Snapp Shots: Northern California magic clubs to meet soon in Oakland

"Is there anyone who doesn't love magic? You know you're being tricked; but try as you might, you can't figure out how. The only thing you can do is laugh and enjoy it. The Oakland Magic Circle was founded on July 25, 1925, by, among others, Alfred J. Battle, above, who performed under the stage name Professor El-Tab. (photo courtesy of Byron Walker)"

"That's his name spelled backwards, dropping a T, says the club's oldest member, Castro Valley's Byron Walker, 91, who learned the magic arts from Jones himself and now owns his huge collection of magic books and tricks. The basic principle of magic is misdirection, he explains. People will look where you look and where there's motion, so if you want to make people look at your left hand, look at it yourself and keep it moving while your right hand does the dirty work."

"There are many magic clubs in the area, and on Feb. 3 the Oakland Magic Circle will host its annual Northern California Interclub Stage Dinner and Pasta Fest at the Scottish Rite Center on Oakland's Lakeside Drive. The clubs are sending the winners of their own contests to compete and be judged by a panel of pros. The top three will get cash prizes and bragging rights."

Magicians have been delighting Oaklanders for more than a hundred years, traced to the Oakland Magic Circle's founding on July 25, 1925, by Lloyd E. Jones, Blue W. Williams and Alfred J. Battle. Byron Walker, the club's oldest member, learned magic from Jones and now owns Jones's extensive collection of books and tricks. The basic principle of magic is misdirection: people look where there is motion, so performers direct attention while making the secret move. The Oakland Magic Circle hosts events such as the Northern California Interclub Stage Dinner and Pasta Fest, where winners from local clubs compete for prizes, trophies and a spot in the September Gala. Manipulators like Michael Nguyen perform silent, choreographed sleight-of-hand with cards, balls and coins.

Read at www.eastbaytimes.com