A peek behind the curtain with Fernando Velasco

Upcoming Champions of Magic Canadian tour dates:

• 12/8/19     Brandon, MB
• 12/12/19   Ottawa, ON    TD Place    <<<  ** recent addition **
• 12/14/19   Oshawa, ON
• 12/15/19   Laval, QC
• 1/16/20     Saskatoon, SK    SaskTel Centre
• 1/17/20     Regina, SK    Conexus Arts Centre
• 1/26/20     Prince George, BC

Read more and buy tickets.

 

I was delighted to receive an invitation to email interview Fernando Velasco, as part of a Champions of Magic promotion.  You may already know that Velasco was presented with the 2018 Junior Achievement Award at the Magic Castle earlier this year.

What a dream receiving this award was over the weekend, big Thanks to the AMA (thanks Steve & David for presenting it) huge thanks to my manager/mentor/ Director Chuck Jones, who is always… https://t.co/9Otpl6J073

— Fernando Velasco (@illusionistFV) May 7, 2019

What is your first memory of magic?

I must have been around 7, and my dad (who lived in the US while i still lived in Mexico) took me a DVD from the US with a number of magicians on it. there i started to fall in love with magic.

I used to think "THAT is real magic" and would invite all my neighborhood friends to come over and watch this DVD with "REAL magic."

Who inspires you magically?

Mexican magician Joaquin Ayala, along with Copperfield, and naturally HOUDINI.

What would have been in store for you had you not caught the magic bug?  

Maybe if I could sing, a singer

Why do you think audiences are still drawn to escapes, sleight of hand, and illusion?

Magic still gives people a feeling of "wonder."

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez as it feels like he gives it all on stage every time.

What's special about Champions of Magic draws large audiences on 6 UK tours and 3 North American tours over the past 6 years?

There is nothing like a good magic show LIVE. Not on TV or online, BUT LIVE.

You've performed in many different countries. Have you experienced anything specific about Canadian audiences in particular?

They are up for the fun.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
  I sing, terribly but I try to sing.  As well as sometimes I watch live performances of my favorite singers/bands. I feel like I take on their energy for the show.

Do you have a favourite touring anecdote and / or advice for touring magicians?

Too many to tell!
 
(Sam) Strange and I often go urban exploring and that's fun.

@ChampionsMagic
There i was minding my own business (as usual)
... LOOKING FOR SOME TACOS... 🌮🇲🇽❤️
Somehow I’ve ended up in a very sketchy part of town ( shown in this picture) ...
FYI in case I don’t make it to tonight’s show pic.twitter.com/BsCt91Izb3

— Fernando Velasco (@illusionistFV) January 3, 2019

Advice: Have fun on and off stage!

What interests do you have outside of magic?
 
Sports.

What do you do to keep your performance fresh for both your audience and you?

Doing little things to have fun with the other performers and crew on stage.  Like playing tag on stage (without the audience noticing anything) among other small things.

If you could be endowed with the talent to take on any Broadway role past or present, who would you pick and why? 

Aladdin.  Because I had a dream I played him!

I just had a dream i was Aladdin 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

— Fernando Velasco (@illusionistFV) September 14, 2019

What's your Canadian connection to magic?

I saw Greg Frewin's show last year.

Velasco also experienced, for his very first time, the magic of real snow in Toronto last December!

Thank you Fernando Velasco for making the time to answer our questions!



Catch the Champions of Magic on tour in Canada!

Upcoming Champions of Magic Canadian tour dates:

• 12/8/19     Brandon, MB
• 12/12/19   Ottawa, ON    TD Place    <<<  ** recent addition **
• 12/14/19   Oshawa, ON
• 12/15/19   Laval, QC
• 1/16/20     Saskatoon, SK    SaskTel Centre
• 1/17/20     Regina, SK    Conexus Arts Centre
• 1/26/20     Prince George, BC

Read more and buy tickets.

Richmond Hill: Fool Us coaching session

From Michael Close:

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Saturday, October 12, 2019. 10AM-3PM

Whether you are full-time professional magician, a part-time pro, or an enthusiastic hobbyist, having an experienced performer analyze and evaluate your act can produce astonishing results. Fool Us champions like Paul Gertner, Doc Dixon, David Parr, and Mahdi Gilbert have all benefited from Michael Close’s coaching. Now you can take your own routines to the next level by participating in one of our intensive coaching sessions.


Read more.

Win tickets to see "The Art of Magic with Asi Wind"

This contest is now closed.  The winner has been announced at "Winner of tickets to see 'The Art of Magic with Asi Wind.'"



I have been offered one pair of tickets, from the Toronto Magic Company, to give away to my readers, to attend "The Art of Magic with Asi Wind" in Toronto, Canada. 

(There will be one winner.  The winner may choose to attend on either Wednesday October the 23rd or Thursday October the 24th.)  The results will be posted on Monday October the 21st.





To enter:

1. Mandatory: Leave a comment on this blog post, about "what you love about Toronto's Magic scene" (250 word maximum). 
   
   If you experience difficulties leaving a comment, you may email it to me for posting.  (I am not responsible if your email is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder.) 
   Email: canadasmagic at gmail dot com
    
2. A representative from the Toronto Magic Company and I will pick a favourite answer.  Favourite answer wins the tickets.
     
3. If you win, you must be willing to provide your full name and contact information for me to share with The Toronto Magic Company.

The fine print:

• To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.
   
• One entry per person.
   
• This giveaway is open to Canadian residents, excluding residents of Quebec. (Je m'excuse!)
   
• Transportation to/from Toronto and accommodations will not be provided. 
   
• This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
   
• If you experience difficulties leaving a comment, you may email it to me for posting.  (I am not responsible if your email is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder.)
   
• This giveaway may be terminated or withdrawn at any time.
   
• You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)
   
• Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets.
   
• Contest closes on Friday October the 18th, 2019 at 11:59pm EDT.

With thanks to the Toronto Magic Company for generously making these tickets available to you! 

Toronto: Free magic club, free magic show

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

Dear Denizens...This Saturday, October 5 at Browser's Den we have a Full Day of Magic!

A) From 9:30am (Sharp) to 10:30am JEFF HINCHLIFFE CARD CLASS. $15.00. Pay at the Door.

B) Free Magic Club from 2:30pm to 4:30pm|

C) Free Halloween Magic Show from 6pm to 7pm.

Thank you-The Jeff's & The Browser's Den Team.

Toronto: Asi Wind Jam Session and Hangout!

Hangout and jam with Asi Wind after the Newest Trick in the Book on Tuesday October 22nd!  (And you can catch Asi on Wednesday and Thursday night's The Art of Magic.



From the Asi Wind Jam Session and Hangout! Facebook event:

NYC based Mentalist Asi Wind is one of magic's most influential thinkers and performers. When he isn’t busy creating original magic for magician’s all over the world (including David Blaine) or winning awards (like the Merlin Award for the most original show, previously given to Penn & Teller and David Copperfield), Asi is touring the globe performing his show “Concert of the Mind”, which continues to received rave reviews and critical acclaim.

Asi is coming to Toronto to perform two very special shows with very limited seating happening Wednesday and Thursday night (ticket information for those events can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-art-of-magic-with-headliner-asi-wind-tickets-74567711031?aff=erelexpmlt)...

...this event is NOT those shows.

In fact, this event is not a show at all!

On Tuesday night, right after The Newest Trick in the Book (Canada's only open mic magic show), The Toronto Magic Company and Asi Wind will be hosting a JAM SESSION, open to any magicians that want to participate. We're going to work on tricks, share ideas, and talk about secrets we're not normally allowed discuss. A good jam session is a ton of fun,  and with Asi this is going to be one you do not want to miss!

If you'd like to join your fellow magicians for a night of fun and magic, good news- you're officially invited!  Just click that you're coming on this event page and we'll see you there!

(p.s. if you'd like to come early for the The Newest Trick show happening before the jam, you can get your FREE tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-newest-trick-in-the-book-canadas-only-open-mic-magic-show-tickets-67598054601?aff=erelexpmlt)

Ottawa: Sky High Magic Series - Sorcellia with Loran

From Ingenium Canada:

October 14, 2019

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is proud to present the lineup for this year’s Sky High Magic Series.

Prepare to be captivated by amazing magic and science-based illusions. These talented, high-energy magicians perform unbelievable feats of magic, blended with fast-paced comedy. They’ll tickle your funnybone, while leaving you utterly mystified!

Seating is limited. To avoid disappointment, please reserve your tickets in advance.

Dazzling and highly visual, Sorcellia is a magic show like no other. Inspired by the mysticism of the Middle Ages, Loran's illusions are different from traditional magic shows. Prepare to expect the unexpected!

See a magical cup float through the air before it suddenly disappears. Watch as clocks materialize from nowhere. Enjoy the suspense of the guillotine challenge, along with great illusions featuring theatrical choreography, and even a ghost story with a mysterious portrait.

This mesmerizing performance offers moments of poetry and humour, as well as audience participation. Overcoming language barriers through the universal language of music, Loran helps viewers discover the world of mystery with wit and style.

Read more.

Toronto: Jared Kopf lecture

From the Browsers Den of Magic:

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22

JARED KOPF LECTURE - Jared Kopf is a sleight-of-hand artist and "mind-reader" based in Dallas, Texas.  This will be the first time that Jared will be sharing some of his mind blowing material at 'Browser's Den'. TICKETS $20.00

Read more.

Rounding the Central rings in October 2019

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- N/A.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- N/A.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- N/A.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Member mini-lectures.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- N/A.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- N/A
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Asi Wind lecture.

Please leave a comment or email me about corrections or omissions.

Ontario: Win your OWOW registration & over $600 in magic gifts

The OWOW Magic Festival will run Oct 25, 26, 27, 2019.


From the OWOW Magic Festival:

Win Your Registration & over $600 magic gifts for FREE!

Register for the OWOW Magic Festival before Oct 4th for your chance to win over $600+ magic goodies & swag, courtesy of Lee Asher, Paul Rohmany,& Michael Close!
​

​REGISTER NOW & GET A CHANCE TO WIN OVER $600+ FREE MAGIC!!!

• ​​    OWOW Registration Fee ($145 value!)
•     OWOW VIP Festival Swag ($75 value!)
•     Michael Close: Teaches Crafting Workable Magic Masterclass ($45 value!)
•     Lee Asher MEGA PACK of magic goodies ($95 value!)
•     Paul Rohmany Custom BOR Marketing DVD!! ($250 value!)

Win your registration and festival swag!  PLUS incredible magic bundle from Lee Asher, learn how to polish your magic with Michael Close and Paul Rohmany gives you the best tool to make more money from every show!

Read more and enter.

From the OWOW Magic Festival Twitter feed:

MAGICIANS!! Win a FREE registration to the OWOW Magic Festival Oct 25, 26, 27 and over $600 worth of magic goodies from @LeeAsherMagic, @paulromhany and Michael Close!!! All crazy details here: https://t.co/0G9KLeuhVM ENDS Oct 4!!! #owow #magicfestival @ryanjoycemagic pic.twitter.com/cmiEZRGe6r

— OWOW Magic Festival (@OWOWMagicFest) September 24, 2019

Toronto: Nathan Kranzo lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic eFlyer:

SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, from 6pm to 8:30pm - NATE KRANZO LECTURE. Brand new material. Come join us as a Nate Kranzo lecture is ALWAYS fun and filled with clever magic and mentalism most of which is at the intermediate level. TICKETS $20.00

Brampton: Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries

November 30th, the Outerbridges will be in Brampton at The Rose Theatre.


From Marion Outerbridge's Facebook page:

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Etobicoke: James Alan at "It's Magic! Dine for Dignity Fundraising Gala"

This gala, in support of senior care, will be on Sunday, October 20, 2019.


From James Alan's Facebook page:

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Champions of Magic are coming back!

I was also lucky to score interviews in 2018 with two of the four acts in the show.  Have a read:

• A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer
• A peek behind the curtain with Young and Strange

I had the privilege of seeing Champions of Magic with Kidlet last December. So. Much. Fun! You can read my random thoughts about their show here.


From the Champions of Magic:

• 12/8/19     Brandon, MB
• 12/14/19   Oshawa, ON
• 12/15/19   Laval, QC
• 1/16/20     Saskatoon, SK    SaskTel Centre
• 1/17/20     Regina, SK    Conexus Arts Centre
• 1/26/20     Prince George, BC

Read more and buy tickets.

From the Champions of Magic Facebook page:

Mississauga: Beyond Mental Borders with Chris Westfall

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:

Sunday September 15

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Toronto: "Magic Tonight" with James Alan, Ben Train and Nicholas Wallace

From James Alan's newsletter:

Recently I've been focused on Magic & Martini and other projects, but by special request, and for old time's sake, we're back for one more night at the Social Capital Theatre in Toronto. On Saturday, September 14, I'll be joined by Ben Train and Nicholas Wallace.

Read more and buy tickets.

Rama: Mike D'Urzo in "Mind Kontrol"

From Casino Rama:

Friday September 27th

Mike D’Urzo is an international award winning magician & mentalist. As the founder and creative director of Mega Magic, he performs in hundreds of shows annually for some of the largest corporations, theaters, theme parks, festivals and television networks. Mike was the winner of the “Canadian Entertainer of the Year” award by the Canadian Event Industry Awards.

Read more.

From Mega Magic's Facebook page:

Toronto: Free balloon sculpture class

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15, from 11am (SHARP) TO 12:00 noon - FREE - BALLOON SCULPTURE CLASS for Beginners and Intermediates with one of the best in Toronto, SIMON ROTSTEIN. Balloons and pumps will be supplied. Must be 12 years old and up.

Nottawa: Graeme Reed

From Ticket Scene:

Friday October 4

A Friendly Magic Show
Nottawa Memorial Community Centre

Featuring: Graeme Reed as 'Graemazing'

Graeme Reed is the friendly magician and he's coming to Nottawa for a special afternoon show. Hilarously entertaining (and clean humour) perfect for the whole family looking to spend the PA Day close to home. This is a fundraising event for the Clearview Youth Centre - Outreach Programs at the Nottawa Memorial Community Centre.


Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm- FREE MAGIC CLUB. All interested in talking magic are welcome.

Toronto: Johnathan Levit lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic eFlyer:

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm - JONATHAN LEVIT LECTURE. Jonathan Levit is an American magician, actor, television host and theatrical producer. He has appeared in quite a number of movies and television series, and was the host of VH1's reality series, Celebracadabra. Jonathan also performs frequently at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.  TICKETS $20.00.