Showing posts with label # media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label # media. Show all posts

16 January 2019

Roger Boucher in the CBC

From the January 15th article "Magician prepares for icy escape from Emma Lake in chains and handcuffs" by CBC News.
It's hard to make a polar bear plunge into a freezing Saskatchewan lake more difficult, but Prince Albert-based magician and hypnotist Roger Boucher wants to up the ante by escaping chains and handcuffs while beneath the icy waters of Emma Lake.

"It's going to be very challenging, and I like to challenge myself," he explained to CBC Saskatchewan's Afternoon Edition.

His planned escape is part of a Feb. 16 fundraiser for the Lakeland fire department. Boucher suggested the challenge as a publicity stunt. He'll jump in handcuffed past three feet of ice with a weedy lake surface below him.


Read more.

15 January 2019

Canadians in Masters of Illusion 2019

I spy Greg Frewin, Chris Funk, The Evasons, and Murray SawChuck.  Who am I missing?

Wikipedia suggests the 2019 season is season 9, but the performers are all referring to it as season 6 as it is the 6th season with the CW.


From Greg Frewin's Instagram:

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From Chris Funk's Twitter feed:






From The Evason's Twitter feed:



From Murray SawChuck's Instagram:



28 December 2018

Review: The Illusionists

From the November 28th article "'The Illusionists — Magic of the Holidays': Theater Review" by Frank Scheck in the Hollywood Reporter:
Shin Lim, who pocketed a cool $1 million as an America's Got Talent champion, performs sleight-of-hand card tricks. While close-up magic inevitably loses something in a large auditorium (even if you're sitting down front, you inevitably wind up looking at the video screens), the young magician is such a master of his craft that it doesn't matter. His fluid movements are beautifully choreographed and executed, achieving a near poeticism enhanced by his slyly confident manner.

Oake delivers some of the evening's most lavish illusions, including several in which he miraculously appears and disappears. His muscled, tattooed physique and shaved head make him appear far more threatening than he actually is. Plenty of magicians perform a bit in which they make doves appear out of thin air, for instance, but not many seem fond enough of the birds to kiss them.

Read more.

24 December 2018

The Sentimentalists to make predictions for the New Year

I hope they have some good news to share!

You can also catch them in Sentimentalists: Mentalism At The Museum on December 28th.


From The Sentimentalists' Facebook page:

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17 December 2018

Oshawa: Richard Forget and Craig Douglas

From the December 11th article "Whitby magician has a box of tricks" by Mike Ruta in the Durham Region:
When is a box not just a box? When it’s a metaphor in Richard Forget’s show, The Magic Box.

“It suggests a whole bunch of things,” says the Whitby magician. “It can mean so much.”

Forget notes that the history of magic is full of them: people disappearing from a box, a magician sawing his assistant in half as she lays in a box. And a theatre itself is a box, he says.

Forget, the Canadian Magician of the Year in 2011, is encouraging Durham residents to come and see his show on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. at Oshawa’s Regent Theatre. After all, he isn’t around much.

“I don’t get to perform this show in the Durham area a lot because I travel a lot,” he says.

Read more.

16 December 2018

Toronto: American Sign Language interpreted magic show

From the Champions of Magic Press release:
TORONTO, ON, DECEMBER 13, 2018: The holiday season just got a little more magical as ​Starvox Entertainment announces a very special performance of Champions Of Magic accompanied by American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. On December 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Toronto’s​ Bluma Appel Theatre ​ (​St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St E), the UK’s mind-bending magical troop, will deliver their jaw-dropping, mind-bending performance and mesmerising illusions with ASL interpretation to Toronto for the first time ever.

Fully immersing deaf audience members into a grand scale illusion show, such as Champions of Magic, is no easy task, and is rarely done,” stated Corey Ross President and Founder of Starvox Entertainment. “While magic is very visual, the sleight of hand often involves distracting the audience through audio cues and the traditional magician’s patter.  The Champions are preparing themselves for the challenge of performing for this new audience without giving away the secrets of the illusions. It will be incredibly suspenseful to see if this works.”   
It was really important to us that the show to be fully inclusive of the diverse Toronto audience,” says Kayla Drescher, the show’s close up Magician. “Having a performance with American Sign Language interpretation allows the entire audience to be totally immersed in the magic and enjoy the camaraderie that is an integral part of the performance.

Champions Of Magic’s five world-class illusionists deliver a mesmerizing experience that’s entertaining for the entire family. Featuring incredible illusions with sports cars, an impossible escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, mind-blowing predictions that must be witnessed to be believed, levitation from wonderous heights and a finale beyond explanation, Champions of Magic showcases original magic that can’t be seen anywhere else.
To reserve seats for the December 29th ASL performance, please use code “ASL” when purchasing tickets through ​www.ticketmaster.ca to ensure assigned seating. For assistance, contact the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts box office via tquinlan@stlc.com or call 416-366-7723.


20 November 2018

Brian Glow in the CBC News

From the November 17th article "For this Manitoba anti-bullying magician, the real trick is helping kids connect" by CBC News (with files from Nadia Kidwai):
A Manitoba magician who found solace in sleight of hand when he was bullied as a kid is using the same tools to help fight bullying in northern communities.

Brian Glow, a corporate magician and illusionist, has performed for audiences in 44 countries over the past 40 years. These days, he spends as much as four months a year in remote communities in the Northwest Territories, enthralling students with magic tricks he hopes help them deal with bullying.

His work with them ranges from performances to workshops on how to do the tricks and motivational speaking.

"Each trick actually has messaging in it, whether it's motivational, whether it's anti-bullying, whether it's what to look out for when someone's talking a certain way," Glow said.

Read more.

09 November 2018

Bacio Rosso media roundup

From the November 6th article "VETERAN CANADIAN PERFORMERS STAR IN THE FIRST BELGIUM-INSPIRED CIRCUS" by asingh in the Asian Pacific Post:

Cirque du Soleil performer Colin Heath and magician and illusionist Shawn Farquar will be part of Canada’s first European-inspired circuses coming to town, Bacio Rosso Spiegeltent.

Heath has performed in Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach, the Arts Club, Axis Theatre, Leaky Heavy Circus. The award-winning performer is also a veteran of Cirque du Soleil, including Cirque Reinvente, Kooza and Volta. Farquhar has taken stages at the Riveria, Las Vegas, the Opera House, Blackpool and the Orpheum in Vancouver. He also has performed for Queen Elizabeth II while she visited Charlottetown, PEI.

Read more.



From the October 9th article "A DAZZLING GOURMET CABARET CIRQUE IN VANCOUVER" by Katie Nanton in Nuvo Magazine:
The talent roster is a range of eclectic performers from around the globe; together as a cast, they represent a grouping of professionals rarely seen under one roof. There is Lady Rizo, for example, a New York–based cabaret star with a wickedly funny streak; Jimmy Gonzales, a juggler and dancer just coming off a run of Cirque du Soleil; Shawn Farquhar, a multi-award-winning magician from Maple Ridge, B.C.; and Erica Nguyen, an aerial cirque performer from Moncton, N.B. Audience members will get to know them all throughout the eve while sipping fine wines and dining on Italian fare by La Quercia’s executive chef, Adam Pegg (think slow-roasted beef with carrots and jus, or sautéed wild mushrooms served over creamy polenta).

Read more.



From the November 7th article "Bacio Rosso brings cabaret, magic, acrobatics, and more to Queen Elizabeth Park" by Gail Johnson in The Georgia Straight:
Bacio Rosso is unlike anything Vancouver has ever seen. Where else do you see a room full of strangers break out into an impromptu dance party while a powerhouse cabaret singer encourages the limbo in an evening where plates fly, a magician reads minds, and a pair of muscular trapeze artists strip down to their sparkling skivvies, all within a few feet of your dinner table?

Read more.

08 November 2018

Atlas Obscura's list of Enchanting Local Magic Shops

Back in October, Atlas Obscura asked for our favourite local magic shops.  This week, they published a round up of the responses...


From the November 6th article "33 of the World’s Most Enchanting Local Magic Shops" by Eric Grundhauser at Atlas Obscura:

Browser’s Den of Magic
Toronto, Ontario

“As a woman in a male-dominated field, the Den has provided me with a space to learn and share magic without feeling like an outsider. The people who run the store are always willing to help, demonstrate tricks, and recommend additional resources for hobbyists and pros alike. I’ve never experienced another store quite like the Browser’s Den.” — Jacqueline Swan, Toronto, Ontario

“Jeff and the staff provide excellent service to magicians at all stages of development, and they go out of their way to be welcoming and encouraging. They are there to help, not just to make a sale. Conventions, special events, auctions, lectures, and club meetings at the shop all contribute to making Browser’s Den a very special place for Canadian magicians.” — Robin Dawes, Kingston, Ontario

“The store does so much more then sell magic. It strives to build a community. Brings in top magicians for lectures. Hosts a magic club, helps magicians sell magic tricks they no longer need. Any questions answered. Jeff Pinsky loves magic and it shows.” — Jim Byrns, Toronto, Ontario

Read more.


06 November 2018

Julie Eng on Pop Life CTV

From the Pop Life CTV Facebook page:

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29 October 2018

David Johnston in The Chronicle Herald

From the October 19th article "Halifax magician meets childhood hero, the man behind Big Bird" by Tim Arsenault in The ChronicleHerald:
David Johnston, a full-time Halifax-based magician, discovered last weekend that he had more in common with a childhood idol than he imagined.

Johnston, who performs as the Amazing Mr. J., made a road trip to Ontario for the chance to meet puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who has played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street from its inception in 1969.

Spinney was a guest at Hamilton Comic Con for what was billed as his final appearance in Canada, and Johnston said he got to spend some quality time with the performer.

Read more.

20 October 2018

Reader's Digest suggests watching out for David Acer

From the article "22 Canadian Comedians to Watch Out For—and Their Best Jokes" at Reader's Digest Canada:
6. David Acer

I just bought a Canada Goose jacket. I love it—it’s warm, it’s comfortable. The only problem is, whenever I run into other people wearing Canada Goose jackets, we all have to walk in a V-formation.

Follow Montreal comedian David Acer on Twitter @David_Acer.

Read more.

16 October 2018

Atlas Obscura wants to know the "World’s Best Magic Shops"

From the October 9th article "Help Us Reveal the World’s Best Magic Shops" by Eric Grunhauser at Atlas Obscura:
NEED A DECK OF TRICK cards? Looking for a new set of cup and balls to impress your family with over the holidays? Hoping to pick up a cursed monkey’s paw? Magic stores were once one of the very few places you could turn to for arcane materials, or to discuss tips and tricks with fellow magic fans, often becoming little clubhouses unto themselves. There are still places like Tannen’s in New York, but as with many formerly physical gathering places, much of the magic scene has migrated online. And yet! There are still magic stores all over the world keeping the flash paper burning, and we want to know about your favorites.

Fill out the survey below to tell us all about your favorite local magic shop, and why you love it.


Read more and cast your vote!

21 September 2018

Sheldon Casavant in East Texas Matters

The East Texas State Fair runs from September 21st through Sunday, September 30th.


From the September 19th article "New magic show to be first performance in historic Mayfair building in decades" by Daniel Pierce in East Texas Matters:
TYLER, Texas (KETK) - The East Texas State Fair is opening the historic Mayfair Building for the first time in decades to host an all-new magic show. After more than twenty years without a performance, fairgoers are being welcomed once again to the 100-year-old building for a show promising entertainment of epic proportions.

Internationally recognized magician Sheldon Casavant will headline the East Texas State Fair this year offering a nightly show beginning at 8:00 pm every day during the fair.

Read more.

20 September 2018

Congratulations to Shin Lim!

From the September 19th article "Magician Shin Lim Crowned Season 13 Champion of America's Got Talent" by Karen Mizoguchi in People:
“When you told me at 16 that an awkward, shy kid would one day be performing at the Dolby Theatre performing on America’s Got Talent, I wouldn’t have believed them. To compete on AGT, it means the world to me,” said Lim, who opened up about his carpal tunnel syndrome due to a career-ending injury to his thumb tendons.

The 26-year-old self-taught magician, who was born in Canada and currently lives in Acton, Massachusetts, wowed audiences through sleight of hand magic and close-up tricks. For his final trick, Lim performed a card trick with host Tyra Banks and American Ninja Warrior co-hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila.

Read more.

Watch the announcement from the America's Got Talent YouTube channel:




Watch his final performance on the America's Got Talent YouTube channel:

10 September 2018

Louis Pezzani and Ben Price at the Vancouver Fringe

Updated at 7:00am to add:


Thank you to The Magic Demon for informing me that in addition to Keith Brown, both Louis Pezzani and Ben Price have shows at this year's Vancouver Fringe.

The Vancouver Fringe Festival runs from September 6th to the 16th


From Louis Pezznai's listing in the Vancouver Fringe:
Master mentalist and magician Louis Pezzani has been blowing audiences’ minds around the world for decades. This astounding show features mindreading, lightning calculation, and incredible mind-over-matter demonstrations where metal bends, twists, and melts! Astonishing, interactive, critically acclaimed, and very funny. Unforgettable theatre for all.

Read more and buy tickets.


From Ben Price's listing in the Vancouver Fringe:
Have you ever wanted to attend the ultimate magic show? Ben Price uses his abilities in sleight of hand, thought influence, and comedy to take you on a journey through the perfect magic show. This 60 minute, interactive show will have audiences laughing, gasping, and cheering as Ben performs all kinds of marvels from card tricks to mind reading.

Read more and buy tickets.


08 September 2018

Shin Lim smoking the semifinals of America's Got Talent 2018

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
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From the America's Got Talent YouTube channel:





24 August 2018

A World of Magic in the Daily Hive

A World of Magic runs September 7 to 9.


From the August 21st article "Vancouver's first-ever magic festival is about to make its grand appearance" in the Daily Hive Vancouver:
 And it’s all happening because the International Magician’s Gala is partnering up with Canada Chuan Sheng Culture & Media Group and The Vancouver Magic Circle.

Now for the magician talent.

You’ll get to see Canada’s master illusionists Murray Hatfield & Teresa, world champion magician Juliana Chen, shock magician and daredevil Wayne HouchinAmerica’s Got Talent contestant Aaron Crow, the misfit of magic Ed Alonzo, juggling magician Claudius Specht, as well as “the inventor” of magic, Kevin James

You’ll be giving back by attending the magic festival as $3 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Richmond Hospital Foundation.


Read more.

23 August 2018

Friday's Diversion

From the Diversion Twitter feed:
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21 August 2018

AGT live show recap

From the August 17th article "'America's Got Talent' Recap: First Live Show Stuns And Excites" by Carolyn Lipka in Forbes:
Shin Lim’s intricate and mind-bending close-up magic had him producing cards out of thin air, changing their patterns and ultimately making them disappear. Shin Lim is a powerful stage presence with tricks to match and I have no doubt that he’ll achieve success in magic regardless of his ultimate performance on the show.

Read more.


From the IBM Twitter feed: