Carly Montan
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s very own magician, Jeff Gastelum, can choose your card correctly during snack, put your cell phone into a balloon or pull cards out of his stomach, or can he?
Gastelum started his magic career at the young age of six years old, when his uncle Lando taught him his first magic trick, “the vanishing silk.” Since then, Gastelum taught himself other magic tricks.
“My uncle has been a big inspiration. I’m sure he’d be proud of what I’ve done,” Gastelum said.
To find inspiration and learn new tricks, Gastelum looks up to accomplished professional magicians such as Dai Vernon, Aaron Fisher, David Blaine, William Praven and Daniel Garcia. Most of all though, Gastelum looks to his uncle with admiration. Like many of his inspirations, he has a stage name: Jeff Favor.
“Like the magicians I am inspired from, I plan to be a professional magician and a mentor to fellow starting magicians. I already have a start with private parties, events and birthdays,” Gastelum said
He was asked to be a part of the Costa marching band’s marching show “Are You Watching Closely?” this year. He gladly accepted the role of the magician in the show. During the performance, Gastelum enhanced the audiences’ enjoyment through his creation of interesting and intricate illusions.
“I think that he adjusted very well to learning how to march and take part in marching band drills. He adds a special touch to our show that makes it a lot more fun to watch,” marching band member junior Ricky Hoft said.
One of his illusions involvedchanging a costume of a band member to a color guard member’s costume. As part of the show, he also “played” the bass drums, marched as a piccolo player, and moved the band all around the field with his mystical and magical powers.
“The tricks he does are really professional, and he really exceeded everyone’s expectations,” senior band drum major Amie Simmons said
Gastelum is known for his impressive card tricks, grand scale illusions, “freak tricks” (where he makes it appear as if he breaks his arm) and much more. He can be seen around school spitting up cards or pushing items through balloons.
“Jeff is certainly braver than most to just go ahead and put on a show for anyone and everyone,” senior member Matt Gafney said.
When he is not performing magical illusions and card tricks for his friends, Gastelum plays guitar, cooks, bakes and takes long walks on the beach. He plans on playing the saxophone next year in marching band.
“He’s really talented and it is easy to get lost within his magic tricks because they change right before your eyes,” said senior Katie Bickel.
Gastelum will be auditioning for the Magic Castle’s Junior Member program in Hollywood. The progran allows the junior members access to the castle and a chance to learn from the best in the business. Occasionally, they are even allowed to perform for a live audience.
“I am very excited to be auditioning and I have been preparing for this for the past year. Hopefully I do well!” Gastelum said.
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