BIO

Michael Russo was born and raised in L.A., that’s Lower Albany. In 1975, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the State University of New York at Albany. While he was at college, the students gave him the nickname Ace, which stands for the Accountant Card Expert.
The reasons for the moniker are because he’s a top-shelf card manipulator, and author of a book on the history of playing cards.

How did he get interested in magic? Here’s the story. When his son, Dave, was three years old he had trouble sleeping because of scary shadows in his bedroom. After several nights of interrupted sleep, Ace knew he had to do something. So he attended a one day magic course. Then, he rented the movie The Sword and the Stone.

A few days later, both of them watched the movie. In it was Merlin, the magician. Ace told Dave that Merlin was his teacher, and that he was a magician too. Of course, Dave didn’t believe him, so he did a sponge ball routine. The boy was convinced. Together they went up to the bedroom. Dad, the magician, waved his magic wand telling his son that all the shadows are now his friends. Ace gave Dave the wand, and told him to use it if the shadows get out of line. Dave has slept great ever since.

Word spread, and Ace found himself doing birthday parties for kids. The magic bug had struck, and he began doing table to table entertainment at local restaurants. This work afforded him the opportunity to learn how to perform and entertain people of all ages.

His skill and experience has earned him roles in TV commercials and a role in a short movie for a Fortune 500 company. Magic Clubs and Convention Organizers seek him for his highly acclaimed lecture on the history of playing cards. Recently, his new lecture on restaurant entertainment, stemming from 15 years of experience, has received rave reviews from the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians.

But, Ace’s greatest talent is performing at banquets, and all types of gatherings public and private. He has the gift to make people laugh and to create wonder.

Ace is The Wizard of Comedy Magic.