Nigel Blackstorm
The Heavy Metal Magician, born Gareth Blackthunder, was raised in a small town in the south of England. As a youth he focused on his two passions: heavy metal and magic. When he turned 16 he changed his name to Nigel Blackstorm because he argued that his given name didn’t sound “heavy” enough.
As is the case with us all, Nigel grew to adulthood and was confronted with choosing his career path. As his love for metal and magic had only grown over time, and since he had no desire to wear a suit, Nigel decided to devote his life to both his arts, founding the magical heavy metal cover band, Lordz of Illuzzion, in 1991. The band toured the world with their unique approach to music and released three albums that garnered minor attention.
In 1998, following a sold out performance at the world famous Orange County Fair, the other three Lordz abruptly quit the band. Nigel was devastated by this surprising and untimely break-up. Driven by rage and passion and channeling the spirits of Houdini and Ozzy Osbourne, he put the pieces of his life back together and thus emerged The Heavy Metal Magician. With the skills of an alchemist, Nigel blended heavy metal music and the world of magic, creating the unique genre: “heavy magic.” Be prepared to have your mind blown, and ladies: please control yourselves. theconjurorofcomedy.com
The Fourth Wall
A hybrid arts ensemble made up of Hilary Abigana, C. Neil Parsons, and Greg Jukes. Founded in 2010, The Fourth Wall has inspired and delighted audiences all over the country. In 2014 they won the 2014 Savvy Musician in Action chamber music competition, in 2013, they traveled to Alaska to be ensemble in residence for the University of Alaska, Fairbanks New Music Festival. The trio has been featured on the National Flute Association’s annual conventions in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014 with gala performances, recitals, and their audience interactive project, “Mixer.” Outside the realm of classical music venues, they have performed at Fringe Theatre Festivals in Indianapolis, Rochester, and Houston. thefourthwallensemble.com
Magic Brian
Thousands of audiences around the world have been entertained with Magic Brian’s
outrageous and unique comedy-magic and sideshow act. He has performed in 16
countries, worked the sideshow stage of New York’s famous Coney Island Sideshow,
and was featured on The Late Show with David Letterman. He has appeared at the
Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe festivals, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Street Performers World Championships as well as a variety of festivals throughout Canada and Europe. theconjurorofcomedy.com