International Brotherhood  of Magicians   Ring 129           "The Heart of America Ring"  Kansas City, Missouri

           Over the past several years, we have gathered at a dinner to "roast" one of our long-time members.  This year, on November 4^th at the Blue Springs Country Club, it was Roger Miller's turn.  Of course, it's hard to find bad things to say about Roger, who is past president of both Ring 129 and the I.B.M. itself, but this didn't stop our panel from trying. 

            Kirk DeWeese served as MC for the event, and he provided a history of Roger's participation in the Ring, including the various competitions in which he has taken part - with mixed results.  Roasters included Ring members Terry Elton, Duane Fields, Harley Manker, David Sandy, and Tom Burgoon, and a special guest, Don Wiberg.

             While there was a lot of the standard "roast" humor, there were also some warm stories, including David's recollections of their travels together and Duane's thanks for Roger's encouragement when he was starting his performing career.

             Once Roger appeared at a Christmas show, and afterward he was somewhat dejected about having been upstaged by Santa Claus.  The next day, however, the mother of one of the children who had attended the show came into his shop and related what her daughter had said on the way home:  "That wasn't the real Santa Claus, was it?  But that was a real magician."  I don't think anyone could think of a more fitting description. 

 --Stu Lewis, ring reporter.

MC. Kirk DeWeese

Terry Elton at bat. 

Duane Fields is up next.

Harley Manker knocks them out.

David Sandy tells his story.

Tom Burgoon had everyone laughing.

Don Wiberg came into town to do his part.

 Roger Miller fires back.