Saint Catharines: Alex Kazam in Triple Threat

From the Triple Threat Facebook page:

Thursday, 7 March 2013

It's time we did another show, don't you think?!?

The line up is simple.

• Bella Muerta.
• Alex Kazam.
• Danny Zzzz.

Join us for an evening of music, comedy and LOTS of magic!

The evening will feature Non-offensive\Clean Content.  

Read more.

Toronto: Magic auction

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013
At ‘Browser’s Den of Magic’
Cost to Attend: Free!

This is the time of the year when you our customers get to bid on magic equipment, tricks, books and dvd’s at fantastically low prices.

For those of you who would like to bring in items to be auctioned off…Please bring in those items to the shop anytime between April 11 until April 18.

Read more.

The Garden Variety Show in the Calgary Herald

From the Calgary Herald:

Five Facts About The Garden Variety Show
But Can You Do This? Founded by local vaudevillian James Jordan, the monthly Garden Variety Show is always the same—and always different: Jordan and his co-host Ryan Pilling kick off each show with a new magic trick (Jordan) and original song accompanied by banjo (Pilling), followed by a fresh cast of guests every month, including jugglers and local singer-songwriters.

Read more.
 

You can catch the next Garden Variety Show on February the 28th.

Le Grand Gervais

Recently, John Cox from Wild About Houdini posted:

French Canadian escape artist Le Grand Gervais, who made a name for himself in the late 80s performing Houdini's Overboard Box escape and Water Torture Cell, is still going strong. He recently revived the Water Torture Cell to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the famous escape. You can check out photos, film, and posters of Gervais' USD at www.houdinithelastescape.com.

Read more.

Toronto: Breakfast with Houdini

From the Casa Loma website:

Breakfast with Houdini

Delight in an exciting breakfast with the incredible Houdini in the Casa Loma Conservatory. Children will enjoy Performers Pancakes, Ringmaster Sausages, Stage of Syrup and Butter, Circus of Fruit. Price also includes self-guided touring and Casa Loma Carnival.

Dates: March 13, 14, 15, & 16

Read more.
 

[via Deborah Fallick]

Review: Shane Cobalt lecture

From The Browser's Den blog:

Shane Cobalt is a dedicated "student" of magic in the very best, truest sense of the word.

During his two hours-plus lecture given to a full room at The Browser's Den he demonstrated it repeatedly through his passion for magic, his commitment to advancing the Art and his encouragement of those less experienced than himself.

Shane promised that "everyone will be able to walk away with something you can do" and that his lecture would contain "no crap". He fulfilled those promises admirably while presenting a mixture of his favourite easy and more demanding card effects as well as a couple outstanding coin moves for good measure.

Read more.

Murray Sawchuck on Top Gear

From iTricks:

Murray Sawchuck consistently proves adept at at appearing on television. That dude should write a book about networking and casting in the reality television age. Aside from his reoccurring role on Pawn Stars, Murray will turn the key on a cameo for the American version of Top Gear this coming Tuesday on History Channel.

Read more.

Toronto: The Paranormal Show

From The Paranormal Show Facebook page:

22 March at 20:00 until 23 March at 22:00

Scott McClelland is BACK with a limited engagement at the Paper Mill Theatre! After 3 years of touring Canada, Scott McClelland proudly brings his special blend of the Phantasmagorical and Supernatural back to Toronto!

The Paranormal Show is a Spectacular assortment of Supernatural feats that will make you question everything you thought you understood about REALITY. Created by Scott McClelland the man behind Canada's Premiere Sideshow 'Carnival Diablo' , The Paranormal Show takes the Strange and Bizarre to new heights. Read more.

Montreal: Magic Jam

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

Excited to announce the 2013 Montreal Magic Jam will take place May 4! The day will feature lectures from Denis Behr and Eric Roumestan, with more announcements to come.

Read more.

Warren Toaze on Zoink'd!

Watch Toronto magician Warren Toaze, recently on YTV's show Zoink'd.  His set starts at about 5:40.

Gregory Bracco reports from Korea

Read Gregory Bracco's latest report from Korea at the Canadian Association of Magicians website:

Here in Korea the Lunar New Year celebrations have just passed and so has one of my favorite events in magic. During the first week in February the Magic Union Korea (M.U.K.) held a three day magic seminar in the southern city of Busan. This was the fifth year for this annual seminar and although the attendance was down this year from previous years, about 50 participants, it still was bustling with energy and excitement. The following are some of the highlights of the event.

Read more.

Broken wand: Lucien "Stephano" Boucher

From Le Survol de la Rive-Nord:

À Saint-Eustache, le 24 novembre 2012 à l’âge de 89 ans, est décédé Lucien Boucher, époux d’Huguette Beaudoin. Outre son épouse, il laisse dans le deuil ses fils Pierre et Stéphane (Diane); ses petits-enfants : Alyssa, Aaron, Frankie et Missy; de nombreux frères et sœurs ainsi que plusieurs autres parents et amis.

Lucien Boucher a fait sa marque, sous le nom de Stéphano, dans le milieu des variétés en tant que magicien, humoriste et photographe.

Read more.

Read in english via Google Translate.


[With thanks to Phil Matlin.]

In which Mark Lewis reads my mind

Well, he did a pretty good job of reading my mind.  Though the question was not quite as general in my head as what he asked, and I may have had a few different words in mind to express the thought.

I'm back to othe question I asked earlier this week, Does Magician of the year mean the same thing as Perfomer of the year? (The comments to the post have started to sway my orginal stance.  I am also astonished that 93% of you that voted in the poll so far, have voted that amateurs should be eligible for the award -- I was sure there would be hundreds of "no" votes by now!)

But back to Mark Lewis.

On the Canadian Association of Magicians website post, Nominations for Magician of the Year, Mark asked:

The “proficient magician” part of things may cut possible nominees down quite drastically. Is it possible to nominate someone who is utterly useless as a performer (as most are) but has contributed in some other way ?

Go to the CAM post to read Shawn's answer.

And an update from Shawn in his latest e-mail to remind CAM members that time is running out to nominate someone for the award:

We have over 40 nominees and there is a clear first place and three very close contenders for the final spots on the actual ballot.

So there you go.  I can't wait to see who makes it to the voting round!

Dorval: Blair Marshall

From Montreal Families:

Feb 24, 2013
Magical Purim Party

Featuring Dorval's Master Illusionist Blair Marshall with the fastest hands in the West!
    Megillah reading at 3:30
    Hamantashen & Tempting Purim Spread
    Balloon Sculptures & Pinata
    Photo Booth
    Come dressed in Costume
Read more.

[via Perfect Magic]

Toronto: Roy Kueppers' Day at The Den

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

When: Sunday, March 10th
Where: The Browser's Den of Magic, 3220 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON
Cost to attend day: FREE!

Mr. Roy Kueppers, the man who personally manufactures all of the specially gimmicked canadian coins will be here at the shop for a full day of activities. Roy also makes non-canadian trick coins.  Plus a host of other gorgeous props including 'okito boxes', 'hand-crafted magic wands' and more!

Read more.

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

ALSO APPEARING: MICHAEL FRANCIS CURRENT GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF:
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls in one minute - 2 hands = 92 (previous record was 78)
Most Multiple Coin Rolls in one minute - 1 hand = 29
(previous record was 26)
Most Coin Rolls in one minute - 1 hand = 49
(previous record was 45)
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls (no time limit) - 1 hand = 986
(previous record was 72)
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls (no time limit) - 2 hands = 211
(previous record was 102)

Read more.

Ryan Pilling on Breakfast Television Calgary

Watch Ryan Pilling's appearance on Breakfast Television Calgary, promoting WowFest - Calgary's First Magic Festival, happening this Saturday, February the 23rd.


The appearance is also on YouTube:

Toronto: Music, Magic, Muggles...and some other M word.

Updated March 25th: 
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

From the Music, Magic, Muggles...and some other M word Facebook page:

Where: C'est What, Toronto.
When: Sunday March 31

Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Camp has been opening up the world of magic and performance to talented and creative youths aged 8-18 for more than 15 years! We combine the fun and exciting experience of summer camp (swimming, bonfires, canoeing) with instruction on the history and practice of magic (street, stage, parlour, etc.) and help kids learn how to get up in front of a crowd and perform. Fun-loving counselors and professional magicians come together with the campers to build friendships, make connections, and create a memorable experience that campers will hold on to for a lifetime. This fundraiser is designed to help keep this program going...and growing! 

Performers:

• Rosemary Reid
• Dan McLean Jr.

Read more.

Michael Francis: World record holder!

From Mississauga.com:

Since 2005, the Guinness World Record for most one-handed coin rolls in a minute has been 45, until Sunday (Feb. 10) when Clarkson resident Michael Francis passed a U.S. half dollar  between his fingers 49 times in one minute.

"It means a lot," said Francis. "In the magic of field, most coin rolls a minute has been the most highly regarded one … all of the biggest magicians have tried for it."

Well, move over Houdini because the 28-year-old broke an additional four coin rolling records Sunday: most consecutive coin rolls in one minute with two hands, 92 (previous record 78); most multiple coin rolls in a minute with one hand, 29 (previous record 26); most one-handed coin rolls with no time limit, 986 (previous record 72) and most consecutive coin rolls with two hands, no time limit, 211 (previous record 102).

Read more.
 

The article goes on to say that Michael is going to attempt to break an additional 25 Guinness World Records this year!  Good luck Michael!

By my count, that puts the total of Canadian Guinness World Record holding magicians to four! 

• Doug The Great:  Heaviest Stilts Mastered.
• Scott Hammell:  Highest Suspension Straight Jacket Escape.
• Lucas Wilson:  Fastest Suspension Straight Jacket Escape.

Murray Hatfield: US lectures

Murray Hatfield will be lecturing in the United States in March and April.  Visit his Facebook page for an up to date listing of dates and cities.

The list below is current as of February 14:

Mar. 5 Tulsa, OH
Mar. 6 Kansas City, MO
Mar. 7 Pigeon Forge, TN
Mar. 8 Pigeon Forge, TN
Mar. 9 Pigeon Forge, TN
Mar. 10 Huntsville, AL
Mar. 12 Jacksonville, FL
Mar. 13 Memphis, TN
Mar. 14 Murfreesboro, TN
Mar. 16 New Orleans, LA
Mar. 18 St. Louis, MO
Mar. 19 Peoria, IL
Mar. 20 Chicago, IL - Midwest Magic
Mar. 21 Chicago, IL - Tinley Park
Mar. 24 Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
Mar. 25 Lake Charles, LA
Mar. 26 Houston, TX
Mar. 27 San Antonio, TX
Mar. 28 McAllen, TX
Mar. 30 Albuquerque, NM
Apr. 1 Tucson, AZ
Apr. 3 Las Vegas, NV

Broken wand: Leonard Miedzianowski

From the Montreal Gazette:

1951-2013 Leonard Miedzianowski, aka Nemo Turner son of the late Peter Miedzianowski and Wanda Lorek, survived by his brother John and sister Regina, and numerous friends. Leonard was a well known Montreal magician.

Read more.

[via Perfect Magic]


From "Remebering Nemo" over at the Rotary Club of Montreal.

Nemo Turner, born Leonard Miedzianowski, age 61, died early Friday morning, February 8, 2013.

Nemo (the name he took when he began to perform magic) was a well known Montrealer having frequently appeared in the media.
After attending Concordia University (Loyola campus) and receiving a Bachelor’s degree in psychology he carried on with his career as a magician and llusionist, his loyal assistant, Melvin Rabbit at his side. A sense of whimsy and an ability to generate publicity on Nemo’s part led to Melvin, a small white rabbit, gaining his own measure of fame, resulting in a lifestyle that included his own bank account and dining at the Mount Stephen Club. Nemo went on to blend his entertainment skills with education and also was involved in real estate ventures.

Read more.

John Cox writes about Houdini Never Died

Over at Wild About Harry, John Cox writes about Houdini Never Died:

Here is the entire 1979 documentary Houdini Never Died. This was produced by John Watson and Pen Densham who later wrote and directed TNTs Houdini. It intercuts Houdini's story with footage of contemporary magicians including Doug Henning. It also has nice footage of James Randi performing a suspended straitjacket escape over Niagara Falls and the 50th Anniversary Official Houdini seance held at the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame. Definitely a product of its time, but that's what makes this great.

Read more.

David Peck: TEDx talk on wonder

Last month, David Peck spoke at TEDxSixteenMileCreek.  Watch his talk, "Pockets of Wonder" on YouTube:

Does Magician of the year mean the same thing as Perfomer of the year?

When Shawn posted the list of current nominations for "Magician of the Year" on the CAM website, I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one completely floored to see the name of an amateur magician in the mix.  (I was floored because the name was mine.  But many of you were shocked, I think, because an amateur was on the list.)

I, like many of you reading, assumed that "Magician of the Year" meant, among other things, "Performer of the Year."  I am incredibly honoured to be listed with all of the fine performers nominated thus far. (Imagine my surprise, to receive messages from people in support of my nomination!)  A casual glance at the names on the list, informs me that I don't stand a chance.

But it has lead to interesting discussions.  I'm pretty convinced that to win Magician of the Year, you have to be a professional peformer.  What do you think?

Should non-professional performers be eligible for CAM's Magician of the Year award?

Ottawa: Denis Behr lecture

From Magic Information Canada:

Friday, May 3

Denis Behr. Magic lecture.

Royal Oak Laurier, 161 Laurier Avenue East (at Copernicus), Ottawa.

Read more.

CAM Magician of the Year: Nominations for 2013

Last month, Shawn sent out an e-mail via Ballot Bin, inviting CAM members to nominate up to two people for the Magician of the Year award for 2013.  Recently, he posted this on the Canadian Association of Magicans Website:

As the time draws to the end I have been less than thrilled with the lack of interest in nominating magicians for our most prestigious award.  We have 400 members that are eligible to vote and 77 of you have participated.  That’s about 20%, which is dismal. I know you all care and want to have your own say, so what’s the problem?  Well I asked a few of you and found many didn’t know who to nominate.  With this in mind I have compiled a list of those already listed in the nomination process.  They are in no particular order, but will  help you to think perhaps of someone to name.  The four magicians with the most nominations will be placed on a the final ballot for the vote.  If you don’t see a name on the list that you feel is being missed, add it today!

Click through to read the list of current nominations.
 

The last date to submit nominations is February 28th.  What are you waiting for?

The very observant of you, after reading the list, will haved noticed a certain, ummm, magic enthusiast's name!  What an absolute honour to see my name listed there, with all of those fabulously deserving performers!  Thank you!

Trevor and Lorena Watters in the Moose Jaw Times

From the Moose Jaw Times:

The event was again headlined by comedic magicians Trevor and Lorena Watters, who said that Moose Jaw is one of their favourite stops on a tour that spans cruise ships and much of the continent.

Read more.

Toronto: FREE screenings of Magic Camp documentary

From Magic Camp Movie:

Hi Toronto magic friends!

Just making sure you know about the two FREE screenings of the award-winning new documentary MAGIC CAMP at the Toronto International Film Festival's TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre this Monday, February 18 at 12 + 3pm. 

Two-time Emmy Award-nominated NYC-based director and former Tannen's Magic camper Judd Ehrlich will be in attendance for Q+As following both screenings.
More information: http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiffbelllightbox/2013/2330009340

MAGIC CAMP Trailer: http://youtu.be/FAqitNPKETs
We're happy to send you a press release, still images from the film or any additional information.

Thanks so much for helping spread the word to the Toronto magic community and hope to see you there!
All the best!
--
MAGIC CAMP SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
---------------------
flatbush pictures + bkfn
10 jay st | studio 207a | brooklyn ny 11201 | ph 718 237 9018
flatbushpictures.com | bkfn.org
fredlebowmovie.com | magiccampmovie.com | scifilandmovie.com

[via Magic Camp and James Alan]

Jay Sankey on Henning, Copperfield and Blaine

Watch a YouTube clip of Jay Sankey speaking at the 'Session Convention' in the UK:

Toronto: The Comedy & Magic of Jean Pierre

This message was forwarded to me from Ariel Frailich:

Hello my name is Wes Evans, I'm producing an illusion show that is coming to The St.Lawrence Centre for the Arts on May 10th.

I'm emailing today to ask for your help in getting the message out to the Toronto magic community and magicians. The show is entitled "The Comedy & Magic of Jean Pierre." The show has been seen all over the world to over 2 million fans but this is the first time we're bringing it to Toronto.
 

 To learn more about this show, visit JeanPierreMagic.com

SAM: Magic camp scholarships

From the Sorcerers Safari Facebook page:

The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund
Presents . . . MAGIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

For over twenty years, the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund has awarded full tuition scholarships to promising young magicians between the ages of 10 and 18 to attend facilities focused on the magical performing arts.

The S.A.M. has awarded over $115,000 in scholarships over the years to support magic education for our youth. Scholarships are available for either Tannen’s Magic Camp in Pennsylvania (July 13 – July 20) or the Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp in Toronto, Canada (August 27 – September 1). The Magic Endowment Fund realizes the importance of the magic arts in the lives of youngsters. The development of magical skills and respect for the art of magic can help them gain a positive mental attitude and become more confident in themselves. Candidates must be able to demonstrate talent and dedication to the magical performing arts discipline.

Both camps are wonderful places for youngsters to learn new skills, improve their performance abilities and make new friends with similar interests. The campers study under some of the leading professionals, receive helpful critiques of their performance ability, and attend classes which improve their skills.

Read more.

David Peck: Tips on increasing wonder

From Biz TV Canada:

As business people, we struggle with balancing our work and life schedules and how to deal with the stress of the day. The answer may be to add a little play time into our day. Our change guru, David Peck has five tips on how to add that play time and how to wonder more.

Read more.

Trailer: A Series of Unfortunate Effects

Watch the trailer for A Series of Unfortunate Effects on YouTube:

Ron Guttman gives the gift of life

From Ron Guttman's Twitter feed:

Join me on Sat Feb 23 at Hillcrest Mall as I make my 100th blood donation. New donors welcome. Sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FADAF…and save time
— Ron Guttman (@ronguttman) February 5, 2013

Congratulations Ron!

Sorcerers Safari early bird and other deals

From Sorcerers Safari:

The registrations are up and ready to go. As an incentive to register early this year – on or before April 1st – we are offering $100.00 worth of magic stuff which you will receive up at camp if you are registered in full.

Read more.

And from their Twitter feed:

2013 REGISTRATION DEAL!:This year if you register with a friend, you BOTH get 10% off your registration fee! Tell your parents, campers!
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) February 7, 2013

And to help get you in the magic camp frame of mind, the 2012 camp video:

Bill Abbott Vlogs from the UK

Watch Bill Abbott give advice to beginners and demonstrate his cure for the common cold with The Merchant of Magic in the UK.

Ontario: Teach magic

This message is via James Alan:

There is currently a special opportunity available in Ontario for those interested in teaching magic. It is a chance to earn some extra money and share magic with children.

The requirements are

• Organization and dependability
• Experience and willingness to work with children (mostly 7-12 years old)
• Confidence and enthusiasm speaking in front of a group
• A flexible schedule (most of the classes will be during the day, either lunch time or immediately after school)

Read more and contact James.

Everything Erdnase: The Erdnase Scroll

From Magicol:

Good news for our devoted Erdnase fans and magic history enthusiasts — we have added a new gallery to our Everything Erdnase exhibition — an online presentation of the exploration of various editions of the iconic book, The Expert at the Card Table.

The new gallery can be found in  ”American Variations” category, under the heading: “The Miracle Factory“. It exhibits some photos of the limited edition scroll (only 50 copies made) of The Erdnase Scroll,  a forty-foot long ivory, parchment paper scroll.

Read more.

Magicana’s community outreach

At the end of January, we briefly mentioned the Linking Ring write-up, "The Benevolence of Magic," which included Canada's own Magicana.

For more information about Magicana’s community outreach programs, please see their post, "The Benevolence of Magic," over at Sharing Wonder.

Shawn Farquhar on the news in 1988

If you've attended one of Shawn Farquhar's lectures, chances are you've heard him speak about the night his apartment building was damaged by fire.  Shawn's recently posted a video clip of the news segment from 1988.

[Guest post] Bobby Motta dealer demo at Browser's Den

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


--
BOBBY MOTTA DEALER DEMO AT BROWSER'S DEN OF MAGIC
Sunday, Feb. 3rd, 2013
A review by "The Magic Demon"


Even a basic dealer demo with Bobby Motta is an event worth attending.

I'm pretty sure everyone who witnessed Bobby Motta's dealer demo of original professional products at The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto on Sunday afternoon (February 3rd) all felt the same way too.

Watching Bobby demo and explain his own effects I was struck by two thoughts. (1) Bobby Motta is a naturally laid-back, extremely funny and charismatic performer, and (2) Bobby Motta has an incredibly inventive mind. He is the creator of numerous out-of-the ordinary professional effects in use by names like Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, David Blaine and Derren Brown. Oh yes, this is the man who helps make them all look good.

And according to Browser's Den of Magic owner Jeff Pinsky, Bobby Motta practically grew up in the Browser's Den. Jeff has seen Bobby go from fledgling hobbyist to world class professional mentalist in what seems like only a scant few years.

Bobby later told me he was a bit apprehensive about doing this demo. It was not advertised as a lecture and it was definitely not meant to be a performance. So what was it? It was a roomful of appreciative magic aficionados allowed the privilege of learning first hand how a top rate mind came to create a dozen or so of his most powerful effects and the secrets behind them - all for free. What's not to like? The fact that the majority of us could not afford most of them did not seem to deter Bobby from his entertaining task (although I noted at least a couple working pros afterwards decided to enhance their routines with some of Bobby's higher-end creations as well as a larger number of amateurs happily buying some of his less expensive ones.)


The Demo

Bobby opened with his current much-talked-about commercially available effect, "Blackmail". If you are into mentalism, or would like to be, you can perform miracles with this clever utility device, inspired by but significantly updated from a classic principle once described by Corinda.

He followed with a presentation of "That's Alive". If I tell you it is a revelation effect with a surprise finish that caused his audience spectator to jump you can guess it was judged a big success by the room. And all I will add is that his lovely assistant Amanda made a most welcome guest appearance.

"Taste" involved a young audience member repeatedly choosing different beverages behind Bobby's back without his knowledge and yet... Bobby proved that he somehow knew which drinks had been selected and in what order, again and again and again. This one just blew me away when he performed it and blew me away again after he explained how it works. Ingenious! (And Jeff Pinsky's favourite of the event).

Bobby then presented (but was unable to fully demonstrate) his "Lethal.  A card is chosen, the deck is thrown into the air, a knife is thrown at a spectator wearing a protective board and the knife impales the chosen card right onto the board! It didn't matter that he couldn't fully demo it, the room was again delighted with its explanation - another combination of innovative technology and applied human psychology.

"Shock Treatment" was briefly discussed - it's a classic secret of mentalism/magic that Bobby has brought into more modern times featuring greater portability than in past versions.

Bobby then demonstrated the use of certain exotic electronic flimflammery that those in mentalism will already know about and the rest of you will not get any more information about from me. Suffice it to say that Bobby likes electronics very much.

He ended with his visually strong effect "The End" - what could be more fitting? Unknown letter cards freely chosen by spectators are randomly arranged in a horizontal frame and eventually turned around to reveal they spell - guess what? Beautifully constructed props and a stunning reminder that sometimes the greatest impact of all can be had from basic but unsuspected methods.

Bobby added an encore of his own devising which he calls "Advil." It's something that he says he will never reveal nor sell in which numbers called out at random from the audience somehow turned out to be the exact serial numbers on a audience member's previously chosen and physically isolated five dollar bill. A jaw-dropping conclusion to a most enjoyable afternoon with a most talented performer/inventor.

Many thanks to Bobby Motta of course and to Jeff Pinsky of the Browser's Den for hosting yet another worthwhile special event. I assume some of Bobby's effects can be purchased through Jeff or directly from Bobby himself. Bobby also performs on a regular basis in Toronto and details can be found on his website, www.bobbymotta.com.

Oh yes, I read later that there was something else going on that afternoon elsewhere. Not that any of us attending seemed to know or care very much. Super Bowl? What was that? Some kind of extra huge load Lota Bowl?

--

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

Report: David Ben at The Walrus Talks

From Sharing Wonder:

Specifically, David talked about one area of card table artifice that has plagued the best of card cheats for centuries. Not only did he flag the problem (while entertaining the audience with a sly nod to his sleight-of-hand wizardry), he also shared how he solved this “tricky”  manoeuvre by tipping his famous mantra: “How do you get in to it, and how do you get out of it”.

Read more.

Kitchener: James Alan lecture

James Alan will be lecturing at the Kitchener club on February 21st.

Alex Kazam at Yuk Yuk's

Alex Kazam's first time on a Yuk Yuk's stage, opening for Dave Curran, Canada's Bad Boy of Hypnosis.

Kitchener: Ryan Joyce

From Event Brite:

Saturday, February 9, 2013 

International Grand Illusionist Ryan Joyce is one of the most highly regarded magical entertainers in Canada today. His Vegas style revue show has won critical acclaim from audiences all around the world including New Zealand, India, and the Middle East. He has presented 10 annual national illusion show tours with over 80 live performances from coast to coast. His tours have contributed over 2 million dollars for Canadian Charities.

Read more and buy tickets.

For Ryan's complete tour schedule, visit RyanJoyce.com

Magi-Fest 2013 round-up

Read all about the Magi-Fest 2013 experience!

From Sorcerers Safari:

When Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin heard that Magifest was to be discontinued last year, they decided that just couldn’t be, so they stepped up and Magifest 2013 was reborn. With the help of our very own Steven Kline as Production Manager and Steven Branham, the amazing Dealer Contact/Badge Checker/Bouncer the convention took off.

Read more.

From the Tony Eng Youth Fund:

Congratulations to Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin for staging and producing a successful 83rd MagicFest! From all accounts, it sounds like there was a full house filled with stellar speakers and performances, heaps of magic dealers and of course, magic day and night. What more could any magic enthusiast wish for?!

We also congratulate our  Tong Eng Youth Fund Bursary Recipients – part of the Magi-Fest Youth Scholarship program. Their verdict of the convention?

Read more.

Toronto: Gaffed Coin Seminar with Luiz Castro

February 17, 2013
This is a free event.
Price of Seminar after February 13 2013 $10

From Morrissey Magic:

Everything you every wanted to know about gaffed coins. Over two hours of in-depth instruction on coin magic.  Tips, sleights,  routines and even gaffs you can make yourself. Luiz will take you step-by-step through some of his favorite routines with Gaffed Coins. Split Coins Shells Stack of Coins, boxes and much, much more, do not miss this free event. 

Read more and order tickets.

Edmonton: Abra-kid-abra

From YESS (youth empowerment and support services):

ABRA-KID-ABRA is a family-oriented magic extravaganza presented by Edmonton Magic Club on April 13, 2013 at the Royal Alberta Museum Theatre.

Read more.

[via: Magic Information Canada]

Train and Mayhew: A Series of Unfortunate Effects

From Ben Train's Twitter feed:

For the past year I've been working with @chrismayhew1 on a project we're finally ready to share. Check it out! facebook.com/SeriesOfEffects
— Ben Train (@ErdnaseinTO) February 4, 2013

From the Facebook page of A Series of Unfortunate Effects:

After witnessing an amazing magic trick performed by the world-famous Lee Asher, Chris enlists his friend Ben's help to discover the secret.

They soon discover though that learning the secrets to magic aren't as easy as they once thought. Chris and Ben need to help Lee find something he's looking for before he'll share the secret with them. In order to do that they have to go through magicians Jeff Hinchliffe, Glenn West, and Chris Westfall, while avoiding destruction at the hands of crazed card collector Bill Abbott on a wild adventure filled with laughs and great card tricks.

Coming Spring 2013

David Merry: Blackpool 2013

David Merry will be lecturing and performing at Blackpool 2013, February 22nd to 24th!  For more information, visit the Blackpool Magicians' Club website.

Introducing CAM-JAM 2013. And it's FREE!

Updated April 2nd to change the date of the Summer Event to June 30th, as per Shawn's comment at the CAM website.

From Shawn Farquhar's Twitter feed:

My latest side project:An unbelievable FREE event for all members of the Canadian Association of Magicians.... fb.me/28pa6RYQ0
— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) February 4, 2013
 

From MagicianConvention.com:

Spring Event - Niagara Falls, ON on Sunday, April 28th:

The Canadian Association of Magicians is breaking all the rules. Who has ever heard of a FREE convention? Well membership has it privileges… join us and a whole lot of other magicians for the first ever CAM-JAM… the best part of any magic convention is always the JAM sessions, so why not an entire day just filled with lots of jamming plus lectures and close up shows? To top it all off the incredible Greg Frewin will be offering us all discount tickets to attend his newest edition of his show in his spectacular showroom… it just doesn’t get any better than this. Did I mention the CAM-JAM is FREE!

Summer Event - Port Coquitlam, BC on Sunday June 23rd Sunday June 30th, 2013

Read more and register.

Thornhill: Magic and Mentalism with Mike D'Urzo

From the Facebook Page - A Magical Evening with Mike D'Urzo:

10 February 2013
Enjoy an evening of Magic and Mentalism with Mike D'Urzo.  

In support of the Canadian Friends of Dental Volunteers for Israel.
Read more:

Now casting

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

NOW CASTING:
Magicians with Strong Acting, Improv & Performance Skills

A major television production company is searching for Magicians with a background in acting and performance for an exciting and inventive new non-scripted TV series. We are in search of Male and Female Magicians of all ethnicities between the ages of 18 and 80.

Read more.

Rounding the Western rings in February

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	-
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Peter Samelson lecture
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- Peter Samelson lecture - Installation Banquet and Show
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- 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 February

Updated February 7th to add the James Alan lecture in Kitchener.

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

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Brant Clown Alley's 20th Anniversary
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- James Alan lecture
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Memorial Night/Classic Magic - Charity Show @ Waupoos Farm  Family Show
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- n/a
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Mystery (Canadian) lecture!   "An excellent mix of close up and stage magic presented in a brand new format."

 

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in February

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

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

Rosemary Reid: Magically Inclined

From the City of Brampton Summer Company Alumni page:

My name is Rosemary Reid and I participated in the program during the summer of 2008. It was the summer before university, and, I was told, time to get a ‘real job’. So I decided to turn my childhood passion into a legitimate business entitled Magically Inclined.
Read more.

Review: Zodiac Arrest

From the Edmonton Journal:

In the course of diverse entertainments, you will see a pert magician (Billy Kidd) in a fedora escape from a straitjacket, while cheerfully baiting her male audience “volunteer.” A rare example of a “lady magician,” Billy Kidd, the onstage persona of Gia Felicitas, is an ironic take on the fast-talking, masculine norm.

Read more.

A mentalist by any other name ...

From iTricks:

They initially called the man a “magician” and not a “mentalist.” According to Deadspin, this lead to Kreskin getting angry with the blog’s editors and refusing to answer more than three of the 200 questions submitted.

Read more.

Edmonton: Billy Kidd in Zodiac Arrest

From Vue Weekly:

Among these voices is UK-based magician Billy Kidd, who is doing double duty as Aries and Capricorn. In a homage to Harry Houdini, who also happened to be have been an Aries, Kidd will undergo an escapist routine, while she personifies the qualities of Capricorn through a mind-reading number—involving a monkey.

Read more.
 

The show runs Thu, Jan 31 to Sat, Feb 10.

Winner of Sorcerers Safari scholarship

Say hi to one of our scholarship recipients for Sorcerers Safari 2013: Nick Popa! He was one of three recipients... fb.me/x6rmiC6N
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) January 28, 2013

Congratulations Nick!  You are going to have the best year ever at camp!


Also from Sorcerers Safari Facebook page:

Two extra scholarships were donated on the weekend after attendees realized how AWESOME a week at camp is!
 

Fabulous news for two more future campers!

Planning on attending Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp this summer?  Apply now!

Camper and CIT registrations are up on the site now.Thanks Marc Hache and Lee Asher!... fb.me/2ackcbDi0
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) January 29, 2013