If the world of card magic were an actual planet, one of its oceans would surely be named John Bannon. Over the last forty years this accomplished Chicago attorney has published incredible card magic that can be found in the working repertoires of both hobbyists and professionals all over the world. A member of the famous "Chicago Session," his ability to conceive, construct, and perform card magic was honed over decades of weekly meetings. collaborations, and critiques.

If you have studied magic at all during the last couple of decades then you have seen his best-selling books and videos, all full of material that relies more on sophisticated, subtle deception than on brute-force technique. Perhaps you followed his long-running column in Genii Magazine, or bought some of his commercially released routines. At the 2027 Bluff City Conclave you will get a chance to learn from this modern master in person and see some of his brand new material.

https://bannonmagic.com

She's a Penn & Teller fooler, a FISM judge and lecturer, the winner of the prestigious French magic award the Mandrake d’Or, a regular attendee and performer at the invitation-only 4F Convention, and the daughter of Dominique Duvivier, one of magic's living legends. She has skillfully made her own mark on the world of magic through talent, humor, and hard work. She is the incomparable Alexandra Duvivier.

Alexandra is a favorite artist for some of the biggest luxury brands in the world, including Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, L'Oréal, and more. She has produced three solo stage shows, three shows as a double act with her father (Dominique Duvivier), a children's show, and a show performed entirely in English.

In 1988 Dominique Duvivier created Le Double Fond in the heart of historic Paris, and it has been a showplace for the world's best close-up magic ever since. Alexandra and her father have recently created Double Fond TV, a streaming channel where you can learn magic with the greatest masters. But at the Bluff City Conclave, you will experience her magic and learn from Alexandra herself.

https://www.alexandraduvivier.com
https://instagram.com/alexandraduvivieroff
https://www.doublefond.com
https://www.doublefond.tv 

Patrick Thernes is a Cincinnati-based producer, emcee, and magical entertainer known for blending classic vaudeville flair with modern show craft. Onstage as Sir Pat-Trick, he co-creates and headlines The Variety Tricksters, a fast-paced act that weaves comedy, magic, and music into an exceptional cabaret experience.

A classically trained actor turned comedy–magic vaudevillian, Patrick’s craft was spotlighted at the International 2013 MAGIC Live! convention, where a dramatic reinvention of his stage persona drew industry attention and helped him achieve his longtime goal of performing at the world-famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Today, he balances performing with producing and consulting on show flow, pacing, and audience experience. He co-produces Cincy Magic Night, a monthly series that showcases top magicians and introduces new audiences to live variety arts across the Cincinnati region.

https://www.sirpat-trick.com
https://instagram.com/sptmagicofficial

Rolando Santos, a proud Texas Aggie ('78), has had successful careers in both the world of broadcast news and in the world of magic. 

Magically, he is a Past International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, who last year presented him with their highest award, the Medallion of Honor. He is only the tenth awardee in the history of the IBM. He is also an assistant editor of The Linking Ring as well as a member of the Magic Circle (MIMC) and the Academy of Magical Arts. He has published multiple works in MAGIC Magazine, The Linking Ring, and in his own books. In the business world he is a former CNN executive who launched and managed networks around the world, including CNN Headline News, CNN en Español , and CNN Chile, to name a few. He was also a senior executive at Telemundo.

Rolando's performing focus is often on bizarre magic, but beyond that he is a gifted storyteller. His television experience has given him a deep understanding of the way our language choices affect the way we connect with our audiences. His lecture on evocative communication is a don't-miss opportunity to learn some of the real secrets of performing powerful magic.

https://facebook.com/rolandosantos78 

Steve and Jennifer Queen are a husband and wife duo who have brought fire and magic performances to audiences in the St. Louis, Missouri Metro Area for eleven years. 

Steve is an award-winning magician and president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring One in St. Louis. For twelve years as a solo performer, he has shared close-up, parlor and magic show acts at parties, corporate events, schools, churches, restaurants and in magic competitions. He appeared on an episode of the IBM Official Podcast and in a feature in Voyage STL Magazine.

Jennifer performs solo as well, with eighteen years of experience bringing fire, belly dance, and magic acts to a wide variety of venues and events, from renaissance festivals to circus events.

https://www.instagram.com/maestrostl/
https://www.instagram.com/korvinabellydance/

Lucio Martinez is an illusionist known for stunning visual magic and graceful dove performance. Blending classic stage effects with bilingual charm, he creates moments that feel both beautiful and impossible. He was a standout performer at the Ring 16 show at Crosstown Theater in 2026.

Lucio made a splash as one of the audience-favorite contestants at the 2025 IBM Convention in Houston, Texas. He also appeared at the 2019 Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the 2019 TAOM Convention in San Antonio, and had also competed earlier at the 2016 IBM Convention in San Antonio.

Don't miss his amazing act on the Saturday night show at the 2027 Bluff City Conclave!

https://www.instagram.com/lco_magic

Joe M. Turner, founder and producer of Bluff City Conclave, has been a full-time performer and speaker for over 25 years. His career has taken him to stages, screens, ships, and conference platforms in fifty countries. He has performed and lectured at the Magic Castle, the Magic Circle, and at other magic venues, conventions, and festivals across America and around the world. 

Joe is a Past International President of the IBM and the current president of IBM Ring 16, the Society of Memphis Magicians. He has written for Genii Magazine for 25 years and is a regular attendee and frequent emcee at the prestigious 4F Convention. In addition to his continuing magical projects and his shows Memphis Magic Night and One Enchanted Evening, he performs regularly as a church pianist and as a featured pianist at the world-famous Peabody Hotel. 

Joe and his wife Rosemary are Mississippi State alumni. They have two grown children, one grandchild, and live near Memphis, Tennessee.

https://turnermagic.com | TurnerMagic Instagram
Memphis Pianist Web | Memphis Pianist Instagram