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Magic Guide, NYC

9/23/2018

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Upcoming New York City Magic Shows, Events, Get-Togethers & More
As of: September 24, 2018
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Magic Shows and Events

Amazeballs
October 18 at 10 p.m.
November 15 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: Click Here.

​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 effects performed for the whole room by the show's host. 
Saturday, September 8, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, September 14,  at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Saturday, September 22, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, September 28, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Saturday, October 6, at 8 p.m. at Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, October 12, at 8 p.m. at Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
For more information: atasteofmagicnyc.com

At the Illusionists' Table
Through October 28
Illusionist Scott Silven hosts an evening of dining and whisky interwoven with magic. Presented at "The McKittrick Hotel," the complex of performance spaces that also is home to the immersive stage production "Sleep No More." For information: https://mckittrickhotel.com/events/at-the-illusionists-table/mckittrickhotel.com/events/at-the-illusionists-table/

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.

Note: on September 28 and 29 Cohen is performing Chamber Magic in Chicago at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

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 (Levine recently was selected as a recipient of one of the Allan Slaight Awards for excellence in magic in the category of "International Rising Star.") The show plays most Tuesdays and Wednesdays although performances are sometimes 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
The Magic at Coney series presents a rotating bill of three or four performers each week in an area rich in magic history. Sundays at noon at the Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
For more information and tickets: www.coneyisland.com/programs/magic-coney

Magic and Mysteries of the Heart
Friday, October 26, 7 p.m.
Dr. Kedar Sankholkar, a cardiologist and magician will explore the connections between mind and heart. He will use magic as a means of educating his audience about how they can actively maintain and improve heart health. Herb Scher will introduce the event with a presentation about notable magicians who were also physicians, including Saram Ellison, founder of the Society of American Magicians, Jacob Daley, and mentalist Richard Mark. The event at the Library is free, although reservations are recommended. For more information, go here.
At The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium. Enter from Amsterdam Avenue, just south of 65th Street.

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
September 24, at 8 p.m., featuring: Trigg Watson, Throwdini, Harrison Greenbaum  (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by Mike Patrick and Kevin Kapinos.
October 1, at 8 p.m. featuring: Torkova, Jason Suran, Peter Samelson (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Close-up performances at intermission by Alexander Boyce and T. J. Tana.
October 8, at 8 p.m., featuring: Noah Levine, Kyle and Mistie Knight, Michael Chaut (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by Brandon Williams and Patrick Davis
October 15, at 8 p.m. Alexander Boyce, Ben Nemzer, Eric Dittelman (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Close-up performances at intermission by Michael Chaut and Peter Samelson.
October 22, at 8 p.m., featuring: Jeremy Mikaelson, Denny Corby, Eran Raven (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, Ben Nemzer. Close-up performances at intermission by Richard Cohn and Mike Patrick.
October 29, at 8 p.m., featuring Mike Patrick, Marcus Monroe and Jon Stetson (headliner) with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by Eric Brown and Alexander Boyce.
​Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com, 718-575-1349

Myron the Magnificent at the Brooklyn Public Library
September 29, 1 p.m., at the Red Hook Library, 7 Wolcott Street, Brooklyn
October 27, 1 p.m., Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn For more info about this show.
Both performances are presented free of charge.

Nate Staniforth
October 24, 9:30 p.m.
The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street
Tickets for Nate Staniforth

Parlor of Mystery
Sunday, October 28, at 7 p.m. The Halloween Special, featuring Todd Landman
Sunday,November 25, at 7 p.m., featuring performances by Steve Rodman, Greg Milstein, Gary Brown and closeu-up performances at intermission by Sam Wallach.
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
October 25 through December 15; and March 22 through May 12
Joshua Jay's show is an immersive close-up magic show presented in an unusual venue on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The audience is limited to 20 members at each performance.
The Mist, 59 Canal Street. For more information: www.siximpossiblethingsshow.com

Speakeasy Magick
Friday, September 28 at 11 p.m. and October 13, 20, and 27 at 10 p.m.
A magic medley at the McKCittrick Hotel, hosted by magician, sideshow artist, and raconteur Todd Robbins and featuring performances by a crew of close-up magic specialists who perform for patrons tableside. For more information: Speakeasy Magick.

The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays
November 23 through December 30
Although it sets its acts into a contemporary framework with such tools as lasers, video walls, and electronic music, The Illusionists is a modern day magic revue, showcasing acts of many different styles, including illusions, mentalism, and card magic. In this year's rendition on Brodway it features Shin Lim, winner of the 2018 America's Got Talent competition, as well as felllow conjurors Adam Trent, Colin Cloud, Dary Oake, and Chloé Crawford.
The Marquis Theatre, 210 West 46th Street. For more information and tickets, go here.

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

Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders
Through September 30
Westside Theatre, 407 West 43rd Street
For more information: Click Here

Lectures, Seminars, and Public Appearances

Steven Brundage
September 29, noon to 3 p.m.
Magician Steven Brundage will make an in-store appearance at Fantasma Magic, performing some of the effects that gained him attention on America's Got Talent. Visitors who fool Brundage with a trick will win a prize! Fantasma Magic, 213 West 35th Street, 4th Floor

The Magic Show the Musical and Me, with Peter DePaula
October 4, 8 p.m.
New York Theosophical Society, 242 East 53rd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues).
https://www.facebook.com/events/322710208277943/​

Joshua Jay
October 23, 2018, 7 p.m.
Lecture at Tannen's Magic, 45 West 34th Street. For more information: Click Here.

Get-Togethers

Saturday Magicians Get-Together
Saturdays from approximately noon to 5 p.m.
A & H Deli, 431 Seventh Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets
Magicians gather 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 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. The group has recently moved to a new location on West 33rd Street (see above) after many years at a pizza restaurant on 35th Street.

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.

Magicians Meet Up at Rubenstein Atrium
Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m.
61 West 62nd Street (enter on Broadway or on Columbus Avenue)
In this recently-launched meet up session, magicians are getting together at the Rubenstein Atrium, a public space that is part of Lincoln Center, for sharing and development of ideas, the chance to receive feedback from fellow magicians, and the opportunity to perform for lay people who also are gathered in the striking public space. A number of the magicians involved focus on coin magic, but the group is open to attendance by anyone interested in any aspect of magic.


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: MagicJim1@optonline.net. 

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: magicsteve@aol.com​.

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: corybragar@gmail.com​.

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. Fantasma currently has a good stock of magic basics as well as unique and exclusive products. Many of the items 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
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Magician Gary brown and "After Houdini" Author Jeremy Holt Appear in Events at Fantasma Magic-September 21 and October 4

9/20/2018

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Two upcoming magic-related events, a lecture with Gary Brown, presented Friday, September 21 at 7 p.m. by the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians, and a book-signing by Jeremy Holt, author of the graphic novel After Houdini, on October 4 will be held at Fantasma Magic/The Houdini Museum.

Gary Brown is a magician, historian, writer, inventor and a United States Magistrate Judge. His magic writings include The Coney Island Fakir, an award-winning biography about magic dealer Al Flosso, as well as articles about magic and related phenomena for The New York Times, American Heritage, Emmy, Invention & Technology, and a plethora of conjuring periodicals.

Gary will be offering Tricks from the Fourth Dimension, a lecture featured at this year’s IBM National Convention. As part of that presentation, Gary will demonstrate, discuss and teach a series of effects used by 19th-century medium Henry Slade to baffle scientists, giving rise to the theory of the Fourth Dimension. These effects can be performed today with equal impact in a variety of settings.The lecture is free for members of the Parent Assembly, Society of American Magicians, $10 for S. A. M. members who are not members of Parent Assembly, and $40 for non-SAM members which can be applied to PA1 membership dues when application is received on the lecture night. The lecture starts at 7 p.m. but pizza and refreshments will be served starting at 6 p.m.

In the graphic novel After Houdini, author Jeremy Holt creates a revisionist take on Harry Houdini, putting the magician at the center of a spy thriller where the escape artist reaches out to his son Josef for help (in actuality Houdini and his wife Bess never had children). Holt will be on hand to sign books from 6 to 9 p.m. (After Houdini has art by John Lucas and coloring by Adrian S. Crossa.)

Fantasma Magic is located at 315 West 35th Street, room 401.

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Peter DePaula Gives a Behind-The-Scenes View of Life Starring in The National Tour of Broadway's "The Magic Show," October 4

9/20/2018

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Peter DePaula, who starred in the national tour of the hit musical The Magic Show, directly after it created a sensation on Broadway in the 1970s, will discuss his experiences performing in the influential production in The Magic Show the Musical and Me, an event presented Thursday, October 4, by the Parent Assembly of The Society of American Magicians. Peter will provide a behind-the-scenes view revealing how he was cast in the production (in the role created by Doug Henning), how he learned the material, including the major illusions it contained, and what it was like to tour the country at the center of a show that created a new framework for how magic was performed and perceived. Peter will also discuss the New York magic scene during the time in which he was cast in the show and he will demonstrate and teach close-up effects that were among those he would perform when promoting The Magic Show on television. The event will be held at The New York Theosophical Society in Manhattan (details below).

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The Magic Show caused a major change in the world of magic. It opened in May 1974 at the Cort Theatre on Broadway and ran for 1,920 performances, closing on December 31, 1978. Doug Henning was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and director Grover Dale was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical.

This musical turned magic around, changing the way magicians dressed, the way magic incorporated musical accompaniment, and how it was presented in general. It opened the door for the TV magic special and tweaked the interest of the television and film industry in exploring the art of magic. A previous version of this presentation was given at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles for the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Broadway show. 

The event is free for Parent Assembly, #1 members, $15 for non-members of the S. A. M., $10 for S.A.M. members who are not members of PA1.

It will be held at the New York Theosophical Society, 242 East 53rd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues). Doors for The Magic Show the Musical and Me open at 7:45 p.m. after the conclusion of the Parent Assembly business meeting.

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tonight and Saturday - Free Events With Bruce Kalver & Adam Wilber

9/7/2018

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Bruce Kalver will perform tonight at 8 p.m. in a free show presented by the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians in New York. Kalver has had an extensive career performing magic around the world and is also known for his shrinking and growing head spiral illusion as well as for his monthly column in the S. A. M.'s magazine M-U-M. The show is at ​Pearl Studios, 500 Eighth Ave. between 35 and 36 street, in room 401. Doors open to the public at about 7:45 p.m.

Adam Wilber will be on hand tomorrow, Saturday, September 8, at Fantasma magic from noon to 3 p.m. Among other accomplishments, Wilber appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us and was successful in duping the duo with the trick Clone. Fool Adam with your own original trick and win a prize worth $50 plus have the opportunity to have your trick made and marketed by Ellusionist or Fantasma. The latest Ellusionist products will be shown and there will be special offers on Ellusionist products. Fantasma Magic is at 213 West 35th Street, 4th Floor, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.
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