There is no doubt there is magic in an excellent performance, but Adam Trent will literally bring magic to the Union Theater on Wednesday.
Billed by a University news release as “Justin Timberlake meets David Copperfield,” Trent began the evolution of his current show with his love of Michael Jackson’s music and performance and Copperfield’s magic.
“Growing up, I would split my time between music and magic,” Trent said. “At one point, I realized, ‘Why don’t I just combine these two together?’ That’s where the premise of a magic show mixed with a concert came from.”
During his act, Trent blends a musical performance with magic and other illusions, performing familiar songs with songs that he wrote himself.
“It really comes down to what fits best with the magic,” Trent said. “In the instances where I use my own songs, it’s been for acts where I couldn’t find a song that really fit it and did what I wanted to do with it. I got to a point where I said, ‘You know what? I know exactly what I want for this, but I can’t find it, so why don’t we create a new one?’”
But Trent didn’t find success overnight or have it handed to him.
He started his career by performing in his hometown in Colorado, with frequent television appearances. After finishing college, he toured and played comedy clubs, college campuses and cruise lines. He also was the opening act for Alonzo Bodden in 2008, winner of the TV show “Last Comic Standing.” In 2010, he played more than 250 shows in 19 countries.
After gaining exposure and notoriety, Trent had a big break nationally with an appearance on the Disney Channel in 2012.
“I did a guest star appearance on the Disney Channel as myself which was cool that they didn’t give me a character,” Trent said. “It was obviously a big break. It definitely gave me a lot of exposure, and it definitely changed the trajectory of my career.”
However, the Disney Channel isn’t the biggest break Trent has had on his career as a rising star. He also performed on a couple of different television networks in France and has an upcoming performance in Australia in December.
Those who attend the show Wednesday can expect a lot from Trent. He will be performing a collection of cover songs as well as original material. Trent said he hopes everyone can find something in the performance.
“This is a show for magic lovers and non-magic lovers alike,” Trent said. “There’s so many different elements in this. It has something for everyone in it.”
Trent will be performing at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Union Theater. Tickets are free with an LSU ID

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courtesy of Adam Trent