TOLEDO MAGAZINE

Tricks are a treat

Close-up magic fascinates audience

4/20/2014
BY RONEISHA MULLEN
BLADE STAFF WRITER
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    Christine Szymanski of Perrysburg, left, returns a card to the deck of magician Andrew Dyko.

    The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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  • From left, Kerri Mikonowicz of Rossford, magician Martin Jarret, Heidi Williams of Fayetteville, Ga., and Dennis Burzynski of Toledo get a close-up view of a card trick.
    From left, Kerri Mikonowicz of Rossford, magician Martin Jarret, Heidi Williams of Fayetteville, Ga., and Dennis Burzynski of Toledo get a close-up view of a card trick.

    Magician Pattrick Przysiecki, the Ring 68 Club president, does a ‘brain scan’ on Alan Lynch, 5, of Perrysburg.
    Magician Pattrick Przysiecki, the Ring 68 Club president, does a ‘brain scan’ on Alan Lynch, 5, of Perrysburg.

    A crowd of more than 300 watched in awe as eggs vanished into thin air, playing cards changed colors, and coins appeared and disappeared.

    Magician Andrew Martin ties two slates together before his demonstration of mind-reading.
    Magician Andrew Martin ties two slates together before his demonstration of mind-reading.

    The tricks were part of the Toledo Society of Magicians’ 13th annual Afternoon of Close-Up Magic earlier this month. The popular event featured seven magicians from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan who performed contemporary close-up magic in an informal setting.

    Christine Szymanski  of Perrysburg, left, returns a card to the deck of magician Andrew Dyko.
    Christine Szymanski of Perrysburg, left, returns a card to the deck of magician Andrew Dyko.

    The tricksters performed seven 15-minute shows in five meeting rooms at the Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg, with a limited audience at each. Their styles of magic varied, but typically involved cards.

    The sold-out show was attended by mostly adults, but was family-friendly in nature, with sleight-of hand card tricks, mind-reading, and disappearing acts.

    The magicians, both professional and hobbyists, were John Luka, Andrew Martin, Andy Dyko, Todd Christiansen, the Rev. Mark Davis, Pattrick Przysiecki, and Martin Jarret. Eli!, a juggler and balloon artist, was also on hand.

    The performers worked the crowds with ease, firing patter to distract and charm. Crowd participation was encouraged and volunteers were used often, allowing them to directly experience the magic.

    Mixed in with the magic were stories, jokes, history, and teachings.

    “So many of you are focused on trying to figure out the trick. Don’t be so hung up on control,” Father Davis, pastor of St. Aloysius parish in Bowling Green, told the audience during his act. “Be awake. Don’t miss what’s going on around you. Focus on the moment and enjoy it."

    Contact RoNeisha Mullen at rmullen@theblade.com or 419-724-6133.