Second Magicians’ Competition at Gateway

Those with magic up their sleeves will gather again to seek the honor of being toasted as the Gateway Magician of the Year. Hosted by master magician Peter “The Amazing” Monticup, the evening will feature seven professional magicians vying for top honors in theSaturday, October 5, 2013 magic slam.  The 7:30 pm performance is at 329 West Main in Downtown Waynesboro.

The seven magicians are all professionals with years of mystifying and entertaining their audiences.  They will come to Waynesboro from as far away as Richmond and as close as Grottoes.  Each will bring his own style of magic to confound the audience and tantalize the dubious.  The panel of celebrity judges, artist/musican Mark Cline, radio host Lou Dean, and magician John Colement, will critique each magic act, but the Grand Prize and the Runner-Up will be determined by the audience who will vote for their favorite.

The seven magicians are Brian Bence, Watt Hyer, Lawrence Lessner, Jim Oberg, J. J. Slatner, Ed Tobey, and Mark Trimpe.

Brian Bence comes from Grottoes.  He has been doing magic for more than 20 years.  His combination of illusion, sleight of hand, and comedy have made him one of the Valley’s favorite magicians.

Tobini (aka Ed Tobey) has been performing magic since his debut on his 9th birthday.  Delving into the various areas of this beautiful art form that is magic, he brings a sense of wonder and intrigue while entertaining people of all ages.

Grebo (aka Jim Oberg) is a professional magician with over 40 years of experience. He combines comedy, magic, illusions and mentalist to engage his audience.

Marco the Magi (aka Mark Trimpe) is a stellar performer who combines his background in stand-up comedy, theater, and teaching science nationwide to create an act that is anything but your normal magic show.  His reviews call his performance a “hilarious, audience interactive ride filled with music, mystery, and mayhem that will leave you in stitches.”

Lawrence Lessner began his magic career in Hollywood and later moved to New York City.  His solo cabaret magic act has evolved and is currently focused on “mind reading”.

J. J.  Slatner has worked all over the country with some of the biggest names in close up and street magic including The Great Gazzo, Jeff McBride, and David Blaine. He will combine his street magic with audience participation to the delight of his audience.

Watt Hyer has been a magician for over 50 years.  He has performed internationally in a wide variety of venues and created a number of original magic effects, one of which he will bring to the Magic Competition. He is the President of the Richmond, Virginia, International Brotherhood Magicians’ Ring and a member of the prestigious Society of American Magicians.

Tickets for the Magician’s Competition are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the performance and available online atwww.wtagateway.com or by calling 540-943-9999. Limited Seating.