Magic in Havana, Cuba

MagiCuba – Magic in Havana, Cuba!!

It is always great news to hear about a Festival of Magic in any city, in any country at any time. And it is DOUBLE GREAT NEWS to learn that one of the next big magic events is going to be in Havana, Cuba! MagiCuba – The First International Festival and Conference of Magic will be held in the magical city of Havana, Cuba from November 7 to 11, 2018.

Imagine five days of magic, music, talent, illusions, food, mojitos and more in this festive and creative environment! It is going to be great, mis amigos!!! Believe me!

Along with conference sessions at the illustrious Hotel Nacional, performances by Cuban and international magicians in various venues and cabarets, and a walking tour of Old Havana, a highlight of the festival includes a special performance by the renowned Cuban National Circus. The Cuban Circus pulls in graduates from Cuba’s prestigious four-year National Circus School college, one of dozens of arts and music schools and conservatories across the island. Its annual Circuba International Circus Festival is one of the most prominent in the world, attracting dance, acrobatic and other performing companies from Russia, China, Vietnam, Europe and North and South America.

For personal reasons, I am very happy to hear about the Festival and Conference of Magic in Havana. I have many Cuban friends both here in the United States and in Cuba.

I’ve also had the chance to travel to Cuba several times, and each time was a wonderful experience! The people of Cuba are amazing, incredibly warm, welcoming and with a high level of education and culture.

In all of my travels – I believe that Cuba is a country with one of the most receptive and respectful attitudes toward magic as a form of theatrical art. 

Countless times in Havana when I would be eating at small, cozy family-run restaurants, called paladares, and even the larger restaurants, I would be asked to perform magic tricks with cards as soon as the waiters heard that I am a professional magician. Before I knew it, Cubans and tourists alike were surrounding my table.

On more than one occasion, the Cuban managers and entire kitchen staff emptied out into the dining room, asking to see more and more tricks. Some of them stayed late to watch more magic, well after the restaurant closed! One time, an owner, thinking I was Cuban, came to me and said, "When can you start?!" :-)

What makes this magic conference & festival even more magical?

Havana itself! The city is the biggest attraction – and it has a magic all of its own. With deep African and European roots, Cuba is a musical island that has created music styles heard around the world: danzón, chacha, mambo and drum-driven rumba. The habanera influenced the Argentine tango and early jazz’s ragtime. The Cuban son became the grandparent of salsa music. And since the 1990s, a scorching new dance music has filled Havana’s nightclubs, played by conservatory-trained musicians – called salsa cubana, otherwise known as timba.

Music seems to live in the veins of every Cuban. But there’s more! You’ll find folkloric dance in the squares and tucked-away studios, and Cuba’s famous ballet in the city’s grand halls. Stumble down the narrow streets and alleys off of Old Havana’s promenades and you’ll encounter art galleries with paintings and the works of visual artists. 

Havana holds its own sense of mystery – and as a visitor you must

peel back the layers of illusion created by the antique-looking American cars, the old buildings, the breath-taking architecture, the grand Malecón boulevard along the majestic sea. When you do, you will see that – contrary to the stereotype – Cuba is not frozen in time. It is a vibrant country that has gone through lots of changes in the last several decades, especially since the 1990s. Cubans have their daily struggles and

hardships. It is easy to focus on the beautiful beaches or scenes of kids playing stickball or baseball and men playing dominoes on the corner and music and laughter everywhere. When you go beyond the surface by striking up conversations with Cubans who you meet on the street and in your travels, you learn much more about their everyday lives. 

You are safe in Cuba:
I may be exaggerating just a little, but I think it’s fair to say that Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world. Here you will not find bombs going off or kidnappings or random gun violence. It has one of the lowest homicide rates in the hemisphere, according to the United Nations. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article7039331.html  Of course, take your precautions and be a smart and respectful traveler like you would in any country (including the United States). When my wife and I visited, we walked through many neighborhoods well outside the tourism districts at all times of day and night – something I would not do at home in Florida or in my birth city of Bogotá. There have been some reports about a slow-down in tourism from the United States after a record boom, in part because of concerns about a supposed “sonic attack” on Americans. But investigations in Cuba by the FBI have found no evidence of “sonic attacks” or the use of sound waves to damage Americans’ health, according to the Associated Press. (see: https://www.apnews.com/37deffe6a9ad408abc5a1a0277056d90) 

It is legal to attend:
The MagiCuba Festival and Conference of Magic: American citizens and residents attending the conference are authorized to do so under a general travel license.
The organizers include international marketing group Rose Marketing LLC and its CEO, John Rose; Bill Herz of Magicorp; and mentalist Jon Stetson. The Cuban hosting bodies are The Cuban Ministry of Culture and the Cuban Association of Writers and Artists (UNEAC). 

The magic event organizers are there to help you with the required visa and to assist with your travel, lodging, transportation and activities for the magic festival and conference. Non-magicians are welcome, too! There will be plenty of time to explore the city. And additional cultural tours or trips are available! There won’t be a dull moment!

You can find all the details online about the conference and the travel packages at: https://www.magicuba.org/ 

So far the line-up of talent and festival highlights includes:  

Mac King, Comedy Magic Show. Asi Wind, Mind reader. Michael Weber, Mentalism and impromptu magic. Roger Ruiz, Magician. Tony Sosa, Illusionist. Mariana Sosa, Magician. Bob Sheets, Card Magic. Eric Mead, Magician – coins – close-up magic. Leonel Martinez, Magician. Chad Long, Magician. Tina Lenert, Female Magician. Steve Kradolfer, Comedy Magic. Jade, Female Magician. Bill Herz, Magician. Christopher Hart, Magician. Mike Caveney, Magician. John Archer, Magician. Joel Acevedo, Magician. Jorge Blass, Magician. Alex Boyce, Magician.

• 5 DAYS OF MAGIC IN HAVANA 
• 6 FULL EVENING STAGE SHOWS AT THE NATIONAL THEATER 
• 8 CABARET SHOWS IN HAVANA'S FINEST NIGHTCLUBS 
• ALL-DAY MAGIC AT PALACIO DE LA ARTESANÍA 
• POP-UP PERFORMANCES AROUND HABANA VIEJA 
• MAGIC AT THE CIRCO NACIONAL DE CUBA (CUBAN CIRCUS)

As a magician and someone who loves the culture of Cuba, I can predict this MagiCuba’s First International Festival and Conference of Magic is going to be a SUCCESSFUL EVENT! 

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Picture owned by Wizardzmagictheater.com

Every Monday is a Monday of Magic at the Wizardz Magic Theater.
Professional magicians from all over the world and with different magic styles visit the Wizardz Magic Theater to perform their amazing magic shows. Its owner, the Magician Erick Olson, is proud to present a different magician each Monday night. A mix of styles and shows. 


Magic acts such as close-up magic, comedy magic, illusions, mentalism, mind readers, and more! Every Monday is different at the Wizardz Magic Theater!

Wizardz Magic Theater

When I have Mondays off between performing magic shows all over Florida, I always try to do something to relax, like watch movies, or have a beer at the beach, walk in Downtown Disney, see comedy shows or magic shows -- and in Kissimmee the Wizardz Magic Theater is one of the great options for live entertainment on Mondays! The live magic shows are performed in a small, 50-seat theater, making it an intimate, interactive experience for audience members. Up close and personal entertainment doesn’t quite do Wizardz Magic Theater shows justice as a comprehensive description – these shows are more than just interactive, they involve audience participation every step of the way as you help the magicians complete their tricks and participate in their illusions and games. All your magic skepticism and reservations will disappear in a poof of smoke when you see world class magicians work their charm.

Wizardz Magic Theater has been featured in the 2016 Netflix documentary, Magicians: Life in the Impossible, a film that takes you behind the scenes as it follows four world-class magicians on and off stage to explore their personal journeys and craft of illusion, magic and showmanship, and shares their experiences with the art of the impossible. The professional magicians have been featured on America’s Got Talent, Penn and Teller, Wizard Wars, Masters of Illusion and Professional magician performing in Las Vegas.

So what are the shows like? 

From fun sleight of hand tricks to captivating sorcery and illusions, you won’t believe your eyes with some of the things you’ll see, hear and feel! Audience members get the chance to participate up close in the tricks, making it an even more unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else in Orlando / Kissimmee or the surrounding area. This is unlike other magic shows where you might be one of 500 audience members, and can’t quite see what’s going on on the stage – the shows have a personal feel, where magicians involve you in each of their acts and you get a good look at what’s going on.

But the best magicians don’t reveal their secrets!

You’ll have to come see the show to find out what other tricks they have up our sleeves. It’s worth it!

Location: The theater: Wizardz Magic Theater, is located close to Orlando Disney Parks in Kissimmee, Florida inside of the Seralago Hotel and Suites 5678 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 close to a popular shopping center with other dining and entertainment opportunities, is a frequently visited site for both residents and tourists who seek to have an enchanting, one-of-a-kind experience with the talented and professional entertainers. Local hotels and restaurants are within walking distance of the theater, making it a convenient visit for travelers to Kissimmee, Orlando and the surrounding area. Wizardz Magic Theater even has a gift shop for visitors to purchase magic supplies to practice their own tricks at home after the show!

Buy Your Tickets!

Tickets are available ahead of time or at the door for your favorite magicians, so check out the schedule of performances online, or give a call to see if they can accommodate you and your group for a show.
Be prepared to participate in the show! 
They are kid-friendly, so bring the entire family for an enchanting evening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and shows start at 7:00 p.m.

For tickets, visit the website http://www.wizardzmagictheater.com  or call to book your seats at the next performance.

Wizardz Magic Theater: 5678 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 

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Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows - Orlando, FL

Looking for a place in Orlando that offers a variety of shows? From Magic, Stand-up Comedy Shows, Dinner Shows and Mystery Dinner Shows?

The mystery is solved!

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows located in Orlando, FL is the place!

One of my passions in my free time is to go see shows, especially if they are shows about magic or comedy. One of my friends at the gym recommended this place and I tried it. Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows offers a fun mix of comedy, magic, and delicious food and drinks that makes it an all-inclusive experience. And, the location hosts several different shows, including Nick’s Parlor Tricks, Mama’s Comedy Show, and more.

Sleuths Mystery Dinners are more than just your average dinner and a show – experience the conundrums of the puzzling storyline where you become a guest in an outrageous comedy mystery, all while enjoying a dinner with family and friends. This show is nearly 2.5 hours of fun and wild performances, and you’ll feel like you’re a character in the storyline who is able to discover the mystery ending and solve the crime along with the characters!
The mystery dinner ticket prices are all inclusive, meaning your dinner and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are all included in the price of the show. 
They have a variety of shows, some for the whole family and others just for the adults. For those family friendly shows kids and parents can enjoy a delicious meal and a fun show. And don't forget it! If you are planning on bringing the whole family, ask about the specials on discounted pricing for kids!

The Dinner show place has different shows on the same day and different days. A few of the most well-known shows are: The Magic of Nik’s Parlor, Mama’s Comedy Show, Stand-up Comedy and the Great Mystery Show, which varies time to time depending on the theme.

Nick’s Parlor Tricks - Magic Show

Happy to see more and more great magicians performing in the Orlando area! Nick’s Parlor Tricks is a magic show for all the ages. The magician, Nick Comis, is an experienced showman with a knack for illusions and mind reading, which he’ll demonstrate in these intimate, 45-minute evening shows. This amazing experience is fun for the whole family, and you won’t believe your eyes as Nick performs disappearing tricks, reads the minds of audience members, and performs impossible physical feats. It’s a show you don’t want to miss if you’re in the Orlando area.

Mama’s Comedy Show - adults only

Laugh – be amazed and laugh again! Often compared to “Whose Line is it Anyway,” Mama’s Comedy Show is a late night comedic masterpiece that will have you doubling over with hysterics within the first few minutes the comedians step up to the mic. The 90-minute shows feature Orlando’s most hilarious performers who encourage audience participation in the completely improvised comedy. Be aware that this show is not appropriate for the whole family - adults only for this one (you never know what the performers will let slip!).
Mama’s Comedy Show is the perfect solution for a night out with friends, or date night with your partner. Tickets are only $10, and available at a discounted rate if you have the Sleuth’s admission package. You can also purchase late-night appetizers and drinks at the full bar as you sit back, relax, and enjoy the jokes.

The Garden Room – Stand-up comedy at Sleuths

If you can’t get enough of the uproarious shows, join the Saturday nights for the stand-up comedy specials! Featuring up-and-coming comedians as well as professional showmen, this show is perfect for those seeking late-night comedic entertainment. Tickets are free if you purchase a drink inside, which, let’s be honest – you will! It’s a knee-slapping, bent-over-laughing event that you won’t want to miss, and you might just find yourself returning every weekend to check out your favorites from the week before! 

Website: www.sleuths.com 
8267 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows - Orlando, FL.

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