Posted June 15, 2009 - Five youngsters are being sponsored by the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund for scholarships to magic camps this summer. The fund covers tuitions and travel for the following recipients.

Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp

• Erik B Mulder (Age 15) of Cape Town, South Africa
• Rosemary Reid (Age 19) of Ontario Canada
• Matthew Richman (age 13) of Pennsylvania

Tannen's Magic Camp (Bryn Mawr College campus, Pennsylvania)

• Lukas Olson (Age 15) of Atlanta, Georgia
• Denis Kovkiv (Age 18) from Philadelphia, PA

For complete biographies please see the attached press release (PDF).

Posted May 15, 2009 - Just announced by President Bruce Kalver!

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Posted May 1, 2009 - Top left to right, PNP Dan Garrett- President Bruce Kalver- President Elect Mike Miller- Ethics Chairman Mark DeSousa- PNP Craig Dickson Seated left to right PNP Andy Dallas- PNP Harry Monti- Henry Evans- Dean George Schindler- PNP Hank Moorehouse. Photo credit: Richard Meisner. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted March 8, 2009 - The Society of American Magicians offers its condolences to the Magic Circle on the passing of its President and our Life Member. Ali Bongo was an unofficial Ambassador of Magic around the world. Everyone knew him and had a story about him. Our paths had crossed many times though the years. Although he was basically a shy man, he has inspired many and as the President of The Magic Circle, he fulfilled a lifetime dream. Rest in Peace, my friend. You will be missed but fondly remembered.

Bruce Kalver
President- Society of American Magicians

Here is the message we received from Jack Delvin at the Magic Circle:

With deepest regret I have to inform you that ALI BONGO (Real name William Wallace) President of The Magic Circle died today at 9 am in St Thomas Hospital at the age of 79 following a stroke sustained in France just as he was about to give a lecture at a magicians convention. Ali made his name on television in his own right as The "Shreik of Araby" and also as Alistair, assistant to David Nixon and as principal advisor to the Paul Daniels Show. He was famous throughout the world of magic and indeed the world generally.

Posted March 4, 2009 - Richard Turner, who has been called the "Greatest card mechanic of all time" has been added to the roster of lecturers at the Society of American Magicians Convention in Buffalo, NY, July 15-19, 2009. He does things with cards that no one else in the world can do.

Here is an alphabetical list of ten great lecturers who highlight the already packed array of super stars to appear at the convention: Dan Block, Alain Choquett, Brian Daniels, Eric DeCamps, Shawn Farquhar, Marc Oberon, Vic Trabucco, Garrett Thomas, Richard Turner and a special session on "Big Foot" by Philip Morris. Registration information is here, or reserve now with only $50.00 deposit.

Posted February 21, 2009 - Honorary S.A.M member Bob Little will be the honoree at the 28th annual New England Magic Conference March 14 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cromwell CT. The one day event will feature lectures, magic dealers and an evening showing - Performers will include Eugene Burger, Levent, Eric De Camps, David Boyd and Shawn Farquhar. For details see www.ctnemcon.com

Posted January 4, 2009 - The S.A.M. is seeking young performers for the Stars of Tomorrow Show, a professional stage show that features magicians ages 7through 17. The show is part of the annual S.A.M. National Convention that will take place July 15-18, 2009, in Buffalo New York.

Along with an application, interested young magicians should submit a video or DVD of the five-to-10-minutge stage act that they would like to perform in the show, a biography and a photo for the convention program. Young magicians interested in emceeing the show should also include samples of introductions, jokes, and emcee bits in their videos. The deadline for receiving applications is April 20, 2009.

For information and an application form, please contact Marlene Clark, 435 Main St., Durham, CT 06422, by phone at 860-349-8149; email: afuntime@comcast.net; or visit the S.Y.M. website at www.magicsym.com and click on the "Stars of Tomorrow" photo.

Posted December 21, 2008 - It is with deep sorrow that I report the passing this morning of Larry White. Although he fought his cancer for a long time, his fight ended at 4:00AM this morning.

Larry was a former magic editor of MUM, a mentor to many as well as a friend to all. His legacy will live on as I understand he has a column coming up this year in MUM. His magic books for children are still in every library in the world.

Rest in peace my friend.

Bruce Kalver
National President 2008-09
Society of American Magicians

Posted December 18, 2008 - The "Contest of Magic" is always a highlight at the S A M conventions. Share your talent with the many brother and sister magicians coming to Buffalo July 15-18! View the letter from Paul Critelli, and learn how to receive an application packet to compete in Buffalo, in July, 2009!

Posted November 7, 2008 - A gallery of photos from the October National Council Meeting is available by clicking here!

Posted November 4, 2008 - At the Pittsburgh National Council Meeting, the Council voted unanimously on the new updated Society of American Magicians Oath. The new Oath will now appears on our new membership applications. President Bruce Kalver suggested that a good Assembly activity might be a "Renewal of the Oath" for all of it's members. Click here for the updated Oath.

Posted October 24, 2008 - The first Assembly 17,210 organizational meeting was held on October 20, 2008. Here are the officers elected by the only two Initial Founding Members Garriott and Chamitoff:

• President – Hull Youngblood – Austin Texas
• Vice President - Andy Dallas – Champagne, Illinois
• Secretary - Bruce Kalver - Providence, RI
• Treasurer - Stan Seaton, MD – Austin, Texas

If you are a member in good standing of The S.A.M., you can become a member of this Assembly!

• Founding members - $200.00 – receive membership card, certificate and special item from Richard Garriott
• Charter members - $100.00 – receive membership card and certificate
• Member $10.00 – receive membership card

This does not effect your regular Assembly or Associate membership and is tax deductible. Net revenue is divided between S.A.M. National Magic Center Foundation and The Society of Young Magicians.

Send name, address, membership number and check to:

Hull Youngblood, President
Assembly 17,210
111 Congress Ave
Suite 900
Austin, TX 78727

Posted October 20, 2008 - At 7:25 pm on October 20 2008, the first organizational meeting of Assembly Number 17,210 will be held on the International Sspace Station. The meeting will be monitored by members of Assembly 206 in Austin, TX. The "Richard Garriott Assembly" was duly recognized and received its temporary charter at the Society's National Council meeting October 18. The assembly number requested was named for the speed of 17,210 miles per hour travelled by the International Space Station. Members in space are Richard Garriott and Greg Chamitoff. Other members on Earth signed the neccessary applications. Full charter will be granted at the national meeting in July during the convention in Buffalo, NY. While in space the astronauts are planning to perform some magic tricks.

At left is Magician/astronaut Greg Chamitoff, Expedition 17 Flight Engineer prepares a meal near the galley of the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Click to enlarge.

Related materials available for download/viewing:

• Assembly 17210's Charter Application
• Assembly 17210's Charter
• January MUM article featuring Richard Garriott
• High-res PDF of the January MUM cover featuring Richard Garriott in his space suit
• Meet Greg Chamitoff

Note: Richard Garriott and Greg Chamitoff returned to Earth safely, October 24, 2008!

Posted October 14, 2008 - Richard Garriott, famed video game developer, and a Life Member of the Society of American Magicians (#206, Austin, Texas) following in his father’s footsteps has launched aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station. He and the crew docked successfully at 9:26 AM GST

Richard’s father, Owen Garriott, is a former NASA astronaut who completed two space missions during his career. Richard is the first second generation American in space, and also the sixth private astronaut client of Space Adventures. He is the first S.A.M. magician in space! See the launch and more information at www.richardinspace.com.

Posted October 3, 2008 - The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund has already extended disaster assistance payments to victims of the recent Ike Hurricane in Texas. Fund payments have already been extended and more money is needed.

Many magicians still have no power, much water damage and need shelter, food and drinking water to carry them through. Many of them have lost their means of support due to school, park and other venue closures. We urge you donate whatever you can to this assistance effort. Your private tax exempt donations and those from your magic clubs will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged.

Please send checks payable to the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund and mail to Disaster Relief, SAM Magic Endowment Fund, 234 Towyn Court, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002

Posted October 1, 2008 - New York- Bruce Kalver, National President of the Society of American Magicians, proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31 as National Magic Week throughout the United States and Canada. For more than forty years the Society has recognized the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special "week" of events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout the year. Governors and Local Mayors throughout the country will be proclaiming this week in their cities and states. Magic displays can be found at libraries, stores and malls along with special shows throughout the country during National Magic Week. Click here to learn more, see Magic Week Events planned around the country, and learn how you can participate!

Posted September 21, 2008 - On September 18th, 2008 Society of American Magicians Second Vice President Vinny Grosso performed in Amman, Jordan.

Vinny Grosso is the chairman the of both the Veterans Magic and National Magic Week Programs for the S.A.M- To learn more on how you can volunteer in these programs click either of the links.

Click either image for a full-size copy.

Posted September 19, 2008 - Michael Close been selected as the new Editor of M-U-M- magazine the official organ of the Society of American Magicians. President Bruce Kalver announced that Mr. Close will succeed John Moehring as editor beginning in January 2009. Michael Close is a magician, a writer and a fine musician. His books for magicians have become modern classics. He has performed and lectured around the world. Ms. Mona Morrison has been selected as the new advertising manager for the magazine effective in 2009.

Posted August 13, 2008 - Christopher Pratt died peacefully on August 11 at his home in England with his family at his side, He was the current Vice President of the Magic Circle and was its longest serving Secretary. Chris was a member of the Society of American Magicians since 1987. May he rest in peace.

Posted August 1, 2008 - 2009 Buffalo Convention dedicated to Norm Nielsen. The Convention, to be held July 15-18, will also feature a special trip to Niagara Falls to see the "Beyond Belief" show at the Greg Frewin Theater. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted July 26, 2008 - The very happy recipients of these honors are, for the Close Up category: Mark Oberon from Great Britain, and for the Stage category: An Ha Lim from South Korea. Each received their prizes awarded by 2000 People's Choice attendees at the convention, including contracts for themselves and other finalists at the convention.

Posted July 21, 2008 - Officers sworn in at IBM/SAM Convention in Louisville, July 2008. Click the image to enlarge.

Fifty-two happy young magicians attended the first-ever S.Y.M. "Weekend Of Wonder" July 4 and 5. The event was a highly successful magic convention for children from the ages of 7 through 17. They learned and participated in lectures and demonstrations and watched two evening magic shows performed by some of the youngsters and augmented by professional magicians from all parts of the country. The mentors traveled to Warwick, Rhode Island, and all donated their time and expertise. Five concentrated "hands-on" workshops were interspersed with an ice cream social, a break for Del's Frozen Lemonade, a hot dog supper, a salad lunch, and a pasta buffet for the attendees and their parents. Breaks for donuts and impromptu magic by the youngsters added to the fun. A special Parents Meeting was included led by "honoree" Bill Andrews. More than a dozen mentors helped director Jann Goodsell and her able staff led by Bruce Kalver, David Oliver, and Mike Miller. The children also received valuable magic gifts donated by well known magic dealers. SA.M National Council Officers were in attendance. Watch for a gallery of photos on site. Click the current image to enlarge.

Participating mentors: John Apperson, Dick Blowers, Trixie Bond, Marlene Clark, Andy Dallas, Lyn Dillies, Rachel Dunn, Vinny Grosso, Bruce Kalver, Ice McDonald, Mike Miller, David Oliver, Jimmy Ray, George Schindler, Ed Thomas, Mark Weidhass.

Posted June 10, 2008 - The Society of the American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund is pleased to announce Summer Camp 2008 scholarship awards to six deserving youngsters for full tuition camp scholarships, plus travel expenses.

We previously announced winner Megan Knowles-Bacon of London, England for a full tuition plus travel expense scholarship to Sorcerer's Safari of Toronto, Canada.

We are now announcing four more winners of full tuition and travel expense scholarships to Sorcerer.s Safari: One to Matthew Olive Ross from as far away as Cape Town South Africa, and three winners from Canada: Jennifer Antonio and her brother Zachary Antonio from Winnipeg, and Rosemary Reid from Brampton, Ontario.

We also are very proud to announce a full tuition scholarship plus travel expense to winner Ozan Baris Kendirci of Istanbul, Turkey to attend Tannen's Summer Camp located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

We are proud of our achievement and growth and continued expansion of our scholarship program that enables deserving youngsters to attend magic camps from all over the world. It demonstrates that the S.A.M. is truly a world-wide organization. Please View the Full Magic Camp Scholarship Press Release Here!

Posted June 7, 2008 - With the Galt House and Marriott Courtyard filled, we have just received word that the Residence Inn at 333 East Market Street, approximately four blocks from the Galt House, has accommodations for the week at $129.00 per night, plus applicable taxes. In order to get this rate, you must contact Roger Fultz at roger.fultz@whitelodging.com or by calling 502-589-8998 and identify yourself with the I.B.M./S.A.M. Magician's Convention. If you haven't seen the newest info on the IBM/SAM convention, check it out here!

Austin, TX, March 11, 2008 - The Society of American Magicians Magic Center Foundation announces a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony being held Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00am celebrating the Foundation's new office facility located at 2705 Bee Caves Road, Suite 230 in Austin. The event will be hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce and feature magicians Bobby Cordell, Tim Dietz, and Kent Cummins. Also, along with the ribbon, a local celebrity will be cut in half.

The vision of the Foundation is to create a world-class magic center in Austin, Texas that includes a museum of magic, a research library, and a performing arts theatre.

The magic center concept is a project of the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.), a non-profit organization with a membership of over 7000 magicians, worldwide. The S.A.M. was founded in 1902 in New York City and is the oldest and most prestigious magic organization in the world dedicated to promoting and teaching the art of magic.

For more information Contact Dan Rodriguez, Executive Director, S.A.M. Magic Center Foundation at (702) 610-1050 or email: dan@sammagiccenter.com

Posted February 29, 2008 - The Society of American Magicians Magic Center Foundation office will be located at 2705 Bee Caves Road, Suite 230, in Austin. Texas. An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the end of March . The Foundation is a non-profit organization with membership in Greenlights for Nonprofit Success and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. The board includes Austin Members, Ron Cartlidge and Kent Cummins. The Executive Director of the Foundation is Dan Rodriguez of Las Vegas, NV. For additional information, contact Ron Cartlidge, 512-444-8729, ron@sammagiccenter.com or visit www.sammagiccenter.com

Posted February 3, 2008 - S.Y.M. July 4 Convention brochure now available for download at www.magicsym.com.

Posted January 27, 2008 - For a limited time assemblies, dealers and friends of magic have the opportunity to advertise in the IBM/SAM Combined Contest of Magic being held in Louisville, KY this July 21-26.

The full color souvenir program for this unique event, which will showcase world class magicians from around the world competing for top prizes and performance contracts, will be produced by the staff of Genii magazine and will certainly become a collectors item.

To date there are over 1,700 registrants so your ad will be seen by many! Because limited ad space is available we are getting the word out now so those interested won't be shut out.

Your advertising themes may include "Good Luck to All Contestants" or to your favorite contestant, perhaps a congratulatory message to outgoing National President Maria Ibanez or incoming National President Bruce Kalver, or just a promotion for your assembly, your wares if you are a dealer, or even yourself.

Ad rates are as follows:

• Full page = $350
• Have page vertical or horizontal = $225
• Quarter Page = $140
• Calling Card = $50
• Patron = your name listed with others = $25

A rate card with further details may be downloaded by clicking here (PDF). Your space is secured when full payment is received so once you decide to advertise, mail in your payment and then work on your ad design which can be submitted later.

Posted January 26, 2008 - Most Illustrious Maria Ibanez announced that the Spring National Council Meeting will be held on Saturday morning April 26, 2008 at 9.AM in San Antonio, Texas.

All members in good standing are invited to attend. The meeting will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel at the San Antonio Airport- located at 10110 US Hwy 281 North in San Antonio, TX 78216 (Phone: 210-525-9999)

Special S.A.M. rates - King Suite or 2 double beds is $159.00 per night. Hotel registration includes a hot, cooked to order breakfast, free shuttle to and from airport, and the managers reception each afternoon with free open bar and hot and cold h'ordouvres.

That week is "Fiesta" in San Antonio and by all descriptions this is the Texas version of Mardi Gras complete with street parties, shows, bands, parades and more. The hotel is 6 miles from all the festivities so you might want to come a day or so early to enjoy them.

Posted December 4, 2007 - A round of applause for Jean Kinnicutt for seven years of great service as chair of the Gifts and Gadgetry program! From a meager 15 boxes of goodies she has added many new items and transferred 50 cartons to Joe Goode in Schenectady NY. There will be no disruption in handling orders. Click the image at the right to see more detail of the truckload! And see the entire line here!

Posted November 20, 2007 - Society of American Magicians Ambassador of Magic, Bradley Jacobs has been named the "Magician of the Year" 2008 by the Parent Assembly #1 of the Society.

Bradley Jacobs will receive his honor at the annual SALUTE TO MAGIC show March 29, 2008 at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center BMCC- 199 Chambers Street in New York City.

Brad was the 1961 President of the Parent Assembly and was National S.A.M President 1970-1971. He is both a Life Member and an Honorary Member of the Society and presently serves as the Chairman of the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund . He has been a member of the organization for 55 years and Parent Assembly member since 1953.

For 17 years Mr. Jacobs was the producer of our annual Conventions and is currently co-chair of the IBM/SAM 2008 Combined Convention to be held in Louisville, KY in July 2008.

Posted October 23, 2007 -Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 summer season for full tuition scholarships plus travel expense to attend magic camps. Scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund, which has provided scholarships to youngsters between the ages of 10-18 for the past 19 years. More detailed information is available by clicking here. You need to apply before May 15. Click here to download the application (PDF, 125kB).

October 17, 2007 - I am very excited to tell you about two very special additional events that are being offered to those who attend the National Council Meeting this coming November 1-4th in Wakefield, Mass.

On Friday, November 2nd, those who have already arrived and wish to, will be taken on a private tour of Ray Goulet's Magic Art Museum. This is indeed a special treat and you won't want to miss visiting it if you are at all able to. They are going to arrange for refreshments so if you are planning on attending, please send me an e-mail so that I can give the Goulet's a head count. The tour will be in the day time so as to not interfere with the timing of the caucus for the National Council members.

On Sunday, November 4th, there will be an Open House held at Eddie Gardner's magic shop. They never open on Sunday but are making a special event just for the members of the National Council and those who wish to attend. Same situation applies so if you are planning on attending please let me know so I may pass those numbers to Eddie.

I am very much looking forward to both of these events. I know the Goulet museum and know of its treasures so I am excited at the prospect of visiting again; I've never been to the magic shop but I hear great things about it so that will be a neat stop that I am also excited about.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Keep a dream in the making,

Maria Ibâñez
National President
Society of American Magicians

S.Y.M. Weekend of Wonder Convention for Young Magicians

Posted August 3, 2007 - The S.Y.M. announces the first convention for Young Magicians! To be held in Providence, RI, July 4, 5 & 6, 2008, this promises to be a magical weekend sure to inspire young magicians to greatness! Click here for the detailed brochure (in PDF format) which contains all dates, times, locations, prices and registration forms.

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