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.
International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 76, meets on the second Monday of the month in central San Diego at 7:00 p.m. Members enjoy an extensive magic library, a monthly newsletter, lectures and friendly competitions. Contact www.ring76.com.
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 Generations of Magic is San Diego's newest magic shop at 741-B Olive Ave. in Vista; they sell books, gags, DVSs, tricks, balloons, props, cards and coins; they even feature a practice area; for info call 760-842-1552 or visit www.3generationsofmagic.com.
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 Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. During the day, bartender Dan Thomas amazes guests upon request. Visit www.TheGatheringRestaurant.com or call (619) 260-0400.
Welk Resort Theatre features fun variety entertainment on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. with magician Anthony The Magic; tickets $20 adult or $10 children; call (760) 749-3448 or (888) 542-1001
The Trick Shop is 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.
Private Magic Lessons are available on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. in San Marcos, and by appointment, from Magician Michael E. Johnson. Call 760-703-9661
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
If you like magic autographs, check out www.magicautographs.com, with info on where to get famous magician's autographs.
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
San Diego magicians including Jack White hosting a meeting of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in January 2010
A group of San Diego magicians met at Magic Live convention in Las Vegas in 2009
