BILLWEIMER
BOOKS AND MUSIC
Now You See Them, Now You Don't
My life in the magic bars of Chicago
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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 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.​
​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. - magician Jim Krenz
Available in 2 Versions!
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For Magicians (left) – the original version, which also includes 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.
For Everyone Else (right) – The Special Edition, without the magic technical talk and the magic routines, offering the lay audience an inside look at the long-gone magic bars and clubs where it was “fun to be fooled.” Newly updated in 2025, Bill's latest edition dives into the thrilling evolution of Chicago's magic bar scene since its 2014 debut, spotlighting the rise of the iconic Chicago Magic Lounge (1.0 and 2.0) and Bill’s own unforgettable role in its creation and legacy.
For more details, go to www.magicbarbook.com
​​Weimer's Stuff!
Bill's magic routines loved at the Chicago magic bars
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Packed with 25 original routines, Weimer's Stuff! showcases the magic Bill developed and performed over the years, from his early Little Bit O' Magic days to The Chicago Magic Lounge 2.0 and beyond.
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These audience-tested effects are not only mystifying but also designed to entertain - capturing the spirit of places like New York Lounge, whose motto was "It’s Fun to be Fooled."
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Each routine includes performance notes and professional tips, offering valuable insights for magicians of all experience levels.
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Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, Weimer Stuff! is packed with practical, fun routines that are sure to amaze - and amuse - any audience.
For more details, go to www.magicbarbook.com
The BIGG Show
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Harvey Bigg, a veteran nightclub performer, got his huge show business break in the fall of 1954 by hosting a network variety series that presented comedy, singing, and dancing.
Although off-screen he was irritable and demanding, "Happy Harvey," as he was publicly known, became a hit across the country by the end of the year.
In January 1955, Harvey, attempting to outshine the Ed Sullivan show, had a Bigg idea for a television special. An idea that was extraordinary, risky, and somewhat bizarre.
What could possibly go wrong? Plenty!
In The BIGG Show, follow Harvey and his company as they react to the pitfalls and demands of live TV, prickly personalities, and hilarious circumstances.
Reader comments: ​
...What a fun look at life in times gone by. A very entertaining story combining humor, drama, and interesting plot twists... It was very hard to put this book down.​​
...Reading this book made me feel nostalgic like I was watching a classic movie of the past or a modern feel-good movie.​
GOTCHA GAS
The Debacle Near Roswell
Co-Written with Mike Banak
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In July 1947, dozens of vehicles are stranded at Gotcha Gas, the world’s biggest gas station. Trapped beneath the mid-day sun, outraged motorists are erupting into violent altercations by the minute, unaware they are within the blast radius of a poorly-planned US Army bomb test. With all communication officially down, can everyone be saved with only one hour before blast time?
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A fast-paced, side-splitting story of military bungling, ham-fisted police, crooked politicians, mob rule and big business, GOTCHA GAS will forever change your view of the Roswell Incident.
Reader comments: ​
...It is somehow a cross between an old radio drama and "Rocky and Bullwinkle" with more than a touch of “It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World” thrown in for good measure.​​
...Really imaginative and well written. The book was a lot of fun to read. It was really just plain crazy at times, jaw-dropping crazy at times.​
Bill Weimer Music, reimagined by AI
WORDS AND MUSIC by BILL WEIMER
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Since 2021, Bill’s YouTube channel Bill Weimer Music has featured an ever-growing collection of humorous and original songs written by Bill and performed by Bill and Gotcha Gas co-author Mike Banak.
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Now, under the banner Bill Weimer AI Covers, Bill has reimagined many of these songs using cutting-edge AI technology - enhancing their production quality, exploring new arrangements, and giving each tune a fresh, professional sound.
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The result is Bill Weimer Music, reimagined by AI - a lively mix of musical styles, including jazz, tropical, country and country rock, blues, big band, rock ’n’ roll, folk, psychedelic rock, children’s music, and even a Christmas song!
For more details, go to www.magicbarbook.com