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.

Download a MP3 file of this podcast by Clicking Here then right click to save the file. You can also download the MP3 media file directly from the RSS feed by Clicking Here.

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.

Trixie Bond at Chateau du Magique

Trxie Bond was described by Elizabeth Warlock as the "best children's show entertainer in the world." She wsa on the cover of MAGIC Magazine and the subject of a feature article in the June 2002 issue. She has won countless awards and performed and lectured around the world on children's entertainment. Her passion and expertisse has afforded her the chance to not only meet but also to be one of the celebrities in our craft. She has achieved excellence in every aspect of performing, lecturing, creating and much more.

Trixie is now in semi-retirement in Burnet, Texas where she lives with her husband, Mark, and their Schnauzer dog, Dante, along the banks of the Colorado river.There she contemplates the next phase of her life and where magic will take her. I recorded an interview with Trixie which you can listen to here on The Magic Word. In the meantime, I thought you would enjoy taking a peek into just part of her lovely home which I call "Chateau du Magique".

This eight bedroom, two story home on the river is filled with magic memorabilia, but there is still a warehouse filled with more that has not yet been displayed.

Each bedroom has its own character and design. My wife and I stayed in the oriental room (I call the "Chung Ling Soo Suite") but the one pictured below is the "Sheik of Araby" bedroom.

Her downstairs dining table remains festively decorated with magic and Texas flag themed settings.

Every magician has his or her "bric-a-brac" of magic collectibles and framed photos, but Trixie has everything perfectly displayed. This table of magical artifacts (pictured below) sits at the landing at the top of the 20 granite steps to the upper level.

This is the second story magic lounge. Notice the bar to the left and the ample seating area to the back of the room and the dining table to the right. Of particular importance, notice the stained glass windows to the left and right of the magic fireplace chimney with Kellar on the left and Dante on the right. Also, if you look closely, you will see a permanent patron firmly affixed to a chair at the bar.