Matt Johnson in the Surrey Now-Leader

From the article "Chilliwack magician’s signature water-tank escape can’t be performed at Surrey theatre" by Tom Zillich in the Surrey Now-Leader:

Matt Johnson’s magic show in Surrey won’t be quite the same as performed elsewhere.

The Chilliwack-based entertainer will not be attempting an escape from a large water tank here this Friday night (Dec. 1), after being told the contraption can’t be used at Surrey City Hall’s Centre Stage theatre, which doubles as council chambers.

The tank-escape trick was performed by Johnson on the CW Network show Penn & Teller: Fool Us last spring.

Read more.

Montreal: Jason Ladanye lecture

From the Montreal Magic Jam:

Monday December 4

Jason Ladanye Jason spent nearly twenty years studying with master magician and gambling expert Darwin Ortiz. His approach to magic is similar to Darwin’s, strong and practical magic that is built for laymen. Each card trick plays like a miracle that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives! In 2013, Ladanye wrote a best-selling book, Confident Deceptions. In this lecture, Jason Ladanye will be performing all new, never before seen material from his upcoming book, Game Changer. Here’s a chance to see some of the material BEFORE the rest of the world.

Read more and buy tickets.

Look Ma! We're in GeniiOnline!

Welcome GeniiOnline readers!  Have a look around and we hope you enjoy your stay. 

Thank you Anna for the birthday wishes!  We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.


From the Genii Online Twitter feed:

Happy 7th Anniversary @canadasmagic! https://t.co/vqfTvbumBk

— Genii Online (@GeniiOnline) November 28, 2017

CBC Kids casting call for kids for magic show series

Deadline for Self-Tapes: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28th , 2017 by 5:00PM EST

Oh to be 12 again ...

From eBoss Canada:

CASTING CALL FOR
“UNTITLED KIDS MAGIC SHOW SERIES”
Based on The Illusions of: Jesse Feinberg and Stu Stone!

SYNOPSIS: The first ever digital series to explore the mystical and fascinating world of magic with kid magicians! Our team of 3 master magicians are guaranteed to blow-your-mind. Watch as they travel the city of Toronto, gaining access to various VIP locations like; The Nike Factory, Apple Canada, backstage at amusement parks and concert halls as well as preforming their trickery for celebrities!Behind the scenes, “Untitled Kids Magic Series” are brought to you by some of the masterminds behind largest thrills in the history of television magic, who have worked with the biggest names in the industry such as: Criss Angel, David Blaine, Dynamo and David Copperfield.

***TALENT MUST BE NON UNION
***TALENT MUST BE A CANADIAN CITIZEN
***TALENT MUST BE A TORONTO LOCAL AND LIVE IN THE GTA
NOTE: If you live OOT you can still submit, but you must be able to work as a TORONTO LOCAL, and MUST BE A CANADIAN CITIZEN

SEEKING:

BOYS AND GIRLS: 8-12 years old who are interested in magic!
IDENTICAL TWINS:8-12 years old who are interested in magic!

Read more.

Rounding the Western rings in December 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	- SYM - Christmas Party
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- TBA
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- TBA
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 December 2017

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Free form first Fridaze - Executive meeting - Second Saturday night special - Instagram Tuesday - Sunday brunch
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Christmas dinner.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- TBA
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)	- Browser's Den visit.

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in December 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.

Darcy Oake in the Toronto Sun

From the article "Keeping the magic during holiday season" by Joanne Richard in the Toronto Sun:

Darcy, along with his parents, veteran Hockey Night in Canada sportscaster Scott and his wife, Anne, committed themselves to helping others struggling with the same demons that claimed Bruce – raising $1.6 million to open the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg. The non-profit facility will provide treatment, resources and skills necessary for residents to successfully re-enter society.

Today, the electrifying illusionist (who is actually preparing a mind-blowing act for The Illusionists show running through the holiday season Dec. 12 to Jan. 7 at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto) says he found wonder and purpose not only in his career in magic, but in working with his parents to keep his brother’s memory alive through helping others.

Read more.

Luc Langevin in "le fil"

From the article "These teachers who change lives" by Matthieu Dessureault in le fil, the newspaper of Laval university, translated by Google:

On stage as on television, Luc Langevin knows how to amaze his audience with breathtaking magic numbers. Before being the talented illusionist we know, he completed a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics and a Master's degree in Optics, as well as a PhD in Biophotonics. If he left school to devote himself to his job, this passage to the University will not be vain, far from it.

Already at the time, he knew he was going towards magic. Thanks to Professor Michel Piché, he learned to master a technology that would prove very useful to invent his tricks: that of lasers. "I was very surprised that Mr. Piché agrees to frame me in my graduate studies. When I asked him, he already had about twenty students under his responsibility. I gave him my CV, where it was indicated that I wanted to become a magician. It seems that it piqued his curiosity! "Recalls laughing Luc Langevin.

A scientist who wants to become a magician, the professor admits that it is not commonplace. Nevertheless, he did not hesitate a second to take him under his wing. "I was looking for a good student for my work and Luc Langevin was clearly one. Magic requires technical skill and a good understanding of optics since the illusion comes from manipulating brain mechanisms with images. He was a good candidate to help me develop new approaches in my field of research, "says the one who has been teaching at the University since 1984.

Read more.

Happy seventh blogiversary to me!

Seven years ago today, this blog was born!

Thanks to you wonderful people who have supported this project!

For free, we've published over 3,225 posts, and served well over 113,018 page loads (over 613,955 by Blogger's count).  Two hundred and twenty-one of you have given us your thumbs-up on Facebook, more than 1186 of you are following along on Twitter (20,225 tweets and counting!), and approximately 60 of you have subscribed to this site's RSS feed.  The bulk of you are Canadian, and I'm delighted to see visitors from United States, the United Kingdom, India, France, and the list goes on.

There are so many of you doing such a fabulous job of making magic a priority in this great country!

A special thanks to:

• All of my early supporters.  Special shout outs to Ariel, Doug, James, and John for your continued encouragement.
• All of you readers, Likers, RTers, submitters, guest posters, contest prize providers and all other manner of promoters of this site.
• All of my sponsors, past and present.  That means you: Magic Information Canada, Ryan Pilling, Clive Court, Perfect Magic, The Browser's Den of Magic, The Amazing Corbin, and Michael Close!
• All of the blog's official friends, past and present.  That's you:  John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ted & Marion Outerbridge, and Ian Crawford.
• My family for their support of this bloggy experiment.

My continued thanks to all of you!

Five minutes with Shawn Farquhar (at Magi-Fest)

Not to be confused with my series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews.


From Magi-Fest:

Magi-Fest: You have performed at virtually every major convention around the world. We’re HONORED to have you at Magi-Fest. You have also organized dozens of conventions yourself. What, in your mind, is the secret ingredient to a great convention?

Shawn: I love magic conventions! I think it is the one place, other than the stage, where I truly feel at home.  No two conventions are ever the same, and what sets them apart is the vision of the organizers.  Some convention have become stale as they stick to “working formulas” while others try new things that sometimes fail.  I’d rathe be at one that tries new things and fails as they are far more exciting and fresh. The one thing all great conventions have in common is talent that is approachable.  I don’t go to a convention to see the act do their signature routine, since I can watch that on YouTube or their DVD. I go to the convention to experience them as performers.  On and off stage.  The chance to rub shoulders, ask questions and hang out is what makes a convention special for me.  I have seldom left a convention without feeling inspired and motivated.

Read more.

The OUTERBRIDGE - Touring Secrets lecture tour of Europe 2018

From the Outerbridge Magic Facebook page:

The OUTERBRIDGE - Touring Secrets lecture tour of Europe kicks off in Bonn, Germany on January 15th. The tour continues through Europe and concludes in Copenhagen, Denmark on Feburuary 2nd. More information on the way soon. 

 January 15 - Bonn, Germany
 January 19 - Hamburg, Germany
 January 21 - Chemnitz, Germany
 January 22 - Antwerp, Belgium
 January 25 - Zurich, Switzerland
 January 26 – Munich, Germany
 February 1 - Horsens, Denmark
 February 2 – Copenhagen, Denmark

"Pick a Card, Any Card - The Art and History of Magic in Winnipeg"

If you missed seeing "Pick a Card, Any Card - The Art and History of Magic in Winnipeg" when it aired in 2012, you can view it now on the Sugar Cube Entertainment YouTube channel.

From the MediaCircus.TV Facebook page:

Here is the long synopisis for "Pick a Card, Any Card", coming soon to MTS Winnipeg on Demand.

- The City of Winnipeg has a rich history in the art of Magic. From the founding of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) in 1922, , to modern day successes like Dean Gunnarson and Sean Fields; Winnipeg and the world of magic have grown together to form a charming relationship.

Over a light dinner and wine, Winnipeg magicians Anders, Greg Wood, Gord Gilbey, Ray Starr, Chris Funk and Sean Fields tell stories of Winnipeg magic; how Harry Houdini played a part in the founding of the I.B.M., how Philips Magical Paradise was founded out of tragedy, which Winnipegger worked on Criss Angels "Mindfreak", and other fascinating tales.

Read more.

From the Sugar Cube Entertainment YouTube channel:
 

Fraser Valley: Carisa Hendrix lecture

From the Fraser Valley Magic Circle 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.

Toronto: Andrew Eland lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Is it a show? Is it a lecture? We are really not sure. What we are certain about is that you do not want to miss the EXPERIENCE of a magic evening with South Africa's Andrew Eland.

An Internationally traveled street and stage performer, Andrew is one of the most experienced magicians in South Africa.

His performance specialty is interactive, mind-boggling sleight of hand spiced with comedy. He has performed in top nightspots across Europe, Japan and South Korea. He is the only magician to have headlined at every casino and comedy club in South Africa. Andrew's show and lecture will consist of a wide variety of magic and bits of business. Cards tricks, card manipulation, coin tricks, coin manipulation, and so much more that is difficult to describe on paper.

Our founder the late Len Cooper encouraged customers to improve their magic and skill. But truth be told Len rarely praised many. Well, about 20 years ago Andrew was visiting Browser's Den on a day when both Len and I (Old Jeff) were at the shop. When Andrew left the shop Len turned to me and said "He's a very good magician." Len was a man of few words so believe me when I say that those few words of praise about Andrew was a rare event.


Read more and buy tickets.

Ottawa: Eric Leclerc family magic show

Updated at 7:50am to add:

• The event has been cancelled.

From evensi:

Saturday 16 December

Eric Leclerc who has appeared in countless TV Shows FINALLY does an incredible show for his fans in Ottawa. Come See One Of Canada's Top Performer And Magician Live!


Read more and buy tickets.

Quebec: Festival de magie de Québec May 3-6, 2018

From the Festival de magie de Québec newsletter:

We are really excited ton inform you that the Festival de magie de Québec will be back for the 8th Edition, in May, 2018. Please visit Web site: www.festivaldemagie.ca

In 2018,  many new concepts will be offered like the "Strange Gala" on Friday night, the "Kids Gala" Saturday afternoon and of course our "International Gala" Saturday night with 7 renowned artists.  You will have the chance to see during that gala: Bill Abbott, Juliana Chen, Éric Leclerc, Max Maven, Xavier Mortimer, Xavier Tapias and Daniel Coutu as Emcee.

Since the Festival also organises the CAMarederie in 2018, the magicians will have the chance to see 9 lectures from Bill Abbott, Stéphane Bourgoin, Juliana Chen, Max Maven, Xavier Mortimer, Xavier Tapias, Christopher Taylor, Marc Trudel and R.Paul Wilson.

You can already buy your magician's package at 300 $ + tx (value of $400 + tx) on our Web site. We also offer a show only package at 75 $ + tx. (Value of $95 + tx)

Prices will raise on January 1st, 2018.

You can also register for the Magic School that will offer different levels during the week-end.  You can also join the Club de Magie du Québec. Its mission is to support magicians who want to compete at high levels of competitions.  You can also register to our 6th Edition of the Concours International de magie "Michel Cailloux" with $4000 in prizes for the winners.

Read more and buy tickets.

The 2017 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award

 

Updated December 1st to add:

• The nomination period is over.  Please check back regularly to see when voting starts!

Updated November 28th to add the following nominee:

• Neil Croswell - "I have watched Neil devote his life to magic from a young age and he has stuck to his vision from day one. His determination and work ethic over the years make him an inspiration as well as his countless awards and international TV appearances (Fool Us, etc.). In 2017, he appeared on "Masters of Illusion" , completed 250+ shows on a cruise in the Bahamas, and performed internationally across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka. To accomplish what he has at his age, I believe, is an inspiration to Canadian magicians with goals of a professional career."

Updated November 27th to add the following nominee:

•  Ryan Brown - "Ryan started performing magic very early in school. While he was in my class, he would bargain his work completion in order to go to the kindergarten class and perform his latest trick. He continued to perform and cam back several years to perform free at our school's fun fair. True school and community spirit. Ryan has inspired many of the students to believe in their dream and to work hard to achieve it. He continues to seek advancement in his craft by seeking peer help and taking classes taught by more experienced magicians."
  
  "Performed at Screemers at Exhibition Place Toronto in October. Great show Ryan!!
  Increased his knowledge of magic by taking classes in Las Vegas with the master of masks and magical knowledge, Jeff McBride earlier this year."

Updated November 24 to add the following nominee:

• Benzi Train "because of his tireless work over the years to promote the performance of live magic in Toronto and his efforts at the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club and bringing in of top quality lecturers to our community. His (and partner Jonah Babbins) show Newest Trick in the Book gives any magician a venue/opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. He has inspired many magicians to challenge themselves creatively or to even perform live."

Updated on November 21 to add the following nominee:

• Murray and Teresa Hatfield - "The Magic Demon nominates Murray and Teresa Hatfield for starring in and producing their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. For the second year in a row, it was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen."  In addition, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever.".  Murray is the president of the Canadian Association of Magicians.

Updated at 4pm to add the following nominee:

• Julie Eng - Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," this year Julie (with Jonathan Levit) interviewed David Williamson at Magic Live! in addition to being the official photographer for "The Magic of Johnny Thompson."  Julie is also one of the guides in an upcoming hour-long documentary for CBC's The Nature of Things that will be looking at the the intersection of science and magic cross paths.  Julie is the Executive Director at Magicana.

Updated at 1:30pm to add:

• First nomination is for 11 year old Caiden Finch!
  "He has performed on stage for paying audience and I might say he was great. His magic was excellent. He was dressed for the occasion. He had a themed routine and what I really liked was that came in [to Perfect Magic] about week before the show and asked for some advice. I talked, he listened and implemented 95% of it in his show."
  (I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  He's a fine choice for inspirational nomination!)

The Canada's Magic "Readers' Choice 2017 Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award nominations are now open.

You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2017, in the comments below.  (Or you may email me your nomination.)

Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM on Thursday November the 30th.  I will contact the nominees via email and give them one week to accept or decline their nomination.  The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence in December.  (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.) 

This is a "bragging rights" only contest.  There is no cash value for this award.

Here are some ideas for potential nominees (individuals and groups can be nominated):

• The Canadian magicians appearing on US television shows this year, including but not limited to: Richard Forget, Yan Markson, Patrik Kuffs, Murray Hatfield, Sheldon Casavant, Neil Croswell, Shawn Farquhar, and Billy Kidd.
• The owners of Canada's brick and mortar magic shops.
• Brent Kloeble and his team for establishing a magic festival for Regina.

The list of worthy entrants goes on and on ...

I look forward to seeing your nominations!

In the spirit of celebrating all Canadian magicians, last year's winners of the Readers' Choice award (Steven Lafond) or Editor's Choice award (Mahdi Gilbert) are not eligible for nomination in 2017.

Kickstart Leon Playing Cards

From the Leon Playing Cards Kickstarter page:

My name is Chris Mayhew. I am a magician living in Toronto Canada, and I love playing cards. For me, my interest in magic was inevitable. I grew up in Calgary Alberta, close to a magic shop that opened a few blocks down the street from my house.

As soon as I walked into that shop I was hooked. I would spend every chance I could hanging out at the magic shop, absorbing as much as I could from the local magicians that frequented it. I found the Dr. Leon Playing Cards at the magic shop, and fell in love with the look and feel of the cards instantly.

Read more and back project.

From Chris Mayhew's Twitter feed:

For the last year I have been working on this project to bring it to fruition. There have been so many obstacles,... https://t.co/CRsmYGVdNx

— Chris Mayhew (@SurrealMayhew) November 6, 2017

Random thoughts from the Browser's Den of Magic 42nd anniversary party

I had the pleasure of spending some time at the Browser's Den of Magic 42nd anniversary party on Sunday.  A great time appeared to be had by all!  Here are a few random thoughts:

• I missed the auction, but heard it was absolutely packed, with a lot of great deals to be had.
• There are lots of a amazing finds and deals in the Back Room.
• It was still pretty busy in the afternoon.
  

  It was a packed house at @theBrowsersDen 42nd anniversary party! pic.twitter.com/cghsXjvP61

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• The trivia segment was great fun, as always.  Jeff has a lot of very knowledgeable patrons!
  

  The patrons @theBrowsersDen anniversary party were in fine form for the trivia challenge. pic.twitter.com/deXvFOLVa3

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• Trivia question answers included: Jeff Hinchliffe, Jeff Pinsky, and 1995.
• Bernice was looking well.  It was great to see her.
• It's not an anniversary party without an award ceremony...
  
  
  
• Happy to see Sorcerers Safari alumnus RJ Steele win the Len Cooper Memorial Award this year.
  

  Lovely to see Bernice come out to the party!
  
  Congratulations to RJ for winning the Len Cooper Memorial Award @theBrowsersDen ! pic.twitter.com/1s47mglbzA

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• Congratulations on another great anniversary event, Jeff et al!