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: [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

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.

Tomorrow Herb's Magic brings its mobile magic shop to Cafe Rustico (from noon to 5 p.m.) where you'll find old and new magic books (including many hard to find titles), lecture notes, an extensive range of collectible, unusual, and everyday playing cards (including bargains on Tally Ho Red and Blue decks -$3.50 each) plus discounts on tricks and supplies (silks, loops, sponge balls, etc). The volumes pictured below are a small sampling of the books that will be on hand. Cafe Rustico is at 25 West 35th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Cafe Rustico is the regular Saturday hang out spot for magicians in New York and a visit is always a good chance to catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and see or learn some magic. So come hang out with us Saturday for pizza and magic.

A sampling of the magic titles available at the Herb's Magic sale:

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.

​###

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.

On October 6 Steve Cohen's long-running show Chamber Magic will reach its 5000th performance. Cohen has a special evening planned for the audience of the evening's 9 p.m. show (which now runs at the Lotte New York Palace hotel). Guests will be invited to a post-show reception featuring a signature cocktail, "Think-a-Drink" and a special magic themed cake created by Ron Ben-Israel. In addition Cohen will be performing a special selection of magic at this performance. "Over the years I have had to cycle out some beautiful pieces of magic," Cohen explained. "For the 5000th show I'll be bringing back two of my favorite acts that have not been seen for at least 5 or 6 years, one of which is the "Miraculous Rising Cards." Bob Kohler has entrusted me with the most beautiful rising card routine in the world, and I'll be reintroducing that to the show."

Chamber Magic is an intimate and elegant magical experience very much inspired by an earlier era of Parlor Magic. "Over the past 17 years, I created a new category of magic show," Cohen commented. "Of course magicians have performed acts in hotels before. But presenting a regular, long form, theatrical one-man parlor magic show in a luxury hotel, at premium ticket prices with a dress code, had never been done before. Magicians around the world have observed my longevity and some have tried to launch their own shows based on what they believe is my 'model.'''

Cohen launched his show at the Waldorf Astoria hotel where it played through February 2017. "The Waldorf Astoria was the perfect home," according to Cohen. "People automatically knew the show had to be of high quality because the grand hotel wouldn't associate itself with a show if it weren't exceptional. Over the years I've had the world's most illustrious magicians visit me, including David Copperfield, Derren Brown, Teller, Juan Tamariz, David Blaine, Derek DelGaudio, Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride, Siegfried, Patrick Page, Simon Aronson, John Carney, Roberto Giobbi, David Berglas, and on and on. It has been such a blessing to be supported by these artists, many of whom are my personal heroes. 

"Now that the Waldorf Astoria is closed for a long-term renovation, I am fortunate to have found a perfect new home for the show. The Lotte New York Palace is located one block away from the Waldorf, at Madison and 50th Street, and my showroom looks like a drawing room in Versailles. Frankly, it is stunning! We have just signed a long-term agreement so I will be able to entertain New Yorkers and visitors at The Palace for thousands of more performances."

As of this publication date only a handful of tickets remain for Cohen's 5000th performance. For more information visit: chambermagic.com/tickets/

by Herb Scher​
​​When Jimmy Ichihana was profiled in an article here in 2015 he was just making the move from New York City to Orlando. Jimmy stood out on the scene in New York, with rock solid magic skills and an upbeat and engaging personality. But his path was leading him toward a new community and new opportunities.

In July Jimmy reached a milestone when he made a national TV appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He performed an impressive version of "Call to Colors," which reflected strong showmanship on top of very smooth handling of a complicated routine. His performance has generated lots of buzz online and elewhere.

In this 70-minute audio interview Jimmy talks in detail about his experiences on the show (including some intriguing and funny anecdotes), but our conversation also looks at the path of a magician who is emerging in a broader spotlight after years of hard work and encompassing passion for his art. I found it to be an fascinating conversation that should be very informative for anyone interested in moving forward in magic. 

[This interview is presented by herbsmagic.com. Please check our online store to purchase out-of-print magic books, cards, tricks, and other items.]

Click Below for Jimmy's Interview:

If you haven't yet seen Jimmy's performance on Fool Us, please make sure to take a look via the link below. 

Upcoming New York City Magic Shows, Events, Get-Togethers & More
As of: August 15, 2017 •

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

Magic Shows

A Taste of Magic
A Taste of Magic includes dinner plus performances of close-up magic before the meal and between courses. 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, September 8, at 8 p.m., Ben and Jack's Steakhouse, 255 Fifth Avenue
Saturday, September 16, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, September 22, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Saturday, September 30, at 8 p.m., Ben and Jack's Steakhouse, 255 Fifth 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). 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

Monday Night Magic
September 11, at 8 p.m., featuring: Torkova, Rocco, and Peter Samelson (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Ben Nemzer. Close-up performances at intermission by Mike Patrick and Eli Bosnick
Monday Night Magic is closed September 18 and 25
October 2, 2017, at 8 p.m., featuring Michael Karas, Ben Nemzer, and Chris Capehart (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by Eric Brown and Matias Letelier.
​Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html, 718-575-1349

Parlor of Mystery 
Sunday, September 24, at 7 p.m.
"Magic and Comedy," with performances by Vincent Mendoza and Thaddeus
Sunday, October 29, at 7 p.m.
"They Are Still Among Us: Halloween Special," with performances by Thaddeus, Mike Maione, Joe Silkie, and T. J. Tana
Sunday, November 26, at 7 p.m., with performances by Ben Zabin, Carl Mercurio, 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

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 Woman Illusion
The show is described as a playful, wicked gallery of ways to be a woman. The magic of theatre combined with the sleight-of-hand artistry of award-winning magician Jackson Ridd is used to unravel everyday acts of femininity from the podium to the bedroom.
September 11 through 17, part of the Theatre for the New City's Dream Up Festival
At the Cabaret Space at Theatre for the New City, 155 First Avenue.

For more information:  www.womanillusion.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]​.

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

Buy out of print books and more at herbsmagic.com

In their new book "A New Angle," Michael Feldman and Ryan Plunkett introduce a series of new takes on an old tool, The Stripper Deck. The book takes the deck deeply into a realm of previously unexplored ideas. For example it outlines a new principle that allows for a series of surreal effects in which the condition of the deck visually transforms as it is being handled. The book also shows how the deck can add dimension to classic effects like Triumph and the Color Changing Deck, and includes many other intriguing tricks and tips. Michael Feldman, who now lives in San Francisco was a regular performer at Monday Night Magic and at Feinstein's while he was part of the magic scene in New York at different times from 2007 to 2012. One night while we were hanging out at a local magic club meeting, Michael mentioned his in-progress book and pulled out a deck.

A New Angle, is published by Magic, Inc., photographed by James Murphy, designed by Heather Wood, edited by Susan Palmer Marshall and Pedro Nieves-Bosque, with a foreword by Lance Pierce, It features additional contributions by Harapan Ong, Edward Boswell, Nathan Colwell, Frank Fogg, and Brian O'Neill.

I guess why I was so interested in this book is that I remember that you performed some of this material for us quite a while back at one of the Magnets meetings, and I always liked the Stripper Deck anyway, but I thought ‘here’s a different, fresh approach to using it, which isn’t just locating a card.’ I guess I would start from a basic point of view and ask what got you to start looking at the Stripper Deck in a new vein? What was your impression of it before starting to work on this, and what led you to start working on these new approaches?

My approach to the Stripper Deck before this project was the same as most people’s approach to the Stripper Deck, which is that it stayed in the back of my magic drawer for many years as a tool I had no interest in pursuing anymore because it was the kind of thing that you leave aside when you graduate to sleight-of-hand and more interesting and deceptive methods. What changed my mind was meeting Ryan. At the first Pebblepalooza magic convention I met Ryan Plunkett and he fried me with a magic trick. I didn’t know how it was done and I didn’t want to know how it was done, and I thought about it the whole year. I went back the next year to the same convention, saw him at the same place, and he showed me the same trick and he still fooled me, and I asked him to show me how it was done. And the answer was a tapered deck, a Stripper Deck. That year he had come up with some more material and we started talking about what you could do with it and what he was doing with it, and what really convinced me was Ryan’s material that not only used a Stripper Deck but combined it with other principles like stacks or sleight-of-hand or all the various other principles that are available to you in magic. He used that combination to create some really deceptive, really compelling new effects that aren’t possible any other way. 

What was the trick that he showed you, and is it in the book?

Yes, the trick is in the book. It is called Shuffleupagus. The book is mostly Ryan’s material. There are a couple of tricks and ideas from me and then there are one-offs from a variety of other people who have contributed other ideas. But the division of labor on the book was that most of the material is Ryan’s with a couple of things from me, and then I wrote most of the book (and Ryan helped with some of that as well). I got to name a bunch of the tricks because we were batting around ideas and I like coming up with ideas for naming tricks. Eventually, I think by being stubborn, I convinced Ryan to call this trick, Shuffleupagus. I’m pretty sure he hated the name at first, but I wouldn’t stop calling it that and so it ended up being the name in the book, so victory for me. The basic effect is that a deck unshuffles itself, but the thing I love about it is that you show a shuffled deck and by shuffling it more, the cards become more ordered. So, you show a shuffled deck, you give the cards a shuffle and all of a sudden they’re —not quite separated red and black—but close. Then you hand the deck out for other people, to two other people to shuffle it, and you combine their two halves, and when you do, it’s in new deck order. The idea of shuffling things back into order, and having a spectator do it, was a phenomenal plot, to my mind. I loved seeing it. It fooled me, and the rest is history, I guess. 

Let’s go back a second. The Stripper Deck, you said, was in the back of your drawer. I went through a period where I felt ‘oh, the Stripper Deck, that’s for beginners.’ But then I started to feel like it got a bad rap, even before I came across your material. I thought, this is a tool that one way or another can make things more magical. So somehow I think it got a bad rap along the way.

I think that’s right. I think there’s two reasons that it gets a bad rap. One, which is the thing you can’t really do anything about, is that a lot of people know what it is. Non-magicians, laymen know the Stripper Deck. They maybe don’t know it by that name, they don’t know it’s called the Stripper Deck, the Tapered Deck, or the shaved deck or whatever it’s going to be called, but they do know that it exists, that there is a deck of cards that’s thinner on one end and bigger on another end and some people will even check for it when they ask to borrow your deck of cards. It’s a little bit of a bad rap because people know what it is.

But the other reason it gets a bad rap that is totally solvable is that people tend to pick one or the other of sleight-of-hand or gimmicks. Either they do a trick with a gimmick and no sleight-of-hand or they say this is a sleight-of-hand trick and they use sleight-of-hand and no gimmick. But it turns out combining them is much more powerful than either of them because people are looking for a gimmick or sleight-of-hand. Even non-magicians. Even people who aren’t familiar with methodology generally look for one method. They look for either the sleight-of-hand or the gimmick and if you combine both, such that your trick cannot be explained by either, then you have a much stronger trick. I think that the reason the deck gets a bad rap is because people assume if you’re going to use the gimmick, all you can do with that trick is use the gimmick, but if you combine it with other things, you can make it much more powerful, and that’s what the book tries to do. ​

Magicians connected to the New York Magic Scene are in the news.

Penn & Teller & Jimmy
Jimmy Ichihana will appear Thursday, July 20 on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. During his time in New York in 2014 and 2015 Jimmy performed with A Taste of Magic and was an active participant in the local scene. Since moving to Central Florida he has performed at a variety of venues and regularly performs as part of Kostya Kimlat's See Magic Live team (seemagiclive.com). Did Jimmy Fool Penn & Teller? All will be revealed on the 20th, so tune in. Here's some more info about Jimmy.

Ricky Smith Wraps Up His Run at As Is
This Tuesday July 18 marks Ricky Smith's final regular performance at As Is, the Tenth Avenue Bar where he has been performing weekly. There's one last chance to check out Ricky's magical sleight of hand. As Is is located at 734 Tenth Avenue (at 50th Street). Here's more info about Ricky.

Henry Richardson on America's Got Talent
Henry Richardson made a splash on America's Got Talent, performing a card transposition that then intersected with a mentalism effect and an item in an impossible location. Not only was his segment the first one broadcast on the June 27 "audition" episode, but his segment was "leaked" ahead of the show's broadcast that week as part of AGT's promotion campaign. His performance was enthusiastically received by the judges who all voted "Yes" on his "audition." Check out the link to see his performance. Henry is 15 year-old who is part of the Society of Young Magicians group which meets monthly at Tannen's.

A number of online sources have reported the death of Kenneth Silverman, perhaps most known in magic circles as the author of Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss. Silverman, a professor of English at New York University, was a noted biographer who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1985 for his book The Life and Times of Cotton Mather. His other biographies included Lightning Man: The Accursed Life of Samuel F. B. Morse; Edgar A. Poe: Mournful and Never-Ending Remembrance, and Begin Again: A Biography of John Cage.

Magician George Schindler, Dean of the national Society of American Magicians, wrote on Facebook: "It is especially difficult to lose a boyhood friend. Kenneth Silverman died peacefully at age 81 in New York. He was one of the few remaining members of Peter Pan’s magic club of the 1940’s. . . .The magic community mourns his loss."

Silverman was born in Manhattan and as a teenager performed as magician Ken Silvers. The Peter Pan magic club, which was sponsored by the New York City Department of Parks, was a nexus of magic among young New Yorkers for decades and included many figures who eventually became influential in magic and remained friends for decades. Silverman was a life member of the Society of American Magicians and was a member of Parent Assembly, the local New York City chapter of the S. A. M., for more than fifty years.

Silverman's 1996 book on Houdini received a lengthy New York Times review written by Teller, who pointed out the many new threads of information about the escape artist that Silverman discovered in his extensive research. "To uncover so many previously unknown details of the master mystifier's life would be enough to merit applause," Teller wrote. "To examine Houdini and his world with such originality and depth deserves a standing ovation."

According to an obituary on the blog ​Wild About Harry Silverman is survived by his partner Jane Mallison, by his two children, Willa and Ethan, daughter-in-law Ronit, and three grandchildren: Benjamin, Eve and Isaac.

In 2006, after David Blaine's underwater endurance performance on the outdoor plaza at Lincoln Center, Silverman explored the history of public magic events in an opinion piece he wrote for The New York Times. It can be read here.

Upcoming New York City Magic Shows, Events, Get-Togethers & More
As of: July 3, 2017

Magic Shows

A Taste of Magic
Friday, July 7, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue 
Saturday, July 15, at 8 p.m., Ben and Jack's Steakhouse, 255 Fifth Avenue
Friday, July 21, Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue 
Saturday, July 29, Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue 
Friday, August 4, Ben and Jack's Steakhouse, 255 Fifth Avenue
A Taste of Magic includes dinner plus performances of close-up magic before the meal and between courses. Guests usually see three or four magicians at their table as well as tricks performed for the whole room by the show's host. 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.
Chamber Magic features is now performed at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue (b/t 50th & 51st Streets). 
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. He has refined the show over the years into a powerful and effective evening of magic. For more information: www.chambermagic.com, or 866-811-411

In & of Itself
Created and Performed by Derek Delgaudio
Extended through December 30
Daryl Roth Theatre
101 East 15th Street
Delgaudio's innovative show explores new territory in magic. For more information, click here.

Magic After Hours, with Noah Levine
Now playing most Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. at Tannen's Magic, 45 West 34th Street, 6th Floor
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.
For tickets and more information: http://www.magicafterhours.com

Magic at Coney
Sundays at noon at the Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
Sunday, May 21,  featuring: Carl Mercurio, Thomas Solomon, and Jim Vines, hosted by Gary Dreifus
For more information and tickets: www.coneyisland.com/programs/magic-coney

Miles Thorn: Master Illusionist
The show is currently scheduled for Fridays at 7:30 and Saturdays at 7 p.m. plus other days of the week which vary, through July 30. Check the web site below for up to date schedule information.
Elecktra Theatre, 300 West 43rd Street, 2nd Floor.
www.milesthorn.com

Monday Night Magic
Monday, July 3, at 8 p.m., featuring: Torkova, Throwdini, Eric Dittelman (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Close-up performances at intermission by: Peter Samelson, Mike Patrick,and Michael Chaut
Monday, July 10, at 8 p.m., featuring: Will Shaw, Jeff Moche, and Peter Samelson (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by: Matias Letelier and more.
Monday, July 17, at 8 p.m., featuring: Alexander Boyce, Francis Menotti, and Eran Raven (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by Richard Cohn and more.
Monday, July 24, at 8 p.m., featuring: David and Dania, Ben Nemzer and Michael Chaut (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, David Corsaro. Plus, close-up performances at intermission, t.b.a.
Monday, July 31 at 8 p.m., featuring Dave Chandler, Jason Suran, and Harrison Greenbaum (headliner). Plus, close-up performances at intermission, t.b.a.
Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html, 718-575-1349

Parlor of Mystery 
Sunday, July 23, at 7 p.m.
"Cons, Cheats & Scams," a show with Jason Ladanye and Sean "The Prankster" Doolan. The show is billed as a demonstration of how con artists try to beat the system. It features Jason Ladanye, who has gained a reputation for world class sleight of hand skill and Sean Doolan, a magician and attorney who helped prosecute street scammers and hustlers.
Sunday August 27, at 7 p.m.,
"Magic and Comedy," with performances by Jordi Magomero, Bob Greenberg, Jeff MIller, and Joe Silkie
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.

Ricky Smith at As Is
734 Tenth Avenue (at 50th Street)
Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m. (note: Ricky's final performance at As Is will be held July 18).
Ricky Smith amazes the bar crowd at As Is, a sleek and comfortable lounge on Tenth Avenue. Smith is widely recognized for his sleight of hand with cards and for his loopy sense of humor.
http://www.asisnyc.com

Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye: Magic and Mentalism Show
The show plays most Saturdays at 4 p.m. It resumes performances August 5. Please check the current schedule via the Quantum Eye web site.
Theatre 80, 80 Saint Mark's Place
For more information: www.thequantumeye.com

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 Workshops

Jason Ladanye
Thursday, July 27, Tannen's Magic, 45 West 34th Street, 6th Floor
For more information: www.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. 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.

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. Nick and the other demonstrators keep a lively stream of chat and sales talk going, and Fantasma has its own hang-out scene among magicians loyal to the shop. 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

Derren Brown's show is heading into its last handful of performances at the Atlantic Theater Company's Linda Gross Theatre. The show runs through its matinee performance on Sunday, June 25, and at this moment there are still a small number of tickets available, although many of the remaining performances are sold out. Many members of the local magic community have turned out to see the show repeatedly, but Brown's presence in New York seems to have transpired in a more beneath-the-radar fashion than Derek Delgaudio's, for example, which the New York Post wrote is attracting a star-studded audience. That may be because Brown explicity (and commendably) asks the audience not to discuss the specifics of the show, but nonetheless there has been a relative paucity of media coverage of the endeavor.

That's one reason that readers here may want to listen to Paul Holdengraber's interview with Brown on his podcast A Phone Call from Paul. Brown and Holdengraber discuss Brown's influences (in the realm of philosophy as well as magic), the nature of secrecy, and the skeptical mindset of many magicians. Brown drops numerous interesting tidbits throughout the forty-five minute conversation, including the point that he plans on returning "abroad" (meaning the U. S. one assumes) in the Fall or next Spring. Listening to the conversation requires some focused concentration because the audio quality is quite phone-callesque in nature, but it is worthwhile in order to gain more perspective on one of magic's most intriguing and intelligent performers.

https://soundcloud.com/lithub/a-conversation-with-derren-brown

Herb's Magic will return with its mobile magic shop to Cafe Rustico, this Saturday June 10, from noon to 4 p.m. Among the items available will be numerous out-of-print classic magic books, rare lecture notes, tricks, supplies and a wide variety of both every day and collectible decks of cards. Among the books are works by Dai Vernon, Juan Tamariz, Arturo Ascanio, Nick Trost, Roberto Giobbi, Ed Marlo, Phil Goldstein, and many others. There will be a wide range of videos by magicians like David Roth, Juan Tamariz, Sol Stone, and Herb Zarrow, and tricks like Sucker Punch, Double Cross, Awe Struck and more. Most of the items will be sold at discount prices.

Cafe Rustico is the location for New York's weekly Saturday magic hangout session. The restaurant is located at 25 West 35th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in New York City.

This isn't the type of show that is going to get a lot of publicity but it is going to be a special and entertaining night. Tom Klem has organized Remembering Mike Bornstein, a tribute to a beloved local magician who created a series of well-regarded magic effects and also performed in the 1940s as Kolma, the Magical Mandarin.  The show will be presented Friday, May 26 by Ring 26 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in New York.
The event provides an opportunity to see magicians David Oliver, Dave Chandler, and Rene Clement perform the type of magic that was Mike's forté. Oliver and Chandler are both accomplished magicians who perform regularly at Monday Night Magic as well as many other venues. Rene Clement is a sklled and funny local magician who knew Bornstein for years.

Remembering Mike Bornstein
Friday, May 26, 7:30 p.m.
The Musicians' Union Building
322 West 48th Street, at 7:30 p.m.
Free Admission
Featuring: Rene Clement, Dave Chandler, David Oliver
Tom Klem (Master of Ceremonies)

Veteran magician and magic store owner Denny Haney has influenced many up and coming magicians over the years, including Scott Alexander and Malcolm Puckering. The two younger magicians originally met each other in the orbit of Haney's store in Baltimore and have worked with each other both on their individual acts and increasingly as partners, including a recent appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Here Denny, Scott, and Puck chat about their interconnecting careers, Scott and Puck's process of getting their performances together for America's Got Talent, the state of magic today, and the state of magic retail (The ​​​Denny & Lee Magic Studio continues as a brick and mortar hub for magic in the Baltimore community at a time when these types of local resources are becoming harder to find).

Ricky Smith brought his magic products and sleight-of-hand expertise to the Saturday magic hangout at Cafe Rustico yesterday. Ricky took time to offer sleight-of-hand tips to anyone who was interested and also demonstrated his products, including his system for making a card magically appear in a sealed envelope inside a notebook​. Ricky also created a new booklet of magic effects especially for the sale. For those who weren't able to attend, Ricky's products can be found online at diagonalpalmshift.com.

The gang of magic lovers hanging out at Rustico on Saturday ranged from age 7 to 93 and much magic knowledge was shared. For more info about Cafe Rustico and the other magic get-togethers in New York, go here.

• Finding Vintage Joy in Georgia

by Herb Scher

There I was roaming around Cartersville, Georgia, poking into Main Street shops on a sunny Saturday. I was in town for my nephew’s wedding and we had a little extra time after a breakfast thrown by relatives of the bride. In my fantasy world of hunting for vintage items it’s these small, lost-in-time towns where the treasures lie. Many times I’ve imagined wandering into some dusty old shop and finding the magic items of my dreams.

But these scenarios hardly ever come true. First of all most of these places aren't so lost-in-time. And, in my experience it’s extremely rare to find magic items in random thrift stores, for example. More likely you’ll find mismatched sets of drinking glasses and out-of-date cookbooks. 

I didn’t even really have magic on the mind at all when I wandered into the Creative Tag Estate Sales Shop. There seemed to be random bric-a-brac all over the place. There was stuff on the floor, stuff on the counters, and stuff in Tupperware tubs. One feature that stood out immediately was a huge wall of wooden cubby holes that stretched from floor to ceiling for about forty-five feet with a tall ladder that would move along the length of the wall on a metal track. There was also a massive antique cash register sitting in a recess in the shelving area. The expansive shop had previously housed a hardware store that had been run by four generations of the same family.

​I wasn’t really sure what I was looking for in this shop, but it seemed that rather than expecting to find individual treasures from the past, it was the building itself that was the main artifact of interest. I had my camera with me and hoped there would be a chance to take some interesting photos. After a brief conversation with one of the workers there I was offered the opportunity to roam around the building’s second floor, which it turned out itself contained a fascinating hodge-podge of items that had been stored or jettisoned over what must have been at least a century.

After about an hour of shooting up there, I finally pulled myself away and wandered back downstairs. It was time to head back to the agenda of the weekend. On the way out, I stopped to say a brief hello across a counter to the store’s proprietor, who hadn’t been around when I arrived earlier. As I greeted her, I looked down and there I saw something that caught me by surprise. Directly in front of me was a card box, specifically a box of blue Steamboats. I spotted one of the old blue tax stamps, putting the box immediately into the realm of an earlier era.