Lance Rich, President 2018
“Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”
― James Baldwin
History is important to our beloved art for a number of reasons. First, it’s cool to know on whose shoulders we stand. Our path has been paved with visionaries large and small. Inventors, authors, performers, technicians: They’ve all left their mark on magic. Secondly, since the advent of modern magic, thousands and thousands of tricks have been invented, but that doesn’t mean that we’re all done. There are thousands more tricks, moves, handlings and presentations to be created. But, to know what is new – ya- gotta’ know what came before.
A third reason knowing our history is good – though perhaps a little harder to qualify – being a magic historian will make you a better performer. I recently read a comment on a Facebook thread that said: “You can always tell the performers who know magic history.” After pondering this for a bit, I believe there is merit in the statement. Someone who has researched, as an example, the Zig-Zag Girl illusion will better understand the idiosyncrasies of the illusion, and will probably understand why Robert Harbin created it the way he did in the first place.
Ring 129 and Kansas City magic in general has a rich and storied history of our own. I’m excited to announce that in May we will celebrate that history! Our Ring Historian Dennis Burks has been compiling much of our historical information in a number of binders and at our May meeting, these will be unveiled for the first time! It is going to be a special look back at our own history. I’m writing about this now to let you know to make plans to attend this special May meeting. Long-time members will enjoy the nostalgia and newer members will definitely learn something about the legacy of magic in Kansas City.
And I want you to participate – I’m interested in hearing about Ring members who have taught you something, inspired you, or in some way motivated you. If you have a trick, a routine, or a story from or about one of our members (current or past) please let me know so that I can include you in our programming. Email me at Lancethemagician@hotmail.com
And do make sure you attend our Annual Ring Auction this month! The auction is always a favorite club function. It’s a great place to clean out your magic drawers, score some bargains on new finds, and help the club out in the process! The auction is open to all! So, invite your magic friends from near and far – even if they aren’t currently a Ring member!
All the best,
Lance Rich
Ring 129 President