Showing posts with label James Alan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Alan. Show all posts

01 March 2024

Toronto: Hocus Jokus [Mar 10]

Featuring Ben Train, Jonah Babins, and James Alan.  Tickets at Yuk Yuk's.

 

From the February 28th Facebook post by The Toronto Magic Company:

What do you get when you combine a Comedy Mind-reader, an Award-Winning Magician, and a world-class sleight of hand expert into a single 90-minute show?

Answer: an amazing night of fun for YOU! 

Jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing magic, this show is perfect for a night out with friends, a date, or just because you need a break from your annoying kids. 

Featuring Ben Train (Penn and Teller’s Fool Us), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Award Winner), and sleight of hand artist James Alan, it’s all happening Sunday March 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Toronto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

23 December 2023

01 December 2023

Richmond Hill: The Aces of Magic [Dec 10, 17, 22]

From Jokers.ca:

December 10 - Henry Cheng, Ken Pham, and Mysterion


December 17 - Chris Westfall, Henry Cheng, and Ken Pham


December 22 - James Alan, Mysterion and Ken Pham 

 

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

 

 

18 October 2023

Checking in with Ben Train and The Art of Magic [Oct 21]

Toronto Magic Company logo

This morning we let you know about the upcoming The Art of Magic show presented by The Toronto Magic Company.  

If you've never been to one of these shows, they're a very unique experience.  Ben Train was kind enough to answer some questions we had about The Toronto Magic Company, and The Art of Magic.

 

Ben Train

Ben Train




What is the Toronto Magic Company (TMC)?

In 2016 I partnered up with my best friend Jonah Babins to produce magic shows across the GTA. Specifically, we wanted to produce GOOD magic shows - the kind of shows we’d be excited to see.

Since then we’ve produced more than 200 shows a year, worked with hundreds of amazing magicians from around the world, and entertained thousands of people.

 

Who are the players in TMC?

There’s myself, Ben Train, and my good buddy Jonah Babins. We’re the two co-founders. We also have an amazing team working behind the scenes; video editors and photographers, our incredible magicians and volunteers, and of course - our audiences!


Ben Train and Jonah Babins

Ben and Jonah Babins on an adventure.

 


 

What is The Art of Magic?

Magicians have been talking about magic being an art form for hundreds of years. So in 2018 Jonah and I had an idea. What if we produced an event that wasn’t just a show, but rather a “gallery” of magic art?

And that’s what we did! We filled a gallery with magic-themed art (posters, props, and interactive exhibits), invited some of our favourite close-up magicians to walk around the space performing, and finished the whole experience off with a stage magic show filled with mind-reading and illusions.
 

Examining the art at The Art of magic

Admiring the art at
The Art of Magic



 
How does The Art of Magic differ from the Toronto Magic Company's other offerings? 

All of our shows have different concepts, because we want to appeal to different audiences and we want to explore different ways of presenting magic.

What most of our shows have in common though is that they follow a pretty traditional show format: you arrive at the venue, sit in your seat, watch a show, and then go home. (I promise the shows are waaay more fun than that description makes them sound!)

What makes The Art of Magic different is that it’s not just a show, but rather an interactive exhibit that lets you explore magic in different ways (including actively being part of the experience in ways you simply couldn’t do with a typical show).

Oh… and on top of all that you ALSO get an amazing show!

 

Jonah Babins at The Art of Magic

Jonah entertaining at The Art of Magic

 

 

How was the recent September show (the 30th Art of Magic show) different from the very first The Art of Magic show?

The first Art of Magic, back in 2018, was very different. We were in a different location, which meant different limitations (and advantages), we didn’t have access to enough magic-themed art, and we were relying more on out-of-town talent.

When the pandemic temporarily shut us down we used our time to retool everything.

We found a better venue (two floors which allowed us to have different experiences happening at the same time), we got WAAAY more magic-related art pieces (Several dozen and counting), and watched as the talent in Toronto developed to a point where we no longer needed to bring in outside help (though we still bring in performers from all over the world - because we love featuring the best magicians on the planet!).

The concept is ALWAYS something we’re tweaking with, because we’re always trying to make it better. Speaking of which, if anyone reading this has been to one of our shows and has ideas for how we can improve… please message me! ( ben at TorontoMagicCompany dot com)


Ben Train at The Art of Magic

Ben entertaining at The Art of Magic



 

What have you learned from producing 30 of these shows?

That there are waaaaay easier ways to make money lol.

Also, I’ve learnt that sometimes the things that excite ME (or passionate magic lovers like me) aren't necessarily what excites the general public. So as we test and try new things we pay special attention to which exhibits resonate with people and WHY, so we can make all our future events better.

 

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about The Art of Magic?

Yah. Buy some tickets and come on out!

If you’re a magic fan, this is a must-attend. I truly believe that.

And if you’re not yet a magic fan but you are a fan of fun nights… come on out and we’ll convert you. ;)


Thank you Ben, for making the time to answer our questions!
 
 
You have two chances to catch The Art of Magic on Saturday October 21st.  The show features:  Jeff Hinchliffe, Harry Zimmerman, Jonah Babins, and James Alan.  (Ben Train will be appearing in the second show.)   Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

Learn more about The Toronto Magic Company and follow them on Facebook, and Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: The Art of Magic [Oct 21]

From Eventbrite:

Toronto has spoken! After more than 30 straight sold out shows,The Art of Magic is BACK! This time with full night of magic plus an interactive EXHIBIT

The Art of Magic is way more than just a show. It’s an entire evening filled with beautiful magic inspired art, and interactive magical exhibit and most importantly a secret magic show that you have to see to believe!

The Gallery
The fun begins at 6pm OR 8pm -  inside the Super Wonder Gallery. Enjoy delicious drinks while you interact with our magical art.

We don't want to give away all our secrets but you'll get to enjoy:

100+ year old magic props, world famous magic posters, and paintings and physical illusions that you get to BE IN! (You read that right!)

The Close-up Magic
During the gallery, while you're drinking, relaxing and enjoying the night - our magicians are working! 5 Magicians will be wandering around the event doing close-up magic that happens IN YOUR HANDS!

This is a chance for you to not only experience magic, but to experience a lot of it, right at your finger tips!

The Secret Show
At one magical moment during the night you are whisked away to a private SECRET show . This is a private show, for a small selection of the audience where you get to interact up close and personal with the magic. It's intimate, impossible, and this is magic of the highest level the way it was meant to be experienced: up close and personal. Seating for this secret experience is extremely limited and is included with your ticket to the Art of Magic show!

In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 50 tickets are available each show for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!

Oh! And did we mention that each ticket comes with a drink 🍸 😘

Read more and buy tickets.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

01 September 2023

Mono and Toronto: Toronto Magic Comapny presents ... [Sep 1, 10, 23, and 29]

Don't miss your chance to see Ben Train, Jonah Babins, Chris Westfall, Sawyer Bullock, James Alan, and Steven Jones in action this month!  (Performers vary by date and location.)

 

From the August 29th Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

FOUR AMAZING EVENTS THIS MONTH!
(Tickets in bio!)

“The Magic of Illusion” at Hockley Valley Resort on Friday September 1st. Filled with laughs and impossible magic, this show is perfect for the whole family!

Tickets are running out fast though, so if you’re hoping to score some seats click the link in our bio RIGHT NOW!

Next up is “Hocus Jokus” on Sunday September 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club. Is this Toronto’s funniest comedy magic show or Toronto’s most mind-blowing comedy show? You decide! Featuring three magicians, including headliner Chris Westfall!

Then on Saturday September 23rd we have the return of “The Art of Magic” at the Super Wonder Gallery. The night begins with drinks and a tour through the gallery, where you’ll see magic-themed works of art and meet our mingling performers. These roaming wizards will give you the chance to experience magic up close, with tricks happening in front of your eyes and even in your own hands!

Then, take your seat in the secret theatre for the show: a mixture of award-winning sleight of hand and world-class mind reading.

If you love magic, art, or just a great night out: this event is for you.

Finally we have “Ben and Jonah’s Magic Road Trip” at Joker’s Theatre and Comedy Club on Friday September 29th. After touring the show across Canada (including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, a dozen other cities) Ben and Jonah are back with their incredible two-man show. If you’re a fan of magic, you won’t want to miss it. And if you’re not a fan of magic… come and they’ll change your mind.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24 August 2023

Toronto: James Alan and Steven Jones [Sep 2]

From the July 31st post at James Alan's blog:

Coming up September 2, James Alan will be appearing with Steven Jones at The Rec Room in Toronto.


 

 

 

 

 

30 January 2023

Toronto: Alan, Brown, and Mayhew at The Rec Room [Feb 3]

Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

From the January 28th Facebook post by Chris Mayhew:

I’ll be performing on this show at the Rec Room Toronto this upcoming Friday Feb 3rd! Come watch me and my friends tear up this awesome stage folks, I promise it will be a wild ride like usual with me 😎😈🔥 

 

 

 

 

11 January 2023

27 September 2022

Toronto: James Alan lecture for Ring 17 [Sep 29]

From IBM Ring 17:

When it comes to magic in Toronto, James Alan has had his hand in every cookie jar you can think of.

Performing for the public, he has created long-running shows including Magic Tonight (2013-2016) and Magic & Martini (2016-2020), produced shows for visiting international performers including Eugene Burger, Dani DaOrtiz and Asi Wind. For the community, he has been actively involved with the important community outreach programs My Magic Hands and Senior Sorcery.

During the unpleasantness, has was busy in the virtual space, creating Bring Magic Home, with over three hundred shows with audiences in twenty countries. His tricks have been featured in Genii and MAGIC Magazine (which included the most complained about trick in that magazine's history), and his writing has been featured in Vanish, MUM, The Linking Ring, Elixir and Magicol. We know him as the distinguished Ex-President of our club and the disgraced Ex-President of That Other Club. 

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

 

 

14 November 2021

Ring 17 at the Daily Bread Food Bank

From the October 12th Facebook post by Colin Geddes:

The Hat & Rabbit Club represented at the Daily Bread Food Bank over the weekend! James Alan entertained some of the hard working volunteers who were helping to make a difference for families in the GTA. We are looking forward to more collaborations with this inspiring charity!

 

29 October 2021

[Guest post] A review of "David Copperfield’s History of Magic"

The following is a guest post by James Alan

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Review: David Copperfield’s History of Magic

David Copperfield needs no introduction. He’s absolutely in the running for greatest living magician and still top of the list for greatest magician of all time. He was undeniably the most famous magician in the world in the 80s and 90s when he was regularly producing major network tv specials. He doesn’t really appear on tv anymore but is still performing constantly in his own theatre at the MGM Grand. But unbeknownst to most people, he is also the owner of a giant secret museum of magic hidden away at an undisclosed location somewhere near Las Vegas.

In 1991, David acquired a massive collection of magic literature known as the Mulholland Library. Since then he has developed a bit of an obsession with acquiring and preserving important artifacts from magic’s history.  It far from being a hoarder, or a government agency with an Indiana Jones-like warehouse of crates, these rarities are curated and displayed in a private invitation-only museum. Being allowed to visit the museum, which usually comes in the form of a guided tour from Copperfield himself, is a magician’s dream come true. Kid in a candy store doesn’t even come close.

Of course over the last two years, visiting the museum in person hasn’t been an option, even if you knew who to be extra-nice to in order to wrangle an invitation. So with this book, Copperfield (and his expert co-authors David Britland and Richard Wiseman) has offered all of us a peek inside.
Actually, the book isn’t about things, it’s about people. It’s a collection of twenty-eight miniature biographies of prominent magicians. Magicians we’ve heard of like Max Malini and Harry Kellar, lesser known ones like Wyman the Wizard and Dell O’Dell, and who could forget our beloved Canadian magicians Dai Vernon and Doug Henning. It shows that magicians come in all shapes and sizes. Our history is more than just the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini and a bunch of tuxedo-clad dove wranglers. Perhaps even more important, it shows these magicians as profoundly human. A woman who loses her husband and has to take over and start touring his show. There are great role models overcoming adversity, but also cultural appropriators and criminals. Even in the introduction, Copperfield talks about his initial challenges getting started as a performing professionally. It gives you a taste of what you could be in store for if you want to make it in this eccentric branch of show business. This human side of magic is one of the so-called “real secrets” of the art.
The entire thing is wonderfully written; grown-up but accessible to a middle school student. The photos, taken primarily by Homer Liwag are gorgeous. The physical book itself takes full advantage of modern advances in printing. Ten to fifteen years ago, a book like this with large high quality full colour photos everywhere would have easily been an overpriced inaccessible art book. Here it’s an affordable $45 (Canadian) hardcover with a dust jacket. The design is minimal with the text spaced out and easy to read and plenty of space to appreciate the pictures. Because each mini-biography is only a few pages, you can start and stop easily and take your time to enjoy it.

And since the holidays are coming up…

Magicians in your life can be really difficult to shop for. We’re a secretive bunch and you’re never sure if they own this trick or that gimmick. And downloads sit invisibly on a computer or in the cloud. And most everything can’t be exchanged. So if you’re looking for a gift for a magician in your life or magical-curious person, David Copperfield’s History of Magic would be a perfect bet.


David Copperfield’s History of Magic
, by David Copperfield, Richard Wiseman, David Britland. Photos by Homer Liwag. Simon & Schuster, 2021. 257 pages, full colour, hardbound with dust jacket. $45 Canadian, available from major booksellers.

Reserve your copy at the Browser’s Den of Magic.


All photos provided by James Alan. 

Disclosure: James received a review copy the book and has received no compensation for writing this review.

--

Thank you James for guest posting at Canada's Magic!



 

26 January 2021

James Alan's "Magic Tonight"

Well, not TONIGHT exactly.  But Friday nights.  On Zoom.

Tickets and details at MagicTonight.ca

 

From the December 9th Facebook post by James Alan:

Shameless self-promotion: After a bit of a (pandemic-induced) hiatus, decided to go back to doing a weekly show on Friday nights. My old show, Magic and Martini was all about getting all dressed up. This one is all about curling up and getting comfortable... possibly letting your cat upstage me... If you'd like to drop by and spend a whole hour looking at my annoying bookshelf, tickets are at www.magictonight.ca

 

 

 

 

 

03 December 2020

Ring 17 is Conjuring for a Cure

Updated to add links to Tweets:

 

If all goes according to plan, we'll be live Tweeting the event.  Join us by following the hashtag #Ring17Cure

 

From The Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club:

The Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club is getting together (virtually) to put on a show to raise money for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Over a dozen magicians will be performing from home. It's going to be a great time. 

To see the show go to www.ibmring17.com/show on Thursday, December 3 at 8PM Eastern. The show is free to watch and all donations, big and small, are very much appreciated. If you like, you can head there now and donate early. 

Come and join us and together, let's make cancer disappear!

 

 

 

 

 

08 March 2020

David Ben, Julie Eng, and James Alan promoting #IllusionsAGO

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20 February 2020

Random thoughts about "Illusions: The Art of Magic"

Visit "Illusions: The Art of Magic" February 22nd to May 18, in the AGO’s Sam & Ayala Zacks Pavillion.

The exhibition is free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 years and under.
I participated in the recent media preview of the upcoming AGO exhibition, "Illusions: The Art of Magic," which features more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection.*  The collection is guest curated by Magicana’s artistic director and historian David Ben.



Adolph Friedländer, Comedians de Mephisto Co.
Adolph Friedländer, Comedians de Mephisto Co. Allied with Le Roy-Talma-Bosco, 1905. 186.5 × 266.5 cm. M2014.128.318. ©McCord Museum



The exhibition is a journey back to the Golden Age of Magic.  During this time magicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were among the first artists to embark on international tours.  Promotional posters portrayed magician's magical powers through illustrated advertisements ranging in size from postcards to wall-sized posters.

“These posters tell us so much about that time – the public’s fascination with Asia, with spiritualism, the occult and the changing role of women in society,” says Julian Cox, the AGO’s Deputy Director and Chief Curator. “Toronto was a popular stop on the international touring circuit for magicians, and Houdini performed here numerous times over his career. These works and the stories behind them remain as captivating today as they were one hundred years ago.”

The Metropolitan Printing Company, Adelaide Herrmann and Company, About 1905, 20th century, 76.7 x 50.2 cm. Purchase, funds graciously donated by La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. M2014.128.207. © McCord Museum



Listen to the February 18th interview with Julie Eng in the CBC q studio where she talks about the exhibit, cultural appropriation, the role of women in magic, and how many of their stories have been overshadowed and forgotten.
There are many focal points within the exhibition, such as: women in magic, spiritualism, cultural appropriation, and the symbolism of devils, skulls, & demons.



More than posters.

In addition to the beautiful posters, there are wonderful video clips too.  For example:

A still shot from video of Harry Blackstone and his dancing handkerchief

A still shot from an interview with Julie Eng talking about her life in magic.

A still shot from video of Houdini's variation of a forearm riffle.




Keep an eye open for these "hole in the wall" viewing portals to catch a peek of more video!



Make your own magic poster
There's a station where you can digitally create your own magic poster!  (Complete with a legend that explains what all the animals and other objects on the posters represent.)



The exhibition also features other magcially historical items such as:
  • wonderful selections from David Ben's collection, including Hofzinser cards and items particular to magic in Toronto (including a vistors' book from Arcade Magic!)
  • handcuffs used by Houdini, and
  • Houdini's straitjacket

Hofzinser cards from David Ben's collection

Visitor book from Arcade Magic.  From David Ben's collection.

Houdini's straitjacket.


Av Yaga, Alexander, the Man Who Knows, 1915, 20th century
207.9 x 107.7 cm. Purchase, funds graciously donated by La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. M2014.128.3. © McCord Museum

But wait!  There's more!

There will be daily live performances at the exhibition provided by the Toronto Magic Company.  Confirmed performers include:

- James Alan (Classics of Magic)
- Jonah  Babins (Interactive Impossibilities)
- Harry Zimmerman and Chris Mayhew (Close-Up Magic)
- Toronto Magic Showcase
- Toronto Magic Company (Making Magic)
- Ben Train (Mental Mysteries)

Check the Toronto Magic Company website for the performance schedule.






Visit "Illusions: The Art of Magic" February 22nd to May 18, in the AGO’s Sam & Ayala Zacks Pavillion.   The exhibition is free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 years and under.


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* ABOUT THE ALLAN SLAIGHT COLLECTION
Acquired by the McCord Museum thanks to La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso, the Allan Slaight Collection is one of the world’s largest collections of rare magic posters comprising more than 600 posters and more 1,000 documents and rare books. The collection was named in honour of the Canadian businessman and magic enthusiast Allan Slaight.

20 September 2019

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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15 September 2019

Toronto Magic Club Town Hall

Town Hall on Monday September 23rd, The Imperial Pub.  See the end of the post for more information.


From the September 13th post by James Alan in the (Sid Lorraine) Toronto Magic Club Facebook group:
Apologies in advance for the length of this post, from the conversations we have been having, a number of you would like to read it! A few people have brought up concerns or questions regarding the changes being proposed for the club, and we want to address them.
Please feel free to comment below, or to reach out to any of us privately. We have also organized a Town Hall on Monday September 23rd to discuss the changes and so anyone who wants to come talk in person is welcome (and invited!) to do so. - https://www.facebook.com/events/436950640256041/

But to answer some of your questions.

We are the same club, The Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, IBM Ring 17. We are still committed to providing our members with valuable magic experiences and opportunities; to help grow individually as magic enthusiasts and to leave magic as a whole better off than we found it. (And if you are one of those distinguished humans with an honorary lifetime membership, it is still here waiting for you.)

14 September 2019

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.