Magic show to benefit Council for Drug Free Youth

Hooked on magic, not drugs

The Gillam Family - Marie, Denise, Aaron and David - will perform their magic show Saturday at Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City to benefit the Council for Drug Free Youth.
The Gillam Family - Marie, Denise, Aaron and David - will perform their magic show Saturday at Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City to benefit the Council for Drug Free Youth.
  • What: Gillam Family Illusions
  • When: 2 p.m. Saturday
  • Where: Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City
  • Cost: $5
  • Tickets: Can be bought at Southbank, Samuel's Tuxedos and the Council for Drug Free Youth

Jefferson City is home to one of the nation's few family magic acts that performs across the country, and this Saturday you can catch them right here in Jefferson City.

Gillam Family Illusions will hold a 90-minute show featuring some illusions that are audience favorites, and some that are brand new. The show time includes an intermission.

The family describes its show as a Las Vegas-style show with two big differences: It's family-friendly and affordable.

"Our shows are all about family fun, so we'll have something for the kids and something for the adults, and we'll have a few big illusions," magician Aaron Gillam said.

Expect psychic readings, heads twisting 360 degrees and a surprise guest getting sliced in half. It might sound a bit morbid, but it's all in good fun.

At the start of the show, the family will reprise its Rolla's Got Talent performance, a five-minute flurry of magic that won third place at the competition last year.

Aaron said one new act his family will perform this year will be an "American Psychic Challenge," based on the television show "American Bible Challenge."

Audience members will be picked at random to read Aaron's mind. Then, an envelope will be opened and the prediction inside will be read, similar to Johnny Carson's old "Tonight Show" persona of Carnac the Magnificent.

In another illusion, Aaron will attempt to levitate a table.

In addition to Aaron's wife, Denise, and children Marie, 14, and David, 12, the audience will get to see appearances by their dog, Holly. Aaron is also trying to talk their parrot, Kiwi, into accepting a speaking role during the show.

"The kids are a little more involved, they've been working on more illusions," Aaron said. "David has a little segment he's going to do on his own."

Proceeds from the show benefit the local Council for Drug Free Youth.

After the show, the audience is encouraged to meet the Gillams, even Holly, in the lobby.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Seating is general admission, so arrive early for the best seats.