Showing posts with label ~Browser's Den. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ~Browser's Den. Show all posts

12 February 2024

Toronto: Kendrick “Ice” McDonald Workshop [Feb 16] (and reminder of Feb 15 film screening)

Details for the film screening with ICE at the bottom of this post.

 

From the February 11th post at the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club Facebook group:

Kendrick “Ice” McDonald Workshop
Friday February 16
Browsers Den 

Learn from a true master with a passion for perfection who has earned an international reputation for excellence.   He has done it all, illusions, trade shows, closeup.  He’s been seen on most major US networks.

Ice’s workshop will focus on trade show work, parlour, close up magic and more.  
Members $75, guests $100. To secure your spot, message Ian Crawford.

“When ICE takes center stage, he displays a patent passion for perfection.”
Lee Earle, World Class Mentalist

�“It’s not often I write reviews on magic lectures but just lately the standard has been so high that I have felt compelled to put pen to paper… Ice set the tone for the evening by stating that this was a lecture designed for magicians who are serious about their art. Which it was but put over in a fun and entertaining way. In fact it’s hard to do justice as to how good a lecture this was or be able to mention all of the subjects covered…”
UK Guild of Magicians

Read more.


 

 

From the IBM Ring 17 website:

When: Thursday February 15th
Tickets: Free for members and $10 guests
Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road

In celebration of Black History Month, we proudly presents the Toronto Premiere of "The Quiet Masters - The History and Relevance of the Black Magical Artist." The director of the film, acclaimed magician Kenrick McDonald will be with us LIVE to host this exclusive event.

 Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

 

15 January 2024

Random thoughts about "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories"

Last Saturday, Jeff Pinsky hosted "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories" at The Browser's Den of Magic.

It was a lovely way to spend an evening!

We heard stories from: 

  • Mike Segal
  • Greg Hobor
  • Richard Lyn
  • Nicole Lee
  • Dick Joiner
  • Mike King
  • David Sutherland
  • Gordon Precious -- who, as an added bonus performed 2 effects for us!
  • Colin Geddes
  • David Peck
  • Jeff Hinchliffe,
  • Sammy Jakubowicz, and
  • our host Jeff Pinsky


Stories told included Magic Masters, Daytona Magic, Macy's, The Arcade, The Den (on Bloor across from Varsity Arena, above Yuk Yuk's, Bathurst and Eglinton, and now!), Morrissey's (Montreal and Toronto) and even Marie & Jack Hughes living room in London, England!  They also included names like Sophie Smith, Len & Bernice Cooper, Herb & Dan Morrissey, Henry Gordon, Jay Sankey, Gary Kurtz, David Ben, Mark Lewis, David Mitchell, Danny Tsukalis, Steve Martin, Jim Carey, Keanu Reeves, and more!

 

Did you know that:

  • Bernice Cooper often baby sat a Toronto magician's son at the store?
  • Dick Joiner first saw Mark Lewis in England?
  • David Copperfield once ended his grand illusion show in Toronto with "What's Next?" 
  • Keanu Reeves used to hang out at The Browser's Den of Magic?
  • There used to be a Canadian 25 cent bill!

 

Thank you older Jeff, for conceiving and hosting this wonderful evening of sharing!



From the January 14th Facebook post by Greg Hobor at The Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 October 2023

Toronto: 48th anniversary party for The Browser's Den of Magic [Nov 19]

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

BROWSER’S DEN OF MAGIC 48TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2023

BIG DISCOUNTS ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * BIRTHDAY CAKE

Auction Begins at 1:00pm

FREE MAGIC SHOW AT 4:00pm


You are invited to join us to celebrate our 48th year in business! Many of you have been with us since the beginning back in 1975.

This is also the day when we remember the shop's founders, Len and Bernice Cooper. Jeff Pinsky took over Browser's Den in November 1995.

Len Cooper passed away in 2003. Since then at each anniversary party we hand out in Len's memory a full set of the Tarbell Course in Magic books to a deserving magician under 25 years of age who has shown a dedication to the art of magic.

PLUS - In appreciation of your devotion to our shop this is the only day of the year where EVERYTHING in the shop is on sale all day long including magic in the Used Magic Room!

We hope you can join us - The Jeff's & The Browser's Den Team


From the October 4th Facebook post by The Browser's Den of Magic:

Hi Denizens,

Lovely news to tell you about.

At our 48th Store Anniversary Party (Sunday, November 19) both Sandy and Jack Cooper will be present to see and congratulate the winner of this years Len Cooper Memorial Award.

With Bernice Cooper not able to attend the party, we are very grateful that both Sandy and Jack will be representing the family to help us keep the memory of the founders of Browser's Den of Magic alive.

The award will be given out around 3/3:30pm.

You can find the full details of the party on the homepage of our website.

Thank you,
The Jeff's, John Cardella & Lisa Close.

 

 

 

09 October 2023

Toronto: Max's Busking lecture [Oct 27]

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

Friday October 27, 2023
Location: Browser's Den of Magic
Lecture Ticket: $20.00


Old Jeff has been asking Max to give a lecture on busking for nearly 20 years...no joke, that is the truth! This lecture will provide you with decades of knowledge that can only come from doing the work. Max will be covering the following in his lecture:

  • Why Busk?
  • Where & When can you busk in Toronto? In the world?
  • How to get a crowd, how to keep a crowd... and how to get them to pay!
  • Problems of busking (police/law enforcement, drunks, other buskers, etc.)
  • How Busking can make you a better magician and open doors for you!
  • How much money can you actually make?
  • Which tricks work for the street, and which do not.
  • My Setup and why.

Max will also be demonstrating some cool tricks and instructions that you can add to your shows that are guaranteed audience pleasers & will be open for a Q&A, so get your questions ready! 

Read more and buy tickets.

 

Toronto: Chris Bruce lecture [Oct 13]

Tickets at The Browser's Den of Magic.

 

From the September 27th Instagram post by Chris Bruce:

Magicians....I'll be lecturing at Canada's oldest magic shop, The Browser's Den of Magic, on Oct. 13th. If you're into this kind of thing then it will be the kind of thing that you are into. ;)


 

 

 

07 October 2023

Thornhill: Mini-Browser's Den of Magic now open!

From the September 22nd post at the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

We are very happy to announce that we have a brand new second location, 'Mini Browser's Den of Magic'!

The location is inside the recently opened: HWY 404 & STEELES MARKET (2900 Steeles Avenue East , Thornhill, On. L3T 4X1)

IMPORTANT: HOURS OF OPERATION FOR Mini Browser's Den ARE Only: Saturdays & Sundays from 10am to 5pm

Old Jeff will be at the new location on almost all Saturdays and Sundays unless there is a special event at our main location.

We are also very pleased to announce that we will have help from both John Cardella and Jon Sy at our main location on weekends to assist Young Jeff.

John Cardella worked here full time for over six years and is one of the few people in Canada qualified to be behind a magic counter.  His customer service skills are unmatched.  John will be helping out both at our main location and our new Mini Browser's Den.

The new Mini Browser's Den is only a one minute drive from the 404 & Steeles Avenue.  So if you live around that area or not...Do not hesitate to visit Old Jeff on Saturdays or Sundays.

Please note: Our hours at Browser's Den (Dufferin Street) remain the same.

Yours truly- The Jeff's, John Cardella, Jon Sy & Lisa Close

 

 

 

 

 

26 June 2023

Toronto: Garrett Thomas lecture [Jul 29]

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

Saturday July 29th

Garrett Thomas is coming to the Browser's Den! You can find details about Garrett's lecture below, and we can say this is one lecture you don't want to miss! But don't take it from just us, here's what David Blaine says about Garrett:

"As TV Magicians we try to capture the real magic that performers like Garrett Thomas do every day." "He's my favorite close-up magician; love to watch him work."
- David Blaine

If you care about magic as an art, you must see Garrett Thomas; he is like a motivational speaker for Magicians. Do you want to take it to the next level? Just spend some time with Garrett, and you will soon learn how to further your magic in simplicity, clarity, and most importantly, how to evoke astonishment.

Garrett will teach some of his effects and attendees are encouraged to come with questions related to their own magic. Garrett will address whatever areas of interest participants have. You can learn some of the effects that have made Garrett a favorite amongst top magicians and learn many touches to be applied to your own magic.

Garrett brings back magic in its purest form. His effects are simple, clean, well-thought-out pieces of magical art. Garrett is well known for his close up sleight of hand, he teaches the tools that can be applied to many of your favorite routines, and he can restore new life to some of the moves and gimmicks you already use, or have in your magic drawer at home. 

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

Toronto: Used Magic Fun Day [Jul 23]

From The Browser's Den of Magic Newsletter:

Sunday, July 23

Kindly note this will not be an auction. Rather all of the used magic will be spread throughout the front and back of the shop for your consideration.

Please bring in your used magic as soon as possible and no later than July 19.
You do not have to provide us with a list. We will do an inventory of your used magic.

Read more.


 

 

 

13 June 2023

Toronto: Louie Lebetjis lecture [Jun 24]

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

Saturday June 24th

This is going to be a cool lecture! Second Deals! Bottom Deals! Centre Deals! Greek Deals! Plus work on: FALSE SHUFFLES, FALSE CUTS, PALMING & MORE! Much More!

Louie gave a magic lecture at our shop with a gambling theme a few years ago and it was excellent. One of the highlights was the clarity with which Louie explained the material. He is a good teacher.

Louie has been studying card magic for decades. However, gambling sleights have always held a particular fascination for him ever since his grandfather first showed him how to false shuffle a deck of cards.
                                                  
It was his grandfather who gave him a copy of Expert at the Card Table. Of course he is a serious student of all the gambling greats such as Ed Marlo, Richard Turner and Steve Forte.
 
His passion for practicing gambling moves hasn't stopped and he continues to explore and try to find new and novel ways to manipulate cards.
 
So we hope that you will come and join us to watch and learn some of the inner work from this fine Cardician.

 Read more.

 

 

 

15 April 2023

Toronto: Eric Jones lecture [cancelled]

Updated April 26th to add: 

 

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

Date of Lecture: Sunday, April 30th @ 5:30pm
Location: Browser's Den of Magic
Lecture Ticket: $25.00
To Buy a Ticket: Call the shop 416-783-7022 or CLICK HERE


Eric Jones is a beast in the world of coin magic. He's had several releases over the last decade through companies such as Ellusionist, Penguin, Theory 11, and many others. From Mirage et Trois, to Metal, to Entrapment, and so much more, we're sure you've seen his stuff (and been badly fooled by it). He's also an accomplished card magician, with several card releases (including the very cool Twizted). In addition to releasing material for magicians, he's performed on AGT and Disney Cruise Ships, Masters of Illusion, and Penn & Teller's Fool Us!

We've had the fortune of Eric lecturing twice at the shop in the last 13 years, and both lectures were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. If you were at either (or both) we know why you'll be coming back. If you weren't at either, here's your chance... don't miss out 3 times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Roy Kueppers Day [Apr 29]

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

Date of Event: Saturday, April 29th from 1pm-4pm
Location: Browser's Den of Magic
 
You know his work, and you love it! The master coin craftsmen himself will be paying a visit to the store on Saturday April 29th. Roy will be bringing some coins with him, including some that we don't normally carry in-store. He will also be here to answer any questions you might have about any of his products. We are lucky to have Roy making Canadian trick coins, as without him we'd all be stuck using Kennedy Half Dollars!

 

 

 

 

10 April 2023

Toronto: Quentin Reynolds lecture [Apr 22]

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

Saturday, April 22nd

Originally from Dublin, now living in Manchester, Quentin had his first gig at 14. Now a professional magician for over 35 years, he's lectured and performed all over the world, and he has amassed a lifetime of knowledge he'd like to share with you!

Whether you perform professionally or for fun, Quentin will show how to take a simple trick or idea and turn it into a fully fledged routine. He will illustrate his processes with examples from his own repertoire.

Quentin is truly a magic GP, a general practitioner and his experience covers everything from Children's and Family shows, to Close-Up, Stand-Up and Mentalism. All these areas will be covered.

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

 

09 February 2023

Toronto: Auction at The Browser's Den of Magic [Apr 2]

From The Browser's Den of Magic Newsletter:

Dear Denizens,
 
You LOVE auctions! We LOVE auctions...And for the first time in three years we will be holding a FULL DAY auction at Browser's!
 
For those who would like to bring in 'magic' (props large or small, books, videos) to be auctioned off you may start dropping them off now.
 
We have been doing these auctions since 1975.  Auctions are a lot of FUN!
 
For those who have never attended one of our auctions, you are missing out on tremendous bargains as most of the magic sells for at least half their regular prices.  Plus, often there are props, books that are no longer readily available.

Read more.



 

 

 

21 December 2022

Toronto: Lectures by Train & Babins [Jan 15], Lewis [Jan 28], Hinchliffe [Feb 18], and Hood [Feb 25]

At The Browser's Den of magic:

  • Ben & Jonah's Lecture  [Jan 15]
  • Mark Lewis  [Jan 28]
  • Jeff Hinchliffe [Feb 18]
  • Scott Hood [Feb 25]

 

From the December 18th Facebook post by The Browser's Den of Magic:

Buy Two Get Two Free, Upcoming Lectures!
Read details the newsletter and buy tickets.

 

 

27 November 2022

Savio Joseph: recipient of the 2022 Len Cooper Memorial Award

Congratulations to Savio Joseph, this year's recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award!  


With thanks to Ari Soroka for sharing his photo with Savio at the 47th anniversary party at The Browser's Den Of Magic!