561: Chris Pilsworth - A Canadian Conjurer with a Cactus

Chris Pilsworth is not a name that is on the tip of the tongue for most magicians. He quietly performs professionally for corporations across Canada with the occasional outdoor busking, too. But he is noted for his creative ideas and consulting with magicians from Las Vegas to London and even for television in China. His approach to magic is passion and commitment with new ideas popping up all the time. If you don’t already know Chris, then you will make a new friend after hearing this week’s episode.

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560: Chris Randall - From Fremont Street to FISM

Chris Randall has done his time performing on the streets, in the casino showrooms, on television, on touring road shows, winning contests and more. Along the way he was coached by Vito Lupo, Joanie spna and others to finely hone his award winning act. All of this experience, practice and performance led up to his ultimate goal…competing at the triennial championships of magic…the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (F.I.S.M.).

In this episode, Chris talks about his long road from the streets of Las Vegas to the F.I.S.M. stage in Busan, South Korea in 2018. More importantly, he divulges personal and emotional insight into his preparation and disappointment that led to his nervous breakdown.

Chris is a World Champion magician. One of his specialties is manipulation. Chris wanted a new video that showcased his award winning manipulation act. He has taken classic magic tricks and remixed them to give them an updated feel. This video was edited together to garner new work in cabarets throughout Europe as well as variety shows on the Las Vegas Strip.

This episode opens with a one minute replay of our chat eight years ago when Chris shared his dreams and five year plan of where he wanted to be…and not be. During our ensuing discussion this week, Chris doesn’t hold back the details of a story that has never been released. This episode scoops the printed version of Chris’s story with more details than may later see publication.

559: John Sturk - The Sturking Hour

Magicians are often confused with being a “musician” when we tell people what we do. In the case of this week’s guest, John Sturk, both monikers are equally correct. John is a stage and street performer as well as a jazz organist. This week, John talks about performing on stage and on the streets of Colon, Michigan during the annual “busker contest” held during Abbott’s Get Together, Then in the evening, he plays the organ in the high school gym for the wonderful evening shows. Few other magic conventions offer live music in the evening shows which is, in part, what makes Abbott’s unique.

But John is also the National Second Vice President of the Society of American Magicians. As he moves “up the ladder” to National President, he gives some advice this week for clubs to grow and become stronger. John was involved with the Chicago Magic Lounge and gives us a little insight and update on the popular nightclub. And he is currently providing content on his Facebook page with a weekly broadcast of the “Sturking Hour” where he plays a little music, interacts with special guests and answers questions in real time as well as taking phone calls like a regular radio chat show.

Welcome to Darkstone's Picks LIVE recorded on 23 May 2020. Special Guest - John Sturk John Sturk is from Chicago,USA. He is a Magician & Musician.

This week John Sturk chats with Scott about magic around Chicago, performing with his jazz trio in improv clubs, performing magic on the streets, building interest and membership in your local magic club, and more.

Thank you everyone for entering the contest. And even if your name wasn’t selected, you will still receive a “special offer” from Jonathan Levit, just for entering the contest. Fair notice to be sure to enter all future contests! You never know what… — Thank you everyone for entering the contest. And even if your name wasn’t selected, you will still receive a “special offer” from Jonathan Levit, just for entering the contest. Fair notice to be sure to enter all future contests! You never know what you might receive!

561: Chris Pilsworth - A Canadian Conjurer with a Cactus

560: Chris Randall - From Fremont Street to FISM

559: John Sturk - The Sturking Hour

The Magic Word