054: Dal Sanders Talks About Cherie Kay Sanders

During the annual Memorial Day BBQ of the Houston area magicians, Dal Sanders was in town helping clear up Cherie's magic estate. Dal worked closely with Cherie for many years as they toured the U.S. and performed hundreds of shows together. Dal talks about his relationship with Cherie Kay and how she changed his life. This is a very special podcast about a very special lady.

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Cherie Kay Sanders Passes

It is with deep regret that we learned that over the Memorial Day weekend that one of our local full time professional magicians passed away. Cherie was well known not only throughout the local magic community but also in the international arena. She had such close kinships with everyone she met during her many travels and performances. Her enduring smile and charismatic personality permeated the atmosphere when she made an entrance to any room.

Cherie died after doing something she loved. She performed her hypnosis act at a late night (read: early morning) "lock-in" for a high school group. She returned home near daybreak and called a friend complaining of a headache and asked to be taken to the hospital. Upon arrival, her friend found her passed out on the floor. Paramedics were called and she was "Life Flighted" to the hospital. She was reported with low blood pressure, low pulse rate and no brain activity. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Much will be written about Cherie and I'm sure you will find many photos posted with her across the social media. But Dal Sanders (pictured below) was one of those in her inner circle who knew her best. He conducted an excellent video interview with Cherie at the joint I.B.M. / S.A.M. convention in Louisville (2008) which is archived by the Society of American Magicians. Fortunately, that video was made available for the public which you can visit on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0vj1IX2-b0&feature=youtu.be or you can watch it here by clicking on the video below.

David Stone U.S. Lecture Tour

David Stone visited the U.S. to be feted as the Guest of Honor at the 42nd F.F.F.F. (Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic) Close-up Convention. He arrived early to lecture in several cities in upper Midwest. Following the F.F.F.F. convention, he continued through another 19 cities with his outstanding lecture.

He was not as well known in the U.S. but after this tour, I doubt that many people will forget him. And those who missed out, well...you can hear the stories.Many said his lecture was the best they had seen in many years. I hear that comment from time to time about other lecturers but never have I received so many saying the same thing as I have regarding David's lecture.

For example, one unsolicited testimonial I received about his lecture said, "David Stone was AWESOME!!! He is a fun, amazing, charming, phenomenally talented lecturer. We had a huge crowd, and I received many thanks from our members for bring him to Atlanta, and have heard and read ONLY rave reviews from those who were lucky enough to attend. Many have said it's the best lecture we've had in a very long time... and you know we have a LOT of lectures!

"David's communication leading up his visit was very pleasant and professional. His lecture material was accessible to all skill levels, and he covered a tremendous amount of highly commercial magic that appealed to us all. And the fact that English is his second language, it's nothing short of remarkable that he is such a strong instructor and that his lecture was perhaps the funniest I've ever seen!" - Debbie Leifer

His lecture contained many commercial, creative ideas that were well within the capabilities of any magician from beginner to professional. He covered coin and card moves all of which can be performed in a stand-up situation and great for restaurant or walk-around work. As he reached the end of his tour, I know that he was running low on many items and had to make a few "on the road" to replenish his stock for the next city. But no one was disappointed.

Pictured above in Houston - Daniel Garcia, David Stone and Ben Jackson

Beyond his skill was his presentation. As an actor, he portrayed the part of a magician with ease and aplomb. He said in our interview (hear the podcast here), David stated that he lacks confidence. But is was never evident from his lecture performance. He exuded confidence and hit every mark. For those who didn't buy any of his amazing items (though I can't imagine anyone who didn't buy at least something), I know they came away having been thoroughly entertained by a true magician.