On June 11, 2025: The Ring 216 Auction and Flea Market

Mark your calendars! Reserve your flea market table!

Got magic stuff you want to get rid of? Is there anything you have your eye on? Bring your magical friends and join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 11, beginning at 7:00 PM to shop the collections of your fellow magicians — and/or sell the stuff you don't use anymore. Flea Market A few tables are still available to reserve, so don't miss out! Reserve your table today using our easy online form. The costs are: Full table: $15 for members, $20 for non-members Half table: $10 for members, $15 for non-members You can view a layout of the tables when you reserve, and you can make a request for a particular table (although requests are not guaranteed). The earlier you reserve, the more likely you will be to get your preferred location.

Reserve Table

Auction There will also be an auction of magical goods. If you're interested in the auction, just show up. Anybody can sell at auction. The club takes a 10% fee for auction sales, but no fee for table sales. Make a Donation If you have some unwanted stuff, consider donating it to the club. We'll auction it off that night, and the proceeds will go to Ring 216. Evening Agenda 6:30 PM: Sellers may arrive to set up their tables for the flea market. 7:00 PM: The doors open to buyers. 8:15 PM: The auction begins. 9:30 PM (approximately): All sales end and it's time to pack up. Want more details about the auction? Read our FAQ. So bring your friends and your stuff — and your cash.

Meeting Report - April 2025: Phil Ackerly Lecture

 

On April 9, 2025, Ring 216 had the pleasure of welcoming celebrated Bay Area magician and the Ring's good friend Phil Ackerly for his new lecture, “Phil-osophy of Success.” Most of the members knew well Phil’s cheerfulness and skill in performing for all ages. In this lecture, drawing on his decades of experience, Phil presented lessons he has learned on how to have a successful magical career, as well as sharing some favorite routines.

  

The personalization of effects to the situation is a feature of his approach, both giving the audience a unique experience for that time and place and encouraging word-of-mouth buzz and achieving repeat engagements. For example, for a birthday party Phil would have a card selected that would be revealed to have on it a picture of the birthday child. At the lecture, he gave detailed instructions on how to create personalized cards of this type.

 

An aspect of Phil’s performing method that the members appreciated was his preparation for questions and remarks that he knew would come at certain moments in the show or even in after the show when chatting casually with audience members – in that situation he might ask, “What’s your favorite trick that you saw?” And then proceed from there with another effect; if the child responds, as they often will, “I don’t know”, Phil has a routine all lined up in response!

 

The Ring members appreciated experiencing the warm humor and the expert insights of this true professional.

Phil Ackerly Lecture - April 9, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. for a magic lecture by the Northern California magic legend (now living in Nevada) Phil Ackerly!

 

Date: April 9, 2025 Time: 7:30pm Cost: $20 for members of Ring 216, $30 for non-members Phil Ackerly presents his new lecture, "Phil-osophy of Success." Phil offers practical advice, insights from his experiences, theater techniques, marketing and sales strategies, along with a variety of creative ideas. He’ll also share some of his personalized routines and effects tailored for both kids and adults, as well as for corporate events.   Phil has studied with some of the best in the business from Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, and Tobias Beckwith to Peter Samelson, Bruce Gold, and Broadway legend Bob Fitch. He has worked with music writers and scriptwriters to hone his craft and make him the most sought after family performing in the Northern California and Nevada areas.  Whether you're a family entertainer, corporate performer, or a strolling close-up magician, there’s something valuable here for everyone. Lecture notes will be available as well as many of the Phil's products. Visit www.ackerly-entertainment.com/shop  No need to RSVP for the lecture... just show up!

Michael Feldman Lecture - March 12, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. for a magic lecture by the Bay Area's own Michael Feldman — sleight-of-hand artist and international man of mystery.

Date: March 12, 2025 Time: 7:30pm Cost: $20 for members of Ring 216, $30 for non-members Michael's magic is not just about tricks; it's about creating unforgettable experiences. He understands the power of storytelling and uses it to weave narratives that captivate and engage his audience. Whether performing on stage or up close and personal, his charisma and infectious enthusiasm leave a lasting impression on all who witness his magic. Michael is local and started coming to Ring 216 way back in 2007. He has published 3 best-selling magic books, and has been on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Monday Night Magic in New York, The Chicago Magic Lounge, and the Magic Castle in LA. At the lecture, Michael is planning to cover a variety of topics for all skill levels, including a sneak peak at a new deck switching device he invented.  In addition, he's interested to hear what people want to see or have him talk about. He can tailor the lecture to discuss what people would like to hear.    Sign up for Membership At the lecture, you can sign up for another year of Ring 216 membership and enjoy all the benefits: Enjoy this professional lecture at the member price. Get discount pricing on this and other lectures and workshops Be eligible to perform in our annual competitions. Save on Flea Market tables. Take part in raffles and other special members-only events. Feel good about supporting a community of magic in the Bay Area. Membership costs just $25 per year and renews every January. You can renew your membership at any Ring 216 meeting.

 

Gregory Wilson Lecture to kick off 2025

Mark your calendars for Gregory Wilson. He's back on Jan 8th, 2025

TIME: Doors open at 7:00 pm
Lecture starts @ 7:30 p.m. PDT
Workshop from 5-7pm. Location for the workshop to be announced (additional $50 and limited to 12 people total)

Live in Person at Yu-Ai Kai
588 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112
COST: $20 for members of Ring 216; $30 for non-members

Greg will teach his latest and greatest original creations and some of his previous classics. Starting where his last lecture left off, expect more of Greg's popular "Things I Carry and Use" series. Exciting Updates for the Upcoming Lecture below:

LECTURE CONTENT (Updated)

Hundy 500 (The Victory Lap) - A revolutionary new finale for this neo-classic that rivals all previous versions.

ChapStash - A brand new lecture item, never performed or taught to magicians, which is so impromptu that you already carry the items on you.

Coin Con - A new lecture item and also completely impromptu. As a bar bet, a spectator grabs a small handful of coins from a change bowl and you match the exact amount to win the bet.

Pitch Perfect - Greg's modern version of the classic Roth Tuning Fork, that looks completely impromptu. Well, except for the tuning fork part.

King Arthur Sharpie - A new lecture item; product for sale.

Point Blank 2.0 - A new handling and product release of Greg's neo-classic. Amazingly, he says, "If I could only do one card trick for the rest of my life, this would be it!"

High Roller - The ultimate version of the classic Sach’s dice routine with a perfect motivation and presentation.

Split Focus - Many new handlings and enhancements that you’ll want to add to your current repertoire. Note: if you have Split Focus, bring it with you. Also, for one of the handlings, if you have 3 regular silver dollars, bring those as well.

Peek Pack - Greg will spend even more time on this gimmicked deck that is essential for every one of his close-up and stand-up shows.