Click here for the Magic Week 2008 Gallery Page.

Click Here for the MAGIC WEEK EVENT REPORT FORM.

Download the Magic Week Informational Flyer here.

Download the National Magic Week Schedule here (PDF, updated 9/20).

ALL publicity, press, proclamations etc relating to Magic Week are to be sent to:

Michael Bonacci
506 Bradford Road
Oreland, PA 19075
MBonacci@comcast.net

Magic Week Registrar: Arlen Solomon 215-443-7904 a2zmagic@gmail.com

New York- October 3, 2009 - Mike Miller, National President of the Society of American Magicians, proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31 as National Magic Week throughout the United States and Canada. For more than forty years the Society has recognized the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special "week" of events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout the year.

Magic Week History

Houdini died at 1:26 PM on October 31 in 1926 and was president of the Society for the previous nine years. His grave is
in New York City. Click the image at the left to view the gravesite.

During the year the members of the S.A.M. perform for Senior Citizens in nursing homes, plus in VA Hospitals and for schools and libraries for children who cannot afford the luxury of live entertainment. The free shows are part of the service programs by its members. Magic Week is when the magicians can take their bows. Public magic events and exhibits will be taking place all over the country.

Gallery of Magic Week Events and Performance Reports

Parent Assembly #1 Perform for NY Harbor Hospital

Parent Assembly Magicians Pat Colby, George Schindler and Richard Bossong pose after their Magic Week show at the NY Harbor Hospital- October 30. Click teh photo to view an enlarged copy.

Assembly 291 Performs, October 17, 2009:

The Westside Wizards presented a benefit show to raise money for several schools in the Los Angeles area. More than 250 people we present to see our first benefit show. The show lasted more than two hours and was enjoyed by all. Performance Participants: Les Cooper, Raul Fernandez, David Cotelessa, Don Kenny, Timothy Mannix, Frank Padilla, Jr., Alexander Scianna, Rhoel Garcia, Wendy Sobel. Performances raised more than $500.00 for the schools!

Alex Scianna	David Cotalessa	Don Kenney
Ice MacDonald and Raul Fernandez	Les Cooper	Wendy Sobel
Rhoel Garcia	Tim Mannix	Post Show Cast Picture

Assy 170 Magic Week
Photo of Assembly 170, Pikes Peak Prestidigitators show, 10/24/09. Raised $600 for homeless in Colorado Springs.
Back Row L-R: Mark Weidhaas, Gary Klatt, Tom Paine, Dick Bowman, Bruce Black, Larry Mahan, Frank Klein, Chris Faria, Steve Hirthler Front Row: David Wintermute, James Wintermute, Benji Bruce, Branden Darcell, Blake Nielsen.

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/29/09
Performance Benefitted: Children at the Ronald McDonald House
Performance Participants: Jim MacElroy, Donna & Larry Horn, Prof. Jerry Remenicky and Ed Schmitt, All members of Assembly #4 in Philadelphia

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/27/09
Performance Benefitted: Children at Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Performance Participants: Steve Cambian - Jim MacElroy - Denis Kovkiv - Iosyp Kovkiv - Garrett LaMarra - Dr. Ben Krevsky - Reba Strong - Archie Strong - Dr. Rick Greenberg
Performance Donations Raised:

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/27/09
Performance Benefitted: Children at Martin Luther Silver Springs in Plymouth Meeting Pennsylvania
Performance Participants: Mike Miller - Reba Stong - Steve Cambian - Stu Rudnick - Mike Bonacci - Adele Rhindress
Performance Donations Raised:

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/26/09
Performance Benefitted: Patients at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Performance Participants: Jim MacElroy - Denis Kovkiv - Iosyp Kovkiv - Garrett LaMarra
Performance Donations Raised:

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/29/09
Performance Benefitted: Veterans of the VA hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Performance Participants: Al & Rebecca Lloyd, Steve Cambian, Denis Kovkiv, Iosyp Kovkiv, Michael Bonacci, Jim Capobianco and Garrett LaMarra

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/29/09
Performance Benefitted: Veterans at VA Hospital of Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Performance Participants: Al & Rebecca Lloyd, Steve Cambian, Denis and Iosyp Kovkiv, Garrett LaMarra, Jim Capobianco and Michael Bonacci.
All members of SAM #4 of Philadelphia other than Garrett LaMarra and Jim CapoBianco (he is an IBM member)

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/30/09
Performance Benefitted: Residents of Sacred Heart Home in Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Performance Participants: Archie Strong, Prof. Jerry Remenicky, Bob Lamphere and Pres. Anthony Antonelly
All members of the James C. Wobensmith Assembly #4 of Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Report Submitted by: George Schindler
Date of Show: 10-30-09
VA Hospital name and Location: NY Harbor VA Hospital
VA Hospital Contact Person: various
Approximate # attendees: 35
Other performer info: Richard Bossong, Pat Colby, George Schindler. All on behalf of PA#1

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Date of Show: 10/29/09
VA Hospital name and Location: VA Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
VA Hospital Contact Person: Mary Bennett or Regina Council
Approximate # attendees: 40
Other performer info: Al & Rebecca Lloyd Assembly#4, Steve Cambian Assembly#4, Denis Kovkiv Assembly#4, Iospy Kovkiv Assembly#4, Mike Bonacci, Assembly#4, Garrett LaMarra and Jim Capobianco

Report Submitted by: Michael Bonacci
Performance Date: 10/29/09
Performance Benefitted: Veterans of the VA Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Performance Participants: Al & Rebecca Lloyd, Steve Cambian, Garrett LaMarra, Jim Capobianco, Denis Kovkiv, Iosyp Kovkiv, Mike Bonacci

Report Submitted by: Greg McNeil, 2009 President, Peoria Magicians Assembly, S.A.M. Assembly 51
We were honored this evening with a proclamation of recognition of National Magic Week by the Mayor of the City of Peoria, Illinois. You can see a copy of the proclamation here: http://www.mtco.com/~gmcneil/proclamation1.jpg A video of the Mayor's proclamation and my acceptance can be seen at YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ST1_IKyACU

Report Submitted by: Dennis Pimenta, SAM9-Boston.
I put up a magic display in local libraries around town during the month of October in celebration of National Magic Week. In 2007 & 2008 I had displays in 3 different libraries at the same time. This year I have it in 2 libraries Blackstone, Ma. and Grafton, Ma. The displays are called Tribute To Magic. The feature magic theme collectibles and information about past and present local magicians. I have attached some pictures. The first 2 are from Blackstone, Ma. and the other one is from Grafton, Ma

Assembly #174 Pumpkin Fest!
Our October meeting was Pumpkin Fest, an event to raise money for Camp Sunshine, a retreat for terminally ill children and there families. Camp Sunshine is free for those children, they also hire magicians who perform through out the year. S.A.M. #174 is proud to support their efforts. Pumpkin Fest is a 3 day event held in Portland Maine's Monument Square, to raise money for this non-profit organization. Several magicians performed busker style street magic and donated their "hats" to Camp Sunshine. Scot Grassette performed the "Thing", Fiber Optics, Misers Dream, and Coins Across. Dennis Labbe performed delights with two helpers, and his "best" trick using a bottle of dressing, ketchup, and a paper bag. Friday evenings events "wrapped" up with Dennis's comedy Straight Jacket Escape. Saturday featured Karen Seymour performing her Story Telling Magic to collect additional funds for Camp Sunshine which was very appreciated. Caption for the Photo: Dennis Labbe performs his Comedy Straight Jacket escape on stage, at Pumpkin Fest.

MAGIC WEEK EVENTS CALENDER

Here's a sampling of Upcoming Magic Week Events around the country (and world!):

Alaska

Assembly 163, Anchorage, is planning a show at the Loussac Library Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. "Reading is Magic" is title of show and it is free and open to anyone who wants to attend.

Arizona

October 27, 2009 - At 7:00 PM, Assembly 136 - Sarlot and Eyed - will be performing our monthly show at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (A.K.A. Tucson Veteran's Hospital, 3601 S 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85723) in the Rehabilitation and Hospice Ward, to share our magic with veterans. Every month for over 5 years, we have performed a show at the VA Hospital.

California:

Los Angeles Assembly 291 - October 17- Mark Twain Middle School- 2224 Walgrove Ave 6PM. West Side Wizards will put on a show to benefit the booster clubs for Mark Twain Middle School, Beethoven Elementary and Mar Vista Elementary as well as the Venice Boys & Girls Club. Raul Fernandez, principal of Mark Twain Middle School and president of the Westside Wizards, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Also scheduled to perform are local magicians Les Cooper, David Cotelessa, Rhoel Garcia, Tim Mannix, Don Kenney, Frank Padilla, Jr., Alex Scianna, Mario Seki and Wendy Sobel.

Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students and will be available at the door the night of the show. Family packet tickets can be purchased in advance at Mark Twain Middle School, which is located at 2224 Walgrove Ave, Los Angeles, CA. 90066, telephone (310) 305 – 3183, Talamara Simmons or the elementary school booster clubs as well as the Venice Boys and Girls Club located at 2232 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, telephone (310) 390 – 4477, Armando Diaz.

Show produced by Bill Bedecarre.

Colorado:

Pikes Peak Assembly 170 - October 24th at 3:00pm - First United Methodist Church, 420 No. Nevada. Phone 329-1244

Greeley, CO Assembly #292 is performing their 2nd show this year on October 25 at the Kress Theater. More info will be posted at http://www.kresscinema.com/index.html

Denver Assembly #37 is performing their annual show, Magic Beyond Belief, on Novemeber 7 at the Lakewood Cultural Center. More info at http://www.milehighmagicians.com/id3.html

Illinois

Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Magician's Competition
Crusens Bar
426 East War Memorial Drive
Peoria, Illinois
In recognition of National Magic Week by Assembly 51
Information contact Greg McNeil, 309-691-1513, gmcneil@yahoo.com

The Mayor of Peoria, Jim Ardis, and the Peoria City Council will be making a proclamation of the city's recognition of National Magic Week at the October 27 city council meeting.

New York

NY Harbor VA Hospital- Brooklyn, October 30 10:AM- Parent Assembly #1 magicians to perform for patients in Day Room- 16th floor.

Pennsylvania

Monday Evening, October 26, 2009
Jefferson Hospital
111 South 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Contact: Tom Schad – 215-955-6222
Event is strolling magic only from room to room, no show.
Audience: Mostly adults and some children
No balloons, no fire and no animals. Use valet parking and it will be validated, meet in front lobby and ask for Tom Schad
CONFIRMED

Tuesday Morning, October 27, 2009
Silver Springs Martin Luther School
512 West Township Line Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA – Contact: Frank Russo – 610-825-4440 Extension: #415
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Audience: Children ages from seven to fourteen.
Location: Gymnasium. Stage Show
CONFIRMED

Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Providence Place Nursing Home
2085 Wayne Avenue
Chambersburg, PA
Time: 6:00pm, show will last approximately 45 mins to 1 hour.
The show is a joint venture of Assembly #224 Martinsburg, West Virginia and Assembliey #110 Harrisburg, PA

Tuesday Evening, October 27, 2009
Shriner’s Hospital
3551 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA – Contact: Stephanie Spagnola - 215-430-4178
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Use Shriner’s Parking lot, between two yellow flags).
Audience: Children various ages. No balloons, fire or animals.
Show – 5th Floor
CONFIRMED

Thursday Evening, October 29, 2009
Ronald McDonald House
3925 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact: Linda Parry –Director of Volunteer Services – 215-387-2225
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Audience: Children various ages and some parents
Parking: Underground garage free off of 40th Street on Ludlow Street on right hand side
CONFIRMED

Thursday Evening, October 29, 2009
Veterans Hospital
University & Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contacts: Regina Council: 215-823-4448 or Mary Bennett: 215-823-4449
Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Performers: Mike Bonacci: 215-836-5510 Cell: 215-760-7930 – Al Lloyd: 215-638-8292
Room Location: Multi Purpose Room – 3rd Floor
Stage Show
Audience: Adults mostly men.
Free parking
CONFIRMED

Friday Morning, October 30, 2009
Sacred Heart Home
1315 West Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Contact: Anne McKnight - 215-329-3222
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Park in Front)
Magic Show
Audience: Adults
CONFIRMED

Proclamations...

Each year Governors, Mayors and other governing bodies are requested to issue proclamations declaring the last week in October as a National Magic Week.

Mike Miller, National President and Michael Binacci, Magic Week Chair, an effort to assist the RVPs and assemblies, has requested proclamations from all the State Governors. The requests need to come from Assemblies in each State- You can petition the Mayors of your city six weeks before the event.

A sampling of the proclamations from states that have already declared October 25-31 as "Magic Week" will appear here shortly. Click any link to view the proclamation:

To read more about the history of Magic Week and the S.A.M., please click here!

Watch for further info on Magic Week to be posted on the home page and other locations on the S.A.M. website.

Return to top of page
Return to Home Page
Return to previous page