30 June 2020

2020 Canadian Rising Star

Congratulations to Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay, The Sentimentalists, on winning the Canadian Rising Star award!


From the June 29th article "Canadian Rising Star 2020" at Magicana:

We are so excited to share the news.

Every day this week, we will announce a recipient for each category of the Allan Slaight Awards on behalf of the Slaight Family Foundation.

We are delighted start by naming this year’s 2020 Canadian Rising Star—make that Stars.

This award acknowledges outstanding work by an emerging Canadian magician and it comes with a prize of $5,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation, and it also includes an engraved iPad to commemorate the occasion. Past recipients of this award include Mahdi Gilbert, Luc Langevin, Eric Leclerc, Nick Wallace and Carisa Hendrix.

Read more.



Top 5 posts in June 2020

There were 25+ posts at Canada's Magic last month.  Here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days:


5. [Day 92] Because I'm too tired to contact each of you individually - Sending you all virtual applause and gasps of astonishment.
4. A safe place to scream into the void - A place to vent your frustrations anonymously.
3. David Ben and Julie Eng in "College Of Magic's Anniversary Show" (June 27) - So many talented people working together.
2. Michael Kras in the Hamilton Arts Council Online Performance Series - Magicians have so many talents!

and the most viewed post this month  ...






1. Carisa Hendrix and Billy Kidd in a magical "drop the brush" - Getting show ready has never been so much fun!

29 June 2020

Magical Women with Connie Boyd

Connie Boyd (originally from Newmarket, Ontario!) started the "Magical Women with Connie Boyd" YouTube channel during quarantine.  Since that time it has grown into a series of in-depth talks with  magicians in different magic genres.   Weekly talks are uploaded to the Magical Women YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Connie's off to a strong start featuring Canadian magicians Ekaterina and Billy Kidd.   Juliana Chen's episode will be released this week.  (A little birdie has told me that Carisa Hendrix will be in a future episode too!)


Watch the teaser for the Magical Women series on YouTube:





Episode 1 with Ekatarina:








Episode 2 with Billy Kidd:














25 June 2020

A safe place to scream into the void

Many of you are processing the impact of COVID-19 on your livelihood, family, and sense of self.  Some of you are open about it and share your concerns publicly.  This can provide a feeling of relief to others reading, knowing that they're not alone in feeling the things they're feeling.

We've created this post to act as a "Post Secret"* type of electronic repository, where magicians can ANONYMOUSLY document things that they may not want to share on their own social media.  We're hoping this repository can serve two purposes:
  1. To let others in the community know that they are not alone in feeling what they're feeling.
  2. By putting in writing the thoughts in your head, it may help you to dwell on them less and provide some catharsis.


To participate:
  1. Comment ANONYMOUSLY on this post.
  2. Do NOT identify yourself.
  3. You may state whether you're full time, part time, or semi-retired.
  4. You may state the number of years you've been in the business.
  5. You may state what country you are from.
  6. Do NOT use profanity. 
  7. This is not a place to ask about or reveal the secrets of magical effects.


If your life is in danger or you know someone’s life is in danger DIAL EMERGENCY NOW (often 911 in your area) DO NOT HESITATE!

LifeLine Canada has a list of Canadian Crisis Centres
enables callers anywhere in Canada to access crisis support by phone, in French or English: toll-free 1-833-456-4566 Available 24/7  


Comments are moderated, which means they won't show up until we get a chance to review them. Canada's Magic reserves the right to refuse to publish any comment we don't feel is appropriate for this project.




--
* From Wikipedia: Post Secret is an ongoing community mail art project, created by Frank Warren in 2005, in which people mail their secrets anonymously on a homemade postcard. Selected secrets are then posted on the Post Secret website, or used for Post Secret's books or museum exhibits.


24 June 2020

Magicians Talking Magic with Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed

Ryan and Graeme have been super productive since quarantine began.  Have a look and a listen to the podcasts (including an interview with Chris Pilsworth) they've recorded since early March:

23 June 2020

David Ben and Julie Eng in "College Of Magic's Anniversary Show" (June 27)

From the June 11 article "Taylor, Koch And Moosa To Host Magicians From Around The World For College Of Magic's 40th Anniversary Show" by BWW News Desk in Broadway World:
South Africa's top comedians and proud graduates of the College of Magic, Stuart Taylor, Conrad Koch and Riaad Moosa will host the Stars of Magic show, presented in association with Web Shows (PTY) Ltd and featuring a star studded line-up of international and local magicians.

Audiences will be able to experience the magic virtually via a special streaming link. All proceeds raised from the Stars of Magic show will be used for the College of Magic's various outreach programmes.

Taylor, Koch and Moosa will be hosting live from the College of Magic in Cape Town, South Africa with special guests streaming in from around the globe, including:
  • David Ben
  • Julie Eng
  • Chris Capehart
  • Olwethu Dyantyi
  • Guy Hollingworth
  • Larry Soffer
  • Ran'D Shine and
  • R. Paul Wilson

Read more.


22 June 2020

Eric Leclerc: Virtual French Press Awards 2020 (June 25)

The dress code for this event is advertised as "pants optional."

From the Facebook page of the Association de la presse francophone - APF:
Join us on Thursday, June 25 at 19 pm (EDT), on the Facebook page of the APF, to attend the Virtual Anti-Gala of the French Press Awards 2020 the magician Eric Leclerc.














21 June 2020

FISM World Championship postponed until July 2022

From the June 12th post on the FISM Quebec Facebook page:
Important message about FISM in Québec postponed to July 2022! Please note that your registration will automatically be transferred if already bought.

Due to the various events that affected our lives in relation to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) including the fact that several of the continental qualifications could not take place in 2020, the organizers of the FISM WCM in Quebec along with FISM International, have made the decision to DELAY THE FISM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNTIL JULY 25 - 30, 2022.

Read more.











20 June 2020

Shawn Farquhar (June 22), Eric Leclerc (June 29) on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us"

Can Shawn fool Penn and Teller for a third time?  Tune in to find out!

We've heard whispers that Shawn's not the only Canadian to look for in Season 7.  Rumour has it that Eric Leclerc will be on the show later this month (*cough* June 29 *cough*)!


From the June 8 article "Scoop: Coming Up on the Season Premiere of PENN & TELLER: FOOL US on THE CW - Monday, June 8, 2020" by TV Scoop on Broadway World:

Anyone who succeeds wins the right to perform with Penn & Teller in their celebrated show at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The live studio audience and the TV audience watch along with Penn & Teller as they try to figure out the secrets. THE MAGICIANS featured in the episode include Shawn Farquhar, Helen Coghlan, Ondřej Pšenička and Paul Gertner. Alyson Hannigan ("How I Met Your Mother") serves as host (#701). Original airdate 6/22/2020.

Read more.













18 June 2020

Welcoming a new Friend: Cam Dix

Please join me in welcoming our newest Friend, Toronto based Cam!

I had the pleasure of first meeting Cam at a Ring 17 Members' Night many years ago, where he showed great kindness to Kidlet after Kidlet's coerced impromptu performance. You can often find Cam at The Browser's Den of Magic and helping out at functions hosted by The Den.

Thank you Cam, for becoming an official Friend of Canada's Magic!


















16 June 2020

Kingston Magic Theatre presents "LIE" (June 18)

From the June 15th Kingston Magic Theatre's Facebook post:
Due to uncontrollable circumstances Kingston Magic Theatre presents ... LIE! scheduled for Thurs, June 18th has to be postponed. Please continue to check our page for the new dates and times. Thank you all so much for your amazing support and patience!




From the Kingston Magic Theatre's Instagram:
Kingston Magic Theatre proudly presents... LIE! A Live Immersive Experience featuring the Magic of David Johnson.

Join us LIVE this Thursday, June 18th at 7:30pm on the Cyberg Network LIVESTREAM and participate in a magic experience like no other. Watch from the comfort of your home and have the magic happen in your own hands!

LIE is an interactive experience like nothing else! David will make the magic happen through the screen where the most amazing things will happen with no plausible explanation. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bicycles) or whatever brand of playing cards you have and be prepared for a truly amazing experience.

To secure your front row seat, in the comfort of your own home, private message the Kingston Magic Theatre page! Logins are only $15 and can be purchased securely thru paypal or electronic transfer. Don't wait, secure your seats NOW!






Kingston Magic Theatre proudly presents... LIE! A Live Immersive Experience featuring the Magic of David Johnson. Join us LIVE this Thursday, June 18th at 7:30pm on the Cyberg Network LIVESTREAM and participate in a magic experience like no other. Watch from the comfort of your home and have the magic happen in your own hands! LIE is an interactive experience like nothing else! David will make the magic happen through the screen where the most amazing things will happen with no plausible explanation. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bicycles) or whatever brand of playing cards you have and be prepared for a truly amazing experience. To secure your front row seat, in the comfort of your own home, private message the Kingston Magic Theatre page! Logins are only $15 and can be purchased securely thru paypal or electronic transfer. Don't wait, secure your seats NOW!
A post shared by Kingston Magic Theatre (@kingstonmagictheatre) on

15 June 2020

Michael Ammar lecture (June 17)

From Aaron Fisher's Instagram:
Big News! You’re invited to a Special Spring Break Lecture this Wednesday night with the most celebrated magic teacher alive. Michael Ammar is pulling out all the stops, so register now for free and join us. Link in bio!







14 June 2020

[Guest post] Vancouver BC and Lower Mainland Magic Enthusiasts Rejoice!

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon. 

--
Vancouver BC and Lower Mainland Magic Enthusiasts Rejoice!

Canada's only remaining brick and mortar dedicated magic shop west of the Great Lakes has reopened.

Let Quincy and Iris warmly welcome you back to their compact but well stocked outlet for all things magical, as well as a range of professional juggling equipment, a vast array of practical jokes, and a small but impressive book selection.

The "Clownin' Around" magic shop in the Kids' Market on Granville Island in the heart of Vancouver is now open seven days a week at the reduced and revised times of 11 am to 4 pm. (This is accurate and supersedes any other opening times for the Kids' Market mentioned on the Granville Island website.)

Mask wearing and social distancing practiced.

We aren't being encouraged to travel far this summer. So if you're already anywhere near Vancouver, consider unique Granville Island as a must-visit-stop and play tourist in your own backyard. You won't regret it.

 ~~~~


Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!






13 June 2020

[Day 92] Because I'm too tired to contact each of you individually

I hope that you are well and are taking good care of yourselves, your loved ones, and each other.  Be kind if you can.

Sending you all virtual applause and gasps of astonishment.

You got this!


12 June 2020

Shriners Variety Show with Hatfield, Romhany, and Verners (June 13)

From Murray Hatfield:
Murray Hatfield & Teresa will be doing an online version of the Shriners Variety Show on Saturday June 13th at 7:00pm Pacific Time. They are joined by special guests Paul Romhany and Jason Verners. Just go to www.livemagicshow.ca and join the fun. It's open to all.









Sad news from Ring 17

We've been informed of the recent passing of two Ring 17 members.  Wayne Nelson and Herb Staats.

Both of these gentlemen treated me with great kindness at the club.

A proper Broken Wand announcement will be published for each when more information is available.

Our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Wayne and Herb.

11 June 2020

Ryan Joyce in Guelph Today

From the June 3rd article "Elora and Fergus residents the focus of a new podcast" by Keegan Kozolanka in Guelph Today:
CENTRE WELLINGTON – Elora and Fergus are being highlighted in a new podcast series by local professional magician Ryan Joyce.

The Elora Fergus Podcast puts a spotlight on what Joyce calls a bustling and beautiful area that tends to draw in interesting characters.

“These people that come here tend not to leave and these people are usually really interesting, fascinating people,” Joyce said. “It’s just a really vibrant community that’s always outgoing.”

Read more.

10 June 2020

Thank you to our June 2020 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, Gwyn Auger, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, John Smithman, Richard Hough, Robin Dawes, Eric Bedard, and Loran 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.





09 June 2020

Wonders on the Web with Chris Funk

From Chris Funk:
Episode 2! #wondersontheweb featuring The Surrealists, @spideyhypnosis @joelmeyersmagic @josephreohm and myself!
Next Wednesday June 10 at 5 pacific, 8 eastern. Link in bio! #virtualmagic #virtualshow #virtuallyamazing #onlinemagic #onlinemagicshow









08 June 2020

The Newest Trick in the Macbook - June 9th, 23rd; July 14th, 28th

From the Toronto Magic Company:
For the past three years The Newest Trick in the Book, Canada’s only open mic magic show, has been THE place in Toronto for magicians to test new tricks and for audiences to experience mind-blowing magic. 

Now Canada's only open mic magic show is going VIRTUAL - and we want you to take part in the fun!

Join a dozen incredible magicians from the comfort of your own homes for a virtual, and highly interactive, magic show you have to see to believe! 

We're featuring 6+ performers from all over the world doing brand new magic on each and every show! 

We're going to be broadcasting our open mic shows LIVE on Facebook, so you don't miss a moment

But, the shows will NOT be available for recording, so sign up to get notified so you don't miss a show!

Come see it LIVE. It's TOTALLY FREE! 

Sign up. Get notified. Never miss a show.

The next few shows are: 

June 9th...June 23rd...July 14...July 28

Read more and grab your ticket.

04 June 2020

Thank you to our June 2020 sponsors!

This is a reminder that our sponsors also have bills to pay and mouths to feed.  If you have the means, please support them by placing an online order where possible. 

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.








03 June 2020

Murray SawChuck in the Las Vegas Review-Journal

From the May 21st article "Las Vegas magician Sawchuck developing ‘Tiger King’ doc" by in the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

It’s all, still, fertile material for follow-up coverage.

“We went there to do a YouTube clip, and we came away with enough for a three-part episode,” says Sawchuck, who adds that he was stunned at some of Lowe’s on-camera claims that dead bodies — no joke — remain buried on the property. “Seth was watching this stuff and saying, ‘You know this is all going to go viral, right?’ And Jeff was just fine to talk to us about everything. I was shocked, actually.”

The first mini-doc in the series is set to post June 3 on Sawchuck’s YouTube page.

Read more.

02 June 2020

Carisa Hendrix and Billy Kidd in a magical "drop the brush"

From Rhys Morgan:
A little fun from some friends of ours, a take on Drop the Brush. We give you Drop the Deck :D

Featuring me, @WestMagic, @RealMaxMaven, @Billykiddshow, @CarisaHendrix, @bretmwxyz, @rudycoby, @Carogmatic, @TheArchini, @IamSPELMANN, @RobZabrecky, @toddvarious, and @MacKingShow .







01 June 2020

Michael Kras in the Hamilton Arts Council Online Performance Series

From Michael Kras:
Exciting news!

I’m thrilled to be included as part of the @hamartscouncil Online Performance Series, for which I will be directing a special live-streamed performance of my play The Year and Two of Us Back Here starring the wonderful original cast of @hime.sarah and @stephenjamesingram!
The play was a hit when it premiered in 2018 and I’m so excited to reimagine it and restage it for a digital platform.

Don’t worry: we won’t just be reading the play for you over Facebook Live.
This is a chance to explore the exciting possibilities of staging a play on a virtual platform, and we can’t wait to try out some new ideas to bring this play to full life... even at a distance!