Meet the Maker: Jamahl Keyes

• His dad was a music teacher, and his mom was an elementary educator who did magic tricks at the dinner table to encourage him to read.
• Whenever he asked his mom how she did a trick that amazed him, she would hand him a book and say "go find out."

Zoom in: Over the years, he developed an award-winning performance style that blends comedy, improv, music, crowd interaction and magic.

• In 1994, he earned the World Champion Magician Award from the Society of American Magicians.
• He was named Family Performer of the Year by the Family Artist Association in 1998 and Indy Fringe in 2003; and Stage Magician of the Year by the International Association of Black Magicians and Artists in 2018.

What he's making now: Keyes will take the stage in Riverside Park at 2pm Friday afternoon for his second show as part of Indy Parks' free summer concert series.

• Keyes is performing through a collaboration with IF Theatre to put on kid-focused, family-friendly concerts and performances at 12 parks.

Check him out: On his website, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.