426: Adrian Vega - From Spain With Love

Spanish Close-Up Winner, Adrian Vega, has a passion for magic. His love and respect for the art of magic (and cards in particular) shows through with his performance. And his engaging and charismatic personality is the same off stage as it is on stage. At the young age of 28 years old, Adrian has accomplished a lot including touring with Criss Angel's show "The Supernaturalists". Adrian is a graduate of Juan Tamariz' school of magic in Madrid, Spain and now is a visiting "professor" there from time to time.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:07:15 - Adrian Vega talks about Juan Tamariz' magic school in Madrid and how the classes are structured. He also chats about first meeting Criss Angel and working in his "The Supernaturalists" tour

01:13:17 - Product Review: "Imagination Box" by Olivier. In one effect, a small object (i.e. candy) is drawn on the card box then with a "magic pass", it turns into a real piece of candy. Not recommended.

01:18:05 - Product Review: "Card Clone" by Big Blind Media. An updated version of "Color Monte" using facsimiles of credit cards. Clever and recommended.

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056: Rafael Benatar - Learn it but learn it well

Rafael Benatar moved from Caracas, Venezuala to London where he studied music. He eventually moved to Madrid, Spain where he fell in love with his second passion, magic. In this interview Rafael talks about his life's path and his decisions; his friendship with Juan Tamariz, Ascanio and others; how to practice; creativity; the Escuela Magica de Madrid, and much, much more.

This podcast begins and ends with music played and recorded by Rafael on his Baroque Lute. The selection you hear is Allegro Sonata V - Falkenhagen. I would be glad to post this song in its entirety at the request of you listeners. Just let me know.

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Rafael Benater - Musical Magician or Magical Musician?

Rafael Benatar passed through Houston, Texas during his lecture tour across the U.S. while on his way to perform at the Magic Castle for two weeks. We have had an exceptionally great year of talented lecturers and Rafael did not disappoint. His lecture included close-up, stage and parlor magic for all skill levels.

Rafael's card work was flawless, natural and fun. His demeanor was delightful, slightly mischievious but alway respectful.

He showed us his presentation for the cups and balls using a very creative and up-to-date script using email and the digital age. He developed this routine during the close of a trade show after he had performed the cups and balls for three days using a completely different presentation.

Although Rafael specialized in close-up with cards, he presented several ideas that can be performed on stage, some of which were with cards inluding a nice variation of a Patrick Page effect with a spectator. But he had some other clever ideas even using a tape measure.

Rafael was trained in the classical guitar but found his true music passion with the Baroque Lute. He regularly performs in and around Madrid in concert halls and private gatherings plus he gives lessons on the Lute.

After the lecture, we went out for a late dinner and returned home where Rafael sat down for an extensive interview that you can listen to here on The Magic Word, or you can download from this site or through iTunes.