Connecting with Houdini in Kansas City (and St. Joe)

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Friday, September 18, 2026

Houdini in Kansas City: A Journey Through History

by John Cox

Kansas City has a remarkable connection to the life and career of Harry Houdini, and a recent visit by Houdini historian John Cox brought many of those historic connections to life.

During his visit, Cox explored former Houdini performance sites, including the Orpheum Theatre, Savoy Hotel, Fire Headquarters, Kansas City Athletic Club, and Mainstreet Theater. He also traveled to St. Joseph to uncover additional locations connected to Houdini’s early career. (Wild About Houdini)

The highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a new Houdini historical marker at 10th & Main in Kansas City, commemorating the legendary magician’s appearances and history in the area. The event included remarks from local magic organizations, a suspended straitjacket escape, and the recognition of September 2026 as Harry Houdini Month in Kansas City. (Wild About Houdini)

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KC Magic News October 2026

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RING 129. HEART OF AMERICA RING. Meets first Thursday of every month at AT BOWERY THEATER  (BEHIND WESTPORT FLEA MARKET) 817 PENNSYLVANIA, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111 President: Kelly Rusk, 

Ring 129 report for September 2026.

Ring 129 Has a Lot to Report This Month

Ring 129 has a lot to report this month.

A Visit from Jamie Williams

First, at the end of August, we were treated to a lecture by British magician Jamie Williams. He was very entertaining and gave us a lot of tips, including the choreography involved in presenting card tricks. He also had a lot of unusual items available for sale.

September Was Houdini Month

September was Houdini Month in Kansas City, per an official proclamation from the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. More on this later in the column.

Our September meeting focused on Houdini. We began by watching part of a film featuring some of his best-known escapes, including a recording of his voice.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

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October 2026 RING 129 – Presidential Column

Just What Is “IT”?

When 12-year-old Darci Lynn auditioned for America’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell told her, “When you’ve got it, you’ve got it!” She went on to receive a Golden Buzzer, which moved her directly to the finals for that year’s competition.

Darci had received a ventriloquist puppet when she was 10 years old and ended up appearing on America’s Got Talent just two years later.

So, what exactly is the “IT” that Simon Cowell was talking about?

To me, “IT” is an affinity toward a specific talent, skill, or ability with which people are born. In flamenco circles, they use the word duende, which means “a quality of passion and inspiration.”

Some people never discover their “IT” due to the circumstances of their life, the choices they make, or their particular mental state. This leads me to several questions regarding “IT.”

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Houdini: Keeping Magic History Alive By Dennis Burks

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Houdini: Keeping Magic History Alive

By Dennis Burks

The Golden Age of Magic, which roughly spanned the 1880s to the 1930s, was a remarkable era when stage magic flourished across the United States.

Theaters in major cities and small towns alike were filled with audiences eager to witness the artistry of performers such as Howard Thurston, Harry Kellar, Adelaide and Alexander Herrmann, Carter the Great, Chung Ling Soo, Harry Blackstone Sr., Max Malini, The Great Leon, McDonald Birch, and Willard the Wizard.

Their illusions shaped the art form and left a legacy that magicians still study today.

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