We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raven. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raven below.
Raven, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I was raised by two hardworking parents who instilled in me the value of dedication and perseverance.
I’ve carried that forward by always striving to exceed expectations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m originally from New York and made the trek to California in 1979 at the age of 20. Magic has always been close to my heart. For years, I performed for private parties for friends and family, but when I moved to Southern California, everything changed. Since 1979, I’ve worked as a strolling restaurant magician and performed at numerous private and corporate events. Still, I never imagined I’d one day perform at the world-famous Hollywood Magic Castle.
About ten years ago, after conversations with a few close magic friends, I decided to pursue becoming a performing member at the Magic Castle. It was a challenge I embarked on with my buddy Migz, and together we’ve since worked every room at the Castle except the stage known as The Palace of Mystery.
When COVID hit in 2020, live performances came to a halt, and I had to get creative. I began performing via Zoom—different, but surprisingly fun and challenging. I used music, a green screen, and even created multiple on-screen characters of myself, interacting with them live during shows.
Of course, nothing compares to live magic. In July of 2021, I began building my own local magic venue in Simi Valley with the goal of co-hosting shows with my magic partner Migz and bringing in top performers from the Magic Castle to headline. Four years later, we’ve produced over 45 successful shows featuring many of the best in the business.
My mantra has become: If you build it, they will come. Positive affirmations are a close second. We’ve produced shows in libraries, senior centers, wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, and more.
Now, at 66, I’m fully focused on magic. We currently have two monthly shows—one at The Nectar of the Dogs Wine (ages 21+, capacity 43) and one at our local Denny’s party room (family-friendly, Kids welcome – capacity 28). Tickets are affordable and available at www.ravenandmigz.com.
I love entertaining audiences of all ages with my comedy, sleight of hand, and mentalism. My goal is to continue growing the Raven Magic brand and bringing magic to as many venues, groups, and organizations as possible. I also perform weekly strolling magic at the Granada Hills Pizza Cookery every Sunday from 6–8 PM, where the food and staff are just as magical as the atmosphere.
Time is precious; there’s no dress rehearsal. I plan to squeeze every ounce of joy from performing magic, add another monthly show, and secure another weekly restaurant residency. I’m excited about the future—because the best is yet to come.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:
Persistence and Resilience – From my first days performing for friends to building a local magic venue, I’ve learned that you have to keep showing up—through slow nights, rejections, and even a pandemic. The wins come to those who don’t quit.
Creativity and Adaptability – Magic isn’t just about tricks; it’s about reinventing yourself when circumstances change. When live shows shut down in 2020, I pivoted to Zoom magic, green screens, and creating multiple on-screen characters to keep audiences engaged.
Connection with People – Whether it’s a private party, a restaurant crowd, or a packed wine room, magic lives in the moments you create with people. The ability to connect is more important than any single sleight of hand.
My advice to those early in their journey:
Show up and keep going – Even if the audience is small, each show is a stepping stone.
Stay flexible – Be willing to adapt your craft to new venues, audiences, and technologies.
Focus on people, not tricks – Learn how to read a room, build rapport, and create experiences they’ll remember.
In magic—and in life—the best results come when skill meets persistence, and both are fueled by a genuine love for what you do.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I’m always excited to collaborate with restaurants, wineries, breweries, and other venues that want to give their guests something truly special. When we work together, everybody wins—I bring a fun, interactive magic experience that fills the room with new faces, and your business gets the spotlight it deserves.
I also love performing at corporate and private events, creating moments people will be talking about long after the show.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “We should do something together,” let’s talk! You can reach me at www.ravenandmigz.com or contact me directly by phone (661) 713-8414 or email – [email protected].
Let’s make some magic happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ravenandmigz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenandmigzmagic/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ravenandmigz?si=N9SVcWFSYXrJVXFt
Image Credits
my photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
