Award-winning magician
This week, Ira spoke with award-winning magician Fielding West. In this conjuring episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Fielding talks about the two people instrumental in sparking his passion for magic (his grandfather and Steve Martin); what led him to a 40-year career in magic; his advice for people who want to perform magic professionally; his favorite illusion; what is more important, sleight of hand or psychology; and how magic helped him cope with personal tragedy, and committed him to “renew my vows in the art.”
Ira,
I enjoyed listening to your conversation with Marta on the subject of the culture of tourism. I recall that Tamara and I stayed at an Italian themed hotel, but I don’t believe it was the Venetian. To be quite honest, we came to Vegas to hear Celine Deion (this is some years ago) who was appearing at the famed hotel with Mount Vesuvius which erupted on schedule. Tourists love the spectacular or something out of the ordinary. Marta is right about French and Italian food being a must. In the past, at least, it was a shock to some young people that sweet ice-tea was unavailable! Great subject. Go Las Vegas!
Fielding West. What a multi-talented magician and comedian. A wonderful story about how he became a magician. All us would love to be a magician. The former late night Prince of Comedy, Johnny Carson, was in some ways a frustrated magician since he loved magic. Thank you Fielding for fascinating desciption of how you eventually became a professional magician. I’m your that your grandfather is a happy man.