Chicago-style magic
Chicago-style magic is a form of stage magic developed and popularized in Chicago in the early to mid 20th century. This style of magic consists of tableside close-up magic emphasizing sleight of hand tricks and humor, and is typically performed at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
History
[edit]Chicago-style magic was pioneered at the bar Schulien's, which opened in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in 1881 and began to feature magic tableside in the 1930s.[1][2] In contrast to popular forms of magic at the time, which emphasized theatricality, exoticism, and spectacle (such as that performed by Chicagoan Harry Blackstone Sr.), Chicago-style magic was performed tableside, and incorporated casual banter and humor.[3] This style of magic experienced a boom in the period following World War II, during which Chicago-style magic could be commonly found at bars and restaurants.[4][1][5] Tricks often involved small props like cards, coins, and cups.[6] Notable venues that once featured magic included the Empire Room of the Palmer House, The Pump Room, and the New York Lounge.[1]
Chicago-style music began to decline in the 1980s when other forms of late night entertainment such as stand-up comedy began to flourish in the city and the most iconic bars featuring Chicago-style magic closed down or went into new ownership.[1] The practice of hiring magicians in restaurants and bars is no longer commonplace, but some venues such as The Magic Lounge continue to specialize in Chicago-style magic.[4]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 Mejia, Ari; Sivit, Maggie. "Pick a card, any card: The history of Chicago-style magic". WBEZ. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ Borzo, Greg (2018). Lost Restaurants of Chicago. Arcadia Publishing. p. 168. ISBN 9781625859334.
- ↑ "Chicago's Hand in the Development of Close-Up Magic, Which Astounds Bar and Restaurant Patrons". WTTW Chicago. 2025-04-01. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- 1 2 Plaugic, Lizzie; Tiffany, Kaitlyn (2023-09-25). "A Little Bit O' Magic in Chicago". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ Topham, Karen (2019-09-28). "Chicago-style magic is the name of the game at Chicago Magic Lounge". Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ Witter, David (2016-10-26). "A brief, wondrous history of Chicago magic". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2026-09-29.