These days we need a little more laughter, wonder, and entertainment in our lives and Greg Van Holsbeck delivers that in spades. He is the magician and talent behind the one-man magic show Handcrafted Mysteries since 2018 and voted “Best Local Illusionist” by Inland Empire Magazine.
I had the great fortune of seeing his show at Rev’d Up Coffee in Claremont and it was thoroughly impressive, entertaining, and down right fun. There were many moments in the show where my jaw was to the floor in amazement and fascination! How did he do that?!
Handcrafted Mysteries magic shows are very engaging where most people in the audience participate in one way or another. “My hope is to make everyone feel like they are a part of the magic,” explained Greg as we chatted about his journey as a magician.
His magic shows are for all ages and ideal for any occasion such as date night, birthday, friends gathering, or just wanting to do something different.
You can catch Handcrafted Mysteries at The Claremont Book Forum every Thursday at 8 p.m. (PT) beginning June 16, 2022.
Be sure to purchase your ticket ahead of time as seating is limited. Enter the code missclaremont for a 30% discount (Thanks, Greg!)
Greg’s obsession for magic began at the young age of 10 when he got his hands on a magic kit. Fast forward more than 15 years, he has made a career as a magician performing private events and various public ticketed shows at the DoubleTree Hotel, a year long residency at The Claremont Book Forum, and two recent shows at the exclusive Magic Castle in Hollywood. “The last 3 years I have been working hard to get booked at The Magic Castle and have performed for the first time this past October and again last week,” said Greg.
I was lucky enough to chat with Greg and ask him questions about his journey as a magician in this exclusive Q&A.
Q: What inspired you to be a magician?
A: When I was about 10 years old, my Uncle gave my brother a magic kit for Christmas. My brother didn’t touch it for a while but then I found it. I would beg my parents for more magic kits. I started branching out to classic magic books and I am still always learning and improving.
Q: When did Handcrafted Mysteries get its start?
A: I started doing free and public shows in the area to get a taste for it and develop my performing style. Later I wanted to do my own thing, with my own material which is how the title Handcrafted Mysteries was created. I wanted it to be known that these are my own tricks and ideas that I am inventing. In 2018 I performed at the DoubleTree Hotel and bounced around different locations like Feelin Groovy Café and a winery in Rancho Cucamonga until I landed a residency at The Claremont Forum Bookstore where I performed over 56 shows there in 2019.
Q: What are common questions you get after a show?
A: A lot of people ask how I got started. They also ask if I have ever heard of the Magic Castle or have performed at the Magic Castle. Funny thing is people ask me how I do my tricks which I do not reveal *ha ha*
Q: What’s the best part of being a magician?
A: I like the creativity aspect of being a magician. My favorite is having an idea, working on it, doing it, and people responding to it. Magic is a form of art especially in the way you are presenting it.
Q: What’s a misconception about magicians you’d like to address?
A: The thing I run into the most is people assume that magic is just for kids. My magic shows aren’t specifically designed for kids, anyone can attend!
Q: What occasions can people hire you for?
A: People hire me for company parties, holidays parties, birthdays, and family parties where I go to their house. Pretty much any occasion people want to be entertained. The best way to contact me for booking is through my email at gregvanholsbeck@gmail.com or by phone at (626) 343-7578.
Grab your tickets while you can and enter the code missclaremont for 30% off at checkout.
Visit the Handcrafted Mysteries’ official website to sign up for news, updates, and promotion.
You can reach out to Greg at gregvanholsbeck@gmail.com for booking inquiries.
I’ve never been to a magic show. But after reading your article about Handcrafted Mysteries, now I’m inspired to come to one of Greg’s magic shows. They sound delightful, and great fun for the whole family.