31 December 2013

In memoriam

Update February 19th, 2014 to include:


Updated at 9:16 to include:



30 December 2013

It's all because of you!

Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters (The Magic Demon, James Alan, Ian Crawford, Ring 99 and Killarney Sheffield), those who send news our way, and last but not least, thank you to all of this year's sponsors (be sure to support them!):
 




 

None of this would be possible without all of you!

29 December 2013

Croswell and Forget on Le plus grand cabaret du monde

From Magic Stripped with Richard Forget's Facebook page:
What are ya doing New Years Eve? If you get channel TV5 in your area watch Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. It will be a four hour extravaganza of the best variety acts from around the world. There's even a countdown. I know because we did it at the beginning of this month!! 
This was my third time on the show and definitely my most favorite. Check it out.
On the show I performed my classic act, An Urban Phantasy.  
Read more.

From Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde:
Visuels :
Neil Croswell : magicien colombes
Richard Forget : magie avec feu 
Read more.

Murray keeps Christmas promise

From iTricks:
Being in the hospital over the holidays must be pretty hard, especially for kids and a visit from a magician must make it a little brighter. Remember back in November when iTricks reported that Murray Sawchuck had visited the UMC Trauma Center and promised to return on Christmas? He made good on his promise and was back to perform for young patients yesterday.

Read more and watch video.

28 December 2013

Dave Attwood interviews Jamie D. Grant

In episode 46 from December 18th, Dave Attwood interviews Jamie D. Grant.  See if you agree with the thought that "random acts of kindness are wrong."

Listen to the interview at Dave Attwood's site.

27 December 2013

Kreskin on Home and Family

From iTricks:
The Amazing Kreskin will be joining The Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family this morning at 10 AM Eastern, 9 AM Central. If you miss it this morning, it will be re-aired Monday at noon Eastern. In more television news, Travel Channel is rebroadcasting the first two episodes of White Magic on

Read more.

25 December 2013

More Christmas magic from Ryan

Watch more Christmas magic from Ryan Joyce:


Let me carry you

How would you react if a total stranger came up to you and asked if they could carry you?

I can only imagine the looks Wes Barker got while making his YouTube video "Carrying People Around The World."  From YouTube:
This video took me 2 years to complete. It means a great deal to me. I hope it can add a little something to your day.

In an attempt to set a world record I started carrying random people all over the globe. I have no agenda for this video. My only goal is to spread and share inspirations. However random or strange they may seem.


24 December 2013

Dave Attwood interviews Ryan Pilling

In episode 45 from December 11th, Dave Attwood interviews Ryan Pilling.  Recorded at the Three Of Clubs Convention, Ryan discusses February's upcoming WOW Fest.

Listen to the interview at Dave Attwood's site.

23 December 2013

Broken wand: Floyd Campbell

From Telford's Burial and Cremation:
Floyd Jackson Campbell
(August 20, 1921 - June 10, 2013)

Passed away in Nanaimo General Hospital on June 10, 2013.

He is survived by his family: three sons, two daughters and their families.

Floyd will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Read more.

22 December 2013

[Guest post] Love’s magic

The following is a guest post from an author Killarney Sheffield

--

Hello, my name is Killarney Sheffield. I am an award winning multi-published historical romance author from right here in Canada. You’re probably wondering why a romance author is writing on a magic blog, well it all started with a plot to a book I was working on called Love’s Magic. The story is about a female magician named Celeste in the early 1800’s and her sidekick a black Holland Lop rabbit Dexter. I know, magic rabbits are supposed to be white thanks to Mary Toft, but I had to make it a little unusual, because well, that is the publishing industry. As I got into the story I realized that if I was going to write about a magician I needed to know something about the craft of magic itself. Yes, I could have just made it all up and flubbed my way through the magic scenes but someone somewhere would have caught it, and I try to be true to the things I write about even though it is fiction. I could have bought a book on magic tricks but since I write in the historical period I needed to know early tricks and the history of magic. I was lost. As you know magician’s don’t like to share their secrets, can you blame them? I was on twitter one day and reached out to an American magician/escape artist and explained about the book. He was happy to help me write the magic scenes as long as I never revealed how they were done. I got to know him well after emailing and Skypeing back and forth for a few months and was amazed at just how seriously he took his craft, from the breathing exercises and practises, to his whole routine before each show he does. It really opened my eyes to the complexity of what magician’s do. Eventually I finished writing the book and emailed it to him to read it and double check my magic scenes. Once he gave me the thumbs up off it went into The Great Romance Contest of 2013. From there it came in runner up and was contracted by Assent Publishing’s Breathless Books imprint. The book is to be released this February and will be my 15th title. I couldn’t have done it without my Twitter magician. Not only do I have a new appreciation for the magician’s craft and skill, but now I am a diehard fan. There is a whole lot more to magic than meets the eye!


--
Thank you Killarney for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

To learn more about "Love's Magic" visit http://www.assentpublishing.com/AuthorAnnouncements.aspx#KSheffield

20 December 2013

Toronto: Dan McLean Jr as "Trashy Claus"

From Facebook:
Friday December 20th

This Friday night is the Trash Palace's Christmas party, and they've asked me to be their "Trashy Claus": A drunken, grumpy Saint Nick.

I'll be just a small part of the evening's fesivities, singing an unsavoury version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", and reading a few pages from "Santa's Diary" (more unsavouriness, from my 1992 essay).


Read more.

19 December 2013

Keith Brown Fringing

Congratulations Keith!

18 December 2013

World-renowned Playing Card Expert Buys Largest Internet Playing Card Forum - Match Made in Heaven

For Immediate Release:
Toronto, Ontario. - December 17th, 2013 - In a surprise announcement, world-renowned playing card expert Tom Dawson stated that he has purchased "the Discourse at playingcardforum.com," the world's largest playing card Internet forum from previous owner and playing card designer, Alexander Yusupov.

The inspiration for selling The Discourse recalled twenty-two year old Alexander Yusupov, original founder of the forum "Tom and Judy Dawson are THE experts," Yusupov said. "It was time to pass the forum along to people that could take my work into unprecedented territory."

As the author, with Judy, his wife, of the definitive work "The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards," as well the current president of the 52 Plus Joker Club, the preeminent North American card collecting organization, Mr. Dawson has lots to offer the large and growing roster of playing card collectors online.

Don Boyer, administrator of the Discourse and 52 Plus Joker member, agrees.  "I knew that Alex Yusupov had for some time been considering a sale of the forum, but the right opportunity hadn't presented itself.  When Tom Dawson and Lee Asher approached me recently to discuss future plans for 52 Plus Joker, it seems like a natural fit to unite these two organizations in some way, creating a synergy between them that makes them greater together than they are individually.  I suggested the idea to both parties and this is the happy result."

The idea of hunting for vintage pasteboards has always intrigued Mr. Dawson since he began his obsession almost forty years ago. The kind of passion that drove him back then to seek out the beauty and history those decks of cards possess still leads him today to help other fellow collectors, no matter their age or experience. After updating the 52 Plus Joker's Constitution and Mission Statement to expand the membership to include more modern custom playing card collectors and designers, Mr. Dawson saw the purchase of a sizable forum with over ten thousand members worldwide as a rare opportunity, one he couldn't pass up.

"When the United States Playing Card Company needs their collection evaluated, they call Tom and Judy Dawson. Imagine the kind of rich history and fascinating information they are going to share with anyone interested," said 52 Plus Joker's Director of Publicity, Lee Asher.

Asher adds, "It looks like 2014 is going to be pretty spectacular for card enthusiasts. I can't remember a time when everyone was so excited about playing card culture!"

According to Discourse statistics, the forum's membership is already growing exponentially with a high rate of regular visitors and posters. With luck, and if Tom Dawson 'plays his cards right,' he will end up achieving his ultimate goal of inspiring a new generation of playing card aficionados.

Interested in collecting playing cards? You aren't alone! Membership in the Discourse is free of charge to the public. Visit Tom Dawson's Discourse now, and get started today.

http://playingcardforum.com

For more information, go to the official announcement by Tom at The Discourse.

Clowns vs Magicians

From CBC:
When it comes to kids parties, who makes the better entertainer? A clown or a magician? Pat Thornton champions the clown and Dave Acer endorses the magician.

Read more and listen to a clip.

17 December 2013

Toronto: James Alan at Reasons Greetings

From Reality Based Magic:
This Friday, I’ll be performing at the Centre for Inquiry’s Winter Solstice Party.

Friday, December 20, 2013
Tota Lounge – 592 Queen Street West
 
CFI  works to combat the harm of superstition, pseudoscience and religion by advancing the values of reason, science and secularism through education, activism and community. So join us for a special secular soiree and help us celebrate reason this season. 
Read more and buy tickets.

14 December 2013

12/2013 update to the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site

From the curator of the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site:
John Giordmaine Dot Com, the online tribute to Canada's most beloved children's magician Johnny Giordmaine (1898-1974) wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday season with its latest update: A selection of one of a kind vintage photos taken over the years at Ring 17 (reposted with kind permission of Ring 17); a special personal remembrance by Robert H. Rastorp; and a celebration of Johnny winning the prestigious IBM Star of Magic Award fifty years ago. These latest features bring to 15 the number of new pages added during this past year.

If you remember Johnny at all or would like to be inspired by one of Canada's most memorable magical entertainers, please visit. And if you have any memories or photos to share, please get in touch. Contact information is on the site which is:

http://www.johngiordmaine.com

13 December 2013

Marc Linett: a pretty level-headed guy

From My Town Crier:
The ace of clubs is on the top of the deck.

Marc Linett splits the deck in two and shows the ace is still at the top of one half. He takes it from there and places it face down halfway into the other half, which is fanned out. He asks his sole spectator to push the card in. The spectator complies.

“Is it all the way in?” Linett asks in a muffled voice.

The spectator looks up to see the ace of clubs in Linett’s mouth, not only explaining the muffled voice, but bewildering the spectator.

Read more.


[via Ring 17]

12 December 2013

Calgary: WowFest 2014's talent thus far

From WowFest:
With help from Calgary 2012, we were able to launch WowFest Magic Arts Festival on February 23rd, 2013. It was a huge success, with big crowds of happy and amazed people all day long. We’re working on bringing it back next year, bigger, better, and more magical.

Read more and buy tickets.

Confirmed shows:

10 December 2013

Calgary: WowFest at The Calgary Social Media Breakfast

From Event Brite:
Sunday, December 15

Ryan and Gwyn of WowFest will be roaming ‘in da house’, dazzling patrons with magic and illusions. You won’t believe your eyes.

WowFest Magic Arts Festival presents the magical and mysterious art of sleight-of-hand and illusion to Calgary audiences. The second annual event spans two full weeks, and will feature a variety of magic shows. Some just right for children and family audiences, but also a good number of shows intended to baffle adult audiences. WowFest is a unique opportunity for Calgary to experience the wonders of the magical arts in a theatrical venue.

The festival is set to take place from February 17th to March 1st, 2014. There are a multitude of ways to get involved with making the magic happen, from volunteering to simply coming out to enjoy the shows. The festival is currently seeking corporate support, with a variety of sponsorship opportunities available.

Read more.

09 December 2013

05 December 2013

Toronto: Rob Power show and lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:
Sunday, January 12, 2014

ONLY $10.00 Show & Lecture!!!

Dear Magic Friend, That is correct…both for only $10.00.

Mr. Power has over 30 years experience performing in all sorts of venues. He is easily one of the most wonderful all around magicians in Canada!

Just to give you an idea of Mr. Power’s type of work…About 25 years ago during Christmas  I (Jeff Pinsky) went into a shopping centre and saw that there was a magic show that day.

I decided to walk over and watch the show. To be honest I was not prepared for what I saw.

Read more and buy tickets.

04 December 2013

Thank you to our December sponsors!

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

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.

Or, you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!
 

02 December 2013

Rounding the Western rings in December

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

CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- n/a
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- n/a
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- n/a
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle)- Third Monday Magic
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- n/a
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- Dave/Trevor Watters    
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)   - Strolling/Close up
 

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

Rounding the Ontario rings in December

Updated December 3rd, to add Hamilton event details.


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


Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) - "Share the Magic" at Wentworth Lodge Long Term Care Residential Home
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- tricky boxes and tabletop illusions
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Christmas dinner
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) - Christmas party
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- last meeting before Christmas
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) Browser's Den of Magic visit
 

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, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - n/a
St. John, NBMagic Circle of St. John- n/a


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

01 December 2013

Scott Hammell: Down and Out for Free The Children

From YouTube:
Scott Hammell overcame his fear of heights so that he could jump from an airplane while handcuffed to his waist. As part of a challenge to inspire high school students to fundraise enough money to build a school in Ecuador, Scott added the potential of a blindfold to offer some incentive.

Read more.