Reverie

In my "In Box" • Hair today, gone tomorrow

2012-01-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Tom:

Just watched your recent "videos" doing the "Three Card Miracle" (don't know the real name) of this effect....and also your adaptation
of the oldest trick in magic history the "Cups and Balls" (you are probably one of the best that should go down in magic history)

As far as I am concerned..and I have written you before...I think your Act is Great...(p.s. I am still trying to convince Kozmo to put you and other street magicians on some future "Reel Magic DVD release".)

Now...please listen my Jewish Friend....

And if you take this wrong....and give me Hell....I will accept it......

Tom.......you are too young...to get into the James Randi appearance!!!!!!!

Personally..(and if you write me to give me hell that's O.K.)...but Tom.....please go back to the "Good Ole Days"

I hate your surface beard...I hate the fact of hair loss...and I hate the fact that this make you look like "James Randi"

Please consider my friend..to spend a few pesso's to shave your beard...and maybe get some hair device..(rug or transplant)..

But Tom...I think you will benefit....and work more for a younger crowd..then us old Bastard's....

It's just that I was a bit shocked at your recent Magic Castle Video...the magic was tops...but you looked a bit old....

So.....if you want to tell me to F....OF......that's O.K...maybe I just don't want one of my Magic Idols to be and Old Man..

Don Alan Did it.....Neil Foster Did It.....Randy Wakeman Did it...and if I was loosing my top...I would do it too..

Love you may Friend.

Marien

Canada.

I wish I lived closer so I could smoke cigars...drink whiskey or brandy with you and share what the "real magic is"

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

My response

Dear Marien,

I would never give you hell or tell you to F#@k off. You are one of my few fans. I do remember your kind words from last years email.

Trust me, for years I have thought about my balding and the notion of looking older. At some point I made a decision that I wanted to grow old gracefully. . . whatever that means.

Society and specifically the entertainment industry is a youth driven business and puts disproportionate pressure on youth and beauty. Good thing I'm not in the Entertainment Industry (in Los Angeles, that means television and film). I'm a street performer and trick deck pitchman. I'm a 46 year old twice divorced, father of 4. In reality. . . I look my age. . . I guess. As for the beard, a lot of it has turned white. That's life I guess. I keep the beard in the winter, because it keeps my face warm. I work outdoors and it can be cold at times. I thought about dying the beard, but; as quick a beards grow I would have to dye the roots every other day. I'm lazy and not that vain.

Polly, who has spent her professional career as a hairdresser for TV & Film (and knows how to hand make a wig) Loves me for who I am. A short, bald, chubby, jew. That's good enough for me. It's not likely, even with a rug, that fame or fortune is coming my way. I gave up on that dream years ago. The new dream, is to live the rest of my life with a heart full of love doing what makes me happy. Polly makes me happy, my family makes me happy. I love performing magic and trying to make other people happy. It's all good.

If being me, makes me look like an 83 year old gay man, then so be it.

Thank you for your time, interest and support. I too would enjoy drinking and smoking with you. If you ever get out to LA, look me up and we'll have a great time!

Sincerely,

Tom Frank

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Frick......you are hilarious............
Tom...."Thanks for the quickie reply"............................Glad you took it in good spirits (although the other type of spirits taste better)....LOL...

I have many Jewish friends....and don't forget you are "The chosen people"....

Although I am not a professional....magician....(but a professional who works part time....ala...Gene Anderson)...I have been in "Sales" for 40 years. I know a lot about selling...and have been successful at it. Selling and Magic are the same...and I have given many talks on sales to various companies in the past. In Magic...we have patter...in sales it is called organized language. In Magic we have props...in sales we have tangible products or sales concepts. But all in all whether you are selling products or a service...we are in "the people business". You have to know how to handle people...handle objections and overcome them....build a repoir...and make them like you.

Let's face it Tom...if they don't like you and think you are a conceited jerk...they just won't buy from you....LOL....LOL....
Thank you for your honesty...and I am so glad that you have found the "true treasure" in life. It's not things....It's not money (although money helps)....it relationships..and friends... Whenever I am down a bit ....I go an watch "Noodle Joint"...you kill me in this one...and anyone who is not a true Magic Addict...would not
understand this whole video...

Wishing all the best....in your "Trick Deck Sales...& Magic Street performances"....

Whew....now I can sleep again..because I thought I had offended you my friend...

Best

Marien Hopman

Canada...

pix of me and David Merry...if you know who the hell he is............ha..ha..ha........(working a gig together)

3 Card Mental Problem

2012-01-23T08:32:00.001-08:00

Castle Cups and Balls

2012-01-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Busker du Jour • Shawn Greer

2011-12-05T13:13:00.001-08:00

Shawn Greer performing at the Tempe Arts Festival, 12/4/2011 • Click pic to enlarge

In my "In Box"

2011-12-04T09:49:00.001-08:00

November 1, 2011

Hello Mr. Frank.

I've been a reader of your blog for a long time, and Sunday night I finally had a chance to see you perform if only for a minute. I doubt you remember me but I was wearing a green Las Vegas shirt and was with a girl way too pretty for me. I dropped a 5 in your hat would have been more but in the credit card age I just didn't have much cash on me.

I just wanted to let you know that your show was fun and engaging. It was a pitch show and as disappointed as I was to not see your Linking Ring Routine, it was entertaining to see you play with some of the basics. Thanks for a few minutes of fun.

Also I was hoping that we could begin a magic dialogue. I've been a studier and, at times, performer of magic since I was a kid, and since I'm only 22 I still haven't quite become anything other than a kid. I would love to hear any stories you'd be willing to share. Any insights on the street you'd love to discuss. Busking has always been a part of my life, from stealing decks of cards to do quick shows on any corner I could, to spending hours on end walking up and down Santa Monica BLVD, taking in the art of it all. Someday I hope to make it to the street, but for now I'm feeling pulled to other places.

I've never had a chance to really have a good conversation with a true street performer, after seeing videos of yours and reading your blog, I can't even begin to imagine how many lessons you have locked in your head. If you find yourself with any spare time, I'd love to just shoot the shit. I don't know what I'd have to offer in return, but I am funny. :-P

Again than you for adding a some magic to our night. I hope you had a wonderful Halloween weekend.

Brandon

Max Frank, Hope Frank • Days Gone By

2011-11-29T23:17:00.001-08:00

Email to my daughter Hope Frank

2011-11-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Hope,

I DO get the letters and e-mails from you, and I love them! I just think you are terrific! You're turning into such a beautiful young lady. (Thanks you so so much for the pictures! They made my week!) I guess I'm just at a loss. What do you say to someone who won't talk to you? I don't know.

It's been cruel that we're not allowed to see each other. I love you and want to spend time with you. If there is ever a school event that you are participating in and want me there, let me know and I'll do my best to be there. I dream of the day when we can visit, a day where no one can tell us that we can't be together. That day is coming, I know it.

As we reflect on Thanksgiving and all that we're thankful for; I am thankful for YOU and Max and Liam and especially your mom. Without her, none of you could have been the result of our love. I've been thinking about how much love I have for you all. Someday you will feel that love in a GIANT hug.

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving! I'll call you on Thanksgiving Day and "Hope" that you will talk to me. Please give my best to everyone

I love you dear girl

Dad

Say Hi to Max and Liam for me and let me know what you might like for the holidays ($50-$70)

Sushi lunch with friends

2011-11-15T21:57:00.001-08:00

Aye Jaye, Sandy Marshall, Gary Morgan, Bonnie Morgan, David Kaye, David Cox & Annabell Gray (not pictured)

Good time with the gang. Interesting group of characters

2011-11-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space | Fly Over | Nasa, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.

How Playing Cards Are Made at Bicycle®

2011-11-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

John Scarne Cups and Balls

2011-10-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Email to my son Max Frank

2011-10-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Max,

It's been over 5 years since we've talked or seen each other. How about we change that? Any chance we could talk on the phone, email, Skype, send smoke signals? What's going on in your life these days? I hear you're playing football, how's that going.

If you invited me to one of your football games and could spend some time with me afterwards, I would certainly show up. I miss you more than you know, and have always wanted to be a part of your life.

Your birthday is right around the corner, any gift ideas in the $50 price range?

Please let me know.

I love you son,

Dad

2011-10-15T22:53:00.001-07:00

Chill'en w/ My Pops in Breckenridge, CO

2011-10-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

Furthur Show I attended at the Greek on 10/6/2011

2011-10-10T08:40:00.001-07:00

Beautiful September Day

2011-09-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day! 84 degrees blue skies and sunny. What's not to like? Got an hour or so before heading to work, thought I'd make a little blog post.

Been a pretty good week. Played a round of golf with Alfonso. Got to visit Polly at the Studio. For those of you who don't know, Polly is a hairdresser for CSI:Miami. She works long hours and we don't see all that much of each other Monday through Friday, so it's always nice when I can visit her for lunch or she comes home early. Another bonus, catering had prepared steak for lunch! Living the life! When ever I visit, I like to take a picture or two. Here are a couple from my most recent visit.

It's amazing how many people it takes, doing so my different things to make a tv show come off. Amazing really.

I love Polly and appreciate all that she brings to my life. Smitten, if I do say so myself.

Daze gone by

2011-09-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

It seems like a million years ago that I used to spend months on the road performing on a tour of comedy club one nighters. These were mostly small towns through the midwest that couldn't support a full time comedy club. Mostly hotel lounges or bars that had a "Comedy Night" one night a week. They were'nt the best gigs, but the money was ok, the routing was good and it kept me busy.

This was shot in Lorain, Ohio at a night club called the Brown Derby. I was going through my first divorce and my head was in an ugly place. This was only the third time I had tried performing a rope escape. Enjoy!

2011-09-16T15:52:00.001-07:00

Chris Karney • Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club April

2011-09-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

A short clip of a buddy of mine from San Francisco, doing what he does.

Tricky Wallet Story

2011-09-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

The year was 1998, I had a wife, 3 kids, a house in the suburbs, I owned and operated The Carew Tower Magic Shop, as well as FunKIDelic Toys, in downtown Cincinnati. Life was good and I had big dreams. I took a trip to China to go into manufacturing. I had a head full of ideas, not sure if any of them would pan out.

While in China I visited 11 cities in 21 days and and met a variety of factory owners and businessmen. It was at late night meeting in a small hotel room in Baoding (87 miles from Beijing) where my version of tricky wallet was born. Don't remember the guys name, but his primary business was in leather goods. He showed me a bunch of samples and I studied the quality of materials and craftsmanship, paying close attention to the stitching and lining.

I had an antique Tricky Wallet with me that I showed him. He examined it completely and I asked him if he could make one to my specifications (to hold a poker size card). He said he could and I asked him when I could see a sample. It was pushing 2AM and to my surprise he said that I could see a sample at 8:30AM. My guess is, that he stayed up all night messing with the thing till he got it right.

In the morning he showed me a working sample. A bit rough around the edges with some issues in color contrast of the ribbons and some cosmetic issues. A day later I came back and approved the order for 1000 wallets. They would be ready by the end of my trip and I would take them back with me on the flip side.

After getting back to the States and setting up the T. Frank Mint which included The Phoenix Cups, I got busy working on a video to sell the with wallet, teaching a trick that used the wallet in a diabolical way and was a favorite of mine for years. It was a variation of a variation. The original effect was Alex Elmsly's "Between Your Palms". The variation of the effect that was my inspiration, was a trick out of Kabbala called "Between Elmsly, Brown & Himber". It used a Himber Notebook (with out the paper) and the card was placed behind a plastic window.

A funny thing happened around that time, all of a sudden the TV airwaves were full of commercials selling the Tricky Wallet. It was designed to hold money and receipts and was the width of a credit card making it good to carry those as well. What I thought of as a niche market, trick for magicians; someone else saw a mass market opportunity and probably made millions. Good lesson on short sightedness

Over the years, I sold 600 of them. I've moved many times since then. While cleaning out the garage I uncovered, in a box marked 3/4 inch masters the remaining 400 Tricky Wallets!

I looked at the tape I used to sell with it and thought it looked pretty dated. Time to shoot a new one and make available again, a pretty nifty routine, if I do say so myself. I've talked to Alfonso, Aaron Fisher and Danny Sylvester about the project and gotten feedback from them all. I started shooting some roughs at home by myself but realize I'm going to need help shooting it. Also not so happy with the live performances of the trick that I have from the Magic Castle. The video is good but the audio is crap. Put together a rough cut trailer from the footage I've been shooting. Gives me an idea of what it might look like.

Huge Collapse of Consumer Confidence. . . . . . No shit!

2011-09-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today is Labor Day and marks the end of "Summer 2011". My summer dropped sharply over a month ago. A series of events starting with the Debt Ceiling Debate then onto the downgrading of the USA's credit followed by a 500 point stock market drop (in a day), proved to be too much for the economy. It's feeling to me, very much like the crisis in 2008. Shit, these volatile times are enough to make anyone batty! How do you get ahead in these trying times? Try harder? I don't propose to have the answers, but I'm doing my best to get my bills paid.

Today is also my Dad's 75th Birthday!! Happy Birthday Pops! If I think I've had a rough month or two recently, I should thank my lucky stars. First, my Dad had a cancerous tumor removed from his bladder while travling abroad, then after getting home, had his prostate and bladder removed. I know his recovery has been a challenge and wish I could have been there for him. He's on the mend now and I plan on visiting him in Breckenridge, Colorado at the end or September or early October. It would be nice to make it a working vacation if I can create some performing opportunities while I am there.

Birthday email to Liam Price Frank

2011-08-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

(never know if he gets my e-mails)

Dear Liam,

How's the big, bad 10 year old!? Did you get my birthday message? Were you able to print out your Toys R Us gift certificate that should have been emailed to your mom? Please let me know if you got that? If you didn't, I can look into it and see what happened.

So! How was your summer? What did you do? Are you back in school yet? Where are you going to school these days? What's up at home? Are you happy? Do you like being a big brother? I'll bet your a great big brother and a big help around the house.

I love you son, and would love to hear from you and be a part of your life. Give me a call or email me? Do you guys use Skype on the computer with the web cam? I sure would like to see your smiling face on my computer screen or in person! How about sending me a current picture of yourself, you must be getting tall!

Not seeing you or being a part of your life really sucks. But, that's they way your mother wants it. Such is life. I hope you know that I love you very much and look forward to a time in your life where we can get to know each other and be in each others lives. I really really really look forward to that day. . . . and it WILL come.

Sending you much love from sunny California

your loving exiled Father

Fantasia at the Hollywood Bowl

2011-08-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last night Polly and I enjoyed our last date night at the Hollywood Bowl for the summer. The program, Fantasia!

Nearly 75 years ago, Walt Disney used the skill of his world-class animators to visualize the world of classical music. The result: Walt Disney’s Fantasia. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, John Mauceri returns to recreate this magic – an evening of selections from the classic film with clips on the Bowl’s big screen accompanied live by the orchestra. You’ll see your favorites, plus a glimpse into the brilliant artwork and unfinished segments of this Disney masterpiece. The evening ends with fireworks that complement the spectacular beauty of this cinematic triumph.

We enjoyed dinner at Lido Pizza around the corner from the house, then headed in to Hollywood for a romantic evening snuggled beneath a blanket, under the stars of a California sky.

Here's a taste of the evenings entertainment!

What a treat to see the film in a freshly restored format created from the original negatives. Movie on the big screen, backed up by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra playing the synchronized score live, how cool is that!?

Besides the parts of Fantasia that I was familiar with, the program was peppered with other unfinished storyboards from the movie that were never finished as well as a tripped out flick by Salvador Dali. All in all an exceptional evening!

2011-08-17T17:18:00.001-07:00

Houdini 1903

2011-07-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

Brookledge Follies

2011-07-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Good Day Sunshine

2011-07-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Thinking about my dad. A recent bout with cancer shook the fabric of our family. Scary operations overseas. Didn't stop him from touring the alps for a week on a motorcycle. I love my dad. Now back stateside, he went under the knife yesterday for more surgery. Scary shit that he's taking in stride. He's my hero, you know? If I ever thought that I understood a lifestyle based on hedonism, I'm humbled in his midst. Funny thing is, he credits me as to his zeal for pleasure and self indulgence. I'm flattered and honored to know him and call him dad.

I think about my kids and the years that have been stolen from us. I think about my dad and remember that it wasn't till my mid twenties that I actually got to know him. Divorce can be cruel yes. Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.

Polly and I are celebrating 5 wonderful, love filled years together. In that time, I've come to grips with a great many things. I've been humbled by the hateful decisions made by my ex-wife Moira. Specifically, preventing me from seeing my kids. It's been 5 years since I've seen or hugged them. So be it. I am here for them anytime. I ask frequently for them to visit me or offer to come up there and spend time with them. As my children become strangers, I'm finding out who I am without them. It's not what I wanted or bargained for, it's they way she wanted it and paid for it to be that way. Such is life.

I've decided to be happy. I have a great life! I live in sunny California with a great girl who I've known since I was 15, and really gets me. 5 years and not one argument, that's got to be some sort or record. Polly's hiatus ended this week and now it's back to 12 hours days working on CSI:Miami. As for me, I'm in the heart of the peak season at the Universal CityWalk. Working 7 nights a week, makes me feel good and productive. My act continues to devolve and is becoming a study in minimalism. It's not exactly what I want, but the reality is, I'm making more, doing less. . . . go figure. Last night I had the best night in a year!

I've been in contact with Buster and Hope, so there is hope. Good Day Sunshine.

Der Weltberuhmte Houdini poster for his Water Torture Cell debut!

2011-07-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

When the Milk Can Escape seemed to him outmoded, Houdini moved on to a more grueling escape: the Water Torture Cell. He debuted the escape at Circus Busch in Germany, 1912, as advertised in this gruesome lithograph. As he is lowered upside down, water spills over the sides to stress the danger of this most riveting performance.

Der Weltberühmte, Houdini, c. 1912, color lithograph

Carl Ballantine

2011-07-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Carl Ballantine, known also as The Great Ballantine, was born Meyer Kessler but changed his name after spotting a bottle of Ballantine Scotch Whiskey. One of the best known comedy magicians, Ballantine performed a magic act in which every trick went hilariously awry, cracking audiences up across the nation. He was always dressed to the nines, sporting tuxedo tails for nearly every performance.

Great Ballantine (1917–2009) with Cards and Balls, c.1935. Courtesy of Saratoga Ballantine.

Diana Krall - Fly me to the moon

2011-07-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

The Keaton's

2011-06-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Excited!

2011-06-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to perform at an interesting venue Thursday evening! I'll be performing classic magic to live musical accompaniment. Here is an LA Times article explaining the scene.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Brookledge, Hancock Park's magical home

Vintage magic tricks and variety acts make a comeback each month at the Brookledge Follies, but just try to buy a ticket.

September 17, 2010|By Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times

The flickering light of a dozen dripping candles illuminates magician Rob Zabrecky's gaunt visage and pronounced brow. Wearing an old-fashioned tuxedo, he resembles a cross between a 1920s vaudevillian and Lurch from "The Addams Family."

"Welcome to the most famous address in magic: Brookledge," he intones from the stage of an antique theater located behind a Spanish-style mansion in Hancock Park named Brookledge.

It's a Friday night, and the 70 guests, all here by invitation, are insiders in the mysterious yet thriving world of illusion in Los Angeles. They're also witnesses to an effort to revive a lost era of legerdemain.

The old-school variety-and-magic show, called the Brookledge Follies, unfolds slowly and deliberately, like a polished card trick. The air in the small room is warm, the vibe intimate. When Michael Carbonaro of the Blood Brothers determinedly swallows sewing needle after sewing needle while his partner sucks up a long piece of string, the audience recoils in empathetic pain.

Then Carbonaro and his partner lean together, kiss and pull apart, each holding an end of the string in his mouth, to reveal that it is strung with the sewing needles. The audience gasps, laughs and claps wildly.

Actor and musician Ryan Gosling is in attendance, along with a well-dressed assortment of sword swallowers, burlesque dancers and yo-yo enthusiasts. Gosling's ghost-obsessed indie rock band, Dead Man's Bones, was heavily influenced by an earlier visit to Brookledge by Gosling and bandmate Zach Shields.

"We fell in love with the place and what was happening here," says Gosling, who is dressed in black.

What is happening at Brookledge is vintage magic's last stand against magic's modern reincarnation as pure spectacle.

Magic went mainstream around the turn of the 20th century and thrived until the 1920s and '30s, when movie palaces began encroaching on magic theaters. Then the art of illusion began a slow march backstage and into a niche subculture. Entertainers such as David Copperfield pushed it back into the limelight in the 1980s and '90s, but at the expense of its intimate scale and burnished technique.

The magic of the small stage, of vanishing doves and mysteriously procreating rabbits, gave way to Big Magic, also called large-scale illusion. The artful execution of tricks was eclipsed by elaborate feats: going without food for 44 days while suspended in a plexiglass box or making the Statue of Liberty seem to disappear on live TV (a Copperfield production).

As magic moved closer to performance art, it became more television-friendly but lost the quiet determination of craft.

The craft itself — the technical skill that, when practiced correctly, goes entirely unnoticed — is what magicians value above all else and what the monthly, invitation-only shows at Brookledge aim to revive.

Eventually, the producers plan to move the Brookledge Follies to a larger venue and sell tickets to the public. But for now, the productions are small, unpublicized affairs, intended to enhance a sense of community among those wishing to rediscover the golden age of magic.

To these purists, Brookledge matters. That's because it is the home of Irene Larsen, who with her late husband Bill and his brother Milt co-founded one of the world's most famous private magic clubs: Hollywood's Magic Castle. Bill and Milt were raised in Brookledge.

Erika Larsen, the 42-year-old daughter of Irene and Bill, came up with the idea to stage vintage shows at the mansion. She grew up in Brookledge, a child of magic, and became a member of the Magic Castle's board of directors.

She met Zabrecky, a musician, actor and magician, about 10 years ago at the Castle and the two became friends. When she hit on the idea of the Follies, she turned to Zabrecky to help flesh out the concept and act as host.

Irene opened her home to the Follies about a year ago. It was the first time Brookledge's theater, a historic landmark, had been used for live magic since its heyday in the 1940s and '50s.

The Follies are dedicated to the notion that in an age when the digital effects in movies such as "Avatar" can seem like magic, genuine, old-fashioned magic — sleight-of-hand and the real-time delivery of illusion — can still exert a powerful hold on the imagination.

"The people who find their way to Brookledge appreciate the vintage aesthetic of the entertainment," says Zabrecky.

The show gets its audience strictly by word-of-mouth. Admission is free but you must be invited by a performer or by a guest who has been invited by someone on the inside.

Judging by the current craze for things supernatural and magical — the HBO series "True Blood" and the "Twilight" series of books and films are just the beginning — Zabrecky's and Erika Larsen's timing seems inspired. So does their approach: The Follies seamlessly blends the spirit of a magical and mysterious past with the winking, self-acknowledgment of the present-day world of illusion.

By dressing the show up to look and feel vintage, its participants can lay claim to the rich, kitschy history of magic while performing first-rate, contemporary tricks. In other words, they can have their cake and disappear it too.

"I think it's wonderful what the kids are doing," Milt Larsen, now 79, says of his niece, Zabrecky and their creative partners in the Follies, co-producer Jeremy Kasten and musical director Kristian Hoffman. "They're utilizing that crazy little theater totally off the radar in what you could call the most respectable of millionaire alleys."

Zabrecky, 42, was frontman for the popular indie-rock band Possum Dixon in the 1990s. During one of the band's last tours, he happened onto a magic shop in Baltimore and bought a simple trick — a vanishing silk handkerchief. He performed the trick onstage that night using a condom instead of a handkerchief, and after that he was hooked.

When the band broke up, Zabrecky made it his mission to become a magician member of the Magic Castle, eventually earning a place as one of its core performers. He insists that the purpose of magic is not to fool people into thinking an illusion is real, but rather to astonish, to reintroduce a state of "childlike wonder."

The first Brookledge Follies show was staged last October and was in the form of a vintage spook show.

"Spook shows just kind of died off. They had a real shelf life," says Zabrecky.

The formula is one Erika Larsen knows well. When her mother immigrated to the United States from Germany in the late 1950s, she and her husband toured the country performing in spook shows, which pivot around a well-timed blackout during which ghostly effects are triggered and spirits appear to enter and toy with the room.

During Brookledge's first spook show, the audience was introduced to two showgirls who supposedly had recently returned from a trip to Africa. They brought a gorilla with them (actually, a magician in a gorilla suit), and the gorilla got loose. Zabrecky then pursued it. "I fired up a gas chainsaw and as I revved it and rushed into the audience, the blackout occurred," Zabrecky recalls.

The effect was electric, and the Follies became a monthly affair. They aren't all spook shows; some, like the one Gosling attended, lean heavily toward the variety arts.

Brookledge, built in 1937, has been filled with magic from the beginning. Its first owner was Floyd Thayer, who manufactured high-end magic equipment. In 1942, Thayer traded homes with William W. Larsen Sr., father of Bill and Milt. The elder Larsen ran Genii magazine, which he founded, out of Brookledge.

Thayer's Studio of Magic, as the home theater was called, was a showcase for magicians, including Blackstone and Dante, who came to test their illusions on the stage. During World War II, Orson Welles rehearsed his USO tent shows with Rita Hayworth, Joseph Cotten and Marlene Dietrich at Brookledge. That era is marked by an old green-and-gold sofa, called the Orson Welles sofa, which sits against a wall at the rear the theater.

In the backyard after a recent Brookledge Follies show, performers and guests chatted and sipped drinks beside a brook that runs through the yard. A garden composed entirely of gnomes collected by Irene and Erika glowed in the moonlight. Zabrecky reveled in Brookledge's illustrious past and his pleasure at its current reincarnation.

"I'm the luckiest guy in the world because I get to host it," he says of the Follies. "You can't believe you're there and then this odd man comes out on stage, and wow, I'm that odd man. I have to suspend my own disbelief."

Tom Frank • Magician

2011-06-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Korn Dawg

2011-06-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Good Life

2011-06-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

Nice hot day in the San Fernando Valley 87 degrees, blue skies and sunny. Just the way I like it. Belly full, Polly and I used up the last of our stash of Skyline Chili to make cheese coney's for lunch. Life is good, I spend my days doing what I please and work in the evenings. Doing what I do, trying to make the world a better place. . . one smile at a time.

Shawn Greer was in town a couple of weeks ago. We had a great time, just like we've been doing for over 30 years. We shared a pitch at Hollywood and Highland and busted out some nice shows. Always a pleasure to to see my pal work. We went to the Magic Castle and had a mini session with Steve Freeman and Jeff Altman. Good times with cards in hand.

Been in touch with Buster recently and got an email from Hope. Feeling at home in my skin and in my life. Letting go of the past is never fun or easy, but I feel like I get closer every day. I have a great life with Polly and very little to complain about. My life is full of love!

Sitting on the back patio, smoking a cigar and drinking a bottle of cold water, listening to Bob Dylan' last album "Modern Times"

Harry Connick,JR - Our Love Is Here To Stay

2011-06-15T23:51:00.000-07:00

In my "In Box"

2011-06-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Hey Tom:

Just want to drop you a note of "congrats" on your recent performance at the "Magic Castle" Yes...I have been watching your site and blogs for many years. I myself have been into magic for over 50 years. Everything from your Street Magic at Fairs in Atlanta is great and L.A. is "so great" . No one can do your linking ring routine and although "Chris Capehart" is good...I believe yours is better. I also know that you have experienced many "bumps" along this road of life. But still you have managed to get through them and go to work every day. I have learned much from watching you (no I do not copy your act)..but have learned audience management and communication skills.

Wishing you continued success and "Man did you ever look cool in the Tux at the Castle". Last year at Abbott's (I was on the show) I spent time with Kozmo and mentioned that he should do a segment on street entertainers and certainly mentioned your name for an interview on "Reel Magic" for a future edition. As you would say...If you don't answer this email...so be it.....I know you are one of the "chosen people with gifts"

Best my friend

Marien Hopman

Canada

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Marien,

Your note warmed my heart and made me smile! Thanks for taking the time to make my day! This is a good thing, the magic that has filled our lives with adventure, mystery and happiness. You flatter me with your comment about the ring routine. I have about 30 years of work in on the Jack Miller Routine with his poetic patter. So glad you like it.

Always a pleasure to make a new friend.

Peace

Sincerely,

Tom Frank

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Tom..you are a "Top Quality Performer"...never mind those idiots..who have all the big accolades in the Magic Circle as such....selling DVD's Books...etc..etc...(Hell they have never worked the street or the real world) they have always be cosy in the nice fun magic world...(but this is all changing in todays economy) I like people and magicians who do the "real stuff"..."make you living at it" ..and know what this real tuff difficult world is all about" I have been in "sales all my life" trust me...I have met them all "Well maybe not some of the L.A. folks you have encountered"

Please keep in touch.

Best

Marien

Tom Frank • Magician • Live from the Magic Castle 2011

2011-05-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

In my "In Box"

2011-05-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Mr. Frank,

I'm a member of the Magic Castle and I caught your performance last week in the W.C Fields Bar. I really enjoyed your show. All of your routines were awesome and I really enjoyed your linking rings routine. I have been studying a number of routines myself, like Richard Ross and Wit Haden, but I could not find one that would work for me.

Is the routine you performed on the market? Or is it your own private show piece? I totally understand if you would like to keep it to yourself. I just thought I'd ask because I think it is very entertaining. Thanks for the good show.

Respectfully yours,

Justin

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

(My Response)

Justin,

Thanks for the kind words, you flatter me. I do have a DVD on the routine, $30 + 4 S&H ( you can send money to Pay Pal to tfrank8176@mac.com )

Have a GREAT day!

Here is a clip from the DVD https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1039413140612

Thanks for your interest!

Sincerely,

Tom Frank

Tom Frank • Signed Card to Wallet

2011-05-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Brett Wolf performs the floating cigarette, 1990

2011-05-01T01:55:00.000-07:00

Favorite LA Grateful Dead Cover Band • Cubensis

2011-04-30T10:04:00.001-07:00

Give'em a listen!

Quote du jour

2011-04-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

~Dr. Seuss~

Tuesday Night Swing Dancing w/ Mark Tortorici & the Hollywood Combo

2011-04-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

2011-04-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

Quote du jour

2011-04-22T14:15:00.001-07:00

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

~Maya Angelou~

From the archives • Carew Tower Magic Shop

2011-04-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

Doing the things that I like

2011-04-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air and this afternoon feels like, full on summer. Just a beautiful 89 degree day in the Valley! That's what I've been waiting for. . . some heat! With the weather getting nicer, it's time to kick hedonism into high gear. More swing dancing and more golf. Got a call from Chris Korn last week, he said his friend Melissa was in town from St. Louis. He said she liked to swing dance and asked me if I wanted to go out dancing. I love swing dancing! Something I picked up in Seattle. I told him there was a place in Burbank that had live music and swing dancing on a Monday night. We agreed to meet and have some fun. Monday nights are my Friday Night, as I take Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. It had been a good work week and I felt like getting loose.

Chris had mentioned that Melissa was a world class swing dancer and had competed nationally or internationally. I was starting to sweat thinking about it. I hadn't been dancing in a year or two and was nervous that I was going to make an ass of myself. I told Korn that I felt like I was going to session with Marlo with only an Elmsley Count to show. A cocktail and a cigar later, I found myself having the most wonderful time. One of my dance partners in Seattle (Carrie) was a dance instructor (owns her own dance studio). She taught me everything I know about dancing. I remembered that when I danced with her, she made me look so good. Melissa did the same thing. I hold my own out there, I'm a strong lead and I execute all the moves I know. Cool thing about dancing is, you pick up a few things each time you do it.

I danced the majority of the night with Melissa, when other guys asked her to dance; I asked other girls to dance. I scored bonus points for this as I'm usually shy about asking women I don't know to dance. One girl said, "I can't dance with you, you're too good". This cracked me up and I assured her that she was going to do just fine. The joint was jumping! Dance floor full, bar busy and smiles from ear to ear. We even got Korn out there in the dance floor and Melissa showed him the ropes. By the look of these pics, I'd say he was doing just fine!

Polly has expressed some interest in swing dancing. Carrie gave us a lesson up in Seattle, and we've been to the place in Burbank a couple of times. That would be great to add a regular Monday or Tuesday night of dancing to my summer of fun. Polly is on hiatus till the middle of July so we might be cutting a rug!

Getting up the next morning to golf was a little slow, but I got it together and met Alfonso for our regular Tuesday afternoon round of golf at Verdugo Hills Golf Course. I don't know which I like better, dancing or golf. Glad I don't have to choose. Golf in the daytime, dancing at night. . . It's just the way God intended it. I really like golfing w/ Alfonso. He's a great magician, friend and golf coach. My game has really been improving!

We golfed on Monday and Tuesday. For the Tuesday round we played with Aye Jaye and another clown named Craig. Aye Jaye in the pic retrieving a ball he painstakingly hunted. It's nice to have friends and it's nice to have activities that share that friendship. I'm a lucky and blessed man.

True Dat!

Hemispheres Inflight Magazine » Magic Man

2011-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hemispheres Inflight Magazine » Magic Man

2011-04-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

In my "In Box"

2011-04-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Tom,

My cups arrived today. I am so pleased with them I had to let you know. I have been in the magic game for over 35 years and your cups are the best I have ever used. They're perfect size for me and weight, the wand and balls are great too. Thank you for this great set. I have a set of gazzo street cups they never felt right for me and set for markem cups too small and too many sets over the years. They never felt right in my hands. Your cups feel like they were made for me, thanks again.

Paul Hewitt UK

2011-03-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

Rainy Day Video Blog Post

2011-03-21T10:58:00.001-07:00

More from the archives • Steve Faris

2011-03-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Taste of Cincinnati • 1991

My brother MIke in a rare street performance in 1991

2011-03-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

Shot at the Taste of Cincinnati

2011-03-18T11:51:00.001-07:00

Lunch in 30 minutes. . . so easy, I can do it.

2011-03-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

D

Tasty, filling, healthy and economical. Got to like that!

Just booked a weekend at the Magic Castle!

2011-03-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

That's right, I'll be performing at the Magic Castle in the WC Fields Bar on the 20th and 21st of May. Come on out and have some fun with me from 8PM -Midnight. Should be a rocking good time. If you aren't a member and would like to come, leave a comment and I'll put you on my guest list.

World Magic Seminar 2011 pt. 5

2011-03-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Where was I, half drunk at the Alligator Bar at The Orleans Casino in Las Vegas on the last night of the conference. I wasn't making any friends with the bar staff as I chain smoked cigars. Actually it didn't look like the bar staff was making any friends either. The cocktail waitresses, even with their big boobies and skimpy outfits didn't look happy at all. In fact they all had that mouth full of cum look.

Anyways, we're doing tricks for the laymen at the bar and for the magic pals around, having a wonderful time Tommee Pickles, Steve Amaden, Tim Flynn, Van Dokkum and a bunch of other questionable characters. Booze flowing, smoke lingering, cards shuffling, coins rolling and laughter; this went on till 2 or 3AM.

A good time was had by all and I thought things were looking sleepy till I ran into Curtis Kam and his buddy Wil on my way to the elevator. The privious day I was putting it out there that the late night jam sessions would be in my room. Curtis asked if there was any action and I assured him that there was.

To most, there is only one thing worse than a cigar smoker. . . and that would be two cigar smokers in a hotel room with windows that wouldn't open. To me, I was in my element and the session began. A poperit of entertainment ensued. Curtis performed some his trademark coinwork to my delight Wil (who had brought his guitar) played a beautiful song impeccably. I don't know what's up with these Hawaiians, but they ooze with talent. I'm so lucky and blessed to have such wonderful adventures in the world of magic and my life. By the way, in the pic above, the camera lens wasn't dirty, that's just what the room looked like as they left after 5AM.

Any one else go? What were your impressions?

Best hats juggling

2011-03-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

Flash from the past

2011-03-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

Fun w/ Danny Lord on a NYC Rooftop • 1989

Magic History Week at the Magic Castle

2011-03-10T13:47:00.001-08:00

More on my evening at the Castle later. . . maybe. . . • Click pics to enlarge

World Magic Seminar 2011 pt. 4

2011-03-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights for me was meeting Bill Palmer, curator of the Cups & Balls Museum. Although Bill and I have corresponded in the past, we had never met face to face. What a pleasure to meet the man with the finest cup collection in the world! What I didn't realize with the vast depth of knowledge Bill has concerning all things Cups and Balls. I had a conversation with him that I couldn't have had with anyone else on the planet. His dedication to collecting cups, researching information regarding manufacturers, styles, eras, history, design, performers was MIND BOGGLING! I certainly plan to make a pilgrimage to Texas one day to experience his collection/museum and play with his toys!

The great thing about going to magic conventions is, you never know who you might run into and you never know what you might see. Here I am hanging w/ Morgan Strebler "The Man who bends Steel". I had met Morgan once before in LA, but never spent any time with him. While hanging out at the Alligator Bar at The Orleans, Morgan performed an original effect called Molten. I had never seen Morgan perform, and I must say I was impressed. His technique and his acting ability. . . right on the money! If you haven't seen this interesting routine, check it out!

Also in attendance was Howie Schwartzman, I have fond memories of Howie giving me advice on the SWE Shift as a 14 or 15 year old kid. The world of magic so rich with personalities like Howie. Howie used to attend all the conventions back in the day as a dealer. He was the only US distributor for the Anverdi Line of Magic from Europe. Years ago I bought a trick from him where you could put a scarf through a mirror, or visibly penetrate the mirror with a sponge ball. It was a very visual effect that I used to include in my comedy club act.

Mandy Gaines • Taste of Cincinnati • 1994

2011-03-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

World Magic Seminar 2011 Random Pics

2011-03-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

w/ Eugene Burger

Simon & Ginny Aronson w/ Mac King

Howard Hamburg w/ Farrel Dillon

Bizzaro

Video du Jour • From the archives • Bill Brewe

2011-03-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

I shot this footage in the late 1980's at the Historic Emery Theater in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

World Magic Seminar 2011 pt. 3

2011-03-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

I love magic conventions, been going to them for 33 years. My first one was the Wizards Conclave in Cleveland 1978; I took second place in the junior close-up contest. Seems like a lifetime (or 2) ago. I was 12 years old. In subsequent years, through my adolesence I would regularly attend the Magi-Fest in Columbus, Ohio. That's where I would meet Gary Plants.

Gary (on left) is a hardcore underground card man. Back in the day when the best sessions at the Magi-Fest were hosted by Bill Miesel in the Precursor Suite, Gary never failed to leave a room full of magicians without their jaws on the floor. Yes, he's that good. As a teenager I had never seen someone do such beautiful bottom dealing. In recent years, he's been manufacturing some of the most diabolically clever custom card gimmicks at his Card Plant in Texas.

Recently Gary and his wife retired from 30+ years in education. He has a sparkle in his eye and spring in his step. His chops are as good as ever and it was a real pleasure to spend some time in his company. In this picture, he's showing Steve and me a wonderful routine of his own construct. I'll see him again, if I head down to San Diego for Magic Con.

Re-edited Cellini Footage

2011-03-08T09:55:00.001-08:00

World Magic Seminar 2011 pt. 2

2011-03-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

"Well the joint was jumpin'
going 'round and 'round
Hey! Reelin' and a rockin'
what a crazy sound,
well, they never stopped rockin'
til the moon went down."

As I drove from LA to Vegas earlier in the day I asked myself what I would like to see happen. I decided that it would be fun to be the "Session Room". Every convention I've ever been to, there was one room where the party was. Usually good smoke, booze and close up magicians trying to fool one and other. So that was the plan, see who was around and invite them to the room for a cocktail, card tricks and dialog.

First round was Pat Boucard and a buddy of his who lives in Vegas. They stopped up to the room before going out on the town, Pat asked If I would do some magic for his buddy, I did little cards, coins and linking rings, warming up for what might come later. Sadly that would be the only time I would do the rings while I was there. I was getting hungry so I went to dinner w/ Tim, Steve and Terri. Just great being together again talking about our fair art. Later in the wee hours Steve Brooks came up along w/ Andrew Goldenhersh and a pal of his named Jordan a recent transplant from San Fran to LA.

Steve Brooks on the left, Tim Wright on the right. Good guys. Always fun hanging out with them. Steve is the founder of The Magic Cafe (the largest online magic forum, with over 10,000 members). He shared with us the variety of issues that plagues his site and his life. I can't imagine trying to navigate the pot holes in that cyber universe. Trying to keep everyone happy in a world of petty bullshit. . . all I can say is Oy! Although we've only met a few times, I get a very sincere feeling of friendship. It was nice to get to know Steve a bit better, to hear of his background in the Navy on a nuclear sub and his passion for guitar and drumming. You learn somthing new everyday.

Speaking of guitar, Andrew brought his and played a Michael Hedges' tune just beautifully. It was early in the morning and I was having a blast. Steve split around 3AM and Andrew and Jordan stuck around for another two hours. Jordan did some interesting coin tricks and it was fun getting to know him. We talked about our mutual acquaintances in San Francisco.

Andrew, I've know for the last 5 years or so. We worked the Castle together in the Peller Project last year. I enjoy his company, his music and his magic. I'm lucky and blessed to have such an eclectic group of friends.

Me and my brother Mike • A long time ago, a place far far away. . .

2011-03-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

World Magic Seminar 2011

2011-03-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

On my worst day, I have a great life.

Headed to Vegas on a whim, two days into the convention. I take Tuesdays and Wednesdays off (as I work through the weekends) so it seemed a perfect time to catch the last two days of fun at The Orleans Casino on Tropicana Blvd. I left Camp Paradise, Van Nuys, got on the road around noon. The GPS said I would arrive in Vegas at 4:20. Took the 405 to the 101 to the 134 to the 210 to the 15 (all in the first 45 minutes) then it was smooth sailing all the way there. Cigar blazing and the Grateful Dead blaring.

I was excited to meet with the founding two members of The Alki Beach Magic Studio, Tuesday Night Jam Session. This was a session that occurred every Tuesday Night for 2 years in my home in Seattle. Tim Flynn & Steve Amaden! Good magicians and good friends, I felt warm and fuzzy as I imagined the fun to come.

Sailed into Vegas early Tuesday evening checked into my room which I had just booked that morning online. Forty two bucks a night, can't beat that. The girl behind the desk asked me if I wanted a smoking room. . . I love Vegas. I checked in, got settled, lit a cigar, set up the bar and plugged in the mini iPod speakers. I wandered downstairs to see if I knew anyone. Lectures were still in session so I wasn't sure how long I would have to wait. It wasn't long before I spotted Tommee Pickles' fire engine red hair walking the casino floor. I called his name and we parked ourselves at a couple of slot machines for a smoke and a chat.

I like Tommee, he's a freak, but I like him. We met a few years ago at an audition for a Burlesque Show. I ended up blowing off the opportunity and he later described it as one of those gigs from hell. Since then we've become friends. He's a fixture at the Magic Castle and I seem to see him whenever I go there.

Tommee's been living in a downtown loft, but is moving to Hollywood a block and a half from the Castle. He favors card, coin and ITR work. He practices a lot and knows many tricks. We worked a Long Beach Busker's Festival together last year and from what I understand, he's been doing shows on Hollywood Blvd. I always have a good time hanging with him. After a bit we parted in different directions. On my quest to find people I knew, I ran into Pat Boucard, a friend of Stevie Weinstein's who I met at the Castle a few years back.

Shortly after that, I ran into Steve Amaden. Pat, Steve, and a guy named Curtis (FB Friend and buddy of Pat's from Kansas), we all found a table in the bar to sit down have some cocktails and do some tricks for each other and the cocktail waitress. I had been there less than an hour and I could tell this was going to be a good time.

I love Tim & Steve. We all met at my shop in Seattle and they were important figures in the Back Room Scene. Seattle Magic closed in 2004, at the same time I was going through a nightmare of a divorce. Tim and Steve suggested a Tuesday Night Jam Session at my place on Alki Beach. The sessions were epic and I don't think we missed one in the 2 years that followed. I'd seen Tim a couple of times since leaving Seattle almost 5 years ago, but this was the first time I'd seen Steve in a half a decade. Boy time flies. This was Steve's 12th World Magic Seminar, Tim's third, and my second. The last time I went was five years ago hanging with the likes of Roger Klause, Geoff Latta & Mike Gallo. If fact, Steve and I blew off half that convention to spend a lot of time with Roger Klause.

Here we were again, the three of us in all our glory. Tim has grown and developed as a magician and a performer, and Steve, well; we nicknamed him "Butter" years ago, because he has such a smooth touch.

It 's always fun to see Aye Jaye, Magician, Con Man and Carney Galore. Since moving to LA he's been a good friend to me. I saw him, he gave me a big hug and one of the best cigars I had smoked in a while. La Gloria Cubana "Series R". I thanked him, and didn't waste any time lighting it up. Aye Jaye does't live that far from me and occasionally I'll drop by his place on my way home from playing golf.

Magicians everywhere, cocktails, cards, coins, hot and cold running women, cigars. . . I was having a blast.

More later. . . . .

Seattle Magic • 2003

2011-02-22T23:55:00.001-08:00

Todd Simpson visit's LA!

2011-01-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

It seems like a million years ago that Todd and I were both members of a teenage magic club in Cincinnati called "The Counts of Conjuring". Although we were never close friends, our paths seemed to cross occasionally through the years. Todd was in town last week to celebrate a friends birthday and I was flattered that they made it up to the City Walk to catch my show and visit. What a trip to revisit our formative years in magic. I remember those meetings vividly and hold them close to my heart. There was a hotbed of talent in Cincinnati in the mid to late 70's and not surprisingly many of us pursued our art and hobby and turned it into a lasting profession.

Funny to think of the East side vs West side element to the scene. The meetings were held at Bill Brewe's Magic Shop on the West side. Brewe had a stable of talented young men that he was training in the classic tradition of stage magic. These guys were young, but boy were they good. Bill Cummins, Ed Kuder, Todd Simpson, Paul Adams, Greg McMahan, to name a few. Come to think of it, a few years later; that is where I would meet a very young Homer Liwag.

While the Western Hills magicians (Brewe's Boys) were learning the finer points of feather flower magic, silk magic, staging, choreography, lighting and various prop magic, the (Haines Gang) on the East side were being taught close up magic by the likes if Larry Pringle and Paul Swinford (both students of the late great Stewart Judah)

Fond memories of a special time in my life and in my development as a magician. Thank you Todd! It was great seeing you and great bringing to the surface all these wonderful memories!

Quote du Jour

2011-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

- Calvin Coolidge

2011-01-22T14:32:00.001-08:00

"Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana."

2011-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! A week into the new year and life moves on full force. So much has happened in the last year and strangely I have less to say these days. The biggest news of 2010 is that Polly and I bought a house in Van Nuys! That's right, we're homeowners! Exciting news! Polly and I have decided to live happily ever after. We love our 1953 house in the valley. It's been exciting unpacking all our stuff that was in storage for over a year.

I'm such a lucky guy to be in such a fulfilling and healthy relationship. Polly rocks my world. We've known each other for 30 years (met when we were both 15, attending the School for the Creative & Performing Arts). She lived down the street from me growing up. We've been together for almost 5 years now and not one argument. . . I shit you not!

Here we are in the entertainment capital of the world, both doing our thing. She's does Hair on CSI:Miami and I'm a Magician. We have two cats who we love dearly and spend as much time as we can with each other. Life is strange, wonderful, crazy, stressful and magical all at the same time. Finding someone that can love you fully and that you can love, be with, admire and adore is what it's all about. Cause at the end of the day. . . . it can be lonely. . . no matter who you are. We all want to be loved and accepted. Polly takes care of me and I take care of her. I don't know how I got so lucky.

Other good news of 2010 was getting back in with the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Jack Goldfinger booked me for a week in July and then bunch of dates in December. I hadn't worked there in 18 years and it felt good to be back on the bill. Although I had been visiting the club for the last 4 years; it wasn't till meeting Jack that I felt so welcome and appreciated. I have a handful of friends at the Castle but like most magic scenes, the community can seem cliquish (is that a word).

So, I'm settling in to the second half of my life. Looks like were digging in to stay. I'll find my way in this town and carve a piece out for myself. Yesterday I spent 2 hours at the gym, 3 hours on the golf course (w/ Alfonso and Wally), an hour running around getting things done and a few hours working in the evening at the Universal City Walk. Lots of opportunity to advance my career. Might be time to get serious about it. Yes it is!

Peace

In my "In Box" through Facebook

2011-01-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Tom:

You don't know who I am but I was a friend of your sister Margie's when she was at Walnut Hills. This past summer I spent some time corresponding with your neice Nicole when I saw one of her posts on the WHHS page looking for information regarding her mother. I remembered spending time at your house and how wonderful your mother and sister were, so I was able to provide Nikki with a little bit of insight on the smiling carefree girl that I remembered. Nikki truly enjoyed learning about her mother from a non-family perspective.

Needless to say I am shocked and saddened to just now learn of Nikki's unexpected passing. She wrote so many wonderful things about how close she felt to you and her siblings and also about how excited she was to be coming back to Cincinnati.

Again, I'm truly sorry for your family's loss. I'll keep your mother, Margie and Nikki in my thoughts.

Ronna

Movie du Jour • Black Swan • Tripped out flick

2011-01-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)

2010-12-28T23:36:00.000-08:00

John Mayer - In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (Letterman, 11-27-08)

2010-12-10T00:58:00.000-08:00

Illustrations from Erdnase

2010-11-28T20:43:00.001-08:00

Illustrations from Erdnase, originally uploaded by tfrank8176.

Quote du Jour

2010-11-27T01:42:00.001-08:00

"My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations."

— Michael J. Fox

Promo Teaser

2010-11-24T11:54:00.001-08:00

2010-11-09T15:05:00.001-08:00

Another video from my brother's visit!

2010-11-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

Here's Mike and Tony DiMito (a fellow he went to Berklee College of Music with) Jamming on guitars. They start out with a Bluegrass Riff and go into Mike's 11th Step. Nice! Twice!

Watch Video • Click Here

In my "In Box"

2010-11-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Tom,

We saw your show last night. I am from Dallas and brought my niece and nephew who live in La Canada California. My nephew Grey loved the show and woke up at 4am to ask if we could come back today and see your show. I had enough for a tip last night but not enough to buy the cards and he is very anxious to buy the cards. Is there a way we could make contact with you today? Also, he may be interested in a lesson. Could you let me know when you get a chance. Unfortuneately I leave for Dallas tomorrow. Again, many thanks!

Warmest Regards,

Margaret

Billy Goodwin, Lisa Cousins & David Jockish

2010-11-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

The Magic Castle is sort of on my way home from work. So, it's not uncommon for me to drop in to see an act or two before heading South to Redondo Beach. I have a little short cut I take after passing the Hollywood Bowl, I turn on Camrose and cut through the Hollywood Hills. I love the houses that are stacked and hidden in the palm tree laden hills.

On Friday I stopped in to see Alfonso in the Peller, and Doc Eason behind the WC FIelds Bar. Two friends, two talented magicians and performers. They had the crowds going on a busy night. It was fun to see. The previous week I popped in to catch Danny Sylvester in the Close-Up Room. I don't think he had worked that room in over 20 years. It was nice to see him break out some vintage routines like his Tomato Trick and his Cod Trick. Good times w/ good friends!

Speaking of good friends, It's always a nice to see Billy Goodwin, Lisa Cousins and David Jockish. For a while I was attending their after Castle Friday Night Jam Session (At Billy & Lisa's place, walking distance from the Castle). Now that my season is officially over, perhaps I can make a few more of these rocking, finger flinging, booze swilling, card shuffling fun fests!

In my "In Box"

2010-11-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

I saw you at Universal Citywalk about a couple months back and was very impressed... but I felt bad because I couldn't leave you a tip. I was out of cash and all I had was credit cards in my pocket. LOL. I decided to Google "Universal Citywalk Magician" tonight out of curiosity and I came across your blog... VERY good reading. Good for you to pursue adventures that you love! Eventually I'll do the same... I love old time Hollywood and anything Los Angeles related. I'd have no problem quitting my humdrum job with a government contractor up here in Sacramento to move to L.A..... but I have absolutely no showbiz skills whatsoever.... I guess that could be a problem. LOL. Anyway, the next time I'm down at Universal (in a couple months or so) I'll give you a double tip the next time I see you to make up for my lack of a tip last time. LOL! Take care and keep the magic going!

--Matt

Michael Andrew Frank

2010-11-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

2010-11-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Michael Andrew Frank Video Clip

Busker du Jour

2010-11-02T00:23:00.001-07:00

street magic, originally uploaded by J Blough.

In my "In Box" • Stripper Cards

2010-10-31T22:47:00.001-07:00

Hi Tom,

I got the cards at the City Walk last night.

There are regular cards, not the same one which i saw your show last night.

Please advise.

Best

Jonathan

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

My response

Johnathan,

I don't think that there is any way that you got a regular deck, I sell off the top of the stack and try and give the customer the same deck that I just demonstrated with. Is your deck red or blue, the red decks tend to be a bit more pronounced. If your deck is blue it should say "Magic" right on the front of the box indicating that it is a trick/stripper deck.

Are you on Skype? Do you have a webcam. if so, I can give you some quick personal instruction and help answer any questions. My skype name is tfrank8176.

I want to make sure that you will be happy with your deck,

Feel free to call me at 323.683.5844, I'd be happy to try and help you over the phone.

Sincerely,

Tom Frank

The times they are a changing

2010-10-31T01:13:00.001-07:00

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command. . . . .

2010-10-30T10:43:00.001-07:00

two seconds - magician from Marco Tempest on Vimeo.

In my "Out Box"

2010-10-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Max,

I've tried to call you, I've asked your mom and I've emailed you asking you what you might like for your birthday. You don't want a birthday present? You don't want anything to do with me, that's the feeling I get. I'm sorry you feel that way. I am always here for you.

Love Dad

PS Buster (John) lives in Seattle, he was down here for a visit and told me he misses his family.

2010-10-21T00:59:00.001-07:00

Charlie Chaplin's "Face On The Barroom Floor" (1914)

2010-10-20T08:13:00.001-07:00

Me at 17, thinking that I knew something

2010-10-20T08:03:00.001-07:00

Tom Frank • Back in the day, originally uploaded by Dai Vernon.

Rainy Wednesday Morning

2010-10-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Up early on a rainy Wednesday morning. Been feeling a tad slugish lately. Not really feeling sick, just under the weather. Went to bed with Polly last night. She goes to bed early (between 9 and 10PM because she is up at 4 or 5AM) I usually stay up till one or two in the morning. Anyways, I went to bed at 8:30 with my girl and got up at 5AM. Woke from a bizarre dream, where I was apparently (but not) robbing a bank. There were cops closing in to the left, more cops coming down the other street to the right. I am trying to put this gun in a trash receptacle, only it won't fit. . . anxiety, I wake up and start my day.

The timing of getting rid of my 1988 beater Volvo was good. After the wreck, my trunk wouldn't close right, now that the rainy season is here my shit would have got soaked. So after months of thinking about what kind of car to get; I end up the proud daddy of a Toyota Prius! Polly has enjoyed hers for the last 5 years or so and I have driven it often. It's a hybrid, half gas, half electric motor. Smooth ride and great gas milage. I can plan on confidently driving this vehicle for many years to come. Thinking about a cross country tour early next year. This car has plenty of pep and boasts 50 miles per gallon!

Life is good, just finished up a video project w/ my golfing buddy and magic friend Alfonso. Turned out pretty good for being done under the wire. Later today I"ll hang w/ Danny Sylvester helping him prepare for his week at the Castle in the Close-Up Room. He rarely has an opportunity in a formal situation to present his close-up act. So he's excited and I'm excited for him.

2010-10-11T10:16:00.001-07:00

Live in the Classic City, II, MM by widespreadpanic