The Brooklyn Public Library is presenting School of Magic, a three-part series of panel conversations and performances related to conjuring. The first program, on October 28 was a Saturday afternoon event for families. On Thursday, November 2, the series continues with The Psychology of Magic, which will feature magicians Kent Axell and Eric Walton looking at how the mind works in relation to magic (with related demonstrations of tricks from their repertoires). The series culminates on December 7 with The Grifter Panel for which Todd Robbins joins Axell and Walton as they discuss the methodology behind some of the world’s most notorious scams and cons. Robbins is widely known for perpetuating the art of the classic sideshow, with such skills as eating a glass lightbulb and hammering a nail into his head. He is the author of The Modern Con Man: How to Get Something for Nothing, hosts True Nightmares on The Investigation Discovery Channel and starred in Play Dead an Off-Broadway spook show that he created with magician Teller.

School of Magic was programmed by guest curator Barbara Wansbrough who was brought on board at the Library by Jakab Orsós its Vice president of Arts and Culture. She enlisted Axell and Walton who helped develop the specific programs. Wansbrough was inspired by her teenage son Sam an avid magician. “I've often been fascinated by the stories he has told me,” Wansbrough commented, “of the various characters, and the various kinds of magic….When Jakab dispatched me to have a think about what I'd like to do, magic seemed the most compelling subject to me. Maybe because we could all do with a little more of it in these harsh times.”

The School of Magic events are presented at the Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza. To make reservations for the free events, go to: School of Magic.

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Upcoming New York City Magic Shows, Events, Get-Togethers & More
As of: October 31, 2017

This free guide is presented by Herb's Magic Store at herbsmagic.com

Magic Shows and Events

A Hanky and T-T-T-Top Hat
Created and Performed by Bobby Torkova
November 13th and 15th at 7 p.m., Theatre 54 @ Shetler Studios, 244 West 54th Street
Bobby Torkova's play with magic is an autobiographical work about a young boy who stutters and dreams of becoming a professional magician. Part of Artistic New Directions' Go Solo series. Seating is limited so reservations are strongly recommended. For more info: andtheatrecompany.org/go-solo/

Asi Wind Live: "Impossible," New York's Night of Magic
Thursday, November 16, 8 p.m., The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street
Asi Wind is the first magician featured in a new series of magic shows presented by the Conjuring Arts Research Center. Asi is one of today's most innovative and accomplished magicians. He recently performed his own set of magic in David Blaine's national theatre tour and appeared on Blaine's last TV special. This is a rare opportunity to see world-class, cutting-edge magic in an intimate setting. For more information: Asi Wind Live

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. 
Saturday, November 4, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Friday, November 10, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, November 18, at 8 p.m., Ben and Jack's Steakhouse, 255 Fifth Avenue
For more information: atasteofmagicnyc.com

At the Illusionist's Table: An Intimate Magic Dinner Experience
Scheduled through January 14, The Heath at the McKittrick Hotel, 542 West 27th Street
At the Illusionist's Table interweaves fine dining and whisky tasting with illusion, mentalism, and storytelling. Held at The Heath, a dining and performance area at The McKittrick Hotel, site of the immersive theatrical experience Sleep No More. Features magic by Scott Silven. For more tickets and more information: The Illusionist's 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). The show will be dark September 15th & 16th, and September 22nd & 23rd.
For more information: www.chambermagic.com, or 866-811-4111.

In & of Itself
Created and Performed by Derek Delgaudio.
Extended through December 30
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. Now playing most Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. at Tannen's Magic, 45 West 34th Street, 6th Floor. For tickets and more information: http://www.magicafterhours.com

Magic at Coney
Sundays at noon at the Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
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: brownpapertickets.com/event/872155

Monday Night Magic
November 6, at 8 p.m., featuring: Torkova, Anthony Blake, and Harrison Greenbaum (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Ben Nemzer. Close-up performances at intermission by Noah Levine and Matias Letelier.
November 13, at 8 p.m. featuring: Rafael Benatar (headliner). Other acts TBA.
November 20, at 8 p.m. featuring: Michael Chaut and Chris Capehart (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies Todd Robbins. Other acts TBA.
November 27, at 8 p.m., featuring: Alexander Boyce, Francis Menotti and other acts TBA.
​Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html, 718-575-1349

Parent Assembly #1, Fall Magic Showcase
Friday, November 3, 8 p.m. Pearl Studios, 500 Eighth Avenue, 4th Floor
The Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians has been a nexus of magic in New York since the group was founded in 1902. Houdini, Thurston, Copperfield and many other magic greats have been among its members. This free show features performances by: Lee Allan Barrett, Rene Clement, David Kaye, Harrison Kramer, Myron the Magnificent, and Steven Sundheim. For more information: Parent Assembly Fall Showcase.

Parlor of Mystery
Sunday, November 26, at 7 p.m., "Magical Mysteries," with performances by Ben Zabin, Carl Mercurio, Kevin Rhodehouse, and T. J. Tana
South Shore Theatre Experience, 315 West Montauk Highway
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

School of Magic
The Brooklyn Public Library is presenting a series of of free programs focused on magic. So far two events have been announced.
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
The Psychology of Magic, Thursday, November 2, 7:30 p.m. with magicians Kent Axell and Eric Walton
The Grifter Panel, Thursday, December 7, 7:30  p.m., with magicians Kent Axell and Eric Walton plus magician and sideshow entertainer Todd Robbins.
​Tickets can be obtained by registering at the Library's web site at: School of Magic

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

The Other Side: A Psychlogical Séance
Runs through October 31. Features Jason Suran
"At an undisclosed Williamburg residence"
For more information: facetheotherside.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. 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
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, 421 Seventh Avenue, third floor
Fantasma 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 free Houdini Museum is definitely worth visiting for anyone interested in the noted escape artist. Although its 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. Fantasma is a great choice for anyone getting a start in magic who wants personalized help and attention as they begin their journey. 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

Richard Turner, the subject of the documentary film "Dealt," (featured in a previous post) will be on hand for a question and answer session at the opening of the film in New York on October 20, along with Luke Korem, the movie's director. The event will be held at the 7:15 p.m. screening at the IFC Center, 323 Avenue of the Americas. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: ifccenter.com/films/dealt/#

Dealt, a documentary about magician Richard Turner, will run in New York starting October 20 at the IFC Center on Sixth Avenue in Greenwich Village. Turner is known throughout magic circles for his meticulous and amazing sleight-of-hand, which is doubly impressive considering that he has lost his sight due to a progressive eye disease. Production on the film started more than four years ago. According to advance announcements it charts Turner's life from his tumultuous childhood to today, revealing how he overcame insurmountable obstacles to reach the top of his profession. Dealt was directed and produced by Luke Korem, whose father is magician Danny Korem. The film was an Audience Award winner for feature documentary at the 2017 South by Southwest Film Festival. For more information about the run of Dealt in New York, go to ifccenter.com/films/dealt/. For the list of additional cities where Dealt will be shown, as well as more information about the film, visit  www.dealtmovie.com.