I thought I had the coolest shoes…I did not! Meet the Golden Magician.

One of my favorite things about magic is watching it get passed from one generation to the next.

It's easy to think of magic as something you learn from books or YouTube videos, but so much of it is learned by spending time with other magicians—sharing ideas, practicing together, and getting excited over a new trick.

That's exactly what I saw when I met seven-year-old Benny, better known as The Golden Magician.

Like a lot of kids, Benny can be a little quiet when you first meet him. But mention magic, and suddenly he's all smiles, talking about his favorite illusions, the tricks he's wants to learn next, and the shows he dreams of performing someday.

One of the coolest parts has been watching young magicians encourage one another. My son, Uriah, is 15, and despite the age difference, he and Benny immediately connected over tricks, sleight of hand, and everything magic. It was just two magicians sharing ideas and having fun, as it should be.

That's what makes the magic community so special. Whether you're seven or seventy, everyone remembers what it was like to be inspired by someone else.

We thought it would be fun to hear how a 7-year-old thinks about magic.

What got you interested in magic?

I watched a magic show during dinner at Steven’s Best Magic in Pigeon Forge. I got called up on stage and got a coloring book afterward.

Do your friends think it’s cool that you’re a magician?

Yes! They say I’m a real magician because they saw me perform at a CHOC show.

What was the first trick you ever learned?

The first trick I learned was the coloring book trick when I was five years old.

Do you have a favorite card?

The 7 of Hearts.

If you could perform magic anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Definitely Hollywood and Las Vegas. If I can pick two, Mom!

Do you like making people laugh, fooling them, or surprising them the most?

Fooling them—but I also like surprising them because when I fool them, they’re surprised!

What’s harder: learning magic or keeping the secrets?

Ummm... both.

If you could magically make one thing appear right now, what would it be?

Definitely a bunny.

Have you ever practiced magic when you were supposed to be sleeping?

Yes! Sometimes I think about what I’m going to do for a trick and picture in my head what I saw a magician do that day.

Do your teachers know you’re a magician?

Yes. I’ve even done school projects about magic.

What advice would you give to other kids who want to learn magic?

Never tell anybody how you do it. Practice a lot. And try lots of tricks to see what you like.

Have you ever accidentally scared someone with a trick?

Yes! When I showed Jakob the Finger Cutter trick, right before I put the blade down, he pulled his finger out because he got so scared.

What’s your favorite place you’ve performed?

Tom’s Farms, because it’s like Anthony’s show.

A few fun would you rather questions…

Would you rather make a rabbit appear or make yourself disappear?

First, I would make the rabbit appear. Then I’d put it backstage, and after that I would disappear. That’s going to be my grand finale!

Would you rather have a magic wand or a magic hat?

A magic hat. I would make it float by itself, then make myself appear from the floating hat. And it would make rabbits appear all by itself too!

Would you rather be the best at card tricks or perform giant illusions?

Both. I can’t choose just one of those.

Would you rather perform for kids or adults?

Kids because they are impressed by me.

Benny is a great reminder that every magician starts somewhere.

Today he's the one looking up to the performers he admires. Tomorrow, he'll be the one inspiring another young magician to pick up a deck of cards or learn their very first trick.

Watching kids like Benny and Uriah share ideas and encourage each other makes me excited about where magic is headed. The next generation isn't waiting for their turn, they're already creating it, one trick at a time.

-Jamie Perez

Molo Magic LLC