Society of American Magicians, Assembly 12
Chartered in 1923 by Harry Houdini and based in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota) metro area, we are Assembly 12 of the Society of American Magicians. Today, it is the oldest and most prestigious magical society in the world with approximately 300 Assemblies worldwide. The primary purpose of the S.A.M. is to advance, elevate, and preserve magic as a performing art. Our members are magic performers, dealers, collectors, and historians — including professionals, serious hobbyists, and students.
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May 2026 Meeting Notes
Another month, another SAM12 meeting! Ten people joined us in person at Jeff Kohagen’s house in his secret magic room. (Thanks, Jeff!!) Two more attended via Zoom.
During the business portion of our meeting, we started with the most important task of elections! We had a single nomination for each position, so the vote was quick and easy. Our new club officers are:
- President: Brad Gudim
- Vice President: Manny Betinis
- Secretary: Todd Anderson
- Treasurer: Jeff Kohagen
We also chose the delegate for SAM 12 at the SAM National Convention in July–past president Kevin Smith volunteered and was chosen as delegate.
Other performance news:
- Brad Gudim was recently the opening act for a sold-out Neil Diamond tribute show!
- Brad is looking for volunteer help for a booth he’s hosting in July at Fridley ’49er Days.
- Adam Moore is performing a ‘mystery show’ coming up for 10 to 50 people. Good luck, Adam!
- Manny Betinis had his best gig ever–he did some strolling magic for fancy execs at a fancy hotel downtown and had a great time!!
Next, Jeff Kohagen gave us a tour of his amazing magic collection, displayed in his secret magic room and beyond. Very impressive.
Performances:
- Manny Betinis performed his entertaining version of “Fruit Forecast”.
Finally, our Royal Road book club continued, and Past President (as of this meeting) Kevin Smith taught Chapter VI: The Key Card. He went through the various moves in the chapter, performed Do As I Do, and discussed pencil dots and other methods of marking the back of a key card.
The evening ended with the usual socializing and snacks. While we typically do not meet in the summer, we discussed having some informal meetings, a cookout, etc. A good number of us will be attending the SAM National Convention in Appleton, and we plan on getting together there, too. Watch for details at SAM12.org.
See this in the July 2026 MUM Magazine
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May Elections Meeting
It’s time for the SAM Assembly #12 May Meeting!
We’re meeting on Friday, May 15, at 7:00 PM. Our meeting will take place at the home of Jeff Kohagen in Rosemount. (There’s a magic-related reason for meeting at Jeff’s, but it’s a secret, so you’ll have to be there for the tip!)
Our primary order of business will be electing officers. A slate of candidates will be presented at the meeting, but nominations from the floor will be accepted. Also, our own Paul Black will be leading the next installment of The Royal Road to Card Magic book club. We’ll be discussing Chapter VI: The Key Card. Please try to read Chapter VI prior to the meeting — you’ll get more out of the discussion!
Bring potluck snacks to share. Location address and connection information for the virtual view of the meeting will be sent before the meeting.
See you on the 15th, either in person or online!
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April Assembly Meeting!
It’s time for the SAM Assembly #12 April Meeting!
We’re meeting this Friday, April 17, at 7:00 PM. Our theme this month, in honor of it being so close to Tax Day, is Magic with Money!
And our own Jeff Kohagen will be leading the next installment of The Royal Road to Card Magic book club. We’ll be discussing Chapter IV: The Glide. Please try to read Chapter IV prior to the meeting — you’ll get more out of the discussion!
We’ll meet at Eagle Magic and Joke Store. (Eagle Magic is in Burnsville, MN, 4 lights east of 35W on Hwy 13, southeast corner, next door to the BP gas station.) Bring potluck snacks to share.
Connection information for the virtual view of the meeting will be sent before the meeting.
See you on Friday, either in person or online!
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