When the word magician is mentioned, images of David Copperfield, Criss Angel and David Blaine are instantly conjured up.

But in actuality, there are a crop of African-Americans who are holding it down in the world of illusion and sleight of hand.

JOHN HAMILTON

Some of those magicians include master illusionists John Hamilton and Kenrick “ICE” McDonald.

Hamilton was the first and only Black American in 1979 to represent the United States in the World Congress of Magic in Brussels. In 1986, Hamilton, who is originally from Cleveland, created “Magic With A Message,” a school assembly program enjoyed by over two million children of all ages.

Calso Mitch is a hip-hop artist from the community of Wilkinsburg. He was introduced to hip-hop when he heard Big Daddy Kane and the Wu Tang Clan. He is one of the artists that stands out in a sea of many rappers from Pittsburgh. He chooses to do things his way and his lyrical style commands attention.

CALSO MITCH

Mitch has a huge following in Pittsburgh and plans to take fans on a journey they will never forget. His current CD, presented by SkyZutoh Media, is called “The Real Balloons Mixtape,” which is generating a lot of buzz from the hip-hop community.

Open wide, or close up tight?

When it comes to borders, that’s a question that divides countries, states and even families. It’s a question that might seem answerable with one word, either way, but it’s really not. Like everything these days, it’s complicated and contentious.

And then, there are the exceptions…

In the new book “In the Shadow of Freedom” by Tchicaya Missamou with Travis Sentell, you’ll read the story of one immigrant and his journey to the U.S., starting with his childhood.

Kelly Strayhorn Theater Executive Director Janera Solomon wants Pittsburghers to step out and try something different.

She is making that possible with an eclectic mix of dance, music theater and interactive events that will be featured during the theater’s 2010-11 season, which begins Sept. 18.

CREATORS—Hallie Donner, left, director of the Alumni Theater Company, and Staycee Pearl, director of Staycee Pearl Dance Project, founded and lead their own companies.

“We’re starting with Shristi Dances of India that was founded in Pittsburgh in 1995 and they did a lot of their shows at the Kelly Strayhorn while they were still in Pittsburgh,” Solomon said. “It’ll be great to start with them because they are an original group using the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and we wanted to bring something different but also familiar to Pittsburgh.”