By Michael Buzzelli
The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall brought in Joshua (Mr.) Messado for a terrific evening of entertainment on Saturday, March 14.
Messado astonished audiences with a variety of card tricks. He performed the Shell Game, while teaching the history of magic. He selected several audience members to “aid” him with his magic (Hint: He didn’t need help, but the interactive portion of the show made it even more enjoyable).
While the magician lives in the Steel City, Messado is nationally known for his ring trick, an illusion or sleight of hand trick that defies logic, even while said volunteers from the audience stood next to him as he performed.
Messado delivered his tricks with style, grace, and a whole lot of humor. The show had a few groaners (the magician’s version of a Dad Joke), but Messado can be easily forgiven (he teaches magic to little ones).
Originally from Philly, Messado relocated to Pittsburgh, calling it his ‘forever home.’ It’s best not to ask where he stands on an Eagles/Steelers matchup.
The show ran a quick 90 minutes, with magic, jokes and shrimp cocktail.
The Saturday Soirees are intimate settings in the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall’s basement. The basement with exposed white brick, small circular tables covered in black cloth and adorned with flickering electric candles give the space a jazz nightclub vibe. The pre-paid tables each have an Arabic numeral to identify your seat, giving the jazz club a hint of the library above.
The ticket price includes a delightful collection of hors d’œuvres, including various cheeses, crackers, shrimp, fruit, nuts and a sample of desserts (cookies and cheesecake bites). For a small donation, you can select a red or white wine to go with your snacks.
The Carnegie Carnegie (so nice you say it twice) Library is doing a marvelous job bringing in talent for their soirees. Stay local and check out the library.
-MB
You can find out more information on the Saturday Soirees at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Blvd., Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information on upcoming Saturday Soirees click here.
