If you weren't able to make it to the "Magicians of Coney Island" event at the Brooklyn Public Library in March, Chloe Olewitz's article published on Genii Online, provides an interesting overview of the event as well as additional background information. The progam traced the history of magic at Coney Island  with commentary and a presentation of historical images as well as performances illustrating the type of magic performed at Coney Island throughout the years. The panelists participating in the event were Richard Cohn, Mark Mitton, Herb Scher (who served as Moderator) and Georg Schindler. The article can be found at: https://geniionline.com/articles/four-magicians-bring-the-fascinating-history-of-coney-island-to-life-at-brooklyn-public-library

Joshua Jay will present an immersive close-up magic event, Six Impossible Things, this June and July in Manhattan. The show will be directed by Luke Jermay and presented at The Mist, a Downtown venue with multiple individual environments which is designed to host "live interactive fiction." 

The show is performed for twenty people at a time. Audience members will move through several rooms where a new mystery unfolds to reveal an impossible "thing". During the course of 75 minutes Jay will attempt to read thoughts, manipulate decisions and even alter taste buds. Jay says that he has been working on the show for three years, although the concept has evolved in that time.

"I've lived in New York for ten years now, and I've thought about a one-man show here every single day of that time," Jay said in response to a question from Herb's Magic about his inspiration for the show. "But I always found a reason not to do it. That ten-year mark hit me hard. So, I wisely decided to launch a show in summer, the weakest season for theater, at the only moment in the last thirty years when there are SEVEN magic shows running in New York. 

"In many ways the show is reactionary. My career has been spent doing magic that I'm proud of, but always magic that is easily accessible. I began to develop this vision for a new concept for a magic show, based more on experiencing magic than watching it. I saw potential in putting magic in different environments, and making each audience member take risks with me, outside their comfort zone. I heard Bruce Springsteen in an interview say an amazing thing. He said, "As a creative person, you build your box, and then you escape from it." I have found that to be very true. I built a box as a smiling, happy magician that entertains audiences 8-80. Now it's my turn to escape from that mold."

Jay has held a visible role in magic starting as a teenager. Aside from performing frequently for a wide range of audiences, he has created numerous original magic effects many of which are marketed through Vanishing Inc., the company he runs with Andy Gladwin. Jay and Gladwin also produce two magic conferences annually, MagiFest in Columbus, Ohio and The Gathering in London. Jay has appeared on the Today show and Good Morning America, and also performed on Penn and Teller: Fool Us, where he fooled the duo with an original effect. He is the author of popular books about magic, including Magic: The Complete Course, a widely distributed text that has introduced readers of all ages to the art of conjuring.

Six Impossible Things
SixImpossibleThingsShow.com
At The Mist, 59 Canal Street, June 1 through July 28, 2018

Upcoming New York City Magic Shows, Events, Get-Togethers & More
As of: April 12, 2018

Magic Shows and Events

109th Salute to Magic
April 14, 7:30 p.m.
With performances by Mike Bent, John Bundy & Morgan, Harrison Greenbaum, David Kaye, Krystyn Lambert, Keith Nelson, Elliot Zimet
​Presented by the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians
Fashion Institute of Technolgy's Haft Theater, 227 West 27th Street, New York, NY
www.salutetomagic.com, 800-838-3006

Amazeballs
April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, at 10 p.m.
Hosted by mentalist Eric Dittelman, Amazeballs provides an opportunity for magicians to experiment with new material. Plus the show presents a different featured comedy act each month.
Creek and the Cave, 10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, New York
For more information: http://creeklic.com/events/amazeballs-2018-04-19/​

​A Taste of Magic
A Taste of Magic includes dinner plus tableside performances of close-up magic between courses of the meal. Guests usually see three or four magicians at their table as well as tricks performed for the whole room by the show's host. 
Friday, April 13, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Saturday, April 21, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Friday, April 27, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Saturday, May 5, Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, May 11, Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Saturday, May 19, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, May 25, Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
For more information: atasteofmagicnyc.com

Chamber Magic, featuring Steve Cohen
Fridays at 7 and 9 p.m.; Saturdays at 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
Cohen's long running show (which has a dress code for audience members) harks to an earlier era of parlor magic. Cohen has drawn together rarely seen effects from a across a span of magic's history for an effective and very entertaining evening of magic. Chamber Magic is now performed at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue (b/t 50th & 51st Streets). For more information: www.chambermagic.com, or 866-811-4111.

David Blaine
July 12 and 14, Kings Theater, Brooklyn
Blaine will cap off a summer tour of live performances with a two evening stint at the King's Theater in Brooklyn, finally giving New York audiences the chance to see his stage show. Blaine's fans will also have the chance to see the lavish Kings Theater. The venue originally opened in 1929 but was empty from 1977 until an extensive renovation which led to a reopening in 2015. For more information: davidblaine.com
​
In & of Itself
Created and Performed by Derek DelGaudio.
The run has been extended and tickets are currently on sale through August 19
DelGaudio's innovative show explores new territory in magic.
Daryl Roth Theatre
101 East 15th Street
For more information, click here.

Magic After Hours, with Noah Levine
The show provides an insider's view of Tannen's magic shop, focusing on its history and legacy, as well as a performance of close-up magic by Noah Levine. The show tends to play most Tuesdays and Wednesdays although performances often are scheduled on other days of the week. 8 p.m. at Tannen's Magic, 45 West 34th Street, 6th Floor. For tickets and more information: www.magicafterhours.com

Magic at Coney
Sundays at noon at the Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
Sunday, April 15, featuring Rich Kameda, Thomas Solomon, Jim Vines, and Gary Dreifus. For more information and tickets: www.coneyisland.com/programs/magic-coney

Magicienne Among the Spirits, featuring Belinda Sinclair
Performances Thursday through Sunday in a location within walking distance of Times Square (address disclosed after tickets are purchased). The show is performed for a group of 8 to 10 people in Belinda's "secret conjuring room." It is an intimate show that includes a focus on magic history with a particular look at conjuring's female masters. Also includes pre-show tea and biscuits. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2993182

Monday Night Magic
April 16, at 8 p.m., featuring: Torkova, Throwdini and John Archer  (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Close-up performances at intermission by Eli Bosnick and Matias Letelier
April 23, at 8 p.m. featuring: Noah Levine, Jeff Moche, and Chris Capehart (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Close-up performances at intermission by Richard Cohn and Jason Suran
April 30, at 8 p.m., featuring: TJ Tana, Shawn Farquhar, Peter Samelson (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, Ben Nemzer. Close-up performances at intermission by Brandon Williams and Mike Patrick
May 7, at 8 p.m. Mike Patrick, Christian Cagigal and Eric Dittelman (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Close-up performances by Michael Chaut and TJ Tana.
May 14, at 8 p.m., featuring: Torkova, Keith Fields and Eran Raven (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by Noah Levine and (TBA).
​Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com, 718-575-1349

Myron the Magnificent at the Brooklyn Public Library
Saturday, May 19 at noon, free.
Myron will astound audiences of all ages in this free event.
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/events-youth-and-families-central-library-dweck-20180519

Parlor of Mystery
Sunday, April 22, 7 p.m. Magic, Mentalism, Comedy, with performances by TJ Tana, Bobby Torkova, and  Greg Hoffman, with close-up magic by Tom Hashim
Sunday, May 20, 7 p.m., Comedy Magic Show, with performances by Christian Cagigal, Bob Baker, and Thaddeus
Sunday, June 24, at 7 p.m. with performances by David Schwartz and Mark Zacharia
South Shore Theatre Experience, 115 South Wellwood Ave.Lindenhurst, NY (Long Island)
For more information: parlorofmystery.com, 631-669-0506
Parlor of Mystery shows are held the fourth Sunday of every month.

Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye: Magic and Mentalism Show
The show plays most Saturdays at 4 p.m. Please check the current schedule via the Quantum Eye web site.
Theatre 80, 80 Saint Mark's Place
For more information: www.thequantumeye.com

Six Impossible Things, featuring Joshua Jay
June 1 through July 28
Joshua Jay's show is billed as an immersive close-up magic show that involves moving through the performance space. The audience is limited to 20 members at each performance and the promotional materials for the production warn that repeat visits will not be permitted.
The Mist, 59 Canal Street. For more information: www.siximpossiblethingsshow.com

The Amazing Kreskin Live
Remaining shows: April 25 through 28
In the 1970s Kreskin brought mentalism into the forefront of popular culture via many high-profile appearances on TV talk shows and his own syndicated program which aired for five years. He has continued to perform regularly since that time and this appearance in New York marks a rare opportunity to see him in a live setting. 
The Lion Theater, 410 West 42nd Street. Click here for more information and tickets. 

The Magician, featuring Dan White
An intimate evening of magic, mystery, and deception.
The show is presented Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Please check the show's web site for specific availability. 
Nomad Upstairs, The Nomad Hotel, 1170 Broadway (and 28th Street)
For more information: www.nomadupstairs.com

Lectures and Seminars

Curtis Kam
April 26, 7 p.m.
at Tannen's

Asi Wind Seminar
May 6
A six-hour seminar in which Asi Wind teaches the effects included in his new book, Repertoire.
Presented by Tannen's Magic at a location to be announced at a later date. For more information: tannens.com


Get-Togethers

Cafe Rustico II
Saturdays from approximately noon to 5 p.m.
25 West 35th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Magicians gather at Rustico on Saturdays, in a longstanding tradition to share information, help each other with tricks, and socialize (the group traces its heritage to the 1940s). The Rustico get-together is attended by magicians of all levels from beginners to working pros. Many future magic greats got their start by learning from fellow magicians at this weekly meet-up. Among the regular attendees are a core group of skilled practitioners, all of whom are willing to pass along knowledge to other magicians. Anyone interested in magic is welcome to attend. [Please note that the group normally does not meet on the weekends of major holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th].

The Magic Table
Fridays at 1 p.m.
Times Square Diner & Grill, 807 Eighth Avenue (49th Street)
The Magic Table is another longstanding gathering for magicians. It has always been based in the Times Square area, harking to the time when the neighborhood was home to multiple magic businesses like the Tannen's and Max Holden magic stores. This get-together often stretches out from lunchtime until early evening as magicians schmooze over omelets, sandwiches, and soup. It is frequented by a group of dedicated regulars as well as magicians visiting New York and occasional surprise guests. (See a Today show piece about the group here).

Magnets
Wednesday evenings, 6 p. m.
Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Magnets is a newer group that meets for weekly jam sessions and workshops and also occasionally sponsors its own lectures, workshops and shows. Although everyone is welcome, the group skews toward magicians in their 20s and 30s, supporting each other with feedback on performances, booking and marketing information, and help achieving long-term goals. Many of the Magnets members perform in the show, A Taste of Magic, which is a spin-off of the group. Anyone interested in magic is welcome to attend the Wednesday night sessions.

Magic Societies, New York City Chapters

New York is home to chapters of two separate international magic societies, The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians.

International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 26
The Harry Roz-On Ring of the I. B. M. meets the last Friday of each month at the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, 322 West 48th Street. The group presents frequent shows by members and by special guests as well as regular Lab sessions where members teach magic. The I. B. M. is characterized by a strong community of members who share in their love of magic. For information about joining, please write the group's President, Jim Stranges, at: [email protected]. 

Society of American Magicians, Parent Assembly, #1
The S. A. M. was founded in New York in 1902. After the group expanded nationally, the local chapter became known as Parent Assembly, #1. Parent Assembly meets the first Friday of each month. Meetings are often held at Fantasma Magic but special shows are sometimes held elsewhere. Parent Assembly meetings offer a wide variety of programming ranging from lectures with notable magicians to performances by members, historical talks, and seasonal celebrations. PA1 also presents a monthly workshop which features instruction by noted magician Doug Edwards. For information about joining Parent Assembly, please contact Membership Committee Chairman, Steve Okulewicz, at: [email protected]​.

Society of Young Magicians
The first Saturday of every month, except July and August, from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Tannen's Magic, 45 West 34th Street, 6th Floor 
Young magicians (18 years and below) gather to learn from each other as well as a special guest every meeting. The group often gets opportunities to perform for lay-people and professional magicians alike. Tricks are taught, critiques are given and young magicians can collaborate and have fun. This is for any young person interested in magic, including folks who are first starting out or are at an intermediate level. For more information about the SYM, contact Cory Bragar at: [email protected]​.

New York City's Magic Shops

Tannen's, 45 West 34th Street, Suite 608, 212-929-4500
Tannen's is New York's oldest magic shop and is a hub of magic activity in the city. The store's Chief demonstrator Magick Balay and a crew of other skilled staff keep a stream of tricks flowing from behind the counter while often a wide range of magicians, magic lovers, (and parents of budding magicians) hang out at the table in the center of the room. Notable magicians are known to pop by and the store is on the itinerary of many conjurors visiting from out-of-town. Although the decor feels a bit home-grown, the store is very well-stocked with the latest tricks, an extensive selection of books and DVDs as well as supplies and basics like cards, silks, rope, flash paper, etc. There is a treasure of magic books - which may be borrowed free of charge. Just look to the left of the large elephant in the room. www.tannens.com

Fantasma Magic, 213 West 35th Street, 212-233-3633
Fantasma, which recently moved a couple blocks to a new location, is characterized by its personable staff as well as by the extensive collection of rare and original Houdini memorabilia on display. These include a selection of professionally displayed posters, handcuffs, photographs, props and other items. The displays of Houdini materials take up the majority of the space in the shop. It is definitely worth visiting for anyone interested in the noted escape artist. Although Fantasma's stock may not be as deep as Tannen's, the store carries a wide range of interesting items including some unique and collectible tricks, a wide selection of playing cards and an extensive selection of second hand books including some hard-to-find classic volumes. Many of the products Fantasma sells are those manufactured by their parent toy company, including a smorgasbord of magic sets and individual tricks. www.fantasmamagic.com

Abracadabra, 19 West 21st Street, New York City, NY
Abracadabra has a magic section within the larger store that sells costumes and other items.
www.abracadabranyc.com

Halloween Adventure, 808 Broadway
Halloween Adventure also has a magic section in its large store.
www.newyorkcostumes.com