Zombie magic

From Ryan Joyce's Twitter feed:

6 Killer Magic Tricks Performed By a Zombie: http://t.co/NQE1PpqxAE via @YouTube
— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) October 30, 2014

Magician vs Halloween

From Ryan Joyce's Twitter feed:

Magician vs Halloween: http://t.co/wwwhSlTvrj via @YouTube
— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) October 26, 2014

Top 5 posts in October 2014

As we close out another month at Canada's Magic, let's have a look at the the most viewed posts:

5. Toronto: The Uncertainty Project by James Alan - That surprised me.

4. Goodbye to Morrissey Magic -- the end of an era in Toronto - Over a year later and I still can't believe it's true.

3. The importance of magic shops - Glad this one's getting views.

2. Toronto: The Ghost Experience with Jamie Stam - Would anyone like to guest report on this experience?

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Who's where October 2014 - Don't forget to add your appearance to our November "Who's  where" post!

Lecture: Mayhew Mayhem

In conjunction with Chris Mayhew's four show run in New York City, Chris is also giving a lecture.

From The Daily Deception:

Saturday November 8th

MAYhew MAYhem Lecture

Magic is not only a profession for Chris Mayhew, it’s a way of life. Throughout the past decade Chris Mayhew has developed a beautifully unique way to create, perform and entertain with magic which has garnered him a reputation, world-wide. He will disarm you, charm you, and make you laugh out loud with his uniquely entertaining brand of magic.

One of Canada’s most innovative and prolific magicians, Chris Mayhew creates new magic experiences like nothing you’ve seen before. Inspired, hilarious, and bold; his effects will leave you both amazed and amused.

The MAYhew MAYhem lecture consists of two parts. The first comes straight from the Mayhew working repertoire. You’re guaranteed to pick up a gem.

Read more and buy tickets.

Dave Attwood interviews Steve Hignett

   From Attwood Magic:

DAS-October 19th, 2014 Steve Hignett

This week Angel was away on vacation and we were so lucky to have Victoria Magic Circle President, Steve Hignett, join us again in studio to talk about attacking people with magic and the infamous bullet catch.

Read more and listen to interview.

Magic camp book dedication

I have in my hands a book, penned by a Canadian author, with the following dedication:

"To the kids at magic camp, and in loving memory of Y.C."

Details, and possibly a giveaway, to follow.

Luc Langevin en France

I will never look at an orange or a block of ice the same way again!

From Luc Langevin's Twitter feed:

1er passage sur un plateau français pour mes spectacles là bas en 2016. J'y fais 2 illusions...la glace est brisée https://t.co/eoI8rs9Mpr
— Luc Langevin (@LucLangevin) October 1, 2014

Ariel Frailich's Sociopath in Linking Ring

From Ariel Frailich's Twitter feed:

One of my effects was featured in the Halloween Parade in the October 2014 Linking Ring: http://t.co/Arkgh4cOeV pic.twitter.com/FGswY74EWN
— I Saw That! (@istmagic) October 7, 2014

Dave Attwood interviews Arthur Trace

  From Attwood Magic:

DAS-October 11th, 2014 Arthur Trace / Steve Hignett

This week Angel was away and we were so lucky to have Victoria Magic Circle President, Steve Hignett join us in studio to talk about how important 'plactice' is. Joining us from LA was IBM Gold Medal winner, Arthur Trace, to talk about his life in magic and acting and his goals in the art of magic.

Read more and listen to interview.

Luc Langevin in the Huffington Post

Read about Luc Langevin's new TV series, new game, current stage tour and recent nomination in the Performance of the Year category of ADISQ.

From the Huffington Post (via Google Translate):

A few hours before setting foot on the red carpet of the Other ADISQ Wednesday, Luc Langevin was shooting for his new TV series, culminating on ARTV in spring 2015 and Radio Canada. 

In this new concept, kept secret for now, the illusionist will team up with two other magicians who, like him, are juggling so much with science than magic. Its partners are the engineer Stéphane Bourgoin and the French designer Mathieu Bich, both seen in the documentary Masters of illusion beyond magic, in which Luc Langevin was going to meet magicians from around the world.

"They have a different formation, but the mix between the three of us is perfect," said Langevin.

Read more. Read the original in French.

From HuffPost Québec's Twitter feed:

Luc Langevin: un deuxième #jeu et une nouvelle émission de #télé @LucLangevin http://t.co/sS4rlzao5u pic.twitter.com/nWsg8XGv5x
— HuffPost Québec (@HuffPostQuebec) October 23, 2014

ICYMI: Ryan Joyce puppysits

In case you missed it on Buzzfeed or iTricks, watch Ryan Joyce magically entertain a young pup:

New York City: Mayhew Mayhem

From Chris Mayhew's Twitter feed:

I will be debuting a 40 min show that I have never done before. One thing we know for sure, there will be Mayhem. pic.twitter.com/TASwpeQ6PO
— chris mayhew (@chrismayhew1) October 14, 2014

Toronto: Bobby Motta - Got the Next Big Trick?

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, October 26th 

PLACE: Browser's Den of Magic 

Some of the most talented magicians are often hidden from the rest of the world and even they don't realize how talented they are. Well, it's time to practice your best effect and present it to the team. We will have gift cards, prizes, giveaways, and potentially sign you up under Ellusionist as the newest recruits and sell your effect to the world with big payouts!

Read more.

Peter Mennie on Free 98.1

Watch Peter Mennie with Botten from Free 98.1 on YouTube:

 


A Twitter reminder about Peter's upcoming show:

Magic, illusions and humour! Don't miss our new show Oct 24th. Tickets on sale this Monday! pic.twitter.com/sMvqnQ98rT
— WesternFair District (@WesternFair) September 27, 2014

Dave Attwood interviews Dave Morris

 From Screencast:

DAS-September 17th, 2014 David Morris

This week Dave Morris came into the studio to hang out and talk about his cleaning up at the magic competitions this last year as well as his career as an imporv comedian. Our host Dave talked about his last ride of the year and coming home to the Project X party at his house.It should be noted that there was an issue with Mr. Morris's microphone for the first half of the show.

Read more and listen to interview.

Billy Kidd in Breaking Magic behind the scenes.

From Billy Kidd's YouTube channel:



[via iTricks]

Mike Segal consulting on Frankenstein's Boy

From Eric Woolfe's Facebook page:

MagicMike Segal (Magic Consultant) knows the correct pronunciation of the Seven Dream Words that no human tongue dare utter. He owns the Silver Key that Unlocks the Unknown Kaddath and he keeps it in his basement beside his sponge balls and his Hippoty Hop Bunny. He has had drinks with Rasputin, played darts with Alestair Crowley, and beat the Devil at Cards. When Magic Mike turns a prince into a toad, that prince stays turned.

Big Brother Canada kicks off national casting call

From TV,eh?:

With its third season set to air on Global in Spring 2015, Big Brother Canada kicks off its coast-to-coast houseguest search this Sunday, October 19 in Vancouver and Calgary followed by stops in Regina, Halifax, St. John’s, Montréal and Toronto. Fans of the raucous reality series can also rejoice over news that the Big Brother Canada Side Show is returning to Slice™ in 2015, with series host Arisa Cox and co-hosts Peter Brown and Gary Levy in a new one-hour format. The schedule for Big Brother Canada and the Side Show will be revealed in the New Year.

Read more.

Look for Spidey on television January 2015

From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:

Post by Perfect Magic.

Spot the Canadian magician!

Eagle eyed reader, Mark Baluk, tipped me to this video.  One hundred points* to the first person in the comments who can tell me which Canadian magician has a cameo in Timber Timbre's video for the song Grand Canyon.

From YouTube:


Thanks for sharing Mark!

--
*  To borrow a phrase from Drew Carey in "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", the points don't matter.

Sheldon Casavant at TEDxVancouver

From TEDxVancouver:

October 18, 2014 

Sheldon Casavant isn’t your everyday magician. He utilizes interactive sleight-of-hand magic to blur the lines between imagination and reality. Recognized as one of Canada’s most sought after performers, Sheldon was nominated as Entertainer of the Year in 2009 and 2010 by the Canadian Events Industry Awards.

Read more and buy tickets.

Thanksgiving sale: 40% off yearly sponsorship rates!

Show your support for Canada's Magic,

"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 or being Our Friend.)

Join the company of patrons Clive Court (The Fun-da-Mentalist), 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!

Our patrons make this site possible. 

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!

Scott Hammell: A Day In The Life (Sep)

From Scott Hammell's YouTube channel:

Eric Leclerc's Brain Games video

From Eric Leclerc's Twitter feed:

'Brain Games' Trick Will Make You Question Reality http://t.co/aJnahGomUo via @whatstrending
— Eric Leclerc (@LeclericShow) September 5, 2014

Richard Forget on Quirky

Only 3 days left to vote.

From Richard Forget's Facebook page:

Post by Magic Stripped with Richard Forget.

Escaping Parkinson's grand finale

Congratulations again Mark, on a fabulous achievement!

From Mark Correia's Twitter feed:

DAY 14 IS HERE! THE GRAND FINALE OF #ESCAPINGPARKINSONS https://t.co/YRrhul2Q4n
— Mark Correia (@Mark_Correia) October 7, 2014

The importance of magic shops

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of brick and mortar magic shops.  Not only are they the first place many kids get bitten by the magic bug, it's also a place enthusiasts can go for encouragement and coaching by people in the know. A nurturing community is formed in a local shop, which can't be duplicated through the internet.

(You'll notice that two brick and mortar shops are invested in keeping the community of this site alive.  Please remember to thank them, the next time you're there.)

Don't have brick and mortar shop in your area? Consider supporting one through their online shops. (I direct your attention to two of the wonderful sponsors of this blog, Perfect Magic and The Browser's Den of Magic!)

The emphasis in the excerpt below, is mine.

From Perfect Magic:

As many of you know, magic shops are closing all over the place. Many shut down in the U.S.A. and some in Canada as well.  There were not a whole lot to begin with. It’s so easy to look up  what you want on line, find the cheapest price and order.  I can’t say that I blame anyone for doing that. But there may be a cost to the saving of money, especially in magic. 

Click through to read Evelyn's thoughts on the matter.

Report: David Kaplan and Buster Keaton

From Joe Culpepper:

Last night I attended my first magic lecture since moving to Montréal. David Kaplan, also known as The Great Kaplan, shared some tips, tricks, and stunts from his professional repertoire.

Since I’m in this city to research the relationship between magic and other circus disciplines, I enjoyed hearing Kaplan’s thoughts on variety material. He performed a version of the torn and restored newspaper for us that ends with a giant, over-sized newspaper that he gets tangled up in. The inspiration for this piece came from a Buster Keaton film

Read more.

How do you deal with failure?

In his post "Magic Gone Wrong," Lee Asher makes shares some valuable insights on failure.

Leave a comment below to share what you have learned from a time when things didn't go according to plan.

From Lee Asher's Playground:

Have you ever performed magic for a group of people, only to realize the routine isn't going to end as expected? Do you remember the feeling you got when it happened? Terrible! Most magicians can relate, because if you've ever presented magic before, you've probably been in that kind of situation. Maybe even more than once?

As a beginner, for me, it happened a lot. Nonetheless, those initial experiences shaped me into the performer I am today. With time and practice though, I learned to limit my amount of failure.
Currently as a professional, it rarely happens. Though, when stuff goes awry these days, it makes a meaningful, albeit painful, impact on me.

MAGIC GONE WRONG Recently, I was asked to perform at the Atlanta Harvest Magic Convention. It's a wonderful get-together filled with warm & compassionate folk. In one of the rooms, for the formal close-up show with over hundred pairs of eyes watching, I failed miserably with a set I'd been performing for a while.

Read more.

Shawn Farquhar entertains 106-year-old Hilda Baybutt

From the Bournemouth Echo:

THERE was magic in the air at a Bournemouth retirement home as residents marvelled at the antics of a world-renowned magician.

Shawn Farquhar, the international president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, stunned residents at Glenhurst Manor with a series of sleight-of-hand card tricks.

Read more and watch video.

Dave Attwood interviews Dan Harlan

From Screencast:

DAS-September 24th, 2014 Dan Harlan 

This week Dan Harlan joins Dave and Angel and talks about his early start on stage, his contribution to the elastic band magic and his latest project, revamping, revising and modernizing the classic Tarbel Course In Magic for the new generation of magicians.

Read more and listen to interview.

Chris Westfall's "31 days until Halloween Instagram project"

From Chris Westfall on Facebook:

Post by Chris Westfall.

and

Post by Chris Westfall.

Kitchener: Masters of Illusion

From Masters of Illusions Live:

Believe the impossible! The hit television series, Masters of Illusion, breaks out of the box and into a live theatre near you!

Sat., Nov. 8 Kitchener, ONT 

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Free magic club

 From the Browser's Den Facebook group:

This Saturday, October 4th is our next FREE Magic Club meeting at the shop.
All are welcome (2:30ish until 5ish).

Read more.

Montreal: David Kaplan lecture

From Montreal Magic Jam:

Monday October 6th

We’re very excited to have one of magic’s hardest working professionals here with us in Montreal. David Kaplan is a virtuoso juggler, magician, inventor, musician, deadpan physical comedian. Performing since the 1980′s as The Great Kaplan, David’s been featured all over the world including Hollywood’s Magic Castle, ABC television’s The View and Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde.

David’s numerous awards include the first place medal at the Canton Battle of Magicians, the coveted “Peoples Choice” award at the 2006 IBM Convention. In 2010 he was awarded the Mandrake d’Or in Paris.

Read more and buy tickets.

Rounding the Western rings in October

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)	- Halloween Magic - Special guest Lothar Malmberg
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- n/a
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- n/a
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Halloween.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- n/a
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 October

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

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- n/a
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Corporate strolling.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Shane Cobalt lecture
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- David Kaplan lecture
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- Lecture.
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- David Kaplan lecture

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in October

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

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

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

Grateful for our October sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.  This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist,
• 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.

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

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Who's where October 2014

Leave a comment on this post to let us know where you're going to be this month!

2nd #magician on sat 25th oct is @Billykiddshow host of Breaking Magic on Discovery Channel and Resident Magician of @Krowdkeepers #magic

— Sleight (@SleightBarBath) October 13, 2014

Come see me perform at Drysdale's tree farm every weekend until Halloween. Begins tonight at 7! You know you can make it
— PickpocketJames (@PickpocketJames) October 10, 2014

MAGIC SHOW with Chris Westfall 1-1:30pm at Toast to Autumn Sunday OCTOBER 19...you'll be amazed!! pic.twitter.com/j9ZDQ0Ja4x
— Bloor by the Park (@bloorbythepark) October 10, 2014

You won't believe what's happening here on Sunday Oct. 26th. Literally! Catch @billabbottmagic & more! @canadasmagic http://t.co/a9F23n45RP
— Comedy Nest Montreal (@comedynest) October 7, 2014

Magic and Balloons at #BostonPizza #beddington 5-8 every Monday. pic.twitter.com/heVo4cjVRu
— James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) October 7, 2014

Just added. Family Fright Fiesta, Sat. Oct. 18. Georgina Pioneer Village. One show only at 6:45. Come and say hello. http://t.co/jS0nAhyT60
— ThePartyMagician (@ron_party_magic) October 6, 2014

Post by Perfect Magic.

Join us this Sunday for Magic@theCage with @westfallmagic and @james_alan. Tickets available online http://t.co/6KKxbvLwDK
— Abracadabaret (@Abracadabaret) October 3, 2014

Post by Neil Griffin.

Come see me perform at Drysdale's tree farm every weekend until Halloween. Begins tonight at 7! You know you can make it
— PickpocketJames (@PickpocketJames) October 10, 2014

MAGIC SHOW with Chris Westfall 1-1:30pm at Toast to Autumn Sunday OCTOBER 19...you'll be amazed!! pic.twitter.com/j9ZDQ0Ja4x
— Bloor by the Park (@bloorbythepark) October 10, 2014

Magic, illusions and humour! Don't miss our new show Oct 24th. Tickets on sale this Monday! pic.twitter.com/sMvqnQ98rT
— WesternFair District (@WesternFair) September 27, 2014

Helping @VarietyYYC raise money on Oct. 23 at a #NightofVariety http://t.co/zICi2nxM20 pic.twitter.com/YIC7btAAPV
— James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) September 24, 2014

Voici une chance d'assister à mon spectacle avant qu'il ne traverse l'Atlantique ! Montréal 18 oct, Québec 14-15 nov https://t.co/l19kns3qdL
— Luc Langevin (@LucLangevin) September 23, 2014

Don't miss the magic & comedy of @IncrediBrent at Heels for Hope! Experience it at the @banquetcentre on October 17! #magic #comedy
— Heels for Hope (@BellevilleHeels) September 5, 2014

Magic @McSorleysGrill wednesdays 6-9pm. Bring ur friends, kids & wives. Don't get caught bringing ur friends wives! pic.twitter.com/arjxy1SSwx
— Chris Westfall (@westfallmagic) September 24, 2014

Post by Benzi Train.