Magician, Zion native Bill Blagg sells out April 8 CLC show

"The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!" on April 8 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County has sold out.

Raised in nearby Zion, Blagg received his first beginner's magic set at age 5. His first performance was in front of classmates and teachers at Beulah Park Elementary School in Zion.

When Blagg was asked in junior high and high school what he wanted to be when he grew up, "I always told them I wanted to be a professional magician, like David Copperfield," he said. Blagg's first big break occurred in 1998 at the Abbott Magic Get-Together in Michigan. He entered the Adult Stage Competition and debuted his now signature effect, "The Dancing Hank." Blagg became the youngest contestant to win, and in his first major competition, Blagg joined the ranks of his idols. He is one of the nation's top touring illusionists and recently created the Science of Magic show to demonstrate how magicians use science to create their illusions.

Blagg's large, local fan base in Lake County continues to grow, and the sold-out show is a testament to his popularity, said Gwethalyn Bronner, executive director of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. It will be Blagg's fourth performance at the college since 2002.

The final event in the JLC 20th Anniversary Season is "The Long and Winding Road" Starring Jim Witter on May 13. For tickets or information, call (847) 543-2300 (option 5) or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 12-5 p.m. and one hour before performances in Room P112, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.