About a decade ago, The Gazette highlighted 15-year-old “Magic Max” Erdrich when he started making waves locally as a budding magician while he was a student Quince Orchard High School. Now, Max has opened what’s currently the only brick and mortar shop entirely devoted to magic in the state of Maryland (and the whole DC Metro area, according to Max). Preview video below, including a trick performed by Max.
Maximum Magic Shop is now open at 12944 Travilah Rd C suite 201 in Potomac. You’ll have to go through a door, up the stairs, and down the hallway to find the shop, but once you’re inside you may find a a few local magicians hanging out as you browse the store for your newest trick or magic set. The store sells tricks and offer lessons/lectures to learn magic.
Max picked up his first magic set at the very popular Barry’s Magic Shop in Rockville, which “vanished” back in 2012 after 38 years of doing business in Montgomery County– the first 33 on Georgia Avenue in Wheaton and the last five on Nicholson Ln. in Rockville. Barry Taylor, the owner of Barry’s Magic Shop, was present and having a blast interacting with visitors at the grand opening of Maximum Magic Shop.
Max got his start performing at the nearby Ledo Pizza on Darnestown Rd on Friday nights. He continues to entertain at Ledo Pizza on Westlake Dr. (next to Montgomery Mall) every other Thursday evening. Early on, Max would get personal advice via the Internet from Luke Dancy, consultant to popular magician Criss Angel.
Hours of operation: Monday: 12pm-6pm, Tuesday: 12pm-6pm, Wednesday: CLOSED, Thursday: 12pm-4pm, Friday: 12pm-6pm, Saturday: 12pm-6pm, Sunday: 12pm-3pm.