The Jefferson Village School’s program, Blessings in a Backpack, will host the Magic of the Steelgraves on Saturday, March 4 at 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Academy gym, 81 Academy Rd., Newcastle. Admission is $15, kids 12 and under, $5. Tickets will be sold at the door or call for advance tickets: Judi Olson, 242-9300; Linda Doucette, 687-6124; or Heather Kirkland, 380-1945.

The show will include door prizes and raffles.

Markus and Angelique Steelgrave have brought wonder and excitement to millions of people throughout New England and beyond. This rare Maine public appearance features adorable animals, unique and amazing illusions you won't see anywhere else, a sprinkling of good-natured audience participation, and just the right amount of hilarity! They are honored to have been invited to perform for this very special fundraising event.

Markus was inspired to be a magician as a child, after reading a book about Harry Houdini, and finding instructions in the back of the book on how to do a magic trick. At 13, he literally ran away with the circus, and joined the Navy after high school. After his time on the high seas, Markus worked as a magician, juggler, and fire eater. He has been a consultant for theatre companies and TV commercials, and is also a skilled balloon twisting artist.

Angelique earned a BA in theatre at USM and co-founded and performed with her own children’s theatre, Krackerjack Theatre Co. from 1988-2002. (KTC performed many times for Jefferson Village School!) She saw her first magic show as an adult, when encouraged to do so by a theatre director who was also a magician and needed a new assistant. She was selected for the role, and magic has been part of her life ever since.

Markus and Angelique partnered in 2002 and were married in 2006. Magic continues to be their full-time profession, and they give hundreds of performances each year (mainly out of state). They’ve won several awards for both stage and close-up magic, and have been headliners at magic conventions around the country. For the past 11 years The Steelgraves have been the featured family entertainers for the Red Jacket Resorts on Cape Cod, where they perform for most of the summer. In Maine, TV appearances include "The Nite Show With Danny Cashman" and "Good Day Maine."

In addition to performing, The Steelgraves are the founders and producers of Oceanside Magic International, a convention for amateur and professional magicians that takes place on Cape Cod each April (www.OceansideMagic.com). They are also members of the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Markus and Angelique live in East Waterboro with their large menagerie of animals…but they have no children, so it all evens out. FMI, visit The Steelgraves at www.SteelgraveMagic.com