THE HISTORY—
CALIFORNIA MAGIC CLUB
Approaching the facade of California Magic Club in downtown Martinez will spark one's inner desire for a good mystery.
About California Magic Club & Founder Gerry Griffin
Tucked away in the heart of a historic downtown, California Magic Club is one of the Bay Area’s most unique and enchanting nightspots. Designed in the spirit of the classic supper club era, this intimate venue offers an unforgettable evening of dining, wonder, and world-class magic.
Guests are welcomed into a warm, nostalgic atmosphere filled with music from bygone days, vintage magic memorabilia, and gracious hosts dressed in evening wear. From close-up illusions performed right at your table to a captivating parlor-stage show, every element of the night is thoughtfully curated to celebrate one of the world’s oldest performing arts: magic.
At the center of this magical experience is Gerry Griffin, the club’s founder, master magician, and lifelong ambassador of the art. A Bay Area native, Griffin discovered magic at a young age and never looked back. At just 19 years old, he opened his first shop, Sophisticated Sorcery, in Antioch, California. His passion soon grew into a broader mission: to share the wonder of magic with the community through performance, education, and immersive experiences.
Over the years, Gerry’s career has taken him from intimate restaurant performances to high-profile events across Northern California, Reno, and Lake Tahoe—even including a show at the famed Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills. He’s collaborated on effects with David Blaine, released an internationally respected DVD series on card magic, and appeared on national and local television, including Fox’s “Totally Hidden Video.”
Since opening California Magic Club in Pleasant Hill, Gerry—with the support of his wife and creative partner, Laura—has created a beloved destination where magic truly comes to life. With elegant dinners, first-class entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere, the club offers guests of all ages a place to rediscover wonder.
“Magic has always been about more than tricks—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and connection,” says Griffin. “I wanted to build a place where magic lives and thrives… where it’s seen the way it was meant to be seen.”
Let me know if you'd like this condensed for a homepage, adjusted for a more casual tone, or expanded into an "Our Story" section.
TIMELINE
(1977) "Sophisticated Sorcery" Magic Shop Opens in Antioch, CA on April 1st, 1977.
(1980) The Magic Shop Relocated to Pleasant Hill, CA and Re-branded as "California Magic & Novelty Co"
(1997) The first plans begin for the "Magic Dinner Club"
(2004) "California Magic & Novelty" Relocates to Downtown Martinez and Transforms Into The "California Magic Club" Opened in Martinez, April 1st, 2004.
(2011) "California Magic Club" Moves From 729 Castro Street to 514 Main Street in Downtown Martinez
(2015) Celebrate our 1,000th Dinner Show
April 1st, 2025 our anniversary, celebrating our 21st year and almost 2,000 shows, and our 48th year in the magic business.
To experience magic the way it was meant to be seen—live and up-close—call 925-374-0056 or email Gerry Griffin directly at gerry@calmagic.com. California Magic Club has been named the best place to eat, drink, and be amazed.
