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Bill Sayre New user Loudonville, OH 8 Posts |
Not sure if this has been posted already, but the Café's search feature didn't pull anything, so I'm assuming not. Anyways, was doing some surfing online, and stumbled across the news that Presto Magic is closing for good. I managed to find this article that gives more details: http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_224......os-magic
This sucks. Twice a year, me and a friend of mine would make the drive up to Cold Steel in Ventura from San Diego, and on the way back, we would stop in Long Beach to grab some Straw Hat Pizza. Last year, we discovered Presto's, and added a stop there as part of the road trip. It's bad enough that we don't really have any brick & mortar shops here in San Diego, but the one true old-school shop I managed to discover is now going bye-bye. May have to see if the finances permit me to rent a car next weekend, so I can make a final trip up there before the doors are closed for good. Anyways, I figured those of you up in that area who weren't aware of what was going on, might want to know. |
Devious Inner circle 2120 Posts |
I'm sorry that I haven't had the chance to meet you Bill.
I make my part time home in San Diego and I wanted to let you know, that there is a very nicely stocked pro magic shop located in Vista on Olive St. You can find them at http://www.3generationsofmagic.com James Kellog III and his father Kellog Jr do a very fine job of hosting many fine lectures in the magic shoppe as well. Please say, "Hi" to them from me. You won't be sorry if you make the drive to check out the shop. Lots of unique items. Adios, Dev/ |
Bill Sayre New user Loudonville, OH 8 Posts |
Well, after a late start last Saturday, we hit the road and headed to Long Beach. Presto's was hopping. The store was the busiest I'd ever seen it, because the news of its closing was spreading. We were there up until closing while we poured through the various boxes and stacks, looking for goodies. Also shot the breeze with Presto and another magician named John, who helps out there. When John found out that I tended to also collect older magic, he made several recommendations he thought I'd be interested in. Got shown a few things, including some old U.F. Grant tricks. My Girlfriend actually ended up buying me an old Stratosphere trick at a very good price. My friend Tom bought a bunch of stuff, and I actually ended up buying a couple of card illusions: Mirror Illusion Cards, Three Card Monte, and Invisible Cross. All-in-all, some good scores. The best, however was before we left. We were talking with John, and The Magic Castle got brought up, with my Girlfriend mentioning that none of us had ever been there. John actually surprised us by giving us a a VIP guest card, so that I could come up for my birthday. He also gave us a run down on how it works when you show up. Now I've seen the Castle in various shows on tv over the years, so I am absolutely excited to actually see it in person.
Also another bit of good news. Found out that they were able to get a 3-month extension on the lease, so they will be there through the end of May. The only slight downside to all this was when I got home, I discovered one of the balls for the Stratosphere was larger than the others, so I can't do the trick the way I've seen it demonstrated online. So I've started doing research on where to get balls. I've seen the threads on here, and have already tried MAK, but apparently they don't sell the balls anymore, according to the guy I spoke with, plus they're the larger size to boot. He was going to get back to me to let me know if they could, but I've yet to get a response. And someone's post about hitting Ikea didn't pan out either. You would think finding ball pit balls would be easier than this. |
rhiro Regular user Southern California 182 Posts |
I visited Presto's on Saturday, May 18th. He still has tons (literally) of stock. Make sure to visit while you still have a chance. I was told the movers will be there on May 28th.
Presto says he's been enjoying more visitors because of the recent release of the movie "Desperate Acts of Magic." Too bad he's not staying open longer to better capitalize on this. (I tried to buy a rubber chicken but they were out.) A photographer from the L.A. Times was present on Saturday. He was shooting lots of photos and said he hopes to have a nice profile on Presto's in next Sunday's L.A. Times (5/26). I had a nice chat with the photographer and he seemed to really appreciate what he was witnessing. I spent a few hours poring over various treasures, some I haven't seen in many years. I saw several magic sets from my childhood that I thought I'd never see again. Presto told me a great story of his experience auditioning for the Magic Castle in the early '70s. Way cool! What a sweet man. I'm going to miss this place. - Ross |
MrSteve New user 42 Posts |
Presto and his shop got great coverage in the Los Angeles Times last weekend. Here is the main story from Sunday followed by the Blog on Memorial Day:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-......54.story http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me......25.story At least this is one bricks and mortar shop that's closing with a proper sendoff!! |
MrSteve New user 42 Posts |
Sorry, links don't work for some reason. But you can search the LA Times website.
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Sad to see this happening far too often.
Mister Mystery
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The Cardfather Veteran user Long Beach, CA 347 Posts |
I noticed a new business opening up. I contacted the new owner, after explaining a bit of the history he agreed to save the sign for me when his new sign installed.
I delivered it to Presto A few months ago. Was nice to see him doing well for being in his 80's. |
The Cardfather Veteran user Long Beach, CA 347 Posts |
Took this photo before leaving. His store can be seen in the movie Desperate Acts of Magic.
Click here to view attached image. |
The Cardfather Veteran user Long Beach, CA 347 Posts |
In this trailer for movie
https://youtu.be/n9ScoKQNWjo?list=UUJN3lzqigCDNeeC1DJ127EA |
foolsnobody Special user Buffalo, NY 843 Posts |
Was that movie as good as it looked in the trailer?
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barts185 Inner circle Can you believe I've been wrong on 1355 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 4, 2016, foolsnobody wrote: No. But then again, most movies aren't. I thought it was okay, not great. I was hoping for a somewhat more positive image for magicians than the old we're all / mostly losers, cheats, and con artists. |
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