KC Magic News November 2026

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RING 129. HEART OF AMERICA RING. Meets first Thursday of every month at AT BOWERY THEATER  (BEHIND WESTPORT FLEA MARKET) 817 PENNSYLVANIA, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111 President: Kelly Rusk, 

Ring 129 report for October 2026.

Heart of America Ring 129 | Kansas City, Missouri

After an incredibly busy September, IBM Ring 129 returned to its regular meeting schedule in October. The evening was filled with outstanding magic performances, personal stories, exciting updates, and a little spooky Halloween entertainment!

Opening Performance – Red Hot Mama

As is our custom, we kicked off our October meeting with a magic performance rather than the usual business session.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

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November 2026 RING 129 – Presidential Column

The Necessity of the New

Why Magicians Continue to Search for New Tricks, Routines, and Inspiration

An older, highly experienced magician was enjoying a drink at his favorite restaurant when he was approached by a younger magician eager for advice.

“I have been studying magic for the last three years, and I know almost 100 magic tricks!” the young magician proudly boasted.

“Wow!” replied the older magician. “I only know a dozen!”

This simple exchange raises an interesting question: Is it better to know hundreds of magic tricks, or to master a handful of truly great routines?

The Wisdom of Experience

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Connecting with Houdini in Kansas City (and St. Joe)

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Friday, September 18, 2026

Houdini in Kansas City: A Journey Through History

by John Cox

Kansas City has a remarkable connection to the life and career of Harry Houdini, and a recent visit by Houdini historian John Cox brought many of those historic connections to life.

During his visit, Cox explored former Houdini performance sites, including the Orpheum Theatre, Savoy Hotel, Fire Headquarters, Kansas City Athletic Club, and Mainstreet Theater. He also traveled to St. Joseph to uncover additional locations connected to Houdini’s early career. (Wild About Houdini)

The highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a new Houdini historical marker at 10th & Main in Kansas City, commemorating the legendary magician’s appearances and history in the area. The event included remarks from local magic organizations, a suspended straitjacket escape, and the recognition of September 2026 as Harry Houdini Month in Kansas City. (Wild About Houdini)

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Houdini: Keeping Magic History Alive By Dennis Burks

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Houdini: Keeping Magic History Alive

By Dennis Burks

The Golden Age of Magic, which roughly spanned the 1880s to the 1930s, was a remarkable era when stage magic flourished across the United States.

Theaters in major cities and small towns alike were filled with audiences eager to witness the artistry of performers such as Howard Thurston, Harry Kellar, Adelaide and Alexander Herrmann, Carter the Great, Chung Ling Soo, Harry Blackstone Sr., Max Malini, The Great Leon, McDonald Birch, and Willard the Wizard.

Their illusions shaped the art form and left a legacy that magicians still study today.

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