NORWICH – The Chenango County Council of the Arts, Norwich, will kick off its 2010/11 season on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. with The Jason Bishop Show.

As America’s hottest illusionist, Jason Bishop might have a person passing through his body one moment or make goldfish appear from nowhere the next. Bishop is an international award-winning illusionist who was the youngest person to win the Magician’s Alliance of Eastern States Stage Award and one of the youngest people to compete in the Society of American Magicians World-Class competition. Bishop’s interest in magic ran throughout his youth, truly taking shape in his mid-teens. In college Jason studied theatre and then went on the road performing at resorts and amusement parks, anywhere he could find an audience, including the street. As audiences enjoyed the show more and more he altered his magic to become larger and more impressive.

The Jason Bishop Show now tours the most dynamic illusion and magic show in the US. The show currently features exclusive large illusions, award winning sleight of hand and “close-up” magic that is captured live and projected onto LCD screens for the audience to have a clear view of every detail. Bishop is currently the only illusionist in the U.S. to tour with the rare Double Levitation, Plasma illusion and Op-Art. His performance abilities have led him from New Mexico to Maine and Florida to New York, as well as every state in-between.

Jason has entertained celebrities like Chris Penn and Bam Margera, who after seeing a performance said, “Jason Bishop is the best magician I’ve ever seen.” Bishop’s combination of modern costuming and music, fast paced illusions, sleight of hand and audience participation has landed him in several notable venues, including Norwegian Cruise lines, Caroline’s on Broadway and the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. More recently Jason been featured in various Performing Arts Centers and theaters throughout the United States.

Tickets for The Jason Bishop Show range in price from $16 to $24.50 with discounts for seniors and members of the Arts Council. Students 18 and under are always $10.

Upcoming performances in the CCCA’s season include: Celtic Crossroads on Oct. 23; Jim Witter’s Christmas Memories on Dec. 12; m-pact on Feb. 5; The John Henrys on March 11; The Kristina Reiko Cooper Trio on March 20; Megan Higley Phillips on April 9; and the Colgate Chamber Players on April 17.

These performances are supported in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

The Chenango County Council of the Arts is located at 27 West Main St., Norwich. For reservations call 336-ARTS or go online to www.chenangoarts.org.