Phil brought two guest performers to Morocco's last night -- David Hirata and Fred Lee. We really got a deal for our cover charge. The audience was small, so we got to interact casually with the performers. It felt like an at-home evening, except we didn't have to wash dishes afterwards. The show was great, as was the food. It was as much fun trying to guess the spices as how the tricks were done. The couscous was light and fluffy, and the popovers were exotically spiced. Phil has a great audience rapport. He "let slip" how some of the tricks were done, only to amaze with something completely unexplainable! He told a charming tale of boyhood magic. The volunteers from the audience, and therefore all of us, were made to feel comfortable and relaxed. David is great with cards, ropes, and spoons. But I've figured out how he bends the silverware. Heat beams come out of his eyes, I'm pretty sure. Like Phil, he's great with audience members of all stripes. Fred is a young guy that does some serious stage hypnosis. This is for real, folks. His grand finale was a completely mystifying telepathy demonstration. In all a great show! read more

We checked reviews, asked friends, and looked at Bay Area Parent to find a magician for our daughter's "Harry Potter/magic" themed party. Mr. Ackerly had the best reviews and recommendations, and his fee was the same as less-impressive entertainers. He arrived on time, cheerful and joking even at the end of his day (we were his last gig on a Saturday night), and set up quickly. His show was funny, engaging, age-appropriate (performing for a group of 9 year old girls), and he did a great job of making the birthday girl feel special and still involving all of the guests (9 girls total). Phil added "custom" comments fitting our theme, so the show didn't seem cookie cutter; and because the girls were interested in one particular trick, he added a couple of other related tricks (after asking us permission) and extended the hour long show by about 20 minutes at no additional cost. He really seemed like he was enjoying himself the whole time, and the girls were totally engaged laughing, "oooh-ing," and wondering how he did everything . . . He's a pro and having seen some of his competitors at other events, we highly recommend him. read more

Phil came to an event I was managing for a physician offsite. It was key to lighten the weekend up with some fun entertainment after having to sit through a morning of financial seminar information for these docs. Furthermore, we needed to find the perfect mix of entertainment for about 15 kids ages 1-12 and 30 plus adults during a cocktail and dinner party. Phil roamed through the crowd during the cocktail party and performed astounding tricks during the dinner portion and then put on a fabulous show for about 45 minutes after dinner. It was the right mix of magic and pure joy for all. I received many compliments for my choice of speakers for the weekend, but Phil got the most compliments. He was well worth the money and definitely affordable. He is able to personalize some of the tricks if you are able to give him some material up front. Phil was personable over the phone, easy to work with and from the first conversation I had with him, I knew he was going to try to make this the best evening for me and my guests. Would highly recommend and he will a certain return to our parties for sure. read more

I've hired Phil a couple of times now, most recently for my daughter's 6th birthday. All the kids said it was the best party ever and the parents that attended were just as impressed. I've seen him a couple of other times at others' parties and just love watching him. His show never gets old. He is great with young kids, keeping them entertained with great magic and comedy. The tricks Phil does are amazing; everyone young and old says "how did he do that?" after each trick. I just told the kids it was real magic. Phil has my warped sense of humor and keeps the kids laughing throughout the show. His humor is great because it not only makes the kids laugh but includes references to music, TV shows, movies, etc. that are very funny for the adults. I've only seen the shows aimed at the kids and have been thoroughly entertained. I'm anxious to see what his adult show is like. If you haven't seen Phil and are wondering about hiring him, just do it! The smiles he left on all of the kids' faces made the show worth every penny. read more

Phil performed last week at our company's annual celebration. The kudos are STILL coming in regarding how amazing he is - what a plethora of excitement he created!!! We selected Phil's "Mingle Magic" for the beginning of the evening, and then tailored the "Holiday Stand-up" show to our audience of ages 2-60+. He took the time to meet with me prior to our event to learn a bit about our company, and those personal touches that he included - like asking some of the children to act as his assistants or doing card tricks for our exec team - also ensured that the evening was a smashing success. I think the highlight of the evening was when he made it "snow" and produced a fully intact newspaper article about our company after having shredded it in front of our eyes. Simply astonishing!!! I would most highly recommend him for to anyone who is looking for some special entertainment for their party, picnic, or holiday event. We certainly plan to ask Phil to join us again at our company picnic in the late summer - he is SPECTACULAR!!! read more

We hired Phil for our 9 year-old's birthday and he was just awesome. He caught the kids attention from the time he entered for setup until he left. Phil was not only very entertaining to the kids, but he also caught the adults attention for the full hour with no problem. Phil's show is Vegas show quality and kids appropriate. His illusions are so believable and yet hard to believe possible. He is a true professional, funny, and full of energy. It was worth every penny and more. All my guest asked for his number and I provided his contact information as well as my co-workers whom I also referred Phil especially for company parties. He made my daughter's party very special and memorable. Thank you Phil and may God bless your business and dream even more. read more

It was worth of the charges and decision of celebrating our 8 year old Boy's birthday with magic show. Phil was really co-operative right from starting show few mins late on our request as guests showed up late. When the show started , everyone was amazed and trying to figure out is there a really magic or just trick. And this question was not answered after show too :-). Show was so good that adults enjoyed as well and believe me I forgot to order pizzas for kids as I was keen on magical happenings. All kids were laughing , wondering and happy throughout. Most of them got to participate as well People reading review should go ahead and give Phil a chance to make their party more enjoyment and long lasting memories Cheers Rajesh read more

Our 5 year old son's birthday party was a smashing success and Magician Phil had lots to do with it. Phil was easy to book, helpful with preliminary information, and able to follow through with all he promised. He was timely, organized, and very talented. We had 26 five year old boys who were rivited for an hour, not to mention an addional 45 people (parents and siblings) who were equally entertained on the periphery of the show. Phil welcomed and performed to all of them. There were several parents who were surprised their kids were able to sit for the show and several others who asked where I found such a great performer. I highly recommend Phil Ackerly for your young person's party!! read more

My husband & I booked Phil's show for my son's 6th birthday party, in December 2015. I learned of Phil from here, on Yelp. We were very impressed; Phil's performance was interactive and entertaining for the children as well as the parents, who stayed. Phil's presentation was age appropriate and engaging for the all of the children. He made my son the star of the show--he was levitated and got to hold the bunny! Phil was also very good at controlling the crowd of 4 - 6 year olds; he was good at keeping the children away from the stage, quiet, and focused . . . and without raising his voice! Phil even had goodie bags for the children to take home! I highly recommend Phil's magic show! read more

Phil Ackerly was an amazing magician and has a wonderfully warm sense of humor. My sisters and I hired Phil to entertain my father on his 80th birthday celebration, after being highly recommended by my daughter's elementary school where he has performed shows year after year. Phil not only can entertain the very young, he was equally if not more enjoyable to adults alike. His magic tricks were astounding even with my father's background in magic, we were all very pleased with his performance. And he was more than happy to accommodate our party details too. I would definintely recommend Ackerly Entertainment to any and all ages. We had a blast!!! read more

Phil performed for our son's Bar Mitzvah, entertaining over 100 people during a 2 hour period. He was one of three magicians recommended by our local magic shop. He is extremely professional promptly returning calls and emails. He was the only one of the three to tell me over the phone how he was going to customize the performance to our event. To the others, it seemed like I was just another client. When it came to the big day, he did not disappoint. His effects were perfect for the wide age range at the party. His patter was funny, personal, and tailored to our family's event. Phil was the perfect choice for our party. Highly recommended!! read more

I am a raving fan of Phil Ackerly!! Hired him 4 times already and now thinking graduation party in 2015. He made magic "appearances" at two of our children birthday parties, at my husband's 50th birthday celebration, and just last week he provided first class magic and comedy for my client appreciation party with over 80 guests. His talents are many and his personality is humorous and engaging by nature. Into his shows he weaves in facts and fun involving the person of honor - so each show is truly special and tailored to the audience. Phil's magic never fails to leave the audience in awe and thoroughly entertained. FIVE STARS for Phil. read more

Phil performed for my twin sons' 7th birthday party. He customized his performance to their interests and made them both feel incredibly special while involving their friends and guests as well. He controlled the crowd with ease and was hilarious! The parents were as thoroughly entertained as the kids!!! Phil is thoughtful and goes out of his way to make events memorable and thoroughly enjoyable. Not many people can capture the attention of a room full of 7 year old boys for an HOUR. But Phil can. I've heard from several parents of guests at the party that their kids want Phil at their next birthday too!! Bravo and thank you, Phil. read more

Phil's magic had us in splits, curious, excited and happy all at the same time. Phil entertained a small birthday party of 12 kids and a host of adults for my son's 5th birthday. He arrived promptly on time and kicked off the show with very lively music and exceptionally well coordinated acting skills. He is a complete entertainment package. We are extremely happy with our choice to sign up for Phil though he was priced higher than his counterparts. His ability to gear his magic to all ages and be fully engaged with the audience has all of us talking about his presentation even today. Many thanks for a fun filled memorable event. read more

Phil just entertained over 30 adult guests at Holy Spirit Church for the annual luncheon hosting the Santa Clara Catholic Charities Handicapables Program and he was AWESOME! As one might expect from an experienced performer, Phil's stories, jokes and one-liners flow easily. But what made him exceptional was that he included and engaged the guests in his act so skillfully, calling them by name (he memorizes so quickly!) and playing off their participation. He made the show so "personal" and really made our honored guests feel so special! As a community of faith, that made us so happy. We will definitely have Phil visit again! read more

Phil has been our special guest for 13 years. We have invited him to our annual Celebration Night which acknowledges the consistent reading efforts of our elementary school students. His performance is a huge treat for our readers ranging from 5 to 10 years of age. They have greatly enjoyed his magic tricks, his sense of humor, and his approachability. Not only did the kids have fun but the parents also appreciate Phil and his performance. What's more, his tricks change every year, and I have never seen the same trick twice. I would highly recommend Phil for any occasion. read more

We had Phil perform at our daughter's 10th birthday party. Our audience was a mix of 10 year old girls, some younger kids and several adults. The show was a big hit with adults and children alike. Phil held the attention of the audience from the beginning till the end with his refreshing and witty mix of comedy and magic. Our party had a "Harry Potter" theme and Phil gladly blended that into his show. Overall, an absolute pleasure to work with - pleasant, professional, and a genuine entertainer! I wholeheartedly recommend Phil. read more

If I could do it over, I wouldn't change a thing! Punctual, in great spirits, and able to please a crowd, Phil was great! My son turned 4 and this was my first attempt at throwing a birthday party. I needed something fun and entertaining since the crowd included kids from 2 years to 8 and their parents. Phil made everyone laugh and tried to include all the children, including the really big ones, in his routine. If you are looking for entertainment for your next birthday party, look no further. Phil is your magic man! read more

Phil was such a pleasure to work with. Easy to communicate and schedule. He was diligent about getting all the information from me about my children's names/age etc. He arrived early, warmed up by entertaining the early birds at the party. He was very adjusting to the last minute shifts of timing and entertained the children as well as the parents! Awesome person to work with and created some memorable moments. I would highly recommend him to a party that needs stress free entertainment. Thanks Phil! read more