A "mathemagics" show will highlight Math Fest, described by the sponsoring Department of Mathematics as "an evening to celebrate the excitement of mathematics and its influence in society."

The July 23 Math Fest is free and open to the public. Organizers said the event is aimed at people who are high school age and up.

The program is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with "Mathemagics: The Art of Mental Calculation," presented by Arthur Benjamin, a math professor at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont. Benjamin is a professional magician as well.

Math fest organizers said Benjamin will put on a show of lightning-fast calculations and other feats of mind, and he will reveal some of the math behind his magic tricks. People who attend are invited to bring calculators with which to challenge the mathemagician as he demonstrates how he can do multiplication faster than the electronic devices.

Benjamin is the author of several books on math tricks as well as dozens of research papers. He has toured the country with his show and performed for international television audiences.

Benjamin's UC Davis presentation is set to take place in 1100 Social Sciences and Humanities Building, across from the east side of the Memorial Union.

At 6 p.m. after the show, people are invited to try out math puzzles and games in the Social Sciences Courtyard. At the same place and time, representatives of the Department of Mathematics will be available to answer questions about careers in mathematics.

A showing of mathematical movies, including Flatland, is scheduled from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in 2 Wellman Hall, across from the west side of the MU.

Math Fest sponsored by the National Science Foundation through a VIGRE grant, and the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) program.