The Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians is holding its annual auction Thursday, January 4. 

The auction provides a great opportunity to purchase hard-to-find and rare items as well as to uncover magic bargains as Parent Assembly members send their cherished tricks, videos, books, posters, memorabilia and more to new homes.

This year we have noteworthy special donations of tricks, cards, and books from organizations and individuals including Tannen's Magic, Steve Cohen, David Kaye/Silly Billy, George Schindler's Showbiz Services and herbsmagic.com, with more to come. These include some unique decks of special edition playing cards from Steve Cohen, a "Mysterious" contribution from Tannen's that will be of interest, as well as tricks, books and more.

Aside from the possibility of finding unusual or bargain items, the auction often provides exciting moments of dramatic bidding action! Doors open at 7:45, auction starts promptly at 8 p.m.

The auction will be held at:
Fantasma Magic (their new location)
213 West 35th Street (b/t 7th & 8th Aves.)

Upcoming New York City Magic Shows, Events, Get-Togethers & More
As of: December 6, 2017

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

Magic Shows and Events

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, December 9, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Saturday, December 23, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Friday, December 29, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Saturday, January 6, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, January 12, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth 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). For more information: www.chambermagic.com, or 866-811-4111.

In & of Itself
Created and Performed by Derek DelGaudio.
The run has been extended and tickets are currently on sale through May 6
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
December 11, at 8 p.m., featuring: David Oliver, Noah Levine, and Michael Chaut (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Close-up performances at intermission by Patrick Davis and Mike Patrick.
December 18, at 8 p.m. featuring: Throwdini and Jon Stetson, plus a headliner, TBA. Close-up performances at intermission by Noah Levine and Eric Brown
December 25, an extra added show at 5 p.m. and a show at 8 p.m. featuring: Jason Suran and Chris Capehart, with a headliner and closeup magicians, TBA.
​Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html, 718-575-1349

Parent Assembly #1, Magic Auction, Thursday, January 4
Thursday, January 4, 8 p.m. Location, tba
The Parent Assembly's annual auction is an opportunity to snap up hard-to-find magic rarities and also a chance to uncover magic bargains. There usually is a wide range of tricks, books, videos, and other items available. Anyone is eligible to attend and bid. Admission is free Only members of the Assembly may put items up for sale. A percentage of all sales go to support the activities of the Assembly.

Parlor of Mystery
Friday, December 29, at 7 p.m., "Annual Holiday Winter Show," with performances by David Levitan, Mike Maione, and Cheryl Lynn Schruefer
Sunday, January 28, 7 p.m. with performances by Eric Dittelman and Jordi Magomero
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

School of Magic: The Grifter Panel
The Brooklyn Public Library is presenting a series of of free programs focused on magic.
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
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: 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
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

Fantasma Magic has closed its 33rd Street store and is moving to a new location at 213 West 35th Street located between 7th and 8th Avenues. The store, plus its Houdini Museum, are slated to open in the new space on December 8. The Herald Square area will continue to have the City's densest concentration of magic activity. Fantasma's new location is about equidistant to Tannen's shop as its old location was, but it is a closer walk to Cafe Rustico the Saturday hangout spot for magicians (Tannens is located at 45 West 34th Street, and Cafe Rustico is at 25 West 35th Street, both between 6th and 7th Avenues). Another nearby magic-related establishment is the Conjuring Arts Research Center, located on 30th Street, just west of Fifth Avenue.