Ghost Stories, Tricks/Treats, Magic Featured in 'Phantasms 2'

From a press release:

Just in time for Halloween, El Camino College’s Marsee Auditorium will be the place to be for ghost stories, tricks/treats, and plenty of magic. ECC associate professor Jason Davidson returns for his second year to present his popular lecture “Phantasms 2,” set for 8 p.m. October 18 in Marsee Auditorium.

Davidson will once again be accompanied by guest magicians, David Blatter and Leeman Parker, the award-winning duo known as “David and Leeman,” who were finalists on “America’s Got Talent” this past season.

In “Phantasms 2,” Davidson will discuss the history and demonstrate the methods of the Spiritualist Movement popular in America during the late 1800s, as well as explain how these techniques are often used today.

The Spiritualism Movement reached its peak in popularity in the 1840s and into the early 20th century. Followers believed they could communicate with the spirits of the dead either by contacting them personally, or through a medium. The movement spread throughout the U.S. and Great Britain, with thousands of people attending meetings, séances, lectures, and conventions.

Along with the meetings and séances in both private and public forums came many “contacts” and mediums who turned out to be no more than a hoax.

“Last year, we only scratched the surface regarding fraudulent mediums,” said Davidson, a communications professor. “This year, we’ve added more details for those audience members who saw last year’s show.”

In addition to teaching, Davidson is also a magician. He is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and the Academy of Magical Arts, headquartered at the Hollywood Magic Castle.

Joining him in the demonstrations are David and Leeman, who will be returning from the inaugural “Phantasms” event last year.

David and Leeman made their national television debut this year on “America’s Got Talent,” where they made it to the Final Top 12. They also recently completed a critically-acclaimed (and extended) run of “Magic & Other Dangerous Things,” their 2014 Hollywood Fringe Festival show.

“David and Leeman are true professionals,” Davidson said. “After performing at Radio City Music Hall on live national television, we’re really lucky to have them back!”

Tickets for “Phantasms 2,” are $15 and may be purchased online at www.centerforthearts.org, by phone at 310-329-5345 or toll-free at 800-832-ARTS. The Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Campus parking is $3. The El Camino College Marsee Auditorium is located at 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance.

PHOTO El Camino College associate professor Jason Davidson presents “Phantasms 2” at Marsee Auditorium Oct. 18.

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