On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Society of American Magicians Association 92 and the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 57 will hold the 40th Annual Kutztown Magic Convention at Kutztown Middle School, 10 Deisher Lane, Kutztown. This convention annually brings the biggest names in Magic from all over the world for one day only to Kutztown.
From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. a Magic Convention is held for Magicians where lectures are held, vendors sell Magic items, an auction takes place, etc. But in the evening we hold our grand evening show that is open to the public. Again, this show will contain some of the biggest names in the Magic World.
Doors for the evening show will open at about 7:30 p.m. with the show starting at about 8 p.m. Tickets are general admission and available at the door for the evening show. There is a charge. There will be lemonade and popcorn and other items available for sale during the show and all proceeds benefit Alex’s Lemonade. For more information visit www.kutztownmagicconvention.org.
All of the magicians at this year’s conventions have won multiple awards in the realm of magic and have appeared throughout the world and made numerous TV appearances. This year see sleight-of-hand, illusions, comedy magic, mental mysteries, manipulation, and much more. The show is also completely “Family Friendly”. This year our convention features the following:
Stephen BargatzeAn internationally acclaimed comedian and motivational speaker with over 25 years experience, Stephen is a rare talent among entertainers. His genuine personality endears him to any audience, and he quickly develops a strong, positive relationship with the crowd. No longer merely spectators, audiences find themselves caught up in the comedy and amazement of Stephen’s zany performance. He sticks with direct, simple effects that are easy for the audience to understand. His personal story of overcoming an alcoholic home life as well as a childhood accident that left him with a speech impediment touches men and women on an emotional level.
As Director of Student Services Program for Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, he speaks to thousands of students each year using his magic to show today’s youth how drugs, alcohol and tobacco can affect their lives. Steven has a unique way of combining humor and magic with impacting messages to motivate audiences. His “Magic With a Message” presentations are not only enlightening but inspirational.
Michael TrixxWith a background in music Trixx combines his two passions, Rock N’ Roll and Magic to give an unforgettable performance. Live doves and parakeets appearing and vanishing from thin air, levitations, confetti blizzards, and fire magic second to none all make for a rockin’ good time. Trixx has been seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and at clubs all over the States and London and is the 2009 Florida State Magic Convention’s Stage Show Contest Champion.
David KaplanIllusion, music, juggling and deadpan comedy collide in this vaudevillesque spectacle. Inspired by the antics of Keaton, Sellers, Victor Borge, the Smothers Brothers and the illustrious Wile E. Coyote among others, “The Great” David Kaplan welcomes spectators young and old into a wonderfully strange world they will not soon forget. Perhaps Kaplan’s most spectacular accomplishment is emerging from the performance in one piece. As his world seemingly crumbles, he manages to tame a rogue bowling ball, juggle furniture, perform feats of prestidigitation, and play melodies on “concert balloon”, turkey baster and his great grandfather’s ukulele, all to the delight of a charmed audience.
Wayne HouchinDescribed as equal parts con-man, street magician, and daredevil, in 1999 he made headlines when he successfully escaped from a strait-jacket while hanging 50 feet above a crowded intersection – he was 16 years old. Houchin’s work as a performance artist, magician and daredevil has made him one of the most popular and exciting mystery entertainers in the world. His acclaimed performance and lecture tour has taken him to more than 30 countries. He has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, headlined the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, made history in the Dominican Republic by stopping time during a live nationally televised stunt, and has been a guest speaker at Trinity College’s Science Gallery.
GazzoBringing his own unique style and personality to an appreciative audience, he may be known as the premier busker magician in the world.