Background
Chicago’s ‘Rush Street’ Nightclubs
- Your Father’s Mustache
- The Red Garter
Touring Musical Groups
- The Edwardians
- Toe Jammers
- The New Buffalo Shuffle Review
- Mad Monks of Melody
- Edwards Family Singers
Credentials
- Master of Music—Bass Trombone
- Elmhurst Symphony
- Bloomington/Normal Symphony
- Arranger/Director/Choreographer
- West Towns Barbershop Chorus
- 14-yr High
School Choral Director
- 1st Swing & Jazz Choirs in Illinois
Recognitions
- Hero Award, Give Kids A Smile
- Superintendents Award - Francis Howell School District
- Choral Festival Clinician
- Clinician, Fred Waring Choir Camps
- Clinician, Soundsation Vocal Jazz
- National Clinician, NJEA, ACDA, MENC
- Clinician, MENC (National & Illinois)
- Music Educator Clinician, TX & IL
- Published Author - Microphones, Sound Reinforcement & Recording
During a14-year music teaching career in Chicago suburbs, Jim began entertaining at Rush Street banjo nightclubs. This included performances for WGN-TV studios on trombone and his 1919 Vega banjo.
He then joined the audio industry to teach music educators
how to use audio equipment successfully. Stuck away from home in Houston, he noticed a
clown standing in front of a magic store on a busy street. He decided to
investigate. Thus began his magic career.
Soon, he was performing magic at wedding receptions for cute flower girls and ring bearers who were ignored as the parties progressed. Since 2004 he has been entertaining kids at Dillard’s as their parents shopped and students K-12 as a substitute teacher.
His one-man Nostalgia Show has given him a reputation of dependability
performing for kids and senior citizens for years at retirement residences. In
2007 he was sought out by a well-known St.
Louis agent who booked him at multiple country clubs
as well as at Missouri Athletic Clubs after other magicians used were too frightening.
Banjo Jim the Magician blends his love of children with over 20 years as an educator; 20+ years entertainment experience; non-threatening magic performance as well as touring with his own youth groups across the nation.
