How to Make Your Gala Unforgettable: The Magic Touch for Cocktail Hour and Beyond

If you’re planning a gala, fundraiser, or high-end annual event, you already know the stakes are high. You want your guests to feel engaged, impressed, and delighted — not just politely entertained. The key? Adding experiences that feel effortless yet unforgettable. That’s where a touch of live magic comes in.

​Cocktail Hour: Turn Small Talk Into “Wow” Moments

The cocktail hour sets the tone for the entire evening. But let’s be honest — it can also be awkward. Guests who don’t know each other tend to stick to small talk and surface-level chatter.
That’s why strolling close-up magic is the perfect solution. As I move from group to group performing interactive sleight-of-hand right in their hands, barriers disappear and laughter takes over. The magic gives everyone something to talk about — and suddenly, strangers become new friends.
Strolling magic adds sophistication, surprise, and connection to your event’s first hour — without ever stealing focus from the cause or your VIPs.

​After Dinner: Keep the Energy Alive

After dinner (and maybe a long program), it’s easy for the room’s energy to dip. A short, high-impact magic and comedy show is the perfect way to recapture attention and keep guests buzzing through dessert or the auction.
My after-dinner performances are designed for exactly this moment: smart, interactive, and full of impossible moments that get the entire room involved. It’s not about “watching a magician” — it’s about creating a shared experience people talk about long after the night ends.

​Why Work With Ben Young

I bring more than a deck of cards to the table. I’m a resident magician at House of Cards, Nashville’s premier fine dining and entertainment venue — and I’ve performed for U.S. troops on 80+ military bases around the world. I’ve also been featured on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and trusted by countless corporate and nonprofit clients to bring world-class entertainment to their events.
Whether it’s an elegant gala or a black-tie fundraiser, I tailor every performance to fit your audience, your theme, and your schedule — ensuring the magic complements your evening rather than competing with it.

​Let’s Make Your Next Event Unforgettable

​If you’re planning a gala, charity dinner, or corporate fundraiser, let’s create something your guests will be talking about long after the last toast.
Reach out today to bring strolling close-up magic and a headline after-dinner show to your next event — and give your guests a night they’ll never forget.

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