Monday, July 15, 2013

Colonial Magic Show - Pittsburgh Magician Al Mazing



Ever wonder what entertainment was like 300 years ago in the early American Colonies? As someone who loves history and magic, I couldn't help but wonder myself - Little did I know, I would end up creating a fun family magic act that was educational and appealed to all ages.

In the early colonies in the 1700's, there was little in the way of entertainment.  During that time, there were traveling circuses, though, not the type we have they today.  The traveling circuses of that era consisted of showmanship of equestrian skills, singers, and yes, magicians. 

During that time there were about a dozen magicians in the country. The first American born magician was an African American named Richard Potter who had amazing skills as a ventriloquist and magician.

While some parts of the colonies which religon was dominate in their way of life (think Salem witch trials/burning at the stake), Magic was presented as education.  In other areas where religon wasn't so dominate, sleight of hand magic was presented for what it was. (Believe it or not, sometimes this still is the case today!).

I had the pleasure of taking parts of my time tested family magic show and present it to Depreciation Lands Museum


If you are not familiar with the museum, it is a wonderful colonial era in Allison Park, PA and HIGHLY recommend it. Not only is it a great museum, they also offer parties, special events, field trips, and even birthday parties.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Magic Shows in Pittsburgh pictures from my summer so far:

Preschool Magic:
 Library Magic:

Pittsburgh magician

Elementary School
Pittsburgh magician

Copyright ©2013 Al Mazing, Magician. All Rights Reserved.”
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Summer Family Magic Shows in Pittsburgh

Libraries: It's no secret that I am a strong believer that reading & our public libraries has something to offer people of all ages. If you haven't signed up fo the summer reading program at your local library, you could be missing out on some fun things as they have a fun theme you'll 'Dig' this summer! Check their links for times/reservations
Sewickley Twp: (5/31)
Whitehall: (6/3)
 Shaler: (6/7)
CC Mellor: (6/10)
 Allegheny Valley: (6/15)
Moon Twp: (7/13)

A FUN 4th of July! Beat the midday lull: Some people run 5Ks in the AM and Fireworks in the PM, but what do you do with the family during the day? Did you know Sandcastle Waterpark is open? I'll even be performing there that day 1-3pm with my strolling magic Ostrich Act (something no one in the country is doing!). Check thier website as they have family friendly fun all summer long!

Springdale Boro Parade: The best post 4th of July Secret: the next day (friday) after the 4th, Springdale Boro has a wonderful parade and activities afterwards to keep the 4 day weekend moving. I'll be strolling in the parade with magic pal Weird Eric - be sure not to miss it! St. Sebastian's Parish Festival: Largest Catholic Festival in Pittsburgh: Offers something for everyone all week long. From dinners, flea market, games, rides, food, and yes even family friend;y entertainment. I'll be there 7/9 & 12. Stop by!

 Depreciation Lands Museum: Annual Social: Sunday, July 14 1-4pm. All I have to say is WOW, (if you've been there, you know what I mean) Take a trip back to colonial times right in Pittsburgh's back yard. I'm honored to be performing my colonial magic show in colonial dress as 'Albert Noble', an itinerant magician you would have seen back in the day. ALSO, if you are looking for a unique party (such as birthday), field trip, or even scout outting, they have different party packages you would enjoy! Check out their website for more information!

Bruster's of Ingomar: National Ice Cream Day Celebration!: July 14, 1-6pm. (I'll be performing at 3pm) Check their website for more information, but not only do they have Ice Cream, but they have many public events such as craft shows, family days, fundraising, scout and birthday parties

 Relay for Life: Butler County Fair Grounds: (July 20th) Not only have I performed at Relay for Life in 3 different counties throughout Western PA, but i'm honored to be performing at the survivor's dinner. Stop by for the all day family fun! It's not too late: Having a party?: Honestly, my summer is almost full with camps, preschools, block parties, reunions, company picnics - I have very few dates left, but please feel free to still contact me, even if I am not available, I speed text other entertainer's availabilities I recommend and can get back to you, saving YOU time and hassle for FREE! :)

The Buskers are Coming!: What's a busker?: What do The Wiggles, The Beatles, Penn & Teller, The Blueman Group, & even Bruce Springsteen have in common? Like little tommy tucker, they all sang for their supper street performing for tips. I'm grateful my expirence busking has helped me as a performer in countless ways. The Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development Corporation is currently working on areas designated Public Performance Art throughout the area. Don't confuse these artists as bums or panhandlers, Feel free to throw a tip in the hat of your favorte performer! Here's a picture of me busking in front of the Carnegie Library getting flight time with a new routine I put together:


Finally: Gonna be a great summer: Dispite running around to swim meets, summer camps, language camp, vacation bible school, gymnastics, birthdays, oh wait,....that's just as a Dad, no magic those days! :-)

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

*|MC:SUBJECT|*
a 90 second read on FUN things to do this cold spring!
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Looking for FUN family things to do this cold spring?

Upcoming Fun & Free Magic Shows


North Hills:

Mondays throughout March: I'll be performing FREE preschool age magic shows every 10:30am at Bruster's of Ingomar in the North Hills. Different show every week! Which means a different delicious flavor for me to try every week too. :-)

South Hills:

April 23rd: South Hills Chick-fil-A  always has great family friendly events.  I'm thrilled to be back for their April family night. Waffle fries, FREE magic show, chicken, and waffle fries. (can you tell I like their waffle fries?)

Birthday Secret:

The Library: Picture planning a birthday at your house with your child's whole class: Snowy Shoes, a clean house, and cake can be a nightmare. Last month I performed at 2 different birthdays in the community room of their local library.  While I have plenty of venues I can recommend throughout Pittsburgh, definitely check out your local library. Tell them Al sent yea too ;-)

2013 Pittsburgh International Children's Festival

May (tba): The festival is one of 4 international theater festivals for children and it is right here in our own backyard!  I'm honored to be invited as a performer again this year. Don't miss it when it opens this year!

Pittsburgh Magician Al Mazing

pittsburgh magician al mazing magic show