Magician and illusionist Ryan Bliss, will be entertaining families on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad’s Friday Magic Trains on July 13 and 20 and August 10, 17, and 24th.
Bliss said he’s been doing magic tricks since age seven, when he saw his first magic show in elementary school in Sauquoit.
His mentor is Shaun Robison of Utica. who he calls “one of the best magicians in the world.”
“I’ve been working with him for seven years. I go to his house once a week and he works with me for three or four hours. That’s how you get better,” Bliss said.
His specialty is walk-around, close-up tricks with cards and coins, and depending on the situation he may do a little pick-pocketing.He also performs magic tricks at schools and for benefits, weddings, and banquet dinners.
Bliss is continually perfecting his tricks and illusions, he said, and he attends a Magic Convention in Buffalo once a year where he is able to meet other magicians from around the world.
“I’m also working with two guys from Germany. We’re going to print my own deck of cards with my own brand. The cards will be specifically designed for a special effect and I’ll be the only person that will be able to do it,” he said.
Bliss, who graduated from Sauquoit Valley Central School in 2009, said he used to do tricks for his friends in high school, and the first magic show he ever performed was at the school.
“The school district contacted me for their elementary school assembly and it was cool to be back there doing magic where I saw my first magic show,” he said.
“It was that first magic show that inspired me to become a magician,” he said.
He’s looking forward to performing his magic and illusions on the Magic Train.
“If passengers have never seen a walk-around, close-up performer before, they will not be disappointed,” he said.
The Friday Magic Trains depart from the Thendara Train Station at 12:30 and 3 p.m. For ticket information call 1-800-819-2291.
