Magic & Mindbenders Weekend

John Graham fell in love with magic during childhood. Regular visits to his local magic shop in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a singular focus fostered his interest. He is now a full-time professional magician and mentalist with over thirty years of experience. He is the author of the brand new (and already a best seller) magicians-only book, Stage by Stage. As the resident performer for numerous resort hotels and a successful corporate and private event entertainer, he averages 250 performances a year. His live shows blend magic and mentalism with a unique sense of humor and love for his audience.

David Darwin invites you to step inside a world of his own creation, a place where the chains of technology can be broken by the spectacle of inspired live performance. He has evolved past sideshow into a new age of vaudeville – the one man guaranteed to astound audiences of all ages! David is a child of the world, but Philadelphia natives can feast on his remarkable performances in their natural habitat: at a local library, theater, or bar. He has explored far and wide in his quest for the unusual, performing in venues across the land, and some of you may recognize his unique spark from NBC’s, America’s Got Talent. Each of David’s performances is specifically adapted to captivate the audience at hand. From death-defying stunts to clean comedy and juggling, David does it all. He is the juggling contortionist who can astound you with song, skill and captivating surprises. He is no stranger to the bizarre, and brings you an unparalleled mastery of sword swallowing, glass walking, and fire manipulation.

Jay Mattioli was only 18 years old when he was hailed by the International Brotherhood of Magicians as a “Champion of Magic”, becoming one of the youngest magicians to ever receive this honor. Then in 2006, Jay was awarded 1st Prize at the Society of American Magicians International Stage Contest of Magic. Jay is one of only a few magicians in HISTORY to receive 1st prize in both of these international magic competitions. More recently, Jay electrified the nation and stunned the judges with his appearance on NBC’s #1 hit show “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” and FOX’s rebut “SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO” hosted by Steve Harvey. A native of New York but now based out of the Washington DC area, Jay’s magic has appeared in over 20 countries including Hong Kong, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, England, and countless special events throughout the U.S.  From Casino showrooms, to luxury cruise ships, Jay’s unique style of illusions has captivated the imagination of millions and reminds people, of all ages, what it is like to believe in the impossible and most importantly… HAVE FUN! Considered by his peers as a magic innovator, Jay creates many of his signature magic effects from the ground up. Jay has even released some of his original magic creations to fellow performers who now incorporate Jay’s magic in their own shows.

James and Michelle Walsh combined their shared excitement for the restaurant business seventeen years ago and opened Mudd Puddle Café in New Paltz, NY. Fresh roasted coffee, hand crafted food, and a warm community space has been the focus since day one. In 2012, they expanded their passion for fine crafted beverages and food by opening Yard Owl Brewery in Gardiner, NY. Here, the team comes together to brew and serve expressive Belgian inspired ales. The beer is paired with house made pickled vegetables and eggs and beer mustards that are served with cheese, charcuterie and pretzels. This venue has enabled them to create a second community space and expand their creativity into another area of the food and craft beverage world.

.