Ricky Jay to Host 'CONGRESS OF WONDERS', July 11-14

Ricky Jay will hold his first "Congress of Wonders, a Weekend of Entertainment and Edification," July 11-14 in Rhinebeck, New York. This historic town will serve as a backdrop for a weekend of magic appreciation. The event is put on in tandem with Dreamcatcher Events, the leading producer of immersive performing arts retreats for adults and young adults. (www.dreamcatcher-events.com)

The inaugural conference will feature discussions and up close demonstrations by Jay and special guests including Michael Weber, Gary Marcus, Jesse Dylan and Steve Cuiffo. There will be in depth looks at magic practices, along with talks highlighting the relationship of magic to theater, film, and psychology. In addition, Rickywill participate in the LIVE from the New York Public Library lecture series April 2.

Long considered one of the world's great sleight of hand artists, Jay's career is highlighted by the variety of his accomplishments as a writer, actor, historian and consultant. In 2012 Jay released the critically acclaimed documentary film Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of RickyJay. Praised by The New York Times as "hugely entertaining" and the New York Daily News as "enchanting," the film tell the story of Ricky's career in his own voice. Defining the terms of his profession for the Encyclopedia Britannica and the Cambridge Guide to American Theater, Jay also authored many books including Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women and Jay's Journal of Anomalies, both New York Times "Notable Books." Among his other works are Dice: Deception, Fate and Rotten Luck; Extraordinary Exhibitions; and The Magic Magic Book which he produced for the Whitney Museum of American Art. The liner notes for his boxed set Ricky Jay Plays Poker, an album of classic and esoteric gambling tunes and a DVD of his of sleight of hand performance, was nominated for a Grammy Award.

RICKY JAY EVENTS:
April 2 New York Public Library New York, NY
July 11-14 Beekman Arms Delamater Inn & Conference Center Rhinebeck, NY