Tommy Wonder • Chad Long • Martin Lewis • Dale Hindman
Dale Salwak • Michael Ammar • Dan Garrett • Amos Levkovitch
Billy McComb • Phil Willmarth

Kansas City Ring #129 organized and hosted a three-day magic event appropriately entitled "The WORKSHOP," on October 16-18, 1997 in St. Joseph, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City. The WORKSHOP's purpose was to offer something different in an age when magic conventions are bountiful. Over 100 magicians from all over North America paid the nominal $100 fee and attended this unconventional event. Billed as "A Revolutionary New Concept in Learning the Strong Commercial Magic of Today's Working Professionals," the focus was on learning marketable magic routines in a unique, hands-on environment from performers who really know how to work.

Ring #129 brought in some of magic's finest professionals as instructors, including Dale Salwak, Tommy Wonder, Chad Long, Amos Levkovitch, Dale Hindman, Michael Ammar, Martin Lewis and Dan Garrett. Billy McComb, the WORKSHOP's special guest of honor, was also on hand to entertain and share with the participants. In addition, Phil Willmarth appeared and offered fine performances and a lecture. WORKSHOP attendees were also treated to a wonderful banquet and dinner show honoring Billy McComb, and a fabulous Saturday night Stage Show at the historic Missouri Theater at no additional cost.

Some of the highlights of the WORKSHOP were the unique break-out sessions. Participants were able to spend several hours in organized small group settings learning magic hands-on with the performers. During the full group learning sessions, the instruction was enhanced by having a giant screen video projection showing close-ups of all moves, handling, etc.

Over the two and one-half jammed-packed days, the learning opportunities were abundant, but the WORKSHOP also offered several events just for the fun of it. . . the opening night dinner and show, a top-notch close-up show, plus the Saturday night full evening show. According to those who were fortunate enough to attend, the WORKSHOP was a big success.

Here are a few snapshots of just some of the many highlights and people. Hope you enjoy these!

Phil Willmarth at the beginning of his surprise lecture event.

Workshop Executive Director David Sandy and Dan Garrett

Martin Lewis emceed the Saturday night stage show.

Dale Hindman at the conclusion of his performance on the Saturday night stage show.

Amos Levkovitch was a big hit with his beautiful dove act on the Saturday night stage show.

Michael Ammar prepares to entertain the group with his close-up magic.

Tommy Wonder works hands-on with particpants during one of the break-out sessions.

Dale Salwak teaches a small group during one of the break-out sessions.

Michael Ammar preparing to go live on St. Joseph television to promote the WORKSHOP.

Amos Levkovitch teaches several rope routines during his hands-on break-out sessions.

Tommy Wonder entertains during the incredible close-up show.

The marquee of the Missouri Theater the afternoon before the stage show, "The International Superstars of Magic & Comedy"

David Sandy and Amos Levkovitch pose for a quick picture.

Martin Lewis and David Sandy mug the camera.

David Sandy and Billy McComb following breakfast on Sunday morning.