The Campus Activities Council Speakers Bureau will collaborate with the CAC Concert Series for “A Night of Magic and Music” Tuesday.
The event will open with a live performance by Norman-based band Douglas, followed by a magic show performed by magician and comedian Ben Seidman.
Seidman has starred in Netflix’s Brainchild and Travel Channel’s Magic Outlaws and has received various awards for his work, including Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year. Now, the Los Angeles-based performer tours globally, visiting colleges and headlining casinos.
Aviation and entrepreneurship junior and CAC Speakers Bureau Chair Kennedy Corbin said Seidman’s extensive and impressive resume made him a great choice for this year’s event.
"He's known for doing pretty large crowds, being very interactive and (incorporating) a lot of comedy into his routine as well,” Corbin said.
Corbin said the co-programming allows for a unique angle to a long-standing, annual event. She also said Seidman’s magic show is a rare but influential choice for the Speakers Bureau, allowing participants to experience a highly renowned magician in a place other than his typical venues.
"Magicians aren't necessarily the most highlighted events on campus for Speakers Bureau,” Corbin said. “The significance for us is to bring out something more creative and a new idea.”
Corbin said bringing Seidman to OU keeps students from having to travel far away from home, to locations such as Las Vegas or cruise lines, for the experience.
“Bringing (Seidman) to campus where students can attend for free would be a really great opportunity for them just to get a little bit of the experience, the magical experience if you will,” Corbin said.
Corbin described Douglas as an indie alternative band, finding similarities in bands like Peach Pit and the Backseat Lovers. Normanites may recognize Douglas from the CAC Concert Series or the Norman Art Walk.
"Being able to support local OU students with Douglas coming out is also really a great opportunity,” Corbin said.
Corbin said the ultimate goal of the event is to provide a space with a positive impact on the community and that the committees look for entertainers that personally inspire or enlighten the lives of students in some way.
“I think something that Speakers Bureau does a good job of is allowing for a lot of one-on-one interaction,” Corbin said. “I think that's a really great opportunity, both for the fan and the celebrity, because they get a chance to see the people who appreciate their work and talent and get a chance to interact with them.”
“A Night of Magic and Music” will be held 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union's Molly Shi Boren Ballroom, where refreshments will be provided. The event is free, and RSVP is not required.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
