April Recap: Barongs, Bingo Balls & Big Deez Energy

When the show ends and you realize… they’re not leaving because it’s over—they’re standing because I finally found the last card.

April was jam-packed with magic, mayhem, and more than one person yelling “DEEZ NUTZ” unironically.

We kicked things off with Career Day visits in Beaumont and Fontana, where I shared how magic helped a shy Filipino kid (me) find his voice. No tricks were taught — just some storytelling and encouragement to check out their school libraries. To help them along, I donated beginner magic books so the next generation of magicians can learn the old-school way: from books with weird illustrations and no YouTube ads.

Then came an unexpected turn — I became a bingo caller for a night to help raise money for the Take Up My Cross Foundation, which supports emancipated youth in the high desert. I came in with a deck of cards and left with a newfound appreciation for B7 and the power of a good raffle prize. Turns out, “bingo caller/magician” is my new favorite hyphenate.

Mid-month, I returned to Dapper Day at Disneyland for the third time, this time dressed as a Filipino Kermit the Frog (yes, in a barong), while my beautiful Mexican girlfriend stunned in a traditional Filipiniana dress. Together, we confused and delighted many Disney-goers. Miss Piggy would’ve been proud — or jealous.

Then came Conjure Deez Nutz: Special Edition at Brue Crue in Riverside. With our co-host dream team Jamie Perez (the beauty and the brains) and Jesse Chabot (the hype machine), the crowd was lit from start to finish. I closed out the night as headliner, and by the end, Jesse had everyone chanting “DEEZ NUTZ” like it was the national anthem. Three bold open mic contestants brought the heat, but JacobJay won the crowd — and his girlfriend’s heart — with his sultry serenade. Magic was in the air. Or maybe it was hops.

Back in Santa Monica, I hit the stage four times at Illusion Magic Lounge — two shows for my heartwarming family matinee Magical Memories, and two more for Magic by the Sea, where I shared the stage with the brilliant mentalist Mat O’Neill. He read minds. I read scripts. It worked beautifully.

To close out the month, we took a quick trip to Portland, Oregon — a city that always fills my cup (and occasionally my suitcase with Powell’s books). I got to visit my amazing friends Kristina and Billy, then perform a sold-out show at Ora Et Labora, a wine bar that serves both pinot and pure magic. The audience gave me a standing ovation — I’m still recovering.

And lastly, I had the honor of performing for the volunteers at the Braille Institute in Anaheim. Sharing magic with the people who dedicate their time to helping others? That’s the good stuff.

Coming up in May:

• May 2: Magic by the Sea with Mat O’Neill – Illusion Magic Lounge, Santa Monica

• May 12: Castle Knights Appreciation Strolling Show – Magic Castle, Hollywood

• May 20: Braille Institute Employee Appreciation – Santa Barbara

• May 21–25: Magically Mental with James Knight – Magic Castle, Hollywood

• May 28–June 1: Mystique Dining – West Jordan, Utah

So yeah… April kept me on my toes, in my jacket, and occasionally in a barong. Let’s see what May has in store.

Ready to turn your next event into a full-blown magical fever dream? Whether it’s a party, corporate event, or an underground bingo tournament — I got tricks, jokes, and a purple suit that won’t quit. Book me now before I’m fully booked, emotionally unavailable, or accidentally become a full-time bingo caller.

www.JonathanMolo.com — Where magic meets mayhem (and occasionally “DEEZ NUTZ”).

— Jonathan Molo

Molo Magic Monthly: Now With 37% More Wand Waving

Taught these future legends that magic is real, dreams are valid and wands are cooler than iPads(at least for today). Career Day Level:Wizard.

Hey magic fam,

March was magical… and April? Even busier than a magician’s coat pocket.

Let’s kick things off with some BIG news:

I WON the Strolling Showdown at The Magic Castle!

Yup. Your boy brought home the trophy—officially making me the best strolling magician that night. (Take that, 10-year-old me doing card tricks in the mirror.)

And I didn’t stop there. I’ve been bouncing from gig to gig like a caffeinated playing card—sharing the stage with my heroes at Rotary Creates Magic in Carlsbad, and co-hosting Conjure Deez Nutz (yes, that’s the real name) with the amazing Jamie Perez at Brue Crue in Riverside. Wild crowds, big laughs, and even bigger moments.

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Where to Catch Me This Month

April 10–11 – AbracaBingo – Hesperia, CA

Bingo + Magic = Chaos you don’t want to miss.

We’re raising funds to build housing for emancipated foster youth, so come laugh, win prizes, and be part of something powerful.

April 12 – Magical Memories: A Family Spectacular – Illusion Magic Lounge, Santa Monica

I’m headlining the Family Matinee Magic Show!

Kid-approved. Parent-surprising. Auntie-tag-worthy.

1 PM | All Ages | Tickets at illusionmagiclounge.com

April 23 – Conjure Deez Nutz – Brew Crue, Riverside, CA

Magic open mic night is back! I’m headlining this one, and yes—it will be just as ridiculous (and magical) as it sounds.

April 25–26 – Illusion Magic Lounge with Mentalist Mat O’niel – Santa Monica, CA

Mind reading meets magic in this tag-team of wonder.

7 PM | All Ages | Tickets at illusionmagiclounge.com

April 28 – Magic Uncorked – Portland, OR

I’m teaming up with the amazing John Stevens in Oregon for a wine-fueled, card-slinging good time. Portland, I hope you’re ready.

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Magic Giveaway Time!

I’m giving away ONE of the following to a lucky Instagram subscriber:

• A FREE 30-minute magic show (valued at $600)

• Or a 1-hour private magic class (valued at $200)

Wanna win? Here’s how:

1. Follow me on Instagram @JonathanMolo

2. Tag 2 friends who love magic, laughter, or free stuff

3. Be in SoCal (unless you’re flying me out… then let’s talk snacks and legroom)

Winner announced soon!

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Magic Moment of the Month: Career Day in Fontana

This month, I joined some real-life heroes—firefighters, police officers, and animal control—at a local elementary school in Fontana for Career Day.

From TK to 5th grade, we inspired kids to dream bigger, believe in themselves, and maybe even pick up a deck of cards. I may have been the magician, but they brought the real wonder.

Grateful to be part of something so meaningful.

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Client Shoutout:

“Since your visit, kids are checking out magic books and believing in themselves. You’ve made a lasting impact on our school—and in their hearts.”

– Mrs. Alvarado, Fontana Elementary School

Excuse me while I go cry into my top hat.

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Let’s Make Magic Together

April and May are nearly full—don’t wait to book your event!

Whether you’re planning a backyard birthday bash, a school assembly, or already thinking about Christmas parties, I’m your magician.

Click here to book me and let’s make some magic.

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Thanks for reading—and remember:

If you didn’t get this in your inbox, you missed out on the magic early!

Subscribe to my newsletter here so you don’t miss the next one.

Stay magical,

– Jonathan Molo

Magician | Dad | Trophy-Winner | Broccoli-to-Pizza Dreamer

Up at 4 AM, On Stage by 8 PM: A Day in the Life of a Magically Mental Magician (a.k.a. The magician who runs on coffee, chaos, and card tricks)

Two minds. One mission: blow yours.

They say magic happens in the blink of an eye—but for me, it starts at 4 AM. Yes. While most people are hitting snooze, I’m already vertical, mildly coherent, and commuting to Fort Irwin with nothing but caffeine, the Holy Spirit, and a playlist that ranges from Disney ballads to 90’s gangster rap (don’t judge me).

By day, I’m at the National Training Center. By night, I’m one half of Magically Mental with the brilliant mind-reader James Knight. We’ve been known to read minds, blow brains, and ruin people’s trust in reality—just the usual evening activities.

The Props, the Prep, and the Perfectionism

Now let’s bust a myth: I don’t just throw props in a bag before showtime like I’m packing for a sleepover. The real prep happens days before. I’m cleaning every item like it’s headed to a TSA inspection, organizing props with military precision, and fine-tuning every single moment of the show.

That includes reviewing old performance videos, tweaking lines, reworking timing, and asking myself deep artistic questions like, “Did that joke land?” and “Why is my bald head so shiny?” It’s all in pursuit of the perfect performance—because the audience deserves the best. (And because magicians are obsessive maniacs.)

The Commute to Wonder

Once the day job’s done, it’s time to head to the Magic Castle. Depending on L.A. traffic, that drive can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to an epic 3-hour saga. It’s like the universe’s way of saying, “You want to perform magic? First, survive this enchanted freeway.” So, I gear up with tunes, patience, and the knowledge that I might arrive at the Castle either fashionably early or just in time for the finale!

The Calm Before the Curtain

Then comes my favorite part: standing behind the curtain at the Magic Castle. The lights are dim, the crowd is buzzing, and I’m about to step out. Just before I’m introduced, I take a moment. I think of my boys—Sebastian, Lennon, and Asher. That puts a big ol’ smile on my face. I tell them each I love them, that this one’s for them. And I say a quick prayer—asking God for the strength to inspire and make the audience laugh, smile, and maybe say, “Okay, that was actually insane.”

Ready for a Grown-Up Night of Mind-Blowing Magic?

If you’re reading this thinking, “I need to see this show!”—first of all, you have excellent taste. Second, here’s the catch: Magically Mental at the world-famous Magic Castle is strictly for adults. No kids, no clowns, no birthday party chaos—just world-class magic, mentalism, and mischief, all with a grown-up twist.

And it’s invite-only—so you’ll need to know a guy (hint: it’s me). Want in? Reach out. Send a message. Bribe me with coffee. If you’re cool (and promise not to yell “I know how you did that!” during the show), I just might send you a golden ticket.

www.JonathanMolo.com