Magic Calendar 2009
Here's the latest calendar about magicians from San Diego County, and San Diego County magic shows, updated as of May 7, 2009. My name is Magician Michael E. Johnson, and I love all the great magic in this town. There are magic clubs, magic shows, magic competitions, magic classes, magic camps, magic restaurants, magic lectures, even magic fundraisers. There's open mic nights too, where magicians and other variety artists can gain exposure.
This calendar will be updated every month, so check back from time to time. If you have any updates, e-mail me at mjohns341@cox.net. Have a magic fun time!
May Events
May 1 - 31, 2009, The Gathering Restaurant has magic every day in the Mission Hills area of San Diego, 902 W. Washington St.; Dan Thomas the bartender is great throughout the week, and Tom McCarthy headlines on Saturday nights from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.; for info call 619-260-0400.
April 27 - May 3, 2009, Joel Ward performs all week at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.
May 2, 2009, Saturday, the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department holds a lottery at 10:00 a.m. to see who gets Entertainer Permits to legally perform in Balboa Park. The permits don't cost anything, and they are valid for the entire month in a specific location. Permits are issued at the Balboa Park Administration Building, 2125 Park Blvd. in San Diego. Arrive early at the rear of the building to get a place in line outside door #1.
May 2, 2009, Saturday, many San Diegans migrate north for the Magic Castle Swap Meet, including Jack White, J.P. Jackson, Jeff Pearson and Loch David Crane.
May 3, 2009, Sunday, the San Diego All-Star Clown Club meets at the American Legion Hall #460, 7815 Armour Street in San Diego; for info visit www.clowns.dreamstation.com or e-mail bonbonsandiego@yahoo.com.
May 4, 2009, Monday, Henry Evans lectures at 7:00 p.m. at Jack's Magic Place, 4275 University Ave., San Diego; contact Syd Segal, 619-300-1344 or e-mail btl6380@aol.com.
May 4, 2009, Monday, the Arts & Performance Ministry of The Rock Church holds an Open Mic Night from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Ocean Beach First Baptist Fellowship Hall, 1969 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in San Diego. For info call 619-226-7625 or visit www.radiancesandiego.org.
May 7, 2009, Thursday, the Magic Guild of Southern California meets at 7:30 p.m. at Coco's Restaurant, 605 W. Vista Way in Vista. The theme this month is "Ropes, Silks & Rings". For membership information, contact President Lou Heck, 760-741-1142 or magiclou@cox.net. Annual dues are $15.
May 11, 2009, Monday, San Diego's oldest magic club, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, meet at 7:00 p.m. at Jack's Magic Place, 4275 University Ave. in San Diego. Arrive early to get a good seat. The theme this month is the Stand-up Competition, where members compete for honors as San Diego's Stage Magician of the Year. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson, 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
May 12, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call President Justin Ingram, 909-234-5655.
May 14, 2009, Thursday, Jim Pace will hold a free lecture at 7:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 3805 Murphy Canyon Rd. in San Diego; seating is limited to the first 25 people; for info visit www.jimpacemagic.com.
May 11 - 18, 2009, Joel Ward (formerly of Cardiff) performs on tour in "Magic In Savannah" in Savannah, Illinois. For info visit www.joelwardmagic.com.
May 17, 2009, Sunday, Jim Whiting appears at the Arts in Bloom Art Walk in Del Mar from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Flower Hill Promenade, 2720 Via De La Valle; Jim will share magic, draw sketches and sign copies of his book "Analecta"; for info e-mail jimtoons1@aol.com.
June 1, 2009, Monday, the Arts & Performance Ministry of The Rock Church holds an Open Mic Night from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Ocean Beach First Baptist Fellowship Hall, 1969 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in San Diego. For info call 619-226-7625 or visit www.radiancesandiego.org. This program happens the first Monday of every month.
June 4, 2009, Thursday, the Magic Guild of Southern California meets at 7:30 p.m. at Coco's Restaurant, 605 W. Vista Way in Vista. The theme this month is a lecture. For membership information, contact President Lou Heck, 760-741-1142 or magiclou@cox.net. Annual dues are $15.
June 6, 2009, Saturday, the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department holds a lottery at 10:00 a.m. to see who gets Entertainer Permits to legally perform in Balboa Park. The permits don't cost anything, and they are valid for the entire month in a specific location. Permits are issued at the Balboa Park Administration Building, 2125 Park Blvd. in San Diego. Arrive early at the rear of the building to get a place in line outside door #1. For information call 619-235-1122 or pick up a "Balboa Park Entertainer Program" brochure from their offices. This lottery happens the first Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m.
June 7, 2009, Sunday, the San Diego All-Star Clown Club meets at the American Legion Hall #460, 7815 Armour Street in San Diego; for info visit www.clowns.dreamstation.com or e-mail bonbonsandiego@yahoo.com. This club meets the first Sunday of the month.
June 7, 2009, Sunday, Dana Daniels performs at the California for the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. The show is "Triple Threat" and it features Daniels, juggler Mad Chad Taylor and comedian Doug Mattocks. Show times are 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. with tickets priced at $10 each. For info call 800-988-4253 or visit www.artcenter.org.
June 8, 2009, Monday, San Diego's biggest magic club, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, meets at 7:00 p.m. at Jack's Magic Place, 4275 University Ave. in San Diego. The theme this month is the yearly election of officers for the Board of Directors, membership renewal and payment of dues. Members will also have a chance to share their favorite trick. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson, 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
June 9, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call President Justin Ingram, 909-234-5655.
June 11 - 13, 2009, J.C. Wagner from Coronado performs on tour at the Golden Gate Gathering in Foster City, California. For info visit www.jcwagnersmagic.com.
June 15, 2009, Monday, Jay Sankey lectures at 7:00 p.m. at Jack's Magic Place, 4275 University Ave., San Diego; cost is $20; for info call Syd Segal at 619-300-1344 or e-mail btl6380@aol.com.
July 1 - 4, 2009, J.C. Wagner from Coronado performs on tour at the International Brotherhood of Magicians convention in Nashville, Tennessee. for info visit www.jcwagnersmagic.com.
July 2, 2009, Thursday, the Magic Guild of Southern California meets at 7:30 p.m. at Coco's Restaurant, 605 W. Vista Way in Vista. The theme this month is "Red, White & Blue". For membership information, contact President Lou Heck, 760-741-1142 or magiclou@cox.net. Annual dues are $15.
July 6 -10, 2009, Monday - Friday, Dick Dale teaches magic at the Palomar College in San Marcos, College for Kids, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon for grades 2 - 4 and from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. for grades 5 - 8; the cost is $150; for more info contact 760-891-7626.
July 12, 2009, Sunday, San Diego's biggest magic club, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, meets at 7:00 p.m. at Jack's Magic Place, 4275 University Ave. in San Diego. The theme this month is the annual installation banquet. The club will also announce the winners of Entertainer of the Year, Member of the Year, Stage Magician of the Year and Close-up Magician of the Year. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson, 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
July 13 - 16, 2009, Monday - Thursday, Magician Michael E. Johnson teaches a Magic Camp for children through the Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club. For info call 760-703-9661.
July 14, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call President Justin Ingram, 909-234-5655.
July 20 - 24, 2009, Monday - Friday, Dick Dale teaches Advanced Magic for Grades 2 - 8 at the Palomar College, College for Kids from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, in San Marcos; contact 760-891-7626.
August 6, 2009, Thursday, the Magic Guild of Southern California meets at 7:30 p.m. at Coco's Restaurant, 605 W. Vista Way in Vista. The theme this month is "Animal Night (Stuffed or Real)". For membership information, contact President Lou Heck, 760-741-1142 or magiclou@cox.net. Annual dues are $15.
August 10, 2009, Monday, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians meets at 7:00 p.m. in San Diego. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson, 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
August 11, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call 909-234-5655.
September 4, 2009, Thursday, the Magic Guild of Southern California meets at 7:30 p.m. at Coco's Restaurant, 605 W. Vista Way in Vista. The theme this month is "Back to School". For membership information, contact President Lou Heck, 760-741-1142 or magiclou@cox.net. Annual dues are $15.
September 7, 2009, Monday, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians meets at 7:00 p.m. in San Diego. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson, 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
September 8, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call 909-234-5655.
October 3, 2009, Thursday, the Magic Guild of Southern California meets at 7:30 p.m. at Coco's Restaurant, 605 W. Vista Way in Vista. The theme this month is "Spooky Night (Halloween)". For membership information, contact President Lou Heck, 760-741-1142 or magiclou@cox.net. Annual dues are $15.
October 12, 2009, Monday, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians meets at 7:00 p.m. in San Diego. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
October 13, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call 909-234-5655.
October 25, 2009, Sunday, a magic show is scheduled with other festivities during the "Halloween In The Village" in downtown Del Mar near Camino Del Mar & 15th St.. For more info, call 858-755-1179 or visit www.delmarmainstreet.com.
October 31 - November 1, 2009, Saturday - Sunday, the Escondido Renaissance Fair happens from 10:00 a.m. to dusk at Felicita County Park, 742 Clarence Ln. in Escondido. This is one place where you can dress up as a wizard without looking out of place! Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for kids ages 5 - 11, and $14 for seniors age 65 and up. For info call 805-496-6036.
November 5, 2009, Thursday, the Magic Guild of Southern California meets at 7:30 p.m. at Coco's Restaurant, 605 W. Vista Way in Vista. The theme this month is "2 Effects to 1". For membership information, contact President Lou Heck, 760-741-1142 or magiclou@cox.net. Annual dues are $15.
November 9, 2009, Monday, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians meets at 7:00 p.m. in San Diego. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson, 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
November 10, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call President Justin Ingram, 909-234-5655.
November 20, 2009, Friday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 sponsors a lecture with Aldo and Rachel Columbini at 7:30 p.m. at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland; cost is $10 or free for Ring 254 members; for info call President Justin Ingram, 909-234-5655.
December 7, 2009, Monday, Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians meets at 7:00 p.m. in San Diego. For membership information, or to obtain a guest pass to visit a meeting, contact Magician Michael E. Johnson, 760-747-4627, or visit www.ring76.com.
December 8, 2009, Tuesday, north of San Diego County, IBM Ring 254 meets at the Highland Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave. in Highland, at 7:30 p.m.; for info call 909-234-5655.
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San Diego Magic Shops
Brad Burt's Magic Shop is the oldest in San Diego County, with products and services still available on-line through www.magicshop.com. Brad is even offering a free magic course through his website. Best of all is the opportunity to consult with Brad personally by phone if you have any questions about the tricks or DVDs you purchase. For info call 619-562-4877.
The Trick Shop in Temecula is located a bit north of Escondido, above San Diego County, and is a personal favorite of many professionals in Southern California. This retail store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit them at 28480 Old Town Front Street in Temecula, call 951-506-0664 or surf to www.trickshopmagic.com.
The Magic Bug is San Diego's newest retail magic shop, located in the Parkway Plaza Mall at 415 Parkway Plaza in El Cajon. It is open Monday - Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For info call 619-588-4284 or visit www.themagicbug.com. This store is open seven days a week in the mall.
Other on-line options with local connections include products from J.C. Wagner (www.jcwagnersmagic.com), Terry Lunceford (www.ontheedgeofreality.com), Syd Segal (www.dananddave.com), Joel Ward (www.joelwardmagic.com), Loch David Crane (www.magicsantaclaus.com), Dr. Jeffrey Pearson (www.sprainedangles.com), cartoonist Jim Whiting (www.jimtoons.com), Richard Turner (www.richardturner52.com) and Michael E. Johnson (www.magicianmichael.com).
San Diego Magic Clubs
If you really love magic, you should join a magic organization. There's lots of benefits and chances to enjoy magic. Locally, we have the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 76 which meets in San Diego (www.ring76.com) and the Magic Guild of Southern California which meets in Vista.
Here's my favorite worldwide clubs: International Brotherhood of Magicians (www.magician.org), Society of American Magicians (www.magicsam.com), and the Academy of Magical Arts (Magic Castle) (www.magiccastle.com).
I'm a member of all five groups, and it's great!
San Diego Magic Publications
There are two monthly on-line newsletters related to magic in San Diego. Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians publishes "Magic Currents" for its members, edited by Michael E. Johnson, and the Magic Guild of Southern California publishes "MetaMagical News", edited by Lou Heck. These are great sources of magic news, photos, tricks and reviews.
On a national level, my favorite independent monthly magic magazines are "Magic" (www.magicmagazine.com) and "Genii" (www.geniimagazine.com). Magic clubs also have their monthlies, like "The Linking Ring" for members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, "M-U-M" for the Society of American Magicians, and the "Magic Castle Newsletter" for the Academy of Magical Arts. On-line, an excellent free newsletter is "Magic New Zealand E-Zine", available from Alan Watson at www.watson.co.nz.
Recommended Links
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| San Diego Magician Michael E. Johnson (left) presents an Award to Bob Elliott (center) and Happy Elliott (right), during a special surprise on July 22 sponsored by Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians; photo by Bob Pozner |
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| The California Magic Quartet, Joe Mystic, Michael E. Johnson, Jeff Marcus and Magic Mike Stilwell performed May 2 at a Volunteer Appreciation event for the Armed Services YMCA |
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| Terry Lunceford (right) shares a strait jacket and a laugh with Dr. Jeff Pearson (left) during a May 2 performance at Remy's Restaurant in Escondido, California |
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| Jack White and wife Lynn smile at the IBM Ring 76 Holiday Banquet, where Jack was surprised with special awards. |
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