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The holiday festivities at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens were made even more special as Darryl Barnes, also known as The Great Ragidy Supreme, took the stage for the hospital's annual holiday party for children on December 6. Barnes amazed his audience with his spellbinding magic tricks, sharing the stage with Santa himself.

Barnes, whose stage name comes from his rap background, has been an artist with YAI Arts & Culture since 2017. His introduction to YAI was in the early 1990s through a life-changing experience when his aunt adopted an eight-month-old boy with a developmental disability. The child was unable to speak, but his aunt fell in love with him and dedicated herself to his care. Before passing away, she set him up with YAI recreational services.

"I was really impressed with what YAI stood for," Barnes said. "It feels good to be part of an organization that cares for people and helps them better their lives.

His journey into magic began when he was just eight years old. While walking through Central Park, he stumbled upon a street magician and was immediately mesmerized by the tricks. “I had to know how it was done,” Barnes recalled. His curiosity led him to his school library, where he asked if they had any books on magic. Soon after, he began devouring beginner magic books, eager to learn. His mother was his first audience member and by 2007, Barnes made magic his full-time career.

This year marked his third performance at the Queens-based hospital.

"Watching the kids grow has been beautiful," Barnes said. "New children, new staff, and parents told me it was their first time watching me. They loved it, and I love being a part of their experience."

Barnes’ magic shows are centered around children, with 80 percent of his performances focused on engaging young audiences. He draws inspiration from legendary comedians like Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, and Jerry Lewis, all of whom he admires for their ability to connect with audiences and make them smile.

During his shows, he invites children to help with his tricks, ensuring everyone feels included. One of his favorite tricks is his fire trick, where kids participate by holding colorful beads, placing them in a napkin, and then magically transforming the beads into flames.

In addition to the fire trick, Barnes performs an array of other illusions, including card, hat, and rope tricks. A highlight of his show is his rope routine, where he cuts a rope in several pieces and then miraculously restores it. But what truly sets Barnes apart is his ability to make kids laugh and feel at ease.

“I want them to feel included,” Barnes said. “My shows are about making kids laugh and having fun together, that’s what resonates the most.”

At 50 years old, he said he hasn’t lost the youthful spirit that inspired him to become a performer. “I’ve never grown up in my heart,” Barnes said. “I love making kids laugh and feel joyful. When I step on stage, I become young again.”