The Magic Club That Changed My Life (and the Legend Who Welcomed Me In)

Moments before showtime with the legend himself - Gerry Griffin of the California Magic Club.

A Tribute to a Gentleman of Magic and a Legend of the Craft

When you first walk up to the California Magic Club in downtown Martinez, you feel it — that spark of nostalgia and anticipation that only a true supper club can inspire. The glow of vintage lamps, the faint sound of swing music, and the whispers of laughter drifting through the door remind you that something special is about to happen.

Step inside, and you’re surrounded by the history of magic itself — photos of legends, posters of icons, and signed mementos from the who’s who of the art form. Every wall tells a story. Every seat has hosted wonder. This isn’t just a club… it’s a living museum built on passion, performance, and community.

At the center of it all is Gerry Griffin — the founder, the heart, and the soul of the California Magic Club.

I first met Gerry back in 2023 at a magic convention. I had always heard about this legend of the Bay Area — a gentleman of magic, a teacher, a performer, and above all, someone who made everyone around him feel like family. After one conversation, Gerry invited me to perform at his club. I had no idea at the time that I would soon step onto one of the most special stages in the world — not because of the lights or the applause, but because of the man behind it all.

The Magic of Gerry Griffin

Gerry Griffin’s story is one of passion meeting purpose. He discovered magic as a kid growing up in Northern California, and by the age of 19, he opened his first shop, Sophisticated Sorcery, in Antioch in 1977. His dream grew into something even bigger — to share the wonder of magic with others.

That dream became reality in 2004, when he and his wife, Laura, opened the doors to the California Magic Club in downtown Martinez. Designed in the spirit of the classic supper club era, it combined elegant dining, laughter, and world-class magic into one unforgettable night out. Since then, thousands of guests have experienced its warmth — dining, drinking, and being amazed by magicians from across the globe.

Gerry didn’t just build a venue. He built a home for magic.

A Night to Remember

When I first stepped onto that stage, I was nervous. But before I even performed a single trick, Gerry greeted me with his trademark smile, a hug, and a joke — the kind that only he could deliver. Think dad jokes, but with the smooth confidence of Frank Sinatra. He made everyone laugh, including the servers, the guests, and every magician lucky enough to perform there.

Then I watched Gerry perform. I had always known him as a heavyweight of close-up magic, but that night I saw a true master of the stage. His charm, humor, and heart filled the room. The magic wasn’t just in his hands — it was in his presence.

And after the show, when the lights dimmed and guests lingered for one more story, one more laugh, one more memory — I understood why people kept coming back. It wasn’t just the magic. It was Gerry.

The Gentleman of Martinez

Recently, I got a message from Gerry asking if I would come out to perform “one last time.” When I asked what he meant, he said he was retiring — after 48 years in magic and 21 incredible years running California Magic Club. It was bittersweet to hear. The man who gave so much to the art was stepping away from the spotlight, but doing so on his own terms — with grace, gratitude, and joy.

That’s Gerry. Always classy. Always kind. Always doing things his way.

He said something that stuck with me:

“Magic has always been about more than tricks—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and connection. I wanted to build a place where magic lives and thrives… where it’s seen the way it was meant to be seen.”

And he did exactly that.

As Gerry passes the deck to his dear friend and fellow magician John Gardenier, the legacy continues. The California Magic Club — with all its laughter, history, and heart — remains in good hands. But there will never be another Gerry Griffin.

Thank You, My Friend

To you, my brother — thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the lessons. You’ve taught so many of us what it means to be not just a magician, but a gentleman of magic. The kind of magician who makes people believe again.

You’ve created a place where magic truly lives.

And when I grow up, I still want to be like Gerry Griffin.

-Jonathan Molo

The Man in the Purple Suit