Longtime Hancock Park resident and master magician Bernie Shine is performing his “tabletop” show in “Magic Salons” on select evenings at the Sofitel Hotel. The next salons are on Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26, and Friday, Sept. 1 and Saturday, Sept. 2.

Master magician Bernie Shine (second from left) was joined at a recent “Magic Salon” by Comedy Central’s “RoastMaster General” Jeff Ross (left), “Hollywood Squares” host Peter Marshall and wife Laurie, and Alison Martino. (photo courtesy of Bernie Shine)

Shine combines playing card wizardry with mind-boggling mentalism. His magic is close-up and personal, intimate and inexplicable. He has been described as “reclusive and exclusive,” a performer who quietly chooses his venues in his own unique manner. Shine was a frequent performer in the early days of the Magic Castle in the 1970s, but now rarely does public performances. A recent show attendee, “Hollywood Squares” host Peter Marshall, said, “Bernie Shine is one of the most fascinating and charming men my wife and I have had the pleasure of knowing. We would watch him perform anywhere, anytime. He’s got old school charm and that’s what we like. There are lots of magicians, but he’s different. He’ll mesmerize your heart.”

Shine is a retired attorney who has created many original magical effects. One of his fellow performers, Phoenix mentalist Brett Barry, has aptly described him as “A legend within a mystery.” And British actor/magician Andy Nyman, has noted “I love watching Bernie do magic. It’s like stepping back in time to the glory days at the Magic Castle.”

Tickets for the Sofitel Hotel shows are $49. The Sofitel Hotel is located at 8555 Beverly Blvd. For information and upcoming dates, visit BernieShine.com.