VERONA — America’s rock illusionist Leon Etienne feels that sharing the excitement of his rock ‘n’ roll magic show with audiences around the world has become his personal mission in recent years.

“The world needs magic now more than ever before,” Etienne, a central New York native, proclaimed. “Magic brings mystery and positivity and wonderment to peoples’ lives and makes them feel like kids again.”

Etienne will return to the area to perform his world-renowned “Magic Rocks!” full show at 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Showroom, 5218 Patrick Road. Although he has appeared recently in Old Forge and at the New Year’s Eve party in Utica, this time he brings to town his big show, Etienne said - the same one that he tours the world performing.

Etienne has sold out venues all over the world on six of the seven continents - he hasn’t made it to Antarctica yet, he said - and appeared on TV shows like “America’s Got Talent,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and others. And he did fool famous magician hosts Penn and Teller on their show.

The interactive live Showroom performance will showcase fan favorite illusions as seen on TV plus some new magical features reserved only for his live shows, Etienne intimated. He started the high energy “Magic Rocks!” show back in 2013 so it is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, he added.

A 2002 graduate of Proctor High School in Utica who attended both Mohawk Valley Community College and Utica University, Etienne recalled his interest in magic actually started when he was 12 years old and grounded to his room.

It was before the internet and he had no TV in his room, so he was trying to occupy himself with toy firetrucks, some hockey equipment and a book on magic.

He mastered his first act of magic in about an hour and left his confinement to show his mother. Her initial reaction of “what are you doing out of your room?” faded as she saw the first signs of his fledgling mastery of magic. Meanwhile, Etienne saw her face and will never forget that inspiring look.

“I watched her brain melt,” Etienne said, only somewhat exaggerating. That look on her face prompted him to try to learn all he could about magic. His dad wasn’t really sure where to turn for that information, but looked up “magicians” in the phone book and actually tracked down a magic club in Utica.

“That opened up a whole new world to me,” Etienne recalled.

He learned about magic, and performing in the theater, and was encouraged to go to college by his mentor instead of striking out to try magic on stage full-time. College courses recommended to him included a business major with a focus on marketing and minors in theater and public relations - all educational opportunities that would turn out to be boons to his future career in show business.

Etienne praised his mentors Shaun Robison of Utica, Robert Channing of New Hartford and Peter White of Hudson for their tutelage, as well as everyone who was involved in that magic club.

While he said he is excited to be back in central New York to perform his full “Magic Rocks!” show, Etienne also admitted being more nervous about that particular show at the same time. Unlike venues around the world, when he is back close to home he knows a lot of his audiences members and wants to be sure to put on the best show for them that he can.

After a 20-plus year professional magic show career, Etienne appreciates that audiences here haven’t forgotten their hometown rock illusionist, even if he may disappear for a bit while sharing his magic with others around the world.

“I will always love the people of central New York for their continued support,” Etienne said. “They keep buying tickets and that keeps me coming back and I can’t thank you all enough.”

Tickets start at $25 plus fees and are available by visiting www.TurningStone.com. For more information on Etienne, visit www.MagicRocks.com.