Other Upcoming Events

An upcoming lecture by John Machniak

The Magic of the Mind

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 6:00-7:30 pm

John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library
24602 Van Born Road
Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48125
313-791-6050

"Are you an adult who's curious about the mysteries of the mind and interested in learning how the mind can deceive us, and what we need to be aware of to make sure that doesn't happen? Then join illusionist and Licensed Professional Counselor, John Machniak, for this entertaining presentation. He will discuss the psychology of how our minds work, the power of suggestion and demonstrate some illusions that show how easily we can be deceived. For adults 18 and older."

Other Calendars

• Check out John Luka's Magic page and his well maintained list of Michigan Events
• All AAMC Events and details can be viewed on the website calendar.

Past Events

This June, the local Ann Arbor Magic Club (AAMC) partnered with the Plymouth Community Arts Council (PCAC) to deliver a unique week-long performing art magic camp for ten budding young magicians.

Five volunteer magicians from the magic club worked with 2 representatives from arts council to deliver a combination of stage craft and magic training to ten youths ranging in age from eight to fourteen.

• Each day was started with a theater game to teach the students different acting skills such as expressing emotions, pantomime and responding on cue.
• Then several hands-on magic lessons were delivered where the students learned to perform different basics of magic.
• Each day wraps up with a fun activity of balloon twisting or juggling.
• A variety of magic is taught and by mid-week the students select a particular trick to perform in the end-of-week show for parents and families. They also do several exercises to select a stage name, define their persona and pick a costume.
• The remainder of the week is focused on honing their act. Students are encourage to use their creativity to develop a story line to deliver.
• Parents and family come at the end of the week to enjoy a show put on by the new magicians.

Creativity was definitely on display as acts included a trick performed with Home Depot five gallon buckets, catching a soap bubble which then turns to glass and a magical presentation solving the mystery of how socks vanish in the washing machine.

Students showed remarkable resilience handling slight hiccups on stage with aplomb.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, watch for notices next year. It is a very fun and rewarding activity.