PLACES TO SEE MAGIC IN THE CHICAGO AREA
BARS & RESTAURANT MAGIC
EVERY WEDNESDAY: Fox's Pub Orland
Looking for magic in Orland Park? You can find Jim Maddex at 9655 W. 143rd Street, 6-8pm.
EVERY WEDNESDAY: Roosters Bar and Grill
James Jensen celebrates 15 years of entertaining families with tableside magic and balloon animals at this popular establishment. 122 W. Lake Street in Bloomingdale, 5:30pm.
FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH: Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
At last—Jim Maddex, magic and Mexican food, all in the same place. 14853 Founders Crossing in Homer Glen, 6:30-8:30pm.
EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: O'Donovan's
Formerly Schulien's, the birthplace of Chicago bar magic, this friendly restaurant and bar is still home to tableside magic by veteran Al James, 6-10pm.
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT: Long Grove Cafe
Enjoy the award-winning close-up magic of J.B. Brash tableside from 7-10pm. 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. 847.955.9600.
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT: Rookies Family Sports Pub
This friendly neighborhood spot is featuring the walkaround magic of Magic Sam from 7-9pm. 1751 Dixie Highway, Homewood. 708.922.9200.
EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT: The Rail Bar
See Jim Maddex perform walkaround magic comfortable upscale sports bar and grill on Fridays and Saturdays at 10pm. 4709 N. Damen, Chicago. 773.878.9400.
EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: Fox's Pub
If you're near Mokena, here's your chance to see Jim Maddex at 11247 W. 187th Street in Mokena, 7-9pm.
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT: Mike Ditka's
Enjoy the sports-themed magic of Jeff Scanlan at 2 Mid-America Plaza in Oakbrook Terrace, 6:30-9pm.
EVERY SUNDAY: LaVilla
Steve Belliveau performs magic and twists balloons at this family-run Italian restaurant and lounge. 3638 N. Pulaski, Chicago. 4:30-8pm.
THEATRICAL MAGIC PERFORMANCES
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT: Supernatural Chicago
Now in its seventh straight year! Chicago's longest running theatrical magic presentation, performed at the landmark (and reputedly haunted) Excalibur nightclub by Neil Tobin, Necromancer. "He'll teach you about Chicago's paranormal history and get you involved in psychic experiments that put Jedi mind tricks to shame" (Red Eye/Chicago Tribune). Info and reservations.
EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT: The Magic Cabaret
P.T. Murphy and David Parr's new show at the Greenhouse Theater Center presents mysteries, laughs, and surprises. 7:30pm. Information and reservations.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JUNE 25 AND 26: American Gypsy
Inspired by the lives of Jim Cellini and Tony Slydini, this is a one-man show written and performed by Ben Whiting. Information and reservations.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7: Magic Chicago
This monthly showcase of magic from Chicago and abroad features performances by Eugene Burger, Ross Johnson, and Gordon Meyer. Hosted by Benjamin Barnes and Robert Charles. 7:30pm. Information and reservations.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21: Headspace: the Magical Mind of Arthur Trace
This one-man show by Chicago native and international award-winning performer Arthur Trace takes magic in artful new directions. Presented by Magic Chicago. 7:30pm. Information and reservations.
MONDAY, AUGUST 9: Tina Lenert, Mike Caveney, and Arden James
Three of magic's most distinctive performers, gathered together for this special Magic Chicago presentation. 7:30pm. Information and reservations.
MUSEUMS & FESTIVALS
JUNE 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 12: Magical History Tour
Learn about the history of magical performance, with special emphasis on the Chicago-area people who have had an impact on the art. Free. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Avenue, Elmhurst. Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5pm.
SUNDAY, JUNE 27: Magical History Tour - Grand Opening Spectacular
See stage illusions, close-up magic, and the Elmhurst History Museum's new exhibit celebrating Chicago's contribution to magic performance. The mayor of Elmhurst may even get sawed in half! Free. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Avenue, Elmhurst. 1-5pm
MAGICIANS TO SEE
ALL ARE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE ENGAGEMENTS
AND ARE MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY NO. 3 OF THE S.A.M.
Clare T. Ashley, 800.762.8863
Jay Collen, 312.316.4345
The Great Frankini, 773.586.0091
Magic Matt's Family Fun Shows, 630.244.0979
Marsh-Mallo Entertainment, 708.485.3458
Mike Harvatt, 708.499.4503
Neil Tobin, Necromancer, 708.308.1280
Joseph J. Vacha, 708.254.6041
More to come