SAM #35 Member Profiles
(published in the order received)

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Steve Johnson
Magic Variety Show
www.SteveCJohnson.net/magic.aspx

Steve Johnson has been entertaining the public with the Magic Variety Show for over twenty years. The show has enjoyed successful reviews throughout the northeastern U.S. and is currently in demand at many events and festivals. Steve sets the stage for fine entertainment by initiating an exceptional rapport with the audience. Using innovative adaptations to magic, comedy, & juggling, Steve draws the audience into a memorable entertainment journey. In maintaining a contemporary, upbeat & humorous atmosphere, the show celebrates excellence in entertainment.

A World of Magic With Kevin
8 4 5 - 5 1 8 -  4 9 1 5
www.KevinMagic.com

A fun-filled unique magic show for audiences of all ages and for all occasions.  Kevin has been performing professionally since 1976. The presentation features new magic developed and performed by Mr. , as well as classical magic blended into a unique style. The show incorporates music, humor, audience participation, balloons for children and more. It can be customized in length from 15 minutes to one hour, and accommodates both small parties and large audiences for stage presentations.  When he was 16, Kevin became one of the youngest members of the Society of American Magicians in the Al Baker Assembly #35

Frank Monaco
Magic by Monaco
8 4 5 - 2 2 9 - 9 7 6 5
frank430@aol.com

Frank is a Past President of the Al Baker Assembly and has been performing magic for 25 years. He specializes in family style shows in and around the Hudson Valley. Frank has performed at many places in the Hudson Valley and surrounding area including, The Rocking Horse Ranch, Mohonk Mountain House, IBM Corporation, Vassar Brothers Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation just to name a few. Frank also teaches magic in the summer, at a one of a kind Magic Camp in Long Island, at the New York Institute of Technology.

Giovanni Mazzarelli, D.C.
Mazzarelli Chiropractic Health Center
8 4 5 - 2 9 8 - 7 1 2 0
docmazz@optonline.net

Meet Giovanni Mazzarelli, a self proclaimed Magic "Junky".  "I'm happy to say that this has only  been a hobby, and I've only gotten into the small, "parlor" magic rather than large props, illusions or collecting magic."  Giovanni not only enjoys watching any kind of magic, but also performing coin tricks or any type of pocket magic.  Giovanni was born and raised in Poughkeepsie and attended school locally through college.  "I then went out to Iowa (boy there's a lot of corn out there) to study at Palmer Chiro College.  The school started by the family that founded and developed chiropractic.  Why else go to Iowa???" After graduating, Giovanni returned home and opened a business in Wappingers Falls, The Mazzarelli Chiropractic Health Center.  At the office the main focus is health with strong doses of ease and fun mixed in.  "It is common practice for me to show tricks to the patients and their families in the reception area.  This soon earned me the title "Doctor Magic" among the population below 4 foot tall, which, by the way, does include some of my vertically challenged Italian friends.   Sometimes I wonder who enjoys the tricks more, the parents, the kids or ME... I love to have fun with magic.  I am both a professional (chiropractor) and a magician (amateur), therefore, I am a "Professional Magician".  Yeah, right... I just like to have fun."  :-)

Zelig "Zeke" Hammer
8 4 5 - 6 7 9 - 8 5 5 3

Manufacturer of magic coins and gimmicks for the last fifty years.  Zelig invented the "Ring True" magic coin.

Bruce A. Hafford
magicbah@juno.com
8 4 5 - 3 7 3 - 7 0 1 2

Bruce is a master of prestidigitation, entertaining and dazzling all at: Private Parties, Banquets, Schools, Malls, Restaurants, etc.  The Magic of Bruce is entertainment performed on an intimate level.  Items float, appear and disappear at close range.  No cameras or mirrors, just real magic!  Bruce performs this type of magic with lots of audience participation and comedy.

Ed Rosen
EMAG
SAM member since 1990
8 4 5 - 4 8 5 - 8 5 5 0

Ed performs for children's parties, company events, and promotional shows.

Sam Patton
Professor Wizard
8 4 5 -  2 2 1 -  9 9 8 7
s.patton@computer.org 
www.pattonservice.com

Primary interest in history of Magic and Magicians, chemical and computer related magic.  Associate Member of the Magic Circle, London. History of Magic and Magicians, platform, chemical and close-up magic.

Gale Alexander
Rabbat Productions
rabbatnet@aol.com
http://Rabbat.net
(800) 822-3836

Gale Alexander has been entertaining audiences both young and old for over twenty years.  He has performed throughout the United States and Europe, bringing magic to community events, school programs, theaters and television.   In 1973 he was selected as chief magic instructor for Beginners' Showcase International Training Center for the Performing Arts.  During the summer of 1979 he worked with the national touring company of "The Magic Show."  With a Masters degree in education he has contributed to books about entertaining with magic, and is also a playwright, director and actor.  In 1991 he represented the United States in "Le Grand Prix de Magi" at Lausanne, Switzerland.  A recent newspaper article said this about him, "Do you believe in Magic?  Say you don't?   Gale Alexander just may convince you otherwise." -- News--Times

Jack Shea
Amaze and Amuse
jshumor@cox.net
www.jacksheamagic.com
757-652-9573

Now based in Virginia Beach, Jack has performed magic for over 30 years. During the summer months you can find him on a street corner on Beach Street USA (Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach) entertaining five nights a week. Under the tutelage of the original Seance Master from the Magic Castle, Jack now offers Magic of the Mind and bends forks, keys and coins as well as intercepting your thoughts. My entertainment is filled with humorous situations and audience involvement. My goal is to amaze you and have fun at the same time because my goal in life even when not performing is to make everyone I meet smile! Humor is healthy and I will prove it to you!!! Offering Mentalism and Magic for parties, kids and adults, Trade Show applications (I design tricks especially for your company) restaurants, Street Magic, Grand Openings, wedding receptions, Sales meetings (A Motivational Program called "Selling with M.A.G.I.C.") or whatever you need to make an occasion fun!

Dr. Lewis Neporent
Past President

Lewis Neporent is a physician who recently retired from his practice of internal medicine.  He became interested in magic at the age of 12, and his interest bloomed while in high school in Hartford, CT.  He performed locally at the time, and while in college his interest remained, but he was not active while in medical school and his early years in practice.    In the late 1960's while in practice in Kingston, NY, a patient, Richard Pitchford (Cardini), rekindled his passion for magic.  Since then he has had numerous well known magicians as patients and personal friends - including Paul Curry, and Walter Gibson.  He was President of S.A.M. #35 in the 1970's, and his passion for magic has continued to the present time.   He enjoys all phases of magic from collecting to performing and especially close-up magic.    Since he retired about a year and a half ago, he has enjoyed his many hobbies including the sports of paddle ball and skiing, jazz music (he plays saxophone and clarinet in a big band) the Lions Club, and of course magic.  His biggest boosters are his wife Arlene, and his family of four grown children - the real magic of his life.

Richard La Joie
Parties Unlimited by Sniggles
8 4 5  8 3 8 - 9 1 2 2
sniggles@bestweb.net
www.partiesunlimited.com

Hello I'm Richard La Joie aka: The Amazing Riccardo And Sniggles the Clown. I've been professionally entertaining people of all ages since 1989.  I'm a professional and award winning magician and clown who specializes in quality entertainment.  In doing these types of shows often, I have the experience and knowledge on how to keep a child's attention for long periods of time.  I'm constantly working on new shows. Keeping things fresh and new for my audience.

Marty "Magic" Steinberg
H 8 4 5 - 2 2 6 - 4 6 7 1  W- 2 0 3 - 7 9 0 - 0 6 2 7
MAGICMARTY@AOL.COM
www.MagicMarty.net

Sr. Member of the Society of American Magicians for over 20 years.  Specialty is coin and card closeup Magic. Sr. mentor Professor Steinberg SYM # 82 Hopewell Jct. Manufacturer of Magic Medals, awards and coins.

Don Deich
The Gothic Magic of Vlad
845-831-4260
vladeich@aol.com
www.gothicmagic.com

Romance, spirits and the unexplained, Vlad welcomes you to his world. When the ordinary won't do.

Peter & Cynthia White
PA Silks
5 1 8  5 3 7 - 4 6 1 6
pasilks@pasilks.com
http://www.pasilks.com

We manufacture a complete line of silks and silk products for magicians. Our complete catalog is represented on this web site (www.pasilks.com) -- please take a moment to look around, and perhaps you will find the right silk or silk product to complement your magic routine!

Carlo DeBlasio
Magic by Carlo - Master of Mystery
home: 518-678-2173, mobile: 914-388-3191, toll free: 877-766-2442
magic@magicbycarlo.com or deblasio@hvaccess.com
www.MagicByCarlo.com

Carlo has spent the passed three decades indulging his passion for magic. His magical studies began in 1970 during a family trip to Florida. For the next 16 years he pursued his love of the magical arts and began performing professionally in 1986. Carlo has entertained people with his magic all over the world. His presentation of magic and mystery never fail to entertain and amaze audiences. A Mystery School and Master Class Alumnus, he has attended the most prestigious learning programs in the field of magic and is a member of the Society of American Magicians Al Baker Assembly 35.

Peter Walker
The Magic and Comedy of P. J. Walker
845-876-7177
pgpete@aol.com

P. J. Walker has been entertaining children and adults with his unique brand of Magic and Comedy for over thirty years. His shows are always funny, exciting, and, most of all mystifying. Whether it's a large stage, outdoor platform, restaurant lounge or the comfort of your personal family room, P. J. Walker can adjust his show to fit your needs. Children's shows, adult affairs or mixed audiences, all get customized Magic and Comedy to suit the audience and the occasion. And, a unique feature in the entertainment industry, Walker guarantees his performance. So, you can be sure that the Magic and Comedy of P. J. Walker will guarantee that your public fuction or private affair will be a hit!

Joel Zaritsky
JizMagic
845-546-1559
jizdds@optonline.net
www.jizmagic.com

Part-time dentist, full time magician; Jiz has been involved with magic since early childhood (getting hooked after watching a very young magician named Jeff McBride at the Orange County Fair). He performs interactive children shows, where the kids become part of the show. Jiz feels each audience member is a budding magician. Come see his web site at www.jizmagic.com - May the Magic Be With You!

Although not a continuous member, I have been involved with Assembly 35 for over 30 years. My parents brought me as a teenager to the KITCHEN restaurant in Hyde park for the meetings.  I was a friend and protégé' of Walter Gibson. While in college, Walter Gibson arranged for me to visit the Magic Castle while I was visiting Los Angeles.  I was given the red carpet treatment and met many famous magicians and non-magician members.  After graduating College, I worked at Disney World in Florida for 2 years (1978/1979).  I worked in the Magic Shop on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. I demonstrated the magic for sale and performed a short show of larger magic effects on the shops' stage. I then went to Stars Hall of Fame, a wax museum across from Sea world.  I performed 5 - 20 minute shows a day, 6 days a week (outdoor in the Florida sun wearing a full dress tuxedo). NOTE: Johnny Thompson was performing a similar show for Moviland Wax Museum in Hollywood, CA. I did this for a few months and grew quickly tired of performing the same show, the same way, day after day. NOTE: Most professional shows have programmed lighting and music so you cannot change your show. This is why Mark Wilson hires actors for his amusement park magic shows. Actors don't mind doing the same thing, the same way, every time. Since this time, I "retired" from being a full time Magician to a part time Magician (much more enjoyable, no worries about the next booking, I have health insurance, disability insurance and a retirement account). I still do a lot of shows but these are shows I want to do. I turn down more shows than I do. The shows I enjoy doing are Kid shows and shows for groups and organizations.

John was bitten by the magic bug early on when he was only eight years old.  Since then his life has been a virtual roller coaster of excitement.  From the very first time he saw a magic show, he knew that it was his destiny to perform.  John had his first exposure to an audience when, as a young boy, he was selected out of the crowd at Madison Square Garden to participate in the opening parade for The Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus.  Since that time, the bright lights and the big city have been drawing John deeper into the entertainment world.  Achieving much success on his own through his adolescent years, he then decided it was time to put himself to the test, and moved to the city that is the Mecca of entertainment, LAS VEGAS .  In Las Vegas, John had the opportunity to put his show to the ultimate test.  But success did not come easily for John.  He started by first entering every talent contest in town, taking first place every time.  After only a year, John's big break came when Debbie Reynolds heard about him and invited John to perform as a special guest in her show.  Since then he has never looked back.  John's dream came true when he landed his own show at one of Las Vegas's major casinos, The Excalibur.  After a very successful two year run, John left the hotel to pursue other venues. He then traveled and performed in almost every state in the nation, John was truly achieving what he had set out to do...change the face of magic.  Now after 20 years and thousands of live performances, The Futuristic Wizardry of John Shaw is a magical performance like no other. You will be astounded, amazed, and thoroughly entertained by John as he brings you on a journey through his magical world. John breaks down the traditional boundaries of what a magician looks like, sounds like, and performs like. There are no birds or rabbits in this show. Only mind blowing illusions set to original music & featuring beautiful assistants, amazing special effects, spectacular costumes, and side splitting comedy.  After you have witnessed "The Futuristic Wizardry of John Shaw", you will see why he is called not just another magician, as he changes the face of magic one show at a time

Derrin Berger
derrin@derrinberger.com
www.derrinberger.com

When people hear the name Derrin Berger, 2 words immediately come to mind: Who's that? When Derrin hears the name Derrin Berger, 185 words come to mind. Here they are:
Derrin is a magician that has been performing for over 18 years, a Pisces that likes mint chocolate chip ice cream, and all around a pretty good guy... just ask him.
At the impressionable age of six, the door to the amazing world of magic opened for Derrin Berger. Derrin's interest in magic began when he saw a local magician perform at his sister's school. Since that time his love for magic and performing has grown by leaps and bounds.
Derrin can entertain audiences both young and old, both up-close and on stage, and both with and without the use of good punctuation?
His unique blend of comedy and magic leaves audiences gasping in amazement while drying their eyes from tears of laughter, and as if that wasn't enough he also can cook up some of the finest French toast around.
Derrin is a 1st place winner of Tannen's Magic Close-up and Stage competitions and a recipient of the Creative Dude Award. He also teaches at Tannen's Magic Camp and is the President of the Al Baker Assembly.

Andy Weintraub
phone: 8 4 5  7 5 8 - 9 2 8 7
andyweintraub@frontiernet.net

Andy Weintraub is multifaceted with respect to his interest in magic. He performs, teaches and directs and, as president of The CENTER for Peforming Arts at Rhinebeck, promotes and presents other magicians in The CENTER's theater. As a performer his focus is on classic magic within a parlor or small theater setting.