Chicago magicians | Paul Lee

Recently, we checked in with Paul Lee (along with three other great Chicago-area magicians) about his mysterious career—and then we asked him to visit our studio to perform some magic for us.

First trick you learned A card trick: Someone picks a card and puts it back into the deck; then I shuffle the deck, and all of the different cards transform into their card.

Best kid’s reaction I change a pair of white gloves into a dove that flies over the audience. Once, just as the dove flies back to my hand, a boy stood up: "Did you just change those gloves into a bird?" I said yes, and he pumped his fist and said, "I LOVE THAT TRICK!"

Favorite magician Doug Henning. He had a different look: long hair, colorful costumes, brightly colored props. He loved what he did, and it showed by how the audience sat on the edge of their seats, waiting for what was going to happen next.

Advice for budding magicians When I started performing magic, there was no YouTube or DVDs. Everything I learned, I read in a book and then practiced many, many times, often in front of a mirror. Practice makes perfect.

Learn more about Paul Lee at PaulLeeMagic.com.