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I’m going to piss where Houdini pissed
On Saturday, I’m going to be in Marshalltown, performing at TC’s Pub. I’ve been there before. Cool people.
I was just chatting with the owner, and he let me know that he now owns the property at 207 East Main Street in Marshalltown, Iowa.
This excited me greatly.
Here is why:
There was a world-famous magician from Marshalltown, Thomas Nelson Downs. Known as “T. Nelson Downs, The King of Koins,” Downs performed all across the world, for royalty and heads of state, around the turn of the 20th century.
Downs was the author of several classic magic books (which I’ve devoured repeatedly), and he created and perfected many sleight-of-hand techniques that are still widely used by magicians, over a hundred years later.
What I’m trying to say is… T. Nelson Downs was kind of a big deal.
In 1912, he retired from performing and moved back to Marshalltown. He was only in his 40s, and he had already become wealthy and achieved world-wide success. That bastard.
Obviously a little bored with being off the road, he eventually opened a vaudeville house / movie theater, called The Casino, located at… you guessed it… 207 East Main Street.
As I mentioned above, Downs was kind of a big deal. The residents of Marshalltown may not have known it at the time, but other world-famous magicians would frequently visit Marshalltown, just to hang out, gossip, and talk shop with the sleight-of-hand master. Reportedly, these visitors included a number of my personal heroes: Dai Vernon, Chung Ling Soo, and Harry Houdini, among others.
Houdini. At the peak of his success. Hanging out in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Since the glorious days of vaudeville, the building (built in 1910) has been home to several bars and businesses – including a strip club – which have since closed, but the building is still in existence…
And I know the owner.
After I got off the phone with him, he sent a photo of a urinal (see above), and told me that not only was this the oldest urinal in Marshall County, it was also the original from the building’s 1910 construction.
“Houdini probably pissed here,” he joked.
I fell silent.
On Saturday, before my gig, I’m going to head to Marshalltown early to get a little informal tour of the building.
It will be thrilling to know that many of the most legendary magicians of history used to just “hang” in the very same building, decades ago.
Maybe I’ll stand on the worn floorboards where so many hardworking vaudeville entertainers once stood…
Maybe I’ll look out to the old mezzanine…
Maybe I’ll snap a photo of the original curtain rail, still installed in the high ceiling, that once opened and closed the shows nightly…
Maybe I’ll sit quietly and contemplate the rich history of this location and the colorful characters that once called this place home for one night at a time…
Maybe I’ll pull a silver dollar out of my pocket and stumble through a couple of sleight-of-hand techniques that were invented, perfected, and performed by T. Nelson Downs himself…
Maybe.
But first things first.
I’m going to piss where Houdini pissed.
Visting Wisconsin this weekend
We’re coming to Wisconsin on Friday (Sept. 7th)…
I’ll be at The Depot in Cuba City, WI (kinda between Platteville WI and Dubuque IA), along with my deeply-disturbed (and very funny) comedian friend Harville.
Come on out for an evening of card tricks and dick jokes.
It’ll be fun.
More details can be found HERE.
Northeast Iowa Magician, Featured on Norwegian TV, Returns to Decorah
Part magician, part comedian, and totally dysfunctional, Nathan Allen will be bringing his highly-caffeinated blend of magic and comedy back to Decorah! Allen (dubbed “The Maniac of Magic” by his peers) will be making a stop at the Elks Lodge (402 W. Main Street, Decorah, IA) on Friday, August 10th. The adult-only show is scheduled to begin at 8:00pm, and is open to the public.
Yes, Nathan Allen is a magician, but don’t be fooled – you will see NO rabbit, NO tuxedo, and NO sparkly boxes in this show. Instead, Nathan combines his twisted sense of humor, sleight-of-hand magic skills, and hilarious audience participation into one of the very few magic shows on the face of the planet that is both geared for adults AND funny.
An audience favorite at a wide range of shows throughout the Midwest, from corporate events to biker bars, Nathan’s personality-driven performances have been described as “Edgy, funny comedy and magic at its best” (Naturally Funny Entertainment; Chicago, IL), “Funny, fast-moving, unique, and very entertaining!” (Vetesnik Power Sports; Richland Center, WI), and “Action packed, funny, and unpredictable!” (Iowa Emergency Management Association; Des Moines, IA).
The International Brotherhood of Magicians recently presented Nathan with the Iowa Magic Award, based on his technical skills and entertainment value. He was the only magician featured in “The Grassroots Comedy Tour” and in “The Super Bowl of Stand-Up.” His entertainment services won him a full-ride business scholarship to attend college. Of the dozens of magicians in Iowa, Nathan was the only one selected to perform onstage at Iowa Governor Culver‘s Inaugural Gala. His corporate clients include 3M, Alliant Energy, Charter Communications, Honda, RadioShack, U.S. Cellular, Yellowbook, and Wal-Mart, to name just a few.
Most recently, Nathan was featured on television in Norway, with Norwegian TV stars Dansken & Fingern. “It was for a reality-comedy show, and we played a prank on one of the hosts,” says Nathan. “The producers had advertised a magic show by Fingern all over town, and he did not know about it until about 20 minutes before showtime. He had absolutely no experience performing magic, and yet he had an audience waiting to be amazed. I gave him a very intense crash-course, and then we did a show together. I even got him to wear a ridiculous cheap magician costume, complete with a top hat, sparkly vest, and cape. The audience was happy, there were a lot of laughs, and it was a LOT of fun.”
Originally from Postville, Nathan is currently based out of Des Moines. He drinks way too much coffee, and in his spare time, he enjoys making comments at his television… when it’s turned off.
For more information about who Nathan is and what he does, visit him on the web at ManiacOfMagic.com. For more information about the August 10th show in Decorah, call the Elks Lodge at 563-382-4318.
Comedian-Magician To Perform In Boone, Thanks Golfers
Part magician, part comedian, and totally dysfunctional, Nathan Allen will be bringing his highly-caffeinated blend of magic and comedy to Boone! Allen (dubbed “The Maniac of Magic” by his peers) will be making a stop at The Vibe Night Club (8th Street) on Saturday, July 21st. The adult-only show is scheduled to begin at 9:00pm, and admission to the show will be free for the participants of the Jay Lindahl “Golfing Fore a Friend” fundraiser tournament.
Yes, Nathan Allen is a magician, but don’t be fooled – you will see NO rabbit, NO tuxedo, and NO sparkly boxes in this show. Instead, Nathan combines his twisted sense of humor, sleight-of-hand magic skills, and hilarious audience participation into one of the very few magic shows on the face of the planet that is both geared for adults AND funny.
The best trick up Nathan’s sleeve is his ability to connect with a crowd, and it’s a trick he can pull off whether he is at a corporate event or a biker bar. With a knack for being a bit naughty and tons of fun, without being offensive, Nathan’s personality-driven performances have been described as “Edgy, funny comedy and magic at its best” (Naturally Funny Entertainment; Chicago, IL), “Funny, fast-moving, unique, and very entertaining!” (Vetesnik Power Sports; Richland Center, WI), and “Action packed, funny, and unpredictable!” (Iowa Emergency Management Association; Des Moines, IA).
Tickets for the general public are just $10, but admission to Saturday’s show at The Vibe will be free for the sponsors and golfers in the Jay Lindahl “Golfing Fore a Friend” fundraiser tournament. Mr. Lindahl is the soon-to-be owner of a new kidney. Nathan is offering free admission to the show as a thank you to the participants.
For more information about the fundraising golf tournament, find “Golfing Fore a Friend – Jay Lindahl” on Facebook. For more information about Nathan’s show in Boone on Saturday night, visit him on the web at ManiacOfMagic.com or call The Vibe at 515-432-2465.
The Maniac of Magic Returns to Canton
Part magician, part comedian, and totally dysfunctional, Nathan Allen will be bringing his highly-caffeinated blend of magic and comedy back to Canton, Illinois! Allen (dubbed “The Maniac of Magic” by his peers) will be making a stop at White Oaks Sports Bar (46 White Court, Canton, IL) on Friday, July 6th. The adult-only show is scheduled to begin at 8:00pm.
Yes, Nathan Allen is a magician, but don’t be fooled – you will see NO rabbit, NO tuxedo, and NO sparkly boxes in this show. Instead, Nathan combines his twisted sense of humor, sleight-of-hand magic skills, and hilarious audience participation into one of the very few magic shows on the face of the planet that is both geared for adults AND funny.
The best trick up Nathan’s sleeve is his ability to connect with a crowd, and it’s a trick he can pull off whether he is at a corporate event or a biker bar. With a knack for being a bit naughty and tons of fun, without being offensive, Nathan’s personality-driven performances have been described as “Edgy, funny comedy and magic at its best” (Naturally Funny Entertainment; Chicago, IL), “Funny, fast-moving, unique, and very entertaining!” (Vetesnik Power Sports; Richland Center, WI), and “Action packed, funny, and unpredictable!” (Iowa Emergency Management Association; Des Moines, IA).
The International Brotherhood of Magicians recently presented Nathan with the Iowa Magic Award, based on his technical skills and entertainment value. He was the only magician featured in “The Grassroots Comedy Tour” and in “The Super Bowl of Stand-Up.” His entertainment services won him a full-ride business scholarship to attend college. He was just on television in Europe. Of the dozens of magicians in Iowa, Nathan was the only one selected to perform onstage at Iowa Governor Culver‘s Inaugural Gala. And yet, in a typical example of his priorities, he insists that he is most proud of being elected Class Clown.
More than just something out of thin air, Nathan’s slow-but-steady rise in the entertainment industry is the result of a 15-year, love-hate obsession with his work. He started learning magic when he was only 8 years old and did his first paid performance when he was just 12. Now, at the age of 28, Nathan has a long list of performances under his belt, for companies including 3M, Alliant Energy, Charter Communications, Honda, RadioShack, and Wal-Mart, to name just a few. In addition to countless corporate engagements at banquets, awards nights, and holiday parties, Nathan also works at nightclubs, casinos, class reunions, clubs, colleges, golf courses, festivals, proms, and private parties throughout the upper Midwest.
Nathan is based out of Des Moines, Iowa. He drinks way too much coffee, and in his spare time, he enjoys arguing with the television. When it’s turned off.
Friday’s show in Canton will feature the flame-throwing comedy of Harville! Dark and twisted, with a seriously warped view of life, Harville’s brand of humor is not for the faint of heart! Let Harville take you by the hand (or any other convenient appendage), and lead you into the darkest, funniest corners of his (and your) poor diseased mind(s)!
For more information about who Nathan is and what he does, visit him on the web at ManiacOfMagic.com. For more information about Friday’s show in Canton, call the White Oaks Sports Bar at 309.647.8372.
An Insanely Fun Evening Of Comedy And Magic In Mason City
Part magician, part comedian, and totally dysfunctional, Nathan Allen will be bringing his highly-caffeinated blend of magic and comedy to Mason City, Iowa! Allen (dubbed “The Maniac of Magic” by his peers) will be making a stop at Wise Guys Sports Pub on Satuday, June 23rd. The adult-only show will start promptly at 8:00pm.
Yes, Nathan Allen is a magician, but don’t be fooled – you will see NO rabbit, NO tuxedo, and NO sparkly boxes in this show. Instead, Nathan combines his twisted sense of humor, sleight-of-hand magic skills, and hilarious audience participation into one of the very few magic shows on the face of the planet that is both geared for adults AND funny.
The best trick up Nathan’s sleeve is his ability to connect with a crowd, and it’s a trick he can pull off whether he is at a corporate event or a biker bar. With a knack for being a bit naughty and tons of fun, without being offensive, Nathan’s personality-driven performances have been described as “Edgy, funny comedy and magic at its best” (Naturally Funny Entertainment; Chicago, IL), “Funny, fast-moving, unique, and very entertaining!” (Vetesnik Power Sports; Richland Center, WI), and “Action packed, funny, and unpredictable!” (Iowa Emergency Management Association; Des Moines, IA).
The International Brotherhood of Magicians recently presented Nathan with the Iowa Magic Award, based on his technical skills and entertainment value. He was the only magician featured in “The Grassroots Comedy Tour” and in “The Super Bowl of Stand-Up.” His entertainment services won him a full-ride business scholarship to attend college. He was just on television in Europe. Of the dozens of magicians in Iowa, Nathan was the only one selected to perform onstage at Iowa Governor Culver‘s Inaugural Gala. And yet, in a typical example of his priorities, he insists that he is most proud of being elected Class Clown.
More than just something out of thin air, Nathan’s slow-but-steady rise in the entertainment industry is the result of a 15-year, love-hate obsession with his work. He started learning magic when he was only 8 years old and did his first paid performance when he was just 12. Now, at the age of 28, Nathan has a long list of performances under his belt, for companies including 3M, Alliant Energy, Charter Communications, Honda, RadioShack, and Wal-Mart, to name just a few. In addition to countless corporate engagements at banquets, awards nights, and holiday parties, Nathan also works at nightclubs, casinos, class reunions, clubs, colleges, golf courses, festivals, proms, and private parties throughout the upper Midwest.
Nathan is based out of Des Moines, Iowa. He drinks way too much coffee, and in his spare time, he enjoys arguing with the television. When it’s turned off.
Satuday’s show will feature a special guest opening act, “flame-throwing” stand-up comic Harville.
For more information about who Nathan is and what he does, visit him on the web at ManiacOfMagic.com. To get tickets for Satuday’s show in Mason City, stop by Wise Guys Sports Pub (631 6th Street SW, Mason City, IA, 50401). Visit Wise Guys Sports Pub on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wiseguysmc
The Maniac of Magic to visit Dedham
Part magician, part comedian, and totally dysfunctional, Nathan Allen will be bringing his highly-caffeinated blend of magic and comedy to Dedham, Iowa! Allen (dubbed “The Maniac of Magic” by his peers) will be making a stop at the Southside Lounge on Saturday, June 16th. The adult-only show will start promptly at 9:00pm.
Yes, Nathan Allen is a magician, but don’t be fooled – you will see NO rabbit, NO tuxedo, and NO sparkly boxes in this show. Instead, Nathan combines his twisted sense of humor, sleight-of-hand magic skills, and hilarious audience participation into one of the very few magic shows on the face of the planet that is both geared for adults AND funny.
The best trick up Nathan’s sleeve is his ability to connect with a crowd, and it’s a trick he can pull off whether he is at a corporate event or a biker bar. With a knack for being a bit naughty and tons of fun, without being offensive, Nathan’s personality-driven performances have been described as “Edgy, funny comedy and magic at its best” (Naturally Funny Entertainment; Chicago, IL), “Funny, fast-moving, unique, and very entertaining!” (Vetesnik Power Sports; Richland Center, WI), and “Action packed, funny, and unpredictable!” (Iowa Emergency Management Association; Des Moines, IA).
The International Brotherhood of Magicians recently presented Nathan with the Iowa Magic Award, based on his technical skills and entertainment value. He was the only magician featured in “The Grassroots Comedy Tour” and in “The Super Bowl of Stand-Up.” His entertainment services won him a full-ride business scholarship to attend college. He was just on television in Europe. Of the dozens of magicians in Iowa, Nathan was the only one selected to perform onstage at Iowa Governor Culver‘s Inaugural Gala. And yet, in a typical example of his priorities, he insists that he is most proud of being elected Class Clown.
More than just something out of thin air, Nathan’s slow-but-steady rise in the entertainment industry is the result of a 15-year, love-hate obsession with his work. He started learning magic when he was only 8 years old and did his first paid performance when he was just 12. Now, at the age of 28, Nathan has a long list of performances under his belt, for companies including 3M, Alliant Energy, Charter Communications, Honda, RadioShack, and Wal-Mart, to name just a few. In addition to countless corporate engagements at banquets, awards nights, and holiday parties, Nathan also works at nightclubs, casinos, class reunions, clubs, colleges, golf courses, festivals, proms, and private parties throughout the upper Midwest.
Nathan is based out of Des Moines, Iowa. He drinks way too much coffee, and in his spare time, he enjoys arguing with the television. When it’s turned off.
For more information about who Nathan is and what he does, visit him on the web at ManiacOfMagic.com. For more information about Saturday’s show in Dedham, call the Southside Lounge at 712-683-5664.
I was on Norwegian television – A moral dilemma
So… Here begins my distrust/ disdain/ contempt of television execs, apparently.
Earlier this year, I was on Norwegian television…
The deal they made was they would provide a high-quality DVD of my episode, and a link to where it could be viewed online, so I could share it with friends.
The DVD was never shipped.
The episodes are available to watch online (after they’ve aired), BUT they can’t be viewed here, overseas.
Grrrrrr.
I was able to use international proxy servers and some clever software to rip the video from the site in Norway, though… So I do have a copy…
I just can’t decide if I should respect copyright law… or just go ahead and post the clip online so you can watch it.
It was ME providing content (for which, I’m sure, the production company was compensated handsomely), after all.
What to do… What to do…
Nathan Allen And Friends To Perform In Howard, South Dakota
Part magician, part comedian, and totally dysfunctional, Nathan Allen will be bringing his highly-caffeinated blend of magic and comedy to Howard, South Dakota!
Allen (dubbed “The Maniac of Magic” by his peers) will be making a stop at Maroney Commons (103 S. Main Street) on Saturday, June 9th. The adult-only show will start promptly at 8:00pm, and will feature local South Dakota stand-up comics Keith Doty and Toby Davis.
Yes, Nathan Allen is a magician, but don’t be fooled – you will see NO rabbit, NO tuxedo, and NO sparkly boxes in this show. Instead, Nathan combines his twisted sense of humor, sleight-of-hand magic skills, and hilarious audience participation into one of the very few magic shows on the face of the planet that is both geared for adults AND funny.
The best trick up Nathan’s sleeve is his ability to connect with a crowd, and it’s a trick he can pull off whether he is at a corporate event or a biker bar. With a knack for being a bit naughty and tons of fun, without being offensive, Nathan’s personality-driven performances have been described as “Edgy, funny comedy and magic at its best” (Naturally Funny Entertainment; Chicago, IL), “Funny, fast-moving, unique, and very entertaining!” (Vetesnik Power Sports; Richland Center, WI), and “Action packed, funny, and unpredictable!” (Iowa Emergency Management Association; Des Moines, IA).
The International Brotherhood of Magicians recently presented Nathan with the Iowa Magic Award, based on his technical skills and entertainment value. He was the only magician featured in “The Grassroots Comedy Tour” and in “The Super Bowl of Stand-Up.” His entertainment services won him a full-ride business scholarship to attend college. He was just on television in Europe. Of the dozens of magicians in Iowa, Nathan was the only one selected to perform onstage at Iowa Governor Culver‘s Inaugural Gala. And yet, in a typical example of his priorities, he insists that he is most proud of being elected Class Clown.
More than just something out of thin air, Nathan’s slow-but-steady rise in the entertainment industry is the result of a 15-year, love-hate obsession with his work. He started learning magic when he was only 8 years old and did his first paid performance when he was just 12. Now, at the age of 28, Nathan has a long list of performances under his belt, for companies including 3M, Alliant Energy, Charter Communications, Honda, RadioShack, and Wal-Mart, to name just a few.
Nathan is based out of Des Moines, Iowa. He drinks way too much coffee, and in his spare time, he enjoys arguing with the television. When it’s turned off.
For more information about Nathan and his comedy-magic shows, visit him on the web at ManiacOfMagic.com. For tickets to the June 9th show at Maroney Commons (Howard, SD), call the Windward Inn at 605-772-4700. For more information about the venue, visit MaroneyCommons.com.
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