Page 1 of 1

Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 1st, 2013, 12:56 am
by Dustin Stinett
Happy New Year from the Magic Castle!

And They Said it Wouldnt Last

The Magic Castle turns 50 years old on January 2, 2013, and its party time Magic Castle Style!

First is Founders Day on the 2nd starting with cocktails at 4:30. The menu will have selections from the menus of the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s. Steve Valentine will host a special proclamation by the city to the Castle. And Milt Larsen will be performing in the Palace assisted by Liberty Larsen.

There will be continuing festivities on the third and fourth and, to top things off, on the 6th, for one night only, Goldfinger and Dove will perform in the Palace for the first time since Jack became the Entertainment Director. Its a special week indeed!

More Learnin in 2013

The first monthly series of lectures for the New Year features card man Karl Hein on 1/6. Jim Steinmeyer will deliver some awful advice on 1/13. On the 20th, Tom Ogden will take you out to sea with his lecture on working cruise ships. And Jay Scott Berry will finish off the month on 1/27 by sharing his very clever thinking.

Meet Up With Mark

The January Member Meet-Up is on the 16th and will be hosted by Mark Wilson (and you can bet that Nani will be close by). As usual the no-host dinner starts at 6 PM in the Dante Room (contact Erin Chick at: echick@magiccastle.com or ext. 300 for a reservation). The Meet-Up proper starts at 8 PM in the Inner Circle. Magician Members only!

The Ghost Host Returns

Rob Zabrecky will again be hosting the Non-Dining Houdini Sances, which will be held at 6, 8, 9:45, and 11 PM. Just $35 per person ($40 each includes the Commemorative Houdini Sance Coin). For reservations, contact Ben Roman at ext. 434 by email at broman@magiccastle.com.

Junior Support

There will be a special book sale on January 23 from 8 to 10 PM in the Inner Circle. All proceeds will go to the Castles Junior Society. The books have been graciously donated by Wesley Edberg, in memory of his father Sandy. Its a large collection and it includes many hard to find out of print volumes. First come first served!

There will also be a raffle. Up for grabs is a rare signed copy of Doug Hennings Houdini: His Legend and His Magic. Tickets are $5 each.

It aint what they call you, its what you answer to
WC Fields


Whos Hoo is celebrating WC Fields birthday on January 29th with a special show. 8 to 10 PM in the Inner Circle. Guests to be announced!

More on the Magical Jews Perk

Max Maven will be sharing his updated edition of his talkoriginally presented at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles (during the successful Houdini and Masters of Magic: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age exhibitions there)on Magical Jews. Its a fascinating talk and all membersRegular and Associate (and gentiles) are welcome. January 30 at 8 PM in the Inner Circle.

Forewarned is Foresomething (aheads up on Castle Closures)

The Castle will have two buyouts in early February. No walk ins please, and reservations will be accepted for February 5 and 7.

Heres the schedule of performers for the week of December 31:

The Close-Up Gallery
Armando Lucero
Dimmare

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Michael Carbonaro
Lou Serrano

The Palace of Mystery
Todd Robbins
Brett Loudermilk
& Liberty Larsen
Milt Larsen
Christopher Hart
Goldfinger and Dove (Sunday only)

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Karl Koppertop

The Peller Project (Friday Sunday)
Greg Otto
Joe Monti

Friday Lunch
Dimmare

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Lisa Cousins

Sunday Lecture
(12/30) Jeff Ezell

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers

John Carney (Close-Up: wk/of 1-7)
Sisuepahn Phila (Parlour: wk/of 1-7)
Mike Caveney (Palace: wk/of 1-7)
Jim Steinmeyer (Palace: wk/of 1-7)
John Carney (Close-Up: wk/of 1-14)
Chris Korn (Parlour: wk/of 1-14)
Handsome Jack (Parlour: wk/of 1-14)
Rick Gerber (Close-Up: wk/of 1-21)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 1-21)
Shawn McMaster (Palace: wk/of 1-21)
Chipper Lowell (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Danny Cole (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Jeff and Abbi McBride (Palace: wk/of 2-4)
Eugene Burger (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Michael Carbonaro (Peller: wk/of 2-4)


http://www.magiccastle.com/schedule/

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

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 1st, 2013, 4:16 pm
by Dustin Stinett
YUM!

The January Newsletter is in and it lists the Members Only Menu for January and it makes me hungry just reading it!

January 7, 8, 9: Chicken Enchiladas, Rice and Beans
January 14, 15, 16: Grilled Ono, Indonesian Ketchup, and Stir Fried Vegetables
January 21, 22, 23: Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes
January 28, 29, 30: Sloppy Joes with Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries

Fancy Schmancy!

The Castle has another BEAUTIFUL deck of cards! They are designed by Steve Mitchell and printed by the USPC. Theyll be available on January 2nd. Red and blue backs with a very ornate gold design. Beautiful Steve! Thank you!

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 2nd, 2013, 2:02 pm
by Dustin Stinett
50 years ago today, the Magic Castle opened its doors! Happy Golden Anniversary Magic Castle!!!!!!!

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 3rd, 2013, 3:25 pm
by Dustin Stinett
The fog of last night is lifting from my party-addled brain. What a night at the Magic Castle. 50 years ago on January 2, the Magic Castle opened its doors. The Founders Day party started outside with statements (in front of a lot of press) by Milt, Irene, Erika, and others (hosted by Steve Valentine). Then we all went in and in via the front and back entrances so in no time flat the old mansion was at capacity.

If I tried to list everyone there, Ill miss someone. Its easier to list those who couldnt make it, but wanted to. But, because they have shows and other things going on, they sent video and/or other greetings. That included Penn & Teller, David Copperfield, Mac King, Lance Burton, and Roy (Siegfried was there).

There was a free buffet (finger foods) and desserts plus free champagne.

Then there was the main shindig in the Palace. I was stuck outside by the Palace Bar and the sound on the monitors was not working, so those of us watching were lucky to have Allan Bursky giving us his take on the happenings.

A magnificent looking cake was served after the presentations by the various luminaries (including a representative of the city who presented a proclamation to the Magic Castle).

I passed on the buffet and cake and instead had an outstanding dinner courtesy of Allan Bursky along with Terry Ellett. (For the record, Bursky was unhappy with the Veal Parmesan, but Terry and I loved the Beef Wellington). Thanks again and again Allan!

The Palace show followed hosted by Todd Robbins. Dan Birch provided the magic with his classic dove act and Liberty Larsen and Brett Loudermilk provided the spooky mystery with their performance of the Spirit Cabinet (Clark Senator Crandall made an appearance). Milt closed the show with his Carpenter Act.

A beautiful limited addition commemorative plate was given out to those lucky few to get them (I think there were only 150). The plates were courtesy of Milt and Arlene and, personally, I think the typo of addition instead of edition was Milt being Milt. After all, the addition at the Castle is working well these days!

Downstairs, Howard Hamburg was holding court in the Vernon Lounge and flummoxing us with his great stuff.

And THE highlight for me was seeing so many friends all on one night in a place I truly love. Tom (my date, and I wouldnt have had it any other way), Kari, Trish (wearing a dress that would have made Bob Mackie proud), Allan, Dennis, Terry, David, Maurice, Randy, Annabel, Rob, Lisa, Greg, Mark, Nani, Lupe, Norm, Joan, West, Jonathan, Max, Dale, Jack, Jon, Jack, Dove, Paul, Howard, Erika (looking smashing with the new doo), and of course Bill, whose generosity toward me is confounding: I love you Bill, thank you so much for the gift and, above all, the gift of your friendship.

In fact, that is the greatest gift of all: the gift of friendship that is fostered by this wonderful art and craft we all share. And of course this unique and magical placethis Magic Castlethat Milt, Bill, and Irene Larsen opened for us 50 years ago.

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 3rd, 2013, 3:46 pm
by Kmac
The parking lot was completely filled by 5:15!

The whole evening was spectacular.

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 3rd, 2013, 6:02 pm
by JimW
The celebration continues Thursday and Friday nights.


Cocktail Reception: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Complimentary Appetizers, Soft Drinks & Champagne (Inner Circle)

Presentation: 7:00 p.m. (Inner Circle)

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 3rd, 2013, 9:16 pm
by Richard Kaufman
Magic Castle 50th Celebration in the News:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... -gala.html

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 3rd, 2013, 10:47 pm
by Edward Pungot

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 4th, 2013, 2:43 pm
by Edward Pungot
Can someone remind me of the name of that movie where the opening scene is at the Magic Castle with Billy McComb? It was a movie in the 80s or 90s about an illusionist. It was sort of a suspense thriller. Thanks.

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 4th, 2013, 2:48 pm
by Edward Pungot

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 4th, 2013, 6:24 pm
by Dustin Stinett
Billy had a speaking part, but you can also see Gordon Bean and (if memory serves) Earl Nelson in the background. Former LA area DJs Mark and Brian also make a cameo. Of course, you see very little of the real Magic Castle in the film: The exterior and one scene at the main bar. The rest is soundstage sets. That movie is one of my guilty pleasures.

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 7th, 2013, 8:33 pm
by Dustin Stinett
Heres the Magic Castles schedule for the week of January 7:

The Close-Up Gallery
Georges-Robert
Jeff Black

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Sisuepahn Phila
Hannibal

The Palace of Mystery
Henry Vargas
Mike Caveney
Jim Steinmeyer

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Jeff Ezell

The Peller Project (Friday Sunday)
Filthy Liars - David Blatter and Leeman Parker

Friday Lunch
Georges-Robert

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Jeanine Anderson

Sunday Lecture
(1/13) Jim Steinmeyer

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers

John Carney (Close-Up: wk/of 1-14)
Chris Korn (Parlour: wk/of 1-14)
Handsome Jack (Parlour: wk/of 1-14)
Rick Gerber (Close-Up: wk/of 1-21)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 1-21)
Shawn McMaster (Palace: wk/of 1-21)
Chipper Lowell (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Danny Cole (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Jeff and Abbi McBride (Palace: wk/of 2-4)
Eugene Burger (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Michael Carbonaro (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Suzanne (Close-Up: wk/of 2-11)
John Carney (Palace: wk/of 2-11)
Christopher Hart (Palace: wk/of 2-11)



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

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 11:05 pm
by Dustin Stinett
Its a busy week at the Castle. As I write this, Brandon Scott is doing a Tips and Tricks perk. The 16th (Wednesday) is this months Member Meet-Up hosted by the legendary Mark Wilson and the lovely Nani Darnell. The Non-Dining Sanceshosted by Rob Zabreckyare on the 17th and, of course, the is a ton of GREAT magic to be seen in the showrooms. Heres this weeks schedule:

The Close-Up Gallery
Tom Ogden
John Carney

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Chris Korn
Handsome Jack

The Palace of Mystery
Mystina
Ice McDonald

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

The Peller Project (Friday Sunday)
Rob Zabrecky
Derek Hughes

Friday Lunch
Tom Ogden

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Tim Mannix

Sunday Lecture
(1/20) Tom Ogden

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers

Rick Gerber (Close-Up: wk/of 1-21)
Bill Goodwin (Close-Up: wk/of 1-21)
Shawn McMaster (Palace: wk/of 1-21)
Chipper Lowell (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Danny Cole (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Jeff and Abbi McBride (Palace: wk/of 2-4)
Eugene Burger (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Michael Carbonaro (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Suzanne (Close-Up: wk/of 2-11)
John Carney (Palace: wk/of 2-11)
Christopher Hart (Palace: wk/of 2-11)
Steve Valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 2-18)
Eric Buss (Parlour: wk/of 2-18)
Kerry Ross (Parlour: wk/of 2-18)
Chuck Jones and Company (Palace: wk/of 2-18)



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

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 21st, 2013, 9:52 pm
by Dustin Stinett
If you take a close look at the schedule this week, you might notice something: Everyone on the schedule is a past member of the Magic Castles Junior Society! This is a special week for the juniors, past a present. And, if you were a member, and not any more (regardless of age now), pay the current 2013 dues and you will be reinstated without paying the extra fee. Contact Trish Alaskey in Member Services. Also, the BIG book sale benefiting the Juniors is Wednesday. There are some amazing titles that will be for sale. Dont miss this! 8PM in the Inner Circle.

Oh, and heres that schedule (the week of January 21):

The Close-Up Gallery
Rick Gerber
Bill Goodwin

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Jay Scott Berry
Scott Tokar

The Palace of Mystery
Shawn McMaster
Sebastian Kraine
Chris Broughton

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
George Tovar

The Peller Project (Friday Sunday)
David Gabbay
Jimmy H.

Friday Lunch
Rick Gerber

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Shawn McMaster

Sunday Lecture
(1/27) Jay Scott Berry

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers

Chipper Lowell (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Danny Cole (Palace: wk/of 1-28)
Jeff and Abbi McBride (Palace: wk/of 2-4)
Eugene Burger (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Michael Carbonaro (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Suzanne (Close-Up: wk/of 2-11)
John Carney (Palace: wk/of 2-11)
Christopher Hart (Palace: wk/of 2-11)
Steve Valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 2-18)
Eric Buss (Parlour: wk/of 2-18)
Kerry Ross (Parlour: wk/of 2-18)
Chuck Jones and Company (Palace: wk/of 2-18)
Rich Bloch (Close-Up: wk/of 2-25)
David Minkin (Close-Up: wk/of 2-25)
Tina Lenert (Palace: wk/of 2-25)
Ardan James (Palace: wk/of 2-25)
Rob Zabrecky (Palace: wk/of 2-25)
Max Maven (Peller: 3-1, 2, 3)



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

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 25th, 2013, 12:11 am
by Dustin Stinett
A nice LA Weekly piece on the Castle:

http://blogs.laweekly.com/arts/2013/01/magic_castle.php

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 25th, 2013, 6:22 pm
by Q. Kumber

Re: Magic Castle Happenings – The Good Stuff (January 2013)

Posted: January 28th, 2013, 3:20 pm
by Dustin Stinett
If you missed his talk on Magical Jews when he appeared at the Skirball Cultural Center (or even if you did), One of them (Max Maven) will be delivering his informative and entertaining talk on January 30 beginning at 8 PM in the Inner Circle. All members are welcome.

Heres the performers schedule for the week of January 28:

The Close-Up Gallery
Adam Wylie
Tam Vo

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Bruce Kalver
Bruce Gold

The Palace of Mystery
Chipper Lowell
Danny Cole

W.C. Fields Bar (Friday and Saturday)
Jon Armstrong

The Peller Project (Friday Sunday)
Robert Dorian
J. Neal

Friday Lunch
Adam Wylie

Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Randy Kappe

Sunday Lecture
(2/3) Eugene Burger and Lawrence Hass

Sneak Peek of Some Future Performers

Jeff and Abbi McBride (Palace: wk/of 2-4)
Eugene Burger (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Michael Carbonaro (Peller: wk/of 2-4)
Suzanne (Close-Up: wk/of 2-11)
John Carney (Palace: wk/of 2-11)
Christopher Hart (Palace: wk/of 2-11)
Steve Valentine (Close-Up: wk/of 2-18)
Eric Buss (Parlour: wk/of 2-18)
Kerry Ross (Parlour: wk/of 2-18)
Chuck Jones and Company (Palace: wk/of 2-18)
Rich Bloch (Close-Up: wk/of 2-25)
David Minkin (Close-Up: wk/of 2-25)
Tina Lenert (Palace: wk/of 2-25)
Ardan James (Palace: wk/of 2-25)
Rob Zabrecky (Palace: wk/of 2-25)
Max Maven (Peller: 3-1, 2, 3)
Arthur Trace (Parlour: wk/of 3-4)
Rick Thomas (Palace: wk/of 3-4)



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