GREATER JACKSONVILLE AGRICULTURAL FAIR
JOSH KNOTS EXTREME ILLUSIONS & ESCAPES
Live Music from UNDERDAWG, JESSE SAWYER, & MORE
JOSH KNOTS EXTREME ILLUSIONS & ESCAPES
Extreme Illusions & Escapes, was recently recognized with The Merlin Award for Entertainer of the Year in 2016. The Merlin Award is the highest award one can receive in the world of magic and it is the equivalent of the Oscar, Grammy, Emmy or Tony Award. Extreme Illusions & Escapes shares the honor of this award with such performers as David Copperfield, Criss Angel, and Penn & Teller. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to one of over 41,000 magician members worldwide for contribution to the art of magic & illusion by a selection committee and presented by President Tony Hassini of the International Magicians Society. Extreme Illusions & Escapes also has been listed as one of the top 100 magic acts in the world!
“A good magician can work under any circumstance, but Josh truly embodies that by consistently working in different conditions and manages to excel at his art,” said Hassini. “He brings a show to venues that rivals the best shows in the well known theatres of Las Vegas and around the world.”
Hailing from the quiet country town of Middleburg, Florida, Jesse Sawyer grew up immersed in the sounds of folk, blues, and country music. Introduced to these timeless genres at a young age, Jesse developed a deep appreciation for the poetic songwriting of legends like Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and John Prine. Their influence is woven into his own songs, which are celebrated for their vivid storytelling and raw emotional depth.
Jesse’s performances are marked by his ability to play harmonica while strumming his acoustic guitar, creating a rich, layered sound that transports listeners to a simpler, more soulful time. In mid-2023, at nineteen years old, Jesse stepped into the Jacksonville singer-songwriter scene, quickly making his mark with heartfelt performances across local venues, bars, listening rooms, and festivals. Now at twenty-one years old, he continues to grow as an artist, Jesse remains dedicated to carrying on the traditions of the troubadour, delivering music that speaks to the heart and honors the roots of American songwriting.