The Chicago Magic Lounge is a unique and enchanting place that offers a magical experience for its visitors. Located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, this hidden gem attracts both locals and tourists alike. Its unassuming exterior hides a world of wonder and mystery, making it a must-visit destination for magic enthusiasts. **The Chicago Magic Lounge is not just a regular magic show, but rather a complete immersion into the world of magic.** Upon entering the lounge, guests are transported to a bygone era, reminiscent of the speakeasies that were popular during the Prohibition era. The vintage décor and dimly lit ambiance create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and intriguing.
The Mascots:
Starting in 1905, the Atlanta Constitution referred to the team as the Yellowjackets one word because of the yellow jackets the team s supporters wore to the games. Starting in 1905, the Atlanta Constitution referred to the team as the Yellowjackets one word because of the yellow jackets the team s supporters wore to the games.
The vintage décor and dimly lit ambiance create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and intriguing. **Once inside, guests are treated to an array of magic performances that will leave them in awe.** The lounge hosts a variety of shows, ranging from intimate close-up magic to grand stage illusions.
The Yellow Jacket: A brief illustrative history
There are a few important developments in a college’s adolescence: a name, a mission and the institution of some sports teams. Even though Tech had a football team, it lacked a unifying mascot. For years, players were referred to as “Blacksmiths” or one of the other many nicknames that came and went. Nothing stuck — not until 1905.
That’s when the nomer “Yellow Jackets” was first used: during a press conference given by then-coach John Heisman, which was covered by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC). The name was bestowed upon the players because of their yellow jerseys.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
A year later, the Jackets saw the first graphic production of their namesake; it was a cartoon in the AJC depicting a cartoon yellow jacket buzzing around a rather ugly University of Georgia football player, who cowers and begs not to be stung. The cartoon, signed by “Brewerton” is accompanied by a caption: “Somebody’s going to get stung.”
For decades thereafter, the mascot was drawn by various artists, cartoonists and illustrators, all with different interpretations.
Some depictions were more popular than others. Most featured an imagined creature that was half man and half insect. A few, according to Director of Living History, Marilyn Somers, were considered offensive because of their allusions to offensive blackface illustrations. The rest, luckily, were inoffensive and the offense intended was towards the Jackets’ rival.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
These illustrations are carefully preserved by the archives department of the Tech library.
Tech produced programs that would feature these illustrations of the yellow jacket. Despite different logos coming into fashion, there was no standardized cartoon of the character.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
In 1979, a student named Richie Bland ran onto the field dressed as a yellow jacket and soon after became the official mascot of Tech, alongside the Reck. This goofy character inspired the drawings that came after.
In 1984, one of those football programs — the Tech vs. Alabama game — featured the yellow jacket that Tech students know and love today.
This illustration was done by Mike Lester, who was a cartoonist for the AJC and eventually became known for his football programs. His piece grew to be the most popular depiction of the yellow jacket, used by the general media, fans and promotional materials from the Institution.
Lester drew about 130 football program covers for Tech’s Athletic Association, and his illustrations were so well-loved that he was presented with a plaque during halftime after 100 illustrations.
Lester, currently a syndicated cartoonist with the Washington Post, still considers this series of drawings one of his greatest accomplishments. He has been a Jackets fan since the start, when he was growing up in Atlanta.
“My dad worked at Capitol Automobile and took me to GT games on [Saturdays]. We walked to The Varsity and then to the game after he got off work. Bobby Dodd was my idol,” said Lester. “Georgia Tech has always been very good to me and my family — and I’m a UGA grad. Go Jackets.”
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
The yellow jacket, who became known as Buzz, faced a few bumps in the road. In 1998, Tech officials filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Salt Lake Buzz, the mascot for a minor league baseball team. After some back and forth, Tech won the legal battle — the team now goes by the Salt Lake Stingers. Tech students remain the only Jackets.
In 2002, Tech officially bought the copyright to Buzz from Lester. The image and name of the Yellow Jacket has remained safely guarded by the students of the Tech community.
“I think every time someone sees the caricature or the image … you look at it and it’s familiar,” Somers said. “It’s something you’re proud of. I think he’s for fun. He’s not to be taken seriously, not for one second.”
Each performance is carefully crafted to captivate and entertain the audience, keeping them on the edge of their seats. **In addition to the captivating magic shows, the Chicago Magic Lounge offers a magical twist on classic cocktails.** The lounge features a well-stocked bar that serves a selection of signature drinks, each with its own unique magical twist. Guests can sip on a "Mystic Martini" or a "Presto Old Fashioned" while enjoying the enchanting performances. **The Chicago Magic Lounge also embraces its rich history and pays homage to the legends of magic.** The lounge is adorned with vintage magic memorabilia, including posters, props, and photographs of some of the greatest magicians of all time. This adds to the overall ambiance and serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of the art of magic. **Overall, the Chicago Magic Lounge is a captivating and immersive experience that combines the art of magic with a nostalgic atmosphere.** It offers a unique escape from everyday life, allowing visitors to be transported to a world of wonder and amazement. Whether you are a seasoned magic enthusiast or simply looking for a night of entertainment, the Chicago Magic Lounge is sure to leave you spellbound..
Reviews for "Beyond Reality: Discover the Chicago Magic Lounge Passage"
1. Alice - 2 stars - I was really excited to visit the Chicago Magic Lounge Passage, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The performances were lackluster and the magic tricks seemed outdated. The atmosphere was also quite loud and distracting, which made it hard to fully appreciate the magic. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a captivating magic experience.
2. Ted - 1 star - My experience at the Chicago Magic Lounge Passage was a complete disappointment. The performers seemed disinterested and their execution of tricks was sloppy. The venue itself was cramped and the seating arrangement made it difficult to see the stage properly. The drinks were overpriced and the service was slow. I left feeling like I wasted my time and money on a subpar magic show. Definitely won't be going back.
3. Samantha - 2 stars - The Chicago Magic Lounge Passage had the potential to be a great experience, but it fell short in various aspects. The performances were not well-coordinated, and there were a few awkward pauses throughout the show. The venue was also quite small, which made it hard to find comfortable seating. The staff, although friendly, seemed unorganized and overwhelmed. I would have expected more from a magic lounge that claims to offer a unique and immersive experience.