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.
Here, in the heart of a city carrying its own history, you'll find a magical entertainment venue, one of the most unique night spots around. California Magic Club brings back to life the rich history of magic, one of the oldest performing arts. Just as you arrive, you will be welcomed by festive music from bygone eras. Stepping across the threshold takes you into another time; from greeters in gowns or tuxedos to the seats focused on the parlor stage, guests enjoy the care (and the fun) curated by the California Magic family of magicians and staff.
Gerry Griffin, the owner of California Magic Club, notes that he didn't start here. Having been enthralled by the performing art of magic as a child, Gerry has dedicated his life to the craft.
"There's something truly beautiful about seeing the impossible, and when you see the impossible presented up close by a gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a smile in his voice, that's captivating."
No stranger to this region, Griffin grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. His parents were quick to nurture his interest in magic at a young age and just six years after first watching magicians perform on television, he opened his first magic shop called the "Sophisticated Sorcery" in Antioch, CA. Griffin continued to build on his desire to bring magic to others, to let each of us keep the mystery alive whether it be a performer or an audience member. In 1980, Griffin broadened his capacity to share magic with the community by taking the California Magic & Novelty Company to Pleasant Hill.
Never without his love of the art of magic, Griffin continued to perform. In fact, you might remember Gerry as the resident magician at two Contra Costa-based restaurants. His local success spring-boarded him to other performances in higher visibility restaurants and private parties throughout Reno, Lake Tahoe, and northern California including the famous Carnelian Room in San Francisco. He also performed in the Los Angeles area including Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills. More recently, Griffin's credits can be found on magic used by street magician David Blaine, as well as his own internationally respected DVD series on card magic. Additionally, Griffin appeared on San Francisco Bay Area television and produced magic for Fox Television's show "Totally Hidden Video." From running a magic shop to creating a full dinner theatre experience, Griffin's partner through all of this—his wife Laura—helped the dream become a reality.
"We've provided the SF Bay Area with a place that captures the taste of an old night club, that supper club era many of us wish to have been a part of," said Griffin, "a place where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and in an intimate setting vibrant with magic memorabilia."
Griffin's heart, imagination, and spirit have been captured in the California Magic Club for all to enjoy.
"I've finally created a meaningful place for magic to be performed; it's a setting in which magic was meant to be seen."
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, 2024 our anniversary, celebrating our 20th year and more than 1,750 shows, and our 47th 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.
