While you may not have heard of him before, audiences around the globe certainly have. Alain Ianonne has been a featured performer at major events throughout Europe for the last 25 years as well as in Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle. His work has been published worldwide in assorted magic magazines including Genii and a “One Man Parade” in The Linking Ring.

Alain’s lecture includes far more than just new tricks. It blends proven ideas from a generation of successfully performing for real-world audiences. Alain will deliver both practical advice and theoretical data on how magicians can make their magic more…well, magical.

Mentalism takes center stage with an evening featuring some of Colorado’s top mentalism pros. You’ll also see mind reading and imposibilities from members you may not see much… maybe that’s YOU. This night wouldn’t be complete without sharing the stage with any member who loves to perform find reading or mentalism getting the chance to do so. Reach out if you’re interested in taking the stage for a (5-minute MAX time) mentalism or psychic routine.  But hurry… There are only 5 spots available. Email or call (303) 510-5120 (Dan) if you would like to be on the show. IF time allows, there will be a panel discussion with the pros.

*Please note before bringing “non-magical” guests; If secrets are discussed afterward they will likely be asked to leave, please make them aware.

May 9, 2024 Notes

The Mile High Magicians Society hosted a teach in meeting for members to share or learn new tricks to incorporate into their routines. Jeff and Karen Wake brought delicious homemade muffins as a snack.

Jude Griffin taught two simple coin routines that are excellent for walk-around and close-up. The first trick was the penny and dime trick. The spectator places both a penny and dime in their hand. One coin is removed from their hand and the magicians magically causes them to switch places. In the famous twenty-six cent trick, a penny and quarter are placed into a magician’s hand. The penny is removed but jumps back to their hand. Eventually, both coins vanish. These coin tricks do not require special props or advanced handling and can be taken anywhere.

Gene Gordon brought along his own card routine that borrows from Ed Marlo and Dai Vernon with a sprinkle of Martin Gardner. His incorporation of various card maneuvers and reveals allows him to interact with the audience while finding their card, summoning the four aces, and even drawing a royal flush to stun the audience at its conclusion. This is a modified routine that he previously taught and provided members with lecture notes to study from. The dean’s card routine is an example of pulling concepts from multiple sources and using clever pater to create a memorable experience.

Matt Brandt demonstrated an impromptu magic trick with a Sharpie. Before handing it to a spectator for signing a card, he would show that he can remove and replace the logo at will. The trick is a variation on the paddle trick. When he was finished, he demonstrated objects appearing from a bandana including a toy dinosaur. Both tricks can be done with common items, yet they are powerful and can enhance any routine.

Dennis Michael showcased his one cup and ball routine that he uses for walk-around at various restaurants. Each aspect of the routine was customized for the venue, for example the cups were chosen to match the restaurant’s aesthetic. Cooper cups are used for the Melting Pot. His use of various loads and reveals add a personal touch. His humor allows him to connect with the spectators and give them a unique performance while they wait for their food.

The Mile High Magicians Society visited the brand-new Museum of Illusions located in Downtown Denver. Members had the opportunity to bring their entire family to explore the museum. These museums are located across three continents, but we are now fortunate to have one located in our city.

Once the museum closed to the public for the night, the magicians and their families had the entire venue to themselves. The meeting started with Steve Spangler introducing the staff and the concept to the club. He has facilitated a partnership between the club and the museum to give some of our members the opportunity to perform at the venue. Spangler brought one of his own illusions: the Afghan Bands. He started with three circular cloth pieces. He started to tear one of the bands lengthwise, which produced two separate rings. However, when he repeated this procedure with another piece, the bands were interlocked. Spangler tore the last piece the same way but ended up with a larger ring. This introduced the audience to the concept of viewing something from different perspectives, much like optical illusions.

Eddie Goldstein is not just a magician; he has worked as a scientific communicator teaching STEM concepts through entertainment. He has decades of experience working in museums, so it was fitting that he was a part of this opening. He brought out a metal ring and a ribbon. The ribbon was put through the ring. He was able to magically pull the ring through the rope and place it back on. Goldstein did break the magician’s code and revealed that there was a magnet in the ribbon. However, this showed the audience how our perceptions deceive us. 

After the introductions, it was time for the magicians and their families to explore the museum’s offerings at their own pace. They were greeted with life-size versions of illusions. Unlike most museums, guests were invited to interact with the exhibits and play around with the props. They could photograph themselves holding their parents up on an apartment balcony, lose their balance in the vortex tunnel, or attempt to solve some of the puzzles. At the end of the evening, there were tons of fun photos shared by our members of these illusions and experiences. Everyone had an amazing time at the museum during this special event.

Special thanks to Steve Spangler, Eddie Goldstein, and the Museum of Illusions for a wonderful and deceptive night.

Great Music, Amazing Magic , FUN for everyone…Pop, Rock, Country, Classical, Latin, Rap, Lots of Laughs!  
COME ALONE, WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, GIRLS NIGHT, DATE NIGHT!   Guaranteed FUN!  Limited to 40 at small tables- Any size group!

RAVE REVIEWS!
“This is the BEST show we’ve seen in a very long time!” 
“Something for everyone and loved how you made us laugh!“
“A fun mixture of talent, music, laughs & gasps!”
“I definitely will see this show again, and bring friends. Love the intimate lounge feel.”“
“Castle Rock is so lucky to have this classy theatre for 20 years & this show is a blast!”
“Raise your ticket prices as it’s worth 3 times the price”!

Jeff Jenson and resident magician Wonder present Spellbound Magic. A new type of magic show featuring a blend of magical styles threaded together in an unexpected and surprising manner. With a mix of classic magic tricks and innovative new illusions alongside comedy and fun audience interaction, each vignette is designed to amaze and delight audiences of all ages. The show’s unique combination of talent and spectacle ensures that every moment is filled with wonder and awe, leaving you spellbound from start to finish.

Denver’s longest running magic show Sleightly Impossible appears at Wonders HUB stage at 40 West. Sleightly Impossible is a one of a kind entertainment experience. Blending the unique styles of two of Denver’s best magicians Gene C Gordon and Matthew Brandt. Creating a truly engaging and exciting entertainment! Comedy and illusion, mystery and magic all come together in “Sleightly Impossible”. A unique and unforgettable entertainment experience, you will not find anywhere else!

We had a night full of amazing performances, awards, farewells, and bottomless Italian food. Our outgoing president, Jeff Jenson, emceed the evening by introducing each performer and performing sleight of hand himself.

James Lopez dazzled us with his coins across routine. He invited two spectators from the audience to join him on stage and made four coins travel invisibly between their hands.

Next up was John Walker, who performed a Jim Murphy themed card trick based on luck and Murphy’s law. John found Jim’s card after going through a few lucky choices.

Lew Wymisner predicted the order of poker chips picked by spectators. He allowed each spectator to select from various poker chips. He asked three spectators to each pick one chip and hold it up. He then correctly revealed his prediction.

Gene Gorden performed the linking rings as a tribute to Dave Elston, who we recently lost. After Gene’s performance, we had a special presentation. Dan Rodriguez, the past national president of the Society of American Magicians and our incoming club president, presented Gene with an achievement award for his thirty-five years of membership and service to the club.

Steve Davis amazed the audience by predicting a phone number important to an audience member. Through help from the audience, he was able to correctly predict the phone number.

Artie Fron performed the classic cups and balls with his own comedic flare. He brought up a child spectator to provide stage cues for the audience to react.

Marty Jewell thanked the club for their support and friendship through silk magic, as she will be moving to Oregon in the new year. She said that she will miss the club and the magic in Denver. Members of the club said their goodbyes.

Jason Fye put his own spin on thumb cuffs. Instead of using tiny cuffs, Jason used a regular playing card instead, which he was able to escape from and perform the trick.

The last performer of the night was Scott McCray, who performed the invisible coin. He brought up a spectator on stage with his invisible coin pouch. He then proceeded to do magic with his pouch and invisible coins.

We want to thank all the performers and the audience for making it a memorable night. We also want to thank Cinzzettis for hosting us and providing us with delicious food and drinks.

With the pandemic in the rearview mirror and a clear road ahead of us, membership in the Mile High Magicians Society has never looked better. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride into 2024.

Our mission to accomplish this is three-fold and is as simple as A – B – C.

The ‘A’ stands for Accountability. And, accountability starts with our governing document, the Constitution and Bylaws of the MHMS. Thanks to the Constitution Revision Task Force created over 6-months ago, we have totally cleaned up and improved this most important document. Within the next few days, you will receive an email that includes a copy of the proposed Constitution and Bylaws and a ballot. Only current Active members are eligible to vote.

The ’B’ stands for Benefits. Specifically, I am talking about benefits of membership. We can be more than just a magic club that meets once a month. Starting is 2024, there will be more opportunities for our membership to participate, perform, and learn. Also, we will offer more group events and field trips away from the normal meeting space. Psss…. Your Executive committee is working on some great field trips. More on that soon!

The ’C’ stands for Create Cash Flow. Since the pandemic, we have not put on a public show and have not done a good job collecting membership dues. Without cash, the club cannot provide great benefits. Remember… the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, so we can bring back the public show and invite the dozens of longtime club supporters back to the club.

I am excited to serve as your President in 2024. We have an amazing Executive Committee and some great events in the works. Hold on for the ride!

Dan Rodriguez ~ President, MHMS | email me | Call me (303) 510-5120