Magician and comedian Trent James performs during a Winter Welcome Week event for UTC students.
As part of this semester’s Winter Welcome Week festivities, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga hosted “Dinner & A Show! Featuring Trent James” on Friday, Jan. 16, in the University Center Tennessee Room.
The event brought students together for a catered meal and a live performance by magician and comedian Trent James.
Doors opened at 6 p.m., allowing students time to settle in, enjoy dinner and check out game tables, including Jenga and Connect 4, before the show began at 7 p.m.
The show, hosted by the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community, aimed to create an entertaining atmosphere for students to connect with one another.
According to trentjamesmagic.com, James is known for bringing a unique feel to a classic magic show. The award-winning performer has appeared on numerous college campuses and—during his UTC visit—entertained students with card tricks, a voodoo doll trick and disappearing objects, all while keeping the energy high with his comedic timing and dry sense of humor.
UTC students responded enthusiastically and had favorite moments from the performance.
Sophomore Katarina Spielman, a music performance major from New York City, said she attended the event because, while browsing MocsSync, it caught her eye and she wanted to try something different on campus.
“I’m really into arts and performance since that’s my major and my career field,” Spielman said. “Seeing a comedy and magic performance felt like something that could influence me in my area.”
Keely Cross, a sophomore environmental science major from Cleveland, Tennessee, said one moment that stood out to her was when the performer pulled a dollar out of a Babybel cheese.
“That one got me,” Cross said. She added that she plans to attend more events like this in the future.
Ellie Pugh, a junior biology major, said she attended after a friend invited her, adding that she wanted “to get my mind off” school stress.
Pugh emphasized that a balloon trick involving money was one of the moments that stood out to her. She said events like “Dinner and a Show” give students a chance to step away from their workload and be present.
“You’re not thinking about homework or a test tomorrow,” she said. “It’s just nice to be out of your dorm or the lab and do something fun.”
Magician and comedian Trent James performs a blend of magic and comedy that has connected with college audiences across the country. Photo courtesy of trentjamesmagic.com
