Michael Heckenberger to Become 110th President of the Society of American Magicians

 The Society of American Magicians (SAM) is preparing to welcome a new national leader as longtime magician Michael Heckenberger is set to be sworn in as the organization's 110th National President on July 4 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

The ceremony carries special historical significance, taking place in the city where legendary escape artist Harry Houdini spent much of his childhood. The installation also comes during the centennial year of Houdini's passing. Houdini himself served as National President of the Society of American Magicians from 1917 until his death in 1926, making the position one of the most respected roles in the world of magic.

Heckenberger's journey into magic began in his youth, where he enjoyed performing card and coin tricks during high school and college. After joining the U.S. Air Force, however, his passion for magic was put on hold while he focused on his military career.

That changed while he was stationed in Minot, North Dakota, in the late 1980s as a B-52 navigator. There he met another Air Force officer who was also an accomplished magician. The friendship reignited his love for the art, leading him to perform children's shows, entertain his squadron, and present magic programs at a local church.

After relocating to the Hampton Roads area in 1994, Heckenberger became active in the Williamsburg chapter of the Society of American Magicians, Baker-Temple Assembly 226. He joined the assembly in 2007 and was elected its president just two years later, serving in that role for more than a decade.

His leadership within the organization continued to grow. He became Virginia State Deputy for SAM in 2015, later serving as Regional Vice President before being asked to pursue national leadership—a decision that ultimately led to his election as National President.

Despite the honor, Heckenberger remains humble about his accomplishments.

"I was shocked because I'm just an amateur," he said. "I love magic, but I never imagined I'd be in this position."

As he prepares to lead one of the world's oldest and most prestigious magic organizations, Heckenberger says what has always inspired him is the joy that magic brings to others.

"Life can be difficult," he explained. "Magic gives people an opportunity to escape for a little while and experience something truly amazing."

Members of his home assembly in Williamsburg will travel to Wisconsin to witness the historic installation ceremony and celebrate one of their own reaching the highest office within the Society of American Magicians.

Source: Adapted from reporting by the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily.

Mac King on Fool Us

 

Ricky Jay-Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women

 

Australian Magician Daniel Hidden Found Deceased Following Extensive Search

 The magic community is mourning the loss of Australian magician Daniel Hidden, who was found deceased on June 24 after an intensive 10-day search. He was 26 years old.

Hidden was last seen in the early morning hours of June 14 in Broadbeach, a suburb on Australia's Gold Coast. His disappearance prompted a large-scale search involving multiple agencies, including Queensland Police, the Australian Defence Force, the State Emergency Service, the Queensland Fire Department, and numerous Rural Fire Service volunteers.

Search efforts eventually focused on the rugged bushland surrounding Mount Cougal National Park after Hidden's vehicle was located on June 16 several miles from the park. Authorities also determined that his mobile phone had been switched off shortly after he was last seen.

On June 24, police confirmed that Hidden's body had been discovered in bushland within Mount Cougal National Park.

According to Queensland Police, there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, although the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Daniel Hidden had built a reputation as a talented professional magician in Australia. On his official website, he described his performances as featuring "saucy showmanship" and original routines designed to surprise and entertain audiences. He also maintained a growing online following, sharing performances and updates with thousands of fans on social media.

Following the announcement, friends, fellow performers, and supporters filled his social media pages with messages of remembrance, expressing their sadness and sharing memories of the young magician.

In the days leading up to the discovery, Hidden's family made emotional public appeals asking for help in locating him, holding onto hope that he would be found safe.

Our thoughts are with Daniel Hidden's family, friends, and everyone in the magic community who knew and admired his work.

Source: Adapted from reporting by PEOPLE magazine, with additional information from Queensland Police, 7News Australia, and The New Zealand Herald.

TrickStarters Flash Cash Magicians Magic Shop

Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com INCREDIBLE magic tricks that you can LEARN AND PERFORM TODAY Trickstarters is a new magic series presented by Zach King and theory11. Each trick is engineered to astonish your friends and family - and they're easy enough for anyone to learn! Flash Cash Show an empty black wallet, font and back. In a split second, the wallet instantly fills with cash! It appears in the blink of an eye, and it's easy to learn. Key Coin Mystery Cause a solid metal key to visibly penetrate a normal USA quarter! Your friends can even examine the key and the quarter to prove that they're solid! Vanishing Car Imagine having the power to make a car visibly vanish then re-appear back where it started! Everything you need is included in the box. Conjuring Crayon Show a normal real crayon - then instantly make it split into THREE pieces. Then, cause the pieces to fuse back together - and it's fully restored! REAL TRICKS. No CGI! Perform for your friends & family If you're on social media, you've seen Zach King's viral videos. His digital sleight of hand has racked up billions of views. With Trickstarters, you can perform some of Zach's favorite magic tricks and bring the feeling of CGI into the real world. These magic tricks are EASY to learn, and FUN to perform - either in person or online! EASY TO LEARN Fun to Perform! Each Trickstarter magic trick is taught by Zach King with crystal clear instruction, making it incredibly easy to take them out of the box and perform them within minutes! Special thanks to Zach King, Tenyo, and Blake Vogt for bringing these ideas to reality and into your hands. Retail Price $19.95 Our Price $19.00
 

Happy Birthday to International Magic Star Lu Chen

 Lu Chen was born on June 25th 1976 

also known as Louis Liu 

Lu is known for... 

First Taiwanese magician to perform at the Magic Castle.

His televised performances have reached audiences of over one billion viewers.

Named Magician of the year by the Academy of Magical Arts in 2011.

Happy Birthday Michael Ammar!!!

 Michael Ammar was born on June 25th 1956 

Michael Ammar is one of the most influential teachers in modern magic. 

Michael is know for... 

• Winner of the 1982 FISM World Championships of Magic Close-Up Magic title.
• Student and close friend of Dai Vernon.
• Revolutionized magic instruction through his books and videos.
• Regular performer on television, including The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman.