I had a great time performing last night at Dr. Presto’s Magic Mansion. Part of the fun was watching two magicians whom I’ve never seen before. One of them was Lisa Cousins, who is a magic historian. She demonstrated some really cool antique magic props from Abbott’s Magic Company.

Abbott’s Magic Co. was founded in 1933 by Percy Abbott, a former business partner of the great Harry Blackstone Sr. The magic company manufactured and sold apparatus to amateur and professional magicians, and by 1944 had the largest mail-order catalog in magic. The company is still around today, and even hosts an annual convention in Colon, Michigan.

It was a real treat seeing a few of the old effects (lead paint and all), being used in front of an audience.

This Sunday I’ll be performing at the “Dr. Presto’s Magic Mansion” show in Hollywood. It’s a rare chance to see me working on some brand-new magic in front of a LIVE audience!

Those who know me know that I don’t do a lot of comedy club/lounge shows… but I know the host, Erik Tait, and he’s a fun guy to perform with. The show starts at 9pm at the Three Clubs Cocktail Lounge on Vine. There’s no cover charge and it should be a pretty killer show.

Swing by if you can make it!

Whoo Hoo!

After many long hours of editing, I’ve finally uploaded my new demo video for my magic shows. Most of the footage was filmed at various private events and company parties. I’ve also included footage from the Magic Castle and a few of my TV appearances as well!

I hope you like it!

Chris Kenner has one of the best minds in magic. He’s insanely creative and has been David Copperfield’s main creative partner for over 20 years. Most of Chris Kenner’s magic requires incredible skill, but last month Chris released a very cool magic trick that anyone can do.

The Rising Card App (available at the App Store for $2.99) is a really simple, clever effect:

Ask your friend to name ANY CARD.
Open the Rising Card App and a photo will appear with a deck of cards.
Have your friend shake the iPhone… and their thought-of card will magically RISE up out of the deck!

Pretty cool, huh?

It can really be ANY card. The secret requires no memory techniques, no sleight-of-hand, and no voice-recognition tech. All you need is an iPhone.

If this kinda thing sounds like fun to you, I suggest you get it. While it certainly isn’t the kind of thing I’d put into my professional magic show… three bucks is a small price to pay to fool your friends at the bar.

Wow… it’s been a really busy summer.

I’ve been to Ireland, Switzerland, San Diego and Seattle… and I’m finally spending an entire month in Los Angeles. (yay!!!)

I love seeing the world, but it’s nice to finally be spending a solid month in town. I’ve got so many things to do. I’m looking to buy a home, I’m marketing my shows for December holiday parties, and I’m trying to launch another website. Now I’ll finally have the time to tackle them.

I only perform table-side magic at the Warehouse Restaurant during the summer, so this last Sunday brunch was my last day. It went really well. As usual, there were a few tables who had requested me by name before I arrived at 11:30am. I always love performing for regulars, so these tables were a great way to start the day.

I’ve got a video from my last day at the Warehouse coming soon. By the way, some people wonder why I have weekly restaurant gigs. There’s lots of reasons actually… and you can read them here.

The Warehouse is a cool spot with a great staff. I’ll miss ‘em.

Summer is coming to an end, so this weekend is your last chance to enjoy my table-side magic at the Warehouse Restaurant in Marina del Rey. I’m there during Sunday Brunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

The Warehouse is right on the water and the patio has a magical view of the marina. It’s got a killer buffet, super-nice staff, and me. Btw, my magic isn’t the only thing that’s complimentary… you also get champagne!

I only perform at the Warehouse during the summers (busy season), and this Sunday is my last day there. So if you haven’t had a chance to come on down… this is it. Hope to see you there!