2021 GOLDEN WAND OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Alan Kratish

"The Grape Wiz"

 

A native South Floridian, Alan has been an avid magic enthusiast and performer since grade school.

 

At fourteen, he won the Youth Stage Competition at the Florida State Magicians Convention. More trophies followed.

 

During the '70's and '80's, while earning his BBA and JD degrees at UM, he co-owned the Biscayne Magic & Joke Shop, where he once taught magic to Muhammad Ali!

 

Since then, he's managed to lead a happy, magical life without resorting to practical use of either degree.

 

In 1985, Alan opened the critically acclaimed Sauce of Life Cafe, a fine dining restaurant, with his brother as chef. Alan managed the "front of the house" and entertained patrons with magic.

 

Alan has also consulted for TV commercials, performed at trade shows and private parties, written articles in magazines for magicians, and taught private magic classes.

 

His career in the wine industry, and an affinity for  purple, led to the sobriquet, "GrapeWiz."

 

Since 2015, Alan has guided aspiring young wizards through the Discover Magic program, while teaching them important life skills and introducing them to the fun and mystery of prestidigitation.