Illusion Show, 2006

Ken Hartley’s illusion career began at eight years old with his grandparent’s Christmas gift of an Adam’s Magic Set.  Growing up in Jackson, Tennessee, however, he didn’t know of any other illusionists in the area. Ken’s father, a university professor at a Christian institution, would take Ken to work with him.  During his father’s class time, Ken spent hours in the university library reading books on illusion and learning.

 Even though Ken had learned a lot about illusions, he never performed for anyone until he was twenty-two years old for a Sunday School party.  After this performance, he realized the huge ministry possibilities available through this venue. It was also during this time that he met world renowned illusionist Andre Kole, who ministered all over the world with Campus Crusade for Christ and also one of the chief creative consultants and collaborators with David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, and Lance Burton.  Through Andre’s instruction and help, Ken began to learn large scale illusions.

Ken Hartley in Brazil in 2008

Since that time, Ken has performed professionally all over the United States and internationally in South American, Europe, and the Middle East.  Some of the effects in Ken’s show include tearing and restoring a newspaper, appearing on 1 inch thick plywood sheet, levitating an audience member, and making a car disappear from the stage and reappear in the parking lot.  Hundreds upon hundreds of people have prayed to receive Christ at these presentations.

 In addition to his skills as an illusionist, Ken has been singing and acting since the age of five on stage and screen.  Some of his favorite roles include Mr. Kohlenkov in “You Can’t Take It With You” and the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.”  He has been a featured voiceover artist in numerous commercials including one nationwide commercial. He has sung and acted for crowds of 50 to 50,000.  In January of 2009, Ken competed at AMTC  in Orlando and won Grand Overall Actor. He is now represented (for acting) by talent agencies in Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, and Los Angeles. Ken’s illusion presentation is a combination of his ministry, theater, and illusion background making for a moving, memorable, and even life-changing event.

Illusion Show Finale 2006

In 2006, Ken began investing in real estate and now incorporates his skills and creativity as an illusionist as a featured speaker on the subject of real estate investing. In the last several years, he has travelled thousands of miles as a successful motivational speaker in front of thousands of students on effective goal setting and real estate investing.

Ken’s fulltime calling is as a Worship Leader. Ken is delighted and honored to serve the Lord as the Executive Pastor of Worship at Abba’s House (Central Baptist Church), a 5000 member church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  He makes his home in the Chattanooga area with his beautiful wife, Stacey, and his four wonderful kids: Megan, Brittany, Drew, and Trey.

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