First-Ever Mount Dora Magic Bash Brings World-Class Magicians to the Community.

This past weekend, Mount Dora discovered just how magical our little city can be. The very first Mount Dora Magic Bash turned historic streets, cozy restaurants, and charming venues into stages for astonishment.

For two days, our community gathered to laugh, gasp, and share the timeless thrill of live magic. From intimate parlor shows and a kids’ magic class to strolling sleight-of-hand at local restaurants, the Magic Bash proved that wonder is best experienced together.

The Dream Comes to Life

The idea for the Magic Bash started with a simple vision: bring world-class magicians to Mount Dora, not for a private convention or closed-door gathering, but for the public—for families, locals, and visitors to step into a weekend where the impossible feels possible.

That vision came alive thanks to the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce.

A Magical Lineup!

• Giovanni Livera opened the weekend with his signature blend of charisma, quick wit, and impossible magic. Gio has a way of making audiences feel like they’re part of the act, and his performance set a high bar for everything to follow.
• Terry Ward brought polish and charm to the parlor stage, dazzling audiences with vanishing antique silver dollars and clever sleight-of-hand wrapped in laughter. His warmth on stage reminded everyone why live magic is so unforgettable.
• Erick Olson was everywhere—strolling through restaurants, cracking up crowds with his comedy, and stunning them with his magic. Erick’s energy filled every corner he entered, and his evening parlor show was a highlight of the weekend.
• Jimmy Rook gave families a show to remember, with a kids’ program that had young audiences alternately giggling and wide-eyed. He also teamed up with me to lead a kids’ magic class, where young aspiring magicians got to learn tricks of their own. Watching their eyes light up as they discovered the secrets of sleight-of-hand was one of the true highlights of the weekend.
• Brian Happie lit up both stages and close-up sets with his infectious personality and jaw-dropping effects. His shows carried an energy that made audiences lean in, laugh, and leave wondering how he did it.
• Tim Pitch, a last-minute addition to the lineup, wowed audiences at The Yardery and Lakeside Inn. Tim’s performances proved to be a wonderful surprise for attendees, and his name quickly became one of the most talked-about of the weekend.
• And while I mostly wore my producer’s hat, I was able to perform a little tableside magic at Goblin Market—sharing sleight-of-hand in the intimate, up-close setting that makes magic feel the most personal.

A Community Celebration

But the Magic Bash wasn’t only about magicians—it was about the community that made it possible. The Chamber’s historic “Baggage Room” became the home for our evening adult parlor shows—intimate, ticketed events where audiences experienced magic just a few feet away. Meanwhile, restaurants, outdoor spaces, and family-friendly venues hosted strolling magic, kids’ shows, and the hands-on magic class.

It was a citywide collaboration, with businesses and sponsors stepping up in big ways. A heartfelt thank-you goes to:

• Hillcrest Insurance
• Main Street Leasing
• Lewis Home & Bridal
• The Yardery
• Cat6 Roofing & Construction
• KYS
• Goblin Market
• Pieces Rising
• Lakeside Inn
• Chris at the City of Mount Dora
• And, of course, the Chamber of Commerce

Each one helped bring this new tradition to life, proving that when a community invests in experiences of wonder, everyone benefits.

More Than Just a Show

As I walked from venue to venue throughout the weekend, I kept hearing one recurring question: “When’s the next one?” That simple question tells the whole story. The Mount Dora Magic Bash wasn’t just a series of performances—it was a spark. A spark of joy, of connection, of something new in our city’s cultural calendar.

It reminded us that magic isn’t just about sleight-of-hand. It’s about those moments when people put away their phones, lean forward, laugh together, and share in something unexplainable. It’s about building community in the most surprising ways.

Looking Ahead

For a first-year event, the Magic Bash was more than I could have hoped for. Yes, there were challenges—ticket sales for the parlor shows needed a longer runway, and marketing in town must begin earlier next year—but the foundation has been laid. We now know the Bash can work, and more importantly, we know the community wants it.

Mount Dora has always been known for its charm, its festivals, and its love for the arts. Now, we can add magic to that list.

My deepest thanks to every sponsor, every volunteer, every business, every performer, and every audience member who made this weekend possible. Together, we created something brand new for our town—something that will only grow in the years ahead.

The first Magic Bash may be behind us, but the magic? That’s just beginning.

Sharing His Wonder,