Remembering

Added Lucien Boucher on February 23rd, 2013.

• Boucher, Lucien "Stephano" (1923 - 2012)
• Everett Andrews (1935 - 2012)
• Felsher, Steven ( -2012)
• Hooten, Cameron (1926-2012)
• Martineau, Francis  (1922-2012) 

Thank you ...

... to our readers, our fans, our followers, everyone who sends news our way, and last but not least, thank you to our sponsors (the next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!):

 

None of this would be possible without all of you!
 

 

Calgary: Call for magicians

From WowFest:

The inaugural WowFest Magic Arts Festival is now seeking performers for a slate of shows happening on Friday the 22nd, and Saturday, February 23rd, 2013.

The goal of the festival is to showcase magic in an ideal environment, covering all genres from close-up to parlour and stage. For magicians, this is an opportunity to aspire to new artistic heights, working under optimum settings to an enthusiastic audience of magic fans.

Read more and apply.
 

Deadline: January 4, 2013.

John McLachlan's new e-book

From the Ring 17 newsletter:

Lybrary.com has recently released a new eBook filled with stand up (no table) coin material from Toronto performers. The 112 page PDF includes twenty-five routines and sleights dealing exclusively with coins. Written by JohnMcLachlan, it includes contributions from:  

• James Alan
• Luis Castro
• Ariel Frailich
• Mysterion the Mind Reader
• David Peck and
• Phil Pivnick  

Read more.

Rayn interviewed on CP24

On YouTube, Arun Rayn being interviewed on CP 24, Hallowe'en 2012:





Part 2:

Greg Frewin in Embrace Niagara

From Embrace Niagara:

So, with the help of Greg’s expert hands, Dan and I went on a grand adventure of illusion. Our minds were blown.

The show is an entertaining mixture of magic, music and comedy. During the course of the performance, Dan and I kept looking at each other with our mouths firmly agape. The experience was literally jaw-dropping. Our rational brains couldn’t wrap around how he was carrying out these spectacular feats of illusion.

Read more.
 

The article goes on to describe the wonderful work Greg does with the local food bank and soup kitchen.  Those efforts are especially important at this time of year.

Keep up the great work, Greg!

Toronto: Tony Chang event

From Ben Train via The Browser's Den:

After spending FOUR YEARS trying to find a way to bring him in, Tony Chang, one of the best sleight of hand artists of our generation (and a super cool guy) is coming to Toronto to do a special event- “An Evening with Tony Chang”. This event is almost completely sold out, but don’t worry: if you want a chance to meet Tony and experience his magic you can do so FOR FREE this Saturday December 29th, at 3pm, only at the Browser’s Den!

That’s right! This Saturday, Tony Chang will be visiting the Browser’s Den of Magic to hang out, perform some tricks, and answer questions about how you can make your magic look, well, like real magic.

Read more to find out about the additional “Evening with” event.

David Peck and Matt DiSero in M-U-M

There's a nice write up by James Alan, of David Peck and Matt DiSero's show, "Mosquitoes Suck," in the December issue of M-U-M.

From Scribd:

Two Canadian magicians deliver a magic show that sucks...on purpose.

Three-hundred-fifty high school students from tendifferent schools filed into the auditorium at David SuzukiSecondary School for a new show that blends magic, comedy, and social justice:  Mosquitoes Suck . It was designed as a way to createawareness among youth about international and social justice andto offer them a call to action. The goal is to raise money for Spread the Net, which provides insecticide-treated bed nets that provide nighttime protection from mosquito bites. The show was written and created by David Peck and Matt DiSero.

Read more.

Houdini's 1896 Canadian tour

From John Cox at Wild About Houdini:

In The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini, author Bruce MacNab has combined his passions for Houdini and Maritimes history to create a book that is not only a terrific day by day account of Houdini's 1896 Canadian tour, but also a vivid snapshot of everyday life at the turn of the century. It really is one of the most remarkable books ever written about Houdini, as well as being a marvelous chronicle of what it was like to be a traveling magic troop in the 1890s.

Read more.

Niagara Talent Search 2013 Edition

From the Greg Frewin Theatre:

Niagara Talent Search 2013 Edition

Sunday Mar 03rd, 2013 to Wednesday Mar 06th, 2013

We're asking the Niagara Region if they have what it takes, and we're asking for your help! Some of the area’s most talented singers, dancers, bands and more will be performing in this amazing competition!

Read more and buy tickets.

Montreal: Holiday Magic on Ice at Atrium Le 1000!

From Atrium le 1000:

December 22, 2012 to January 6, 2013

Experience the Holiday Magic with Virginie the face painting artist, Patrick the Magician and our mascot Émile!
Read more.

[via: Perfect Magic]

Billy Kidd: Breaking Magic in Australia

From James Galea:

Apparently 'Breaking Magic', which will be called 'The Magic Of Science', will premiere in Australia in January... fb.me/2E1zG5DwS
— James Galea (@jamesgalea) December 18, 2012

The show originally aired in the US on Nov 11.  It features Wayne Houchin, our very own Billy Kidd, James Galea and Ben Hanlin.

Toronto: The Mark Lewis Magic Show -- extended

I've just learned from Mark Lewis that his run of "The Mark Lewis Magic Show" at the  Lower Ossington Theatre website, has been extended by popular demand to the end of January.

For more information, visit the Lower Ossington Theatre website or visit Ticketwise to purchase your tickets.

Toronto: Anthony Lindan lecture

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

Anthony Lindan Lecture

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Regarded as one of Canada’s leading corporate magicians, Anthony Lindan has been a full time working professional since 1997. Anthony performs both close-up and stand up magic at business and corporate event across Canada and the U.S.

Anthony’s original creations have been published in The Linking Ring magazine, Harry Lorayne's Apocalypse, Steve Beam’s Trap Door magazine and the Minotaur magazine.

Read more and buy tickets.

Keith Brown in the End of the World Project

Get yours now, before it's too late!

my friend Bizau put together a free ebook of magic. something of mine is in there: eotwproject.comIt's completely free!
— Keith Brown (@KeithHBrown) December 19, 2012

Spellbinder: The Wonder-Filled Life of Doug Henning

John Cox has a nice review of "Spellbinder: The Wonder-Filled Life of Doug Henning".  From Wild About Houdini:

I really think this book is essential reading for anyone interested in magic history. In fact, I'd even go as far to say that it's as important as The Memories of Robert-Houdin in understanding how a single magician advanced the art of magic from one golden age to another. I also applaud Harrison for his amazing research and for telling the story of Henning, who I don't think always gets the credit he deserves. I put Henning right up there with Houdin, Herrmann, and Houdini as one of the seminal figures in magic history. I think that will become more apparent with time.

Read more.

Port Coquitlam: Share the magic

From Gotta Be Magic:

It’s that time again! Get ready for the 3rd Annual production of  “SHARE the Magic”, the ONLY full length family magic show with proceeds going directly to the SHARE Food Bank. With the huge success of  ”SHARE the Magic” 2011, we are more than excited for this year’s show. Last year the Terry Fox Theatre was SOLD OUT and we raised over one thousand dollars and boxes upon boxes of food for SHARE during their high-need Christmas season.

“SHARE the Magic” 2012 will feature the amazing talents of Award Winning magicians Bruce Meyers, Zany Zack and Wes Barker as seen on Canada’s Got Talent!

Read more and buy tickets.
 

The show will be hosted by Alex Seaman.


[via: Shawn Farquhar]

Canada at Magi-Fest 2013

Updated at 8:32am to add info about Magic Mike and Sorcerers Safari!

We've got some talented peformers at Magi-Fest 2013!

Representing the Great White North will be:

• Ben Train
• Chris Mayhew
• and last but not least, the newest addition to the line-up is non other than Len Cooper Memorial award winner, Mahdi Gilbert!

In addition, Magic Mike Segal from Sorcerers Safari will be at the convention for their 10th year doing the youth activities.

They'll be a part of the international cast which includes Justin Willman, Dani DaOrtiz, John Archer, John Guastaferro, Troy Hooser, Justin Flom, Peter Pitchford, Simon Aronson, Scott Robinson, Simon Lovell, Tony Chang, Eric Jones and Kainoa Harbottle.

What a terrific line-up!

Are you going?

Update to the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site

From the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site curator:

Just in time for happy holiday reading, John Giordmaine Dot Com (www.johngiordmaine.com) - the online tribute to Canada's most beloved children's magician (1898-1974) - has added new pages. Highlights include rare photos of Doug Henning accepting the first ever SCM John Giordmaine Award in 1980; a review of an insightful television profile of Johnny from the late 1960s; and - in time to commemorate Genii's 75th anniversary - an outstanding Genii cover featuring Johnny in 1964 along with a warm appreciation written by its then editor/publisher Bill Larsen, Jr. (Genii's current editor/publisher Richard Kaufman was kind enough to give his permission for the reproductions). Of course readers with recollections of Johnny are always welcome to share; contact information is on the site - which now consists of over 36 pages of photos and text dedicated to preserving the memory of one of this country's finest magicians.

James Randi with a Mayan calendar

A 2013 Mayan calendar.

View on imgur.com

United Kingdom: Bill Abbott's Pack Smart Play Anywhere lecture

We'd previously reported that Bill Abbott will be will be presenting at The Session, the UK's only close-up magic convention, in January 2013.  I've just learned he'll also be lecturing through the UK as well.

From Bill Abbott:

PACK SMART PLAY ANYWHERE LECTURE TOUR 2013!

 

The new Pack Smart Play Anywhere lecture is heading to the UK for the month of January.  This will inevitably be the first and likely the last time to see this lecture in the United Kingdom.  Here are the dates & locations.

• Sunday Jan. 6th Derbyshire, High Peak Magician's Society, Buckingham Hotel
• Monday Jan. 7th Portsmouth, Portsmouth 7 District Magic Circle, Buckland Community Centre
• Tuesday Jan. 8th Dorset, Wessex Magic Association, Bourne Valley Comm. Association
• Wednesday Jan. 9th West Midlands, Wolverhampton Magic Circle, West End Working Men's Club
• Thursday Jan.10th Leatherhead, Surrey Society of Magicians, Bookham Grange Hotel
• Saturday & Sunday Jan.12-13th the Session Convention, Thistle Hotel Gloucester Road
• Monday Jan.14th Manchester Circle of Magicians, Salford Masonic Hall
• Tuesday Jan. 15th Blackpool Magician's Club, Blackpool Magician's Theatre Club, North Shore
• Wednesday Jan. 16th Hull Magicians Circle, Sailmakers Arms
• Thursday Jan. 17th Nottingham Guild of Magicians, The Arts Centre, Ponds Hill Lane
• Sunday Jan. 20th Scottish Lecture Myreside Pavillion, 79 Myreside Road, Edinburgh contact Gary Dunn
• Tuesday Jan. 22nd British Magical Society, The Selly Oak Ex-Servicemen's Club, Birmingham
• Wednesday Jan. 23rd Leamington & Warwick Magic Society, Cubbington Sport & Social Club
• Thursday Jan. 24th Exonian Magic Society, Exeter CVS Centre

THE PACK SMART PLAY ANYWHERE LECTURE DETAILS

• 5 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.
• The Pack Smart Play Anywhere material is exclusively a lecture experience. The products, routines and props that will be presented, demonstrated and for sale during the lecture are not and will not be available anywhere or anytime else.

 

Tony Eng Youth Fund website

From Sharing Wonder:

In 2008, Magicana created the Tony Eng Youth Fund program in memory of Tony Eng (1946 – 2008). Its main goal is to promote and support youths as they pursue the art of magic.

Over the years, the fund has evolved to accomodate the needs of young magicians, from funding convention registrations, to covering lecture costs and mentorship programs. Like Tony, the fund strives to promote and encourage magic-mad youths by providing bursaries and scholarships in the pursuit of magic.

And so, without further ado, we are thrilled to present our new TEYF website: teyf.magicana.com The new site includes:

• A blog that focuses on TEYF news and events;
• A page that honours past TEYF winners through the years; and
• A programs page to keep you up to date to our current programming and challenges!

Feel free to explore and visit our new site and tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Read more and leave your comments at the Sharing Wonder site.

 

This was cross-posted with permission from Julie Eng.

Doug Henning

We've had a lot of Doug Henning related anniversaries come through our calendar this month!

John Cox has a great post up commemorating the 35th anniversary of Doug's third live "World of Magic" television special on NBC.
 
From Wild About Houdini:

It was 35 years today ago on December 15, 1977, that NBC aired Doug Henning's third live "World of Magic" television special. Having performed the Chinese Water Torture Cell and Vanishing Elephant on his first two specials, Henning once again built his show around a Houdini classic -- Walking Through A Brick Wall.

Read more.
 

And for your viewing pleasure, two YouTube videos recently posted at iTricks:

"Here we are!" with Bill Abbott at Morrissey Magic

Those of you who have seen the TV show This Is Daniel Cook, will instantly recognize "Here we are!" as Daniel's opening line.  I'll admit to seeing many an episode.  However, I haven't seen "This is Daniel Cook doing magic."

Watch the YouTube video of Bill Abbott (and Chico) thoroughly entertaining the young host of the show:




[via: Morrissey Magic]

Review: Jason Palter lecture

From The Browser's Den blog:

Jason is a professional's professional. On a grey, dull overcast afternoon in early December he presented two solid hours of his latest innovative tricks and ideas with much energy, enthusiasm and humour. You can't help liking the guy. And that's perhaps the greatest secret of magic that he shared with us - performance is everything. Anybody can do tricks but not everyone can do magic.

Read more.

Mahdi Gilbert: recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award

Belated congratulations to Mahdi Gilbert, who received the Len Cooper Memorial Award last month at the Browser's Den anniversary party!

Well done Mahdi!


--

Jeff has a new blog at the Browser's Den webiste.  If you haven't already, update your RSS feed to keep up with Jeff's new posts!  (Warning: some posts contain mentions of Sweater Vests.)

St. Catharines: Alex Kazam

From Alex Kazam's Facebook page:

21 December 2012

Where will you be the day the world end?
Join us for a post-apocalyptic styled show.
Featuring an odd collection of chicanery, and drama.
We'll bring you a true vaudeville styled evening spiced with a dash of DEAD.

(UN)LIVE MUSIC from Bella Muerta
& Mike Jewell
Mind-Bending Mentalism
DrEADful Juggling
Paranormal Affairs
Misconceived Magic
Hypnotizing Hypnotists
HOSTED BY ALEX KAZAM

Read more and buy tickets.

Breaking news from Wayne Houchin

From Wayne:

I've just been informed that Franklin Barazarte has been taken into custody in Santo Domingo.
— Wayne Houchin (@WayneHouchin) December 11, 2012

Reminder: Donations can be made to assist Wayne through either Paul Harris' Matical Arts Fund or through the Acacdamy of Magical Arts.

Toronto: David Merry lecture

From Morrissey Magic:

January 6 2013

David Merry (warning: sound) is not only an accomplished magician, he’s also a fantastic comedian, seamlessly blending the two together into one fantastic show.  

After David’s One Man show, “DON’T PANIC REMAIN.COM” The Toronto Star quoted, “It’s like watching Steven Wright doing Magic Tricks on Shutter Island” 

The lecture will focus on topics such as:performing; how to come up with ideas and gags; how to build them up and add them to your show; what makes a good joke; how to write and add comedy to your act; and the importance of originality. In other words, David will be sharing the REAL SECRETS to take your act to the next level.

Read more and purchase tickets.

Great news from Wayne Houchin

From Wayne himself:

Home.
— Wayne Houchin (@WayneHouchin) December 10, 2012

Reminder: Donations can be made to assist Wayne through either Paul Harris' Matical Arts Fund or through the Acacdamy of Magical Arts.
 

 

James Jordan interviewed by Joel Dryden

Watch on YouTube, James Jordan talks about magic and about his Garden Variety Show interviewed to Joel Dryden of the Calgary Journal.

Arun Rayn on CP24

Watch this YouTube video of Arun Rayn performing on CP 24:

Gwyn Auger in Vanish magazine

Check out the article by Gwyn Auger in the Dec 2012 / Jan 2013 edition of Vanish International Magic Magazine.  Gwyn's article starts at page 80.  It looks like Gwyn will be starting a feature on  assistants.  When you're flipping through the magazine, you may also see an ad from one of our sponsors on page 57!

Trevor Moore on the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation Christmas Telethon

Watch on YouTube, Trevor Moore's appearance on the 16th Annual Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation Christmas Telethon, December 2, 2012.

Lee Asher on The Magic Broadcast

Updated Dec 6 at 4:16pm EST to add:

Miss the live show today? No worries, the archive of @leeashermagic 's interview is now available: bit.ly/VKAewd
— TheMagicBroadcast (@MagicBroadcast) December 6, 2012

Listen to Lee Asher recap the Curiosidades tour at noon PDT on TheMagicBroadcast.com.

RT @magicbroadcast: Lilsten to @leeashermagic tomorrow (Thu 6th) at 12noon PDT recap the Curiosidades tour on TheMagicBroadcast.com
— Steve Johnson (@Grand_Illusions) December 5, 2012

Update on the Wayne Houchin story

Reminder: Donations can be made to assist Wayne through either Paul Harris' Matical Arts Fund or through the Acacdamy of Magical Arts.

This was sent to me last night from Clara Coto-Shepardson, Executive Producer of the Curiosidades Show:

Franklin Barazarte, TV host who set magician Wayne Houchin on fire, is now officially a fugitive of the law.
 

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - December 5th, 2012 - At 10am (AST), American magician Wayne Houchin held a press conference with his lawyers at the Renaissance Jaragua Hotel in response to Franklin Barazarte fleeing the Dominican Republic. While it's unclear how Mr. Barazarte avoided capture with an active criminal warrant out for his arrest, he managed to travel to New York city to be with his wife Adriana Azzi. As a result of ignoring serious charges, he's now officially considered a fugitive of Dominican law.
 

Houchin and his lawyers have asked the United States to arrest and extradite Barazarte to the Dominican Republic, to face prosecution for his crimes as well as civil litigation. Houchin and his lawyers said Barazarte's actions were completely unexpected, and consider it a criminal attack.
 

Last night, in an exclusive interview with Univision (New York), Franklin Barazarte surfaced from hiding to respond to allegations of attempted murder. He referred to his act of pouring flaming liquid on someone as "a blessing" which was something he'd done for a "long time in private." While he casually admits it was an "accident gone wrong," Mr. Barazarte goes on at length to explain how he feels hurt by all the "propaganda" surrounding this case, and the insinuation that he's even considered a criminal. Barazarte also discounts the gravity of Houchin's injuries by mentioning that Houchin "left the clinic the same day."
 

Meanwhile,  Houchin is still in the Dominican Republic and recuperating slowly. Riddled with 1st and 2nd degree burns on his head, face, ears, neck and right hand, he hopes to return home to Chico, California soon.
 

An Iphone clip, taken by a member of the group of magicians Houchin worked with has gone viral on the Internet. It clearly shows Barazarte intentionally setting the American magician ablaze. The later part of the clip shows Houchin in shock on the ground, paralyzed with pain.
 

- - - - 

Univision coverage of the 12.5.2012 Press Conference:

http://noticias.univision.com/primer-impacto/videos/video/2012-12-05/republica-dominicana-mago-llamas-television-fire?ftloc=channel1513:wcmWidgetUimStage&ftpos=channel1513:wcmWidgetUimStage:2

(cut and paste if not clickable)
 

Reminder: Donations can be made to assist Wayne through either Paul Harris' Matical Arts Fund or through the Acacdamy of Magical Arts. 

 

 

 

Harry Houdini in Vancouver

Harry Houdini performing outside the Sun building on Pender in 1929. #vancouver #history instagr.am/p/Sw0sEEh3tJ/
— Nine O'Clock Gun (@nineoclockgun) December 3, 2012

[via: MagicPedia]

Magic 'n Miracles: Fabulous!

Kidlet and I caught day one of Murray Hatfield's Magic 'n Miracles tour and had a fabulous time at the show!  (Unfortunately, due to unexpected scheduling issues on our part, we were only able to see the last half of the show.  I imagine that I'd be saying it was a super fabulous time, had we been able to see it from the start!)

In addition to Murray's wonderful magic, Michael Goudeau's impressive juggling, and the delightful work of Miles Meechan and Magdalaina Tamasik, I was tickled to see Billy Hsueh on stage!  Billy was taking advantage of Murray's offer to bring a young magician with him on tour.  I first had the pleasure of meeting Billy at Sorcerers Safari magic camp a couple of summers ago.  I'm sure Billy is learning an incredible amount on this tour!

The show was expertly produced by Steven Kline.  I was delighted he had the time and energy to have a quick chat with us when all was said and done!  Equally delightful was a chance encounter with Julie Eng and Suley Fattah, who were also in attendance.

I encourage you to catch the show and support a good cause in the process!


P.S.: Next time you see any of the people involved in the show, be sure to ask them about the pre-show smoke alarm!

Billy Kidd vs tough guys

From the Discovery Channel Website:




[via: Sheldon Casavant]

Bobby Motta's Mental in SNAP

From SNAP Vaughan East:

Dave & Buster’s is known for bringing world-class talents to Vaughan, and the recent shows put on by Toronto-based illusionist Bobby Motta were no exception. Motta’s show MENTAL was a two hour mind-bending experience that left more than one audience members amazed as they walked out of the Show Room. 

Read more.

Mike D'Urzo on OMNI TV

Magician Mike D'Urzo on OMNI TV from earlier this year.  Bits of it are in English, but you'll get the most out of the clip if you understand Italian.

New Westminster: David Merry lecture

From SAM 95:

Monday, January 28, 2013

When it comes to the field of magic, David has been asked to perform at some of the most prestigious magic events in the world for his peers.

Read more.

Rounding the Western rings in December

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)	- n/a
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- n/a
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- n/a
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- n/a
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- n/a

 
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, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Christmas party
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- magic auction
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- n/a
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Christmas party
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- n/a
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Brower's Den visit
Woodstock, ON	CAM 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, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- Christmas gift exchange
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- n/a