024!

Today is filled with shamrocks, leprechauns, and the color green, and for RING 22 it’s a “solid green light” with “all systems go” for our next club meeting, now only TWO DAYS AWAY (on TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024, 7:15 PM EST at the Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, 749 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, MI 48017).  If you think you’ve seen it all - wait till you see this one - it’s a meeting you simply cannot afford to miss!  Bring your cards, coins, and talents along as there will be plenty of great magic to live, learn, and experience.   Remember, we’re more than a monthly meeting, we’re a monthly TORPEDO of MAGIC running FULL SPEED AHEAD and YOU propel us forward!  Mark the date and don’t miss this one!  Guests are always welcome!

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024, 7:15 PM EST!
Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, 749 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, MI 48017
 

MEETING AGENDA!

• SPOTLIGHT, featuring the fabulous magic of seasoned performer, super magician, comedian, and juggler, “JUST JOE” CHASNEY!

• Not ONE but TWO WORKSHOPS!

  • “Streamlined Palming Made Easy” with veteran magician KEN FOLEY!

  • “Two Self-Working Borrowed Deck Tricks You MUST Learn”, with me, JNY!

• ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION (“What’s the big deal performing for magicians?”) with VP FRED LENTER!

• WIDE OPEN STAGE, with extra time for YOU to show supportive friends what YOUR MAGIC is all about!

• AFTERGLOW, with an open invitation for EVERYONE to join us for MORE MAGIC, MAYHEM, and MADNESS! 

NICK PUDAR MAGIC PRIVATE ESTATE SALE!
Everyone remembers the fantastic magic and fellowship Nick always brought to each club meeting, and his family is currently making his personal MAGIC COLLECTION available to YOU!  RING 22 is happy to assist with the distribution of sale items, sold on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.  There are many STELLAR and RARE publications within Nick’s large collection.  Please take a moment to view everything at the special link below:
NICK PUDAR PRIVATE BOOK COLLECTION SALE.

UPCOMING MAGIC EVENTS!
Magic Soiree with KEITH and LADY SARAH FIELDS, most Fridays and Saturdays.  Visit https://themagicsoiree.com/ for more info.

Michigan Magic Day, hosted by FAB MAGIC and Grand Rapids RING 211, April 5-6, 2024.  Visit https://michiganmagicfest.com/ for more info.

Wonderbash, hosted by TRINO, April 18-20, 2024.  Visit https://www.morethantricks.com/ for more info.

MORE IMPORTANT NEWS!
Don’t miss our NATE KRANZO LECTURE scheduled at our TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024 Club Meeting at 7:30 PM.  This lecture is open to everyone (FREE for RING 22 club members, $10 donations suggested for non-members and guests).
 

Hope to see YOU at our MARCH 19th, 2024 meeting!

Some things are better left unsaid, but not when it comes to our next RING 22 MAGIC CLUB MEETING (!), now just FIVE DAYS AWAY (on TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024, 7:15 PM EST at the Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, 749 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, MI 48017).  This one is guaranteed to SMASH THE GLASS CEILING with a line-up you simply cannot miss!  Bring your cards, coins, and talents along as there will be plenty of great magic to experience.   Remember, we’re more than a monthly meeting, we’re a monthly PARADIGM of PARANORMAL PRACTICES and YOU are the PRIMARY INGREDIENT!

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024, 7:15 PM EST!
Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, 749 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, MI 48017

MEETING AGENDA!

• SPOTLIGHT, featuring the fabulous magic of seasoned performer, super magician, comedian, and juggler, “JUST JOE” CHASNEY!

• Not ONE but TWO WORKSHOPS:

  • “Streamlined Palming Made Easy” with veteran magician KEN FOLEY!

  • “Two Self-Working Borrowed Deck Tricks You MUST Learn”, with me, JNY!

• ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION (“What’s the big deal performing for magicians?”) with VP FRED LENTER!

• WIDE OPEN STAGE, with extra time for YOU to show supportive friends what YOUR MAGIC is all about!

• AFTERGLOW, with an open invitation for EVERYONE to join us for MORE MAGIC, MAYHEM, and MADNESS! 

NICK PUDAR MAGIC PRIVATE ESTATE SALE!
Everyone remembers the fantastic magic and fellowship Nick always brought to each club meeting, and his family is currently making his personal MAGIC COLLECTION available to YOU!  RING 22 is happy to assist with the distribution of sale items, sold on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.  There are many STELLAR and RARE publications within Nick’s large collection.  Please take a moment to view everything at this special link:  NICK PUDAR PRIVATE BOOK COLLECTION SALE.

UPCOMING MAGIC EVENTS!
Magic Capitol Close-Up Convention, hosted by Sterlini Magic, March 15-16, 2024.  Visit  https://magiccapitalcloseup.com/ for more info.

Magic Soiree with KEITH and LADY SARAH FIELDS, most Fridays and Saturdays.  Visit https://themagicsoiree.com/ for more info.

Michigan Magic Day, hosted by FAB MAGIC and Grand Rapids RING 211, April 5-6, 2024.  Visit https://michiganmagicfest.com/ for more info.

Wonderbash, hosted by TRINO, April 18-20, 2024.  Visit https://www.morethantricks.com/ for more info.

MORE IMPORTANT NEWS!
Don’t miss our NATE KRANZO LECTURE scheduled at our TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024 Club Meeting at 7:30 PM.  This lecture is open to everyone (FREE for RING 22 club members, $10 donations suggested for non-members and guests).

Hope to see YOU at our MARCH 19th, 2024 meeting!