Hi Guys,

I just heard the sad news that Illusions restaurant in Carmel Indiana is to close it's doors after 15 years of business.

For those who don't know, Illusions gave a start to the likes of Chris Kenner, Mike Close, and Homer Liwag.

The lease has expired and they are currently looking for a new location.

More news as it happens...

Steve

Keep us up to speed on Illusions... I used to visit there every year when I worked at the Indy 500...

Hi - Well the day came and went. I managed to get a couple of table hops in on the night, but now Illusions is no more.

Here's a link to an article I wrote:

http://www.stephenhobley.com/steve/illusions.htm

Steve,

Thanks for your article.

While I may or may not hear the news locally, I'm very much interested in knowing if and when Illusions Restaurant reopens in a new Indy (Carmel or otherwise) location.

In my "re-entering" magic on a close-up basis (after years of doing stage/parlor material) for the last few months I've been putting together a table workers routine to audition at Illusions. While I realize there's another magic theme restaurant downtown Indy, for personal reasons Illusions was my professional goal. (anyone who's been there can identify with this loyalty)

Thanks - Ron

OK the final pictures and rewrite are done, I've sent the article off to magic magazine as well - you never know!

Same link as above,

Steve

I'm kind of suprised that not many people have posted about this. I realize that some of you are far away from the area. But the ones that have been around Illusions must have something to contribute. I personally will miss it greatly. I had some wonderful times there. If only I could go one more time!
I'd like to hear some Illusions stories!! Funny things that happened,, Bad things that happened,,,Maybe you were inspired to be a magician. Anything.

I'll be very sad to see it go, so please don't take my next comment as an insult. I enjoyed it very much the few times that I did go, but the key is FEW times. I simply couldn't afford to go there all the time. Not to mention that it wasn't really a convient location. Maybe that's something to think about if and when they look for a new location. Like I said no ill will I liked the place and would love to see them stay open.

We are very to sad as well to see Illusions close. Both Kristen and myself performed there and enjoyed it greatly. The owner, Souheir, was our biggest fan and was always very supportive of us.
After the last night, we stuck around for the hard and very sad part of watching the auction. Only Restaurant and Bar equipment was auctioned off, except for imported, beautiful wood and glass archways. The magic memorbilia was kept for safe keeping. Then we had the hard task of taking down the grand chandeliers. The next day came with the equipement being taken out the archways were being literally ripped right out of the walls.

On Wednesday, 4 days after closing, the place looked like a bomb hit it. There were large sections of wall misisng and nothing that resembled the great magic restaurant was left to be seen. That evening, several close friends and a few new ones were there in what was once the lounge. Sean Scott walked onto the stage amid rubble and proceeded to do his well known card manip act, while several of us hummed his very unique music. We dimmed the lights for the very last time as we all walked out together.
The page has turned in a very unique book. It may not be the end, but only the beginning of a new chapter.

Illusions will be greatly missed.

Kevin & Kristen
http://www.livingillusions.com

Thank you Kevin & Kristen. But I'm going to have to say it again. I wish I could have been there one more time.

Sean did an act for the closing? He is one of he best performers I know. Fitting ending.

Yes, the very last night we were there, just as the final things were being taken out of the building, Sean did one last bit for the group of us that were there to shut the place down and walk out for the final time. Indeed it was fitting.

Kevin

Do any of you know where I might be able to purchace one of the old menu's printed on a hank? I would love to add one of these to my magic collection!
Thanks