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.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

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.

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 2017 Magic Calendar and help support The Magic Word Podcast.

172: Part 5 - My Week at The Castle 2014

In this final installment from My Week at The Castle, we wrap up by giving blood...literally. The Magic Castle became "Castle Dracula" (my own moniker) where you left your blood. It was the first Red Cross blood donation drive at The Magic Castle. This was spurred by Paul Green who has been experiencing health issues that frequently require blood transfusions. I just came in for lunch but got so much more by giving back a little of myself. There were 31 people who gave the gift of life. Please consider donating in your community. The life you save may be someone you love.

While at the Castle this day, I ran into and chatted with Irene Larsen, matriarch of the Magic Castle and the International Ambassador of The Magic Castle. After lunch, I went next door to talk with Dale Hindman, Executive Director of Milt Larsen Enterprises, who helped unravel the mystery (to me) of the difference between the Academy of Magical Arts and the Magic Castle.

Back at the Castle after my last show of the evening, I sat down with President Bill Clinton impersonator and magician, Tim Smallwood. He has a unique act and character that takes him across the country where he performs magic and makes guest "celebrity" appearances. Later that evening I ran into Ray Kosby, former member of The Magic Castle Juniors, who talks about that organization and the early years. And to wrap up the night and this podcast, Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about their new show and lives together.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:32 - Fellow corporate entertainer, Paul Green, is still experiencing some exhaustion due to his illness, but it doesn't deter his positive attitude. He is an obvious advocate of donating blood and organs plus t importance of giving your time to your community.

00:08:1 - Irene Larsen, The Magic Castle Ambassador, talks about some of the interesting people she has met and some of her memorable magic conventions she has attended.

00:12:18 - Dale Hindman, Executive Director for Milt Larsen Enterprises, talks about the full length feature film that is currently in production; licensing "The Magic Castle" brand; how to donate magic to The Magic Castle; the musical "Pizzazz"; the future of"It's Magic" shows; the succession of Castle Board and Director members; and, more.

00:20:49 - Tim Smallwood has been a magician for a long time, but once President Bill Clinton came into the public life, Tim's life changed. He has a resemblance to the President which propelled him in a completely different direction and opportunities for him to perform and meet new clients. However, it didn't just happen overnight. He pursued it with agents plus he tells and interesting story about "nearly" meeting the real President. But his comedy magic shows take him all across the country where he performs straight magic followed by a patriotic conclusion as a magical Bill Clinton.

00:28:53 - Ray Kosby, former member of the Magic Castle Juniors Society, talks about how he got into the group and how he moved from stage to close-up. He also talks about some of the Long Beach Mystics who were part of the Juniors Society. He also talks about the first trick that got him "hooked" in magic...the Red Snapper. He also talks about and recommends books for magic neophytes. He also talks about some of the tricks he has published over the years.

00:42:45 - Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about the "new" direction his act has taken and how West is incorporated in the performance. West also tells a story about how Jonathan protected her by inserting himself into a dangerous situation and defending her from harm, thus exemplifying Jonathan's true loving and protective nature.

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. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.