So we saw Lance Burton’s show on Wednesday.

The fact that we’re both full-time professional magicians means that we can be a pretty jaded audience. I mean seriously, we’re a VERY critical audience.

But what can I say… Lance Burton was the best large-scale magic show I’ve ever seen! I loved it. I really, really loved it.

Lance Burton was charming, he connected with his audience, and he didn’t let the tricks outshine his personality. And the tricks fooled me! I can’t tell you how rare it is to get fooled by magic. Being amazed is a wonderful experience, and it is one I don’t get to feel too often anymore.

The audience loved him, too. While waiting for my friend at the restrooms, I heard people talking, and all agreed he was well worth the ticket price.

Lance Burton is a true master magician, and I’m really glad I got to see him at the Monte Carlo before his show closes. His last show is Sept. 4th, 2010. Go there while you still can!

After seeing Arian Black, Bruce Gold, and Penn & Teller & Shaq, Lou and I have tickets to see Master Magician Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo.

Lance is consistently rated the best magic show in Las Vegas. Most of my magician friends are shocked when they hear I’ve never seen his show.

However, before we get to the show, we’re going to check out the pool at the Hard Rock Hotel. I really love staying at this place.

Didn’t think I’d be making another post today, but Arian, Bruce, Lou and I went off to the Rio after Arian’s show to check out Penn & Teller.

Penn & Teller are one of the greatest magic acts around, and I really, really love their thinking.

They filmed a segment on stage with Shaq (the basketball star). Shaq tried his best to perform magic. Magic is a lot tougher to do than most people think, as Shaq discovered.

He did a great job though. He seems like a truly nice guy. Plus… he’s really, really tall in person.

My friend (and fellow magician) Lou and I are heading up to Las Vegas tomorrow to play some blackjack, have a few Manhattans, and enjoy some great magic shows.

First on the list is Secrets, starring Arian Black, at the Westin Hotel and Casino, one block off of the Strip. I saw Arian perform at the Magic Castle about a year ago, and I’m really looking forward to enjoying her full show.

Bruce Gold, who I am proud to call a friend, performs stand-up comedy in the show as well. Bruce is more than a great comedian, he’s also acted as a magic consultant to famous magicians all over the world.

Man… I have cool friends!

My friend and fellow magician Matt Marcy is performing his show, Disillusioned, every Friday and Saturday night until June 19th.

Disillusioned is more than a typical “magic show” (although there IS magic in it). It’s an autobiographical look at the artistic and internal conflicts of magician trying to find his place, and himself, in the art of magic.

It’s a great show. My wife has seen it twice. And that REALLY says something. ;-)

Check it out here.

The Magic Castle has a great lineup this week, and I’ll be be there tonight with my friends. We’ll share some new magic tricks, and check out a few of the shows.

I’m especially looking forward to catching Helder Guimaraes, an extremely talented magician from Portugal. He’s a great guy with amazing chops.

I love watching a great magic show. And after spending the last 5 weeks on the road performing my close-up magic show, I’m looking forward to being in the audience for once!

Two weeks ago we finally got my theatrical poster. I’m still getting used to it! To be honest… it’s a bit strange to see your face blown up so large. Oh well… I really can’t complain!

At least now the guests will know more about the magician they’re going to see.

The text reads:
Joe Skilton is an award-winning magician living in Los Angeles. His magic has been seen on Spike TV, The Learning Channel, and the prime-time TV series “Masters of Illusion.” Joe is a frequent entertainer at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. His other clients include Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood celebrities, and event planners nationwide.

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!

I’m up in Boise getting ready for my first magic shows at Mystique. We’ve sold over $1,300 worth of tickets just this morning… So it’s shaping up to be a big hit!

This venue looks amazing! No expense was spared, and it shows. I’ll upload some pics once I get settled.

Check out this video where I discuss my last night performing strolling magic at Teru Sushi, my upcoming magic show at Mystique Dining, and my return to The Magic Castle!