Magician Amazes and Amuses Skirball Visitors

Magician Zach Waldman entertained visitors to the Skirball Cultural Center on Saturday, kicking off the museum's Family Amphitheater Performances series.

Dressed in a black suit with a bright green shirt and red tie, Waldman delighted the audience with his sleight of hand and his sense of humor.

“I do a blend of stand-up comedy and magic, unless they don’t laugh, then it’s just a magic show,” Waldman said.

Sticking mainly with the classics, Waldman performed card tricks, used a magic wand and linked and unlinked rings, all with the help of volunteers from the audience. He even gave away one of his secrets, showing the kids how to turn a handkerchief into an egg.

“I just want everyone entertained, whether they’re laughing or whether I’m making a fool of myself or just with the byplay with the audience. That’s what I like. I just like the journey with the audience,” he said.

Families can come sing, dance, see more live magic or get up close and personal with live animals at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 4 in the Skirball’s outdoor amphitheater. The Skirball Center will be closed the weekend of July 16-17 because of the 405 Freeway closure.

The performances are included with the price of admission and no reservation is required. General admission costs $10. Admission is $7 for seniors and full-time students, $10 for children age 2-12. Children under age 2 are free.

Here is the schedule for the Family Amphitheater Performances:

Sun., July 10: Kayamanan Ng Lahi
Experience the richness and diversity of Philippine cultural traditions through the dance and music of Kayamanan Ng Lahi.

Sat., July 23: Arpana Dance Company
India’s rich cultural traditions of dance, drama, music and poetry shimmer to life as Ramya Harishankar weaves motion, color and rhythm into a one-of-a-kind performance.

Sun., July 24: Zak Morgan
Grammy–nominated recording artist Zak Morgan performs songs and poems that inspire and tickle the funny bones of children and adults alike.

Sat., July 30: Wildlife On Wheels
Wildlife On Wheels shares a variety of amazing exotic animals, from the scaly to the furry, and discusses the roles they play in their natural habitats.

Sun., July 31: Family Dance Jam
Move and groove during this lively activity that gets the whole family dancing. Audience members will connect with one another through music in fun and memorable ways.

Sat., Aug. 6: Kinetic Theory

Be dazzled by a one-of-a-kind performance by circus theater arts troupe Kinetic Theory.

Sun., Aug. 7: Lou Serrano, magician
Experience the mind-blowing magic of Lou Serrano with your whole family.

Sat., Aug. 13: The Squeegees
The irresistibly playful songs of The Squeegees encourage environmental awareness, healthy eating and conscious caretaking of animals.

Sun., Aug. 14: Street Beat
The STOMP-inspired, urban percussion group Street Beat uses the ordinary and makes it extraordinary in an explosive percussion celebration that is sure to get you moving.

Sun., Aug. 20: Triumph of the Egg
This music group’s wide-ranging mix of gypsy, blues, funk, Latin and Middle Eastern musical styles creates a unique sound that will please everyone in your family

Sun., Aug. 21: Jason Jiang
Chinese acrobat Jason Jiang is guaranteed to keep you captivated as he spins and balances plates, teacups, his own body and more!

Sat., Aug. 27: Antics Performance
Join Antics Performance for an energetic hip-hop dance performance. Experience popping, locking and break-dance performed by one of L.A.’s best dance groups.

Sun., Aug. 28: We Tell Stories
Don’t miss We Tell Stories as it brings folktales, myths and literature from around the world to life by actively involving audiences in storytelling and improvisation.

Sat., Sept. 3: David Chen, magician
Experience the unique magical talents of David Chen as he dazzles you with his Chinese-themed magic tricks.

Sun., Sept. 4: Balle Fette bu Senegal
Performance group Balle Fette bu Senegal brings the vibrant traditions and culture of West Africa to life through its energetic music and dance.

The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. For information, call 310-440-4500 or visit www.skirball.org.