The Hilo Elks Lodge 759 will present its annual World of Magic show from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo.
This year’s special performers are Puna Taiko and magician The Great Barusky.
Founded in 2002, Puna Taiko’s mission is to “perpetuate the rich cultural tradition of taiko (Japanese drumming) while reinforcing the concepts of individual uniqueness and interdependent teamwork.” To this end, Puna Taiko’s primary performance ensemble is the Youth Performance group, which is made up of students from schools throughout East Hawaii, including Keaau high and middle schools, Waiakea High School, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences and the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Puna Taiko ensembles have performed on the Big Island, Oahu, Maui and even in Los Angeles. Lessons are offered every Sunday afternoon, with junior taiko, adult recreational and bamboo flute classes, all of which are open to the public.
The Great Barusky has performed for three decades. A member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ Merlin Society and the Society of American Magicians, he also is one of the founding members of the Big Island Magic Club. You can find him on stage and closeup at different venues and community events.
He has been published in the MUM Magic Magazine and performed at the World Magic Summit in Washington, D.C., where he was a crowd favorite with his original routine about the dyslexic brother of Harry Houdini.
When not prestidigitating, The Great Barusky fills his time with doing glass art, pruning bonsai, playing table tennis and spending time with his loved ones.
At the end of the show, expect Santa to make a special appearance.
Sponsored by the Elks National Foundation and community members, admission to this performance is free, and donations are welcome.
For more information, contact Lily at the Hilo Elks at 935-1717.