Jim Swain Gets Great Press

Jim Swain

Jim Swain is famous to the real world for his outstanding novels on casino cheats, Sucker Bet, Funny Money and Grift Sense. But he is also an incredible card magician who uses his same writing skills to describe and teach some pretty incredible effects.

Random House published an interview with Jim; giving his thoughts on the differences between his hero, Tony Valentine, and himself. Poker Magazine has a pretty lengthy article about Sucker Bet and even our own Genii Magazine wrote about Sucker Bet along with their coverage of the making of the movie Shade.

Jim says something in his interview with Random House that struck me: “The world of card magic and gambling are parallel; many of the top hustlers are also terrific card magicians. Over the years, I brushed elbows with many hustlers and incorporated their techniques into my own performances.” I thought it sort of added a little class to both the hustler and the magician.

It is interesting how far we’ve come from Erdnase and yet how close we remain to our roots. We tend to think of our magic as being a friendly form of entertainment using sleights that might be used by the dark-side of our profession. Maybe we’re even closer than that.

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Wilbur – The Coyote Trickster

Wilbur – The Coyote Trickster – Native American Magician

Inside Magic: How did you get started in Magic?

I have always loved to watch magic on TV, and whenever I had the opportunity to see a live performance. When I was 16 years old I saw Andre Kole perform at Idaho State University. His performance still has an Impact on me to this day. Then one day I bought Mark Wilson’s Complete course in Magic and I have been hooked ever since.

Inside Magic: What is your favorite type of magic to perform?

Like most Magicians I started out doing Close up. Then as time went on, I started doing Parlor and Cabaret Magic because it went with my idea of bringing my Native Shoshoni History and Culture into my performance.

Inside Magic: How do you bring your History and Culture into your performance?

I tell stories of the things that are very important to the Native American People. Traditional songs, Dances, Mother Earth, Nature, and Animals like Coyote. Coyote is the main character in Many of the Shoshoni legends. In fact, the Shoshoni word for Coyote literally means “The Trickster” which is also the same word for a Magician.

Inside Magic: Is it a natural fit for you?

Of course. I’ve always enjoyed participating in Native American Customs. and I have always felt it is important to share my Culture and Customs with others. My family used to perform a Variety Show of Native dances in Grand Teton National park. I have adapted the show we used to perform and added magic to accent the mystery and beauty of our Culture.

How has Jonathan Pendragon helped you?

Jonathan and Charlotte are among my closest friends. From the first time I talked to them after one of their shows, Jonathan gave me a Himber Ring, with that I have created a routine using a “Dream Catcher” and a story of the turquoise and silver jewelry of the Southwest. Over the last few years we have become really good friends. Jonathan and I have adopted each other as Brothers in the Shoshoni custom. All the Magic and advise he has given me I have gratefully accepted and have used in all of my shows.

Inside Magic: What type of shows do you do and what kind of crowds do you perform?

I like to think of myself as a “on demand performer” I do table magic, Birthday Parties, Strolling Magic, I can adapt my shows to children as well as grown ups. This is due to the “Magic Sports” that Tim Ellis and Sue Anne Webster teach in their lecture. Most of my crowds are Family groups. But I always add a Native twist to every show I do.

Inside Magic: What Magicians do you admire?

The Pendragons . Their Energy, Stage presence, and interaction with their audience is something that I really admire about them. Jonathans advice and innovation have tremendously helped me come a long…
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