Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (October 2011)

[Dustin Stinett]

There has been so much focus on the challenges facing the Magic Castle that the good stuff thats going on there seems to be lost in the dust. I want to change that. So, starting now, I will be doing some semi-regular updates on the GOOD things happening at the Magic Castle.

My motivation for this is twofold: I love the Magic Castle and I want others to love it too. I hope that, by posting on an open forum like this one, that nonmembers might start seeing a benefit to joining the Academy of Magical Arts.

For me, there is an indelible link between the Magic Castle and Genii magazine (so by extension, the Genii Forums). I think its only right and proper that we look at the good stuff happening at the Castle here. So here we go

And the Winner is: Us!
The latest newsletter reports that Max Maven will be producing the next awards ceremony, which will be held on April 1, 2012. (No, this is NOT an April Fools joke.) It will be held at a new venue. Max is waiting until the deal is in place before announcing it, but he says we will be delighted.

The Magic Circus is Coming to Town!
Like many in my generation, Mark and Nani Wilsons Magic Circus was THE magic show to watch on TV when they aired in the early 1970s. This is well before Doug Henning and David Copperfield, and Mark proved to the suits at the networks that a primetime magic special could work.

Greg Wilson is working on Magic Circus Week, a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the shows, at the Castle. This will be the week of November 14 through the 20th. (BTW: DVDs of the shows are available at http://www.markwilsonmagic.com/.)

For Sale There:
The next Swap Meet is Saturday, October 15. Nonmembers are allowed to attend for a small entry fee.

Tricks and Treats:
The Castle is gearing up for Halloween. Keep in mind that costumes are welcome during the week of October 24 and become mandatory the on October 28 to 31. Other events include Freakshow Deluxe (10/14 thru 10/27), Non-Dining Houdini Sances for only $35 (10/24 thru 10/30), and costumes contests on the 28th, the 29th, and 31st. Najee Williams, the Castles excellent resident photographer will be available (and busy) for souvenir photos.

One Word Shimada:
Shimada will be performing both of his actshis classic dove and parasol actsone night only; one performance only, on November 8 at 7PM in the Palace of Mystery. Tickets are $20. It is not clear if nonmembers (having dinner, of course) are able to purchase tickets. Call the Castle (323-851-3313 ext. 434).

Current Performers Schedule:
http://www.magiccastle.com/schedule/
(Nonmembers have a look at the free to members lecture schedule at the bottom of the page to see what you are missing.)

[Richard Kaufman]

Great idea, Dustin!

And for those who haven't seen Shimada, GO see him perform both acts. They're terrific--the work of a master.

[JohnCox]

Here's a Castle lecture I'm really excited about:

http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2011/10 ... dinis.html

[Dustin Stinett]

The Magic Castle Schedule for the week of October 10:

The Close-Up Gallery
Hannibal
Mathieu Bich

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Francis Menotti
Chris Capehart

The Palace of Mystery
Tina Lenert
Mike Caveney
Jay Johnson

The Peller Project (Friday and Saturday)
Paul Draper
Brandon Scott

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Pop Haydn

Hat & Hare Lounge (Friday and Saturday)
Michael Gandinetti

Schedule is subject to change without notice

[Dustin Stinett]

Magic Castle Swap Meet Reminder!

Dont forget that the Castle Swap Meet is tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 9:00 am. Nonmembers are welcome for only $8 at the door. Its a fun way to shop, socialize, have a hot dog, and wander around the Magic Castle.

[Dustin Stinett]

The Magic Castle Schedule for the week of October 17:

The Close-Up Gallery
Suzanne
Jonathan Levit

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Dale Hindman
Dick Barry

The Palace of Mystery
Mark Kalin and Jinger

The Peller Project (Friday and Saturday)
Joe Skilton
Tom Ogden

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Mark Barger

Hat & Hare Lounge (Friday and Saturday)
The Jack

[size:8pt]Schedule is subject to change without notice[/size]

[Dustin Stinett]

Just in time for Halloween: On Sunday, October 30, the Castle is having its first Kids Brunch Harvest Festival. It will take place down in the Inner Circle starting at 11:00 am. Nonmembers are welcome (with a guest pass, of course).

Free attractions include a costume contest (with prizes), face painting, bobbing for apples, balloon animals, a crystal ball reader, and more.

What a great treat for your kids or grandkids!

[El Harvey Oswald]

The Jack -- very impressive

[Dustin Stinett]

Forgive my tardiness with this week's schedule of performers:

The Magic Castle Schedule for the week of October 24:

The Close-Up Gallery
Deadeye Dick (Rich Cowley)
Monday and Thursday (early) Rob Zabrecky
Andrew Goldenhersh

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Georges-Robert
Dave Cox

The Palace of Mystery
Bruce Block
Sophie Evans
Sylvester the Jester

The Peller Project (Friday and Saturday)
Carnevil with Greg Wilson

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
John Shryock

Hat & Hare Lounge (Friday and Saturday)
TommEE Pickles

[size:8pt]Schedule is subject to change without notice[/size]

[Rich Cowley]

Just one slight clarification: Rob Zabrecky is the regularly-scheduled performer in early close-up,while Deadeye is only filling in for him on Monday and Thursday.

[Dustin Stinett]

Sorry about that Rich--err Deadeye; thanks for the clarification.

[Dustin Stinett]

A quick reminder that this week's schedule carries over onto Monday (Halloween). Next week's schedule starts on November 1st.

[Steve Bryant]

Love to read a review of Milt's new act.

[Dustin Stinett]

I won't make it up there this week, but I have my spies at the ready! (And, as you'll read in my November post regarding "Milt Larsen's new act": It's "a name and a phrase I never thought would collide in the same sentence.")

[Jeff Pierce Magic]

Does anyone have contact info for Bill Goodwin at the Castle Library?

Jeff Pierce

[Dustin Stinett]

Just PM'd you

[Jeff Pierce Magic]

Got it, thanks.

Jeff

[Brandon Hall]

Fire?

[Randolph G]

Fire?

Just heard about this as well, can't find to much info on it at the moment, guess we'll have to wait...

[Mark Paulson]

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/m ... e-20111031

Not a lot here, but they say it was "Inferno Week" at the Magic Castle.

[Richard Kaufman]

Yes, a fire on the third floor. Water damage below that. Castle closed for Halloween night. We'll hear more in the coming days.

[Dustin Stinett]

October is behind us. Here's the Novemeber report:

http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubb ... ber=255226