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Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
The website is finally updated! Buy the new lectures notes (PDF or hardcopy) now directly from here! Feel free also to spread the good news!!
http://chicagomagicbash.com/tom-dobrowol......ns4.html TOM DOBROWOLSKI 2018 LECTURE NOTES "This Will Kill You!" The Magic of James Patrick Ryan For those who may not recognize his name, James Patrick Ryan, "The Darling of the Geritol Set", is 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 world renowned "The 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. His favorite thing to do in addition to performing was to share and teach his magic with those truly interested. Jim was also a teacher, mentor and friend to some of the best close up performers in magic 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. Over the next 10 years I would spend time traveling with, listening to and learning from Jim. He was my teacher, my mentor and my dear friend. These lecture notes include some of Jim Ryan's classic magic routines including "Ryan's Dunbury Delight", "The Twins", "Three Cards Across", Ryan/Leech Red Hot Mama, The Match Set (3 tricks with matches) Jim's Bill Tear as well as several of his favorite bar magic/impromptu items. My goal with these notes is to introduce Jim and his magic to magicians who have not had the pleasure of knowing him, to share some of Jim's wonderful magic and to have a LOT of fun. That's what Jim and his magic was and always will be about. I know this would please him immensely and make him smile. |
Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
I believe he was also a successful trade show performer
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
That is very true. After Jim closed the bar he went to work for the city of Chicago in the "Weights and Measures" division. When he retired from there in his 60's he went to work in trade shows. He worked throughout his 70's very successfully. He liked to tell the story of when Tom Mullica first started working trade shows and he and Jim were both working the same show Tom asked Jim to watch him and critique what he did. Mullica saw Jim at the end of the day and told him he was disappointed Jim didn't get a chance to see him work as he never saw him in his crowd. Jim said he did "see"him work. Jim was behind the booth so he could listen to the crowds reacting.
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RiffRaff Special user 671 Posts |
Hi Tom:
How do these notes compare to the set of notes sold by Magic Inc.? Also, Jim Ryan and Johnny Paul performed very similar routines. Do you have any insight into who created what? |
Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
Thanks for asking. The material is the same as in the Ryan booklets. I picked a items from the 4 books and from his lecture notes. We rewrote and re-illustrated the material but it all was taken from those out of print sources. My goal is to make the material readily available again.
There was a lot of overlap not only between Jim and Johnny Paul but other magicians from the area at that time. I do not have specifics on who created what but Jim always indicated it was a very collaborative time and they all went back and forth with ideas, etc. Jim would talk about times when he would close up the bar and a number of magicians would head over to his home to session. As his children were getting up to go to school the magicians would be sitting around the kitchen table still sessioning. Thanks again for asking. Anything else let me know. |
RiffRaff Special user 671 Posts |
Very helpful. Thanks!!
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Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
Glad it helped! Any other questions, etc. from anyone let me know. Thanks to those who have ordered them!
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LarsA New user 49 Posts |
I have the booklets. great material.
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smullins Special user United States 678 Posts |
These notes are awesome. Tom did a really wonderful thing with these.
I suggest that anyone who would like to learn more about Chicago close-up, I can't recommend these enough. Great work Tom! |
mike donoghue Inner circle 1295 Posts |
I have skimmed through these & actually performed one of the effects on a friend & he said " How the F...did you do that .
Alot of fantastic working routines from a legend of magic, released by another legend called Tom. Really looking forward to study time with this material. Two words GET THESE. Thanks Tom for putting thi stogether. Mike Donoghue |
Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
Thanks Mike and Shawn! I truly appreciate for your kind words! This ones important to me so really pleased you like them. It’s all thanks to Jom. He’s the only legend here:-). Thanks guys!
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Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
Just got in the second printing of the notes. Thanks to all who have ordered them as hardcopy or instant download PDF so far! If you haven't ordered your copy yet click on the link in the first post in this thread for details and to get your copy today. Thanks!
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Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
I'll have a handful of copies of the new Lecture Notes with me this year at Magic Live for all those that are interested. Description is here. You can also order them (hard copy or PDF) directly from me through the link below. Appreciate the support so far!
http://chicagomagicbash.com/tom-dobrowol......ns4.html |
Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
Some kind words from my friend Mark Holstein:
"This book containing the Magic of Jim Ryan, by my friend Tom Dobrowolski, arrived in yesterday’s mail. I haven’t had a chance to study it yet, but In flipping through it, I can already see that this is a first class production. Tom - you did Jim proud! I really smiled when I read Tom’s introduction, because it resonated on a personal level. The roles were a bit reversed for me. Tom tells of picking up Jim, Kitty and Cathy and driving them to club meetings and conventions. It was the opposite for me. I met Jim before I had a car, so they would pick me up. The Ryans were a remarkable family and for a few years, I felt like I was part of it. So, in a way, I guess Tom and I are related 🤣. Seriously, this is A grade material. Jim was a worker. His material was battle hardened by years of working. I’m thrilled that Tom took the time to preserve it and Jim’s legacy." http://chicagomagicbash.com/tom-dobrowol......ns4.html |
Tom Dobrowolski Special user 655 Posts |
I received a number of orders over the last few days and I thank you all! I have a handful of the first printing left for those interested in getting a hard copy. There is a PDF available as well. Thanks again all and I hope you all enjoy and can use the material. Most importantly thanks Jim!!
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