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.

Hello, magic community!
The Mid-Cities Magic Circle meets again this Tuesday evening, July 8th, at The Cotton Patch restaurant located at 461 East Interstate 20 in Arlington, Texas just west of Collins Street. We convene for dining (on your own) at 6:00 p.m. and the discussion/performances begin around 7:15 p.m.

July Topic: "Your 'Go-To' Routines"

What routines that you have mastered do you return to over and over to absolutely "slay" your audiences? Bring your "killer" effect(s) to share with our attendees.

Here are some questions to consider for discussion:

1) Is your routine limited to a specific audience, occasion, context, or venue? Explain.

2) What effect on your audience do you hope to achieve?

3) Is it a stand alone piece or is it part of a scripted show?

4) Is it an original creation or your adaptation? How have you made it your own?

5) Is this a "signature" effect--one that defines what you hope to achieve as a performer or one that has established your "brand"?

6) Can it/should it be "improved" or changed to make it effective in other settings?

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.