AbraKidabra! Belmont's Magician Mike Bent

At the beginning of his performance before a crowd that filled the front lawn of the United Methodist Church on Common Street, Belmont's Mike Bent tells the people that he is a magician and that means he's "magish." 

It's a cute way of telling people that being called a magician doesn't really make you a professional. And for the past quarter century, the Belmont High School grad and Common Street resident has been a full-time magician, making a living performing slight-of-hand and making jokes.

The best part of his life is that "I can't be downsized," said Bent.

And unlike magicians who headline Vegas rooms or become pop stars such as Penn and Teller, Bent's audience would have a hard time sitting still through those other acts, if they weren't fast asleep by the time they started.

See Mike Bent explain his act, how he became a magician and his trips to the White House by viewing the attached video.

As his act's name – AbraKidabra – indicates, Bent brings magic to kids. Bent performs at educational venues, parties and group events with a lot of comedy infused into his magic routine. His children's act was awarded Best Party Entertainer by Nickelodeon Parents' Picks Award last year and has been nominated again this year.

With the assistance of his daughter, Bent takes to the stage Monday evening to present "EcoMagic," which is geared toward teaching youngsters (and their parents) about protecting the environment in an entertaining way "without being preachy." 

His easy going approachable manner and act has allowed him to have one of the best gigs in the past four years: playing the White House.

Twice for both Presidents Bush and Obama, Bent has played the White House Easter Egg Hunt celebration when more than 30,000 people, most kids, cram into the White House lawns - in five shifts - making it one of the largest concentration of kids in one place in the country.

While a busy day, one which is one his dime as the White House will not pay performers, Bent said the exposure is great. 

And while he has yet to meet the president, a first lady did wave to him.

You can contact Bent at http://www.abrakidabra.com.