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Performing at Illusions Theater & Bar

Recently brought this trick back after not doing it for 30 years. Great fun!

 

Tom Frank to perform at Illusions Theater & Bar in San Diego

I'll be performing at Illusions Theater and Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego next weekend, September 3rd & 4th!  

Here's a link for more info and tickets. Hope to see you there!  

Illusions Theater & Bar

After a year and an half hiatus from performing, I'm ready to get my freak on!  2 shows on Friday night, two shows Saturday night, 45 minute headliner stand-up sets promise my best work yet. Very excited.

 

Dai Vernon

DaiVernon performing at the Kit Kat Club in New York City

Marien Davies B'day Party

My fourth year performing at this wonderful event!

Latest addition to my collection

I've been wanting a set of these beautiful Brett Sherwood solid sterling silver and 24k gold cups since they came out over a decade ago.  So very happy to have gotten such a great deal on eBay.  Couldn't pass them up!  Used them at work the other night. Quite a treat!  

Magic Bartender. . . . yes, it's a thing.

Click pic to enlarge

For the last month or so I have taken a new position at The Magic Castle, as one of the resident bartending magicians in the Hat n Hare Pub. It's been a hoot learning a new skill like bartending.  I've had fun doing it and the staff has been exceptionally patient with me as I learn the in's and out's of pouring drinks, managing my bar and learning the POS computer system.

Bar magic isn't all that different than street performing.  You deal with a lot of distractions during the performance and anything can happen with a happy and drinking audience.  I'm loving the challenge and hoping to make management and guests alike happy with my performance.

Hennessy Black Gig

Hey Tom, 

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for working so hard to create and incredible show for our clients and guests last Tuesday! It was so wonderful to finally have the chance to work with you. You absolutely killed it. Our clients are extremely pleased with your performance and how you were able to seamlessly incorporate Hennessy Black. Overall, the event was a huge success and everyone is extremely happy. 

All the best,

Krista Pershinsky
Event Manager
Quintessentially

Photo Credit: Bill Kennedy

Tom Frank performing The Legend of the 5 Mystic Rings at Brookledge Follies

Castle Notes

Mind a buzz still reveling in last nights activities. I've been wanting to report a tad more on my life in magic and more specifically my frequent trips toThe Magic Castle®. 

While still at work last night, I was pleasantly surprised to see Gary Plantsand his lovely wife Deborah in my audience. They were in for the Los Angeles Conference on Magic History over the previous few days. I've known Gary for 33 years. We met a The Columbus Magi-Fest Magic Conventionwhen I was but a young, teenage trouble maker. I've always been very impressed with Gary's card work. Even back in the day he was one of the most hard core in any session. His dealing work, exceptional and his trick "The Bottom Collectors" always one of my favorites. It was nice to have "Plant's" in my audience! Afterwards I asked him how my card work looked technically, (I asked him to, be blunt and honest). He said it all looked good. Made me happy.

Had a decent night at the Universal CityWalk Hollywood, for an off season Monday night. It was Veterans Day, and there was a good crowd. The Magic Castle does something unique for Veterans Day. Every performer in all the rooms are Veterans from the Armed Forces. A touching tribute to the magicians that served.

Sometimes I go to the Castle and try and see a lot of shows, other times it more about hanging with the gang and chatting the night away. Last night was more like that. I got a call from James Patton in the afternoon, saying he was going to be there in the evening. Always a treat to hang with him. We met at the Castle back in 1986. It was the first time I had worked there. I was 21 years old. Those sure were great days at the Castle. Hanging with the likes of Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, and Larry Jennings. I was part of a small crew that consisted of Me, Daniel Sylvester (who was my roommate for 2 years back then) and Paul Nathan. Jim Patton used to call us the "Young Turks". We were young, crazy and always wore hats. Seems like a different lifetime.

I got to the Castle around 10PM and ventured down to the Library to hook up with Jim. Saw Billy Goodwin, Alfonso and Lituo down there, as well as Jim and a fellow he introduced me to, Ron Wohl. We chatted down there till Billy closed up the Library for the evening. We decided to go see Jason England in the Close-Up Gallery. Out through the Inner Circle and a quick stop to the newly revamped smoking area. Jim lit his pipe, I lit my cigar and Ron Wohl joined us for some more discussions about The Man That was Erdnase.

Jason England does beautiful work. I've known him for a while, but had never seen him perform in a formal setting. I was not disappointed. He opened with Triumph which led into a Cutting the Aces Routine followed by a Two Card Selection with a nice kicker ending. To end his performance he launched into an expansive gambling demonstration that featured all the false deals: Seconds, Bottoms, Centers & Greek Bottoms. The finale was a poker demonstration that got me hook line and sinker. Didn't see it coming.

During the show I sat next to, new member, Robb Weinstock. After the show we discussed what we saw. We retreated to the new Vernon Corner whereHoward Hamburg was holding court as usual. We continued to discuss some of the technical aspects of Jason's show. I excused myself from the table to get a cocktail and was drawn to the end seats of there bar where Tony Picasso and Michael Rangel were chatting and fiddling with cards. Tony is an interesting character. Unique in both his approach to magic as well as his outlook in general. Up until last night I didn't think he talked. While I've known him since moving back to LA, 7 years ago; he's remained a mystery to me. Michael, I've only got to know a little more recently. We had a swell talk about about these sorts of posts on Facebook. We talked about the challenge of not sugar coating opinions about the magic we see, yet, try and be honest about technical aspects of the act. Lately when I am curious about why a performer made certain choices, I've just asked. I did this last night with Jason England. Asked him why he did something the way he did. While watching the performance (not trying to be overly critical) I saw something that was curious and sort of rubbed me the wrong way. I don't like feeling critical, but we feel the way we do. It was great to just flat out ask him why he did it that way. His answer was perfect and had me not fooled me with his closer, I might have answered my own question.

Back to the Vernon corner, where Jason joined us. Howard and Jason went over some shuffle work that was over my head. Jason fried me badly and was kind enough to tip the work. Jason England does beautiful work and is one hell of a nice guy. His act was polished, professional and a credit to the art. Well done sir!

Everyone went home as the place was closing. Everyone that is, except me and Jim Patton. Brian Elerding was very polite as he gently nudged us out the door. Jim and I spent another hour hanging in the parking lot, swapping stories of the old days and card moves.

Well done Jack Goldfinger! Booking a solid week of Veteran Performers!

Till next time. . . . .

Jim Patton & Ron Wohl

Another Classic Clip • Dai Vernon & Doug Henning

Rare clip of magician Dai Vernon teaching Doug Henning the Chinese Linking Rings routine in 1972.

Dai Vernon • The Professor

Magician Dai Vernon (1894-1992) performing coin manipulation at Louis Tannen's Magic Jubilee in 1960.

Criss Angel

Been trying to watch some Criss Angel on TV. It's easy to take pot shots at something you don't like. It's more interesting to look at some other factors like what makes this guy so popular. He obviously has a large following and works his ass off to perpetuate his brand. So what is it? Do his fans actually accept that what they are seeing is real? Or is it with a wink and a grin and hey it's a TV show? I'm a big fan of Success. Criss Angel is a successful working magician in a tough and often heartless industry. He's climbed the ladder and now laughing his ass off to all of us who might call him a chump. He ain't no chump, he's a magician that works more than most of us combined. Good for him.

Halloween at the Magic Castle

Went to the Magic Castle Monday night. Lucy Lawrence was all dolled up in Halloween attire and working the door. "Open says me" and the evening was underway. I arrived after 10PM and was eager to start the night. Cocktails and magic, been a favorite of mine for years.

Stopped down to the WC Fields Bar to see Jon Armstrong work. Although I know and like Jon, to be honest, I haven't seen him in action all that much. It was a pleasure to watch him work the bar. While I enjoyed his impeccable card magic (any card at any location, some sort of telephone # Triumph, and of course his now wildly popular "Little Plunger"), other factors seemed even more relevant. I must say that his calm demeanor, flawless execution and dry wit had me in stitches. A couple of other noteworthy observations were a running gag with the bartenders tip bucket, BRILLIANT and his audience management of filling seats when people had to leave. Easy to see why he is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He knows Magic and the Castle. Also gets bonus points for tilting the performing surface towards the audience using a couple of rocks glasses.

Next, was another stiff drink and the Palace of Mystery show starring Rob Zabrecky & Conjure. Chatted briefly (before the show) with Brian Elerdingwho was sporting a great costume and some provocative byplay with a cane. The show started and Rob was introduced. Rob, simply put, is in a class by himself. I can't compare him to anyone. He opened with a bit of paper cutting, his version of Diminishing Cards (a trick I normally dislike), had me in stitches. He's quite the dancer! I've been lucky enough to see Rob perform quite a few times since moving back to LA in 2006. It's no wonder he gets the positive attention and reaction that he does. Very interesting guy with a unique vision. Conjure did a wonderful, high energy, new vaudeville style act. Comprised of Mike Huling and his beautiful wife Cole. Pleased to see illusions (2 weeks in a row on the Palace Stage), Nifty version of the Shadow Box to introduce her. Mike did a wonderful hat juggling routine to music as well as a rope tie routine. Overall a strong and balanced show! I wish I could provide more details but, as it was getting late and the libations were taking effect. Details seemed less important than having a great time. Very funny bit with Stephen Levine and his unwanted ring tone from his phone. Hey, it happens. . . but rarely does it turn into comedy gold! Well played Rob!

A final drink and caught one more act. Paul Vigil working in the Close-Up Gallery. Although I don't know him that well, I've seen him perform a couple of times and like where he is coming from. I would describe him as slow and deliberate. From his Ace Assembly to his Matrix, clarity is what I came away with. "He's not happy till we're happy. . . . could it be anymore fair?".



Another great Monday night at The Magic Castle! Been lucky, last two Monday nights. Was able to see 3 acts! Thinking about going back tonight for a Members Only night. Try and catch the acts I missed.

Importance of Sessioning

Some of my fondest memories, in my life in magic, have been sessioning with other magicians.  As a 14 year old kid in Cincinnati, every Saturday morning, my pal Shawn Greer would pick me up in his shitty, little red Chevette.  We would make the trek across town to our mentor, Larry Pringle’s house.  There we would meet with Larry, Ken Bierly, Roscoe Harrison and sometimes Paul Swinford would come over.  This went on for years and created a strong foundation for my study in magic.

What do you do at a session?  Perform, learn, grow and feel the power of entertainment!  The best sessions have  people with a variety of skill levels.  This is nice because if you have the knowledge and skill you can help others.  If you are a beginner you have the best opportunity to get fooled badly AND a great opportunity to get pointers on how to do it better. . . or just right.

The important thing is that everybody participate.  Sitting around a table is best.  Close-up pads, optional.  I usually feel that close-up pads are for pussies.  Derek Dingle taught me at an early age, that you should be able to do your best work on a wet bar.  No one really wants to perform on a wet bar, but his point is good.  A close-up pad doesn’t reflect real world performing conditions when you’re out and about.  Everyone should participate.  I am particularly fond of the Round Robin.  A must at any session.  A Round Robin is where you go around the table and everyone does a trick.  This is important for growth.  Of course no one is forced to do anything they don’t want to, but the session is about going out of your comfort zone for the purpose of bettering your magic.

Sometimes you just want to see how a trick looks and feels before showing to the public.  Sometimes you want a critical evaluation of what you are doing.  Both are extremely helpful.  In between group sessions Shawn and I would session several nights a week till the wee hours using harsh and slurred phrases like, “Flash!  or FLASH LIKE HELL!”.  We were unrelenting and learned how not to flash.  

It is not uncommon for new magicians to focus completely on what they are doing technically.  They stare at their hands, mumble their words and forget who they are performing for.  I remember my dad asking me as an 11 year old, “who are you doing the trick for. . . me or you?”.  Good lesson to learn early on.  The magic session is a terrific place to come out of your shell.  There is safety, concern and love of the art at a session.  

When I was a kid,I took magic lessons from  guy named Paul Rolling who worked at Haines House of Cards in Norwood, Ohio.  I must have been 10 or eleven years old.  My folks had just divorced  and my mom wasn’t really dealing with her grief and anger so well.  As for us four kids, we all just did the best we could.  I found a home at the magic shop and became a fixture.  Cincinnati had a great magic scene,  and I felt like Alice in Wonderland.   At some point the sessions left Larry’s basement and we met Saturday afternoons on the stage or in the back room of Haines House of Cards.  

There I would hear of the epic “back room” sessions across the country both current and past.  Names like Dia Vernon, Ed Marlo, T. Nelson Downs & Malini.  What round table in Chicago?  Magic Castle!  What’s that?  As a youngster I romanticized what it might be like to hang out with Dai Vernon at the Magic Castle.  A decade later that dream would come true when I moved to LA.  I was 21 years old and lived with Sylvester the Jester.  It was a non stop magic session for 2 years.

I owned magic shops for a dozen years and couldn’t begin to count the number of sessions that were held in the back rooms.  A right of passage, entrance to a welcoming world of like mined people. What could be better? During my shop years, you never knew who was going to come in.  People like Sal Piacente, or David Ben, Stephen Minch, Robert Giobbi, Johnathan Pendragon, Mike Ammar, Lee Asher, Aaron Fisher and a ton of people you never heard of, but who were great! It was common to see a sign on my shop door that said, “In the back room, ring the bell”.  I had installed a wireless doorbell to inform me that customers wanted to enter.  When my last shop, Seattle Magic closed, at the request of Tim Flynn & Steve Ameden we continued the sessions at my Alki Beach Magic Studio.  For the next two years, every Tuesday night (I don’t think we missed one) I hosted a session that grew into an amazing weekly event.  Friendships formed, tricks learned and polished, cocktails and beers consumed, cigars and cigarettes smoked and cards shuffled.

Magic sessions are only as good as the people there.  Are there those who want to share their knowledge?  Anyone looking to learn a new trick, sleight or subtlety?  Who just wants to have fun and talk magic?  I DO!

Now it’s your turn.  Pick up the phone call a couple of your magicians friends. Set up a time to meet at your house or a coffee shop, or a bar. Get your cards and coins, color changing  knives and packet tricks in your close-up case and get it going!  Bring something to take notes or a video camera.  Keep track of what you’re learning and do it again next week and log progress.  It’s not about blowing smoke up your ass, it’s about getting better at what you love.  Make it as good as it can be. . . then make it better!

More from the archives • Steve Faris

Taste of Cincinnati • 1991

Just booked a weekend at the Magic Castle!

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

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?

Magic History Week at the Magic Castle

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

World Magic Seminar 2011 pt. 4

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.