The Hand & The Eye, is a brand-new venue for magic in Chicago, but its aim is old school. Set inside the historic McCormick Mansion, guests are invited to wander around the swanky space and experience a range of magicians close up.
According to the press release, “It marks a return to the golden age of Chicago-style live magic.”
But what is Chicago-style magic?
An Abridged History of Chicago Magic
Close-up magic, pioneered at the turn of the century by Chicago’s own Matt Schulien, is no-frills magic performed in an intimate setting. During the 1970s, this usually meant smoky bars.
I grew up hearing those bar stories from my dad — specifically stories of the great Heba Haba Al who captivated crowds at the Pickle Barrel in West Ridge.
My dad, Steve, was a 20-year-old bartender there in 1975. Al was a hard-drinking, dildo-wielding magician. (He’d bang it on the bar. “The divorcees love it.”) Al also had a catchphrase: GTFM, or, “Get the f***ing money.” The acronym was emblazoned on the register. “GTFM!” he’d yell if my dad was ever distracted by Al’s legendary tricks.
If you were one of Al’s targets, your card might end up on his forehead. Or under your drink. You’d be looking and looking for the card while everyone else laughed.
Later, Al performed at Mycroft’s Pub on Lincoln Avenue. That was something of a magic stretch for a while, with New York Lounge and the famed Schulien’s nearby on Irving. The old Magic Inc. shop is still open on Lawrence.
The Grand Salon at The Hand & The Eye. (Courtesy of The Hand & The Eye)
Where to See Magic Today
The elegant Hand & The Eye mansion is a far cry from Chicago magic’s rowdy dive-bar days, but it does keep the close-up tradition alive.
The Chicago Magic Lounge in Andersonville is also relatively upscale. However, entering through speakeasy laundry machines can make you feel like a rebel. Ticketed shows are nightly, but anyone can see close-up magic in the lobby bar.
The Magic Parlour in the Loop hosts six shows weekly by magician Dennis Watkins. It’s adjacent to Goodman Theatre and Petterino's, and tickets include one drink.
Walter King Jr. aka The Spellbinder is available for bookings too. I can attest: He's spellbinding. I once saw the man do dove work in a cramped Logan Square living room!
There’s also King of Cups in Lincoln Park — not exactly a magic bar, but it’s got a fantasy vibe and, usually, a tarot card reader. Had to shout out at least one Lincoln Avenue spot!
