It’s a kind of magic
Spring Break promises magicians, mentalists and mirth
The Festival of Illusions is back at the Lincoln City Cultural Center for Oregon’s Spring Break and will be chock full of magic tricks, comedy, mentalism and balloons.
Opening this Sunday, March 20, this mostly annual tradition will present four evening performances, two matinées, special take-and-make art kits and an all-ages balloon workshop.
Festival favorites like Brett Belleque, Brian Ledbetter and Dr. Delusion will be joined by three performers making their Lincoln City debut: Craig Martin, Adam the Great and Capt. Squirrel the Pirate Magician.
Also new this year — a “Pay What You Can” matinée by Capt. Squirrel on Thursday, March 22. General admission tickets for the show can be purchased in advance for any price that fits your budget.
Visual Arts Director Krista Eddy and the Creative Quarantine volunteer crew will be assembling hundreds of Abra Cadabra Art Kits, including cup and ball magic tricks, bubble trumpets and a magic fairy. These take-home inspirations will be ready for pickup starting at 10 am on Sunday, March 20, through Sunday, March 27, or while supplies last. The kits contain all the materials and instructions for creative projects that kids and parents can do on their own and are offered by donation.
The Festival of Illusions was founded in 2011 to provide weather-proof, affordable family entertainment during Oregon’s spring break. It was canceled in 2020 due to COVID but resumed in 2021 with masks and streaming options. Staff planned this year’s festival with caution, hoping that the county and state case numbers might allow for “normal” magic events and attendance at this year’s festival.
“We absolutely cannot wait to see the smiling faces of kids, parents and grandparents at the Festival of Illusions,” said cultural center Executive Director Niki Price. “We feel so fortunate that the public health situation has improved, allowing the statewide mask mandate and our vaccination card requirements to end, just in time for spring break.”
These performances are not the only attractions at the center during spring break. The Chessman Gallery will feature “From Gesture to Jester: Finding the Reality of Memory,” a 175-foot continuous drawing created during the COVID shutdown by Molly Wullstein Van Austen. Down the hall, the Fiber Arts Studio Gallery is showing woven art and pine needle baskets by Linda Gettman and Charlene Virts, as well as hand-on fiber activities and a vivid crocheted whale by the Community Fiber Coral Reef project.
The galleries will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, Thursday through Sunday, March 17 through 20 and 24 through 27.
The Abra Cadabra Art Kit room will open from 10 am to 4 pm every day except Wednesday from Sunday, March 19 through Sunday, March 26.
Ticket prices vary. All children who are sitting in chairs need to have their own tickets.
The Lincoln City Cultural Center is located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
Sunday, March 20
The Magic of Craig Martin
With smooth delivery, flawless sleight of hand and jaw-dropping mentalism, Craig Martin brings the magic wherever he performs. After spending 25 years with the US Army, including time with the 9th Mission Support Command in Honolulu, he knows how to get your attention. 7 pm. $16 adults, $14 seniors/students, $8 ages 6 to 18 and free for kids 5 and younger.
Monday, March 21
Boredom Busting Balloon Workshop
Brett Belleque is an award-winning balloon artist, puppeteer and magician with more than 35 years of balloon sculpting experience. He twists biodegradable latex balloons into amazing works of art, and can show you how to get started. 2 pm. $10. Pre-registration required.
“Dazzling Deceptions” starring Brian Ledbetter
Brian Ledbetter's show can regularly be seen at casinos, colleges, cruise ships, corporate events, theme parks, fairs and theaters all over the world. He deeply engages his audiences with subtle comedy, audience participation, feats of extraordinary magic and intriguing visuals. 7 pm. $16 adults, $14 seniors/students, $8 ages 6 to 18, free for kids 5 and younger.
Tuesday, March 22
Adam the Great
Charles Adam Johnson has been performing magic professionally for more than 25 years. Today, he’s better known as Adam the Great, and his act is a funny mixture of improvisation, skits and, of course, magic. Whether on TV or working the crowd in person, Adam the Great leaves his audience flabbergasted. 2 pm. $16 adults, $14 seniors/students, $8 ages 6 to 18 and free for kids 5 and younger.
Wednesday, March 23
“Sensational Mindreading” by Brian Ledbetter
Ledbetter takes audiences on a grand adventure through the vast inner workings of the mind, emotions and imagination. You'll witness unbelievable demonstrations of mindreading, x-ray vision, telekinesis and second sight. Imagine seeing inanimate objects come to life and move using only the power of the mind. He charmingly reads the thoughts of people he has never met. This show is best enjoyed by teens and adults. 7 pm. $16 adults, $14 seniors and students, $8 ages 5 to 18, free for children age 4 and younger.
Thursday, March 24
The Pirate Magic of Captain Squirrel
The entertainer who was once known as “The Mental Squirrel,” has turned to piracy! This 45-minute fun, interactive, pirate-themed magic show is for kids of all ages. 2 pm. Pay what you can.
Dr. Delusion’s Illusions
Are you looking for a funny, classic magic show, complete with sparkly outfits, disappearing assistants, fantastic escapes and plenty of laughs? Dr. Delusion offers tricks galore, including a few that famously spooked David Letterman. A treat for the whole family. 7 pm. $16 adults, $14 seniors/students, $8 ages 6 to 18, free for children 5 and younger.