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330: Bob Schulien on "Schulien's" Bar Magic

Schulien's was one of the legendary magic bars in Chicago that thrived throughout most of the 20th century. At the soul of the restaurant was its owner, Matt Schulien. Chicago-style magic was born here where the magic came fast and furious as drinks were served and the motto was "GTFM" (Get The F'ing Money).

In this podcast, Robert "Bob" Schulien, the grandson of Matt Schulien worked at Schulien's under his father who was heir to the bar and who encouraged Bob to perform magic for the patrons. He was told that people came to the bar not only for food and drink but also for the magic. They expected magic and so Bob became the "designated magician by default". Other magicians later came to work and perform at Schulien's (like Al James and Chuck Morris) until it closed on January 27, 1999. There is an excellent article online that tells its history at The Chicago Bar Project.

Bob carries on the tradition of bar magic each week at The Chicago Magic Lounge along with a bevy of prestidigitators who entertain every Thursday and Saturday night. You can listen to a previous episode with the owners/managers that was broadcast #213: Chicago Magic Bars and Lounges

Chicago Magic Lounge quickly became 2015's speakeasy for many professional traveling magicians. Not only to perfom but also relax by enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Chicago magicians, as well as honing their craft. I've been collecting fun behind the scenes video and photos taken over the first year of shenanigans at the CML.
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View fullsize Sandy Marshall (Jay's son), Bob Schulien and Pedro Nieves Bosque
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Time stamps for this podcast:

00:04:36 - Bob Schulien talks about the early years of his grandfather Matt Schulien's Bar in Chicago from its earliest days until it finally closed. Bob regales us with many stories about his grandfather and the magic and pranks he used to perform for and on his customers.

00:56:45 - "Brother Paul" West invented a new product called the CellGrasp which makes it easier to hold you mobile phone while taking selfies. This is a product I keep on my cell phone all the time and I find indispensable. He also has a special offer to listeners of The Magic Word Podcast.

01:03:54 - "Flaming Coffee" by SansMinds is a visual stunner that takes the Fire Wallet to a new level. Recommended with reservations. Also, not available to those under 19.

01:07:49 - "The Deceased" by Jamie Daws is a creepy, dark and bizarre bit of magic that could have your audience feeling the goosebumps. This is a :Living or Dead" test that is well made and can be carried around in your wallet to creep out people at a moment's notice. Recommended.

Order a CellGrasp and receive your choice of any one of Brother Paul's five downloads from his website. Order two CellGraps and receive two free downloads. Oder three, and...well, you get the idea.

Order a CellGrasp and receive your choice of any one of Brother Paul's five downloads from his website. Order two CellGraps and receive two free downloads. Oder three, and...well, you get the idea.

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 this book and help The Magic Word Podcast through your purchase.

Tagged with Bob Schulien, Schulien's, Chicago magic bar, Chicago magic history, Al James, Heba Habe Al, Bill Weimer, Don Alan, Chuck Morris.

November 10, 2016 by Scott Wells.
  • November 10, 2016
  • Scott Wells
  • Bob Schulien
  • Schulien's
  • Chicago magic bar
  • Chicago magic history
  • Al James
  • Heba Habe Al
  • Bill Weimer
  • Don Alan
  • Chuck Morris
  • Post a comment
Comment

255: The Art of Magic with Peter Samelson

Peter Samelson was one of performers and lecturers at the Texas Association of Magicians (T.A.O.M.) convention in Austin, Texas. I have always admired his thinking and perspective of magic. He takes the art of magic very seriously as evidenced by his performance that shows thoughtful scripting, professional choreography and impeccable timing.

During our discussion, Peter talks about his life's journey that led him to creating theatrical effects that resonate with his audience. He talks about the twists he puts on some classics that not only make them "his" but also makes his performance of that effect memorable to his audience.

Ring, Rope & Rose by Peter Samelson at the Magic Castle
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View fullsize The famous love locks on Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, France
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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.

Click on the banner to view a video of this effect. Available through Penguin at: http://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/peter-samelson Tell them that you heard about it here on The Magic Word Podcast.

Click on the banner to view a video of this effect. Available through Penguin at: http://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/peter-samelson Tell them that you heard about it here on The Magic Word Podcast.

You can listen to The Magic Word on your Amazon Echo. Just say, "Alexa...play The Magic Word" and she will retrieve the latest episode from Tunein. If you don't yet have an Amazon Echo, then please consider ordering one through the affiliate link below. Your purchases through Amazon and using this Affiliate link helps support The Magic Word. We appreciate your support!

Read what Bicycle Playing cards has to say about The Magic Word Podcast. Thanks, guys!

Read what Bicycle Playing cards has to say about The Magic Word Podcast. Thanks, guys!

Do you enjoy The Magic Word Podcast? Then please consider clicking on the manner above and nominating The Magic Word for the Gratitude Award. Even if you don't want to nominate this podcast (which I hope you do...please), at least consider posting s…

Do you enjoy The Magic Word Podcast? Then please consider clicking on the manner above and nominating The Magic Word for the Gratitude Award. Even if you don't want to nominate this podcast (which I hope you do...please), at least consider posting some nice comments on your social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and use the hashtags #PodcastDay and #MagicWordPod Thanks!

Tagged with Peter Samelson, T.A.O.M., Monday Night Magic, theater.

September 17, 2015 by Scott Wells.
  • September 17, 2015
  • Scott Wells
  • Peter Samelson
  • T.A.O.M.
  • Monday Night Magic
  • theater
  • Post a comment
Comment

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".

View fullsize Chicago Magic Lounge Crew
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View fullsize Heba Haba Al
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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.

Open Thursday Nights at 8:00

Open Thursday Nights at 8:00

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

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

Tagged with Bill Weimer, John Sturk, Joey Cranford, Now You See Them Now You Don't, Chicago, Chicago magic bar, Chicago Magic Lounge.

March 5, 2015 by Scott Wells.
  • March 5, 2015
  • Scott Wells
  • Bill Weimer
  • John Sturk
  • Joey Cranford
  • Now You See Them Now You Don't
  • Chicago
  • Chicago magic bar
  • Chicago Magic Lounge
  • Post a comment
Comment
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

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What a great, action-packed, adrenaline-laced, fast-paced movie. I recommend watching part one (Dead Reckoning) to catch up from where we left off two years ago. Best to see this on the big screen. Recommended!
Eric Leclerc joins us from Canada this week to talk about comedy and his experience being the compere (emcee) at the Blackpool convention 2025. #ericleclerc #canadianmagician #comedymagic #mikehammer https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagi
My son, Nick, received stem cells today for his leukemia. That means that today is his new "birthday." Let's hope and pray that this treatment works this time. 🤞
And then this happened! I was surprised at AbraCORNdabra with this award. Thank you for recognizing and appreciating my efforts. #abracorndabra2025 #tinybubbles
Three days of reports from AbraCORNdabra in Des Moines, Iowa featuring chats with organizers, registrants, dealers, and talent like @jekiyoo #stevedaly #alschneidermagic @samelsonmagic #abracorndabra2025 #desmoines #magicconvention
IYKYK Happy Mother's Day. Celebrating our annual pilgrimage with Kathy at my side, in spirit.
Daily podcast reports on the Magic Collector Expo from Las Vegas featuring chats with talent, organizers, dealers, and registrants. #lasvegas #theorleans #magic #magicconvention #davidcopperfield #magicwordpodcast https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/
Livin' it up in Las Vegas at the Magic Collector Expo. #magiccollectorexpo2025 #davidcopperfield #jeffmcbride #charlesgreeneiii
What a great, action-packed, adrenaline-laced, fast-paced movie. I recommend watching part one (Dead Reckoning) to catch up from where we left off two years ago. Best to see this on the big screen. Recommended! Eric Leclerc joins us from Canada this week to talk about comedy and his experience being the compere (emcee) at the Blackpool convention 2025. #ericleclerc #canadianmagician #comedymagic #mikehammer https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagi My son, Nick, received stem cells today for his leukemia. That means that today is his new "birthday." Let's hope and pray that this treatment works this time. 🤞 And then this happened! I was surprised at AbraCORNdabra with this award. Thank you for recognizing and appreciating my efforts. #abracorndabra2025 #tinybubbles Three days of reports from AbraCORNdabra in Des Moines, Iowa featuring chats with organizers, registrants, dealers, and talent like @jekiyoo #stevedaly #alschneidermagic @samelsonmagic #abracorndabra2025 #desmoines #magicconvention IYKYK Happy Mother's Day. Celebrating our annual pilgrimage with Kathy at my side, in spirit. Daily podcast reports on the Magic Collector Expo from Las Vegas featuring chats with talent, organizers, dealers, and registrants. #lasvegas #theorleans #magic #magicconvention #davidcopperfield #magicwordpodcast https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/ Livin' it up in Las Vegas at the Magic Collector Expo. #magiccollectorexpo2025 #davidcopperfield #jeffmcbride #charlesgreeneiii

The Magic Word Has been recognized by FeedSpot as the # 1 magician podcast in the world. Thank you all for your support and for listening throughout the years.

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