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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236: FISM Italy - Day Five

Any FISM Championship is not without its controversies and problems. People will talk about one thing or another that might have gone wrong with this convention, but one thing that was made crystal clear by Juan Mayoral, one of the contestants from Spain. Basically, he stated in so many words that he would not compete until the contest was brought back to the theater and focused on the competitors and away from the "television broadcast" cameras and lights. His pronouncement brought a 15 minute standing ovation. The Reed Sisters from the U.S. had to follow in the competition and might feel that their performance was compromised; however, the curtain was brought down on them early because they did not meet the minimum standards for a FISM quality act. You can hear his statement at the beginning of this podcast and we talk with Craig Mitchell who helped clarify it a bit.

The evening show was delayed again which kept the delegates waiting in the foyer before we we allowed into for the three hour show without air conditioning. Now THAT harkened back to the olden days of theater when there was no A/C. Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee compered the show that featured Yan Yan Ma, Michael Moschen, Otto Wessley, lLee Eun Gyeol, Cyril Takayama, Henry Evans, Marco Tempest, Vito Lup and Franz Harary. Another strong line-up that would have been better appreciated had it started earlier (or at least on time) and not gone on well past midnight and into the late night session with David Berglas.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:02:11 - Curtains open, Juan Mayoral sits on a chair, removes his top hat, puts hie magic wand in the hat, then rises to speak to the audience and say that he did not feel comfortable performing in "this TV show: and he refuses to perform at FISM until :magic and FISM returns to the theater.:

00:04:46- Dal Sanders, past National President for the S.A.M.

00:11:04 - Craig Mitchell and Dal Sanders

00:18:48 - Kate Medvedeva, head judge for close-up at FISM

00:35:17 - Bruce Gold

00:52:29 - Andrew Basso, the "Escapist" from "The illusionists" touring group

231: FISM Italy - Prelude

The 26th World Championships of Magic is about to get underway...tomorrow. But first, let's learn a little about FISM and how it's judged and more about the point system and more, plus hear from a few friends I met while waiting to check in at the registration desk.