Have you ever wanted to see the inside of the legendary Friars Club in New York City? It’s a private members-only club with rich show business history. Then read on, and enjoy a few in-action photos from my recent induction ceremony, held on September 20, 2011.

The ceremony was held in the Frank Sinatra dining room, and pictures of many old-timey stars (also Friars) lined the wall: George M. Cohan, Milton Berle, Johnny Carson, Jerry Lewis, and of course Frank Sinatra.

I’ve been told that Max Malini was a member of the Friars Club and that he used to relax at the clubhouse because he didn’t constantly feel the need to prove he was a magician to everyone by performing.

At the induction ceremony, I was coerced into doing a brief performance which was warmly received.

Here is the certificate new Friars receive. Note the signatures by Jerry Lewis (abbott) and Freddie Roman (dean).

The club president Michael Gyure handed over a welcome packet, and snapped a nice photo with me.

The Friar who invited me into the club is Paul Ginsberg, a magician himself. Here’s a nice photo of the two of us, ironically standing in front of the “Friar of the Year” sign. Somehow I don’t think I’ll get that award my first year…

My other sponsor was none other than the dean, Freddie Roman.

The ceremony was a delightful experience, and I felt surrounded by warm, genuine people. I look forward to getting involved in the Friars Club and meeting even more of the members.

(Photography by Friars staff photographer Richard Lewin)