Magic of The Steelgraves
                  Formerly Known as Almodarr's Grand Illusion
                 New England Magicians and Entertainers Markus and Angelique Steelgrave

CLOSE-UP AND STROLLING MAGIC
by Markus Almodarr Steelgrave, Multi-Award-Winning Sleight-of-Hand Close-Up Magician
First Place, New England Magic Competition, Worcester, MA
3rd Place, Midwest Magic Jubilee, St. Louis, MO

Making magic happen immediately before your guests' eyes, or right in their hands, is the very essence of "close-up magic".  A very different art form from stage magic, close-up magic is a winning part of the agenda if you are planning a banquet, grand opening, annual meeting or conference, bar/bat mitzvah, wedding reception, Project Graduation, or entertainment for your restaurant or resort...virtually anywhere people congregate.

Close-up or strolling magic by Markus (Almodarr) is an ideal ice-breaker among people who don't know each other well (or at all!), providing a common focus, stimulating conversation, and getting any social event off to a lively start!  With close-up magic, Markus performs for small groups at a time--it's almost a "mini magic show", usually right at the banquet table; with strolling magic, Markus literally strolls from group to group or guest to guest, performing minor miracles with objects he either carries with him or borrows from your guests (handkerchiefs, rings, coins, bills, etc.).  Eventually everyone becomes involved, sharing the jaw-dropping effect of magic happening right under their noses--sometimes even in their own hands! People turn to each other in amazement, laugh, and make a connection as they exclaim, "How did he DO that?!"

In June 2008, Markus performed at our corporate summer outing.  The minor miracles of magic he performed while strolling through our crowd were entertaining and mystifying-perfect for our casual setting.  Each stop he made in a group quickly grew from just a few people to many.
He never ran out of 'miracles' and had a great sense of humor while he was performing.
I enjoyed watching the amazed faces of the crowds as he performed each 'miracle'.
I would recommend Markus for just about any type of event.
He was adaptable to our environment and captivating to our crowd.
                             --Devra Holmquist, Executive Administrator, IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME

There are no large illusions here; close-up magic by its very nature is CLOSE-UP:  intimate and personal, elegant in its simplicity and hugely entertaining.  Markus' skill with sleight-of-hand is masterful; moreover, his magic is not just a series of "pick a card any card" tricks, but an entire repertoire of stunning visual "illusions" created with ordinary objects--napkins, drinking straws, table salt, rope, coins, paper money, and many other items.  Most importantly, his "tricks" are presented with humor, enthusiasm, wit, and a knack for truly ENTERTAINING the crowd. Markus' strolling close-up magic will be the hit of the day--and your guests will remember your event for a long time afterwards!

WHERE IS STROLLING MAGIC A WELCOME, CREATIVE TOUCH?

If your corporate event, annual conference or holiday party includes a social hour, close-up strolling magic by Markus is the perfect accompaniment. His magic will liven up the festivities while your guests arrive and begin to mingle; they will be thoroughly entertained and in a great frame of mind to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Does your restaurant have long waiting lines on certain nights?  Close-up magic by Markus is a perfect way to keep your patrons from leaving and going elsewhere!  The wait will fly by as he dazzles them with magic.  (On the other hand, if you have slow nights, advertising that your establishment offers magical entertainment will bring in more customers!) 

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, wedding receptions, family get-togethers, grand openings, conventions or trade shows (sell your product or company message through magic!), Project Graduation (fill a few hours of the evening with mind-blowing magic the grads will remember for years!)... anywhere great entertainment is welcome.
The possibilities are infinite!.

Almodarr has appeared at TJ's for over 6 years.  He entertains the customers with a variety of tricks, whether it be card tricks or sleight of hand or making an animal out of a balloon.  Whatever the case may be, he is very patient with the children (young and old), courteous and acts in a professional manner at all times.  He has increased our customer count by about 20% on Wednesday nights.  I highly recommend Almodarr if you are trying to increase your traffic flow on a slow evening.  You will be very satisfied (as I have been) with his wit and his magic.
                                                                                   --Lou Chantigny, Owner, TJ's Restaurant, Biddeford, ME

As a member of the committee to plan Project Graduation for my daughter's senior class, I was given the task of booking entertainment for the all-night party.  I booked The Steelgraves to do close-up magic and temporary tattoos at 1:00 a.m.  The students were amazed at the tricks that were performed right before their eyes.  It was by far the most popular entertainment of the evening.
I would highly recommend them for your event!
                                  --Kathy Cole, 2010 Project Graduation Committee, Casco Bay High School, Portland, ME

Markus has performed his impressive close-up magic coast to coast over the course of his career--from establishments in Maine, to upscale resorts in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, to major corporations, to the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, to restaurants and sports arenas in San Diego and Los Angeles.  He can perform in casual, business, or formal attire, or even in costume...whatever is appropriate for your event.  Friendly and energetic,
    Markus is a charismatic magical entertainer who puts the power to amaze right into his spectators' hands.

Rates for close-up and strolling magic are hourly.  To make your event a super success, combine an hour (or more!) of close-up magic with a stage magic show.
Call or e-mail for current rates and package prices.  Let Markus "bring the magic to you!"

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