646: Johnny Kats - Man About Town

More than a reporter, Johnny “Kats” Katsilometes chronicles history in the making with his regular newspaper and online columns covering entertainment in Las Vegas. His many insightful observations has made him an integral part of that entertainment scene. And since magic is part of that world, Johnny covers it all from the small bars to the mega-casino shows where conjurors congregate. He loves magic and magicians. Some of you may remember that he was one of the guest “roasters” at the Mac King Roast at the S.A.M. Magic Convention in Las Vegas in January 2020. You can read his daily columns in the Las Vegas Review-Journal or catch him online with their digital edition, too. As he says, “I’m on page 3-A everyday and online all the time.” If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and want to know what’s happening, be sure to check out his column before you go.

Recording our conversation was delayed by a day because of a scheduling conflict with another guest for his column. I was bumped by famed guitarist, Carlos Santana (see picture above.) But when we finally got together in the home of Murray Sawchuck, Johnny talked about some of what has been happening in Las Vegas as the ever-evolving scene changes and the baton seems to be passing from Cirque du Soliel shows to AGT (America’s Got Talent) stars on the Strip. He also gave some advice on what shows he recommends seeing when you travel to Vegas.

If you have current magic news that might be of interest to our listeners, then please send it to Scott Wells at scott@themagicwordpodcast.com

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National Magic week is traditionally the last 7 days of October (October 25th-31st). The purpose of National Magic Week is to celebrate the charitable work done by the S.A.M, S.A.M. Assemblies and S.A.M. members throughout the year. For more informa… — National Magic week is traditionally the last 7 days of October (October 25th-31st). The purpose of National Magic Week is to celebrate the charitable work done by the S.A.M, S.A.M. Assemblies and S.A.M. members throughout the year. For more information on promoting yourself and/or your magic club, please visit the S.A.M. website by Clicking Here.

614: Rob Lake - A Pool of Knowledge

Great things come from the Midwest. Sometimes, great BIG things, like stage illusionist, Rob Lake. Following his inspiration of Doug Henning and his mentorship of Kirby VanBurch, Rob has taken his stage illusion show across the country and indeed, around the world having performing in casinos, arenas and theatres in London, Japan, the Bahamas and from coast to coast in the U.S. This week Rob talks about his incredible journey while paying tribute to those who got him to where he is today with a look at where he hopes to go in the future.

This week’s podcast episode on YouTube. Please subscribe to our channel while you are there.

This was the video screen production on America’s Got Talent [sic] that was discussed on the podcast.

In this week’s episode, Rob Lake talks about how he almost “blew off” performing on America’s Got Talent [sic] and a (now funny) anecdote about Joe Exotic (The Tiger King) who used his name and nearly ruined Rob’s reputation. He also discusses his performances abroad and what it takes to transport such a large illusion show across the country.

358: Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly

Winner of Season 9 of "America's Got Talent [sic]" (AGT). Mat Franco has a successful show on the Las Vegas Strip for the past year and a half in the newly remodeled Linq Casino and Hotel, which was the former Imperial Palace. His show is unlike any other on the Strip and pulls from many of the popular tricks he performed on AGT. The name of his show "Magic Reinvented Nightly" is the perfect title because, without giving away any surprises, every show is different but...oh, darn it, I really can't say any more. But I do recommend the show. It is done with pure skill and personality. The focus is not on the props, dancers or music but focused on the performer himself. And he is riding high on the success of his TV appearances. I know that his show will have "legs" and should remain popular for many years to come.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:04:50 - Mat Franco talks a lot about his experience on America's Got Talent [sic] television show. He obviously had a completely different experience than all the other magicians who preceded him. We also chat about his new show at the Linq Hotel and Casino (which is owned by Caesar's). He also tells about his years performing on the college circuit, his early inspirations, trick selection, timing, nervousness, developing his character, bad decisions along the way, creating his vision of the show, and more.

01:12:46 - Product review of "Matrix Pad Reloaded" by Richard Griffin. Effect: a Post-It notepad is shown. Four spots are drawn in each corner of the pad with a Sharpie. One by one with a rub of the finger, the spots visibly assemble to one corner. The top sheet can be peeled off and given to a spectator. Highly recommended.

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646: Johnny Kats - Man About Town

614: Rob Lake - A Pool of Knowledge

358: Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly

The Magic Word