Las Vegas magician Steve Dacri died yesterday of colon cancer. From the LVRJ: Steve Dacri, a veteran magician whose "close-up" illusions could make foam balls appear in your clenched fist, died Friday after a long bout with colon cancer.The Boston native moved to Las Vegas in 2003, after years of commuting from Los Angeles to work at Caesars Magical Empire, a bygone attraction that offered a rare stage for close-up magic on the Strip.
Dacri and his wife, Jan, worked for most of the decade to find a workable vehicle for a niche of magic that gave him 38 years in the trade. His close-up genre took root at Hollywood's Magic Castle nightclub and played best with audiences of 50 or less.
His was a sleight of hand utilizing small objects -- playing cards, handkerchiefs and the signature foam balls he called "Martians" -- rather than the large illusions that are the basis of most Las Vegas magic acts. http://www.lvrj.com/living/illusionist-veteran-magician-dacri-dies-116060709.html
Our family was fortunate to see Dacri last year at the Hilton he was very, very good. After the show, he was kind enough to meet the audience and give out autographs. He also talked to my son about magic and how to get started in doing magic tricks.
He will be sorely missed in Las Vegas.
update: Here is Steve's blog that goes up into January and he discusses his cancer: http://stevedacri.wordpress.com/
I worked with Steve at Hilton for over a year. He was an absolute riot - always cheerful and happy go lucky. He had kind words for everyone and never missed out on a chance to make someone smile. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. My prayers will be offered for Jan and his family - take comfort in the fact that Steve is in heaven. His suffering is over. He will remain alive in our hearts and our memories because love never dies. R
ReplyDeleteSteve Dacri. What can I say. I have known Steve since the age of 12. We first met at the Worcester, MA. Y.M.C.A. Steve sparked my interest in magic, and taught me more than he ever knew. I will miss seeing him and talkingb with him. He was my mentor. R.I.P. Steve. Thank you for everything!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for sharing. He was a very good man from what people have been saying.
ReplyDeleteMany people aren't aware that in addition to close-up magic, Steve also was a radio personality. He would often appear with fellow magician Magic Matt Alan on Outlaw Radio. (OutlawRadio.tv) We'd be surprised if they didn't do a tribute for Steve on this Saturday's show. Steve had a great sense of humor and a warm, friendly voice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and everyone who loved this great man.
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