James Ember: Man of Magic

Since Epic is repping the big top this year, TruTeam always loves a good theme. So, we’re adding a little “cirque” flair to our Moonlight in Madison event and welcoming back James Ember. Those who attended our event last year were wowed by James’s creativity and skill. He had us all asking: “How did he do that?!” 

Leading up to UGM, we caught up with James and dove into the wonderful, fascinating world of magic that inspires him.  

TT: What first sparked your interest in magic, and when did you realize you wanted to perform professionally? 

JE: Back in 1985 my gym teacher in kindergarten showed me a trick and told me about a magic shop in Rockford, IL. Long story short, I got a magic kit from my mom and performed for the school talent show and won. It sparked the bug of performance, and the rest is history. 

TT: Without giving away any secrets, is there a trick or illusion that's especially fun to perform for a live audience? What makes it one of your favorites? 

JE: In my stage act, I have a classic routine called the Linking Rings that I perform in a very different way than what other magicians do. It is closer to a magical dance than a magic trick. 

TT: Every magician has a signature style. How would you describe yours? 

JE: Joyfully Crafty  

TT: Magic is all about creating moments of surprise. As a strolling magician, how do you tailor those moments to fit the unique energy of each group? 

JE: Energy is reciprocal. What I am being given is what I give back plus 10%. Some people want a chill vibe mystery, and some people want a high energy miracle. People tell me what they want, and I give it to them. 

TT: If you could perform for anyone, past or present, who would it be and why? 

JE: Eugene Burger. He was one of the best teachers of magic and he was from Chicago. I have no idea if our paths crossed when I was younger and I know so many people who tell stories of sitting with him. It is one of the great mysteries of my life. 

TT: As adults, we spend so much of our lives looking for answers and explanations. Magic invites us to simply enjoy the mystery. Why do you think we're so captivated by the things we can't explain? 

JE: As we age, we learn answers and there comes a point usually in our 20s that we feel we know it all. Then as we age more, we learn that we know practically nothing in the grand scheme of things. I think as we age, we learn to go along for the ride as opposed to solving the equation. 

TT: Our event celebrates the spectacle and storytelling of Hollywood. Whether it's on screen or right in front of us, what do you think turns a good performance into one that people never forget? 

JE: The word you used. Storytelling. I have routines where I could say: "pick a card" and then I find it in a mysterious way. Or I can tell you a story that you become a part of along the way and that embeds a memory that will stay with you. 

TT: Do you have any upcoming performances or announcements that you'd like to highlight? 

JE: I perform much fewer public shows in the fall and focus mainly on private events. I do typically perform some self-produced shows towards the end of the year. The best way to learn about future shows would be to join my mailing list, which can be found here.

Want to see if James can wow you too? RSVP for Moonlight in Madison here. 

(Good luck, though—we still don’t know how he does it!)