 Monday, June 2, 2025
6:30 PM @ Magic Inc. Martin Mercy will host an evening of member performances - perfect for trying out new materials in front of the friendliest audience you will ever have. Where else can you have an audience of fellow compeers rooting for your success? One Trick Pony is our open mic night. Bring your best routine to share!
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On Saturday, June 21, members are invited to participate in our long-awaited field trip to Michigan magic sites:
We will depart at 7 AM on Saturday from our rendezvous point at Magic Inc, and be returning to Chicago by 6 PM. There will be a stop for lunch in Colon. Please RSVP by Saturday, June 14. You can RSVP or volunteer to be a driver by filling out the RSVP form. Questions can be addressed to John Sturk at [email protected].  via Block Club Chicago
DOWNTOWN — A $50 million magic theater is slated to open inside the previous Lawry’s Prime Rib restaurant, marking a massive investment in the Magnificent Mile area. The Hand & The Eye will take over the McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St., just around the corner from the Mag Mile. The 35,000-square-foot space will have 37 magic rooms and a tour that will focus on the history of “close-up magic,” according to a news release. Visitors will be guided through secret passageways throughout the mansion, encountering “world-class” magicians along the way, according to the news release. The experience is meant to be intimate and personalized to groups as they make their way through the venue. Chicago entrepreneur Glen Tullman and architect David Rockwell are behind the development of the venue, with locally owned Levy Restaurants planned to run the dining operation. Levy runs food and beverage programs at sports stadiums and venues across the city. “This is not something you go to see. It’s an experience you have and are a part of,” Tullman said in a statement. “And once you have the experience, you want to share it with others because it’s impossible to describe, like a picture that doesn’t capture something you saw. You must be there to feel it.” Magicians are also part of the founding team — and among them is the theater’s curator of magic, Jeff Kaylor. Kaylor, creator of Magic Moments, travels across the United States performing magic and delivering keynote speeches, according to his website. McCormick Mansion was built in 1889 as a family home, but it became a casino in the 1930s and then the Kungsholm Grand Opera Puppet Theatre in the ’40s. Most recently, it was home to Lawry’s Prime Rib for nearly 40 years. The Hand & The Eye plans to be open seven nights a week, and it will be open to adults only. Dinner reservations will also be available. Tullman told the Tribune the menu is likely to be upscale with a dress code that bans jeans and sneakers. Seven theaters inside the mansion will offer seating for 25-100 guests, and they will be customized for everything from close-up magic to medium-range illusions, according to the Tribune. The venue will also feature live jazz and a retail store. The venue is set to open in spring 2026. Tickets and memberships will be available through an exclusive pre-release.  Monday, May 5
6:30 PM @ Magic Inc. What can magicians learn from cognitive scientists? Recent years have seen widespread interest in and call for a “science of magic” that learns from the psychological insights and methods of magicians. In just the last decade, renowned magicians, like Teller, Mac King, James Randi, and Apollo Robbins, have authored papers meant to be read not by magicians, but by scientists who study attention and perception. Although much of the work up until now has been one-sided (in that scientists are benefiting from magicians), the collaboration should be a two-way street. In his presentation, Dr. Barnhart will illustrate some of the ways that magicians can enhance their performances by integrating principles and discoveries from cognitive science. Cognitive scientist, Anthony Barnhart, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science at Carthage College and a part-time professional magician. He borrows hypotheses and techniques from magic to study attention and perception in the laboratory, and has authored both empirical and theoretical works on the interface of science and magic. A leader in this burgeoning field, he was a founding member of the Science of Magic Association and frequently appears in national and international media. Most recently, his work was featured on an episode of the CBC’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki devoted to the science of magic. He regularly teaches a college course devoted to the cognitive science of magic.  Get ready for an evening of incredible magic! The S.A.M. Assembly 3 Close-Up Contest is happening on Monday, April 7, at 6:30 PM at Magic Inc. (1838 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago).
This exciting competition will feature talented compeers showcasing their best close-up magic. The winner will be decided by audience popular vote, so come out, enjoy the magic, and have your say in crowning the champion! Contest acts should be at least 5 minutes, no more than 7 minutes. Sign up at the door!  Dear Compeers:
Legendary Spanish Magician Dani DaOrtiz will be performing a run at the Rhapsody Theater, and will do a special meet-and-greet on opening night with Assembly 3 Members! Please RSVP by March 5! RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/z3bkHtppJCr4JzpZ8 When: One night only: Thursday March 13th - after the 7:30pm show. Where: The upstairs room @ Rhapsody - maximum 25 people What: One night “meet, greet and Q&A with Dani doing some demonstrations” only for SAM members. Requirements: S.A.M. and Assembly 3 membership, and have purchased a ticket for any performance of "100% Dani DaOrtiz", between March 13-23. You don’t have to change the date of your purchase, but will need to show proof of ticket purchase. If availability allows, your purchased ticket can be exchanged for the March 13th show. Contact Nancy Anderson at [email protected] and state you're an Assembly 3 member and wish to make the exchange. RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/z3bkHtppJCr4JzpZ8 Please RSVP by March 5!  Join us on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Magic Inc. for an evening of learning, inspiration, and incredible magic.
Four of our talented members will each share their favorite move, sleight, manipulation, shuffle, or technique—and showcase them in a trick (or two… or more!). Whether you work with cards, coins, ropes, currency, or other props, you’ll walk away with new ideas and techniques to incorporate into your own magic. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your magical repertoire, connect with fellow magicians, and be inspired by the artistry of your peers.  Monday, February 3, 2025
6:30 PM @ Magic, Inc. Free for Members - $20 for guests Tom Dobrowolski has been studying and performing magic for over 50 years. His many years of experience include performances as diverse as cruise ships and Hawaiian resorts, birthday parties and illusion shows, walk around close-up, and TV appearances. Tom has been an active participant on the Chicago magic scene for many years. His friends include magicians from around the world and his unique brand of magic reflects their creativity as well as his own. This, combined with his extensive knowledge of magic, enables Tom to find innovative solutions when developing new tricks and reworking classic magic effects. Tom has most recently published a series of contributor driven lecture notes that he alternatively describes as a journal that only comes out once a year or a paper convention. Tom's Lecture includes:
As time allows Tom will also demonstrate his best-selling magic releases “OiaTER”, “Big Four Poker” and his most recent “Snowstorm in Chicago” which just got a 90 % review from Craig Petty.  You're Invited: S.A.M. Assembly 3 Post-Holiday Spectacular!
Date: Monday, January 13, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Magic Inc, 1838 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL RSVP HERE: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEvzWpoAkFDDSVDtKB2L4nEAExPtRq9FKLfSgx1fik03HqmA/viewform?usp=header Join us for an unforgettable evening of cheer and magical camaraderie at the Society of American Magicians Assembly 3 Post-Holiday Party! Here’s what’s in store:
Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a magic enthusiast, or simply looking for a wonderful night out, this event promises to enchant and inspire! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your magical community and make memories to last a lifetime. RSVP Now: So we know you’re coming! We ask you please make a $5 deposit when you register, and will be returned to you at the party. Pay via Paypal here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/Y834AN8XL4X4C Let’s make this holiday season truly magical. We can’t wait to see you there! |
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