Review of the "Run" Deck

It's not very often that I'm excited by a "designer" deck of playing cards.

You know, those special edition cards that are often based on a theme, and cost - depending on where you purchase them - between three to eight times what you normally pay for a deck of cards. Well the "Run" deck of cards has changed my mind.

I'm not sure what the theme is, but the "Run" deck evokes to me a kind of Art Deco feel. With its gold foil and stylish images, the deck is gorgeous. Also, as you would expect, the cards handle and fan well.
Gaffed Monte
The deck also comes with a couple of gaffed cards that allow you perform a Mike Skinner-style three card monte routine. You can learn the routine through an accompanying online video. 

The packaging is also worth mentioning. The cards come in a sturdy, horizontal format box that is attractive, fresh, different. 

In every way, this deck is for show. I really like the look of these cards. 

Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies. 
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Roughing Sticks by Harry Robson and Vanishing Inc.

If you're like me and rely on the old "rough and smooth" principle, you probably know the routine when you treat your own cards. Lay out the cards, use the spray, and then wait for everything to dry. You don't want to do this inside but outside, there are breezes that kick up and blow the cards around. And when the "rough" wears off, you have to repeat the messy process. 

That's why I'm so fond of "Roughing Sticks" by Harry Robson and Vanishing Inc. According to the ads, this product is the result of some 30-years of trial and error and research on the part of Robson. 

Rough Going
"Roughing Sticks" are about the size of an eraser ("rubber" in the UK) and when you rub the surface of the stick against a card, it acts as an instant roughing fluid to keep cards together. According to the ads, you can create at least 150 "Invisible Decks" (Robson says "100" in the accompanying online instructional video). 

Easy to use and it's not messy, what's not to like? An accompanying instructional online video teaches you everything you need to know. In the video, you can watch Robson make an Invisible Deck in less than two minutes. Even if you can't make the deck in two-minutes, it will take you less than five-minutes.

In my testing, the "Roughing Stick" worked effectively and efficiently. It was everything that was touted in the ads. This is going straight into my magic toolbox.  

Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies. 

More Reading:Review of Invisible by Jay Sankey - Magic & Illusion - About.com
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Review of The Bullet Catch by John Gaspard

I'm personally not much a fiction reader and I don't regularly do mysteries (it's been years since I dipped my toes into a juicy Agatha Christy novel). So why did I read "The Bullet Catch" by John Gaspard, a new mystery novel set in the present day?

You see, the book stars a compelling magician character named Eli Marks. After all, doesn't it make sense that a magician would make a good crime solver? And in Gaspard’s hands, the tale is like a great magic trick – you don’t know where it’s going and when the revelation occurs at the end, everything comes together. It's lots of fun. 

Magic Minnesota
The setting is modern day Minnesota. Eli is a magician and film magic consultant who resides with his uncle, who, by the way, runs a brick and mortar magic shop. While the magic shop may be a throwback to another era, the book features a contemporary world populated with iPads, Netflix and more.

No surprise, there’s been a mysterious murder in town just as a movie’s being made about a magician whose life ended tragically by (what else?) a bullet catch gone wrong. Add in some shady characters that includes a masked magician who once gave away secrets on TV (sound familiar?), a psychic with a dire prediction and assorted other characters, and you’ve got the makings of an enjoyable mystery and read.

The Magic Angle
Particularly fun for magicians is the magic angle. Author Gaspard knows his magic and history (or he did some in-depth research). From the tricks that the lead character performs (Dr. Daley's Last Trick, Invisible Deck and more) to the historical references (Morrit's Donkey Vanish, center deals and more), there are definite insights.
 
There are also aspects of performing and working as a magician. The lead character deals with tough crowds in his shows as well as with recalcitrant witnesses as he tries to solve the mystery. It's all spot on.

So who did it and why? Gaspard weaves a tale of deceit and lies that's fit for a magician. And while it all comes together in the end, I certainly didn't see it. Referenced in the novel is the old magician's adage, "don't run if no one is chasing you." I think it's particularly fitting. 

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It's truly mystery and magic.

Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.
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Tie Shell (The Color Changing Tie) by David Penn and World Magic Shop

It’s "color-changing" in the magic sense of the phrase, and the Tie Shell allows you to apparently switch ties in almost no time.

I guess there’s no secret to shroud here – it’s all in the name. David Penn's Tie Shell is just that, a gimmick so you can make a “shell” of one tie that rests on another one that you’re actually wearing. And when you want, and with a little misdirection, you can effectively remove and ditch the “shell” and magically "change" your tie.

The Gimmick
The well made Tie Shell gimmick lets you customize two ties of your own choice. You’ll destroy one tie in the process that will act as the first tie.

The second tie is kept normal and it’s the one that you’re actually wearing at the end. You’ll have to do some arts and crafts to make your tie shell gimmick, but the process is fairly straight-forward and it’s not difficult. The gimmick is efficient and effective.

Misdirect
To perform the actual change, you’ll need some misdirection. Penn teaches you how to briefly turn around under the guise of a spectator showing a playing card or freely chosen word to the audience so you can make the change.

I found the Tie Shell to be everything that’s it’s touted to be. If you want to make your necktie change in the course of an act or routine, this is a great way to go.
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.
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Review of Dream Prediction Elite Version (Wallet) by Paul Romhany

Here’s a great mentalism effect. Paul Romhany has created a wallet and routine that allows you to perform an astounding prediction.

The Routine
Here’s how the routine plays. You bring out a wallet and an envelope that contains a prediction that you lay on the table. If you like, a spectator can hold the prediction. The envelope has a clear window so the prediction note inside is in view at all times.

You ask spectators to name anything: travel destinations, numbers, amounts of money, famous celebrities, and more. You write these down on the wallet's notepad to provide a written record. 

After showing the notepad and allowing spectators to agree that your notes are correct, you openly bring out the prediction from its envelope, and your prediction is correct. Everything matches.

As the ads state, there’s no preshow work, no forces and no stooges.

Confounding and Fabulous

Of course, this effect is a variation on the powerful and well known “Confabulation” effect by Alan Shaxton. The wallet and envelope are specifically designed to let you perform this effect in strolling and walkaround situations. 

The effect isn’t all that difficult to learn and use and requires no complicated sleight of hand – although there is a key move that you will have to casually execute. The effect quickly resets (if you prepare ahead before the gig) and angles are generous – you can perform this in any situation where your audience is in front of you.

The kit comes with the high quality wallet, envelopes and two notepads (which can be purchased at office stores). There’s an accompanying DVD that teaches you everything that you need to know.

Walkaround

It’s been awhile but I have performed a version of Confabulation in the past in my walkaround restaurant sets. In that routine, I brought the prediction out from a zippered wallet that was in my pocket. Paul Rohmany has done a great job of simplifying the effect and his brilliant use of an envelope creates a powerful convincer.

I like Dream Prediction Elite Version and plan to work it up and perform it soon.
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.

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Review of Coin Thru Nose by Tyler Sutter & The Magic Estate

Here’s a bit of true geek magic that will definitely shock the house.

As with classic Hindu needles, you’re going to have work at this one to make it happen, as well as deal with discomfort and mucus. It’s not for everybody and something that I’m not about to attempt, but Coin Thru Nose is just what the title states.

From the Nose
Here’s how the effect plays. You bring out a coin and mark it for identification, place it on your tongue and apparently swallow it. After some grunting and byplay, you bring out a hemostat, shove it up your nose and pull the marked coin out. 

This effect may be more accurately described as “coin from nose.” In fact, Tyler Sutter himself even refers to this effect by that name in the video.

Shockingly Simple?
The ads state that this is “simple and shocking to do.”

However, you will have to learn how to shove a coin up your nose and keep it there, as well as deal with one in your mouth. There’s definite danger. 

The other aspect is that you are dealing with your mouth and sinuses, as well as accompanying (real) mucus and other secretions. Discomfort is a given. Even after hundreds of performances, the process causes Sutter’s eyes to tear up. In addition to the coin, all you need to purchase is a hemostat that is readily available from a variety of strores.

Sutter performs this one on stage as well as in close-up. Handling looks straightforward. It’s all in working up your tolerance to the process. Master “Coin Thru Nose” and you’ll have a geeky masterpiece at your beck and call (and up your nose).
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.  

More Reading:  All About Geek Magic - Magic & Illusion - About.com
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Review of Standup Magic by Tom Wright

The “standup” in the title is probably not what you think it is. I often refer to “stand-up magic” as entertainment that’s performed while a magician is standing up in front of a crowd, whether it’s on a stage, or on the floor of a banquet room, ballroom,  or living room.

Upstanding 

“Standup Magic,” as performed by Tom Wright, on the other hand, offers his approach to performing at specific close-up gigs: those at banquets where spectators are seated around tables. This two-disc set also teaches several powerful routines.

Wright’s philosophy promises: 1) more focused attention from spectators, 2) better reactions, and 3) louder applause. Indeed, there is potential for these benefits. The approach can be applied to some restaurant settings, but will depend on the seating arrangements.

Commercial Tricks

With Wright’s approach in mind, the discs teach five entertaining routines and one opening bit. The performances are done for live audiences in banquet settings, and Wright does a thorough job of explaining and teaching his routines. His opener is the well known and surprising cards from mouth, which is followed by his stunning production of a wine bottle that’s precedes a comical production of his shoe. Note that the main routines require that you be wearing a jacket.

From here, Wright performs a great wine bottle through the table routine or his "chop cup." I liked both. The wine bottle penetration requires extra gimmicks that you'll probably need to purchase. Wright’s chop cup is excellent, but employs specialized holders and ditching mechanisms. The routine features lots of audience interactions (a powerful trademark in all of Wright’s fun presentations) and two large loads at the end.

Wright also teaches a card from mouth routine - a selected card is discovered, folded in his mouth, and a ring on rope effect. The ring on rope begins with a professor’s nightmare sequence that’s followed by ring penetrations both on and off the rope.

Worth It

Even if you don’t employ Wright’s approach to performing close-up magic at banquets, this DVD set is worth it just for the routines and his insights, which he teaches in detail. 

I found "Standup Magic" to be an upstanding magic instructional DVD set.
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.

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Review of Houdini Blu-Ray

Hollywood just can't keep away from the Harry Houdini story. Every so often, it seems that yet another production wants to depict the career of the famous entertainer.

The latest, which aired on the History Channel and is now available on Digital HD and Extended Blu-ray, is “Houdini,” which stars Adrien Brody and Kristen Connolly. It’s an enjoyable production which was written by Nicholas Meyer and directed by Uli Edel, and was based on the book “Houdini: A Mind in Chains: A Portrait,” by Bernard C. Meyer.

Life and Career
The four-hour production roughly follows Houdini’s life as he evolved from a poor immigrant into a huge star. As a drama, the film takes lots of liberties. A new angle, the production presents aspects of Houdini’s supposed career in European espionage. There’s also marriage strife that’s shown between Houdini and his wife Bess.

The second half deals with the loss of Houdini’s mother, Spiritualism and his exposure of fraudulent mediums. While the biopic attempts to depict Houdini’s ambition, anguish and turmoil, it ultimately has a rather “by the numbers” feel to it.

Magic and Escapes
The production depicts Houdini’s notable escapes, stunts and illusions as he may or may not have presented and accomplished them. Here, Metamorphosis, escaping from a safe, the water torture chamber, milk can, strait jacket, elephant vanish and walking through a brick wall are all represented.

Interestingly, the production wants to reveal methods. Well documented escapes by Houdini: Metamorphosis, the milk can and walking through a brick wall, for example, which rely on mostly known methods, are exposed. But with other illusions, most notably, the historically inaccurate and entirely impossible (in a live setting) elephant vanish, there is no given explanation (other than implied Hollywood special effects).

The Houdini two-disc Blu-ray and two-disc DVD feature both the original televised version and an extended edition that incorporates 20-minutes of additional footage. There are also four behind-the-scenes featurettes. The sets are available at respectively, suggested retail prices of $29.99 and $26.98.

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Review of Angry God of Wealth Deck by Nanswer

Apparently inspired by classic Chinese frescoes, The Angry God of Wealth deck offers an attractive, high quality deck of designer cards. 

Rich Look
With its gold inks, 3D style pips on the faces and black borders on the back, the deck indeed has a dramatic look. Note that while the box features a picture of the "angry god" (on the left in the picture), the deck itself features the attractive gold back design shown in the image on the right. 

Made by the US Playing Card Company, the "Angry God" deck is a high-quality deck that handles well and fans beautifully. 

I'll leave it to you whether you employ designer decks in your magic (I personally don't and stick strictly with standard Bicycle decks). But if you like the look of The Angry God of Wealth deck, you may find lots to like. 

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Review of Propel by Rizki Nanda and SansMinds

Here's a moving dot effect that works on your hand. You draw a dot or symbol on your little finger with a Sharpie marker and your spectators watch as the ink spot becomes animated and crawls up across your fingers and ultimately transfers to your other hand. 

Click here to read my review.

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Review of Cootie Catcher DVD by Jason Michaels

Here’s something different. It’s a prediction or revelation that comes from what you may recall as a “cootie catcher.” You may remember from your childhood these fortune telling devices made from folded pieces. 

Using the "cootie catcher" as a start, Jason Michaels has created a brilliant system to employ these well known and easy to make paper creations and perform a force.

Getting Into the Loop
If you've ever worked with “cootie catchers” as a kid, you’ll probably remember getting into an endless loop where the spelling process continually returned to the same options. Learn Michaels’ system and the cootie catcher will logically progress through all of its options and provide the outcome that you desire.

Variations on a Theme
Michaels has created lots of themed routines with his “cootie catcher” system and the DVD even includes color PDF images that you can print out onto paper to immediately fold into “cootie catchers” and practice and then perform.

Some of Michaels’ themes cover fortune telling, lie detection, psychic lessons and more. And once you understand the system, you can make your own routines and themed cootie catchers. One other consideration, you may think that this system is limited to close-up settings, but Michaels shows how he performs this on stage (see the image on the DVD's cover - it's a giant "cootie catcher").

I would have never suspected that there were fun routines that could be performed with the “cootie catchers” of our youth. But Jason Michaels has created a well thought-out and clever system for employing and entertaining with them. I found lots to like.

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The Magic Rap

I've been thinking about creating a magic rap about my life as a professional magician. The result is the video below. It's something that I call "The Magic Rap."

Hope that you enjoy it.

Review of Drop by Lyndon Jugalbot and Magic Tao

It's advertised as a gimmick that can cause a signed card to apparently jump to the top of the deck. But it's actually a clever gimmick that quickly and visually changes the appearance of the top card. The gimmick works well and the effect looks great.

You can read my review here.

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Review of Magnetic Deck by Granell

With the popularity of extreme card manipulation, it was only a matter of time until someone came up with a gimmicked deck of cards that could mimic the techniques and not require the months of practice necessary for executing impressive flourishes.

Special Deck
Granell’s Magnetic Deck, as the name implies, is a special deck of cards where cards contain embedded magnets to keep the cards together so you can perform spectacular flourishes with a moderate amount of work.

Some of the flourishes appear similar to those taught on such DVDs as Trinity by the Buck Twins. Keep in mind that you can perform basic find a card tricks using the magnetic deck, but it’s pretty much dedicated to performing flourishes.

Love Triangle
Most of the flourishes taught on the accompanying DVD involve building triangular shapes out of the cards and stacking and holding them (see the image). Many of the techniques involve spinning and tossing stacks of cards to reveal cards or perform a spectacular flourish. I do like the look of these tosses - some of which I know from extreme card manipulation DVDs. There are also Sybil style multiple cuts and more.

The cards work as they should but there's still practice involved. One thought, in the hands of Granell, the flourishes lack the smoothness and polish that we are accustomed to seeing when the likes of the Buck Twins: Dan and Dave, for example, perform such flourishes. Granell has a rather jerky style which makes the moves look difficult but lacks the sheer beauty of a well executed flourish.

If you are interested in flourishes, you may enjoy the Magnetic Deck. 

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Review of Upgrade by Danny Weiser and Big Blind Media

Magicians love to change one playing card into another one and Danny Weiser’s Upgrade offers a gimmicked playing card to openly and visually do so. 

The well gimmicked card offers lots of possibilities to not only change cards, but perform transpositions, card vanishes and more. If you like, you can have a spectator hold onto the card that is being changed and the resulting card ends in his hand.

You can read my full review of "Upgrade" here.

Review of LOOK by Limin

Here's a card effect, actually it's a revelation, where a drawing seemingly comes to life and reveals a freely selected card. The underlying concept is a great one. 

Read the full review here. 

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A Magician Wins “Got Talent”

Has a certain sweltering place frozen over? (Hint: it's "hot as h***.) 

A magician finally won television's  “America’s Got Talent,” the first to win in such a reality show competition since Charlie Caper  first won on “Sweden’s Got Talent”). I have to admit, I had pretty much given up on seeing a magician win the show. But I’m so pleased to see Mat Franco take the crown.

Engaging Persona
Congratulations to Franco. He brings a lot to the table. He’s engaging, personable and likeable, perhaps the most important traits for any magician or entertainer. 

When it comes to charisma, this guy has that certain something in spades. He won over the television audience and is to be commended for this seemingly impossible accomplishment.

Close-Up Versus Illusions

I’m stunned to see that close-up magic mostly ruled the performances in the latest season of “America’s Got Talent.” It wasn’t long ago that Murray, Michael Grasso and others were involved in something of a magical arms race where bigger was definitely better and large scale illusions were the only thing that the show’s judges wanted to see. 

I recall Shimshi (now on “Wizard Wars”) who performed an energetic and stunning card stab on "America's Got Talent" with lots of flashy dancing, but was told that he couldn’t make it to Vegas performing a card trick.

This season, it seemed that almost every magician was walking up to the panel of judges or bringing a judge on stage and performing stand-up or close-up magic. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it just indicates that shows and expectations can change. 

Good For Magic?
Will this win, along with all the magic being showcased on television by the likes of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us," "Wizard Wars" and "Masters of Illusion" be good for magic and professional magicians?

I know that lately, lots of people at my restaurant gigs are asking me about the magic that they have seen on "America's Got Talent." I view this as a positive sign and remain hopeful.

Again, congratulations to Mat Franco for a job well done. All magicians can be proud of his amazing accomplishment.

More Reading: What Makes Great TV Magic? - Magic & Illusion - About.com
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Review of Flatline by Jay Sankey

"Flatline" is an effect that's based on a gimmicked "Sharpie-brand" marker that can be switched in and made to look as if you have smashed and flattened one end of it. If you look at the picture, you can view the results. The transformation is indeed surprising.

I think the Flatline effect will surprise spectators and the prop has the potential to get some good reactions. In addition to the trick itself, you’ll also learn some funroutines that you may add to your close-up arsenal.

You can read my full review here. 

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Review of Domino Effect by Alex Pandrea

Here’s a strong close-up effect that transposes two packets of sweetener, and the magic happens in a spectator’s hand. While the plot has long been used with coins, the use of the sugar packet allows you work with common objects. Instead of bringing out your unusual set of exotic coins, you can seemingly, in a coffee house, for example, employ real objects that are around you.

Read my full review here. 

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Review of Collision (DVD and Gimmick) by Tom Wright

Is Collision, as the ads state, “The Ultimate Airborne Card Stab?” I think this one is quite good and convincing and I like that it’s something different. With this marketed effect, you stab the airborne card onto a fork.

You can read the entire review here.

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Review of At the Table Live Lecture - Gregory Wilson

If I had to nominate a magician who could succeed and entertain in any situation and under any circumstance, Gregory Wilson would undoubtedly be high-up on that list.

With strong technical skills, a lifetime’s experience working with audiences, a hilarious demeanor that entertains and disarms, and cunning street skills, there is truly only one Gregory Wilson.

The Lecture

Wilson's lecture is informative and features great material, but tends to amble a bit. It appears that the lecture began with a formal itinerary, but it's quickly derailed into different directions as a result of audience questions and Wilson’s uncanny ability to make the most of - and riff on - any situation.

But perhaps this is the mark of a great lecture - one that goes in the direction that the magicians want it to go. It’s a fun lecture to watch and you’ll learn some great magic, in particular, tricks that can be performed impromptu.  

The Effects
Wilson begins with and teaches a strong champagne bottle production from an empty paper bag. There’s impromptu “coffee bar” magic where a coin transforms as it falls through a cup’s insulating collar. Wilson also teaches his “Pitch and Ditch” technique to use one’s pant’s pocket as a ditching mechanism; the “Ring Side,” a multi-phase coin and finger ring transposition, a toothpick penetration; and a fun mentalism bit to indicate in which hand a spectator is holding an object.

A large part of the lecture is dedicated to explaining Wilson’s pick-pocket routine, which includes his watch steal. Half an hour is dedicated to cards, which includes Wilson’s excellent card under card box routine - the selected card ends on top of the box, under it, and then the entire deck vanishes and is found in the box. This one features masterful choreography. He also teaches the classic "Tenkai Book Break Turnover" glimpse of a card.

It wouldn’t be a lecture without some demonstrations of marketed effects. Here, Wilson presents his “Exact Change” prediction of a pocketful of change, and an unshuffled deck (marketed by someone else - click here to read my review of the product).

Filming Magic
There’s also a portion dedicated to showing film segments with real spectators that didn’t go according to plan. Yes, things go wrong in the real world and Wilson is not afraid to talk about what went wrong and what’s going through his head.

In all, the lecture is a blast to watch and features some useful and fun magic. But most of all, it stars Gregory Wilson, a charismatic force of nature.

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Las Vegas Week

It's said that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well, I'm back from a great week in the well known destination and I've got reviews of the latest magic and illusion shows.

Day 1: I thoroughly enjoyed Murray Celebrity Magician, an excellent show at the Tropicana's Laugh Factory. Murray showcases comedy, stand-up magic and even full scale illusions. It's an hour long and entertaining production that is great for families and adults. Read my review here.

Day 2: It's a pleasure to experience a large-scale illusion show that is entertaining and worthy of Las Vegas. He's "straight from Germany" and "The Man With Nine Lives." Read my review of Illusions by Jan Rouven here. 

Day 3: There's magic fun in downtown with Adam London's Laughternoon show at the "D." London is as much a stand-up comic as he is a magician and he brings on the laughs in his one-man show. Read my review here.

Day 4: Tommy Wind showcases magic and music in his namesake show: Tommy Wind Musical Illusionist. Energetic and charismatic, Wind features large scale illusions and intimate stage magic, but the show sports some rough edges. Read my review here.

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Review of Fair and Square

Here’s a great coin effect that’s built around a well known saying: Fair and Square. You take out a round coin and immediately transform it into a square one. 

You can read my review here. 

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Blind Date (DVD and Gimmicks) by Stephen Leathwaite

Here’s a fun concept and the effect has a humorous premise. With Blind Date, it's all about setting up the perfect blind date for a lady with one of several eligible men depicted on "dating" cards. And when a  lady makes a free selection, it’s the most eligible and attractive of all the men (you). And you can show that you predicted this outcome from the start.

Read my full review here. 

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Review of At the Table Live Lecture - Kostya Kimlat

Here’s another great lecture in Murphy’s “At the Table Live” series. Kostya Kimlat’s lecture is strikingly different from others in that its emphasis isn’t on tricks but on the business of magic, particularly with respect to restaurants. If you’re serious about making a career in magic, this may be an important lecture to study.       

Lots of Information
Kimlat has his material organized, but the meandering lecture ultimately covers a wide span of useful information. Generally, he covers: 1) the business of restaurants (how to get gigs, pricing guidelines, how to work the gigs and be successful, approaching tables and more), 2) performing magic on television, 3) how to create a business of magicians performing at gigs, and 4) how to develop and perform stand-up magic.

There’s only two tricks, both of which require props that you will need to purchase. The close-up effect is a great opener that Kimlat himself uses. With this routine, you’ll learn a great variation on the paddle move. There’s also a stand-up effect that Kimlat demonstrates and sells.

The Techniques
Don’t expect any “magic” guidelines that will have clients knocking at your door and calling you. What Kimlat presents is the techniques that worked for him to succeed at restaurants, stand-up and forming a national business that markets magic. The accompanying work will be up to you.

I think that anyone who is serious about making money with magic will find useful information in this lecture. In addition to the helpful advice, Kimlat offered one amazing marketing idea that had never occurred to me and could offer some definite possibilities (hmmmm - food for thought).  

At press time, this lecture was only available as a download but Murphy's says it will be available later as a DVD.

More Reading:  
Review of At the Table Live Lecture - Karl Hein
Heiny 500 by Karl Hein - Magic & Illusion - About.com 
Review of Definitive Guide to Restaurant Magic by Wayne Goodman