The beauty of magic is the wonder it can bestow at any age.
Magician David Jowers was just four years old when his grandfather showed him his first magic trick. "I was mesmerized and kept asking him to show me more," Jowers recalled.
"He did his best, but I was hooked after the first trick."
Jowers began practicing magic seriously at the age of five after complications from a routine tonsillectomy left him unable to speak. Jowers says he used magic to express himself and overcome his shy nature.
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Jowers has appeared on VH1’s "Celebracadabra," performed at Caroline’s on Broadway, and has been featured on the Food Network alongside chef and TV personality, Rachael Ray. But of all the places he has seen and performed in, Jowers says it's still the close connections with intimate audiences that inspire him to continue creating a sense of amazement.
"I want people to experience wonder and excitement in my performance," he shared. "If I can do that, my job is done."
In his new role, Jowers performs magic regularly at Plant Riverside District and can be found on-site Wednesday through Saturday from 6-10 p.m., performing free strolling magic shows throughout Savannah’s Entertainment District along the Savannah riverfront.
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
It's a moving show that surprises and delights passersby in the family-friendly atmosphere. During his performances, Jowers says realism is a major focus of his routine, trying to make the mystical elements of each magic trick seem real and tangible for audiences.
“I try to make magic look real,” Jowers explained.
Modern magic is a performing art with a storied history. Jowers tries to honor the many that have come before him, raising magic into a revered form of American live entertainment, one that has endured centuries.
His heroes include magical pioneers like Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, considered the "father" of modern magic, who had a magic theatre in Paris in 1845.
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Later, a magician named Erik Wise used Houdin’s last name and added the letter "i" becoming Houdini, now ubiquitous with mainstream American magic.
Jowers says it's a rich heritage, one he tries to honor with his own engaging repertoire.
"Magic is an art. I love the history behind it," he added. "I choose to carry the torch for all of these great men before me and to be part of this magical history."
Plant Riverside District officials say they are excited to bring a world-class magician to entertain guests and inspire a sense of awe in all those who encounter his wonders.
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
“We’re confident that David’s mind-blowing magic skills will quickly become a can’t-miss favorite among locals and visitors," said Tyler Gray, director of entertainment at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.
To learn more or to view a performance schedule, visit plantriverside.com. To schedule a magic performance, email PRD-Entertainment@kesslercollection.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Plant Riverside District’s new resident magician David Jowers is here to make magic look real
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