213: Chicago Magic Bars & Lounges

Chicago has a rich history of magic bars within the city limits as well as in the outlying areas. The "hay day" of magic bars in Chicago ended around 1998 with the closing of the last magic bar. But Joey Cranford and John Sturk are pumping new life into an old concept with the new nightclub/theater called "Chicago Magic Lounge". This will be a recreation of the early 20th century, prohibition era lounge one night each week on the upper part of Chicago.

Bill Weimer is a local magician who was an integral part of the Chicago magic bar scene from the 1970's through the 1990's. He worked seven of the nine or so Chicago-land magic bars. He has a lot of stories about these clubs in their glory days and in fact, wrote a book about his experiences called "Now You See Them, Now You Don't".

00:03:18 - Joey Cranford and John Sturk talk about the newest venture that will open on March 5, 2015, The Chicago Magic Lounge. They talk about their vision of the Lounge and what they hope will happen. They will also encourage local magicians to come and hang our and create a "magic lab" where performers can try out new stuff.

00:40:56 - Bill Weimer talks about the history of Chicago-land bars from his perspective of one who has been there and done that having worked at seven of the nine or so magic bars within the city's boundaries over a 20 year period. Bill wrote the book on bar magic entitled "Now You See Them, Now You Don't". In this podcast, Bill shares some of the stories from his book and his perspective as a working performer.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Order your copy of Bill's book at his website http://www.magicbarbook.com/

#191 - Buy Magic Online?

With the proliferation of online magic shops, we are seeing the slow demise of the mom and pop, brick and mortar magic shops. I posted a podcast featuring three dealers (which you can hear by Clicking Here) This podcast shows the other side of the two-headed coin by getting a perspective from some people in key positions with two of the largest online dealers: Penguin Magic and

00:02:29 - Tim Trono was with Murphy's Magic for a dozen years but is now working with Penguin Magic. He talks about how they work together to help brick and mortar shops. In particular, Penguin recognizes that they can't be the sole seller of magic to the world, so they He also talks about their business model and how it differs from some others like Ellusionist and Theory 11. In particular, they try to offer unique products and have a singular look and brand. He also discusses the Penguin lecture series and why it has become so successful. He talks about their growth, bumps along the road, and more.

00:27:33 - Jason Brumbalow, Director – New Product Development with Murphy's Magic Supplies talks about Murphy's role as a jobber which wholesales to retail owners, both online as well as brick and mortar shops. He talks about their model for success and how they have moved with the times. He also discusses market trends, online videos, the proliferation of playing cards, and the pros and cons of online shops versus brick and mortar shops and the future of buying magic.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

162: Part 2 - My Week at The Castle 2014

A trip to the Castle must include a trip to a magic shop. And the only one to visit is The Magic Apple in nearby Studio City. Not only is it a great shop, complete with everything the professional and amateur and hobbyist will need, it is cool to hang out there because you never know who will show up. Well known "celebrity" magicians come and go like moths to a light. You never know who will be there. It's all about...timing.

DATELINE San Diego, CA: June 17, 2014 from Jason Latimer - ITS OFFICIAL!!! The Rueben H. Fleet Science Center in San Diego, CA and I have teamed up to produce the new live show and projection experience “Perception: See Beyond the Illusion” in the newly retrofitted DOME PROJECTION THEATER!!! This experience is designed to inspire wonder in all ages all while in a science center! "Perception" combines illusions in applied sciences with a massive eight-story wraparound projection environment!

Effects such as shaping water, to bending light, to liquids that defy gravity, and many others will all be done live while the projection environment immerses the audience under star filled skies, underwater scenes, and even takes audiences into my computer of 3D modeling of the effects to see a glimpse of the engineering behind doing the impossible all blended together for one truly magical surreal experience. "Perception will inspire minds to think and see beyond their answers through jaw dropping applications of science all to promote wonder and the importance of curiosity in science, because the right question changes everything." -Jason Latimer

As more info comes out, I need your help and support to spread the word! This show marks the first time magic has really been used an academic tool and I think it really will inspire our youth to view science differently. Its a dream come true to create a show that inspires curiosity and questions in a science center! This will be an entirely new way to learn. For more info visit: http://www.rhfleet.org/press-room/reuben-h-fleet-science-center-hosts-jason-latimer-world-champion-magic

Jason Latimer: The World Champion of Magic says, "Its the first of its kind and I can't wait to get started! Shows run every Friday - Sunday (two shows a day) July 5th- Aug 31st!"

00:01:13 - Brent Geris, proprietor of the Magic Apple, talks about brick and mortar shops and the importance of learning magic through practice and reading.

00:17:08 - Jason Latimer has been away from the public scene of magic (at magic conventions, for example) while he has been involved in many interesting and important projects and exhibits. He also talks about wrapping up the shooting for the first season of Wizard Wars on SyFy television network.

00:37:02 - Jonathan Levit talks about his experience of coming to Hollywood to follow and fulfill his dream of working in the movies. He has performed in and consulted for such movies as "Now You See Me" and "Burt Wonderstone". And if you are looking to have a completely unique website, then check out Magician Website Templates, created by Jonathan Levit.

Magic & Martinis Thursday

213: Chicago Magic Bars & Lounges

#191 - Buy Magic Online?

162: Part 2 - My Week at The Castle 2014

Magic & Martinis Thursday

The Magic Word