Strange brew of magic on tap at Media's Iron Hill Pub

By Len Casterline

Abracadabra! Delaware County now has its own David Copperfield. Everyone who has seen the new magic show at the Iron Hill Brewery in Media on Wednesday nights raves about it and it's all because of John Cassidy , magician and balloon sculptor extraordinaire.

He shows off his tricks and inflated antics at Iron Hill, 30 E. State St., every Wednesday night from 8 to 11 p.m.

"His show is one of the most popular we've ever had,'' said Iron Hill Manager Joseph Lupo. "Everyone, whether children or adults, are amazed at what he does. We get calls all the time from people who want to make sure he'll be here so they can take in the show.''

Cassidy, a resident of Mt. Clare, has been working in the area since 1972, and is best known for his unique and inventive balloon sculptures. At a typical balloon show, he averages about 150 balloon sculptures an hour. His amazing speed has earned him a Guinness World Record and makes him quite entertaining. His record is 468 balloon sculptures in one hour, according to Guinness.

Several television programs have featured Cassidy, including "Martha Stewart Living" and "Good Day Philadelphia."

Whether he is performing for a small group of children or for audiences of hundred, Cassidy says he "feels right at home.''

"When I was about 13 years old, my parents gave me a magic set as a Christmas present and it's been non-stop since then,'' Cassidy said.

"It's my lifetime profession, something I do fulltime. I not only perform at the Iron Hill, I do private parties or functions that are attended by several hundred.''

His wife, Jen, often joins him at his shows.

"I'm not a magician, but I can help him with some tricks or just to do some things on stage,'' she said. Cassidy said the magic and the balloons complement one another. "They're both a lot of fun. That's why they're part of the act and people never get bored.''

"He's constantly working on new tricks or techniques because often times people come to see him over and over again so he has to come up with something new and unique,'' Jen said.

If anyone wants to have John Cassidy perform, they can call him at (610) 917-9927.

Please note that John is currently performing at Gullifty's Restaurant in Rosemont, PA on most Tuesday evenings