Request for examples of magic benevolence

Updated on February the 8th to include link to Sharing Wonder post.

Do you, your magic club or other magic-related organization do wonderful things for your community?

In the December issue of IBM's publication, The Linking Ring (v92, #12), Dennis Schick wrote "The Benevolence of Magic" (page 56).  The focus of the article was examples of the magic community contributing to charitable causes and included a wonderful write-up of Canada's own Magicana for it's My Magic Hands, Senior Sorcery and Tony Eng Youth Fund initiatives.  Read more about these programs at Magicana's blog, Sharing Wonder.

Below is an excerpt from an e-mail Dennis recently sent me:

But we had so many projects come up at the last minute, that we had to plan on a second article, later this Spring. So now I am looking for any other good examples of magic benevolence, whether by individuals (performing in hospitals), local clubs (raising funds for some good cause), or conventions (raising funds for a hunger drive).

I invite anyone with any ideas of examples they would like to tell me about, to write to me: crylds [at] att [dot] net. I am a member of Ring 29 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  [Weird e-mail formatting by Canada's Magic to discourage e-mail harvesters.]

Thank you for your consideration.

Now I'll disappear.  POOF!

Dennis Schick
The Linking Ring, Associate Editor
International Brotherhood of Magicians
 

Feel free to post examples of your magical good deeds in the comments below, and be sure to e-mail Dennis directly!

Congratulations to Lorena Watters

From Trevor Watters and Lorena's Facebook page:

Just got awarded "Lottie Hemeon Award for Best Assistant" by the SAM last night!
Read more.
 

Congratulations Lorena!

A warm thank you

A warm and heartfelt thank you, for the generous support from our sponsors, Doug Cuff at Magic Information Canada, Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist, and Ryan Pilling who is busy getting everything ready for Wowfest!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

David Peck's 9 tips for a tighter talk

From the Toronto Star:

Are you one of those people like me that beams with excitement when you hit the stage or glows when someone puts a microphone in front of us? No. Well if it's no, then you're in the majority. Fortunately, change guru David Peck has 9 Tips for you.  

Read more and watch the video.

Billy Kidd's international press on The Magic of Science

From Focus Taiwan:

Taipei, Jan. 25 (CNA) Canadian magician Billy Kidd astounded a Taipei audience Friday with a routine of science-based tricks during an event to promote a new TV series that purports to "fuse science with magic."

Kidd demonstrated several routines, including how to pick up a glass full of rice with a knife and command a straw to spin, to the awe of some 300 magic fans and children.
Read more.

From Rappler:

MANILA, Philippines - Female magicians are a rare species. Gorgeous Canadian half-Pinay magicians are even rarer.

But that’s precisely who Gia Anne-Marie Felicitas aka “Billy Kidd” is.

If I hadn’t been told she was a magician, I would not have suspected it. With her Eurasian features (that would not look out of place on a magazine cover), her edgy jet black bob, and black Doc Martens, Billy Kidd looked like some artsy chick at best.

But her large eyes that glinted with mischief told all.

The 30-year-old illusionist was in Manila last January 23 for the launch of her new show on Discovery Channel, “The Magic of Science.” The 9-part series follows Billy and 3 other (hot) young magicians as they perform street magic in New York, Warsaw, and London.

Read more.

Edmonton: Stand up for hunger on Feb 2nd

From Andrew Rufiange's Twitter feed:

facebook.com/events/4433505… Stand up hunger event featuring comedian's and magician Andrew Rufiange
— Andrew Rufiange (@RuFiange_Magic) January 26, 2013

CAM Magician of the Year: Vote early, vote often!

Well, maybe not often...

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

It’s that time of the year to nominate your favourite Canadian magician for the most prestigious award we offer. We are using a new system to tabulate results and in fact you can nominate two magicians. In your email box you should have a notice from BallotBin giving you a unique link to vote and instruction to do so before February 28, 2013. Once all nominations have been tabulated the four top finalist will be named and we will once again vote to find the 2013 winner.

Read more.

Montreal: Camirand Magic Courses

From Camirand Magic:

Basic Course, Level 1: starts Tuesday April 2th 2013.
Camirand Academy of Magic level 1 course is designed for those interested in magic and want to learn the methods of the professional even if this is not their goal to make a living in magic.

Read more.
 

Stage Course: Starts Wedneday April 3rd 2013.

This 30 hour course is open to students from the Basic Course Level One. This is magic on stage using dexterity with day to day objects. Each course as a theme and the full three hours are dedicated to a complete stage routine. Some of the themes included Card Productions, Balls Productions, Basic Mental Routines, Egg Bag, Floathing Ball, and other classics. These courses deal with theatrical aspect of performance, scenario, moving on stage, sound systems, lighthing and other aspect of the magic on stage.

Read more. | En français suivez ce lien.
 

[via: Magic Information Canada]

Toronto: Roy Kuepper's at Browser's Den

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

FREE…ROY KUEPPERS'S VISIT TO SHOP, SUNDAY, MARCH 10 - We will have full details about this SPECIAL DAY over the next couple of weeks. In the mean time we wanted to let you know as we hope that you will mark this on your...cellphone, smartphone, desktop computer, laptop computer, calendar, washroom wall or even on your hand!!! THAT.... ROY KUEPPERS, the man who makes all of the Canadian Gimmicked Coins, will be making a Special Visit to our shop on SUNDAY, MARCH 10. He will be at Browser's Den for the afternoon .

Read more.

Update from Magifest

From Aaron DeLong's Twitter feed:

Madhi Gilbert just got a standing ovation from 500 magicians. Simply inspiring how magical this young man is. @magifest
— Aaron DeLong (@AaronDeLong) January 25, 2013

Way to go Mahdi!

Calgary: WowFest

Updated on Sat. Jan 26 to add info from MetroNews.ca

Calgary's first ever Magic Festival, WowFest, will be happening on Saturday February 23rd, 2013!  The day includes a Family Fun Magic Show, a concert of Close-Up Wonders and a Stage Magic Gala.

From MetroNews.ca:

WowFest is the brainchild of Calgary magician Ryan Pilling, who said he’s been wanting to create such an event since 2007 when he hosted a conference for magicians.

Pilling, a magician for 15 years, was able to get the concept off the ground after receiving a grant from Calgary 2012, allowing him to invite nearly a dozen performers.

“It’s going to be one day full of magic,” he said, adding most of the magicians are from the Calgary area, although one performer is flying in from Texas and another hails from Japan.
Read more.

Read more about WowFest and buy tickets!


To show your support for WowFest:

• If you live in or near Calgary, be sure to buy tickets and attend the shows!
• If you haven't already, go and "like" the WowFest Facebook page and then go to the WowFest website to subscribe to the project's newsletter.
• Consider being a programme sponsor.
• Donate via IndieGoGo (Ryan's offering up a wonderful assortment of magical goodies in exchange for your financial support!)

Toronto: Bobby Motta's Head Games

From Bobby Motta's website:

Bobby Motta, the man the New York Times calls “one of the top mentalists on the planet,” is set to stun Toronto with a darkly devised, edge-of-your-seat mind reading performance that will leave you gobsmacked. His new show Head Games rides the twists and turns of the human psyche like a roller-coaster off the rails, and makes you question whether what youʼre seeing and hearing is real or only imagined.

Read more and buy tickets.

When & Where:

Jan        25   Dave & Buster’s (Vaughan)
Jan        30    Annex Live (Toronto)
Feb         1   Dave & Buster’s (Vaughan)
Feb         8   Dave & Buster’s (Vaughan)
Feb        13    Annex Live (Toronto)
Feb        15  Dave & Buster’s (Vaughan)
Feb        22  Dave & Buster’s (Vaughan)
Feb        27    Annex Live (Toronto)

Kickstart An Honest Liar

Updated February 1st to let you know that the project has passed its funding goal!

Almost one year ago, we posted about the production of the documentary An Honest Liar: The Amazing Randi Story.  Earlier this month, iTricks posted that there is now a Kickstarter project to raise funds to finish the film.

Watch Justin Weinstein and Tyler Measom's message:




For more information and donate, visit the Kickstarter project for An Honest Liar: The Amazing Randi Story.

Ajax: Alex Kazam opening for Dave Curran

From Alex Kazam's Twitter feed:

Alex Kazam will be opening for Dave Curran - A Real Dirty Hypnotist, Canada's Bad Boy of Hypnosis, this Friday,... fb.me/1ikgDJIYw
— Alex Kazam (@wittymagic) January 23, 2013

Review: Anthony Lindan lecture

From The Browser's Den blog:

Successful corporate events magician Anthony Lindan was once on the road preparing for a client's show when he found that he was missing a key effect in his act. He immediately put in an emergency call to The Browser's Den of Magic and Jeff Pinsky got the trick out to him pronto. "That's why it's important to support brick and mortar magic shops like The Browser's Den" said Anthony during the opening of his recent well-received lecture.

Read more.

Gregory Bracco's Magical Journeys

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

My name is Gregory Bracco and I am a CAM member living in South Korea. After putting my name on the volunteer list to help CAM I was asked if I could write a series of articles or postings on the website. Of course, I jumped at the chance because I thought it would be a great way for me to give a little back to the magic community that has, over the years, brought so much joy and excitement into my life.

Read more.

Ball Vase: Do you see who I see?

Watch on YouTube, "The Most Inspirational Video on the Internet" (or more accurately titled by the folks at iTricks as "Highlight Reel of Kids, Adults, Professionals & Amateurs Performing the Same Dang Plastic Ball Vase Trick") and let me know if you recognize anybody at the 50 second mark:




Interestingly, the Browser's Den footage above looks like it was specifically edited to remove reference to the The Den's website after being taken from this Ball Vase video (about 7 sec in) from the Browser's YouTube channel:




[via: iTricks]

Matt DiSero interviewed by David Peck on Face to Face

From David Peck Live:

Living in Toronto, Canada, Comedy Magician Matthew DiSero has opened shows for greats such as Drew Carey and Jerry Seinfeld and performs everywhere from Trump’s Marina Casino in Atlantic City to corporate events in Tokyo.

Read more and listen to the podcast.

Chatham: AbraKIDabra with Peter Mennie

From Chatham Capitol Theatre:

Peter Mennie's AbraKIDabra is an hilarious comic blend of squeaky-clean audience participation magic and illusion, ridiculously silly kid oriented visual antics and trendy grown-up comic observations sharpened over 40 years on 1000's of stages across Canada, U.S. and the Caribbean.

Read more and buy tickets.

Marien and Jeff Hopman: Busking for hunger

From the Chatham Daily News:

A Chatham father and son are gearing up to "busk for hunger '' across Chatham-Kent this month.

Retired life insurance salesman Marien Hopman and his son, Jeff, will set out Jan. 18 on a cross-county tour to raise money for Chatham Outreach for Hunger.

"We plan to visit four towns in the municipality with no money in our pockets and will only be working on faith and the good will of the people,'' said Marien Hopman, who is also a long-time magician-entertainer.

Read more.

[via: CAM]

Mike D'Urzo in The Aurora

From The Aurora:

The main event of the evening was some amazing magical entertainment by the very talented Mike D'urzo. He wowed the crowd with some incredible tricks on stage, making tables float and turning fruit into money. He continued the show all night, long moving through the crowd with some great tricks up his sleeve.

Read more.

I.B.M. EDF to sponsor a youth to attend Sorcerers Safari

From the IBM Convention Facebook Page:

The I.B.M. Endowment and Development Fund (EDF) has agreed to sponsor one lucky I.B.M. youth to attend the Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp in Canada this year (the end of August). Stay tuned for more information on this event and how you can enter to qualify.

Read more.
 

From Shawn Farquhar on the Sorcerers Safari Facebook Page:

IBM just voted to sponsor a scholarship to Camp, more news to follow on how to apply. SAM assembly #95 just voted to partially sponsor a kid to camp too. Oh this years going to be the best year EVER...

Read more.

Toronto: Art Fusion open space for collectives to jam

From the Art Fusion Facebook page:

Saturday January 19th www.artfusioncollectives.com **if you want to perform, please communicate with Lisa https://www.facebook.com/lisa.chessari - The event will be broadcasted live by WHERE IT'S AT! TV www.whereitsattv.com - DRESS CODE: you are encouraged to show off your **ART FUSION RADICAL OUTFIT** - All performers must be at the venue by 7pm – 5 stages are set up to accommodate all performances. -

Read more.


[via: James Alan]

Canadian premiere of Magic Camp (the movie)

Can't wait for our Canadian Premiere @tiff_net. Screening at 12 + 3pm at TIFF's annual Family Day. Screenings are FREE! tiff.net/filmsandschedu…
— Magic Camp (@MagicCampMovie) January 8, 2013

For more information, visit the Magic Camp Movie website.

Sorcerers Safari 2013 dates announced

From the Sorcerers Safari website:

We are accepting Camper/CIT registration forms for Magic Camp 2013. Sorcerers Safari will run for a week from Tuesday August 27th through Sunday September 1st, 2013.

Read more.
 

Remember the fun of 2011's first ever Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp lip dub?  Check out this past season's YouTube video, Magic Camp Card Trick:

Vancouver: David Merry with Derek Sweet and Darcy Michael

From Tickets Tonight:

January 17 - January 19
Yuk Yuk's Vancouver
David Merry's background in entertainment started as the lead role in a grade four production of "Bartholomew and the Oobleck" at Bedford Park School in Toronto. His next step was behind the scenes as stagehand in a grade eight play at Crescent School. He developed a great interest in magic at the age of thirteen and performed his first magic show at a family friend's birthday on April fools day 1976

Read more.

Toronto: Anastasia Synn

From Morrissey Magic's Facebook page:

Anastasia Synn in the house this Tuesday 11am to 2pm.
Read more.

Williamsburg: Circus Magic Convention

From Ron Guttman on the Ring 17 Facebook page:

Steve Kissell sent this invitation to the Circus Magic Convention coming up in February.

We are extending a complimentary registration of $100 US to our Canadian friends if they can attend www.CircusMagicConvention.com in Williamsburg, VA February 22-24, 2013. Our theme this year is All The World Loves A Puppet. Hope you can attend!

Read more.

Calgary: David Ben at The Walrus Talks

From Sharing Wonder:

We are delighted to announce that David Ben is presenting a unique speech for the The Walrus Talks Performance on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, 7:30 PM, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, Alberta.

The Walrus Talks Performance at High Performance Rodeo promises eighty minutes of lively, thought-provoking presentations from eight diverse individuals including our Artistic Director, David Ben.

Read more.

Rob Testa reviews Ninety Nine Fabrications

From iTunes:

Powerful stuff man.

Read more.
 

Don't believe him? Read "Ninety-Nine Fabrications Vol. I The Collected Reports of the P. Howard Lyons Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians" for yourself.

Definitely the weirdest thing I've ever published... but so proud bit.ly/S3uJM2 #Ring99 w/ @doc_sammy
— James Alan (@james_alan) January 1, 2013

And our insane (literally) #Ring99 download is now also available on #Kobo: bit.ly/VupVMf
— James Alan (@james_alan) January 2, 2013

Vancouver: David Merry at SAM95's annual dinner

From SAM 95:

Friday January 25, 2013

MC and Host: Shawn Farquhar
Headliner: David Merry

Read more.

Edmonton: Richard Osterlind lecture

From Magic Information Canada:

Edmonton, AB: Saturday, February 2

Richard Osterlind. Magic lecture.

Where: Best Western Cedar Park Inn, 5116 Gateway Boulevard (at Calgary Trail NW), Edmonton.

Contact: Kent Wong

Read more.

TEYF Magi-fest 2010 scholarship winner

From the Tony Eng Youth Fund:

We deliberated arduously over the holidays, but judges have emerged with a winner for the Magi-Fest Youth Scholarship 2013.

Read more to find out who won.

Kickstarter: Where the magic happens

Updated February 1st to let you know that the project has passed its funding goal!

Jon Paris thought our readers might like to get involved in supporting the post-production costs of "Where the magic happens: A new documentary by Subjective Films."

From iTricks:

A new look into some of the most interesting magic stories on the planet might never reach a screen near you unless they get a little help. Subjective Films is asking for $30,000 in post-production costs so they can edit together footage of Jon Armstrong, Lance Burton, Mac King, Max Maven and Jan Rouven as well as many other boldface names around The Magic Castle and Las Vegas.

Read more.
 

Pledge gifts include Magic Castle playing cards, a pre-release DVD, a limited number of tickets for a tour of the Magic Castle with Max Maven and a one-on-one magic lesson with Jon Armstrong!

For more information, or to donate, please visit the Subjective Films Kickstarter page.

Thanks for sending this along, Jon!

Toronto: Shane Cobalt lecture

From The Browser's Den:

Shane Cobalt Lecture at the Browser's Den of Magic

Sunday February 17th, 2013

Folks…This is going to be good! Shane is one of the premiere close-up magicians in Canada.

Shane will take you into the inner-workings of tricks that only a serious student of magic such as he is can discover.  Lots of tricks with superb explanations.

Read more and buy tickets.

Show your support for WowFest

Back in October we first heard the news about Ryan Pilling's idea for Wowfest -- a Magic Arts Festival that he'd like to launch in Calgary.  In November he shared the exciting news that he received funding for the project!  (Listen to Ryan interviewed on CBC's The Homestretch, talking about WowFest.)

Like all grassroots projects, they are happy to receive any support you can offer!  Want to help, but don't know how?  Consider these options:

• Do you live in or near Calgary, be sure to buy tickets and attend the shows!
• If you haven't already, go and "like" the WowFest Facebook page and then go to the WowFest website to subscribe to the project's newsletter.
• Consider being a programme sponsor.
• Donate via IndieGoGo (Ryan's offering up a wonderful assortment of magical goodies in exchange for your financial support!)

Ryan is a strong supporter of the Canadian magic community.  (He's also a sponsor of this website!)  Let's all show him some generosity back!

Rounding the Western rings in January

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 - Garden Variety Show
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- n/a
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- n/a
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- David Merry lecture (warning: sound)
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- David Merry lecture (warning: sound) - Magic dinner show live
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 January

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

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Magic by Pavel
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- New trick night
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- n/a
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Business meeting - Magic flea market - Something new
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Used magic auction
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 January

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

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- TBA
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- n/a

Toronto: Bobby Motta Free Show and Dealer Demo

From The Browser's Den:

Bobby Motta Free Show and Dealer Demo

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd
Where:  Browser's Den of Magic

You and any friends are invited to attend at no charge a FREE performance by magician BOBBY MOTTA at our shop on the date above.

Toronto Illusionist, Toronto Street Magician, or just simply “Magician” are some of the names that people have used to describe him.

Read more.

Oakville: David Peck at TEDxSixteenMileCreek

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Speaking at a TedX next Saturday on Wonder. Hope you can make it. tedx16milecreek.com/#!schedule/cee5 #Ted #Wonder #Change
— David Peck (@davidpecklive) January 3, 2013

Day 365 of Eric Leclerc's Project 365

In September of 2012, Eric Leclerc travelled to India for a magic festival. He video documented his experience and edited it together for his final video in his LeCleric Show Project 365.

Watch The Magic of India on YouTube.

Toronto: Free One Hour Adult Classes

From the Browser's Den:

Free One Hour Adult Classes With Jeff Pinsky

I have decided to offer a SERIES of FREE one hour classes come the new year. I believe that one hour is a good length. Over the years I have found that once a class of instruction goes over one hour in length people tend to forget what they have learned by the time they get home.

Below is a list of the dates and topics. I sincerely hope that they will be of interest to you.   Should I find that attendance is good I will put together another series for your consideration.

Read more.
 

Topics include:

• Okito coin box
• Sponge balls
• Signed card to pocket and
• Coins through table 

The Amazing Kreskin on Fox News

From The Amazing Kreskin:

Watch Foxnews.com - Lauren Green streaming live with "Yours Truly" onFriday - Jan. 4th, 2013 at 12:30 pmfoxnews.com
— The Amazing Kreskin (@Kreskin) January 3, 2013

Toronto: Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks

James Alan is back!

From Abracadabaret:

Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks in Toronto
Date: Friday, January 18, 2013
Venue: Winchester Kitchen - 51A Winchester Street
(Carleton & Parliament) Time: 8:00pm

Read more and buy tickets.

Remembering Len Cooper

Jeff Pinsky has as nice anectdote up about he founder of the Browser's Den, Len Cooper.  From the Browser's Den blog:

Some of you may wonder what in the world is the connection between Albert Goshman, Johnny Carson and the founder of the Browser's Den, Len Cooper.

Len and Bernice Cooper started a family once they got married. And as many find out, the irregular income of a professional entertainer often does not mesh very well with having three growing children to take care of.

So Len gave up his comedy magic act. And for 20 years he owned and operated a record shop in New York.

Read more.

Murray Sawchuck: Hallmark Channel

From iTricks:

Murray Sawchuck will appear on the Hallmark Channel’s morning show Home and Family January 2nd.

Read more.

Murray Hatfield: Big announcement

Breaking news:  Murray Hatfield and Teresa are working on their biggest production yet!

Read more at Murray's Facebook page.

Congratulations!!!!



[via: Randy Burtis]

Happy New Year!

Wishing you and yours, a healthy and happy 2013!