Last season, I had the privilege of attending The Academy of Magical Arts’ Awards Show, often considered by some to be the equivalent of the Oscars for magic.
While the event was a star-studded spectacle with film and television personality hosts like Jason Segel and Simon Helberg, celebrity magicians such as Mac King and Kevin James in attendance and the legend, David Copperfield presenting an award… the true honor for me, lay in witnessing my long-time mentor and friend, Curtis Kam receive a Special Fellowship Award for Significant Contributions to the Art of Magic.
The industry knows Curtis Kam as the Wizard of Waikiki. But those of us lucky enough to learn and receive guidance from him… who have become better magicians and better people because of his generosity, think of him as… Yoda. A young version. Except taller, better looking, easier to understand, wittier. more entertaining… and with cooler clothes.
He’s a legend to us wizard-types. I believe he’s one of the biggest reasons magic is more sophisticated, entertaining, and appealing to an intelligent audience today than in years past.
He’s a performer, creator, innovator, producer, writer and consultant. He headlined what I believe was the most entertaining show in Hawaii, Magic in Paradise, which ran for 13 years.
“Magic In Paradise” Starring Curtis Kam - The Hale Koa Hotel, Banyon Tree Showroom, Waikiki. Hawaii (circa 1990)
Today you’ll see him performing at corporate events, private engagements and prestigious venues around the globe, including The Magic Castle, Chicago Magic Lounge, The Magic & Mystery Show, and more.
Magicians Curtis Kam, Christopher Moro, Tom Dobrowolski at The Magic Castle, Hollywood, California
During my formative years, he generously guided me, asking what I was interested in, what i wanted to do… he listened to my answers, analyzed what I did up close and on stage… then helped me improve and reach my goals…he kept me thinking, constantly improving, critiquing and directing such that I could hear and absorb it… he gave me jobs and the opportunity to be a featured act in his weekly, full evening stage and illusion show. And he handed me the award for 1st Place in the International Stage Magic Competition.
He continues guiding and teaching me to this day.
Since I was a teenager, I’ve been saying, if I am good, was ever good or ever will be good in this art form, it is because of Curtis Kam.
Left to Right: Magicians Kaulana, Jason Fleming, Kainoa Harbottle, Curtis Kam, David Kuraya, Dr. K (Brad Kerwin) and Christopher Moro at Curtis Kam’s “Magic ‘Ohana,” an exclusice convention for professional magicians.
As you can see… Curtis’ award from the prestigious Magic Castle was well-deserved.
As I watched him accept the award, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and admiration. His acceptance speech was filled with humility and grace as impressive as his magical abilities.
Curtis Kam is creating a legacy of excellence, creativity and generosity. He's not just a magician; he's a mentor, an innovator, a true inspiration and a good friend.
Thank you for all you do, Curtis!
Curtis Kam accepts the Academy of Magical Arts’ Special Fellowship Award, presented to him by International Brotherhood of Magicians Gold Medal Winner, Jade (left).
(About the Author: Christopher Moro is an award-winning magician based in Los Angeles who specializes in corporate entertainment and private events)