Chicago has a rich history of magic bars in and around the city. That tradition ended with the closing of Schulien's in 1999 but will be revived with the opening of the Chicago Magic Lounge in Upper Underground Chicago. Joey Cranford and John Sturk talk this week on The Magic Word about the creation of their vision to bring back the olden golden days of close-up magic in Chicago bars. Consider this podcast not so much a promotion about their new venture, but an inspiration that might push you to consider creating something similar in your community.

Technical Adviser to The Chicago Magic Lounge is Bill Weimer. On this "two-fer" podcast, Bill talks about the history of magic bars in Chicago from his perspective as a performer in seven of the nine or so magic bars from the 1980's through the 1990's. Bill is a veritable history book of this scene and in fact, actually wrote the book about it entitled, "Now You See Them, Now You Don't". Bill tells some of the stories from his book in this podcast.

You can read the blog, see some photos, get some links, hear the podcast online, or download the MP3 files at: http://scott-wells-kdb1.squarespace.com/......-lounges You can also download and listen to this podcast and others on iTunes, Stitcher, FeedPress or Tunein.

Thanks also for two new supporters who join the Friends of The Magic Word this week: Steve Chezaday and Eric Roumestan. Thanks, guys, for your continuing financial support. You can see how to join them by viewing the video at: https://www.patreon.com/TheMagicWord