Illusions Magic Bar Baltimore is a popular destination for those seeking an unforgettable night out. Located in the heart of Baltimore, this unique bar offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines magic, comedy, and cocktails. At Illusions, guests are treated to a variety of mind-bending illusions and mind-reading tricks performed by talented magicians. These skilled entertainers leave audiences in awe as they perform jaw-dropping feats that seem impossible to explain. The intimate setting of the bar allows for a more personal experience, with the magicians interacting with the audience throughout the show. This adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the performance, making it a truly immersive and engaging experience.
Illusions magic bar and Federal Hill neighbors at odds over entertainment license
Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood has 34 bars in a three-block radius, and on weekends those add up to one big party.
There’s dancing, drinking, and, inevitably, fighting and clashes with police.
At the outskirts of this alcohol-infused blur is a magic bar. With chandeliers and leather seats,
might seem an unlikely target for the ire of the local community association, when compared with the rowdy behavior of some of its neighbors.
Yet Monday, Illusions and the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association will be headed to Baltimore City Circuit Court as the association attempts to get the bar’s entertainment license revoked.
“There’s no personal vendetta here,” Paul Robinson, the president of the association, says of Illusions’ co-owner Ken Horsman. “This is to make sure what he’s allowed to do there does not become a disruptive presence in the community.”
Robinson is objecting to Illusions’ recently approved entertainment license on technical grounds: He argues that Illusions’ application was too vague and that owners Ken Horsman and son Spencer didn’t specify the precise types of shows that would be held at the venue.
“Live entertainment should be strictly defined,” Robinson says. “[They’re] talking about variety, vaudeville, circus acts, juggling, basically anything under the sun.” He says some neighbors’ homes are within 50 feet of Illusions.
But the Horsmans and their backers say that’s nonsense; they argue that the neighborhood association, which has no legal authority, has overstepped its bounds by trying to pressure area bars into signing more restrictive agreements.
“They wanted us to restrain and restrict our business,” says Illusions co-owner Spencer Horsman, 24, a renowned Houdini-style escape artist who performs at the venue. “We refused and they got upset with us. They took that as a personal insult.”
So what would happen if the community association wins in court?
Horsman grows quiet for a moment.
“We’d have to change to a sports bar,” he says.
The issue of zoning live entertainment in Federal Hill is bigger than just the Horsmans, Robinson says. It’s about setting precedent for future businesses.
“Ken and Spencer Horsman might be the most trustworthy people in the world,” says Robinson, whose non-profit organization’s stated goal is to make the neighborhood “family-friendly” and “safe” for the residents of its 2,800 homes. “But what about the next person they could sell the business to? We’re not anti-alcohol. We’re not anti-live entertainment. We need reasonable assurances.”
Robinson says he tried to get the Horsmans to sign an agreement voluntarily limiting their business. It required the Horsmans to restrict their live entertainment to no more than four days a week and no later than 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. It also limited their performances to only magic and juggling and their number of performers to two. Additionally, it prohibited the Horsmans from using fliers to promote an event.
“Thus far. Mr. [Ken] Horsman has been less than cooperative in addressing some of the concerns,” says Robinson, noting that seven other area businesses have been willing to sign agreements with the community group. “We’ve got agreements with some of the most famous venues.”
The Federal Hill Neighborhood Association has some important backers: Baltimore police Southern District Commander Maj. Scott Bloodsworth, former state Sen. George Della and state Dels. Peter Hammen and Brian McHale, all of whom object to the magic bar’s entertainment license.
“An increase in the number of customers drawn to venues in the area could bring an increase in nuisance crimes and common assaults,” Bloodsworth wrote in a letter of opposition to the license, which was granted to the bar by the city zoning board last summer.
Ken Horsman, a former Ringling Bros. circus clown, says Bloodsworth’s letter is misleading.
“We’ve proven that we’re good neighbors,” he says. “We’ve had no problems, no fights ? We don’t run Illusions like a megabar. We run it like a theater. We have comedy, magic, ventriloquism and juggling. We’re geared toward a different type of audience.” Wild partying has been an issue for some time in Federal Hill, but the rowdiness gained attention last year when City Council President Jack Young proposed a bill ramping up punishment for “disorderly drinking.”
In 2009, the City Council passed an economic development bill, championed by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, which allowed for expanded live entertainment zoning. Illusions has been the only Federal Hill business to apply and win approval under the new law.
Only two other venues in Federal Hill have long held entertainment licenses: 8×10 and Mum’s. Robinson says he has no problem with those businesses.
Preceded by Ken Horsman’s magic shop for 25 years, Illusions opened as a bar with a liquor license in 2007 and has hosted two events in which Spencer Horsman attempted to escape — 50 feet in the air — from two straight jackets while being hung upside down.
Patrons worry about the future of the business if the neighborhood association wins. They don’t want a magic show turned into yet-another venue for $1 beers.
“There’s so much craziness going on at some bars,” says Federal Hill resident Frank Choi, 35. “There are other problems that plague the neighborhood. The association should use its time trying to resolve those issues rather than worrying about whether one small place has an entertainment license.”
Federal Hill resident and Illusions customer Julia Rosenstock, 32, says she’s “very upset” with the situation.
“Illusions is so unique and such an experience,” says Rosenstock. “That’s the kind of thing that Baltimore should be about. Why would we shut that down? So we can get a T.G.I. Friday’s to move in there?”
Ultimately, a judge will get the final say, Robinson says.
“They’ll get to make their case and we’ll get to make ours,” he says. “Somebody will win and then we’ll move on.”
Luke Broadwater is managing editor at b. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter, @lukebroadwater.
Illusions magic bar baltimore
For over 16 years, Illusions Magic Bar & Theater has been operating in Baltimore, Maryland. While the venue is known and loved for its regular magic shows, it also offers offsite private event services led by Spencer Horsman. These services are designed to be both intimate and interactive, extending beyond the confines of the bar to all sorts of offsite locations.
Spencer Horsman, who is responsible for these offsite private events, is a performer with a diverse skill set. He incorporates elements of comedy, sleight of hand, and mentalism into his act. Horsman’s performances aim to engage guests in a manner that is both entertaining and puzzling. His act is adaptable to different settings, making it suitable for a variety of private events. Spencer and the shows he designs are not what you likely have in mind when you hear there will be a magician at the birthday party.
In addition to his skills in magic and mentalism, Horsman is also noted for his craftsmanship and humor. His performances often leave attendees intrigued, as they try to decipher the secrets behind his tricks. Audiences routinely remark that the level of hospitality and attention to detail that Horsman and his team bring to these offsite events really elevate the experience.
Horsman’s offsite private event services are not limited to magic shows but are described as curated experiences designed to engage guests. These services are available for a range of occasions, including corporate gatherings and private parties. The offsite nature of these services allows for adaptability to different settings and requirements.
WARNING: We have no official affiliation with this vendor. This page is not an endorsement. The information here is provided for reference purposes only and may be used solely at your own risk. If you believe there are errors in the information provided here, please let us know.
Social Event – Illusions Bar & Theater
Join us for a Baltimore Original, the Illusions Bar & Theater.
Take a break from the ordinary & enter the weird wonderful world of Illusions: Magic Bar & Theater! Since 2007 we have been entertaining audiences every Friday & Saturday night with our unique atmosphere and performances in Baltimore City, just south of the Inner Harbor! Set inside a 1920’s Art Deco bar with an extensive cocktail list, our resident comedy magician Spencer Horsman presents 90 minute comedy magic show.
Recommended Articles
New NISO Plus Conference Planned for 2020
A Warm NISO Plus Welcome to our 2022 Planning Committee!
#NISOPlus20 Feedback — What We Learned From Your Feedback
This adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the performance, making it a truly immersive and engaging experience. In addition to the magic, Illusions also offers a wide selection of drinks and cocktails to enjoy during the show. From classic favorites to creative concoctions, the bar offers something for everyone's taste.
Recent Posts
- Our Early Bird Registration Deadline Is Just Days Away!
- Thomas Padilla to Deliver Opening Keynote at NISO Plus 2024 in Baltimore
- Join Us at NISO Plus for a Pre-conference Introduction to AI in Scholarly Communications
- Ed Pentz Is NISO’s 2024 Miles Conrad Award Winner
- The Preliminary Program for NISO Plus 2024 in Baltimore Is Now Available
The expert bartenders are also known for their showmanship, often incorporating their own magical flair into the drink-making process. Whether you're a fan of magic or just looking for a unique and entertaining evening, Illusions Magic Bar Baltimore is sure to deliver. With its combination of mind-bending illusions, comedic performances, and delicious cocktails, it's no wonder that this bar is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. So, if you find yourself in Baltimore and are looking for a night out that is anything but ordinary, make sure to check out Illusions Magic Bar. Prepare to be amazed and captivated by the incredible performances and leave with memories that will last a lifetime..
Reviews for "Experience the Art of Illusion at Baltimore's Hottest Magic Bar"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with Illusions Magic Bar in Baltimore. The show was poorly executed and lacked any real magic or illusion elements. The magicians were unenthusiastic and seemed disinterested in performing. The atmosphere was also lackluster and didn't create any sense of excitement or wonder. Overall, I felt like I wasted my money on a subpar experience and would not recommend this place to anyone looking for an enjoyable magic show.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
Illusions Magic Bar in Baltimore was a letdown for me. The performances were predictable, and I could easily guess how the tricks were done. The magicians also lacked stage presence and failed to engage the audience. Additionally, the bar service was slow, which affected the overall experience. I had high expectations for an evening of magic, but unfortunately, this place fell short. I don't think I'll be returning anytime in the future.
3. Michael - 1 star
Illusions Magic Bar in Baltimore was a complete disappointment. The show felt outdated and unoriginal, with tricks that I've seen countless times before. The seating arrangement was uncomfortable, and the tables were poorly spaced, making it difficult to see the stage properly. The magicians also lacked charisma and failed to create a captivating atmosphere. Overall, I regretted spending my money on such a lackluster and forgettable magic experience. I would advise others to look elsewhere for better magical entertainment options.