A Magical Opening: Bookclub
- Guillermo Merlos
- Dec 10, 2025
- 3 min read
On September 21st, I got the chance to open for Jon Schwolsky, who's not just a comedian but also a great artist, at Bookclub. This place is perfect for cozy performances, and that night, it was all about magic lovers. I'd been looking forward to this show all month, so when I walked in, I just knew it was going to be an electrifying night.
A Venue Built for Wonder
Nestled on the corner of 2871 N Lincoln Ave, the entrance leads you into a cozy room of tables, stools, and low conversation. To the right, the bar glows softly; to the left, a projected screen pulses with the action unfolding below. Then, a set of stairs draws you into the underbelly. Down there, the stage sits nearly encircled by the crowd, a rare 270-degree area that feels both secretive and electric. It’s an unusual space, but one taste-made for wonder. The perfect atmosphere for magic.
Setting the Stage (Even Without the Stage)
This was only my second time performing on a stage, which is a big shift from my usual work. I specialize in close-up, walk-around magic and parlor-style sets, so this venue felt like a bit of a departure—especially with its unique layout. In magic, angles matter, and with the stage elevated and the audience wrapped around 270 degrees, I had to be intentional about the material I selected.
I also wanted to match the tone of the night. The lineup included two comedy sets, Jon’s performance, and live music from the band. While I wouldn’t call myself a comedian, I believe laughter is the natural byproduct of play, so I aimed to bring something light and fun to fit the atmosphere. Ultimately, I chose a balls-from-mouth routine and a playful prediction effect.
A Crowd Filled With Curiosity
I must admit, I actively promoted this show on my Instagram stories, which resulted in seeing many familiar faces in the audience. Among them were my parents, close friends, and my partner. There were also many unfamiliar faces present. Some appeared to be regular attendees of Bookclub, while others seemed drawn by the show's intriguing nature.
Act Highlights
While I was performing, I heard all kinds of reactions—laughter, applause, even a few surprised screams. That kind of genuine, amazed energy is exactly why I love doing magic. And during this set, two moments really stood out.
A stream of orange and white mouth coils spills onto the floor. During this moment, the audience got loud with excitement!
Both audiendence participant's reveal that they have the same number. It's a moment of awe when a randomly derived number is predicted ahead of time.
Some Takeaways
Stage work is a strange thing. This performance was a real learning moment for me and for the work I hope to do moving forward. I realized that I actually enjoy performing on platforms like this because of the challenge they bring. I love the intimacy that comes from close up performance. It breaks down the barrier between performer and audience and makes everything feel more personal. But the elevated platform changed my perception of how to connect. That shift in distance became something I had to consciously integrate into my performance, and honestly, it was fun to explore.
I was also extremely nervous. At one point, I kept forgetting one of the volunteers’ names. Fortunately, everything still played out well, but it’s definitely something I’ll refine in the future.
Your best magic happens when you connect, not just perform. That truth showed itself clearly during this set.
Closing Thoughts
I’d like to give a heartfelt shout-out to my support team. They filled the seats for this show beautifully and consistently show up for everything I do. Special thanks to Kat Hassler for volunteering her time to photograph the night. And an especially big thank-you to Jon Schwolsky for thinking of me as one of his openers.
Bookclub is an incredible venue, and I’m excited to see what they continue to create. In the meantime, I’ll keep working gigs and sharpening my craft.
Feel free to watch my entire set below, and remember, play is essential!
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