841: Benjamin Barnes - Talented Booker

Benjamin Barnes is the Director of Entertainment for the Chicago Magic Lounge. Prior to that, Ben booked the talent for Magic Chicago. He has a broad knowledge and database of talented performers from around the world. He regularly performs at the Magic Castle and has been on Masters of Illusion TV show and three times on Penn & Teller Fool Us. He is multi-talented as a professional close-up and stand-up (parlor) performer.

In this week’s episode, Benjamin tells us what he looks for when booking talent for the Chicago Magic Lounge. He has some specific needs and demands, so if you are interested in getting booked there, perhaps you should heed some of the advice he offers here. If you are not a professional performer or have no interest in getting booked there, it is still interesting to learn what a talent director is looking for and what it takes to be an act that qualifies for performing in this elite venue.

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It is not too late to register for the I.B.M. 2024 international convention that starts next week, July 10-13. For more information and to register for the convention, please visit: https://ibmconvention.com/

572: John-Ivan Palmer on "Master of Deception" - The Search for Jack Pyle

Looking for a book to read while under lockdown? How about enjoying the travels and travails of John-Ivan Palmer, son of the late “Master of Deception”, Jack Pyle. In this book, John (aka Jack Junior) reminisces about the post World War II days in the back of the car as they pulled their trailer back and forth across the country in search of the next gig. John talks about the many colorful characters who performed with his late father, Jack Pyle, and his adventures moving from one new school to another.

But the underlying theme of this book “Master of Deception” is John’s search for understanding his father’s undying love and passion of magic. Jack gained some level of fame (however you might describe that word) after being in several newspapers, appearing on television, in a cover article of TOPS Magazine, but most importantly, “earning his bones” on the road by traveling great distances just to keep his family alive and his passion intact.

Jack Pyle performs card magic on The Magic Palace.. Have more informaiton about this clip? Please let us know. — Jack Pyle performs card magic on *The Magic Palace*.. Have more informaiton about this clip? Please let us know.

Jack Pyle performs Cups and Balls on The Magic Palace. — Jack Pyle performs Cups and Balls on *The Magic Palace*.

Ultimately Jack ended his final years in the Chicago land area and communing with friends like Ed Marlo and others in the Chicago Magic Roundtable. He performed in the Magic Castle and later in life found success as a trade show magician during the heydays with Dick Ryan and others. If you would like to take a peek at a “life on the road” from the perspective of a traveling magician of the 1940’s and 50’s era, then you may want to check out this book.

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 or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

331: Mike Pisciotta - Magic Castle Mixologist and Mystifier

Mike Pisciotta defeated all odds and stiff competition to win the "Close-Up Magician of the Year" from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle). He regularly performs in the Hat and Hare Pub in the "dungeon" of the Castle where he mixes drinks and magic in equal measure. But from time to time, he also performs new material in the Close-Up Gallery.

I recognize that Mike may not be as well-known to the international magic community as he rarely travels or performs outside of Los Angeles, except for his recent Texas lecture tour. But this is one of magic's "jewels" who you need to meet and know.

Esquire Channel's Best Bars in America Episode on LA Speakeasies Featuring The Magic Castle with a special erformance by Mike Pisciotta.

Time Stamps for this podcast:

00:02:11 - Mike Pisciotta talks about his surprise as being nominated for the AMA award and his further surprise win, his move from Colorado to Los Angeles and how he took over as the bar magician at the Castle, his inspirations to do bar magic, working with drunks at the bar, developing his act, his creative process, tips on getting TIPS, and more.

00:51:40 -Christopher Talbat's "Bowled Over" is a bowling ball production from a gift bag. A wonderful effect for birthday parties, parlor or stage. Recommended.

00:55:35 - Chris Philpott's "The End of My Rope Trick" is a great cut-and-restored rope trick that can be done impromptu or with gimmicks. This DVD teaches you how to do it both ways plus use other items like wire, string, crepe paper streamer, and even a string of pearls. Recommended.

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