Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (September 2012)

[Dustin Stinett]

No Laboring on Labor Day

The Magic Castle is closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of Labor Day.

One More Shot at the Boys

Okay, its three more shots err shows, but one more night to catch An Evening with Guimares and DelGaudio on Tuesday, September 4 at 8:30, 10, and 11:15 PM in the Peller Theatre. No tickets: first come, first served (and no overnight camping).

Translation: I be likin football!*

Football season kicks off again on September 5 (Wednesdayand there will be some inexpensive Mexican food on handMmmm!!!) and Monday Night Football starts on September 17 (all events start at 5:30 PM).

[size:8pt](*Trivia Contest: The first person who can correctly email me with who said thisand who he was translating forwill win a sealed copy of the 2011 Magic Castle Awards Show Program. Contest ends September 30. dustin13@cox.net)[/size]

Calling All Cheapskates

David Regal will be presenting Part 2 of his Member Perk Amazing Effects That Cost (Almost) Nothing on September 12 at 8 PM in the Peller Theatre.

Gone Fishin

On July 18 through 20, an episode of the Animal Planet show Tanked was shot at the Magic Castle. A fish tank with a Houdini Water Torture Cell theme was installed in the Inner Circle. The episode is scheduled to air on September 15 on the cable network. Check your local listings for times!

Im Not Clever Enough to Avoid the Alliteration

Max Mavens Magician Member Meet-Up will be on September 19 starting at 8 PM in the Inner Circle. Expect the unexpected. (I apparently cannot avoid the clich either.) No-host dinner starts at 6 PM in the Dante Room. Space there is limited, so contact Erin Chick for reservations.

And Speaking of Dinner and Cheapskates

The Member Pin Dinner Specials for September are:

September 4 & 5: Honey Chipotle Glazed Chicken, Creamed Corn, and Whipped Potatoes

September 10, 11, & 12: Linguini with Clam Sauce

September 17, 18, & 19: Carne Asada Quesadilla with Salsa and Guacamole

September 24, 25, & 26: Thyme Roasted Turkey, Wild Rice Pilaf, and Cranberry Sauce

Catch Some Z

A Night of Sances with Rob Zabrecky, otherwise known as the Non-Dining Houdini Sances, will take place on September 20 (with a fourth sance added) at 6, 8, 9:45, and 11 PM. Parties of 4 to 12 can attend one of these terrific events for only $35 per person (and another $5 will get you a cool Houdini commemorative coin). Contact Ben Roman at (323) 851-3313 x434 for information and reservations.

(And speaking of Rob, he can be seen performing his show A Night of Zabrecky at the Steve Allen Theater on September 5 and October 10.
Go to http://trepanyhouse.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=491329 for information and tickets.)

This is Your Brain on Technology

Paul Gertner will be presenting his one-man show Braindrops: Mindreading, Magic & iPads on September 24 and 25 in the Peller Theatre. Tickets are $20 ($15 for standing room). Showtime for the one-hour show is 8:00 PM on both nights. Space is limited. Contact Ben Roman for information and tickets.

Cattle Call for Kids (there he goes with the alliteration again)

Are you or do you know a talented youngster age 13 to 20 with what it takes to become a Magic Castle Junior? Auditions for this most prestigious and successful youth organization are on September 29 with sign-ups starting at 1 PM. For further information contact Robert Dorian at rodor1@earthlink.net.

Save the Date

The next swap meet will be on October 13.

Get Schooled by Some of the Best

Septembers Lecture Schedule:

September 2: Jamy Ian Swiss
September 9: Steve Reynolds
September 16: Richard Turner
September 23: Sandy Marshall
September 30: Fernando Keops

(Barring the unforeseen, all lectures start at 3 PM in the Parlour of Prestidigitation and are subject to change.)

Current Performers Schedule:
http://www.magiccastle.com/schedule/

[Pete Biro]

I heard Neal Patrick Harris will be directing and producing Helder and Derek at the Geffen Theater. WOW... IS THAT GOOD NEWS, OR WHAT.

[Dustin Stinett]

Is it just me, or is the planet spinning faster and faster on its axis? Sorry for the delay, but heres the Magic Castles schedule for the remainder of the week of September 3:

The Close-Up Gallery
Steve Reynolds
Johnny Ace Palmer

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Tim Shoesmith
Micke Askernas

The Palace of Mystery
Chris Mitchell
Dale Salwak
Yuji Yamamoto & Mariko

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Tom Frank

The Peller Project (Friday Saturday)
Bruce Gold
Dave Cox
(aka the Evil Twins)

Friday Lunch
Steve Reynolds

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Al Lampkin

Sunday Lecture
(9/9) Steve Reynolds


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

[Magic Randy]

I heard Neal Patrick Harris will be directing and producing Helder and Derek at the Geffen Theater. WOW... IS THAT GOOD NEWS, OR WHAT.

Great news. Any idea on when?

[Dustin Stinett]

For your Dining and Astonishment Pleasure: The Magic Castles schedule for the week of September 10:

The Close-Up Gallery
Tom Craven
Carroll Baker

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Aye Jaye and Z
Thom Peterson

The Palace of Mystery
Jonathan Pendragon

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Chef Anton

The Peller Project (Friday Saturday)
Brent Arthur James Geris
Tomas Medina

Friday Lunch
Tom Craven

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Lisa Cousins

Sunday Lecture
(9/16) Richard Turner


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

[R.E.Byrnes]

Make a point of seeing Jonathan Pendragon in the Palace: Arguably the greatest illusionist of his generation doing illusions again, with well-constructed theatrical elements that reflect his distinctly earnest, mirthful, candid, and inquisitive character.

[Richard Kaufman]

You'll see him do that act at the Genii Convention.

[Don Hendrix]

Is Libby Larsen still assisting Jonathan?

[Richard Kaufman]

Yes. He has several assistants.

[Pete Biro]

Saw JP last night... this is the greatest NEW PENDRAGON... strong, magical, intellectual, witty and a fooler. His three co-performers all ROCK big time. So glad to have seen this amazing performance.

[Dustin Stinett]

For your Dining and Astonishment Pleasure: The Magic Castles schedule for the week of September 17:

The Close-Up Gallery
Richard Turner
Dan Fleshman

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Doug Gorman
Mark Shortland

The Palace of Mystery
Thom Peterson
Mystina
Hans Davis

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
David Gabbay

The Peller Project (Friday Saturday)
Joe Skilton
Lou Serrano

Friday Lunch
Richard Turner

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Eddie Madrano

Sunday Lecture
(9/23) Sandy Marshall


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

[Dustin Stinett]

This is just a quick reminder that Max Maven's Member Meet-Up is Wednesday (tomorrow or today depending on when you read this). I'll be around, so please introduce yourself. I'm hard to miss!

Dustin

[R.E.Byrnes]

As usual, Richard Turner absolutely kills in the Close-Up Room -- without little stories, without inane Fitzkee adornments, and basically without fretting over "emotional connections" to the effects, etc.; just a brute display of long-cultivated skill and excellence. Lay people audibly gasp when he's just doing a slow, beautiful table faro. When they start figuring out that his eyesight isn't quite 20/20, they are overwhelmed in a singular way. And maybe he's the singular exception that proves the rule. Who would follow him with a gambling demonstration *not* overlaid with story and emotional hooks? Anyway, as Bryan the host said in introducing him: For the next 20-30 minutes, there's no better place in the world to be dazzled.

[Dustin Stinett]

When they start figuring out that his eyesight isn't quite 20/20, they are overwhelmed in a singular way.

I don't think it's a stretch to say that this is, in fact, an emotional response.

[El Harvey Oswald]

Perhaps so; interesting point. It manifests differently, at different times among performances. I think you're right. I'd give anything to have the experience of going in, not knowing, and having the sensation of recognizing he lacks what I would have assumed to be an ability/sense indispensable to doing what he does. As you suggest, if that's not an "emotional reaction," what is? You get a bit of it walking out with first-time spectators as they put it together.

[Dustin Stinett]

The Member Meet-Up was a wonderful affair last night. I do wish I could attend them all [sigh].

Max Maven is the consummate host and besides keeping things moving along, he served up a fine effect that is not technically taxing and opens all kinds of presentational doors.

Castle Librarian shared a fine JK Hartman effect that is, of course, available in one of Hartman's many books in the library.

Jack Goldfinger, Rob Zabrecky, and Jack Lovick filled us in on the MANY upcoming events and perks including the official announcement that Harry Anderson will be celebrating his 60th birthday at the Magic Castle. Of all the Gin Joints in all the world that he could have picked to do that, he chooses ours. There will be some private and semi-private performances (members ONLY will have the opportunity to acquire free passes) and he will also be lecturing for members! Stay tuned for details in the October Newsletter (and Ill share what I can here).

Without a doubt, the highlight of the night was a showing of a video Siegfried & Roys first ever television appearance. Boy, I forgot just how good Siegfried was with his Dove Act. Even though most of the folks at the Meet-Up had never seen it before, it IS available on YouTube and I will paste the link at the close of this, which is coming in just a moment.

I just want to say that last night reminded me of what I love the most about the Magic Castle. I didnt see a single show, but I was there until well after midnight talking with friends, listening (mostly), learning, and thinking about how fortunate we are to have such a great place to gather, listen, and learn.

Now, please to enjoy Siegfried & Roy from the Lido de Paris in 1968:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbDMvLj9csw

[Dustin Stinett]

The Magic Castles schedule for the week of September 24:

The Close-Up Gallery
Scott Hollingsworth
Fernando Keops

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Ben Seidman
Robert Dorian

The Palace of Mystery
Bruce Gold
Sebastian Kraine
Christopher Hart

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Bob Jardine

The Peller Project (Friday Saturday)
"McMaster & Mad
Mystery and Mayhem"

Friday Lunch
Scott Hollingsworth

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Bill Perron

Sunday Lecture
(9/30) Fernando Keops


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