Shakespeare, as usual, said it best: “If this be magic, let it be an art lawful as eating.”

A convention of SCAM artists may sound unlawful, but when translated as the South Carolina Association of Magicians, not only is it lawful, you can expect entertainment at its height.

Henry and Helen Pettit currently head Columbia Ring 105 of the magicians’ group that will put on its annual state–wide convention– show next weekend, January 15, 16, and 17. They promise a fun–filled occasion featuring some of the country’s best–known magic entrepreneurs.

“We were able to sign up some really famous and skilled magicians for this year’s show,” says Henry Pettit. “Harry Anderson’s face will be familiar to many as the actor who played the judge on the long–running TV series ‘Night Court.’ But he is a magician’s magician, at the top of the profession. We are delighted to have him coming here to perform.

Harry Anderson “Also, Michael Ammar has performed often in Hollywood and in Europe, winning many awards for his skill. He has appeared at the White House, and on the “Tonight Show.” Some local people may have seen him at the Abbeville Opera House last summer.”

Next weekend’s gathering will be the 15th annual for the Columbia Ring — that’s magician–speak for a chapter or a club. (Henry says it’s called a Ring after the Chinese Linking Rings that have appeared in many magicians’ shows.)

The members will par- ticipate in workshops over the weekend, polishing their skills, and, literally, learning new tricks. On Saturday evening, January 16, a show is offered to everyone at the Brookland– Cayce Auditorium, 1300 State Street, Cayce. All proceeds after expenses are donated to a local charity; this year the funds will be given to Palmetto Richland Children’s Hospital.

Michael Ammar After Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams followed up with this bit of dialogue, in his play A

Streetcar Named Desire:

“Blanche: I don’t want realism.

Mitch: Naw. I guess not.

Blanche: I’ll tell you what I want: Magic!”

For more information visit http://scamcon.org.