Simply approaching the facade of California Magic at 729 Castro Street in Martinez sparks one's inner sense of mystery. Exploring further, a sense of comfort and possibly even nostalgia takes over. Here, in the heart of a city carrying its own history, you'll find California Magic, one of the most unique night spots yet to be discovered!
California Magic Dinner Theatre brings to the present the rich history of magic, one of the oldest of the performing arts. Patrons of this fine establishment feel welcomed by music from bygone eras playing on the doorstep. Stepping across the threshold is like crossing though a veil into another era; from greeters in gowns or tuxedos to the seats focused on the parlor stage, guests enjoy the care (and the fun) generated by the California Magic family.
Gerry Griffin, the owner of California Magic, notes that he didn't start here. Having been enthralled by magic at an early age, Gerry grew to dedicating his life to the art of magic. "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 area, Gerry Griffin grew up in Antioch, California. With his parents nurturing his interest in magic, Gerry was on a path. Merely six years after first watching magicians perform on television, he opened his first magic shop Sophisticated Sorcery. Gerry maintained his desire to bring magic to others, to let each of us keep the mystery alive whether performer or audience member. In 1980, Griffin broadened his capacity to bring magic to our community when he took on California Magic & Novelty Company in Pleasant Hill.
In addition to running a successful business, one based in the love of the art of magic, Gerry continued to perform. In fact, you might remember Gerry as the resident magician at two Contra Costa restaurants. His success there spring-boarded him to more performances in higher visibility restaurants and private parties in Reno and Lake Tahoe in Nevada and Northern California to Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills and back to the famous Carnelian Room in San Francisco, to name only a few.
More recently Gerry Griffin's credits can be found on magic used by street magician David Blaine as well as on Griffin's own internationally respected DVD series on card magic. Additionally, Gerry 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, Gerry's partner through all of this, his wife Laura, helped the dream become a reality. Gerry proudly crows, "Now there's a place with the taste of the old night-club / supper-club era where you can enjoy a delicious dinner, the elegant surroundings rich with the history of magic, as well as feel immersed in the intimacy of a private party." After guests are seated, they are treated to close up magic performed at the table, a signature dinner concluded by hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, and the main event consisting of world famous magicians gracing the stage in this parlor setting.
Martinez was selected as the ideal site for California Magic Dinner Theatre, given that the town has it's own magical history. Home to such greats as naturalist John Muir and baseball's " Joltin' " Joe DiMaggio, not to mention the birthplace of the Martini cocktail, the downtown area holds a classic "small town America" feel.
Gerry's heart, imagination, and spirit have been captured and poured into California Magic Dinner Theatre for all to enjoy. This, a place that pays homage to the fine art of magic, has been Gerry Griffin's dream. He muses, "I've finally created the perfect place for magic to be performed; it's a setting in which magic was meant to be seen."
To experience the magic that Gerry and his (extended) family offer every Friday and Saturday nights, simply call or click, Gerry Griffin can be found at: 925-374-0056 and online at www.calmagic.com
California Magic Dinner
Theatre really is "The best place to eat, relax, and be amazed."
Sweetheart packages are available so, to get in on the best of
the old club experience blended with the best in magic performance,
call Gerry Griffin at California Magic Dinner Theatre in downtown
Martinez.
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