The Jim Ryan Lecture May 2018
Posted: April 27th, 2018, 12:29 pm
My upcoming lecture May 21, 2018 in the Chicago Area.
James Patrick Ryan, “The Darling of the Geritol Set”, was a magic legend. To this day he is recognized throughout the world as one of the masters of close up magic.
For 20 years starting in 1933. Jim owned and performed at “The Magic Tap, one of Chicago’s legendary magic bars. The bar was frequented by the likes of Paul Le Paul, Johnny Platt, Matt Schulein and Ed Marlo. In 1967 while visiting and performing at the world renowned “ Magic Castle” owner Bill Larsen tried to convince Jim to move out to L.A. and become their resident magician .Jim politely refused the offer so he could stay close to children and grandchildren in the Chicago area. In 1977 the exclusive by invitation only annual gathering of the world’s finest close up magicians “Fecther’s Finger Flicking Frolics” instituted a “Man of the Year” honoree. The first honoree that year was Jim Ryan. One of his favorite things to do was to share and teach his magic with those truly interested. Jim was a teacher, mentor and friend to some of the best close up performers including Tom Mullica and Paul Gertner.
I became a student and friend of Jim’s in the 1980’s when he was in his 80’s and I was in my 20’s. I spent 10 years traveling with, listening to and learning from Jim. He was my teacher, my mentor and my dear friend.
This lecture includes some of Jim Ryan’s classic magic routines including “Ryan's Dunbury Delight”, “The Twins”, "Ryan’s Ring, Rope and Wand”, “Three Cards Across”, his classic Cups and Balls and more. I also will be teaching several of his favorite bar magic/impromptu items. If time allows I will also be teaching a few things of Jim’s that have not yet been published anywhere.
My goal with this lecture is to share some of Jim’s wonderful magic and to have a LOT of fun. That’s what Jim and his magic was all about.
Lecture notes will be available after May 21. Details to follow.
James Patrick Ryan, “The Darling of the Geritol Set”, was a magic legend. To this day he is recognized throughout the world as one of the masters of close up magic.
For 20 years starting in 1933. Jim owned and performed at “The Magic Tap, one of Chicago’s legendary magic bars. The bar was frequented by the likes of Paul Le Paul, Johnny Platt, Matt Schulein and Ed Marlo. In 1967 while visiting and performing at the world renowned “ Magic Castle” owner Bill Larsen tried to convince Jim to move out to L.A. and become their resident magician .Jim politely refused the offer so he could stay close to children and grandchildren in the Chicago area. In 1977 the exclusive by invitation only annual gathering of the world’s finest close up magicians “Fecther’s Finger Flicking Frolics” instituted a “Man of the Year” honoree. The first honoree that year was Jim Ryan. One of his favorite things to do was to share and teach his magic with those truly interested. Jim was a teacher, mentor and friend to some of the best close up performers including Tom Mullica and Paul Gertner.
I became a student and friend of Jim’s in the 1980’s when he was in his 80’s and I was in my 20’s. I spent 10 years traveling with, listening to and learning from Jim. He was my teacher, my mentor and my dear friend.
This lecture includes some of Jim Ryan’s classic magic routines including “Ryan's Dunbury Delight”, “The Twins”, "Ryan’s Ring, Rope and Wand”, “Three Cards Across”, his classic Cups and Balls and more. I also will be teaching several of his favorite bar magic/impromptu items. If time allows I will also be teaching a few things of Jim’s that have not yet been published anywhere.
My goal with this lecture is to share some of Jim’s wonderful magic and to have a LOT of fun. That’s what Jim and his magic was all about.
Lecture notes will be available after May 21. Details to follow.