Rob Mendell

Rob Mendell has been performing interactive close-up card magic since 1973, and he builds it around a simple idea: the audience should feel like the magicians. Guests touch, hold, mix and deal the cards themselves, say the magic word, and somehow stop at exactly the right one — live and tangible, with no camera tricks or hidden mirrors.

At small gatherings he works at a table; at larger events he moves through the room with strolling magic, drawing new watchers in as laughter and applause spread. Alongside new versions of classic card effects, he performs original pieces no one else does, including some customized for a particular client or situation. A licensed Chicago Street Performer since 2005, Rob suits corporate, public, private and educational events.