The second annual Weekend of Wonder will showcase some of the world's finest magicians, organizers say.
The magic festival, which will be held this weekend in Hot Springs, is produced by Jay Berry and Maxwell Blade.
"We have gathered some of the world's finest magicians, all the way from close-up to stage, all of whom have been seen on national and international television programs and will present live the finest magic in the world for the people of Hot Springs," Berry told The Sentinel-Record.
"The magician opens up our eyes to the wonders all around us using coins and cards, rings and silks to inspire and astound us. So some may say it's just a trick, I suggest its strong appeal. The effects may be illusion but the experience is real."
To acknowledge the sponsors, a VIP party is planned today at the downtown apartment of Davis and Suellen Tillman to meet and greet the performers.
"We have a lot of sponsors and we want to thank those fine folks from Hot Springs who not only give us money but feed the artists while they are in town. They have been very gracious this year," Blade said.
The grand opening kicks off on Friday with a news conference at noon, free and open to the public, in the lobby of The Springs Hotel & Spa, 135 Central Ave.
"There will be some magic, some autograph signing, meet and greet the stars, you can ask questions, and there will be an explanation about the weekend," Berry said.
There is a special all-star street gala at 5 p.m. Friday free to the public at Adair Park.
"Come on out and meet and greet once again," Berry said.
"We will do a full one-hour long street magic gala which is unprecedented to see these Las Vegas stars. Jeff McBride has just flown in from South America, Andrew Goldenhersh is flying in from Japan, Michael Ammar flew in from Norway, I've just come across from Europe, so we literally have come from all over the world and stars will be right on the street doing the street-stage magic," he said.
"If it is pouring rain, we will move it either to The Springs' lobby or into the Maxwell Blade Theater, we have two or three options and it will be announced."
Shows are scheduled nonstop throughout the weekend at Maxwell Blade Theater.
The Masters of Magic gala will go on Saturday at Horner Hall, "a glimpse into the best of what we all do," Blade said.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. performance.
"That will be the largest magic gala ever held in the South, a historical occasion, so come on out and be part of history," Berry said.
"We want to encourage people to get their tickets early, because last year, people came in to try to pick up their tickets on the spot, especially the ones at the Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic, and were disappointed to find they were sold out."
Shows will continue on Sunday starting at noon and will include a program with young magicians.
"Our Rising Stars are young men who are up and coming we hope to pass this baton over to one day," Blade said.
"The finale will be my show at 8 p.m. I will perform some of the illusions I performed at the Malco Theater and my children will assist me," Blade said.
"It's not just a bunch of guys who perform tricks or magic, it's more about the way we touch lives. Sometimes it gives people hope taking something broken and restoring it," he said.
"It's a positive event and all of the performers have become very good friends of mine and friends with Jay for years and years, just positive well-rounded performers and we just have a genuinely good time when we are in each other's company, so I look forward to each and every one of these festivals," Blade said.
"We are looking forward to a fantastic turnout."
Tickets are available at the Maxwell Blade Theater.
Local on 09/18/2014