Meet the Magicians
Here's a sneak peek at what to expect at this year's Magic Fest!
After Dark Headliner
Ben Ulin
Ben Ulin
Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Ben Ulin performs throughout the nation, using classic and original routines to create hilarious situations. A headline entertainer for Disney, Holland America, and Norwegian Cruise lines, and a Midwest comedy club favorite for over 20 years., he has headlined at every major comedy club and performed for hundreds of company functions and colleges throughout the Midwest.
Since 1988, he has performed a larger, family-oriented, illusion show at Adventureland Amusement Park. Now he has combined his riotous comedy club act with the big time illusions to create one of the funniest touring magic shows ever! There's music, costumes, audience participation, a beautiful lady assistant, and tricks both large and small. Ben's charm and talent for creating hilarious twists, make it smart, adult fun.
Family Day Grand Finale Headliner
Jay Mattioli
Jay Mattioli
For over 25 years, Jay Mattioli has been creating spectacular magic presentations. His magic has crisscrossed the globe, appearing as the host of Asia's largest magic variety show, in the first ever public magic show in Kuwait, and as a quarter finalist on America's Got Talent. Jay recently wowed the harsh NYC audience on Fox's reboot of Showtime at the Apollo, hosted by Steve Harvey.
The show features several large-scale illusions seen nowhere else in the world, as well as hilarious high-energy, audience participation. See Jay levitate, get squashed flatter than a pancake, and even cut in half! Audience members also become the stars of the show as they join Jay on stage to perform magic in front of their family and friends.
For over 25 years, Jay Mattioli has been creating spectacular magic presentations. His magic has crisscrossed the globe, appearing as the host of Asia's largest magic variety show, in the first ever public magic show in Kuwait, and as a quarter finalist on America's Got Talent. Jay recently wowed the harsh NYC audience on Fox's reboot of Showtime at the Apollo, hosted by Steve Harvey.
The show features several large-scale illusions seen nowhere else in the world, as well as hilarious high-energy, audience participation. See Jay levitate, get squashed flatter than a pancake, and even cut in half! Audience members also become the stars of the show as they join Jay on stage to perform magic in front of their family and friends.
Family Day Matinee Performer
David Casas
David Casas
David Casas, has been making audiences laugh for over 20 years with his award-winning magic and comedy, and we are delighted to welcome him back to Magic Fest! From Chicago, to Las Vegas, David’s unique and cutting edge style of magic, has made him one of the most highly sought after entertainers in the Midwest.
He blends comedy and magic to create a truly must-see show! David has been featured on television and radio, and routinely opened for ComedySportz Quad Cities for eight years. His fast-paced interactive magic show features mind-blowing magic, hilarious family friendly comedy, and plenty of audience participation. When not touring, David also teaches youth magic classes for the Bettendorf Life Fitness Center, and the Davenport Junior Theatre.
Family Day Children's Show Performer
T.J. Regul
T.J. Regul
Known as "The Quad City Magician," T.J. Regul entertains thousands of people at hundreds of events every year. T.J. is a member of the Great Nicola Magic Fest committee and has performed with us before, showcasing his close-up magic skills.
From backyard birthday parties to the largest festival stages, T.J. brings the fun in a high energy performance of magic and comedy which is laugh-out-loud funny for people of all ages.
Strolling Magician
Stu Yager
Stu Yager
Stu Yager has been a professional magician for over 40 years, and we are thrilled to have him return to Magic Fest! He is an award-winning magician from Illinois and specializes in walk-around, close-up magic at clubs, cocktail events and restaurants. By day, he is a professor in the School of Education at Western Illinois University.
