Don’t JULY to Me—I Met Hamilton Porter and Fooled a Sheriff
- Jonathan Molo
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 25
In July, I performed for war heroes, wine lovers, law firms, and two groups of grooms-to-be fueled by tequila and questionable decisions. I taught a 10-year-old how to vanish things (don’t worry, not your car keys), flew to a town smaller than most Costco parking lots, and made magic for a childhood hero from The Sandlot. Let’s rewind this rollercoaster.
Barstow Veterans Home
Started the month off with some of the coolest people in America—veterans who’ve lived more than most of us could dream of. I performed magic, swapped stories, and taught them a few tricks so they could harmlessly mess with their neighbors. Sorry, staff.
Meet My Mini-Me: Aarav
I kicked off a six-week private magic course with my first student ever: 10-year-old Aarav. Week one was all about misdirection, and let me tell you—this kid's already fooling family and friends like a tiny David Copperfield. Proud teacher moment? You bet.
Waldorf Astoria, Dana Point
Three hours of strolling magic for a law firm at one of the most beautiful oceanfront resorts in California. The vibes were so good, I barely noticed I was on my feet the entire time. Fancy suits, ocean views, and magic? I felt like a purple-suited James Bond.
Cathlamet, Washington
Where? Exactly. Population: under 1,000. Number of shows: 4. Number of times someone said, “You’re not from around here, are you?”: At least 6. These small-town legends welcomed me with open arms, big hearts, and the kind of hospitality you only read about in Hallmark movies.
Magic Castle: Night of Magic & Giving
Straight off the plane, I was back in Hollywood performing at the world-famous Magic Castle for the Sheriff of Los Angeles. No pressure, right? The show helped raise money for the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation. Great cause, great crowd, and yes—I met the Sheriff. No, I didn’t make his badge disappear (I thought about it).
Holiday Wine Cellar, Calabasas
Shared the stage with the incredible Tim Wise at a beautiful venue filled with wine, magic, and just the right amount of heckling. If you're wondering: yes, wine makes people believe anything is possible—especially when you pretend to read minds.
Bachelor Parties (Yes, Plural)
Back-to-back weekends. Two future grooms. Enough energy, testosterone, and alcohol to power a rocket. Both parties ended with cheers, gasps, and at least one guy yelling, “Bro, he just read my mind!” Good luck to the brides. You’ve got your hands full.
SAM 22 Magic Lecture
I had the honor of speaking to the magicians at SAM 22. I shared one of my favorite messages: strolling magic is about connection first. How to be kind, intentional, and truly present before reaching for a single prop. Magic is what happens between the tricks, not just during them.
American Cruisers Backpack Giveaway
Back to Barstow for a community event hosted by the American Cruisers Motorcycle Club. They may look like extras from Sons of Anarchy, but they’re absolute teddy bears. Their generosity and commitment to giving back are nothing short of magical.
A Family-Filled July
My oldest son, Sebastian, flew in from Florida and joined me at most of my shows. He helped set up, offered moral support, and bonded with his younger brothers along the way. Magic is great—but magic with your kids by your side? That’s the real trick.
“You’re Killing Me, Smalls!”
One of the most surreal moments of the month? Meeting Patrick Renna—aka Hamilton Porter from The Sandlot. Jamie and I ran into him at Disneyland and I got to perform a little magic for his group. He was gracious, funny, and even took a photo with us. Childhood dreams: fulfilled. Nine-year-old me is still freaking out.
What’s Next: August Preview
August 2–3: Making my family brunch debut at The Magic Castle
August 3–6: Magic Live in Las Vegas (aka the Comic-Con for magicians)
August 8: Rock’n Our Disabilities Murder Mystery in Hesperia
August 11: Ron Saylor’s Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield
Now Booking: Fall & Holiday Events
Heads up:
October, November, and December will book fast.
Planning a Halloween bash? Corporate holiday party? Thanksgiving celebration where your cousin insists on doing karaoke? I’ve got you covered with high-energy, hilarious, interactive magic that leaves people talking long after the curtain falls.
Book The Man in the Purple Suit before the calendar disappears.
Contact:
360-989-6602
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