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Stephen Kiel (b. 1976 in Springfield, Vermont).

Born in 1976 in Vermont, Stephen Kiel (a.k.a. Diabolical Kiel), is a performing stage illusionist, horology amateur, scholar of comparative literature, and technology professional. He is a 2005 graduate of Harvard University, a practicing Taoist and an avid supporter of the Second Vermont Republic movement.

Stephen began performing with stage partner Fike Peirson in 1991, in a style directly influenced by the comedy/magic duo Penn & Teller. Between 1992 and 2000, they performed in Texas, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Oregon. A performance at the Paris Theater in Portland, OR., (12.22.99), began with a tragic blender accident on stage. The audience was not aware that anything had gone wrong, and the show continued without any other flaws, but following this performance, Kiel & Peirson put their nine year career on long-term hold.

Stephen was lead vocalist and oboeist for the late 90's band "Break Glass Escape" with independent film maker Erik McLane[1] and Kung Fu master Sean Nowland[2]. The band was scheduled to play the Autonomous Mutant Festival, Burning Man, and the inaugural concert for the re-dedication of famous Northwest icon the Kalakala, before the band suddenly split. He played oboe with the Portland bands "Feral" and "Shambala", recording on albums with each. The Rhode Island lounge act Combustible Edison considered featuring Diabolical Kiel in their performances as an occasional garnish. He appeared in an interview in Part 5, Episode 3 of the Fox Sports program "Core Culture"^[1] alongside the thrash metal band GWAR. He also played for a brief time with the Burlington, VT based Peff brothers.

On August 20, 2005, Stephen and Penelope Kaia Wade of St. Albans Vermont were married in Benson, VT.

1. ^ AOLVideo: Part 5, Core Culture, Episode #3 - "Backstage Pass". Retrieved on 2007-03-25.