Response to Paw Lawton – The State of Magic is FineInside MagicMagic News Updated Daily for the Professional Magician

Carlos Blades – Garden City Magic Shop

The Garden City Magic Shop is just off one of the main drags that run from Detroit to the hinterland west, towards Ann Arbor. Ford Road and Middlebelt Roads meet just a few blocks south of Carlos Blades’ Magic Shop. It has the look and feel of a true magic shop. There are Square Circles, Hand and Head Choppers, an extensive Christian Magic section, a library of new books and videos. But perhaps most importantly, there are magicians. The shop is run by a magician, staffed by magicians and sustained by magicians. Carlos has a regular schedule of lectures that serve to draw folks like us from as far away as Toledo, Ohio. Last night, for example, Tim Ellis and Sue-Ann Webster appeared for several hours to lecture and instruct. Following the lecture, the magicians congregated around the front counters, talked, exchanged stories and ideas and made new friends. Carlos demonstrates with the best of them. He has a subtle charm and easy-going style that gives you the impression that the trick he is showing is something very special. I spent close to about a billion (in Tim money — about $80.00 in real dollars) on decks, a wallet, more decks and the neatest little Hippity Hop Bunnies I’ve ever seen. I’ll give you a review on the Hippity Hop Bunnies soon. So far, I love messing with them. I watched as Carlos demonstrated, sold and then taught The Invisible Deck for a young man just starting his journey into this great world of magic. Carlos spent time explaining the concept of the effect, some nuances he had developed, ways to ensure that deck is ready for presentation and even an “out” if all goes south. The Magic Shop is the current home of the Ann Arbor Magic Club. The back of the house is the meeting place for the Magic Club as well as the theater for lectures. It is the type of magic shop I have always dreamed of owning and always seek out during my travels. So, Paw Lawton, next time you’re in the Detroit area, come by and I’ll show you the current state of magic. It’s alive and thriving under the caring, enthusiastic supervision of Carlos Blades.