Rob Zabrecky has had a lifetime obsession with creation and live performance. Since the late 1980s, the native Angelino's considerable abilities include respected efforts in songwriting, magic & mentalism, & acting. During his early 20s, he assisted college friends in conceptualizing and opening Jabberjaw, the now defunct bizarre Los Angeles art affiliated coffeehouse, which showcased local and nationwide touring artists and bands. It was there he showed original artwork and performed in several musical projects while forming the musical quartet Possum Dixon, which he operated as lead vocalist, songwriter, and bassist. The band toured the United States and Europe throughout the 1990s, receiving accolades for Zabrecky's innately inventive lyrical sense, as well as performing high energy, and sometimes chaotic shows. Spin magazine remarked, "Zabrecky's new wave-noir vignettes are littered with overheard conversations, chattering radios, lucky numbers, and visitors from other planets - the markings of one man's attempt to make some sense out of postmodern chaos." Raygun magazine described the group as, "a rough-yet polished band whose anguished pop songs and intelligent, esoteric lyrics are love themes for the dysfunctional 90s." During this time the band released three full-length albums for Interscope Records (along with two EPs & 7inch vinyl only releases on other independent record labels). Additionally, as a soloist songwriter, he recorded and wrote songs with luminaries such as Beck, Rick Ocasek (The Cars), Fred Schneider (The B-52s) fronted seminal Los Angeles art-punk band, The Human Hands for a series of reunion shows, and a host of not so famous, but brilliant minds.

During his tenure in Possum Dixon, he discovered another performing art... magic. His early performances included an original character, The Ghastly Griffith whom he created by melding his love of silent film and vintage horror films with magic. The ghoulish Griffith performed at special events at L.A. landmarks such as The Orpheum Theatre and The Silent Movie Theatre. Since, he has created an inimitable niche for himself in the world of magic, primarily at the renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood where he regularly performs. He has received favorable regards from some of magic and mentalism's seasoned professional top names by creating an unforgettable show many have considered remarkable. Los Angeles Times Magazine raved, "Zabrecky telepathically predicts audience members personal preferences and causes items of jewelry to mysteriously turn up in urns." In his eyes, performance is about setting the stage for unexpected and, quite frankly, weird things to happen. Like film director David Lynch, he takes the everyday life and sets it on fire. He carefully takes his audiences on a vivid, post-modern guided tour of the house he has built and the rooms he inhabits. He invites you into his everyday life and shares with you his everyday personal objects, all in an unusually bizarre dreamlike sense. Blender Magazine reported, "Of the many things you will see at one of Zabrecky's shows, you will find no traces of mullets, tigers, or purple jumpsuits."

Inspired by the theatre, which encompasses his magic and mentalism routines, he has been studying acting with longtime friend and actor, S.A. Griffin. His publications include the poetry & lyrical graphic chapbook, Music For Deaf People (Fresh Blood Press, 1992), as well as contributions about the artsy Los Angeles area, Silver Lake, to The Underground Guide to Los Angeles (1999, Manic D Press). His artwork and writing have appeared in the literary journal, Smartish Pace, Seattle music magazine, Fizz, and other publications.

Rob lives in Los Angeles with his wife & three dogs.

CATEGORIES:
Magician
Walkaround Host

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