Magic before dark: Tucson's ‘Stars of Magic’ adds matinee

The show at downtown’s Temple of Music & Art will have a 2:30 and 7 p.m. performance on Saturday, Aug. 22.

“We wanted to open up the show for people who were younger and a 7 o’clock show was too late,” said longtime Tucson magician John Shryock, one of the performers who helps organize the show and curates the lineup. “Last year’s show was a sellout so we figured OK, add another show.”

“It gives more families and magic fans the chance to experience this beloved Tucson tradition,” added David Olson, president of the Society of American Magicians Assembly No. 136.

The Tucson SAM chapter has hosted “Stars of Magic” since 1988 as a way to highlight the city’s magic talent. Artists present all facets of magic, from sleight of hand to illusions and comedy.

Among the more than two dozen magicians, many of them repeat participants in the show, are three young newcomers:

• Otto Ross, who Shryock said brings an Old West twist to his magic. Ross, according to his bio, combines humor and charm to his live performances at resorts, corporate events and neighborhood dive bars.

• Aidan Reid, who is making his debut after being in the audience at several “Stars of Magic” shows and helping backstage, Shryock said.

“Watching the show made him really work hard and put together his own act,” Shryock said.

• Jesse Brodhagen learned magic the old-fashioned way: observation and education. After getting a magic set on his eighth birthday, he turned to the local library for books on magic and local stages to watch magicians at work.

Shryock and his wife and longtime magic partner Mari Lynn head a lineup that includes Tucson native and 40-year veteran magician C. Topher Younggren and long-time Tucson comic magician Norm Marini.

The show also features next-gen artists Gabe Lin and the Shryocks’ daughter, Jasmine, and a four-legged performer, Bert the Magic Hound dog, assisting its master, lifelong magic fan and performer Art Trillo.

Saturday’s shows mark Trillo’s 11th “Stars of Magic” appearance.

Tickets for the shows at TMA, 330 S. Scott Ave., are $22 for adults, $16 for children under 12 in advance through starsofmagicshow.com, $4 more at the door if available. For more information and the complete lineup, visit starsofmagic.com.