Magic on the Pier: Jesse Mock Entertains Crowds at Santa Monica Landmark

 The world-famous Santa Monica Pier serves as more than just a tourist destination—it's also a stage where talented performers create memorable experiences for visitors from around the globe.

Among those entertaining the crowds is magician Jesse Mock, who regularly gathers audiences with a blend of sleight-of-hand magic, comedy, and audience participation. Using classic effects such as card magic, coin tricks, and the timeless cups-and-balls routine, Mock transforms a busy walkway into an impromptu theater.

One highlight of a recent performance involved a young volunteer assisting with a cups-and-balls routine that culminated in the surprise production of several oranges and even a small melon. Moments like these help turn casual passersby into engaged spectators, creating a sense of wonder in the middle of one of Southern California's busiest attractions.

Street performers play an important role in the atmosphere of the Santa Monica Pier. Musicians, magicians, and other entertainers rely on charisma, timing, and audience interaction to stop visitors in their tracks and create memorable experiences. As tourists stroll between the oceanfront views, restaurants, and amusement rides, performers provide a unique form of live entertainment that can't be replicated anywhere else.

For magicians like Jesse Mock, the challenge of performing outdoors for constantly changing audiences is part of the appeal. Every show is different, with new volunteers, new reactions, and new opportunities to create moments of astonishment.

Whether visitors come for the beach, the food, or the attractions, many leave with another memory as well—the experience of witnessing live magic just steps from the Pacific Ocean.

Source: Performing for the Pier article covering entertainers and street performers at the Santa Monica Pier.

Criss Angel and Kim Dracula Announce “Haunted” Las Vegas Spectacular

 Fans of both magic and heavy music are in for a unique experience this fall as illusionist Criss Angel joins forces with alternative metal artist Kim Dracula for a special one-night-only event in Las Vegas.

The production, titled "Haunted," is scheduled for October 24, 2026, at the Criss Angel Theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The show promises to blend Kim Dracula's genre-bending music with Angel's signature dark illusions, elaborate special effects, and large-scale theatrical stunts.

Described as a "shock-rock magic" experience, Haunted aims to create an immersive environment where live music and illusion collide. The collaboration has been teased throughout 2026, with both performers hinting at a joint project involving music, video content, and a live stage production before officially announcing the Las Vegas event.

Kim Dracula has built a devoted following through a unique fusion of metal, trap, industrial sounds, and theatrical performance, while Criss Angel remains one of the most recognizable names in modern magic. The combination of the two performers is expected to deliver a high-energy show unlike anything currently on the Las Vegas Strip.

Event Information

• Event: Haunted
• Performers: Criss Angel & Kim Dracula
• Date: October 24, 2026
• Venue: Criss Angel Theater, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster

With only a single performance currently announced, Haunted is shaping up to be one of the more unusual entertainment events of the year, bringing together the worlds of heavy music, horror-inspired visuals, and grand illusion for one unforgettable night.

Source: Event announcement and promotional materials from Criss Angel and Kim Dracula.

George Shindler on The Regis Philbin show

 

Matt DiSero on Penn & Teller Fool Us

 

Counts Cuts Moves and Subtlety

Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com 

 A Book of Basic Card Technique by Jerry Mentzer

This modern-day classic of card magic details the: Double Undercut, Biddle Move, Hamman Count, Olram Subtlety, Downs Change, Elmsley Count, Jordan Count, Buckle Count, Ascanio Spread and much more!

Clear photographs and easy to understand descriptions make this an invaluable reference book. Seventy-three pages.

Rick Thomas Brings Mansion of Dreams to Michigan in 2027

 Fans of grand illusion will have a chance to experience one of magic's most accomplished performers when Rick Thomas brings his acclaimed Mansion of Dreams production to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center next spring.

The all-ages performance is scheduled for April 17, 2027, at the Jenkins Theatre in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where audiences can expect an evening filled with large-scale illusions, comedy, music, and theatrical storytelling.

For decades, Rick Thomas has been recognized as one of the world's leading illusionists. His career includes five international tours spanning more than 50 countries and over 20,000 performances. Along the way, he has entertained millions of audience members with a style that combines classic grand illusion with modern theatrical production.

Thomas has appeared on some of the world's most prestigious stages, including the famous Caesars Colosseum in Las Vegas, the Sydney Opera House, Broadway, and a long-running Las Vegas residency that lasted 15 years.

His accomplishments have earned him numerous honors throughout the magic community and entertainment industry. Among them is the title of "Illusionist of the World," presented by the World Magic Awards. He has also received the Key to the City of Las Vegas and has been recognized for creating one of the most successful family-oriented magic productions in the city's history.

Television audiences may also recognize Thomas from his appearances on programs such as The World's Greatest Magic, Masters of Illusion, and numerous specials broadcast on major networks including ABC, NBC, FOX, MTV, TLC, Animal Planet, and the History Channel. He also starred in his own primetime television special on ABC.

Mansion of Dreams promises to showcase the signature blend of spectacular illusions, comedy, choreography, and audience engagement that has made Thomas a favorite among family audiences worldwide.

Tickets for the performance start at $34 and are scheduled to go on sale June 22. Group discounts will also be available for larger parties.

For magic fans in the Midwest, the performance offers an opportunity to see one of the industry's most established touring illusionists live on stage.

Source: Adapted from reporting by Moody on the Market.

Now You See Me Live Set to Take Over Former David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand

 A new magic spectacular inspired by the hit Now You See Me film franchise is headed to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, taking over the venue previously occupied by legendary illusionist David Copperfield.

Beginning October 15, 2026, Now You See Me Live will open at the newly renamed MGM Grand Theater, where it is scheduled to run through January 5, 2027. The production is based on the popular movie series that blended stage magic, grand illusions, and heist-style storytelling to create one of Hollywood's most recognizable magic franchises.

Produced by Simon Painter and the team behind The Illusionists, the live show has already found success internationally, including sold-out performances at the Sydney Opera House and in Singapore. The Las Vegas production aims to bring the fictional world of the "Four Horsemen" to life by featuring four accomplished magicians from around the globe.

The performers announced for the production include:

• Andrew Basso, the renowned Italian escape artist and world champion escapologist.
• Adam Trent, known for his modern style of sleight-of-hand and interactive magic.
• Enzo Weyne, a French illusionist recognized for large-scale stage productions.
• Gabriella Lester, a Canadian performer specializing in escapes and theatrical illusion.

According to producers, the show is designed to feel like a performance the movie's fictional Four Horsemen might present if they existed in the real world. In addition to the core cast, organizers say special guest performers will rotate into the production throughout the engagement.

Simon Painter praised the lineup, stating that the selected performers represent some of the world's top illusionists and will combine their talents to create a unique theatrical experience for Las Vegas audiences.

A New Chapter for the MGM Grand Theater

The announcement also marks the beginning of a new era for the venue that housed David Copperfield's long-running residency for more than two decades.

Copperfield concluded his MGM Grand residency on April 30, 2026, ending one of the longest-running headline magic shows in Las Vegas history. The theater, which had carried his name since 2013, has now reverted to the simpler MGM Grand Theater branding.

While Copperfield's departure generated significant discussion throughout the entertainment industry, MGM Grand is clearly looking toward the future with a large-scale ensemble production tied to one of the most successful magic-themed film franchises ever created.

Tickets for Now You See Me Live are scheduled to go on sale June 22, with presales beginning June 18 for eligible customers.

For magic fans visiting Las Vegas later this year, the production promises a fresh take on stage illusion by combining cinematic storytelling with live magical performances from an international cast of performers.

Source: Adapted from reporting by Casino.org.