Abracadabra
Dinky Gowen and Adrienna Phoenix are two extremely talented performers. Photo | PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor, The Herald-News
The Metcalfe County Public Library hosted a truly magical event for families on Wednesday, drawing a large crowd despite a last-minute venue change caused by the storms.
Dinky Gowen, Master of Illusion, a veteran magician and the entertainment producer at Beech Bend Park, kept the audience engaged with humor and interactive tricks. With 40 years of experience, Gowen invited children and a few adults to participate in his performance.
One trick featured Norton, one of four doves Gowen uses in his shows. The birds’ names are Norton, Ralph, Trixie, and Alice, and they were a hit with the two helpers selected from the audience.
Other tricks involved a whole balloon dog produced from a smashed paper bag, and the dove Norton placed in a canister changed into a beautiful rabbit. A live goldfish was produced from a one-dollar bill, borrowed from an audience member, into a glass of water.
Gowen was joined by his assistant, Adrienna Phoenix. A multi-talented performer, Phoenix is known for her work as an escape artist and fire-eater. Adrienna is one of only a few escape artists who have attempted Houdini’s water torture trick in their own shows.
Phoenix was tied with ropes and placed inside a curtained space with a gentleman from the audience wearing a long black coat. Mere minutes later, she emerged wearing the coat underneath the ropes still tied and wrapped around her arms, neck, and waist. The audience was truly amazed and uttered several “Oooh’s and Ahhh’s”.
Gowen’s related that his passion for magic began at age six, when a school librarian helped him select his first book on the subject. His interest deepened at age ten when his grandfather built him his first professional magic kit.
Both Gowen and Phoenix have performed with well-known entertainers across the US.
Each child chosen from the audience was given a signature card and a ticket to Beech Bend Park.
The performance was a testament to the power of the imagination and that magic can be made with simple objects and discovered in books.
Beyond the entertainment, Gowen used the show to share a message about the importance of reading and the magic of learning.
Gowen performing the one-dollar trick of turning the bill wrong side out. Photo | PJ Martin
