Canada's Magic: 2016-12

31 December 2016

In memoriam 2016

Corriveau, Anatole ( - 2016)
Harden, Clifford Stanley "Hardini" (1933 - 2016)
Lyons, Pat (aka Pat Patterson) ( - 2016)
Marucci, Peter ( - 2016)
McIntosh, Gordon ( - 2016)

Please e-mail additions or corrections to "canadasmagic at gmail dot com"

30 December 2016

29 December 2016

We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters (Clive Court and The Magic Demon), those who sent news our way, and last but not least, thank you to all of this year's friends (John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, and The Outerbridges) and sponsors (be sure to support them!):

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!

Donations of any size are always welcome.

28 December 2016

Niagara Falls: Mike D'Urzo

From Mike D'Urzo's Instagram:

Thrilled to announce that #MegaMagic returns to #NiagaraFalls from Dec 26- Jan 7 nightly at 8:30 pm.

A photo posted by Mike Durzo (@mikedurzo) on Dec 23, 2016 at 12:27pm PST

27 December 2016

David Ben's "Hocus Pocus" in the media

From Magicana's Twitter feed:

"Eyes widen...Jaws drop...hearts skip a beat...David Ben is the real deal" Toronto Stage https://t.co/hDqSNvMU52 pic.twitter.com/FRKhOqrVMK
— Magicana (@sharingwonder) December 23, 2016

From Magicana's Twitter feed:

The hottest tickets in town: Five things to do in Toronto /via @globeandmail https://t.co/51BfCNYMp3 Come see #HocusPocus @Soulpepper pic.twitter.com/YbqYcxlUzv
— Magicana (@sharingwonder) December 22, 2016

Also from Magicana's Twitter feed:

@theconjuror chatting with #MaryWiens on @CBCHearandNow pic.twitter.com/bqeFVfbQS7
— Magicana (@sharingwonder) December 22, 2016

26 December 2016

Chris Funk at the Magic Castle and on CTV news

Scroll down to see Chris on CTV Morning Winnipeg.

From Chris Funk's Facebook page:

From Chris Funk's Twitter feed:

A snippet of what you missed today of @ctvmorningwpg #redefiningwonder #internationalmanofwonder #manitobaproud #thewonderist #blowyourmind pic.twitter.com/4zAjsxB6bV
— Chris Funk (@chrisfunkmagic) December 23, 2016

25 December 2016

Introducing the "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award

Updated January 3rd to add the following nominee:

Matt DiSero - for having a "very sassy act."

Updated December 28th to add the following nominees:

Steven Lafond, producer and host of "Magic Mondays" in Ottawa for his continued support of the magic community. Hosting over 30 different magicians from all over Canada in 2016 alone. (Additional supporting comment: He has done a whole year's worth of monthly magic showcases featuring locals and big names alike. Chris Pilworth, Bill Abbott, Mysterion, Zach & Steve, Jonathan Gold, Eric Leclerc...all opened by local professional and up-and-coming magicians. A real community supporter.)
Murray and Teresa Hatfield for starring in and (even more importantly) producing the extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was, without a doubt, the most inspirational, most wonderful, most entertaining stadium-scale magical event I have ever witnessed.

Updated December 27th to add official nominees:

The Evasons for being classy and for being the most original non electronic using mentalists in the world today.
Mahdi Gilbert - "He has inspired so many of us through his amazing sleight of hands without having any hands. The way he transformed his own life through magic is a role model for everyone who's searching for meaning, hope and inspiration."

Introducing the Canada's Magic "Readers' Choice 2016 Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award. You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2016, in the comments below. (Or you may email me your nomination.)

Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM on Sunday January the 8th. The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence. (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.)

This is a "bragging rights" only contest. There is no cash value for this award.

Here are some ideas for potential nominees (individuals and groups can be nominated):

The Canadian magicians appearing on US television shows this year: Shawn Farquhar, Murray SawChuck, Vitaly Beckman, Mahdi Gilbert, Neil Croswell, Ryan Joyce, Matt DiSero, The Evasons, and Greg Frewin.
The owners of Canada's brick and mortar magic shops.
The people who nurture the the next generation of magicians at Sorcerers Safari magic camp.
Brent Kloeble and his team for establishing a magic festival for Regina.

The list of worthy entrants goes on and on ...

I look forward to seeing your nominations!

24 December 2016

David Acer in the Montreal Gazette

Click through to read David's use of numerology to explain the year that was 2016.

From the Montreal Gazette:

On most every front, it has been a year from hell – save for one. The worst of times is invariably the best of times for those in the chuckles trade, and it has been this year.

Thank Trump. He has been the comedy gift that just keeps on giving.

On the late-night TV-satire circuit in the U.S., John Oliver, Samantha Bee, Seth Meyers, Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert, among others, have been reaping the awards of The Donald. Not since those halcyon days of Dubya have talk-show hosts had such fodder. American standups Bill Burr, Lewis Black and Amy Schumer also have all been beneficiaries.

Read more.

From David Acer's Twitter feed:

I joined all these comedians for a fun article in today's @mtlgazette. (my hair and make-up people were on vacation) pic.twitter.com/aZopEngX3C
— David Acer (@David_Acer) December 23, 2016

23 December 2016

Toronto: Birthday party magic lecture

From the website of the TCA Family Entertainers:

Monday, January 23, 2017
Birthday Party Magic with Phil Pivnick and Cory Clarke

Cory Clarke and Phil Pivnick — or The Magical Duda & WonderPhil — are both professional children’s entertainers specializing in high energy and interactive magic shows. Through the years, they’ve both put their own unique spin on some kid-show magic staples.

In this lecture, they are going to explore ideas for turning some easy magic into entertaining show pieces that kids will love.

22 December 2016

California: Shawn Farquhar lectures and appearances in January 2017

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

From Shawn's Instagram:

Super excited to discover my premiere appearance has sold out! #farquharfun #magichampion

A photo posted by Shawn Farquhar (@magichampion) on Dec 18, 2016 at 3:36am PST

From Shawn's Twitter feed:

Thrilled to be performing at Celebrities of Magic in January. https://t.co/QhiPTda5FG pic.twitter.com/KDENtpwD1j
— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) December 15, 2016

21 December 2016

Toronto: Magic jam

From Anna DeGuzman's Instagram:

If you are a magician or cardist in Toronto, join our jam next Thursday Dec. 22 @ 5PM in Eaton Center. Held by myself & @kevinyu97 Free decks, live streaming and a lot of awesome stuff 😋send me a DM if you're coming. See y'all there ! Tag a homie from the Six✨

A photo posted by Anna DeGuzman (@annadeguzman) on Dec 18, 2016 at 12:56pm PST

20 December 2016

Loran interpreting a historical figure for the "Pointe à Callière Museum"

From Loran's Facebook page:

Big news!!! I will soon be immortalized at the "Pointe à Callière Museum" in Montreal! You will see me in a documentary video interpreting a historical figure in the company of "Chomedey de Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance" during the ice jam of 1642. This event was at the origin of the cross on Mont-Royal. The video will be part of a new permanent exhibition scheduled for May 17, 2017 as part of the 375th anniversary of Montreal. It's pretty cool to know that ... during my lifetime ... I'll be in a museum!

19 December 2016

Chris Funk: Fascinating Manitoban

Congratulations Chris, on being named one of "Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans for 2016!"

From the Winnipeg Metro:

40. Chris Funk: Known as “The Wonderist”, Chris Funk is crushing it right now. As a magician, he’s performed around the world, on the Vegas strip, wowed Penn & Teller on their Fool Us show, and was a huge hit on America’s Got Talent. He’s mega talented and is an engaging and very funny performer.

Read more.

Have a listen to Chris on episode 37 of Discourse in Magic:

Ep37 with @chrisfunkmagic about adding YOU to your magic. If you ever wanted your act to be more YOU listen to this! https://t.co/YphmqydJWh pic.twitter.com/tiKzx96ymw
— Discourse in Magic (@magicdiscourse) December 15, 2016

18 December 2016

Another five years for The Vanishing Rabbit!

From The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop Facebook page:

The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop just signed another 5 year lease soooo it looks like were staying OPEN serving all the Tricksters, Jokesters, and magicians in your life!!!!! We look forward to being your go to Brick and Mortar Magic shop in Alberta, Western Canada and Canada !!!. In January look for our Junior Magic Club starting for kids ages 9-17 and depending on your past purchases with us .....The Vanishing Rabbit preferred customer discounts cards.

17 December 2016

Reviews: "The Illusionists: Live from Broadway"

An article on Darcy Oake and links to three show promoting television appearances and appear at the bottom of this post.

A note that according to Mirvish.com, holiday performances have been added:

MORE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES ADDED!
Monday December 26. 7:30PM
Monday January 2, 1:30 & 7:30PM
Tuesday January 3, 1:30PM

ADDED HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES AT 11AM!
Special Family Performances that play without an intermission and are slightly shorter to accommodate families with smaller children. This is reflected in the less expensive tickets available for these performances.
Wednesday December 28, 11AM; Thursday December 29, 11AM; Friday December 30, 11AM; Wednesday January 4, 11AM; Thursday January 5, 11AM; Friday January 6, 11AM

From the Toronto Star:

Starring Jeff Hobson, Dan Sperry, Darcy Oake. Runs until Jan. 7 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

It’s a show that features seven ways of saying, “how did they do that?”

The Illusionists: Live from Broadway is a thrilling display of magic from a septet of seasoned professionals with different styles and disciplines who deliver two hours of pure enchantment.

They bill themselves as the “next generation” of magicians, but there’s plenty of traditional sleight-of-hand and illusion — from the guy sawed in half to a Houdini-inspired escape — to please all tastes.

From the moment all seven appear in a flash in a large enclosed glass box centre stage, you know you’re in capable hands.

Read more.

From the Toronto Sun:

Prepare to be astonished.

Seven of the world’s greatest sleight-of-hand practitioners have come from Broadway to Toronto to perform in The Illusionists, a magic show that includes Canada’s own Darcy Oake.

Oake, 29, first came to fame when he appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent — remember those crazy birds tricks? — and parlayed those performances into a big career.

It’s a career he’s been working on since childhood. Oakes grew up in Winnipeg and got hooked on magic by a fluke. His dad, sports broadcaster Scott Oake, showed a seven-year-old Darcy a card trick and that was it.

A star was born.

Read more.

A piece on Darcy Oake from the Toronto Star:

For Darcy Oake, magic was in the cards from a very young age.

The Winnipeg native is one of seven magicians performing in The Illusionists — Live from Broadway, which runs at the Princess of Wales Theatre from Tuesday to Jan. 7.

Oake, 29, said his love of the craft got started when he watched his father perform an “accidental” card trick at the age of 6 or 7.

After asking young Darcy to pick a card and return it to the deck, Oake’s father correctly selected the one Darcy had picked.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted and, for probably two or three weeks, I was like ‘Do it again, tell me how you did it.’ Eventually I got it out of him. He said, ‘Look, that was a one in 52 chance. That was a complete fluke,’” Oake recalled.

Read more.

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

From Darcy Oake's Facebook page:

Also from Darcy Oake's Facebook page:

16 December 2016

Luc Langevin: if teleportation existed

Translated from ICI.TOU.TV:

If teleportation became reality, our world as we know it today would not exist or would be completely transformed. If we could teleport us home to our work, need cars or even roads ... More time wasted in traffic jams, no more orange cones ... The architecture is completely different: more doors, more stairs or elevator since our movements would be instantaneous. With the illusions Luc Langevin runs, it gives us a glimpse of the potential impacts of teleportation on our future life by using various objects of everyday life. For the final, he teleports himself visibly and gradually to its guests.

From Facebook:

15 December 2016

Broken wand: Keith Hunter

From The Orangeville Banner:

If you've attended any community events in the Orangeville area within the last decade, there is no doubt you have come across Keith Hunter.

He is the one wearing the striped jacket, a robust red bowtie and his beige cap. Hunter’s “Touch of Magic” magician stand and the props for his tricks are usually close by.

The Orangeville and surrounding area’s resident magician for the last decade won’t be seen at these public events anymore.

After dying at home with his wife of 60 years holding his hand last Thursday, Hunter’s family and friends gathered in Orangeville for his funeral on Tuesday (Dec. 13). Hunter, who was one of the Rotary Club of Orangeville’s longest serving members, was 89 years old.

“The #Orangeville community said goodbye to an original today,” tweeted Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones. “Keith Hunter's memorial captured a special Father, Dad, #Magician #Rotarian.”

Hunter was one of Canada’s eldest practicing magicians. For more than a decade, he had performed over 1,000 magic shows across the country.

Read more.

14 December 2016

Charlottetown: Brent and Sarah at the Jack Frost Children's Winterfest

From Brent and Sarah's Facebook page:

13 December 2016

Consulting for "Shut Eye"

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

12 December 2016

Murray on the red carpet of the 85th Hollywood Christmas Parade

From iTricks:

Jaime Monroy of Bionic Buzz interviewed Murray SawChuck, Lefty Leferovich and April Leopardi at the 85th Hollywood Christmas Parade, which will be aired on The CW Friday, December 16 and re-aired on Hallmark Wednesday, December 21.

Read more.

From the Bionic Buzz YouTube channel:

11 December 2016

David Ben on the "Toronto Files"

From the Twitter feed of Rogers TV Toronto:

Magician and author David Ben appears on #TOfiles! CHECK IT OUT: https://t.co/gD63Jlhd8J #mondaymotivation #mondaymagic pic.twitter.com/SrLBf7iuHZ
— Rogers tv Toronto (@RogersTVToronto) December 5, 2016

10 December 2016

Chilliwack: Shawn Farquhar's "Cabaret of Wonders"

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

09 December 2016

The Problem With Magic Instructions

Do you agree with Phil's advice below? It sounds solid to me. Although it seems that quite a few performers skip the "make it your own" step. What tips do you have to offer for folks trying to make an effect "their own"?

From Evelyn Matlin's post "The Problem With Magic Instructions" at Perfect Magic:

Phil always said, “When you buy a trick, read the instructions first. See how the trick works and then forget about the instructions and make it your own!” I think that’s pretty good advice!

Read more.

08 December 2016

Review of "TP Prediction" in the December issue of Genii

From the Outerbridge Magic Facebook page:

07 December 2016

Chilliwack: PCAM/CAM convention, April 20-23, 2017

The December 9th early bird draw offer is coming up fast!

From the Facebook page of Norden the Magician:

BIG announcement! If you have not heard the 2017 PCAM will be a joint convention with CAM. It will be held in Chilliwack, BC on April 20-23, 2017. We will be announcing the talent every Friday for the next 4 weeks. To help us get the registration up we are having some 'early bird deadlines' to give you an incentive.

You can register and buy preferred seating, dealer tables, and t-shirts - all which are very limited.

What we are talking about here are HUGE prizes you can win - check it out:

1 - Register by Dec 9th and you are entered to win a FULL 2018 PCAM registration. Yep - you read that correct. Value: $200-$300

2 - Register by Dec 16th and you are entered to win a FREE HOTEL STAY at PCAM 2018. What?! Value: $300-$400

3 - Register by Dec 23rd and you are entered to win a FVMC Annual Lecture pass for 2017. We can't say whose coming yet (pssst...Ted Outerbridge, Jon Allen, SiIly Billy, Jorg Alexander, Ice McDonald and one more..) Value: $180

4 - Register by Dec 30th and you are entered to win one of 10 tickets to Ted Outerbridge's lecture hosted by the FVMC on Feb 20th. Value: $30

5 - Register by Jan 6th and you are entered to win a pass to Jon Allen's lecture hosted by the FVMC in May. Value: $30

6 - Register by Jan 13th and you are entered to win a limited edition PCAM/CAM 2017 t-shirt. Value: $25
Why wait? Register today and you are entered to win ALL of them!

06 December 2016

Thank you to our December 2016 Friends!

Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, and The Outerbridges, for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our December 2016 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist,
Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic and
Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

05 December 2016

Illusionist Jonathan Scott on the "Today Show"

I had no idea that one of the "Property Brothers" was a professional illusionist from Maple Ridge, BC! Watch Jonathan do some quick magic on the "Today Show" clip below. You can also watch Jonathan perform with Murray SawChuck later in the post.

From the IBM Facebook group:

From Murray SawChuck's YouTube channel:

04 December 2016

Fergus: Ryan Joyce

For those of you who like to plan ahead ...

From Ryan's website:

October 14, 2017

This is a happy day for me. Thanks to my long-time friends, the Fergus Lions Club, I’m thrilled to announce we’ve added a show right here in Fergus (my stomping grounds!) I’m kinda excited about it tbh. It’s been many years since I’ve performed in my hometown! But there is extra level of pride because I’m donating the show and the Lions are hitting the pavement and all the funds raised from the show are being donated to our future new community hospital!!! (Proceeds donated specifically to The Groves Memorial Hospital Foundation.)

Read more.

From Ryan Joyce's Facebook page:

03 December 2016

Toronto: December 2016 free magic club meeting

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

The good news is that it means it is also our FREE MAGIC CLUB MEETING on Saturday, Dec. 3rd.

All those interested in talking magic are welcome. Club meets at Browser's Den from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

02 December 2016

Billy Kidd on ITV’s "The Next Great Magician"

From Vimeo:

Billy Kidd revamps one of her very first magic routines incorporating a Trapeze for ITV's The Next Great Magician hosted by Stephen Mulhern, and Rochelle Humes.

From Billy Kidd on Vimeo.

01 December 2016

Rounding the Western rings in December 2016

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- TBA
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- TBA
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- TBA
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring )	- Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- TBA
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- TBA
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- TBA

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Central rings in December 2016