Joe is one of the top full-time professional magicians in Los Angeles. This blog features amazing magic tricks, cool news, and an insider's view of the secretive world of professional magicians.
Visit www.JoeSkilton.com to learn how Joe can make your next event a MAGICAL success!
I performed my strolling magic at a beautiful wedding reception last weekend. The wedding was held at Calamigos Ranch, in Malibu, CA. It was rustic, but elegant.
While the newlyweds were busy with the photographers, I kept all of the guests entertained in the reception area. Once the newlyweds arrived, I performed a short, romantically-themed piece for them with the videographer. I can’t wait to see the video footage. It should be great!
Wedding receptions are only a tiny part of my overall business, but I really enjoy entertaining at them. I even created a web page just about them. You can see it at www.Reception-Magic.com.

Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Also on the bill were magicians Bill Goodwin, Jon Armstrong, Chipper Lowell, Chris Hart, and actor/comedian Larry Miller. It was my first time working with Chipper Lowell… and he was great. His stage persona is completely wacky… but behind the scenes he’s a total pro. Also nice to meet Mr. Miller. I’m a big fan of his work.
All in all it was a fun experience. The guests at the fundraiser had a terrific time! They told the organizer that it was the best fundraiser the organization had ever had!
I can only take about 1/6th of the credit… but that’s good enough for me. :-)
Sometimes I really LOVE living in Los Angeles.
I did a really fun strolling magic show at a crazy house party in B.H. last night. The food was awesome, the DJ was great, and everyone at the party was under 40.
Usually, when I’m hired to perform strolling magic, it is for a company event or a large family gathering. These events are lots of fun, but they tend to be pretty formal. So when I do a party where the bikinis outnumber the sport coats, it’s pretty cool.
Tony, the party organizer, got great feedback from the guests about my magic. They loved my magic so much they hired me for another hour on the spot. Thanks again, Tony.
Sorry there’s no photo, but privacy can be very important to some my customers.

View of the Marina from the Warehouse
It’s a VERY small break, FYI. My first show is this Sunday afternoon at The Warehouse Restaurant in Marina del Rey. I’ll be performing my table-side strolling magic from 11am to 2pm. It’s Mother’s Day… so the restaurant should be INSANELY busy.
If you’d like to see me there… I’d suggest coming on another Sunday during the summer. Mother’s Day is crazy, but I’m looking forward to the chaos and the challenge.
After five weeks of magic shows in Boise, I’m looking forward to returning to Los Angeles next week!
It’s been a great month: I’ve improved and polished my 45-minute show to the point where it SHINES! I’ve also added new stuff to my show that make it better than ever. Doing my show 12 times a week all month has been a terrific learning experience.
Although it’s been tough being away from my wife and friends for so long, I’m really grateful to have enjoyed such a productive and valuable artistic growing experience. Also, the audiences in Boise have been some of the best I’ve ever had. My shows sold at 85% occupancy and were a huge hit!
To everyone in L.A., SEE YOU SOON!
There’s a lot that goes into a great magic show. You need a great magician, a great setting, and a great audience. The audiences up here in Boise have been some of the best I’ve ever had!
I’ve been doing two 45-minute close-up magic shows per night since I’ve arrived, and things are really hitting high gear. I’ve put in some new material, and polished my older material to a brand-new shine.
Sorry I haven’t blogged too much lately. These shows are hard work!
I love doing my magic shows in a top-notch venue!

Dining Chamber Ceiling

Working on my magic show... hours before it starts!
Here’s some photos I’ve taken from Mystique, where I’m performing my 45-minute after-dinner magic show six nights a week. My show takes place in a private dining chamber specially built for close-up magic.
It’s a terrific venue… and they really spared no expense putting it together. Tickets are selling like crazy!

Entrance to my Close-up Magic Show

Inside the Private Dining Chamber

My View During The Show
A lot of people swung by Teru Sushi last night to say goodbye. Many of my favorite regulars were there, and we had a blast.
I had planned on doing some brand-new magic tricks, but almost everybody wanted to see their old favorites. It was cool.
The staff and management at Teru Sushi were wonderful as always. I really love those guys.

Teru Sushi - Studio City
I sent out an email to everyone on my email list about this Friday at Teru Sushi. I’ve already had a few people tell me they plan to make reservations.
It’s always a busy crowd on Friday nights… but I’m extra excited to be performing my strolling magic for the regulars I’ve gotten to know over the last year. I’m hoping to see my favorites.