Do you enjoy sleight of hand magic?

rainyghost

rainyghost

New Member
I started to perform close up sleight of hand magic professionally nearly 50 years ago. I worked my way through college performing at restaurants, bars and corporate events. I drifted away from magic after transitioning into a stand up comedy career.

I began to revisit my passion for magic a few years ago, and really picked up my pace during quarantine.

I performed a number of virtual shows on zoom and started teaching sleight of hand magic there as well.

Learning magic with common objects (cards, coins, fingerings, matches, cigarettes, etc.) is not only fun and challenging but is a great way for seniors to improve their dexterity, memory and social skills.

Please join me if you have any interest in prestidigitation.

https://youtube.com/shorts/mNt42HkCylI?feature=share
 

rainyghost said:
He was one of my faves when it came to cigarette magic. He also did a remarkable Red Skelton tribute.
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We have an old VHS recorded skit of his when he was performing in Las Vegas, and the smoking skit is way funnier than the one I posted.

I was saddened to learn that Tom, passed away.

I'll see what I can find in the way of the Red Skelton tribute. Thank you for the mention!
 
Aunt Marg said:
Right on, Rainy!

Here's one for you guys!

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Aunt Marg said:
We have an old VHS recorded skit of his when he was performing in Las Vegas, and the smoking skit is way funnier than the one I posted.

I was saddened to learn that Tom, passed away.

I'll see what I can find in the way of the Red Skelton tribute. Thank you for the mention!
Click to expand...
He had a bar in Atlanta called the Tom Foolery. He would basically do a complete show from behind the bar.
 
When it's done well, I think most people delight in the way the visual effect baffles the mind. It's just plain fun! But, beyond that, I appreciate the level of commitment and many hours of practice required to master the skills. Not something one can just "buy and do"; no fancy props or gimmicks. Just normal everyday items and lots and lots and lots of practice.
 
rainyghost said:
I started to perform close up sleight of hand magic professionally nearly 50 years ago. I worked my way through college performing at restaurants, bars and corporate events. I drifted away from magic after transitioning into a stand up comedy career.

I began to revisit my passion for magic a few years ago, and really picked up my pace during quarantine.

I performed a number of virtual shows on zoom and started teaching sleight of hand magic there as well.

Learning magic with common objects (cards, coins, fingerings, matches, cigarettes, etc.) is not only fun and challenging but is a great way for seniors to improve their dexterity, memory and social skills.

Please join me if you have any interest in prestidigitation.

https://youtube.com/shorts/mNt42HkCylI?feature=share
Click to expand...
Your video was fun, thanks! I enjoy seeing magic, but don't want to learn how myself.
 
Tommy said:
When it's done well, I think most people delight in the way the visual effect baffles the mind. It's just plain fun! But, beyond that, I appreciate the level of commitment and many hours of practice required to master the skills. Not something one can just "buy and do"; no fancy props or gimmicks. Just normal everyday items and lots and lots and lots of practice.
Click to expand...
I do love the fact that you can practice almost anywhere. While watching TV, on the toilet 😲. I even maintain that my new passion for magic gives me a cardio workout. Neighbors will often see me walking around the yard while rolling a coin across my fingers. 😆
 
My dad did a few magic tricks with rubber bands and coins. In retrospect, they were pretty bad but still fun. Then my parents bought me a little magic set for Christmas. It consisted of a bunch of cheap little plastic props and a book. I loved it, but wanted to be able to do magic at any time, anywhere without having to carry around the cheap little props in my pocket. Then I got a book called The Amateur Magician's Handbook by Henry Hay. Honestly, the book discouraged me because the content was way more difficult than a 9 or 10 year old could handle. A few years later I picked it up again and it all started to make sense.
 
Keesha said:
Wow. You are good. Your answer disappeared before my eyes. 😅
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My dad did a few magic tricks with rubber bands and coins. In retrospect, they were pretty bad but still fun. Then my parents bought me a little magic set for Christmas. It consisted of a bunch of cheap little plastic props and a book. I loved it, but wanted to be able to do magic at any time, anywhere without having to carry around the cheap little props in my pocket. Then I got a book called The Amateur Magician's Handbook by Henry Hay. Honestly, the book discouraged me because the content was way more difficult than a 9 or 10 year old could handle. A few years later I picked it up again and it all started to make sense.

 
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rainyghost said:
My dad did a few magic tricks with rubber bands and coins. In retrospect, they were pretty bad but still fun. Then my parents bought me a little magic set for Christmas. It consisted of a bunch of cheap little plastic props and a book. I loved it, but wanted to be able to do magic at any time, anywhere without having to carry around the cheap little props in my pocket. Then I got a book called The Amateur Magician's Handbook by Henry Hay. Honestly, the book discouraged me because the content was way more difficult than a 9 or 10 year old could handle. A few years later I picked it up again and it all started to make sense.
Click to expand...
Beautiful. What an exciting life you’ve lead.
Most interesting.
Thank you. 👍
 
Pappy said:
I had several magic kits when I was a young man. Loved putting on shows for my family. I made several tricks myself and sent away to D. Robbins for many more. I still have a few around here somewhere.
My finger chopper was a favorite until I scared the daylights out my grandson. Kinda gave it up after that.
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Did you don a cape and hat when performing, Paps? :)
 
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