Reminder: CAM membership renewal

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

Please check your membership card for your renewal date. Over 100 members will be required to renew this coming July 1st. To make it easier for everyone you can visit: MEMBERS RENEWAL where a handy renewal PayPal button has been constructed. Make sure to have your membership number handy to speed up the process.

Read more.

Micky Hades: Lifetime Achievement Award

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

Canadian legend Micky Hades was honoured by the CAM at it’s annual convention in Hamilton Ontario with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to magic in Canada and around the world. Micky was unable to attend the convention so it fell to CAM Board of Director and owner of the Vanishing Rabbit Magic shop, Brent Smith, to arrange for a fitting evening in Micky’s home-town to celebrate and present the award.

Read more.

Toronto: Eugene Burger extravaganza!

Updated October 17th to add link to photos from SNAP.

See photos from The Presence of Magic show c/o SNAP North York.   

[h/t: Deborah Fallick]

This coming September, Eugene Burger will be in Toronto for:

• a Ring 17 lecture on Thursday September 13th
• The Presence of Magic show at the Toronto Centre for the Arts on Friday September 14th
• A Magic Minimalism workshop on Saturday September 15th [only 7 spots left!]
• A Magic Scripting workshop on Sunday September 16th [only 1 spot left!]

Only one spot left for Eugene Burger's Magic Scripting Workshop in Toronto bit.ly/M2j4WY
— Hat & Rabbit Club (@IBMring17) June 28, 2012

What are you waiting for?  Get your tickets now!

Alex Seaman: youngest IBM ring president

From The Vancouver Courier:

This year, Seaman added another notch to his magician’s belt, which, to his credit, is not diamond encrusted. In February, then only 19 years old, he became the president of the Vancouver Magic Circle and the youngest president in the history of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, which includes the Vancouver chapter.

Read more.

Obie O’Brien: French Cultural Influence gold medal winner

From the Watertown Daily Times:

Whether it be at the local supermarket or in Dunkirk, France, magician Ronald J. “Obie” O’Brien is always ready to entertain.

At his riverfront home just off Kring Point Road late last month, four days before turning 80, he reached into his back pocket for his wallet shortly after welcoming a guest. He revealed a card carrier, took out four cards and launched into a routine:

“A magician and a gambler were talking. ... ”


Read more.

Congratulations Obie!

How to audition for Canada's Got Talent 2012

You can't. 


From Canoe:

Canada’s Got Talent will not be back for a second season in 2012-13, Rogers Media and Citytv confirmed on Friday.

“After careful consideration of all factors, including the current economic climate, Citytv has refocused its programming strategy and will not be producing Canada’s Got Talent for the 2012-13 season,” said Rogers Media president of broadcast Scott Moore in a statement.

Read more.

[h/t: TV,eh?]

Toronto: Soma lecture

From the Browser's Den:

Soma: Current FISM World Champion’s Lecture in Toronto – Sunday August 26th, 2012.


FISM World Champion comes to Toronto! With the help of Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp, the Browser’s Den is proud to offer you the opportunity to spend an entire afternoon with Soma – World renowned manipulator and FISM champion.


Read more and buy your ticket!

Kade Mazury, The Great Kadeini of Hidden Valley

From the Calgary Herald:

While it remains to be seen what illusionist’s name will be famous when we look back at the current decade, there is at least a possibility that a Calgarian will make the list. Kade Mazury—a.k.a. The Great Kadeini of Hidden Valley—has the makings of a memorable magician.

Read more.

Outerbridge: The Celebration of ME

According to the Patty Obey newsletter, Marion Outerbridge is one of two winners of "The Celebration of ME" Dance Scholarship Fund who will attend the Jazz Dance World Congress in Pittsburgh, PA July 31-Aug 5!

Congratulations Marion!

St. Catharines: Alex Kazam's One Night Stand

From Alex Kazam's Facebook page:

Saturday, 21 July 2012

Witty Magic's Last show: "Don't Tell Mom!" was COMPLETELY SOLD OUT!
If you missed it, don't worry- It was a launch to a recurring series of show, now billed as:
"ALEX KAZAM'S ONE NIGHT STAND"
Don't miss your chance to see a fantastic show.

Read more and buy tickets.

Buffalo: Matt DiSero

Matt Deserio DiSero will be at Rob's Comedy Playhouse in Buffalo Williamsville, New York on June 23rd.  Here's your chance to see him peform on dry land!

Garbage @ The Phoenix

From Open 'Til Midnight:

In a stroke of brilliance that makes me wish other artists would think of it, the night opened with magician James Alan, who took the crowd on a raucous spree of snark and sly card tricks, rocking the finale where a procured twenty dollar bill from an audience member disappeared, only to reappear in a cantaloupe cut open on stage. Hope the bartenders enjoyed the scented cash! As much as I love discovering new artists, major labels frequently pair artists with openers that make no logical sense for the audience at hand, meaning it’s a true 50-50 shot for enjoying them. An awesome magician though? Always welcome!

Read more.

Southern Ontario: Moving magicians for TV show

From James Alan:

The show is based around a family-run moving company that's been in business for the last 15 years.  Each episode will focus on their family dynamic as they move one or two homes or businesses. 

Right now we're looking for people throughout Southern Ontario with a unique or interesting move in the next 3 weeks -- and what's more unique than a magician??

As a thank you for being a part of the show, we'll cover the cost of the move -- one less thing to think about on moving day!

Contact James Alan if you are interested in this opportunity.

Almonte: Puppets Up!

From Ottawa Start:

This year, It’s Magic! is the theme as the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival celebrates its 8th season. On August 11 and 12, Puppets Up! will once again present a two-day festival of wonder and amazement as ten professional puppet troupes perform in our family-friendly tented theatres.

and

In addition to the festival’s world-class puppeteers, Magician Elliott Smith will headline an outstanding line-up of magicians and street entertainers who will mystify and enthrall you! (Elliott is the real deal – he’s received the Order of Merlin Shield, a very prestigious award given by the International Society of Magicians [sic].) He’ll be joined by festival favourites the Balcony Puppeteers (think Sesame Street’s Statler and Waldorf) and other artists like musician and children’s entertainer, Jake Differ, and Matt Ficner, whose fantastic animatronic robot puppets are often seen zooming up Mill Street.

Read more.

The Grappler up for auction

Were you at the Harry Anderson lecture, "Tipping the Hat" last month?  Do you remember the story he told about purchasing the Holdout, which was featured in his Grappler routine?  Do remember what his career trajectory looked like after that purchase?  Ever wanted to own one?

Potter and Potter has one up for auction.  Lot 126.

I couldn't afford it at the price he originally paid.  I wonder what it will go for on June 23rd?


[h/t: iTricks]

Hypnosis not recommended for children under 14 years old

Updated June 19 at noon to add:

I am prepared to throw a BOMBSHELL into the story of the "hypnotized students" who were stuck in a "trance".
—The Amazing Kreskin (@Kreskin) June 19, 2012

From Global Post:

A Canadian hypnotist might have been too attractive for his young, female audience to resist.

Sacred Heart College, a private all-girls school in Sherbrooke, Que., hired Maxime Nadeau last week to perform a special year-end show for a class of 12- and 13-year-old girls.

Read more.

From The CBC:

A show at a private girls' high school in Sherbooke, Que., went strangely awry when a young hypnotist left several students in "mass hypnosis" limbo and he had to call in his mentor to snap them out of it.

Read more.

CBC: Magic world standoff over tricks of the trade

Should magic secrets be kept secret?

From the CBC:

Professional magicians dazzle audiences, but in the age of Google and instant answers, might tell-all books and video explainers forever expose what's up performers' sleeves?

According to Alex Stone, author of Fooling Houdini and a practising magician who has competed in The Magic Olympics, it's high time to reveal the magic world's secrets to the public.

Read more.

Watch the video (including comments by David Ben and Julie Eng):

[h/t: Sharing Wonder]

Who will be at Sorcerers Safari 2012?

From the Sorcerers Safari Facebook group:

Wayne Houchin and Soma will be at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp this summer! I hope you will, too!

Read more.

Soma?  Did Mike just announce that Soma is going to be at camp this summer?  Wow!

Calgary: Magic day camps

From the Vanishing Rabbit:

Course 1:  JAW DROPPERS
8 - 10 Years old
July 16 - 20th 
Noon - 4 pm Each day

Course 2:  The Complete Course
11 - 99 years old
July 23- 27th 
Noon - 4 pm Each day

Read more to confirm price and details.

[h/t: magicinfo.ca]

Who will be at MINDvention 2012?

From the Magic Convention Guide:

I want to give you a brief update and overview of the 2012 MINDvention mentalism convention taking place in Las Vegas from November 11-13th.

Read more.

It goes on to state that Canadians Tony Chris and Christopher Taylor have been added to this year's line up.  Visit the 2012 MINDvention for more information.

From the Dark: an interview with Juan Esteban Varela and Michael Weber

From Cadence Canada:

Cadence recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Juan Esteban Varela and Michael Weber, the incredible mind and director behind the astonishing illusionary production From the Dark, which makes its North American debut this weekend as part of the sixth annual Luminato Festival of Arts and Creativity. As part of the third joint venture between Luminato and the Canadian magic non-profit group Magicana—this year titled Mind over Matter—Varela’s show is one of the most unique magical productions to ever be staged, a production that involves blindfolding both the performer and the audience, to experience a wide breadth of classic magic tricks from a sightless perspective. A novel show and celebration of magic unlike any other, Varela’s show debuted in 2010 at the National Magic Congress in Madrid, Spain, and has since been spellbinding audiences around the world. Stemming from an idea that pegs the question of whether a person truly needs the sense of sight to reason, imagine, and be amazed, Varela’s From the Dark is a conceptual behemoth and an experience that will surely tanzilize the senses—minus those involving the eyes, of course—and promises to give the audience a show unlike any they’ve experienced before.

Read more.

Visit Magcana's website for more information about The Luminato Mind Over Matter magic series.

Welcoming a new patron: Magic Information Canada

Welcome to our newest sponsor, Magic Information Canada!

For those of you who aren't familiar with Magic Information Canada, it is a fabulous repository of links helpful to Canadian magicians.  Established near the end of the 1990s, the site has fabulous lists of Canadian magic:

• shops (complete with contact information, map location, and identification of whether it's a virtual or bricks and mortar shop)
• clubs,
• tutors (lists of those willing to teach individuals and / or groups) and
• events (location, price and contact information are provided). 

I especially like the events section, which primarily includes lectures and workshops, because the events are listed sorted by date and are also entered into Google Calendar!

The site is maintained by magic enthusiast Doug Cuff from Ottawa, Ontario.  Doug is proud of the fact that he has attended every CAMaraderie since 2001.  (That's eight in total!)  In his own words, he's "downright smug about it."

Thank you Doug, for all of the work you put into the Magic Information Canada website and for your sponsorship!

Vernon and Henning at the Magic Castle

Watch 1972 CBC footage of Dai Vernon coaching Doug Henning at the Magic Castle:



[h/t: The Magic Newswire]

Remembering Gary Ouellet

Last Friday I sent out a tweet, remembering the anniversary of Gary Ouellet's passing in 2002.  Imagine my surprise to see this in the twitter-stream:

@CanadasMagic - Magicians of the World... please share your memories of Gary Ouellet who we remember today. fb.me/1KdHuivGG #Magic
— HamnerBarber (@HamnerBarber) June 8, 2012

Go on over and have a visit at the Hamner Barber Theater website.  From their post Gone For A Decade, But Still Influential:

Ten years ago today, the world lost one of the greatest influences in the world of magic when Gary Ouellet passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58.

Gary succumbed to a heart attack while in the midst of producing a television special in Portugal, and his untimely death sent a shock-wave through the magic fraternity around the globe.  Although the name Gary Ouellet (pronounced wal-let) may not be recognized by most people, nearly everyone who has ever watched a network television magic special has witnessed the influence that this talented man had on a multitude of magicians and illusionists from around the world.

Read more.

Darcy Oake at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

From the Winnipeg Free Press:

For the first time in his 15-year-career, Winnipeg illusionist Darcy Oake will literally be playing with reality.

He'll hang by his ankles five metres above the ground, bound by a straitjacket. Reality will be waiting -- with giant metal jaws held open by a piece of burning rope -- to devour him if he doesn't get out in time.

"It's a race-against-time type of effect," says Oake, 24, who will perform the stunt at three shows at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre this Thursday and Friday.

Escaping Reality is his first full-scale solo show in his hometown. It's also a benefit to raise money and awareness for the Bruce Oake Memorial Fund. 

Read more.

Winners of Sorcerers Safari scholarships

From the Sorcerers Safari Facebook page (requires a FB account):

The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund Scholarship Chairman, Warren J. Kaps, is pleased to announce that two young magicians have been awarded scholarships to Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp in Toronto, Canada.

Read more to find out who the winners are.

Congratulations to the winners!  I have no doubt that you'll have a fabulous time at camp this summer!

Richard Turner on The Morning Show

Watch this Global Toronto video of Richard Turner on The Morning Show:



Did you catch Richard at Luminato's Mind Over Matter?  There's still time!

David Copperfield talks about Doug Henning

In his Reddit Q&A, David Copperfield answers the question "What is your favorite memory of Doug?"

Doug Henning opened a lot of doors for us in magic. He was someone I admired since I was a teenager. Amazing.

Read more.

[h/t: iTricks]

Seventeen secrets

Prior to Ring 17's annual banquet, this tweet came through the stream:

We have Seventeen Secrets to share at our Banquet on June 7th. Hope to see you there: bit.ly/nXk5mm
— Hat & Rabbit Club (@IBMring17) May 31, 2012

What could that possibly mean?


There was a good sized crowd at the banquet and I very much enjoyed the company at my table.  Paul Wildbaum did a wonderful job of entertaining us -- I always look forward to watching him perform!

Lifetime membership to the club was bestowed by Gordon Precious:

Congratulations to Sig Kusatz, our newest Lifetime Member.
— Hat & Rabbit Club (@IBMring17) June 8, 2012

Congratulations Sig!  Well deserved!

Apparently, this was also the 70th Anniversary of the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club!  Happy anniversary to us!

But what about the Seventeen Secrets?

Since last September, the executive complied secrets from the talent that had particpated in this year's calendar and published them under the title Seventeen Secrets*.  Here is the table of contents:

• James Alan - Psycho Psychometry
• James Biss - Password Projected
• Matthew DiSero - Hold the Prosciutto
• Richard Forget - Fear and Loathing in Hong Kong
• Murray Hatfield - Musical ESP
• Will Houstoun - Guestimation
• Joshua Jay - Inflated (Canadian) Transposition
• Michael Weber - Band-Aid
• Tyler Wilson - That's What Key Said

From James Alan:

There is a mix of tricks ranging from informal close up magic, to close up, parlour and stage material for formal performances. The tricks use cards, bills, iPads, and SpongeBob Band-Aids. (Seriously!) There are also true stories from life on the road with performing professionals. The material is eccentric, irreverent annotated with credits unusual and obscure.

The book is 8.5" x 5.5", 56 pages with photos, saddle sewn. It was printed in a limited edition of 100 numbered copies which are available for sale through the Hat & Rabbit Club.

The proceeds of the book are being put to good use. With the assistance of David Ben and Julie Eng at Magicana, we were able to acquire several sets of the Ibidem Reprints which were gifted to the junior members of the club so that they can spend the next several years devouring their contents and learning about Toronto's rich magic history. 

--
*Seventeen comes from IBM Ring 17. There aren't actually seventeen items in it. It just sounded nice.

I haven't read it cover to cover yet, but what I've read I've quite enjoyed!

Las Vegas: The Amaz!ng Meeting 2012

From The Amazing Meeting:

The Amaz!ng Meeting (TAM) is an annual celebration of science, skepticism and critical thinking. People from all over the world come TAM each year to share learning, laughs and the skeptical perspective with their fellow skeptics and a host of distinguished guest speakers and panelists. Make sure follow @jref on Twitter for the latest #TAM2012 news and announcements.

Read more.

This year offers a special presentation by Penn and Teller as well as appearances by magicians Max Maven, James Randi and Jamy Ian Swiss.

Banachek: prediction results and show reviews

From The Star:

The surprise retirement of I’ll Have Another was there. The out-of-the-blue bid for the 2024 Olympics was there. The story on gang violence? There. He even had the feature article on Australian Aboriginals.


Read more.

From Torontoist:

For someone who makes his living performing feats of mentalism (telepathy, psychokinesis, hypnotism, seances, and dermaoptics, a.k.a. “the magic of sensing without sight”), British-born performer Banachek’s entire backstory is pretty unique. And given that the audience at last night’s opening night show was not short on skeptics—a handful of whom we spoke to during intermission, or casually eavesdropped on, and a number of whom were volunteers on the stage itself—it is the highest praise to say the entire audience left looking absolutely baffled, but also delighted.

Read more.

From Mooney on Theatre:

A lot of people believe in telepathy, psychokinesis, past life regression and ghosts. These people go to a magic show ready and willing to believe. Others, like me, are skeptics who go simply for entertainment. Banachek’s The Alpha Project, playing as part of Luminato, is a great show for the latter. I suspect it might be a bit confusing for the former. For both kinds of people (and those in between) it’s still a fun night.

Read more.

Halifax: Norman Beck lecture

From the Conjurers Court:

Hi Folks,

Just a note to let you know that Norman Beck is confirmed and will be lecturing in Halifax on August 21.

It will be sometime in the evening – probably 7:00. 

Location, price and other particulars are yet to be determined but I’ll let you know as soon as the details are firm.

Read more.

Got Talent: second season

Because it's a FAQ:

#Rogers/City Upfront: execs at brekkie say future of #CanadasGotTalent up in the air; series not on today's 2012-13 schedule
— Bill Brioux (@BillBriouxTV) May 29, 2012

keywords: Canada's Got Talent auditions 2012

The top 100 most notable Montrealers

From the Montreal Gazette:

On Nov. 14, 1999, The Gazette published a list of more than 200 notable Montrealers who were felt to have had an impact on the city or who had made a major contribution to society while living and working here.

Readers were asked to make 10 choices and rank them. A first-place choice got 10 points, a second-place choice 9, and so on. From the more than 1,000 responses received, Gazette copy clerk Sherry Hattem and aide Marcia McInnis, with help from systems specialist Rob Ramsey, compiled the final tally of 100 notable Montrealers.

Read more.

Why are we mentioning this here?  Because representing magic, at number 87, is Tom Auburn!

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

From Abracadabaret:

At The Hamilton Fringe Festival and the Summerworks Theatre Festival (Toronto)

Magician James Alan in a new one-man show about what’s true and what isn’t.

What wouldn’t we give to know whether someone as telling the truth? What if someone told you he was lying, but you believed him anyway?

Read more.

Banacheck predicts Saturday's news

From the Toronto Star:

Renowned U.K. mentalist Banachek has written down a few predictions of what he believes will appear as headlines on the front page of the Saturday Star on June 9 and sealed them in a glass box on display in the front window of Kiehl’s, a cosmetic/beauty products store at 407 Queen St. W.

Read more.

[h/t: Sharing Wonder]

Toronto: An Evening with Eugene Burger

From Abracadabaret:

Friday, September 14, 2012
Venue: Toronto Centre for the Arts

Additional information coming soon.

Read more (and keep an eye out for updates to the site).

Banachek on the Morning Show

From Sharing Wonder:

Minds were blown when the world’s leading mentalist performed a feat on the hosts of Global Toronto’s The Morning Show. Watch him talk about his live show, The Alpha Project, featured in this year’s Luminato’s Mind Over Matter Magic Series.

Watch Banachek on The Morning Show

Read more.

Paul Pacific interviewed by Chris Beason

From Penguin Magic:

Paul Pacific is one of Canada's busiest mentalists. He performs his brand of mentalism at almost every kind of gig imaginable, and has a very engaging stage character.

I caught up with Paul to ask him a few questions about his work.

Read more.

Toronto: Jay Sankey lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, June 24

That’s right Jay will be giving a new Two Hour Magic Lecture.

And for the FIRST TWENTY people to buy a ticket your seat will be reserved closest to the front.

Jay will share a BIG BUNCH of stuff during the lecture at the Browser’s Den, including many impromptu effects requiring no set-ups or special props. In fact, over the past year, Jay’s been slowly combing through the many DVDs and books he’s released on the market, and ‘blowing the dust off’ a collection of impromptu effects he hasn’t performed in years. Jay’s also been developing new handlings and variations, many of which he will be sharing at the lecture.

Read more.

Toronto: Banacheck predicts

From Sharing Wonder:

Last night at Kiehl’s on Queen Street, world-famous mentalist, BANACHEK, was spotted sealing a prediction – now on display – of headline news from The Toronto Star which will be revealed June 9.

Read more.

Victoria: 2012 Tri - City 3 of Clubs Magic Convention

From the Victoria Magic Circle:

Tri - City 3 of Clubs Magic Convention
DATE: Fri Nov. 2 to Sunday Nov. 4
Friday - Vancouver Magic Allstars Show
Saturday - Gala Show
Sunday - Close up Show
plus Lectures, Dealers Room, Performances, and Lot's More!

Read more and register!

Talent listed on the site includes:

• Jon Armstrong
• Andrew Goldenhersh
• Murray Hatfield and Teresa
• with more to come!

Rounding the Western rings in June

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)	- David Acer lecture - Year end meeting
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Mike Caveney & Tina Lenert
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- David Acer lecture
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- Children's Magician Of The Year competition - David Acer lecture
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- David Acer lecture - Annual picnic

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

Rounding the Ontario rings in June

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

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Elections - Potluck / BBQ
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	-
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Potluck / BBQ
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Year End Party Pot-luck / Banquet
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	-
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- The Annual Banquet
Woodstock, ON	CAM 1 (Friendly City Mystics)	-

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in June

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

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- Annual magic show
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- N/A

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

The value of a quarter

A few days back, Michael Fisher tweeted about experience familiar to many:

lost my two headed quarter today. I've been flipping coins all morning!
— Captain Corbin (@AmazingCorbin) May 25, 2012

Evelyn Matlin caught my retweet of the situation and wrote up a fabulous post about her memorable experience with a gaffed coin, titled "Magicians! Just How Much Is A Quarter Worth?".   That could have been a very expensive mistake indeed!

Which brings us to our first poll:

Have you ever lost a gaffed coin?

New York: Bill Abbott lecture and workshop

From Tannen's:

Tuesday, June 12th, 2012

The Lecture Includes:
• 6 Complete Stand-Up Routines that feature General Magic, Geek Magic and Mentalism, are performed as a full show and then explained.
• The Theory of The Pack Smart Play Anywhere approach is discussed, examined and demonstrated during the performance.
• How to develop your own Pack Smart Play Anywhere Show to take with you on your next flight, throw into the glove box of your car or perform at your next paid function.
Read more.

Sunday, June 10th, 2012

Along with this workshop and some consistent practice you will be adding The Thing to your working repertoire sooner than you think. Whether The Thing is already part of your act and you want to improve or you want to start from scratch this workshop will have enough information and personal instruction to help you on your way. 

Read more.