Can everyone be hypnotized? Just ask illusionist and entertainer Ron Diamond.
Florence Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will host a fundraiser for missions with the nationally acclaimed Diamond on April 28 at 300 Main Street in Florence. Diamond, who tours all over the country performing to standing-room-only audiences at fairs and festivals, offers an amazing show for all ages. Audience participation and special effects dazzle all who attend.
Diamond will conduct two shows, which supports the mission and ministry of Florence Christian Church — a matinee at 2 p.m. that costs $10, and an evening show at 7 p.m. that costs $15. In addition, there will be a dinner at 5:30 p.m. that includes the evening show with VIP seating for $25. Tickets can be purchased at the church or online at florencechristian.org/magic-show.
Diamond is a certified hypnotist, and during this performance some audience members will experience his “magic.” Literally.
“I have been a hypnotist for 27 years and make about 640 fair performances a year,” Diamond said. “I only perform in my home neighborhood of Northern Kentucky once every two years. It’s a great opportunity for me to entertain my family and friends here at home.”
When asked if everyone can be hypnotized, Diamond replied, “Everyone has experienced the concept. Doing it at a public performance, though, only about 70 percent of those who try can reach that level of relaxation with so many distractions, and so much going on.”
Diamond shares with his audiences that hypnosis cannot harm anyone. He is trained in clinical hypnosis and lectures at medical conventions and universities. Hypnosis is a state of mind, not an “out of your mind” experience. There is no trance. It’s a state of focus and concentration, blocking out surrounding activity. It is a common misconception that people can be controlled under hypnosis. A person under hypnosis is in fact hyper-aware and in full control of their mind, senses and reactions.
“Life has beaten the play and love of life right out of so many people,” Diamond said with a huge smile. “A person can go under hypnosis and let that part of them free. And then they can find that play and love of life more easily. I have a mission, a vision to bring joy and laughter into people’s lives. I want to make sure I leave them being more excellent at being themselves than they were when I first met them.”
For more information, please visit the church website at florencechristian.org.
