08/27/12 jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- Outrageous comedy, unbelievable sideshow stunts, mind reading and sleight of hand makes for a one-man variety show filled with feats like fire eating, escapes, the "human blockhead," the diabolical "Mr. Happy-pants," dangerous psychic challenges and more.

"Bizarre Magician" Brian Brushwood will perform some of his signature pieces at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center located on the Fort Hays State University Campus.

Brushwood take outrageous, dangerous and amazing feats and blends them with the right amount of comedy to give each routine a polished look and feel.

Brushwood was born in Fountain Valley, Calif., and learned to make friends quickly as he spent most of his childhood moving to Colorado, Norway and several parts of Texas.

As a child, he possessed an intense love of magic that mysteriously vanished when he became a teenager. Once in college, Brian rekindled his interest in magic, studying sleight-of-hand and performing close-up magic as a part-time job.

Upon graduation, Brushwood began performing his unique brand of magic at clubs and schools. He quickly captured "Best Club Magic" and "Best Comedy Magic" awards from the Texas Association of Magicians and broke out onto the national scene.

From colleges to corporations, Brushwood has now become one of the most in-demand and original performers. He is the author of "The Professional's Guide to Fire Eating," "Pack the House," and "Cheats, Cons, Swindles, and Tricks." He has appeared on dozens of television and radio broadcasts, including "The Tonight Show," and programs on ABC, NBC, FOX, the BBC, E! and more.

Brushwood also tours heavily, appearing at colleges, clubs and on television in almost every state in the United States.

His appearance, sponsored by University Activities Board, is also open to the public. Admission is free.

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