Allan Slaight Award Nominations are open for work completed in 2016

From Magicana's Facebook page:

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Chris Ramsay in the CBC news

From the CBC:

David Blaine is running into some serious competition as the most viewed street magician on YouTube with Saint-Sauveur's Chris Ramsay edging his way into top spots.

Ramsay said his love of magic started as a child and blossomed when he noticed he could make extra tips performing tricks while he worked as a bartender.

Now, he performs bigger and better tricks for millions of YouTube viewers.

It all started with a street magic video shot in 2014 with the help of a friend, much like Blaine's, but "in my own way, with my own flare, and obviously my own budget," Ramsay told CBC Montreal's Homerun.

Read more and watch videos.

"The Paranormal Show" in Southwestern Ontario

Scott McClelland's "The Paranormal Show" is coming to Southwestern Ontario and with it comes the supernatural and strange... 

From Ticket Scene:

• Fri, Jan 27, 2017 - Old Town Hall Theatre, Aylmer, ON
• Sat, Jan 28, 2017 - Princess Avenue Playhouse, St. Thomas, ON   
• Sun, Jan 29, 2017 -Simcoe Little Theatre, Simcoe, ON

Read more and buy tickets.

Victoria: Keep the Magic Alive

From the Oak Bay Beach Hotel:

Join one of Canada’s top magicians, Eric Bedard, as he takes you on a three part magical journey in the David Foster Foundation theatre. An Internationally noted Magician to the Stars, you will be amazed with a unique and humorous performance by the man David Foster himself calls the Magic Johnson of Magicians.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Eric Bedard's Twitter feed:

Two weeks until opening night and first two shows are 95% sold out!! pic.twitter.com/Ubz0JAkdU7

— Eric Bedard (@CoolMagicDude) January 8, 2017

Sorcerers Safari 2016: Dear Mike and Jen

When I wasn't co-counselling at Sorcerers Safari last summer, I was asking a lot people a lot of questions.  One of the questions was, "What would you like to share with Magic Mike and Jen?"

Here are some of the answers I heard last August (in no particular order):

"I can't begin to imagine how much work goes into creating something like Sorcerers Safari.  I hope it goes on forever and that I can be a part of it."  -- Wes Barker (Guest: 2016.)

"Keep up the good work and thanks for the awesome experience!" -- Emil D. (Camper: 2016.)

"I had a really fun time.  Thanks for asking me to come and help the kids.  It helped me to be a better teacher." -- Suzanne (Special guest: 2016.)

"Sorcerers Safari is the most amazing thing I've ever done in my life.  It's changed my life.  The work put into making magic camp happen is magic itself!" -- Christian M. (Camper: 2016.)

"Keep it up!  Don't stop 'til you drop!  (and don't drop!)" -- Vincent C. (Camper: 2014-2016.)

"Keep up the good work, everyone here loves it!  I'm happy to call Sorcerers Safari my second home." -- Curtis M. (Camper: 2013-2015; CIT: 2016.)

"What you're doing is an extraordinary and wonderful thing.  I hope you can continue!" -- Ben A. (Camper: 2015-2016.)

"The world would be pretty bland without people like you.  It takes great courage to strikeout and start something like this. Thank you!"  -- Daniel W. (Camper: 2011-2016.)

"Thank you for having camp.  It's really fun and I hope it can keep going forever." -- Angelique S. (Camper: 2013-2016.)

"Camp is a favourite part of my summer.  I'm excited every year to attend!" -- Lucinda M. (Camper: 2008-2014; CIT: 2015-2016.)

"Thank you for all you do, especially for dedicating your time.  You are great people!" -- Stephanie T. (Camper: 2015-2016.)



It's worth mentioning that in 2016, the girls had a 100% return rate of campers from 2015 (and some new faces and old friends too!).

"Keep doing this!" -- Hadar S. (Camper: 2016.)

"Thanks for 20 years of Sorcerers Safari, even if I've only been here for two of them  They've been the best parts of my summers!  Please don't stop, keep magic camp going.  I can't wait for more magic!" -- Trek B. (Camper: 2015-2016.)

"Thank you so much! You're awesome and amazing!"  -- Ryan G. (Camper: 2015-2016.)

"You're doing an awesome job!  Keep on doing it!" -- Shade K. (Camper: 2016.)

"Thank you so much for being you!  Never stop!" -- Tyler Williams (Camper: 2008-2011; CIT: 2012-2013; Staff: 2014-2016.)

"Thank you for everything you do for Sorcerers Safari and for inspiring so many young magicians to keep doing what they love." -- Jeff P. (CIT: 2015, Camper: 2016.)

"Thank you for changing my life for the better and helping me find true joy in magic.  My love of teaching was inspired from here.  Thanks for letting me come!" -- Aaron Fisher (Special Guest: 2003; Instructor: 2004-2016.)

Thank you Jen and Mike for your vision, your courage, your tenacity, and above all your passion for this project! We are better people because of it.

Goodbye to Sorcerers Safari -- the end of an era in Haliburton

From the Sorcerers Safari Facebook page:

"All great things must come to an end!"

To all campers, friends & family of Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp:

After 20 amazing years of Magic Camp, it is with heavy hearts we announce that our amazing ride has come to an end.

From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank all our staff, artists, sponsors and special guests who made camp such a success. Please be proud of your contributions - together we fulfilled the dreams of many young magicians worldwide!

A warm thank you to Camp Tamarack, Camp White Pine and Camp Northland for being our gracious hosts over the years.

Furthermore, a huge thank you to all the parents who gave us a chance and chose to send their children to Magic Camp. We are grateful every day for the positive impact Sorcerers Safari continues to have on the lives of so many.

Read more and leave a comment for Mike and Jen.

Rock View County: Ryan Pilling

From Eventbrite:

Sat, 4 February 2017

Be amazed and entertained by comedic magician, Ryan Pilling! Join us for an evening of fun in the Homestretch Room! Make sure to check out the Mid City Grill before the show for mouthwatering choices that will leave your bellies happy!

Read more and buy tickets.

The Mahdi Gilbert Scholarship

From Mahdi Gilbert:

Mahdi Gilbert knows firsthand the value of learning magic. His new sponsorship program will help students of magic progress with their education. Sponsored by Mahdi Gilbert & Before Magic.

Read more and apply.

From Mahdi's Twitter feed:

https://t.co/EbyoJ63kHk pic.twitter.com/fdV9TAFcMd

— Mahdi Gilbert (@mahdigilbert) January 9, 2017

Vote now for the 2016 Readers' Choice award

Updated to add: 

• Voting has closed.  Results will be posted later this week.
• The Evasons have requested that they be withdrawn from consideration for this voting process.  We are unable to remove their names from the ballot at this time and ask that you respect the Evasons' wishes and not vote for them.

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the 2016 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!  Voting will close on Sunday, January the 22nd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll.  (Unfortunately, the poll does not appear in the mobile version of the site.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (in no particular order):

Matt DiSero

Matt's nominator stated that Matt is "a very sassy act."  In addition, in 2016 Matt also appeared on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us."

Website: MattDiSero.com

The Evasons

The Evasons have requested that they be withdrawn from consideration for this voting process.  We are unable to remove their names from the ballot at this time and ask that you respect the Evasons' wishes and not vote for them.

Mahdi Gilbert

Mahdi's nominator submitted the following: "He has inspired so many of us through his amazing sleight of hands without having any hands. The way he transformed his own life through magic is a role model for everyone who's searching for meaning, hope and inspiration."  Mahdi also appeared on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us."

Website: MahdiGilbert.com

 

Murray and Teresa Hatfield

The Hatfields were nominated for "starring in and (even more importantly) producing the extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria 'Unbelievable' at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was, without a doubt, the most inspirational, most wonderful, most entertaining stadium-scale magical event I have ever witnessed."


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com

Steven Lafond

Steven's nominators submitted the following, "Steven Lafond, producer and host of 'Magic Mondays' in Ottawa for his continued support of the magic community. Hosting over 30 different magicians from all over Canada in 2016 alone.  (Additional supporting comment: He has done a whole year's worth of monthly magic showcases featuring locals and big names alike. Chris Pilworth, Bill Abbott, Mysterion, Zach & Steve, Jonathan Gold, Eric Leclerc...all opened by local professional and up-and-coming magicians. A real community supporter.)

Website: MagicStudioProductions

Toronto: Roy Kueppers and Luiz Castro

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

ROY KUEPPERS DAY with Luiz Castro
Date & Time: Sunday, January 29 from 12noon until 5pm at Browser's Den

Cost to Attend: FREE

Mr. Kueppers a true craftsman of Canadian, U.S. and European trick coins will be at Browser's Den for the whole day.

So many of you have purchased from us his Canadian Coin in Bottles, Coin Bites, Toonie/Loonies, Canadian Shells, and so many more including his specialty Coin Boxes.

Well this is your chance to meet the man behind 'the work'. Also, Mr. Kueppers will be bringing specialty coin gaffs that Browser's Den does not regularly stock.

And at 3pm as an added FREE BONUS to you...Our own Luiz Castro, construction worker by day and magician by night will be teaching some of his pet routines, ideas and tips with Roy's trick coins. Many of Luiz ideas are mind-boggling and inspirational.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE...RAFFLE...Anyone who makes a purchase of a Roy Kuepper's product will be entered into a raffle to win one of two big prizes. One prize is 'Expert Coin Magic David Roth' book; the second prize is a Roy Kueppers Mojo Boogie Boxes Set.

The Draw for prizes will be at 4:30pm.

We hope that you will join us.

Read more.

Shawn Farquhar in The Magic Compass' top 20

A friendly reminder that this is the last day to nominate a Canadian magicians for the 2016 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

From The Magic Compass:

Before we look ahead to a new year we thought we would once again look back at the 20 top magic news stories, posts and viral videos of 2016. This list was compiled from the most popular posts from magic related Facebook pages, YouTube sites, Twitter, Reddit, The Magic Compass and other social media. Some of the things that made this list surprised us. Other stories that we liked a lot didn’t gain any traction at all.

Read more. 

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

New York: The Outerbridges at the 5 Minutes to Shine "Building Arts Audiences" Competition

From Marion Outerbridge's Facebook page:

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Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Hi Denizens- A friendly reminder that this Saturday, January 7 is our next FREE MAGIC CLUB meeting. All those interested in talking/showing magic are welcome. Club meets at Browser's Den from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

Have a nice day-Jeff & The Browser's Den Team

Murray Hatfield to become CAM President

Congratulations Murray!  Thanks for taking on this important role for the Canadian Association of Magcians!


From Brent Smith's Facebook page:

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More names announced for the 2017 Browser's Magic Bash

  

From the Facebook group for the Browser's Den of Magic:

You're not alone! These artists will be with you at the 2017 Bash!
Announcing More Artists For the 2017 Browser's Magic Bash.
http://www.browsersden.com/bash

It's time to share even more artists with you that will spend the day with us at the 2017 Browser's Magic Bash.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO - MORE BASH ARTISTS:

Atsushi Ono
- Kyoto Konjurer -
Atsushi Ono-san's relaxed charm, sense of humor and creative approach to performing magic have made him a popular magician and entertainer in
Japan as well as Western Canada.

Aaron Fisher
- Card Conductor -
Specializing in card magic, Aaron Fisher travels the world sharing his original thoughts and energetic performances with other fellow magicians.

Rosemary Reid
- Ms. Magic -
From her humble beginnings at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp to becoming one of Canada's leading female magicians, Rosemary is going to answer the
one question she's been asked most often throughout her career. Can you guess what it is?

Adam Grace
- Renaissance Man -
Adam Grace, a profesional magician, musician, actor, speaker, writer and producer, tours the world sharing his love for all performing arts. He plans to
spend the entire day with us.

Also including:
- Michael Ammar
- Silly Billy
- Chris Mysterion & Steffi Kay
- Dick Joiner
- Buck Macleod
- Luiz Castro
- Keith Brown
- Scott Hammell

REGISTER NOW - Be A Part Of The 2017 Bash Experience
http://www.browsersden.com/bash

We hope you'll join us. It's unlike any other magic event around. You're going to love it! Book your ticket today by clicking the button above.

See you at the Bash on Saturday, April 1st, 2017!

Magical Hugs,
Jeff Pinsky, John Talbot, & Lee Asher
(Your faithful Browser's Magic Bash team)

More names announced for PCAM/CAM convention, April 20-23, 2017

More names announced!

From Mike Norden's Facebook post:

We just announced Jeff Christensen and Annie Banannie to the line up at CAM 2017.

So far we have announced:
Shawn Farquhar
Keith Fields
Axel Hecklau
Christopher Cool
Tamar Louise Kimmons
John Kimmons
Gary Dunn
Buster Balloon
and more to come!

PLUS the first Canadian Children's Magician of the Year award with a $500 prize!!

Register at www.CAM2017.com today!

Rounding the Western rings in January 2017

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

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- TBA
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- TBA
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- TBA
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Third Monday Magic. - Annual general meeting.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- TBA
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- Magic dinner show live!
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- TBA

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

Rounding the Central rings in January 2017

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Free form first Friday. - Stage workers event. - Public magic auction.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- TBA.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- "Teach A Trick" Night.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- TBA.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Auction night.

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in January 2017

Does anybody have current information to share about the Magic Circle of St. John?

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

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- Visit their Facebook page.
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- TBA

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

Happy 2017!

Wishing you and yours a year filled with awe and wonder!