30 April 2016

Top 5 posts for April 2016

Here are the most viewed posts at Canada's Magic this month:


5. Houdini and Doyle: World of Wonders - Will you be watching?
4. Greg Frewin in the Norfolk News - Great show for a great cause!
3. Shin Lim in the Huffington Post - Magic in mainstream media.  It's in the most viewed list for the second month running.
2. Browser's Magic Bash 2016 recap - A great time was had by all!


and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Casting: new show for young magicians with Lance Burton - Did any Canadians apply?

Montreal: Jon Allen lecture

From the Montreal Magic Jam:
Monday May 2nd

Jon Allen: “Who cares about magic?”
In this lecture, multi-award winning magician Jon Allen will not only teach you some fantastic, original magic, but how to make your audience CARE about your performance, prviding them with an unforgettable experience. During the lecture, you’ll learn:
  • The Wedding Trick: THE definitive wedding trick for happy couples around the world
  • 1 Trick 2 Names: Jon’s solution to the “Dream Card” effect that makes it even stronger
  • Grabbit Production: A new way to produce any manner of different objects
  • Burning Rubber: A full rubber band routine perfect for walk around or table work, including the restoration of a band around a spectator’s wrist
  • Schrödinger’s Card: Jon’s controversial card effect that leaves people with an impossible object and a memory they will never forget.
There are no knuckle-busting, sleight-heavy routines. Jon is more interested in routines that capture people’s imaginations and makes them care about magic! You will also receive many tips and a lot of advice about performing magic, whatever style you perform.

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Jon Allen workshop

Don't forget about Jon's lecture at the regular club meeting on May 5th.

From IBM Ring 17:
Sat. May 7th

The workshop, it will predominantly be about creativity and changing the way people go about looking at things in general and how they go about creating new magic effects and presentations. There will be exercises and eye-opening examples.

There will be close up and stage effects covered that won’t be in the lecture including a fun way to deal with people who “just want to see something quick” that leads to them getting your business card!

Jon will cover his “chair / padlock stage routine” and his Marked Deck system – and will have and exercise trying to come up with a presentation for the worst trick in magic.

Read more and buy tickets.

29 April 2016

"Discourse in Magic" launching April 30th

From Discourse in Magic:
We are Jonah Babins and Tyler Williams: magicians, teachers, students, artists, and conversationalists. We’re currently working our butts off to make sure that when we launch on April 30th, it’ll be epic.

At Discourse in Magic, we want to help shift the discussion towards the theory and philosophies that go into producing magical experiences. We’re launching a website and podcast that will act as a thinking space, to answer the most difficult questions that face the magic community.
Rather than focusing on tricks, we plan to talk about things like belief and realism, stage characters, viral magic, the influence of theatre and improvisation on magic, and much more.

Read more and get the FREE Theory Resource Guide.

28 April 2016

Random thoughts on Greg Frewin's "Wild Magic"

My first visit to the Greg Frewin Theatre was almost four years ago.  Kidlet and I had an absolutely wonderful time, and I'd been looking for an excuse to go and see Greg's new show, "Wild Magic."  The universe was paying attention, because earlier this year I was gifted tickets to see "Wild Magic" by some wonderful people!  (I guess the cat's out of the bag that I like magic!)

Greg's appearance at this year's Browser's Magic Bash whet my interest enough that earlier this month we made the trek back to Niagara Falls.

We booked our tickets on a beautiful sunny Friday.  (I was determined to break my curse of The Rainy Drive to or from Niagara Falls.  Kidlet's Other Parent (KOP) drove this time though, so I don't know if I broke the curse or it just doesn't apply when KOP is present.)

Our schedules didn't allow us to make a day of Niagara Falls.  We consulted with Google to find out how long the trek might take, and added an additional 30 minutes to the longest estimated time in an attempt to get us to the theatre by 7pm.  If traffic was good, as it should be in nice weather, we'd be in town early enough to take a walk by the Falls and see a sight or two.

Tip: Arrive as early as you can to ensure good seating (the box office will let you know what time is best).  

Apparently, because of the nice weather, everyone was out in their car on our path to the theatre.  In spite of using all the HOV lanes available to us, traffic did not cooperate.  We arrived in the parking lot at 7:22pm, for a 7:30pm show.  (Thank goodness for a spacious parking lot!)  I was frazzled and desperately had to use the bathroom.
Note to parents:  If you can organize yourselves better than we did and get to the theatre with time to spare, there's a nice photo opportunity for your little ones next to lion statues by the front doors.


We piled into the building and the lovely staff at the box office had our tickets waiting for us, calmly showed us to the restrooms, and then showed us to our booth.  We were no sooner seated when the lights went down and the show started.

Here are some random thoughts that came to mind while watching "Wild Magic":
  • The show starts strong and keeps getting bigger and better.
  • There's a smattering of mentalism, juggling, and close-up magic to keep things varied, but make no mistake, Greg's large illusions dominate the show!
  • There were three large video screens making it easy to see the close-up parts from any seat in the house.
  • The show was different enough from the last time we were there, that it felt new to us.
  • It made me happy that some of my favourites from last time (like the one with water and fire) are still in the show. 
  • I was disappointed, that with our late arrival, we ended up sitting as far stage-right as you could.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the view from the seats was still remarkably good!  (The house is deep and narrow and particularly good for viewing magic.)
  • A good pair of theatre binoculars gives you a seat upgrade, no matter where you go!
  • The show involved a sports car, an invisible deck, tigers, talented ladies, candles, fire, doves, a dog, tigers, kids, Chuck the Duck, a macaw, and a little bit of Sting.  (On seeing the red macaw, Kidlet asked where the blue one was that we saw last time.  This show makes quite a lasting impression!)
  • Some of the illusions from 2012 are still in the show, but with very different presentations.  It's fun to see how things get reimagined and repurposed!
  • I was delighted to learn that Boomer, the Siberian tiger who battled cancer, was back in the show.
  • The show is fabulously entertaining! 

All the excitement and entertainment of a Las Vegas show, for a fraction of the cost!
(A deal made even better with the current exchange rate.)


The show is just the tip of the iceberg.

After the show we queued up to have our photo taken with tiger Cashmere.  Even though KOP and I were hamming it up for the camera by looking scared, there was nothing scary about the experience.   The tiger trainer is right there keeping a careful watch at all times.

In the cage with Cashmere.


Part of the profits from the items in the magical gift shop, including the photo sales, are used to support a tiger sanctuary. 

After the show (photo or not) you can queue up for an autograph from, a bring-your-own-camera photo with, and have a quick chat with Greg!

And that's not all!

If you want to experience the "ultimate magical experience" you can opt for the "VIP backstage tour package add-on."  As part of this experience:
  • We had our photo taken with Greg in front of one of the show props.
  • With Greg at the VIP backstage tour.
  • Greg answered any question tossed his way.  (Except for one.)
  • We learned lots about tigers, spent some time with Rocky, and watched some video of Greg's tigers.
  • The group of us got to stand on the stage and watch his blue macaw in action!
  • We met Shira the white Siberian tiger.  Here's a photo of her from 2012:
  • We were lucky and got to pet her!  Have a look at a more recent photo of Shira!
  • Shira was drinking from a baby bottle the whole time, and the staff were lovingly and patiently wiping up anything that spilled.  Hats off to tiger trainer John Ferrara and to all of Greg's animal handlers.  They clearly love the animals and love what they do!
  • Greg entertained a wide variety of questions from the group.

Dare I say it? The post-show experience is almost as exciting as the show itself.  We had an incredible evening!

I pet a tiger!

Thank you to Alex, Kaitlin, Terry, John, Cooper, and everyone else involved in making it such a magical evening for my family.  A special thank you to Greg, for his hospitality and for sharing his magical talent!

Last but not least, thank you to the lovely people who gave me this purrfect gift!






27 April 2016

Winners of the "Best Magician Contest 2016"

Last Saturday, a number of magicians in the greater Toronto area took part in the 2016 Best Magician Contest hosted by A1 Chinese radio.

From James Harrison's Twitter feed:
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From Keith Brown's Twitter feed:


Congratulations James and Keith!

26 April 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 1

The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season.  It is an aggregate of many perspectives and at times includes events from previous years.


Thursday August 13, 2015
Tomorrow I go to Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp for the first time! 

I'm nervous.  Mom said, “Alex, it's normal for a ten year old to be anxious about their first time at sleepaway camp.”  That makes me feel a bit better.  I hope I won't get too homesick.  I wish I knew someone else who was going.

I'm worried that I don't know enough magic.  I know how to do the "cups and balls."   But I don't know any card or coin tricks.  I hope no one laughs when I try to shuffle cards. It usually ends in a big mess.

It's getting late.  I should try to sleep.  I feel excited and scared both at the same time. (How weird is that?)


Day 1: Friday August 14, 2015
I'm here! This place is awesome!

We got up early and Mom drove me to camp.  During the drive I kinda wished Dad was driving. Mom drives so slow I thought for sure we'd get here late. Turns out my worry was for nothing.  We got here early and even beat the bus!  Way to go Mom!

Camp is huge!!!!  The staff were waiting for us on a big field when we got here.  Other campers were waiting too.

A bus full of campers just arrived. Kids are laughing and cheering and hugging people as they get off the bus.  People are asking if Eric Leclerc is going to be here this year.  He must be awesome if everyone’s talking about him.

Campers gathered on the field.
Campers gathered on the field.

They’re asking us to take our things to the cabins so I’m going to give Mom a hug goodbye and hope she doesn’t see that I’m sad and a little bit scared to see her go.  If she starts crying I’ll be a mess.  Don’t know when I’ll get a chance to write again.

A camper's notebook. Photo by Rosemary Reid
A camper's notebook.


To be continued ... 


--
The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca



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25 April 2016

The Department of Canadian Heritage Questionnaire

From the Globe and Mail:
Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly says the main goals of her office’s review of Canadian content rules and regulations, announced Sat., April 22, 2016, are to foster creation of Canadian content and increase the international audience for Canadian creators.

Read more.

From Clive Court's Facebook page:
Attention All Canadian Entertainers! Our new government is asking for YOUR views on how they can change the system to develop more Canadian content they can sell around the world to strengthen our currently weak entertainment infrastructure. This is REAL and they do pay attention to what you say. If you don't respond---they spend more time listening to the lobbyists (who do not always have your interests at heart!). DO NOT IGNORE THIS OPPORTUNITY. (PS> No BS...just give them the real facts and examples about how you make a living in Canada. So they can put the right questions to TV network bosses, and industry lobbyists).



From The Department of Canadian Heritage:
In summer 2016, the Minister of Canadian Heritage will lead public, stakeholder and online consultations on Strengthening Canadian Content Creation, Discovery and Export in a Digital World. We invite you, as Canadians and stakeholders, to help us establish the scope of these consultations by answering the questions below. Your answers will be used to better define the themes and questions that will be used to guide the consultations.
 
The questionnaire will be available until May 20, 2016.
 
The questionnaire will take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your answers.
 
Participation in this questionnaire is voluntary, the anonymity of respondents will be respected and all responses will be kept strictly confidential. Questions are asked for information gathering purposes only and will not be used to identify respondents. To this end, please avoid directly identifying yourself or your organization in any typed answers. All information collected will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act.


Read more and complete survey.




24 April 2016

Houdini and Doyle: World of Wonders

You may already know that "Houdini and Doyle: World of Wonders" launched earlier this month.  But were you aware of the Canadian connections?

According to Joe, "The goal of the web series was to share some magic history and practical demonstrations inspired by the real-life relationship of Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle."

How well do you think they did?

23 April 2016

Montreal: Loran at "lune de sang"

The event is on April 29th.

From Loran's Facebook page:
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22 April 2016

Greg Frewin in the Norfolk News

From the Norfolk News:
The international grand champion of magic plans to wow Norfolk County with non-stop family friendly illusions. 

Hamilton-born Greg Frewin is bringing his award-winning act to Simcoe Composite School on Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m. with the Imagine Tour: The Ultimate Magic Experience.

“I will say we will leave people amazed,” Frewin said. “The thing I try to do is entertain people and just have fun. It’s a great show, very upbeat and fun for the whole family. There are no barriers – come out, one and all.”

The show will benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation of Canada’s continued work toward their vision of a breast cancer-free Canada.

Read more.

21 April 2016

The mysterious billboard

The Festival de magie de Québec starts today.  I really enjoy their creative, dynamic, and often interactive advertising campaigns.  In 2011 it was this magical billboard. In 2012, it was "la disparition."  In 2013, "pouvoirs magiques."   For 2014, "le balai magique."  This one, "le magicien" (in English: The Magician) was released in August of 2015.

From the  Festival de magie de Québec's YouTube channel, here's the 2016 video (or watch "The Mysterious Billboard" in English):

IncrediBrent and Super Sarah in the Timmins Press

From the Timmins Press:

TIMMINS - IncrediBrent and Super Sarah took to the stage at Timmins Centennial Public School on Friday to wow the elementary school children with magic, comedy and lessons about bullying.
Known off-stage as Sarah and Brent Nicholls, the married comedic duo tours the country doing anti-bullying magic and comedy show for kids.

They did two presentations at Timmins Centennial on April Fool’s Day and it was obvious from the cheering and enthusiastic crowd that all the kids in attendance had a great day.
Jayden Tessier, a nine-year-old at the school, said he learned a lot about bullying and how to deal with it should it happen to himself or one of his friends at school.

“They taught us find your magic, believe in yourself, you aren’t alone and anything is possible,” the young student recalled of the lessons taught by the magicians.

Read more.

20 April 2016

Victoria: 50th Anniversary Magic Spectacular!

The show is on May 29th and includes: Dave Morris, Shayne King, Eric Bedard, Dave Attwood, Jason Verners, Murray Hatfield & Teresa, and Shawn Farquhar.

From the Victoria Magic Circle:
The Victoria Magic Circle

50th Anniversary Magic Spectacular!

What do you get when you take some of BC’s finest practitioners of magic and mystery and put them all together into one incredible show? You get an unbelievable evening of family fun that will have you laughing, cheering and shaking your head in disbelief.

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary in the city, the Victoria Magic Circle invited 8 of the top magicians and magical entertainers in BC to be a part of this very special Magic Spectacular. Many different styles of magic and illusion will be on display from intimate sleight of hand to hilarious comedy magic to stunning large scale .

Read more and buy tickets.

19 April 2016

Hamilton: "Conspiracy" with Nicholas Wallace

From the Hamilton Arts Council:
CONSPIRACY
by Nicholas Wallace & Luke Brown 
April 19, 21, 22 @ 8 PM
Are people being deceived on a massive scale or are people just seeing patterns to suit their own needs? Audiences are invited to attend a free workshop performance of Conspiracy with Nicholas Wallace, a new show by the same creative team behind the acclaimed Seance.

Read more and buy tickets.

Montreal: Le lab magique

The first show of their 3rd season is on April 27th.

From le lab magique's Facebook page:
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18 April 2016

Evelyn Matlin on "The Magic of Magic Conventions"

She's posted a fabulous photo of David Williamson, Mac King. Jean Boucher, and Carl Cloutier.

See what Evelyn Matlin has to say about the 2016 Browser's Bash over at Perfect Magic:
For Phil and me, the magic of Magic Conventions is not the magic. Its a place and time where people with a common interest, from all over gather. We get a chance to meet people we know and haven’t seen in years and we also get the chance to meet people who have been ordering on line who we never met personally.

The Browser’s Den Magic Bash was such a place. We spent time with Bernice Cooper, the late Len Cooper’s wife. Len was the original owner of The Browser’s Den. We used to visit them in Toronto and Bernice would be there behind the counter helping out as magic shop owner’s wives do. It was nice for her too, to see and speak to many people that used to come into their shop.

Read more.

17 April 2016

Toronto: Zack Mirza's "Immaculate Deceptions"

From Zack Mirza's Facebook page:
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16 April 2016

David Ben in the National Post

From the National Post:
DAVID BEN: Canadian magician. Recognized as one of the world’s greatest sleight of hand artists.

There’s something I’ve worked on (the Dad Stevens Riffle Cull); it’s probably the most difficult sleight of hand technique in the world. The famed magician Dai Vernon discovered it from a gambler, who told him it took 18 years of practice. I thought that was crazy, but I also thought I was young enough that I could give it a shot. I’ve now been working on this technique every single day for 15 years (45 minutes a day at first, but now it’s about 15 minutes) and I’m only just getting it. I studied with master magician Ross Bertram, and he told me that the one thing he couldn’t teach me was enthusiasm. That has to be innate.

Read more.

15 April 2016

Vancouver presents: A Q & A with Oslen and Kel

From Vancouver Presents:
Illusionists Oslen, a finalist on Canada’s Got Talent  in 2012, and award-winning Kel team-up for a three-night run of what they promise to be a Vegas-style magic show at South Vancouver’s Metro Theatre.

In this Q&A, we find out more from both illusionists as they prepare for Magique – A Magic Spectacular.

Q: Most magicians became interested in magic at a young age – do you remember the first time you wanted to be a magician?

Oslen: Yes I remember my first time I wanted to be a magician, it was at an early age of eight when I first saw my first live magic show at the PNE on the Kids World stage. After watching that magic performance I told my dad I wanted to be a magician.

Kel: I do wish I was younger than when I started.  I was 17 when I decided that I was going to be a magician.

Q: What was it about magic that excited you?



Read more.

14 April 2016

St. Albert: Sheldon Casavant "Exploring the Impossible"

From the Northern Alberta International Children's Festival:
Sheldon Casavant:  Exploring the Impossible

Children are fascinated by magic – longing to become their own magnificent magicians. With sleight of hand and mind-captivating illusions, Edmonton's Sheldon Casavant shares his own story of discovery as he redefines magic in this logic-defying, mind-bending performance.

Borrowed items vanish and reappear, inanimate objects are brought to life, and kids are called on to perform outrageous feats. Casavant uses the art of magic to inspire curiosity and courage to imagine the impossible.

Tuesday, May 31
Wednesday, June 1    
Thursday, June 2    
Friday, June 3    
Saturday, June 4

Read more and buy tickets.

13 April 2016

Caledon: Lee Elliott at "How to in 10"

From the Caledon Public Library:
How-To in 10 Festival
Saturday, April 16, 2016 ~ 1 to 3 pm 
Albion Bolton Branch, 150 Queen Street South, Bolton

Local businesses and organziations will offer their expertise and enthusiasm to teach a new skill in 10 minutes or less.

Read more.



From the Caledon Public Library's Twitter feed:


12 April 2016

Montreal: Ravi Mayar lecture

From Montreal Magic Jam:
Monday April 18

Our next lecturer will be the fantastic Ravi Mayar. Ravi was actually a Montrealer for a good part of his life, but is now based out of the UK, and we’re happy to welcome him home. Ravi will be presenting his No Cards Lecture, based on the material from his DVD Storyteller, a collection of visually stunning, organic magic effects. The lecture will also include material from his first DVD set, Collisions, as well as an intro to his hypnosis technique and the real work on pickpocketing! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn material not usually taught in magic lectures, and is not to be missed!

Read more and buy tickets.

11 April 2016

Rounding the Western rings in April 2016

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


CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- Junior club meeting.
- Christian Engblom lecture
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- Christian Engblom lecture
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- Christian Engblom lecture
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)- Magic Flea Market
- Christian Engblom lecture
- Third Monday Magic
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- TBA
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- TBA
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)  - Christian Engblom lecture

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

Rounding the Central rings in April 2016

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


Montreal, QCRing 62 (20th Century Ring)- Meetup.
- Simon Black lecture
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)- Favorite card or rope trick.
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Round robin.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Auction.
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)- Tenyo Magic Presentation
- Show and tell
- Executive nominations
-
Charity Show @ Waupoos Farm
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- TBA
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)- Rob Power lecture.


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

Rounding the Eastern rings in April 2016

Does anybody have current information to share about the Magic Circle of St. John?


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


Halifax, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - Visit their Facebook page
St. John, NBMagic Circle of St. John- TBA

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

10 April 2016

Montreal magic nostalgia

From Perfect Magic:
It got me thinking about (Magic) Tom and what he did for magic and for us. He donated a large Trophy to Magic Montreal, and a smaller one for the winner of the Magie Montreal Trophy which was awarded every year at our Magic Convention. Richard Sanders was the first one to win it. Every winner has a place  with his name engraved on it on the big Trophy which can be seen in our shop. We gave out other awards too. This should bring back a few memories if you were there.


Read more.

09 April 2016

Casting: new show for young magicians with Lance Burton

From Lance Burton's Facebook page:
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Exciting TV project in the works! We are now casting! Looking for talented Young Magicians to participate. Please share with anyone you think might be interested.
Posted by Lance Burton on Friday, 8 April 2016





[via: Adam Goldberg, Sorcerers Safari, and Clive Court]

08 April 2016

Quebec: Eric Jones at CAMaraderie 2016

I had the pleasure of meeting Eric at Sorcerers Safari in 2011.  He's a fabulous addition to this year's list of performers!


From the festival de magie:

... our guest, Shin Lim, unfortunately got injured and will not be able to perform magic for a few weeks. He had to cancel his visit to the CAMaraderie in Québec.  We wish him a prompt recovery and hope to have him with us in the next years.

Good news, we will have the chance to have Eric Jones, close up specialist, in Québec city for the CAMaraderie.  He will do a lecture, he will perform in the close-up gala and in the grand gala on the Saturday night.  This will be a great occasion to meet this exceptional magician.


... notre invité Shin Lim s'est malheureusement blessé à la main. Il ne pourra pratiquer la magie pendant quelques semaines. Il a donc dû annuler sa présence à Québec. Nous lui souhaitons un prompt rétablissement et nous espérons que nous pourrons le recevoir dans le futur.

Bonne nouvelle, nous aurons la chance de recevoir le magicien Eric Jones, spécialiste de magie de proximité, à Québec lors de la CAMaraderie. Il offrira une lecture en plus de performer lors de notre gala de micromagie et du grand gala du samedi soir. C'est une occasion exceptionnelle de le rencontrer.

Read more and buy tickets.

07 April 2016

Browser's Magic Bash 2016 recap

As many of you are aware, I live-Tweeted and live-blogged this year's Browser's Magic Bash last Saturday.  In this post I've consolidated (and edited) the blog posts and Tweets. (For the complete list of Tweets and photos check out this Twitter link to #BrowsersBash2016 .)  It's a very long post.  Click "read more" below to view it.  Thanks for joining in.

I hope you all had as much fun as I did!


06 April 2016

Billy Kidd in "The Weightless Traveller"

Did you know that Billy Kidd did a short film called "The Weightless Traveller"?

From Short Film Central:
Without home or possessions to tie her down, young vagabond Bo is light enough to take off. She travels to the big city, the desert and the jungle and experiences different adventures, joys and challenges. She uses what others throw away and with her magic touch makes anything possible.

Read more.


You can watch a clip of the movie at No Problem Productions.

05 April 2016

Thank you to our April 2016 Friends!

Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn and Joan Caesar 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 April 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:
The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!



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.

04 April 2016

Newmarket: IncrediBrent and Super Sarah

From Tix Hub:
NEWMARKET THEATRE PRESENTS...

The Magic & Comedy  of
IncrediBrent & Super Sarah

Saturday May 7, 2016

Read more and buy tickets.

03 April 2016

Montreal: The McSorley & Chung Magic Hour

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02 April 2016

Live-blogging #BrowsersBash2016

If all goes according to plan, all live-blogging posts from #BrowsersBash2016 will appear under this post. The most recent update will be immediately after this post, below the ad. Check back often for updates!

  • Unofficial after party and jam sessions about to begin!

     
  • Jeff's quoting: “A dream you dream alone ... is only a dream.  But a dream you dream together ... is reality.”
  • Thank you all for helping the Browser’s Magic Bash dream become a reality!
It's time for the stage show!
  • First up, Gordon Precious. 
  • Next, it’s Jason Palter.
  • And Steven Brundage!
  • David Merry’s taking the stage. 
  • And closing with David Williamson who made special arrangements to come up here and fill Tom’s spot!
  • Jeff’s thanking: the MonteCassino staff. Cheers to the office, engineering, hotel, bar and kitchen staff.
  • Also thanks to: Annie Pinsky, Dick Joiner, David Merry, Magic Mike Segal & Jen Segal, Ben Train, Michael Gillis, Chris Mayhew, Lidden Li, Shawna York, Nicole Lee, John Michalson, Roxanne Talbot, and Christina Asher!
  • Thank you to the Zone Performers:  James Harrison, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Big Louie Lebetjis, & Joe Deng.
  • Special thanks to John Talbot and Lee Asher, without whom none of this would have been possible.
  • A touching video tribute to Tom Mullica.

  • Thanks to Steve Kline for working non-stop, sweating blood and tears to ensure the runs smoothly!
  • Thanks also to Jeff Hinchliffe, Luiz Castro, and Jonathan Sy for helping Steve put the equipment and stage together! 
  • David Williamson lecture!

  • Daniel Garcia mini-talk!
  • Part of the proceeds from every ticket sold for this year's Bash being donated in Garcia’s name, to Chad's charity (Spread the Magic Foundation) and to the Burn Unit at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.
  • Daniel Garcia lecture time!
  • Lanyards for the Bash were generously donated by Chad Juros of the “Spread The Magic Foundation.”  (Yes, the same Chad Juros honoured by David Copperfield on Good Morning America last Fall.)
  • The Spread The Magic Foundation spreads hope and inspiration to children battling cancer.
    Visit them at spreadthemagic.org
  • Thank you Chad!
  • This year's Food Drive raised over 300 kgs of cans & dried goods for Toronto Food Bank. DOUBLE last year’s total!  Way to go!

  • Chris Mayhew creating a “happy birthday” video for a special somebody turning 90 soon!
  • Recently, Michael Francis broke Guinness Records for coin rolling!  He demonstrated for us today.  Impressive!
  • United States Playing Card Company (USPC) is with us today exhibiting their cards.
  • Everyone in this room is invited to attend the 52 Plus Joker Playing Card meet June 12th the Browser’s Den of Magic, for FREE!!
  • Michael Close mini-talk.
  • Lunch time already.  Yum!

Dick Joiner is emcee for the close-up show!  

Bobby Motta,  Michael Lam, Michael Close, Daniel Garcia, and David Williamson to close!

Fabulous!
From Niagara Falls, it’s Greg Frewin!
“Zone performers” James Harrison, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Big Louie Lebetjis, and Joe Deng will be entertaining tables during breaks!
  • Jeff's looking more at home in his “trusty sweater vest.”
  • Welcome to Dan Morrissey (of Morrissey Magic) to the stage!  We’ve missed you Phoebe and Dan!
  • Welcome to Phil and Evelyn Matlin (of Perfect Magic, Montreal) to the stage!
  • Mentioning Joan Caesar, past president of the IBM and founder of the Canadian Association of Magicians! 
  • Added bonus:  Welcome to Len Cooper’s family! Bernice, Len’s wife, as well as his children, Jack and Sandy Cooper!

Talk about one big magic family!

Today's the day!  Let's do this!                           

#BrowsersBash2016

01 April 2016

Domain for sale.

High quality domain available

Drive traffic to your site with this in demand domain.

If you are interested in purchasing, please contact the domain owner with your offer.
Offers will be accepted until the end of the month.


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Alternately, check the date.




To experience the full impact of this announcement, set the date on your computer to April 1 and the time to 6am.