By Joel A. Moskowitz
DEL MAR, California — Every day at the San Diego County Fair may be said to be a ‘magical day’ but especially when magicians are doing wonderous things can it be said, “Now that is truly magic!’ Saturday, June 25th, Fair goers will have the opportunity to be amazed by some of San Diego’s best resident conjurers.
Three award winning dexterous masters of deception have banded together to offer the public “The Magic Lounge.” They, or at least two of them, will be performing at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM on the Showcase Stage: “Believe in Magic.” The three stellar magicians: Mike Stilwell, Joe Mystic and Terry Lunceford are acclaimed by audiences and fellow members of the craft of illusion.
Each of these expert entertainers can make any type of event or occasion special as they will surely do at the San Diego County Fair. Whether it be for a corporate meeting or child’s birthday party, their talents will appeal to all.
Mike Stilwell, who can be readily mistaken for an orthodox Rabbi with his beard and dark hat but is not Jewish himself, enjoys performing at Jewish Bar and Bat mitzvot and Jewish weddings. It was fortuitous that many years ago he came to the attention of the Cohn family which operates the Corvette Diner (and other restaurants) and made the acquaintance of Rabbi Martin Lawson of Temple Emanu-El. The Rabbi coached Mike about the Jewish practices with those celebrations. Mike has said that he knows not to be performing during the motzi or hora. (Blessings or religious dancing)
When Mike has other ‘gigs’, Joe Mystic reveals that Mike often will pass on a Bar mitzvah referral to him. Joe doesn’t look like a Rabbi. Rather, he is readily mistaken for Santa Claus. But Joe Mystic told this writer that he, too, is appreciative of the refinements of Jewish ‘Simchas’. Paradoxically, Joe says, he was hired for a Chanukah party by a woman who said that having Santa Claus appear and perform at their event would be in keeping with their ecumenical respect. The holidays are at the same season after all.
Terry Lunceford is a magician’s magician. Combining audience participation and comedy, this inventor of some of magicdom’s most classic effects is sure to please. When in these times, skepticism and diminishing faith, entertainment which startles the senses, tickles the funny bone is therapeutic. Terry is reknown for his skill and his ability to enchant.
Run, Do Not Walk, to the San Diego County Fair on Saturday, June 25th, to thrill to the marvels of Joe Mystic and Terry Lunceford (Mike Stilwell has an engagement elsewhere but the trio can be seen at the Magic Lounge every Friday (consult your local newspaper for date and times).
If, however, you cannot come to the San Diego County Fair on June 25th, every day is magic day at the Fair. Bob Meigs with his Cabinet of Curiosities is a daily event at the Plaza Stage, 11:30 AM. Terry Godfrey aka Godfrey Magician will produce coins out of thin air, link rings, cause children to be levitated, three times a day! There is also Mark Yuzuik, Master Hypnotist, twice daily to cause audiences to laugh at what volunteers can be made to do.
Surely, you must immediately plan your schedule to attend this years Race to the San Diego County Fair. You will be glad you did.
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Moskowitz, a retired medical doctor, is a prestidigitator and mystifier with words