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.

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.

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311: 2016 PCAM Convention Report

Running concurrently with Abbott's Get Together, the PCAM convention was happening in Simi Valley, California. Although we do tricky things, being in two places at the same time is not one of our skills.

But thanks to Fred King, a Friend of The Magic Word, and attendee at this year's PCAM convention, he was able to cover part of it with a delightful interview with Shawn Farquhar and Michael Dardant plus a recording of a panel discussion Regrettably, due to personal reasons Fred was unable to record more than these two reports. Thank you, Fred, for taking the time to record this special edition of The Magic Word Podcast that gives us a little insight to the magic family that is the P.C.A.M.

Shawn Farquhar returns to "Penn & Teller Fool Us" television show where he fools P&T for the second time.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:20 - Fred King talks with Shawn Farquhar about some of the history of the P.C.A.M. Then after just a few minutes into the conversation, Michael Dardant joins them to enliven the conversation. They both share several fun and entertaining stories. Shawn also talks about his experience of fooling Penn & Teller a second time on "Penn & Teller Fool Us" which he could not talk about at the I.B.M. convention in San Antonio, TX.

00:42:18- Shawn Farquhar hosts a panel discussion with S.A.M. President Jeff Sikora and International I.B.M. President, Oscar Munoz as they talk about their respective organizations and goals for this year.

290: F.F.F.F. 2016 Day Four

The final day (and night) of the "Original Close-Up Convention"

Saturday April 30:
11:00am: Luis Otera Lecture
12:30pm: Lunch Buffet
1:30pm: 7th Close-Up Show "Asian Gala"
3:30pm: 8th Close-Up Show Fechter's Fabulous Frolics (Steve Beam emcee)
5:30pm: Dinner Buffet
7:30pm: Fat Brothers Tribute
8:00pm: 9th Close-Up Show Grand Finale Show (Obie O'Brien emcee)
11:30pm: Hospitality Suite

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:00 - Geoff Williams gives us some of his best "Puns of the the Day"

00:04:25 - We follow-up with Lion Fludd after his first appearance and performance at the 4F.

00:10:54 - Scott Robinson, organizer of TRICS magic convention in North Carolina, talks about his upcoming event plus highlights from this convention.

00:14:49 - Matt Episcipo loves this convention because of the camaraderie, a term we frequently hear.

00:19:13 - Steve Bargatze and Rick Merrill have closed the Saturday night show for many years, but this year they are taking a break but talk about what they could have "riffed" on from this year's convention.

00:25:25 - Gary Morton, emcee of the Friday afternoon show, talks about some of the seminal moments from this and past 4F conventions.

00:30:58 - Paul Gertner tells us a little about his planning for his portion of the final night show.

00:36:28 - Michael Dardant and Boris Wils talk about some of the outstanding acts at this year's 4F.

00:47:55 - Mike Maione and Darryl Rose talk about doughnuts and give their impressions on some of the outstanding acts.

01:00:23 - Obie O'Brien sits back and relaxes now that the convention is officially over. He looks back on the successful convention as the 46th annual 4F convention goes into the history books.