Our September meeting was held on Monday, September 18, outside our usual first Monday meeting day, in order to accommodate our lecturer, Louisville magician David Garrard. David was tapped to fill the lecture tour of TC Tahoe, who had to cancel his tour, but we were very happy that David was able to take his place.

David brought 40 years' experience as a working pro to his lecture, teaching a little something for everyone: close-up, stage, and kids' magic, all while keeping the effects and explanations clear and understandable for magicians of all levels. 

Most impressive during his lecture was his routine for the Torn-and-Restored Napkin, which culminates in the spectator restoring their own napkin! The lecture was worth it for just that one piece, but David's Sketch-o-Magic, Pop Pop Poof, and his work with appearing canes and candles really made this a lecture for all to enjoy. 

Our future meetings for the remainder of 2017 include the New Member Initiation and Showcase in October, a lecture from local pro Jamie Sanden in November, and Mario the Magician in December. 

The first of May brought about several firsts for our monthly Assembly meeting - it was the first meeting of our new meeting day (first Monday of the month) and it was our first time with a new program that we had not tried before in Four Corners Night.

Prior to the main program, nominations for next year's Board of Directors was held. The new officers and directors will officially take over at our June meeting. 

Congratulations to the 2017-18 Board of Directors: 

President Charles Miericke
Vice President Edd Fairman
Secretary John Sturk
Treasurer Alan Koslow
Membership Officer Justin Purcell
Directors Martin Mercy, Neil Tobin, and Brian Carter

This meeting also saw the Presentation of Membership to Compeer William Schaefer, who received his Certificate of Membership, talisman, and emblem. Congratulations and welcome, Compeer Schaefer!

With the business out of the way, time to get to the magic.

Four illustrious compeers each volunteered to man a station and teach a specific effect or set of effects. Outgoing Assembly President John Sturk taught several effects using the venerable Dual Control gimmick and taught some of its history, including its mention in Tarbell Vol. 7. Vice President Edd Fairman taught his thoughts on the classic Bill to Fruit plot, along with several examples using different types of produce. Membership Officer Justin Purcell taught his thoughts on the Malini/Vernon Balls in the Net effect, which he uses to great acclaim in his platform shows. And Board Member Martin Mercy taught several effects utilizing the Olram Subtlety, with written instructions for compeers to take home.

Click below for photos!

The Chicago Reader, a free weekly newspaper, spent the bulk of this week's issue on covering magic in Chicago. Here is the full list of articles. 

And here is the one most relevant to us: The secrets of Chicago’s not-so-secret society of magicians

Assembly 3 hosted its annual Chicago Magic Competition on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the Comedysportz Theater in Chicago. Normally, this event has been held at the Chicago History Museum, but the venue was unavailable. This was the first year we made the contest a public show. In attendance were 50 members of the public, along with a handful of magicians to cheer on their fellow compeers.

The contestants were given a time limit of 8 minutes, and were scored by three judges: two non-magicians, and one magician. The audience voted to determine the People's Choice Winner. This year's contest was organized and hosted by John Sturk.

1st - Anthony Stockton
2nd - Danny Rudnick
3rd - Jonathan Kamm
​People's Choice - C. Magic

View the photos by clicking Read More below. Photo credits to Mark Presley.