Cache Conjurers meet for third annual competition
Card tricks, rings, and umbrellas through the head – these are just a few of the acts that were performed at the third annual Cache Valley Conjurers event Thursday night at the historic Thatcher-Young Mansion.
Individuals from ages 5 to 81 were entertained by nine different magical performers, four of whom were current USU students and one alumni.
Audience members were delighted to see solid metal rings pass through one another in a trick delivered by Steven Viator, a current USU senior who is dual-majoring in finance and economics. In a trick performed by Shawn Taylor, another USU student and illusionist, a ring reappeared in the center of a Kiwi held by Sophie Call, daughter of professor Richie Call of USU.
“The competition each year is getting more and more difficult,” Viator said. “You’ve really got to bring your best stuff or you’re not gonna place.”
Jason Porter, president of the USU Illusionist Club studying business administration, performed a card trick where he held six cards in his hand and then threw away three. By the end of the trick, he somehow still held six cards.
“I love doing card tricks,” Porter said. “Close-up magic is just me and you. We’re this close and so you know that there is no hidden assistant – you can examine the props right here in front of you – so I think it feels more magical, and I get that personal connection with people.”
Richard Cannon, a USU alumni who received a chemistry degree in 1957, has been practicing magic for 70 years and took first place in the competition the previous two years. He performed a rope routine that involved transporting a knot tied in one rope to another. He also performed a trick where he put a giant needle through a latex balloon without popping the inflated object.
Cannon didn’t take first place in the 2013 competition; he passed the title to a performer who goes by the name “Lefty.” The illusionist traveled from Salt Lake City and performed a magical comedy trick that included several cups, balls, a magic wand and even some mock monsters.
Lefty will be performing at the Howl reading fortunes.
“I specialize in comedy magic because I’m too lazy to carry around the big huge props, and I can’t convince a girl to do all the work and let me take all the credit, so I do comedy,” Lefty said.
The final outcome of the evening found first place awarded to Lefty, second place awarded to Al Amkin, third place to Porter and the “People’s Choice” award went to an illusionist called Abra-Ka-Dan.
These magicians all
share the same passion for performing and enjoy the thrill of wowing others, but the individuals all got their start in different ways.
Cannon said he ran into a magic shop in Salt Lake City 70 years ago. He’s been practicing and performing ever since.
Porter has been practicing magic off and on since he was 8 years old. Steven Viator said he got his start three years ago when his son received a magic kit for his birthday.
Magicians may come in all different shapes and sizes, but they all share the love of the illusion and delivering joy and wonder to the audience.
“Were all friend here, so I think it’s great to see other people win, to see the progress they made last year,” Viator said. “It’s great to just see everyone getting better and better.”
Not only is magic a mental puzzle and visually fascinating, the performers themselves say it’s a fun activity.
“Have fun with it whatever you do,” Lefty said. “Magic is kind of a goofy thing, and people approach it with alot of preconceived notions. Whatever your modifications are, just have fun with it.”
The performers each offered advice to aspiring magicians.
“Find a bunch of magicians and get acquainted with them,” Cannon said. “Most of them are pretty good about sharing and they’re good company.”
Viator said it’s important to be dedicated to the act.
“Practice and do shows – if you don’t feel like your magic is any good, just perform for people and get out there,” Viator said. “That’s really where you learn is up on stage, right in front of people. Don’t worry about messing up, because that happens and just have fun with it.”
USU students who want to know more about magic can go to the USU Illusionist Club. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings have recently been held in the Business building, but location is subject to change.
The Illusionist Club has a Facebook page which can be found by searching “USU Illusionists.” Meeting times and places will be posted there.