John Cox is live blogging the Official Houdini Seance in Halifax

WILD ABOUT HARRY: LIVE BLOG: Official #Houdini Seance in Halifax http://t.co/AXM8Df7SWI
— John Cox (@HoudiniWild) October 31, 2013

You can also, follow @HoudiniWild on Twitter!

The Herald News is also live blogging the event.

Update from John Cox about Halifax Houdini seance

WILD ABOUT HARRY: Daughter of Jack Price to attend the Official #Houdini seance in Halifax http://t.co/iAhqxaiZch
— John Cox (@HoudiniWild) October 30, 2013

Storytime with The Professor

From John Cox at Wild About Houdini:

The October 2013 Magic Castle Newsletter has launched a new column, "Storytime with The Professor", featuring memorable tales told by the late Dai Vernon. The inaugural story is about, what else, Houdini, and in it Vernon recounts how S.A.M. members once "tricked" Houdini into going into a closest at the New York Hippodrome and locked him inside. "We pulled this trick on him because he was such a terrible egotist," said the man who's own ego was pretty well developed.

Read more.

Toronto: Browser's Den 38th Anniversary Party

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

BROWSER’S DEN OF MAGIC
38th Anniversary Party
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2013
Cost to Attend: FREE!!

FREE PRIZES * DISCOUNT ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * * SANDWICHES * COFFEE *SNACKS * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * * SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD * CAKE *

Read more.

WowFest Magic Festival's Young Magician Showcase

From WowFest Magic:

At the upcoming WowFest Magic Festival, happening in February 2014, we want to hand a whole show over to the next generation of magicians! The Young Magician Showcase will feature amazing performers under the age of 20. This is an open invitation to all those young whipper-snappers who want to be a part of WowFest.

Read more.

Cool couple: Evelyn and Phil Matlin

Happy (upcoming) 55th wedding anniversary Evelyn and Phil!  And happy birthday Evelyn!


From The Canadian Jewish News, "Montreal Weddings" supplement (pg 12 and 13):

When Evelyn and Phil Matlin’s eldest daughter, Ronna, was playing in the basement, she discovered her father’s long forsaken magician’s suitcase. The year was 1964 and the curious 6-year-old begged him to perform magic at her birthday party.

This event sparked the revival of an inherent skill that Phil had honed in his youth, and to this day the world of magic plays an integral role in the family’s life.

Read more.

Broken wand: Gilles Fontaine

From Magician.org:

J.L. GILLES FONTAINE

The I.B.M. Headquarters recently was notified that J.L. Gilles Fontaine, 86, of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, died September 19, 2012. Born in Quebec City, he was the son of a banker, and became one himself. At age ten he saw a performance by Harry Blackstone, Sr. and it inspired him to take up magic as a hobby, collecting magic books, subscribing to magic magazines, and practicing for hours. He became "Gilles the Magician," and performed for children and senior citizens whenever and wherever he could. He even taught magic at a local elementary school.

Read more.

[via The Linking Ring, Vol 93, #10, October 2013]

Ottawa: Chris Pilsworth

From Canada Aviation and Space Museum:

October 27   

Come in costume for this special Halloween-themed magic show. Ghosts and goblins of all ages will enjoy magician-illusionist Chris Pilsworth's amazing wizardry and hilarious antics in a fast-paced, fun-filled performance. 

Read more and buy tickets.

[via Perfect Magic] 

Magi-Fest 2014: Youth scholarships

According to Andi at Vanishing Inc Magic, Canadian's are welcome to apply!  Thanks Andi!


From Magi-Fest:

Thanks to an overwhelmingly kind donation from magician Doug Taylor, we are pleased to announce the Magi-fest Youth Scholarship Program.  

Several lucky, enthusiastic young magicians (everyone under 18 is eligible to apply) will receive FREE entrance into the Columbus Magi-Fest. And, there are youth events being planned open only to the young, serious magicians.

Read more.

Congratulations Greg, on your 2000th show!

Congratulations to Greg Frewin and company!!!  Last night marked their 2000th show!

Here's to the next 2000!!

Last night marked the 2000th Magic Show in The Greg Frewin Theatre! A huge thank you to all our supporters! pic.twitter.com/xnJEja7bVs
— Greg Frewin Theatre (@FrewinTheatre) October 24, 2013

Details about Halifax Houdini Seance

From John Cox at Wild About Harry:

Official Houdini Séance will Haunt the

Halifax Citadel on Halloween

Famous Canadian fort to host an evening of
magic, mystery and history

Harry Houdini spent a month in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1896. This Halloween, some are hoping the legendary escape artist will return to the harbour city. The 2013 Official Houdini Séance is set to convene at historic Citadel Hill, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on October 31.

Before he died on Halloween in 1926, Houdini promised to send a message from the Great Beyond. His widow Beatrice held the first ten séances on the anniversary of his death, and each year since the Official Houdini Séance has been held in a city where Houdini performed. It is now organized by an American consortium of Houdini experts, piloted by Tom Boldt and Bill Radner, son of Sidney Radner who was caretaker of the Séance from 1947-2010. Halifax organizer is Nova Scotia author and Houdini historian Bruce MacNab.

Read more and buy tickets.

From the CBC:

Goulish thrill seekers in Halifax will be looking for signs of legendary magician Harry Houdini’s return from the grave this Halloween night.
Houdini, whose real name was Ehrich Weisz, died in Detroit at the age of 52 on Oct. 31, 1926. He was buried in Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, N.Y.

Just before he passed away, he promised his wife he'd send a message from the great beyond, if it was possible.

Since his death 87 years ago, there's been a séance — somewhere in the world — every Halloween night. This year it will be held in Halifax.  

Read more.

David Merry launches S*D* website

Those of you who listened to David Peck's Face 2 Face interview with David Merry over at David Peck Live (recorded at The Browser's Den of Magic), know that David Merry has a new pet project.

It's here now!

Go visit to his new S*** Disturber website and watch the vision unfold!

Review: Luc Langevin

From le Soleil:

L'illusionniste, originaire de Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, a mené son public en bateau, dans un crescendo efficace où il entremêle des anecdotes sur sa carrière.

Sur une scène mouvante, où se mêlent écrans vidéo (qui permettent de bien voir ses mains) et objets hétéroclites d'un laboratoire ancien, le magicien alterne les numéros d'animation où il interagit avec le public, et les numéros muets et théâtraux où il s'amuse à brouiller notre perception de la réalité. Comme ce poétique numéro d'ombres chinoises où il fait léviter des objets, et transforme un oiseau de papier en vraie colombe. Ou encore ce segment où il fabrique une sculpture à l'équilibre improbable grâce à la tenségrité, un principe d'architecture.

Read more.  Read in English via Google Translate.

Ty Reveen: Following in his father’s footsteps

From Amherst News:

Ty Reveen remembers his last visit to Amherst in the late 1970s.

He was performing with his late father, the popular stage hypnotist and illusionist, known simply as Reveen.

“I remember Amherst quite well,” Reveen said. “We played in an old school gymnasium and an old hotel, I think it was called the Colonial. It was a great town to visit and the place was packed.”

Reveen returns to Amherst Oct. 22 as part of his latest tour through the Maritimes, following in the footsteps of his father, Peter Reveen, who made numerous trips through the region during a career that spanned five decades. 

Read more.

[via iTricks]

2014 Magic Variety Show

From Trevor and Lorena's Facebook page:

The 2014 Magic Variety Show Poster has been released!..... Looking forward to entertaining the crowds this winter. — with Trevor & Lorena Watters and Steve Hamilton.

Read more.

The tour includes shows in BC (Nelson, Trail), SK (Regina, Weyburn, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Swift Current) and AB (Grand Prarie).

2014 Combined convention contests

From Ring 49:

For the first time at any magic convention there will be a triple magic championship competition. The combination of the I.B.M. and S.A.M. annual competitions with the 2014 FISM North America Championships of Magic will offer the greatest magic competition ever presented.  These three magic contests will offer a total of over $30,000 cash awards plus performing contracts. While you must be a North American resident to be eligible for the FISM Championships, all accepted contest participants, regardless of their home country, are eligible for the I.B.M. and S.A.M. cash awards.

The contest is limited to 30 stage and 30 close-up competitors. These competitors will be chosen from audition videos (see the website for details). A potential of fifteen residents of North America will have the opportunity to advance to the FISM 2015 World Championship of Magic in Rimini, Italy. Two of these winners will be crowned FISM 2014 North American Champions, one in stage and one in close-up.

Read more.

Hamilton: Séance with Nicholas Wallace

From the Doug Henning Magic Wand Club:

October 30 – November 2 

Local Magician Nicholas Wallace is starring in a theatrical production at the Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton.

Though the belief in ghosts and spirits is exceptionally old, one period in recent history stands out as something special.  In the mid to late 1800’s, millions of people became convinced that they could communicate with the dead.  For many people this belief exists to this day.

You will experience a few theatrical items that grew out of the Séance room.  You will take part in an experiment to contact the dead.  You will be scared.

Read more.

Toronto: Mystery Workshop

From The Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club Facebook group:

From Ben Train:

Mystery Workshop- Tuesday October 22nd. You don't want to miss this!

Over the past 8 years I’ve brought to Toronto some of the finest talent in the world. Whether they were magic A-listers or people you hadn’t heard of, what they all had in common was that they were world-class talent.

So with that in mind… trust me.

I’m offering TEN TICKETS to a workshop with a mystery performer. That’s right, I won’t tell you who it is. What I will tell you though is that he performs regularly behind the bar in Boston, in the close-up room at the Magic Castle, and at New York's Off-Broadway Magic show, Monday Night Magic. He’s also published a number of effects and a DVD with some of the biggest magic companies in the world, and is a regular at the exclusive, invitation-only Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic convention.

What I’m trying to say is… this guy is GOOD.

Read more.

Toronto: A freaky slice of magic

From Chris Westfall Magic:

October 29th

With Mysterion, Chris Westfall and Devin Upham.

Read more and buy tickets.

[via Ring 17 newsletter]

Thanksgiving sale: 40% off yearly sponsorship rates!

Show your support for Canada's Magic, the website Shawn Farquhar describes as:

"the finest location for up to date information on magic in Canada."

Canada's Magic is offering, for the rest of October, a 40% discount on the listed price of any one year advertising package.  Qualifying packages include the Platinum, Gold, and Silver annual rates. (This offer does not include Sponsored Posts.)

Join the company of patrons Clive Court (The Fun-da-Mentalist), Ryan Pilling (author of Finding The Funny!), Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic and Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic and sponsor us (or be our friend) today!

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

Thank you for your continued support!

London: Autumn magic with Keith Brown

From Aeolian Hall:

Sunday, October 27, 2013

London Concert Band Presents: Autumn Magic
with conductor Robert Kennedy
featuring magician Keith Brown

Read more.

WowFest 2014

From WowFest Magic:

Calgary’s showcase for sleight-of-hand has officially marked the calendar for the second annual WowFest Magic Arts Festival. Set to appear in the last two weeks of February 2014, to amaze Calgary audiences with a variety of comedy, magic, and mystery entertainments.  

After a highly successful and sold-out debut, WowFest is set to return with a full line-up of magicians spread over two weeks, hosted in the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts. The event begins on Family Day, February 17th, with an opportunity for families to not only see some magic shows, but participate in workshops where they can learn magic tricks for beginners. The rest of the festival, ending on March 1st, will feature a wide variety of performances for all ages, including mysteries exclusively for grown-up minds to ponder.  

Read more.

Toronto: An Evening with Penn Jillette: "Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday!"

From the "An Evening with Penn Jillette: "Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday!" event page:

Saturday, 2 November 2013

CFI Canada is proud to present an exclusive evening with skeptical funnyman and magician Penn Jillette. Penn will talk about his experiences as a skeptic and atheist, answer audience questions and sign copies of his new book 'Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday!' After the event will follow an exclusive Members Only reception for your chance to get up close and personal with Penn. Become a Member or Renew today to receive free admission to the event and secure your spot at the reception. 

Read more and buy tickets.

From Durgy Spade

@canadasmagic My 25 min youtube special is up and online! The biggest project I have EVER done! http://t.co/aiPY99GfuR
— Durgy Spade (@DurgySpade) October 4, 2013

Scott Hammel juggles live explosives

From Youtube:

WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC VIDEO OF A SECOND DEGREE BURN.

Roman Cascade was an ambitious project about art and going after your dreams. Scott Hammell talks about his idol, Penn Jillette and how he inspired Scott to think about art differently. After a disastrous first attempt, Scott Hammell successfully juggles live explosives.

Read more.

David Peck interviews David Merry

Listen to David Peck's Face 2 Face interview with David Merry over at David Peck Live.

Edward Stone got it right!

Back in August, Edward Stone made a prediction.  According to last thursday's Fort Erie times, "Stone gets it right, predicts headline."

Well done Edward!

Ottawa (Greely) Jay Scott Berry events cancelled.

From Doug at Magic Information Canada:

Ottawa (Greely) Jay Scott Berry events cancelled. If you like, visit to be sure they're no longer listed at http://t.co/Q7MlBSmksb :)
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) October 8, 2013

Broken wand: Robert Barna

From Henry Walser:

Barna, Robert A (Barney):

Robert Alexander Barna passed away peacefully on Thursday September 5th, 2013 in Kitchener, Ontario at the age of 54.

Barney was a gifted magician entertaining many with Merlin at birthday parties, special events, local restaurants sharing his charm and wit through his mystifying card tricks and illusions.
He is survived by his children, Jaryd and Jacklyn and their mother Karen, his parents Eugene and Marie of Leamington, his siblings: Peter (Jeannine), Jean (Kip Brown), Paul, David (Joanne), Terry (Sharon), Kevin, Debbie (Bob Richardson).

Read more.

There is also a nice rememberance in the most recent issue of the CAM publication, Northern Peeks on page 19 "The Final Curtain."

Toronto: Shift Your Perspective with Dan Trommater

From Facebook:

Saturday, October 5th 

Kick-off your Nuit Blanche right, with a magic show!

Catch magician Dan Trommater in this rare public performance before he heads to LA to perform at The World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle.

** FOR TICKETS: **
https://shiftyourperspective.eventbrite.ca/
This will be an intimate evening of magic and mystery. With only 45 available tickets, you'll be close enough to see every moment. Close enough to swear that you should be able to see how the tricks work - but don't be disappointed if you leave baffled.

Read more and buy tickets.

Halifax to host Houdini Seance

From John Cox at Wild About Harry:

Great news today! Bill Radner informs me that the 2013 Official Houdini Seance will be held in the catacombs of the historic Citadel HIll in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Halloween of this year.

Houdini and Bess performed in Halifax during their first tour of the Canadian Maritimes in 1896. That formative tour is the subject of Bruce MacNab's excellent book, The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini. Bruce will be co-hosting this year's seance, which is going to have a terrific lineup of guests and performers and will have a limited amount of tickets available to the public.

Read more.

Thank you to our October sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.  We're pleased to have the support of:

• Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist,
• Ryan Pilling author of Finding The Funny, 
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic and
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

 

 

 

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

 

Toronto: Tyler Wilson at Browser's Den Free Magic Club

From the Broswer's Den Facebook group:

CARDICIAN 'TYLER WILSON' WILL BE COMING TO 'BROWSER'S DEN' this Saturday October 5th. He will be the Special Guest for Browser's Den Free Magic Club and will be at the shop from about 2:00pm to about 4:30pm. Tyler will be doing tricks and talking magic with magic club members.

Read more.

Greely: CANCELLED Jay Scott Berry lecture and workshop

Updated October 8th, with information from Doug at Magic Information Canada:

Ottawa (Greely) Jay Scott Berry events cancelled. If you like, visit to be sure they're no longer listed at http://t.co/Q7MlBSmksb :)
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) October 8, 2013

From Magic Information Canada:

Greely, ON: Thursday, October 17 at 8 PM. Jay Scott Berry. Magic lecture.    

Greely, ON: Friday, October 18 at 8 PM. Jay Scott Berry. Magic workshop. 

Read more.