Atlanta Magician Turner a Holiday Magic Tradition at Chateau Elan

Atlanta, GA, November 30, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Every tradition starts somewhere.

For Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton, Georgia, one of their most amazing Christmas traditions actually began late one summer. In September 2002, the marketing department brought Atlanta magician and mentalist Joe M. Turner on board to entertain at their "Vineyard Fest." Audience reaction to his performance was so strong that he was booked to reappear two months later at the "Lighting of the Chateau," a day-after-Thanksgiving event that is an annual highlight for many in the North Georgia area.

A massive positive response from attendees made it an easy decision to bring him back the following year. They re-booked him on the spot, beginning another popular holiday tradition.

Last week, Turner made an unprecedented eighth consecutive appearance at the annual "Lighting." He has performed through up economies and down, through multiple staff changes, through organizational changes on the corporate side, and he has shared the stage with a number of other acts -- puppeteers, dancers, and musicians.

"I try to bring in a mix of new material and crowd favorites," says Turner. "Over the years the schedule of the day has changed a bit. I perform strolling magic throughout the event, entertaining the attendees. Then I take the stage three times during the day and perform a different 25-minute show each time."

"Actually, we come every year to see him perform - he's a bigger draw for us than Santa himself!" said Kathy, a mom with three kids who saw Turner's 4:00 PM performance this year. "We love his shows - they're fun and he really entertains everybody in the audience, not just the young ones."

She's right. Most of Turner's appearances at Chateau Elan are as an entertainer or presenter at corporate meetings and events. Many of the attendees at the Lighting plan or produce meetings, trade shows and events for their own companies. Those kinds of conferences and corporate events are Turner's core business.

"A fantastic job every year," said Doug Rollins, Vice President of Sales at the 3500 acre conference and leisure destination. "Definitely a crowd pleaser and a key part of the day."

Over the years, the facility has gradually leaned on Turner to help with some of the logistics during the event.

"I work a lot as an MC and meeting host," explains Turner. "I'm having fun with the crowd, but I am also directing their attention to the things that are happening around the event. Who's on stage next? When will the fireworks start? How do we need to get from here to there? I just weave it into my program. Again, my main audience is corporate America. I customize material for meetings and trade shows all the time. It's just part of making the event the best experience it can be for the attendees."

Turner, recently featured in a CBS Atlanta news story about mentalism, is the only performer ever to have been invited to perform eight consecutive years on the Chateau Elan stage. He is a multiple-award-winning performer who has been seen on Good Morning America, Nightline, and CNN Headline News. In addition to his corporate appearances and his popular one-man magic cabaret show, Joe is the first Georgia magician ever to perform in all three showrooms at the world-famous Hollywood Magic Castle.

And if you missed him at this year's Lighting, go ahead and mark your calendar for next year - Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving.

You can find out more about Chateau Elan Winery and Resort at www.chateauelanatlanta.com

You can connect with Atlanta magician and mentalist Joe M. Turner online at www.turnermagic.com or www.mindturner.com

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Based in Atlanta, Georgia, corporate magician, mentalist and keynote speaker Joe M. Turner delivers astonishing sleight-of-hand, customizable illusions, and stunning mentalism presentations for corporate events, trade shows, conferences and private events worldwide.