The next day, he was early; set up quickly and by late morning, when he lectured, most of the folks had met him already. His lecture is a very appealing mixture of self-working magic, serious sleight of hand (especially the cigar routines), comedy and mentalism, with one overall through-line: all of the magic is designed for stand-up or platform situations. Anyone who performs regularly is always looking for this type of material, and even the hobbyist enjoys magic that plays bigger than the dinner table. John's ball routine, in particular, had the boys excited. It's visual magic with a punch.
John was a teacher for years, and it shows. His notes are thorough and precise, and his explanations were carefully planned to teach the material easily and quickly.
For those who did not have the budget for his wooden creations, he suggested inexpensive props that could substitute. After the lecture, people came up to me and told me how much they had enjoyed it, and nearly everyone had a routine they were planning to add to their repertoire.
All afternoon John's table was busy, yet he had time to prepare for the evening show. Now, we have all seen magicians who lecture and act high and mighty, then fall on their face when performing. John is the opposite. He wowed the evening audience with his ball routine and a beautiful rope routine. John is a frequent banquet performer and after-dinner speaker, and it shows. His relaxed manner and complete mastery of his material engaged the audience. After the show, one of the other dealers told me that it was the first time he had seen a rope routine in which the audience followed, appreciated and responded to each and every effect! For the magicians, watching John perform was another lesson in how to do a talking act that can play anywhere.
As you might imagine, I highly recommend John Rogers to anyone who is booking for a magic club, magic convention or a business event. He is a master craftsman, entertainer and above all, a real gentleman. We enjoyed having him, and you will, too.
Sincerely,
Eric Henning
Chairman, Magi-Whirl 2003-5
Past President
I.B.M. Ring 50
The National Capital Ring
http://www.IBMRing50.org
LECTURE & SHOW REVIEW.....
Eric Henning Performing at Magi-Whirl 2005
Review:
Eric Henning reviews John Rogers Lecture and Show
Anyone who has ever run a magic convention knows the value of the "Triple-Threat:" a lecturer who can also be a dealer and perform in your evening show. John Rogers (he of www.woodencigars.com) is a "Double-Triple." Not only can he lecture, deal and perform beautifully, but he is skilled, entertaining and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
I first encountered John by reputation after a lecture he did in Baltimore caused a sensation. I was unable to see him then, but did see samples of the handmade wooden cigars and cigarettes for which he is justifiably famous. I was more than impressed by the workmanship, I was dumbstruck. Still later, when I decided to add a cigar routine to my Victorian act, it was John to whom I turned, and he proved to be a generous source of information, encouragement and of course, props.
So when working on Magi-Whirl this year, I decided to give John a call. He offered to lecture deal and perform at a very reasonable price. He sent me promotional materials and ideas which were of great use to me as I prepared and publicized the event.
John drove 12 hours from Indiana to the Washington, DC area for us, which, given the current state of gas prices, was amazing in itself. Nevertheless, he arrived the night before, and spent time looking over the room and testing his setup, including the sound system.
He spent time both during and after the lecture answering questions and giving personal attention to folks who were stuck on one item or another.