John's technical skill and creativity have captured him two of magic's most coveted awards: The Close-Up Magician of the Year and the Second Place Winner of Jimmy Grippo's Cardician Challenge at the Desert Magic Seminar He dutifully served his magic apprenticeship with the masters in the. . art-Dai Vernon, Faucett Ross and Roger Klause Wonder works from a rising star-a few seen are: the Logical Bill Trick, Color-Changing Knives, Strike Up the Band.