From the mid-1970's until the late 1990's, live magical entertainment was just a short ride away for many Chicagoans. People flocked to the magic bars to share the laughter and awe generated from the miracles of Chicago magicians. In Now You See Them, Now You Don't, Bill Weimer reflects on the history, the performers, the magic, and the still-told stories of the magic bars he worked: Schulien's Restaurant, New York Lounge, Little Bit O' Magic (I & II), Bit O' Magic, Houdini's Pub, and The Magic Theatre. Joining Bill in looking back to those good old days are dozens of people who were there: the magic bar owners, Bill's co-workers, and fellow magicians who frequented the places. Also included is the book-within-a-book "If You Have Time…" which details the genesis and workings of ten comedic magic routines Bill created and performed at the magic bars. The routines included are: The Small Card - A miniature Bicycle card delivers huge laughs. The Ranch Toucan - Bill's adaptation of Don Alan's Ranch Bird. CUUH - A trick by Bill's long-departed magician uncle. The Cups and Owls - Bill's Cup and Ball Routine. Famous Magician Cards - Magic with trading cards where you're the star. Weimer's Wisdom Teeth - Wind-up chattering teeth find the selected card. I'm Going to Send You a Postcard - Fun with a postcard, a marker, and an odd deck of cards. The Picnic Trick - A new trick that still has some "bugs" in it. The Bottle Trick - Bill's routine for Bottle Through the Table. Multi-Phasic Personality Profile - A quick survey reveals the selected card. "Chicago has a rich history of magic performed in front of your eyes in bars. Bill Weimer has been an integral part of it. From an insider's point of view, he captures priceless stories, memories, and historical details that are a 'must-read' for any fan of close-up magic."--Jim Krenz. "This book is a 'must have' for anyone looking to perform in bars or restaurants!...I'm telling ya!"--Mike Rzeminski. "This history book tells a lot about 'Chicago Style Magic' and the ins and outs of working anywhere in bars, restaurants, and clubs. It also contains many sections that teach novel magic tricks - all original handlings, many original effects - that were Bill's staples in close-up, on platform, and on TV. There is also much humor in this book, both close up and on stage, of situations with many entertainers (magicians and comics), back stage pranks, and true incidents with audiences that are laugh out loud funny."--Ken Morrison. 275 Pages with over 200 photos. Forewords by Bill Malone, William Pack, and Rich Purpura.