The Mid-Cities Magic Circle

Remembering Van McGee

One of the greatest friends to magic in Texas, Van McGee was a long-time member of area magic clubs in North Texas, including the Fort Worth Magicians Club, the "Bruce Chadwick" Society of American Magicians Assembly 128, the Dallas Magic Clubs, Inc. and a regular contributor to the Monday evening group and the Mid-Cities Magic Circle.

After fighting a three-year and longer battle with cancer, Van passed away on February 25th, 2022. He will be missed. Van was active in area Jujitsu organizations, a computer science and math instructor at Dallas College/North Lake Campus, and a member of the Catholic Church.

In magic circles, Van was recognized always for his kindness and generosity. He was always ready to share his vast skills, particularly with coins and cards, and had an encyclopedic memory of magic history, both local and national. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and the Texas Association of Magicians.

Many people new to magical entertainment remember Van's influence as a gifted teacher and mentor. Even those with professional experience as performers enjoyed sharing ideas and approaches to popular and familiar routines as well as exploring unique and creative approaches to methods, techniques, and handlings.

Thank you, dear friend, for all your gifts. Rest in Peace.

remembering Hal Hudgins

Hal Hudgins was an original attendee of the Mid-Cities Magic Circle and an active member of the Fort Worth Magicians Club, the Society of American Magicians, and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Additionally, he was an active member of several Dallas/Fort Worth clown alleys.

Hal passed away at the age of 82 on Saturday, October 11th, having been admitted to an area hospital with pneumonia and septic shock. He is survived by his wife, Pam, also an active member of the FWMC and the M-CMC.

Hal was recognized widely throughout North Texas as a magical entertainer and caricature artist, frequently combining both talents at this performance venues. He began his entertainment career, however, after retiring from a career in the United States Air Force. He worked for a number of entertainment agencies who always found him as a "go-to" personality, known for his garish and gaudy outfits and hilarious antics. Kids and their parents alike sought him out as magical entertainment at parties and social gatherings in the area. At local restaurants, he frequently table-hopped with Doc Grimes, tag-teaming, giving patrons a double taste of their gifts of magic.

Thanks for all your love, generosity, and support of so many who came to enjoy your gifts of magic and art! Rest in peace, Hal "Old Doc Haliday" Hudgins.

Hello, folks

The Mid-Cities Magic Circle will meet this Tuesday, October 14th at The Cotton Patch restaurant locate at 461 East Interstate 20 in Arlington, Texas. The restaurant is on the north service road just three blocks west of Collins Street in south Arlington. We gather in the meeting room for private dining beginning around 6:00 p.m. and start our program around 7:15 p.m.

Topic: Spooky Magic

Bring your favorite Halloween piece for sharing. Doc Grimes will provide a review of the new publication, Practical Paranormal Performance, and Doctor Mike will share observations from Eugene Burger’s Spirit Theater.

For those of you who don’t already have a set, Doc will share a set of spirit slates and their instructions.

Mid-Cities Magic Circle

Organized in 2014, the “Mid-Cities Magic Circle” is a magical-entertainment interest group that meets from 6:00-8:30 p.m. each second Tuesdays of the month at The Cotton Patch Restaurant located at 461 E Interstate 20 in Arlington, Texas.

The purpose of each informal gathering is to provide a venue for Dallas/Fort Worth performing magicians to study their art and improve as public performers. Dinner is provided, compliments of the restaurant management. Attendees each month determine the following month’s meeting focus. For information, contact Dr. Geoffrey Grimes at (972) 740-3125.

For more information, see:

The Mid-Cities Magic Circle website:

https://midcitiesmagiccircle.org/

The Mid-Cities Magic Circle Facebook page:

Mid-Cities Magic Circle | Facebook

Disclaimer: We limit our participation each month only to those interested in performing magic rather than to a general audience interested in “watching a magic show.” In other words, we gather to learn from one another rather than perform for the public. Because we are openly sharing secrets, methods, techniques, and performance insights, we meet privately in the secure meeting room of the restaurant. This is not the place for those who just want to learn another trick–you’re likely to be disappointed!

During our meeting, friends, family members, young children, and other non-performers are welcome to check out the great menu of The Cotton Patch’s delicious line of “comfort food” in the dining area.