Monday Night Tent Talks
How Magic Works & Magic: Close-Up in Concert
Jamy Ian Swiss
Mon, Apr 1, 2019 at 7:30pm
"How'd you do that?" Everyone wants to know how magic works. Magician and author Jamy Ian Swiss will do just that — but you might be surprised by the secrets he reveals. In magic, Jamy says, "the method is not the trick" — because in fact, the method is never the "trick" in any creative endeavor. Rather, creating a compelling illusion is a delicate process comprised of countless details — including psychology, misdirection, timing, body language, sleight of hand, and a strong grasp of story and narrative structure. Prepare to be amazed in more ways than one by this eclectic tour through one man's distinctive set of artistic passions plus a solo performance of intimate sleight-of-hand magic. Seamlessly blending wit and unmatched dexterity, Jamy Ian Swiss will enchant you — as seen in countless TV appearances including repeat appearances on The Today Show and The Late, Late Show.
Jamy Ian Swiss — "An astonishing close-up magician!" according to Vanity Fair — will entertain, astound, mystify, baffle, and utterly amaze an audience seated within inches of the action. The impossible and even the unimaginable will unfold with the simplest of objects: coins, cups, balls, and especially, an ordinary deck of 52 playing cards. No trick photography or TV editing — just stunning and sophisticated entertainment: magic, close-up!
An internationally acclaimed sleight-of-hand artist, mentalist and stage performer, Swiss has appeared for presenters ranging from Fortune 500 companies to the Smithsonian Institution. Swiss has lectured to magicians in 13 countries; to academics and scientists about skepticism and critical thinking; to law enforcement professionals on con games; consulted on casino game security; and as a content-focused corporate speaker addresses subjects including creativity, user experience, user interface and more. A renowned “skeptic” and pro-science advocate and activist, Swiss currently serves as Vice-President of The San Diego Skeptics Society.
In a lengthy profile in the New Yorker, Adam Gopnik writes, “Swiss is widely thought to have one of the most masterly sleight-of-hand techniques in the world today.”
"Swiss is widely thought to have one of the most masterly sleight-of-hand techniques in the world today." — The New Yorker
"A dazzling sleight-of-hand man!" — New York Times
"Superlative!" — Washington Post
"Stunning!" — New York Press
"Dazzling!" — TimeOut NY
PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Engler