Showing posts with label Chris Mayhew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Mayhew. Show all posts

24 May 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 5

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

Day 2: Saturday August 15th (cont)*
5pm
Camp swim is so much fun!  We get to use huge inner tubes to float in the docks at the lake.  Eric Leclerc went out of the designated area in an inner tube, to get a ball that floated away.  It was funny to watch him try and paddle with his hands!  There’s a slide that goes into the lake and a super high platform that you can jump off of too.
Inner tubes are fun! Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Inner tubes are fun!

Squeezing more magic in before the swim. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Squeezing more magic in before the swim.

We had “performance workshop” where some campers performed something and everyone got to tell them what they liked about it and what they thought could be improved.  Some kids got up and did things that we just learned at electives today!  Everyone seems really supportive and encouraging here.  No one was mean about it.  
Then we played the “Umm” game.  It’s where you have to talk as long as you can about an assigned topic (think unicorns, chocolate, soccer, etc) without saying things like “umm” or “ahh.”  It’s hard!  (And fun to watch!)  Now I know that I need to script my performances because I’m not so good at improvising!

Performance workshop. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Performance workshop.



10pm
What a night!  We ate chicken burgers and chocolate mousse!  At the theatre we watched video messages for us from magicians from Las Vegas and other places in the US.  Apparently there’s a camper show later in the week.  I wonder if I have anything good enough to do for the show...

The evening performance was mind blowing.  Mike Close, Eric, Sheldon Casavant, Scott Hammell, Neil Croswell and Ashley Da Silva are all fabulous.  I got to see dove magic live for the first time.  Neil made birds appear out of NOWHERE. 

Mike Close. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Mike Close.


Eric Leclerc.  Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Eric Leclerc.



Neil Croswell and Ashley Da Silva. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Neil Croswell and Ashley Da Silva.

Rosemary Reid, Mark Correia, and Chris Mayhew did lip syncs tonight.  I laughed so hard when Chris “blah, blah, blahed” his way through "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé.
Chris Mayhew channeling Beyoncé. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Chris Mayhew channeling Beyoncé.


After that we had a beach party -- wait for it -- on the beach!  There was fire floating in the lake (I’d never seen that before).  We had fries and chicken nuggets and fried zucchini for snack.  Phil DaCosta, the DJ, had everyone moving and doing the limbo and forming conga lines.  I liked it when he played the “Cha Cha Slide” and “Uptown Funk.”  I complained when my counsellor said I had to leave early ‘cause I’m so little.  Secretly I’m glad I’m back at the cabin.  I’m pooped.
How low can you go? Photo by James Carey Lauder.
How low can you go?



Beach party! Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Beach party!


More beach party! Photo by James Carey Lauder.
More beach party!

 
To be continued ...


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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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* 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.

10 May 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 3

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A camper's notebook. Photo by Rosemary Reid
A camper's notebook.
Day 1: Friday August 14, 2015 (cont)*
11pm 
After dinner we went back to the cabins to get some rain gear -- the weather report said it was going to thunderstorm.  We headed off to the “Pinetages Theatre.”  The theatre is about the size of my school gym, maybe a little smaller but with a bigger stage. 

The Pinetages Theatre.  Photo by James Carey Lauder.
The Pinetages Theatre.


Each cabin did something for “cabin intros” under the guidance of the counsellors (Philip Bowser, Greydon Gilmore, Jonah Babins, Tyler Williams, Mark Correia, Nathaniel Rankin, Rosemary Reid, and Sam Segal).  Cabins did really clever things including impersonating well-known magicians (like Penn & Teller and David Blaine), miming deliberate misinterpretations of magic terms (like overhand shuffles and dribbling), a version of the TV show “Fool Us,” and magic effects performed using people instead of things (linking rings, sliding knot on rope, and cups & balls).  I was sooo nervous.  I took some deep breaths and I didn’t mess up!  It feels amazing to be on stage and hear everyone clap and cheer for you. 


Cabin intros. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Cabin intros.


More cabin intros. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
More cabin intros.



Rosemary announced that they were going to do a lip sync competition all week.  She started it off and then Eric did “Your Name” by Taylor Swift.  Hilarious!  It rained really hard while we were in the theatre.  (Glad I brought rain boots!) 
Rosemary singing. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Rosemary singing.

Eric channeling Taylor Swift. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Eric channeling Taylor Swift.

Daryl did amazing rope magic. Ben Train did a wild book test.  Phil DaCosta did more fun rope magic.  Chris Westfall and Chris Mayhew made everyone laugh so hard.  They even threw some “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Llama” shirts into the audience.  I wish I got one.  At the end we all got brand new decks of really cool cards that Dave Mitchell got donated from Ellusionist.  They look so nice, I don’t want to use them!
Chris and Chris bringing the laughs. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Chris and Chris bringing the laughs.

It is soooo dark here at night.  I can see more stars here than I knew existed!  At our cabin we had a “cabin visit” from Chris Westfall. He showed us AMAZING tricks using cards, rubber bands, and coins!

Chris Westfall being magical. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Chris Westfall being magical.


I feel a little sad.  I miss my home and my bed and my room.  And especially my family.  Everyone here is super friendly and nice though.  And this place is so much fun!  I’m super excited about tomorrow.

We all got ready for bed.  I tried to go to sleep without writing here.  But I just couldn’t.  That’s why I’m writing here so late.  Tired now.  G’night.



To be continued ...


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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


|< page 1 - 2 -3- 4 - 5 - 6 - 78 - 9 - 10 - 11 - next >

* 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.

08 May 2016

Markham: Mayhew Mayhem

From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

02 April 2016

  • 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.

“Zone performers” James Harrison, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Big Louie Lebetjis, and Joe Deng will be entertaining tables during breaks!

17 February 2016

Chris Mayhew on the cover of Penguin Magic Monthly

Congratulations Chris!

From Ben Train's Facebook page:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.
Guess who's on the cover of Penguin Magic Monthly? Congrats Chris Mayhew!
Posted by Benzi Train on Thursday, 11 February 2016

22 January 2016

Toronto: Chris Mayhew at "Magic Tonight" (new location)

From James Alan:

Click for details.Toronto’s longest-running ambiguously named magic show has moved. Magic Tonight (which, depending on when you’re reading this is probably not actually happening tonight) is moving into a larger, newly renovated theatre just around the corner from their old digs.

The new location is in Downtown Toronto, just 500 feet from the Crimson Lounge where they made their home for the past two years. Continuing the tradition of vague names, “The Studio” offers up a larger stage, additional seating and a venue which is wheelchair accessible. 

The first performance at the new venue is this Sunday, January 24 with special guest Chris Mayhew. Those who have seen Chris perform join me in hoping that the new stage is very sturdy. 

Tickets to the shows through the end of February. are available online at www.magictonight.ca/tickets. Upcoming special guests include Chris Westfall, Phil Pivnick, Michael Ross and Nicholas Wallace. Readers of Canada’s Magic can use the code cmagic* for a discount on the price of tickets and dinner when booking online. 





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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

04 January 2016

More performers announced for Browser's Bash 2016

You already heard that Tom Mullica and Daniel Garcia are performing at the 2016 Browser's Bash.  And we know that Dan Morrissey will be there too.  Check out the other amazing talent recently added to the lineup:

In no particular order:
JAMES HARRISON
As Canada's pickpocket magician, James borrows pens, watches, wallets, and even belts from spectators watching. Before you can yell thief, James has returned the valuables to their rightful owners by making them reappear in unexpected places!

BEN TRAIN
Combining humor, psychology, and a little old-fashioned chutzpah, Ben Train creates an experience that will have you laughing out loud while your mind is being blown. Mystery and non-stop laughs follow where ever he goes. Luckily, he's at the Bash all day long!

LOUIE LEBETJIS
For those who love card table artifice, secret sleights, & serious advantage play - seek out Big Lou during this Bash. His chops are top-notch, plus he will astound you. Move over Charming Cheat, there's a new kid in town.

CHRIS MAYHEW
Some say Chris Mayhew is disarming, charming, and will make you laugh out loud with his uniquely entertaining brand of magic. Others say he's just plain crazy! We will let you be the judge.

JOE DENG
All the way from Changsha, China by way of Beijing, Joe Deng is a master of close-up magic. He's revered by every single magician in his homeland, and now it's time that you meet and spend time with him.

MICHAEL LAM
Multitalented and multilingual, the Hong Kong magician brings his specially honed sleight of hand across the pond specifically for our day of fun. Known for creating the illusion of impossible, be mesmerized by the artistic magic of Michael Lam.

28 September 2015

Browser's Bash 2015 recap video

Chris Mayhew video edited the 2015 Browser's Bash down to 4 minutes.  How many magicians* in the video can you name?  Bonus question:  How many female magicians* in the video can you name?

* includes amateurs and enthusiasts

And a reminder that Browser's Magic Bash 2016 tickets will go on sale Monday, September 28th, 2015 at 10AM.

Watch on the Browser's Den of Magic YouTube channel:



12 September 2015

Toronto: There's magic at TIFF

From James Alan's Facebook page:

Come see me and Chris Mayhew (Chris Mayhew and I?) doing magic all afternoon at #tiff15
Posted by James Alan on Saturday, 12 September 2015



From Raindance Canada's Twitter feed:

21 June 2015

Random thoughts from the Ring 17 year end banquet

  • The year end comes far too quickly.
  • People drive a long distance to come to these events.
  • A group of magicians is very good at entertaining themselves and each other during delays.
  • The young people today spell llama differently than I was taught.
  • The even younger people have a totally different approach to llamas.
  • La llama es una quadrupido
                                                   ... but I digress.
  • In their show "Sketchy Magic," Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall give a crazy and high-energy performance as one would expect with individual lecture titles like "Calculated Chaos" and "Mayhew Mayhem."
  • Rumour has it that Chris Harvison, Andrew Goss and James Alan are back on the executive next year.  And that Phil Pivnick will be joining them.
  • Next season opens with a David Ben lecture.
  • Thank you Ring 17 for another great season!

31 May 2015

Rounding the Central rings in June 2015

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



Montreal, QCRing 62 (20th Century Ring)- TBA
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)- TBA
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Year end dinner.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- TBA
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)- Year end party.
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- TBA
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)- Year end dinner featuring Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall in "Sketchy Magic"


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

28 May 2015

Chris Mayhew at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com


Toronto (Sun):  Chris Mayhew









James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

24 May 2015

Review: "A Series of Unfortunate Effects"

From the Magic Junkies:
Coming in at around 90 minutes, A Series of Unfortunate Effects is a fun, engaging and wonderfully unique instructional DVD featuring some of the best card magic I’ve seen in some time. The movie (yep, I’m calling it a movie) features appearances by Lee Asher, Jeff Hinchliffe, Glenn West, Chris Westfall, plus the creators Chris Mayhew and Ben Train. Bill Abbott even makes an appearance as a maniacal card collector – hey if the shoe fits  Even without the card routines and explanations, I thought the movie was really fun with several laugh out loud moments. The chemistry between Chris Mayhew and Ben Train provides an enjoyable romp through underground card magic. (I’ll take this moment to mention that Chris Mayhew cracks me up!) The video itself is shot in HD and edited beautifully, with great attention to detail throughout. The appearances and card routines are just icing on the proverbial cake. It is a creative adventure that is a joy to watch.

Read more.

19 May 2015

Ron Guttman, Brian Roberts and Chris Mayhew at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Click for details.
Toronto (Tues):  Ron Guttman

Toronto (Sun):   Brian Roberts and Chris Mayhew

James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

27 April 2015

"Sketchy Magic," Ben Train, Paul Pacific and Mysterion at "Magic Tonight"

Updated April 27th to add:  Ben Train in Pickering.


Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com


Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic

Mississauga (Thurs):   Paul Pacific

Pickering (Fri):  Ben Train

Toronto (Sun):  Mysterion



James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

25 April 2015

21 April 2015

Sketchy Magic, Phil Pivnick and Jason Palter at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic

Mississauga (Thurs):   Phil Pivnick

Pickering (Fri):   Jason Palter

Toronto (Sun):  Jason Palter


James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

15 April 2015

Jason, Glenn, Keith, Greydon, Chris and Chris at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com


Mississauga (Thurs):   Jason Palter

Pickering (Fri):   Glenn Ottaway

Toronto (Sun):  Keith Brown and Greydon Gilmore

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic


James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

31 March 2015

Thirty seconds with Chris Mayhew

This is the eleventh in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Professional magician Chris Mayhew, originally from Calgary but now living in Toronto thinks that Canada is a friendly place to be.  He first came to Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp in 2013 with the task of creating the official camp video.  He did such a great job, that he was back in 2014 as official camp videographer.

FUN FACT:
Chris prefers Oreos to store-bought chocolate chip cookies, but would take homemade chocolate chip cookies over Oreos any day!

DID YOU KNOW?
Chris considers himself to be shy.
Chris' first memory of magic is as a young teenager of 13, seeing the sign at the Vanishing Rabbit Magic shop in Calgary.  It's not surprising that when he thinks about Sorcerers Safari, he thinks of magic!  Chris encourages performers to take the time to make routines their own, and wishes that there weren't so many people out there spreading bad magic.  His advice to aspiring magicians:  "Learn what you can and make it work for you.  Be sure to add yourself."

When not thinking about magic, Chris is likely thinking about videography.

Chris contributes to Five Academy Magic, has a solo lecture / show "MAYhew, MAYhem" and is also part of a comedy duo show "Sketchy Magic" with Chris Westfall.  You can catch Sketchy Magic every Tuesday in April.

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:
The best way to love is to laugh together. It's not a magic show, it's a #sketchymagic experience. Save a date. April 7,14,21 or 28! An amazing deal from feb 1st-14th. Stay posted for info #saveadate
Posted by Chris Westfall on Thursday, 29 January 2015


Visit Chris' website at: ChrisMayhewMagic.com .


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:
© Rebecca C. Wells 2014
Posted by Fireside Productions on Wednesday, 3 September 2014


Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:



From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed