Nationally recognized illusionist and local businessman Scott Anderson is teaming up with 98.7 FM The Bull to put on his new show in West Linn next month in support of Hannah Grace Family, a local nonprofit that helps families and children who are or who have experienced trauma and instability.
Anderson has wowed judges and audiences alike in his Vegas-style magic show and on hit programs including America’s Got Talent, Wizard Wars and the Go-Big Show, and now hosts the largest illusion show in the Pacific Northwest.
Also an Afghanistan and Iraq War Army veteran, Anderson weaves his own life stories, hilarious comedy, audience participation and jaw-dropping illusions into an unforgettable performance that promises to be “magical theater at its finest.”
Anderson teased that this show will include a slew of astounding, never-before-seen illusions and effects he has only recently added to his repertoire, including a finale featuring a six-and-half-foot-tall industrial steel fan he has affectionately dubbed “Rotor Wash.”
“People will appear, disappear, get twisted in knots, cut in half and impaled,” Anderson told the Current. “Audience members will levitate, have their minds read, and one ‘lucky’ winner will face the bed of 24-inch nails!”
Tickets are $20, with all proceeds benefiting Hannah Grace Family. Two shows are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the West Linn High School Performing Arts Center, 5464 West A Street in West Linn.
The evening promises to be the “perfect night out for families,” Anderson said. Anderson has performed his show locally numerous times over the years, often at the Canby Fine Arts Center and always in support of local causes, including the Boy Scouts, Canby Fire District, Canby Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial, the Canby High School trap team and Share the Love in Molalla.
For tickets, visit eveningofillusion.ticketleap.com/evening-of-illusion-on-stage, or for more information and videos, check out illusionsofanderson.com.
Hannah Grace Family is an Oregon City-based nonprofit dedicated to serving children and families impacted by trauma and abuse. Their services include weekly music classes, hosted family visitation times and other weekly groups and special events.
Jason Hood, one of the founders and director of Hannah Grace Family, explained that their work is all about stability.
“The first and most important form of stability that we’re trying to bring is trust,” he said. “A lot of our work starts with trying to build relationships and trying to help others recognize the importance of stability. Our bodies and minds are always seeking stability.”
A little over two years ago, Hannah Grace was able to move into its new location at 1678 South Beavercreek Road, Suite F, in Oregon City — next to Jimmy O’s Pizzeria. Having the dedicated space helped transform their work, founder Tara Hood told the Current.
While Hannah Grace is contracted with the Oregon Department of Human Services to offer families visitation services, the team strives hard to make the time feel personal and meaningful.
“When they’re coming into our building, it’s not the typical DHS family visitation,” she said. “I get to be around these families and love on them and encourage them. That’s the mentoring part of what we do. A lot of it is just loving on them.”
Learn more about Hannah Grace Family on their website at hannahgrace.org, or check out Episode 413 of the Now Hear This: Canby podcast.