30 December 2011

Meta: Where are you from?

While the bulk of the traffic to this site comes from Canadian readers, I'm always surprised to see how big the internets really are!  Here's a list of our top ten visiting countries this month, not including Canada:

10. Ireland
9. Japan
8. Costa Rica
7. Germany
6. Australia
5. Argentina
4. France
3. Chile
2. United Kingdom

and of course, our neighbours to the south ....

1.  United States


Thanks for visiting everyone!

26 December 2011

Toronto: Browser's Den on Boxing Day

From the Browser's Den Facebook page:
BOXING DAY EXTRAVAGANZA AT BROWSER’S DEN!

*GIANT CLEARANCE*
*TRICKS FROM $1.00 TO $5.00*

YES…We are open Boxing Day, Dec. 26th from 10am to 5pm

Read more.

24 December 2011

And to all a good ....

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season!

We're taking a break from the internet over the next 16 days or so.  New posts have been scheduled to publish automatically.  If you need to get in touch, sending a direct message via Twitter is your best bet.

Best wishes for the New Year!

23 December 2011

Bill Abbott at IMX 2012

Bill Abbott will be appearing this May in Las Vegas.  From the IMX 2012 website:
IMX 2012 brings together 20+ of the world’s greatest performers in 3 days of non-stop magic. Unrivalled choice, hard-hitting training, incredible performances & phenomenal value ... welcome to IMX 2012!

Read more.

21 December 2011

Vancouver: SAM #95 Banquet and Professional Show Package

From Sam 95:
Date - Friday, January 13, 2012

MC and host: Shawn Farquhar
Feature Comedy Magic Entertainment by the Internationally Acclaimed Award Winning Magician Stephen Bargatze from Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Roving Magic by S.A.M. #95 members.
Read more and purchase tickets.

20 December 2011

Dai Vernon's son recovering from house fire injuries

From iTricks:
79-year-old David Verner, son to legendary magician Dai Vernon, was very badly burned by an electrical fire at his New York State home.
 
Read more.

Canada's Magic joins iTricks in wishing Verner a speedy recovery.

David Acer book launch

Read about November's combined David Acer book launch and shop auction over at Perfect Magic.

19 December 2011

CAM: membership growth!

From the Canadian Association of Magicians website:
I am thrilled to announce we are just five members away from hitting the magic number of 400! This is super great news. This is a growth of nearly 75 members since July of 2011.

Read more.

Shawn also reminds us that it's membership renewal time for many members.  If your membership is up for renewal, you should have received a notice in your recent editions of "Northern Peeks."  If you aren't sure when your membership expires, please contact Shawn at "CAM @ CAMmagic . org" (without the quotes).

18 December 2011

Broken wand: Maxwell Scott

From The Tillsonburg News:
SCOTT, Maxwell Charles - Born January 8, 1929, passed away in Tillsonburg on Tuesday, August 23, 2011.

....

Farmer, proprietor of Tillsonburg Organ Centre, musician and magician for many years, Max was a founding member of the London Magician's Guild I.B.M. Ring 265, and a member of the Doug Henning Magic Wand Club, Ring 49 and the Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle Ring 235.

Read the complete obituary.


[h/t: CAM - Northern Peeks]

Alex Kazam in the Brock Press

From The Brock Press:
At 19-years-old, St. Catharines magician Alex Kazam has accomplished more for himself than most people still living in their teenage years – and arguably more than some in their twenties.

Over the past year Kazam rode his unicycle to New York City, in attempt to perform on the David Letterman show (although he didn't get on, he did meet Paul Schafer and Donald Trump), hosted lectures at varying universities (including one on Neuroscience and it's correlation with magic at York), travelled to Vegas where he met Penn and Teller and performed a trick for Criss Angel, took part in the debut of St. Catharines' Buskerfest where he performed nine times during the weekend and has performed countless gigs — whether they are stand-up showcases, or at events for corporate clients — and that's just cracking the surface.
Read more.

17 December 2011

Only two weeks left!

Only two weeks left to take advantage of our introductory offer for 50% off advertising packages.
Canada's magic is offering a 50% discount on any one year advertising package purchased in 2011.  Qualifying packages include Banner adsButton ads , Text ads and RSS Footer ads.  (This offer does not include Sponsored Posts.)

For more information, please visit the "Advertise" tab, leave your question in a comment below or send us an e-mail.

Toronto: A Little Holiday Magic

From Abracadabaret:
Friday, December 30, 2011
We know it can be hard to find things to do during the break between Xmas and New Years; everything’s closed, and if it’s not closed, it’s packed like sardines with Boxing Week shoppers.

Come celebrate the holidays with Abracadabaret! Live magic, mind reading and mischief with a cast of curious characters. Great fun, great food and a great way to get ready for the New Year.

Read more and purchase tickets.

16 December 2011

Johnny Giordmaine: new contributions

From John Pellatt, creator of the "A Tribute to John Giordmaine" website:
JohnGiordmaine.com, the on line tribute to the late Canadian children's magician Johnny Giordmaine, has just posted a couple new pages for your magical holiday reading... featured are Ring 17 past prez Bob Taylor's recollections; photos from the 1961 Abbott Magic Get Together (one with the famous Harry Blackstone, Sr); and memories of the legendary Arcade Magic and Novelty Shop's closing (where Johnny once worked). The site now includes over 29 pages of unique photos and text.

New contributions are always welcome.

Link: http://www.johngiordmaine.co
m

15 December 2011

Toronto: Joe Culpepper’s Exits and Entrances at the New Gendai Workstation

From The Toronto Review of Books:
In his performance art–magic act Exits and Entrances, performed Friday 25 November at New Gendai Workstation, Joe Culpepper explored thresholds as places of illusion—“liminal boundaries,” he notes, “that separate the inside from the outside; the interior from the exterior.” Thresholds are also boundaries that invite us to cross over; they mark a space between, even as they reveal what lies just beyond.

~~~

The gallery will be exhibiting the aftermath of the performance space as an installation from 13 December to 17 December (11.00AM to 6.00PM).  Footage of Exits and Entrances will be projected onto the gallery walls for any visitors who wish to see a recording of the event while standing in its traces and remnants.  New Gendai Workstation is an open gallery and there is no cost for admission.

Read more.

St. Catharines: Alex Kazam's Dirty Dealings

From the Facebook page "Alex Kazam Presents: Dirty Dealings":
You're invited: $1,000 can be gained (see below) in this evening of lies, deceptions, exposed truths, psychological illusions, comedy and of course: magic.

Alex Kazam will be doing a combination of pseudo-mind reading, exposing some truths about charlatans' ways, combined with a side of his usual magically comedic trimmings that have got him on T.V, the radio, in newspapers, and believe it, or not, in TWEETS, and myspace statuses: across North-America.

Expect the unexpected: There aren't any rabbits, bunnies, and\or hares in this show.

Sunday, 18 December 2011 at Mahtay Café & Lounge
Read more.

14 December 2011

Lothar Malmberg in The Strathmore Standard

From The Strathmore Standard:
If there's something unusual, unexplainable but strangely fantastic going on in Rosebud, chances are it's the work of Lothar Malmberg, professional magician. Lothar is a professional magician who has been working out of the area for almost 20 years, and has been honing his magic craft for over 30.

Read more.

12 December 2011

CAMaraderie 2012

Have you registered yet for CAMaraderie 2012?  From CAMmagic.org, the line-up so far:

May 3-5, 2012
Hamilton, Ontario

Lectures:
Michael Finney
Duane Laflin
Stephen Bargatze
Rick Merrill
Paul Gertner
Tom Vorjohan and Daniel Herron

Close up:
Paul Gertner
Stephen Bargatze
Rick Merrill
Daniel Garcia
Richard Turner: 1-man show

Gala Show:
MC: Michael Finney
Hyunjoon Kim
Stephen Bargatze
Neil Croswell
David & Dania

Competition:
MC: Doug Hunt

Watch the promo video Chris Weeks created for CAMaraderie 2012:
 


[h/t: Canadian Association of Magicians]

11 December 2011

Kreskin at the West End Cultural Centre

From Uptown:
Canada loves Kreskin but that doesn’t mean Winnipeggers won’t try to stump the master mentalist and magician when he performs at the West End Cultural Centre on Dec. 13. The "cheque test" — Kreskin’s most well-known feat and the finale of every show — involves the audience hiding his payment for the performance while he’s escorted offstage. If Kreskin doesn’t find his fee, he doesn’t get paid.

Read more.

10 December 2011

Toronto: James Alan in "Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks"

From Abracadabaret.com:
  • Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012
  • Venue: Wychwood Theatre (601 Christie St. / M6G 4C7)
  • Time: 8:00pm
  • Price: $25.00 w/ group discounts
Join magician James Alan at the Wychwood Theatre for the premier of his one man show. Can a magician make you a better judge of character? Make you impervious to pain? Make money for nothing? Improve your luck? Make you smarter? Or is it all just Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks?

Some of it's true. Some of it's not. Which is which is… your problem, not ours!

Read more and buy tickets.

06 December 2011

Hamilton: Nick Wallace

From the Lyric website:
You are invited to an evening of holiday magic featuring the Canadian Champion of Magic – Nick Wallace. Nick is best described as a minimalist, who has forgone fancy props and special effects and prefers to conjure with an audiences imagination by presenting bamboozling feats of magic and mind reading in a way that is both entertaining and thought provoking. Add some great music and you have a variety holiday show not to be missed!   
 
Visit the website more information or to but tickets.
The show runs from December 20th through December 29th inclusive.
[h/t: Deborah Fallick]

05 December 2011

Everything Erdnase: Dodd Vickers interviews David Ben & Julie Eng

From the Magic Newswire:
Who was S.W. Erdnase? Most likely, anyone reading this knows this name as the pseudonym used by the author of "The Expert at the Card Table" which is arguably one of the most important books ever written on sleight of hand with cards. On this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast, I am joined by David Ben & Julie Eng of Magicana and the publishers of Magicol.
 
Read more and listen to Dodd Vickers interview David and Julie.

04 December 2011

Rounding the Western rings in December

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
 
CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- N/A
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- N/A
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- N/A
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- N/A
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)   - "Teach a Trick" session with  Shayne King

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

Rounding the Ontario rings in December

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
 
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) - Christmas party 
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Gift Exchange & Hidden Talent!
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Christmas banquet
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) - Christmas party
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) - Members' night
Woodstock, ONCAM 1 (Friendly City Mystics)   - N/A

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in December

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
 
Halifax, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) Christmas Gift Exchange extravaganza

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

29 November 2011

Sidney Friedman: Mind Power

From the Facebook page:
Chicago mentalist and best selling author Sidney Friedman is coming to Toronto!

Known as "mentalist to the stars" for his many celebrity clients, Friedman will read your mind, perform ESP, telepathy, and premonition. Plus, you will witness his unique "Musical Mind Reading" where audience members think of a song and Friedman telepathically senses the tune and plays it on the piano.

Read more.

[h/t: Deborah Fallick]

28 November 2011

Happy blogiversary!

Belated, that is.

Last Friday was our one year blogiversary!  (Just goes to show you how busy life gets.  That milestone just whizzed right by my ears!)

In the past year we've served over 10,000 page loads.  We have more than 140 Twitter followers and have sent over 1400 tweets into the ether.  We also have 48 Facebook fans and over two dozen subscribers.  While the majority of readers are Canadian (go figure), we also have visitors from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, and the list goes on and on.

When this project started, I had no idea so much magic was going in inside this country.  I continue to be impressed as I learn about the number of magicians representing Canada abroad.  It's fabulous to be involved in such a generous and talented fraternity.

Thank you, as always, for reading, subscribing, re-tweeting, liking, sharing, submitting news, corresponding, making me aware of typos, guest posting and most of all for your wonderful feedback and continued support!

27 November 2011

Everything Erdnase

From Magicana:
The exhibition, created by Jason England and Julie Eng, showcases the legendary book, The Expert at the Card Table - by the mysterious, S.W. Erdnase – and the book’s perpetual appearance in print for over a century. While exploring the numerous variants, both here and abroad, the exhibition also highlights the slew of ancillary discourse, publications and products Erdnase has inspired.

Read more.
Visit the exhibition at EverythingErdnase.com.

26 November 2011

Broken wand: Peter Howard Nash

From the Globe and Mail on Wednesday November 23rd.
Died peacefully at home with his wife of 60 years by his side in Montreal on the 19th of November. Born in Sidcup, Kent, England in 1917, he graduated from the Stowe School, after which matriculated at Queen's College at the University of Cambridge where he earned his BMS and MA and qualified as an MD.

....

He was additionally an accomplished amateur photographer, birdwatcher and magician, the last of these avocations having been interpreted on stage while he was a university student.

Read the complete obituary.

25 November 2011

Greg Frewin on the Wendy Williams show

From Niagara This Week:

When producers of the Wendy Williams Show came calling, Frewin was quick to pack his magic bag of tricks and head to the Big Apple for a a spot the show calls “A Shameless Surprise.”

Read more.

Watch Greg's performance on YouTube:
  

24 November 2011

Sheldon Casavant: Photographs of a magician

From Edmonton Portrait Photography:
This year I had the opportunity to photograph several of the outstanding young Edmontonians nominated for the award and I’ll be featuring a few of them here on my blog over the next couple of weeks.
 
One of the individuals who was nominated is Sheldon Casavant – a magician and author from Edmonton. We met up in one of Edmonton’s back alleys for an urban-inspired photo shoot and Sheldon brought along several magic props to incorporate into the shoot.

Read more and see some of the photos from the shoot.

22 November 2011

Gazzo interviewed by Joe Culpepper

From The Magic Broadcast:
“Streets is a lifestyle,” says Gazzo. And he should know.

Garry Osborne has been busking as a magician in Britain, North America, and all over the world since he was fifteen. Join me, Joe Culpepper, in episode two of the Culpepper Cast as I catch up with him at Toronto’s recent Buskerfest (August 2011).

Read more and listen to the interview.

20 November 2011

[Guest post] Patrik Kuffs in Toronto

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--
PATRIK KUFFS IN TORONTO
Review by The Magic Demon

Montreal-based magician, mentalist and comedian Patrik Kuffs appeared in Toronto at the Browser's Den Saturday night (November 19th).

Throughout the evening, Patrik easily charmed everyone with his wry wit and quirky humour as well as impressing them with his insightful advice on real world performances. Playing to an packed room his two hours-plus lecture enlightened, informed and entertained.

Moving quickly from one effect to another he demonstrated and then explained a wide range of surefire audience pleasers including a close up design duplication worthy of Annemann; numerous compelling card effects (his card stab/knife routine was especially well-received); a novel handling of a classic book test; intriguing possibilities utilizing shiners; an innovative stage design duplication concept; a clever routine with a unique and inexpensive homemade version of a mentalist's most invaluable prop; and some classic spoon and fork bending.

Also particularly memorable was his TT gag... if you were there, you certainly remember the huge laugh it received! (I'm sorry - I know I've left out a lot but I was enjoying myself so much I repeatedly forgot to take notes.)

As he explained every effect there were frequently small gasps of appreciation throughout the room at the simplicity but ingeniousness of his methods.

Perhaps best known for his excellent DVD on metal bending, Patrik surprised the crowd by revealing it actually only played a very small part in his professional career of over 20 years.

As a bonus he gave away two special gifts to everyone in the audience - including the secret for a seemingly impenetrable impromptu blindfold made with materials readily available in any home.

Patrik at one point modestly referred to his lecture notes package, on sale and a real bargain, which were scooped up by many in attendance. He went on to apologize that he wasn't actually very good at selling. Not true! When it comes to his magic and winning over an audience, Patrik Kuffs really knows exactly how to sell himself... and does so brilliantly.

If you ever get a chance to see him lecture you will come away with several practical workers in your notebook ready to put into your act right away. Thank you Patrik for an extremely fun and rewarding evening.

Additional thanks to Jeff Pinsky, the Browser's Den's most gracious host, for presenting Patrik in Toronto.




Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

19 November 2011

Philip Murad in the Financial Post

From the Financial Post article "Op-Ed – Google’s Patrick Pichette: Canada needs a bolder innovation agenda":
This is perhaps the ultimate wonder and opportunity of the Internet age – a world without borders. For example, take Philip Murad, who went from being a very popular magician and ventriloquist in Montreal to managing a network of magicians across North America.
Read more.

18 November 2011

Ottawa: Éric Leclerc - Mystéric et la Mathémagie

From Shenkman Arts:
This two-time Canadian magic champion from Orléans presents an interactive, educational and hilarious show, skilfully combining magic and math. Mystéric has not always liked math, but has fortunately discovered Mathemagic.

Buy tickets or read more.

06 November 2011

Greg Frewin: Launch of the Lights

Greg Frewin peformed at Launch of the Lights in Niagara Falls yesterday.  Read about it at 610cktb or NiagaraFallsReview.

05 November 2011

Morrissey Magic: new store hours

From Morrissey Magic:
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday noon - 4pm
Monday - closed
Tuesday and Wednesday - 11am - 6pm
Thursday and Friday - 11am - 7pm

Confirm hours directly with Morrissey Magic.

04 November 2011

Nova Scotia: Patrick Drake

Nov. 6: Inaugural Squash CF Pumpkin Launch fundraiser

From Nova News Now:
Canada’s sleight of hand champion and magician Patrick Drake has donated his time to entertain at the event. The pumpkin launch begins at 2 p.m. and ends when all the pumpkins have been flung and squashed. All event proceeds benefit Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Read more.

03 November 2011

Rounding the Western rings in November

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

CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- Jay Sankey lecture
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- Jay Sankey lecture
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- N/A
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- Jay Sankey lecture
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)   - Jay Sankey lecture


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

Rounding the Ontario rings in November

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

Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) - magic diagnostic clinic
- Greg Frewin trip
London, ONLondon Magician's Guild- Marsha Bergeron lecture
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Phil Cox , Wilber, and John from KW Magic
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) - Richard Sanders lecture
- CHEO charity children's show
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) - Michael Weber workshop and lecture
Woodstock, ONCAM 1 (Friendly City Mystics)   - N/A


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

Rounding the Eastern rings in November

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

Halifax, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - TBA 


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

02 November 2011

Toronto: Patrik Kuffs lecture

From The Browser's Den:
PATRIK KUFFS MAGIC, COMEDY & MENTALISM LECTURE
Date: Saturday, November 19
Location: Browser’s Den of Magic
Ticket Price-FREE…THAT’S RIGHT…FREE!!
Read more.

01 November 2011

Toronto: Louie Lebetjis Exposing the Cheats Workshop

From Morrissey Magic:

Exposing the Cheats Workshop with Louie Lebetjis Saturday November 12 2011 3PM

Buy tickets or read more.

Visit Morrissey Magic to watch Luiz Castro interview Louie Lebetjis.

31 October 2011

Shrine Fantasy Show

It's the time of year for the Shrine Fantasy Show!  From their website:
Proceeds from this show benefit many Shrine activities. For your support you are provided with a great evening of entertainment (and therefore it is not eligible as a charitable donation deduction.) Thanks for helping the children!
Participating talent includes:  Dick Joiner, Trevor Watters and Lorena, Matt Baker, Aristov and Company, Craig Douglas, Richard Forget, Nathaniel RankinMagic Mike Segal, Patrice Meunier, Ian QuickMajinx, and Fantasy Circus (performers vary by province).

Schedule and ticket information at the Shrine Fantasy Show website.