Living With Magic

San Diego is a town full of magic, if you know where to look.  There's clubs, magic shops, restaurants, theaters, lectures and classes happening at different times.  Most of these events are open to the public!  Some are even free.

Here's some of my favorite activities.  If you chose to, you can enjoy magic seven days a week in this town.  For a complete up-to-date calendar of local events, consult the web site www.SanDiegoMagicNews.com.

1. International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 76, meets on the second Monday of the month at Jack's Magic Place off University Ave. in San Diego, around 7:00 p.m.  Members enjoy an extensive magic library, a monthly newsletter, lectures and friendly competitions.  Contact Secretary Jack White at 619-299-9037 or prestoone@cox.net.  You can also visit www.ring76.com.
2. Magic Guild of Southern California meets the first Thursday of the month at a restaurant in Vista around 7:30 p.m.  Members arrive early for dinner, then enjoy special theme meetings, a newsletter, lectures and competitions.  Contact President Lou Heck at (760) 741-1142.
3. Magical Moments is San Diego's own cable television show which airs every week throughout the County.  On Cox cable networks, the show appears on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 18 (North County) or Channel 23 (San Diego area).  On Time Warner cable systems, the show is 7:30 p.m. on Channel 19.
4. The Gathering is San Diego's legendary restaurant with live magic entertainment.  Located in Mission Hills, at 922 W. Washington St., the restaurant features magicians Thursday through Saturday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.  During the day, bartender Dan Thomas amazes guests upon request.  Magicians include Craig Stone on Thursday nights and Tom McCarthy on Friday and Saturday nights, and Vic on Sundays.  Visit www.TheGatheringRestaurant.com or call (619) 260-0400.
5. The Little Club in Coronado is drawing adult crowds on Saturdays, when magic legend J.C. Wagner performs from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  It's located at 132 Orange Ave. in Coronado.  Call first before dropping by at (619) 435-5885
6. Welk Resort Theatre features fun variety entertainment on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. with magician Anthony The Magic and a comedian; tickets $20 adult or $10 children; call (760) 749-3448 or (888) 542-1001 
7. The Trick Shop is San Diego's favorite magic shop, located just a little north of San Diego County in Temecula, at 28480 Old Town Front Street.  They have a great selection of items.  The shop also sponsors lectures and workshops.  Call (951) 506-0664 or visit www.trickshopmagic.com.

San Diego's most famous Magicians also have web sites where they sell tricks and materials:

• Brad Burt's Magic Shop might have closed down in San Diego, but Brad is still in business in town and on-line.  For tricks and his original instructional videos, visit www.magicshop.com
• J.C. Wagner is an incredible performer and Bar Magician who is well-known for his teaching videos and DVDs.  Visit www.jcwagnersmagic.com 
• If you like magic autographs, check out www.magicautographs.com, with info on where to get famous magician's autographs.
• Famous artist and local magic enthusiast Jim Whiting has published a new book with some fun magic cartoons called "Analecta", available direct through www.jimtoons.com.
• Several local magicians are mentioned on the web site www.givemagic.com, which encourages volunteerism and giving more magic to the community.  It is sponsored by the Fellowship of Honorable Magicians.
• You can also find some of San Diego's top magicians on the website www.magicbiography.com, which lists the most famous magicians in the world

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This web site may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.  Copyright 2008 Michael E. Johnson