CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Peek inside the door at 5050 N. Clark Street in Andersonville and you'll see a typical laundromat, but looks can be deceiving.
Turn the doorknob on the dryers, and voila, you're transported into the hidden Chicago Magic Lounge.
Joey Cranford is the CEO and co-owner who said he discovered magic much later in life than most.
“Every magician is, you know, 'started when I was child when I got a magic set.' Me, I started when I was 35, when my wife gave me a magic set,” he laughed.
The more Cranford learned about magic, the more he wanted to know, and was surprised by what he discovered.
“At one time Chicago was the capital of the magic bar scene. It would later come to light that Chicago invented the magic bar. It basically is close up magic performed in a restaurant or bar environment for adults, having a good time,” said Cranford.
The Chicago Magic Lounge is Cranford's homage to that history.
Now, surrounded by props and memorabilia from that era, magicians entertain audiences seven days a week from multiple stages, and even at the bar.
“We get close up and personal, and so, the first hour of the show is literally putting magic in your hand at your table,” Cranford said.
“The thing that I'm most proud of with this venue is that we are creating a home for the art…It's really cool to be able to curate a lost piece of Chicago,” Cranford said.
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