Welcome to
Williams Magic,
Tucson Magic News!
Here's a quick reference menu for this page...
(or simply continue scrolling all the way down the page.)
1. News
2. Shows & Events
3. Magic Clubs
5. Magic Entertainers For
Hire
If you plan to be in the Tucson area please try to stop in for a visit. We'll have some free refreshments waiting for you. We're open Sunday from 1:00PM to 5:00PM and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00PM. We're closed on Fridays and Saturdays. For a map to locate us, click HERE then scroll down.
We also offer a complimentary
to help you stay
informed about all the magic shows in Tucson. Click
HERE for more information.
We try to keep up on all the latest magic news in Tucson so feel free to call us at 520-790-4060 if you need additional information on any of these events.
*******************************************************************
(If you have magic news you feel should be listed here please contact us.)
*******************************************************************
Williams Magic is now CLOSED for New Years Day (Thursday) as well as the "normal" closed days of Friday & Saturday following the holiday.
That means if you need to stop in and see us, be here during regular hours (1:00 - 5:00 PM) on Sunday, January 4.
Next week we will be back to our regular business hours of Monday thru Thursday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.
*******************************************************************
January, 2009 February, 2009
S
M T W T F S
S M T
W T F
S
1 2 3
1 2 3 4
5 6 7
4 5 6
7
8
9
10
8 9 10 11 12
13 14
11 12 13 14
15 16 17
15
16 17 18 19 20 21
18 19 20 21
22 23
24
22 23 24 25 26 27
28
25
26 27 28 29 30
31
*******************************************************************
Thurs. Jan 8, 2009 Aldo & Rachel Colombini Lecture for Magicians
Sponsored by the SAM Assembly #136, this will be an excellent lecture for Tucson magicians. If you have never been to one of their lectures (and even if you have) you shouldn't miss this one. Aldo and Rachel always have a dynamic presentation and lots of great "stuff" for sale.
Lecture will begin at 7:00 PM at the Craycroft Tower Apartment Community Center located at 1635 North Craycroft Road, Tucson. That's one block south of Craycroft and Pima. Contact the SAM President, Michael DeShalit at 520-270-0183 for further information.
*******************************************************************
Fri. Jan 9, 2009 "An Enchanted Evening" Wine Tasting and Magic Show
David Minkin, 2007 International Brotherhood of Magicians Gold Cups Competition First Place Winner in Reno, NV, will be performing at CataVinos, 3063 North Alvernon, Tucson, AZ.
Magic show at 5:30 and 6:30, wine tasing (over 18 wines!) from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.
Cost is $35.00 per person in advance, $45.00 at the door. A portion of the proceeds to be donated to "Youth On Their Own".
For further information call CataVinos at 520-323-3063. Learn more about CataVinos at their web site www.catavinoswines.com. Learn more about David at his web site www.davidminkin.com.
*******************************************************************
Sat. Jan 24, 2009 SAM Assembly #136 Annual Banquet at the Holiday Inn Palo Verde
Cocktails at 5:30 PM, Dinner and Entertainment at 7:00 PM. The hotel is located at 4550 S. Palo Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85714. Their phone is 520-746-1161 but for further information on this banquet please contact the club president, Michael DeSchalit at 520-270-0183.
Menu:
Napa Cabbage with Toasted Almonds, Pea Pods, Mandarin Oranges
& Ginger Dressing
Choice of:
Sweet Chili Glazed Beef with Stir Fry Vegetables
Peanut Chicken Satay with Stir Fry Vegetables
Teriyaki Vegetable Stir Fry with Vegetable Spring Rolls
Entrees Include:
Yakisoba Noodles
Chef's Special Dessert
Coffee or Tea
Tickets are $30.00 per person and are now available at Williams Magic. Cash or Check only, NO CREDIT CARDS.
*******************************************************************
Sat., Sun. Jan. 24 & 25, 2009 "Letter's End" at the Berger Performing Arts Centre
From the creator of the internationally acclaimed all-ages-friendly productions LaLaLuna and The Shneedles, luminous physical theatre performer Wolfe Bowart returns to Tucson to premier his latest show Letter's End - a whole new box of lunacy that truly pushes the envelope.
Weaving together theatre and circus, stage illusion, interactive film, shadow puppetry and hilarious physical comedy, Wolfe Bowart's physical theatre productions "specialize in a magic realism that evoke childlike wonder" (The Australian). Fresh from tours of the UK, Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Greece, New Zealand and multiple nationwide tours of Australia, Tucson native Wolfe Bowart returns home to invite us into the realm of the fantastic. "Luminously inventive and magically silly" (The Age), Wolfe Bowart's performances are a theatrical experience for everyone aged from 6 to 106.
Wolfe Bowart will premiere Letter's End at Tucson's Berger Performing Arts Centre before touring the UK and Australia, where Bowart has been awarded a Playing Australia arts grant to undertake a 130-performance national tour.
Cut the string, tear open the brown paper wrapping and live a wondrous world rediscovered in Letter's End - this time his memory is the one playing tricks.
Where: Berger Performing Arts Centre, 1200 East Speedway
Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719
When: Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Length: 70 minutes plus 20 minute interval.
Appropriateness: All ages from 6 years old and up.
Tickets: $15.00 Adults, $8.00 Children under 12.
Available: In person from December 26, 2008 @ Antigone Books, Mrs. Tiggy Winkles Toys, Williams Magic
(Cash or Checks only), Online @
www.tix.com, At the door (box office will open
one hour prior to show time.
For more info: www.spoontree.com
********************************************************************
Mon. Jan. 26, 2009 It's Magic" at the Gaslight Theatre
Time for another great, family oriented show with our acclaimed local talent.
Featured performers not known at this time.
Doors open around 6:00 PM, show starts at 7:00 PM. The Gaslight Theatre is located at 7010 East Broadway, Tucson, AZ, 85710. For further information, and to reserve tickets, please call them at 520-886-9428. Visit the Gaslight Theatre web site here.
*******************************************************************
Sun. Feb. 15, 2009 "Winter Illusions 2009" in Chandler, AZ
Medical Solutions International Charities and the Phoenix Chapter of KiDabra present this charity event to benefit the Banner Children's Hospital (www.bannerhealth.com) and Lura Turner Homes (www.luraturnerhomes.org). Performers include magicians from both the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Norm Marini will be the Master of Ceremonies and host of the pre-show Champagne Toast Reception.
Performers include John Shryock & Mari Lynn, Matt & Emily, Eric Buss, Gene & Charlene Collins, Victor Gade & Blondie. Lobby magicians will be Elliott Travis, Zack Gibson and Gary Lazok.
Earnhardt Ford has donated a 2009 Genesis to be raffled off.
Show will be at the Chandler Center for the Performing Arts located at 250 North Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225. Their phone number is 480-782-2680.
Show begins at 3:00 PM Sunday afternoon and the box office opens at 2:00 PM. Sign language interpreter is available upon request at least one day prior to the event. Assisted listening devices are also available at the house manager's desk.
VIP Tickets are $75.00. Preferred Tickets are $45.00. General Admission Tickets are $35.00. Lap Pass (3 years & under) No Charge.
The VIP Tickets include a VIP parking pass, VIP badge and special seating, admission to the pre-show champagne toast reception and admission to the "Meet and Greet" dinner event which includes an appetizer medley, open menu dinner, dessert and beverage at Keegan's Grill.
Further information can be found at the event web site www.winterillusions2009.com.
Tickets are also available at Williams Magic. Cash and Checks only, no Credit Cards.
Looks like this will be a great magic show on the level of the annual Stars of Magic here in Tucson.
*******************************************************************
*******************************************************************
There are four magic clubs in Tucson. Visiting magicians, and guests with a sincere interest in magic, are welcome to visit all three of the clubs free of charge.
International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring #172 meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Craycroft Tower Apartment Community Center located at 1635 North Craycroft Road, Tucson. That's one block south of Craycroft and Pima. Contact the IBM President Scott Fridinger at 520-248-5930 for additional information.
Magic Entertainer's Development Club is temporarily not holding meetings. Further information will be posted here when the club resumes meetings. Contact Emory Williams at 520-790-4060 for additional information.
Society of American Magicians Assembly #136 meets the 1st Monday of each month (except for occasional conflicts when they change the date by a week or so) at 7:00 PM at The Z Mansion located at 288 North Church Avenue in downtown Tucson, AZ 85701. Contact the SAM President Michael DeSchalit at 520-270-0183 for additional information.
Society of Young Magicians Assembly #136 is temporarily not holding meetings. The club usually meets the 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Craycroft Tower Apartment Community Center located at 1635 North Craycroft Road, Tucson. That's one block south of Craycroft and Pima. The club is open to all young people 7-16 years old who are interested in magic. Contact Michael DeSchalit at 520-270-0183 for additional information.
*******************************************************************
*******************************************************************
Looking for Doves? We know of several local sources in the Tucson area.
Gene Collins (520-760-5024) raises, trains and sells doves for magicians.
Darlene at "Forever Wild" has doves for sale at 520-574-0067.
Donna (in the Picture Rocks area) at 520-682-2164 has about 40 doves for sale.
Rodney Housley (in Sahuarita) also has doves for sale. 520-834-5981 www.rodneyhousley.com
*******************************************************************
Tame Cockatiels! Jeremy Collins (520-990-1532) sells tame, not trained, cockatiels in various colors. If you need cockatiels, call Jeremy.
*******************************************************************
Local Entertainers Available For Hire
*******************************************************************
This listing is provided as a FREE COMMUNITY SERVICE in the hope of helping individuals and organizations seeking magical entertainment to connect with appropriate entertainers.
These entertainers (listed in alphabetical order in categories denoting their specialties) are either members of the local magic clubs or are well known by the local magic community and are considered to be reliable and responsible.
Generally speaking, "You get what you pay for." In other words, you should expect to pay more for better performers and bigger, more spectacular shows. Williams Magic and Novelties receives no payment or compensation of any kind from either the entertainers or the individuals/organizations who hire them.
This list represents a wide range of performance skills and styles. Some of these individuals have "regular" jobs and perform magic on the side (more as a hobby) and some are full-time professional entertainers who support their families with magic. We recommend you contact several different entertainers to discuss your specific event and carefully compare their services and fees. Feel free to ask them their personal opinions of their peers to help you make an appropriate and informed selection.
These performers are not hired by Williams Magic and Novelties so they must all be considered independent contractors. We can offer no guarantees or warranties, express or implied, as to the appropriateness or quality of their performances, and we assume no liability for any actions or incidents arising out of their performances.
*******************************************************************
Children's Parties with Magic
Bobbie the Clown 520-722-5328
Michael Crownhart 520-663-1218
Pat Brestel 520-991-9308 www.magicplease.com
John Coppin 866-229-5335 www.magicofjohncoppin.com
Michael DeSchalit 520-270-0183 www.magicallyspeaking.net
George Franzen 520-751-2323 www.franzenmagic.com
Giggles the Clown 520-750-8555
Rodney Housley 520-834-5981 www.rodneyhousley.com
Michael Howell 520-258-9600 magicofmikehowell
Allan Rasco 520-909-3621
Rod Robison 520-825-8751 www.mentallusions.com
Don Scott 520-744-7871
Art Trillo 520-298-3505
2EEE the Clown 520-578-0490
Yummy the Clown 520-747-2070
*******************************************************************
Children's Parties with Clowns in Costume
Bobbie the Clown 520-722-5328
John Coppin 866-229-5335 www.magicofjohncoppin.com
Giggles the Clown 520-750-8555
Michael Crownhart 520-663-1218
MT Pockets the Clown 520-326-4584
2EEE the Clown 520-578-0490
Yummy the Clown 520-747-2070
*******************************************************************
Casual Walk-Around Magic For Adult Events
Pat Brestel 520-991-9308 www.magicplease.com
Gene Collins 520-760-5024 www.magicproductionsonline.com
John Coppin 866-229-5335 www.magicofjohncoppin.com
Michael Crownhart 520-663-1218
Jim Davidson 520-406-3121
Michael DeSchalit 520-270-0183 www.magicallyspeaking.net
Steve Ehlers 520-579-3545 www.azcardexpert.com
George Franzen 520-751-2323 www.franzenmagic.com
Rodney Housley 520-834-5981 www.rodneyhousley.com
Norm Marini 520-360-2775 www.normmarini.com
Tom Potter 520-906-6998 www.laughmagic.com
Allan Rasco 520-909-3621
Jayson Schultz 520-296-1808
Don Scott 520-744-7871
John Shryock 520-444-4242
Bruce Spell 520-749-3643
Art Trillo 520-298-3505
Adrian Van Vactor 520-818-2569
*******************************************************************
Platform or Stage Magic For Larger Groups
Eric Buss 323-610-1130 www.ericbuss.com
Gene Collins 520-760-5024 www.magicproductionsonline.com
John Coppin 866-229-5335 www.magicofjohncoppin.com
Michael DeSchalit 520-270-0183 www.magicallyspeaking.net
Joseph DuPerry 520-250-4766
George Franzen 520-751-2323 www.franzenmagic.com
Rodney Housley 520-834-5981 www.rodneyhousley.com
Tim Mansfield 520-661-1581
C. H. Mara 520-405-0709
Norm Marini 520-360-2775 www.normmarini.com
Tom Potter 520-906-6998 www.laughmagic.com
Allan Rasco 520-909-3621
Rod Robison 520-825-8751 www.mentallusions.com
John Shryock 520-444-4242
Bruce Spell 520-749-3643
Art Trillo 520-298-3505
Adrian Van Vactor 520-818-2569 www.adrianvanvactor.com
*******************************************************************
Large Illusion Shows
Gene Collins 520-760-5024 www.magicproductionsonline.com
Michael DeSchalit 520-270-0183 www.magicallyspeaking.net
C. H. Mara 520-405-0709
John Shryock 520-444-4242
Bruce Spell 520-749-3643
Adrian Van Vactor 520-818-2569 www.adrianvanvactor.com
*******************************************************************
Gospel Magic Stage Shows
Rod Robison 520-825-8751 www.mentallusions.com
Fr. Daniel Rolland 520-327-6662 www.spiritualmagic.org
Adrian Van Vactor 520-818-2569 www.adrianvanvactor.com
*******************************************************************
Corporate Training & Motivational Magic
Michael DeSchalit 520-270-0183 www.magicallyspeaking.net
Rodney Housley 520-834-5981 www.rodneyhousley.com
Tom Potter 520-906-6998 www.laughmagic.com
Rod Robison 520-825-8751 www.mentallusions.com
Peter Scott 520-977-5695 www.pscompetitiveedge.com
Emory Williams, Jr. 520-419-9814
*******************************************************************
"Old" News &
Ongoing Events
(This section contains old news. In other words,
it's no longer "news" but it is still pertinent information.)
*******************************************************************
Magic Saturday -- There is a new restaurant on the East side of Tucson that has a magician working the first Saturday of every month between 5:30PM and 7:30PM.
China View, located at 7545 South Houghton Road, Tucson, AZ, (520-574-8188) just recently opened. That address is right next door to the Chuy's (if you know where that is) which is just a couple of blocks south of Valencia on the East side of Houghton.
The owner (Tony) is a fan of magic and he now has magic at the tables from 5:30PM to 7:30PM in the evenings.
There are several important points we need to share with you.
First, the food is EXCELLENT! This is not your typical Chinese buffet. In fact, there is NO buffet at all. I would call this an upscale Chinese restaurant with very nice, tasteful, relaxing atmosphere and an excellent Chinese Chef who really knows what he is doing.
Second, the magician does not accept tips. His purpose is to "attempt" to entertain every single table of dining guests for very short bursts of magic throughout the evening. That way no one gets "trapped" with 20 minutes of entertainment while their food gets cold.
Third, did I mention the food is EXCELLENT?! It really is.
This is the opening phase of this "experiment" and if it goes well then the plan is to have more magicians working more often in this restaurant. Everything depends upon seeing an increase in Saturday night business for the restaurant.
Please help us support this project.
They also have excellent lunch specials in case you would like to stop in during lunch but then you'll miss the magic! I would recommend this restaurant even if they didn't have magic at all. Did I mention the food is EXCELLENT?!
Give it a try and help the magicians (and Tony) prosper. You won't regret it! And your support will help nurture more and more interest in restaurant magic in the Tucson area.
*******************************************************************
In case you hadn't heard, Jim Davidson has a pretty exciting new gig/life. He is working/living at the Triangle T Guest Ranch in Dragoon, AZ. This allows him to perform in the Saloon virtually every single night, including weekends. He has sort of become the star attraction at this old west retreat.
Take a look at their web site here Triangle T Guest Ranch and browse the photos of the facilities. If you're there around dusk you'll probably be treated to spectacular, colorful sunsets. You may even want to make plans for an overnight stay.
Complete information, including a map and directions, can be found on their web site. It's easy to find. Just take exit 318 (Dragoon Road) off Interstate 10 and continue South a little over a quarter mile to the ranch.
Try to visit some evening and have dinner or drinks in the Saloon. That's when Jim performs. If he isn't performing then he is probably "on call." Just let them know you came to see some magic!
Triangle T Guest Ranch is an interesting place to visit, even without Jim and his magic. But you can always count on some great entertainment from Jim. He LIVES there! And the Saloon has become his own "personal" stage.
*******************************************************************
You knew it had to happen sooner or later! Eric Buss has a MySpace page. Here's a link in case you would like to take a look:
http://www.myspace.com/ericbuss
*******************************************************************
"Magical Mystery Dinner Theatre" (a joint effort between The Mystery Mansion Dinner Theatre and "Magic Crafters" in Tucson) is now open for business and running every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 PM. This interactive comedy whodunit by Hollywood comedy writer Patricia Harris Smith is "a masterful mix of mystery, magic, mayhem & murder" and is great for groups, birthdays, anniversaries, special events and corporate teambuilding. Advance reservations are required. For information and availability call 520-861-4800. Outside Tucson call 800-266-4800. Special discounts available for groups of 6 or more.
If you would like to read my personal review of this entertaining evening, click CLICK HERE. You can see a copy of the E-mail I sent out to our "Magic Show Notification Signup List" a couple of months ago. If you would like to sign up yourself to receive E-mail notification of public magic shows in the Tucson, AZ, area, then click CLICK HERE.
*******************************************************************
Magic Classes are available for all ages at Williams Magic. The starting point would be with "Beginning Sleight of Hand," and "Beginning Misdirection."
In "Beginning Sleight of Hand" the student learns how to vanish and produce small objects in their bare hands. This class consists of two sessions, one hour each, on consecutive weeks.
In "Beginning Misdirection" the student learns the psychology, timing and application of both active and passive misdirection techniques. This class consists of two sessions, one hour each, on consecutive weeks.
These classes are $75.00 each, plus supplies which usually cost approximately $10.00 - $15.00 for each class.
Material is presented on a level consistent with the ages and abilities of the students. Class size is generally two to four students but remains at the discretion of the instructor. Class schedule is flexible and will be finalized by the instructor and students. If private one-on-one classes are desired, add $15.00 to the price quoted above.
Additional classes are available on a variety of subjects. Contact us for further information.
*******************************************************************
This page was last updated on 01/06/09