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Join us for a family-friendly night of illusion and magic Thursday, Oct. 22!
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WIU GCPA to Welcome Magic Rocks Oct. 22

October 9, 2026

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL. — "Magic Rocks!" will hit the stage for a family-friendly night at Western Illinois University's Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

Illusionist Leon Etienne, known as "America's Rock Illusionist," has performed on stages around the world, including Radio City Music Hall, Planet Hollywood Casino and Studio City Casino in Macau. He has performed across the United States and in countries including England, Ireland, France, China and Australia.

"We are excited to host Leon and Magic Rocks! He is a bigger than life personality with an even bigger stage show. Bring the family and prepare to be amazed," GCPA Interim Director Mick Cumbie said.

Etienne has appeared on television programs including "America's Got Talent," "Penn & Teller: Fool Us!," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and "Masters of Illusion." His performances have also included appearances that left celebrities such as Jimmy Fallon, Howard Stern and Heidi Klum speechless.

Known for his high-energy performance style, charisma and rock 'n' roll edge, Etienne combines sleight-of-hand magic with grand illusions in his critically acclaimed show, "Magic Rocks!"

With more than three decades of performance experience, Etienne brings a fast-paced, high-energy approach to magic that blends the spectacle of a concert with live illusion.

The Goldfarb Center is a LEED Silver-certified facility, recognizing the building's sustainable design and construction.

Student tickets are $10 for students with a valid WIU student ID. All other individual tickets are available at westernpresents.com. For more information on the GCPA, visit wiu.edu/GCPA.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing