A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: Kevin Long

For Kevin Long, magic is more than a performance—it’s his way of connecting with people around the world. As a magician and illusionist, Long uses his career to build relationships and create unforgettable memories for his audience.

“As much as magic happens in the world, a lot of people don’t get to see it firsthand and up close,” Long said.

Long was first introduced to magic by his uncle when he was young. He eventually went on to join the United States Marine Corps, and was re-introduced to magic by a man in his platoon. Long isn’t only a magician, but he is also a background actor and balloon artist.

In 2017, Long was driving home from a show in Indianapolis at night, when a drunk driver hit him. He had to learn how to walk and talk all over again. Even though the accident caused a lot of damage, it also opened doors. During his recovery, a friend encouraged Long to audition for a Chicago Fire episode that needed a magician or balloon twister.

“He was like, ‘I’m tired of seeing you sit around. You need to apply,’” Long said. “So, I applied. I didn’t get that position, but I got another role, and I just fell in love with it. I’ve been doing it since 2018.”

Originally from Florida, Long moved to Indiana after leaving the Marine Corps to be with his family. Even though Long resides in Indiana, his career has given him many opportunities to travel around the world. From Los Angeles, California to Thailand to Cambodia, Long brings his magic to people all over the world.

Long performs at a variety of events, including bachelorette parties, church events, and birthday parties.

When preparing for a show, Long looks at if the event has a theme, what is being celebrated, the age-range, and more. This information allows for Long to set up the show and create a vision for the event. Most of Long’s shows are comedy driven, and he has a few staple tricks he performs. He performs between 12 and 13 tricks per show, and usually has someone helping him during the performance.

“One of them is a sponge ball routine. That’s where I hand the spectator a sponge ball, and they hold it in their hand and I hold one. I make mine disappear, and it ends up in their hands,” Long said.

Long values the connections and relationships he makes with people through his events. Whether it’s connecting with people, spreading a positive attitude, or spreading God’s scripture, Long believes magic is a tool that God has blessed him with. He doesn’t just perform a show and leave; instead, he follows up with attendees after an event, making sure that they enjoyed the performance and for their input.

“I’ll have somebody come up to me and say, ‘Do you remember doing a show here five or 10 years ago? I was there, you really impacted my life,’” Long said. “That’s what I enjoy about performing, just bringing that entertainment, that joy, that wonder, to other people.”

Not only does magic add an entertainment value for people, Long said, but it can also be positive for an individual’s physical and mental health. Long will hold camps and sessions to teach those of all ages.

Long believes that learning magic skills can open up an individual’s mind and different parts of their brain, while teaching life skills such as courage and growing self-confidence.

Long isn’t the only magician in his family. His son is both a stand-up comedian and magician, and Long’s 6-year-old granddaughter is starting magic as well. Long’s son and granddaughter recently performed at a talent show together and won first place.

Outside of his career, Long enjoys whatever the day brings for him. He loves kayaking and fishing,  visiting the Tennessee mountains, and traveling in general. He also loves arts and crafts with his granddaughter.

Long’s future goal for his business is to continue building on what he already has. He hopes to continue booking shows across the United States and travel further, one dream destination being in Africa or South Africa. He believes magic opens the door for people to explore the world, and Long’s career continues to be a testament to this.

To learn more about Long or book a show, visit his Facebook or his website.