From left, Napheesa Collier and Kamala Harris in conversation, Nicole Cardoza standing against a logo backdrop mid-performance, and audience members reacting to Nicole’s performance in a warmly lit wellness space.
Hello from Pittsburgh! It’s been a busy fall – I spent a couple of weeks in London on set to film something special, performed a magic set to introduce a conversation between former VP Kamala Harris and the incredible Napheesa Collier, held a special, intimate show at Black Being, a nonprofit where I’m proud to be Board President, and traveled to the Steel City for my month-long residency at Liberty Magic.
Through it all, I got sick–real sick. It was a reminder to add time for rest to the calendar. Because of that, I had to postpone my first show of the season and focus on getting my voice back. I’ve added the tips and tricks that worked for me at the bottom of this newsletter.
And I’ll be keeping those remedies close because it only gets busier from here. After I close my residency, I’ll be off again for Art Basel and holiday parties, then a few more tour stops before award season kicks off on the West Coast. I hope I see some of your faces along the way! If not, enjoy some of the stories here, or stop by my next Jam session!
UPCOMING SHOWS
Here’s where you can catch my latest solo magic show, Revival, in a venue near you.
November 11 – 30: Pittsburgh @ Liberty Magic
I’m performing Thursday–Sunday nights at Liberty Magic, a classic magic theatre in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, for the month of November! Dates:
Thursday, November 13 | 7:30pm
Friday, November 14 | 7:30pm
Saturday, November 15 | 5:00pm
Saturday, November 15 | 8:00pm
Sunday, November 16 | 6:30pm
Thursday, November 20 | 7:30pm
Friday, November 21 | 7:30pm
Saturday, November 22 | 5:00pm
Saturday, November 22 | 8:00pm
Sunday, November 23 | 6:30pm
Friday, November 28 at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 29 at 5:00pm
Saturday, November 29 at 8:00pm
Sunday, November 30 at 6:30pm
January 23: New Orleans @ Hotel Peter & Paul
I’m returning to the awe-inspiring cathedral at this historic hotel for one night only. Will I see you there?
ps – the postponed show at the Brooklyn Museum will be held on Saturday, February 7. Mark your calendars for now, and stay tuned for the ticket release date!
BOOK A WORKSHOP
Bring some magic to your school or workplace with a customized workshop by Nicole. A skilled trainer and facilitator whose worked with top Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups, Nicole blends performance, lecture and practice to foster team cohesion, boost public speaking skills, and spark creativity.
Perfect for student gatherings, faculty events, or capstone moments, these workshops cultivate awe and wonder through a truly unique lens on leadership and communication.
THE MAGIC OF PETER HOOPER
Peter Hooper, left, with his wife, right and assistant, center posing for a portrait with various magic props, including cards, a magic wand and linking rings. Photo taken by Richard Samuel Roberts, source: Amelia Island Museum of History.
Olrigee Hupue was born in 1897. His surname comes from the Seminole word "hupuewa," which means "belonging to me.” Growing up in segregated Florida, young Olrigee discovered a passion for performing magic. But when he tried to pursue his dream professionally, he realized that he couldn’t access the segregated establishments to perform his shows.
Olrigee reinvented himself as Peter Hooper and became a Black vaudevillle performer, performing for Black audiences. During this time, Houdini was going mainstream as America's premier escape artist, so Hooper used the nickname "the Second Houdini" and "the world's favorite colored magician."
Dressed in the classic magician's uniform—tuxedo, bow tie, and top hat—Hooper performed a ton of escape acts. He freed himself from hospital straightjackets,post office mail bags with lots of locks, police handcuffs, and tightly sealed coffins. Like Houdini, he challenged local law enforcement officials to lock him in their most secure restraints or jail cells, then escaped to the amazement of crowds.
His wife billed herself as "Princess Elizabeth" and performed as his psychic assistant who “sees all, and tells all," adding an element of mystery and supernatural intrigue. Together, they traveled the country for approximately 35 years. Peter Hooper died in Fernandina Beach on November 21, 1972, at age 75, and left behind a legacy that transcended his individual performances.
STAY WELL THIS SEASON
Life on the road does damage to the body, and I caught a cold that robbed my voice. Here are the remedies that helped me get on track–and might help you navigate the holiday season. And of course–this is not medical advice, just my humble recommendations.
Ginger Tea
I’m usually making this from scratch, boiling fresh ginger and lemon and dousing it in honey. But on the road, a ginger tea like this one from Nappily Naturals does the trick!
Liquid IV
I know these have too much sugar for regular consumption, but a boost of these helps me stay hydrated when I’m running from flights to venues.
Oil of Oregano
Shoutout to my friend Estelle for recommending taking this before bed when I’m sick. I think this single-handedly brought my voice back.
IT’S ALL IN THE CARDS
I believe we can find meaning in everything, even an ordinary playing card. Did you happen to go to a magic show and select a card? Or see the same card popping up during game night with the family? Here’s what the universe might be saying through it.
Nicole’s hand holding a deck of cards with the five of diamonds face-up against a sunset sky.
FIVE OF DIAMONDS
It’s possible you’ll reconcile matters about money this season, healing rifts that financial disagreements have created. This is a good time to have honest conversations about resources and to find middle ground where everyone's needs are met. Sometimes clearing the air about money can actually strengthen relationships.
This is in honor of Steve, who selected this card during my show Saturday evening. Hope you’re still channeling that childlike wonder, my friend!
A Final Note
“And while we cast our ballots alone, we chose hope together. Hope over tyranny. Hope over big money and small ideas. Hope over despair. We won because New Yorkers allowed themselves to hope that the impossible could be made possible. And we won because we insisted that no longer would politics be something that is done to us. Now, it is something that we do.”
Zohran Mamdani, upon winning the mayoral election in New York City in November 2025.
Until next time,