Broken wand: Joseph Ward

From Legacy:

Joseph Andrew Ward April 4, 1932 - January 9, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Andrew Ward aka "Santa Joe". Joe was predeceased by his wife Oma, daughters Donna Lacey and Joanne Ward. He is survived by son Brent Ward (Nancy), daughter Bev Ward Young (Randy) and grandchildren Miles and Clint Lacey, Tara and Jaz Young and Hayley and Sami Ward. Joe was a Jack of all Trades, inventor and adventurer. At an early age he moved to Churchhill Manitoba where he became a fisherman and the proud owner of a dog sled team. Joe was a man of many talents; machinist, volunteer fireman, square dance caller, carpenter, prospector, magician and Santa to name a few.

Read more.

Top 5 posts in January 2015

It's been another busy month for news close to 50 posts! Here are the most viewed posts at Canada's Magic this month:

5. Thirty seconds with Eric Leclerc - Eric's a fun interview! 

4. Erin Thomas writes about a Performance Critique Workshop - It's always interesting learn an "outsider's" point of view. 

3. Breaking news! Toronto: Browser's Den Bash! - SOLD OUT in 8 days!  Amazing!  (You can still put yourself on the waiting list.) 

2. Who's Where January 2015 - Does anybody out there find these valuable?

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Chris Westfall published in Genii - Congratulations again Chris!

David Merry in the Toronto Star

From the Toronto Star:

To that end, Foster has recruited what he says is an A-list team of about a dozen equally mature headliners to form his squadron of aces: peers whom he shared stages with in Toronto during those comedy boom days of the mid-’80s.

“When we started we were still kind of building it,” explains Foster recruit David Merry, about that era when seemingly overnight the country was dotted with comedy clubs and one-nighters. 

Merry, who blends deft magic and clever props with an original, international, well-crafted standup routine, is also one the most universally beloved amongst his brethren — no small feat in an industry that’s fraught with oversized egos and infighting.

Read more.

Ron Guttman at "Magic Tonight"

From the Abracadabaret Facebook page:

Post by Abracadabaret.

James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"

Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.





From the Abracadabaret Facebook page:

Unfortunately, we're having serious problems with our online ticketing for the show. If you're having any issues at all, just reach out to us by email (reservations@abracadabaret.com) or by phone (416.995.1736) and we'll look after your reservation personally.

--
* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic. 

James Jordan: GigMasters' Best of 2014

Congratulations James!

From James Jordan's Twitter feed:

I won GigMasters' Best of 2014 http://t.co/1tx4ujW9rp #blessed #gigmasters #yyc #magic #comedy #entertainers
— James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) January 15, 2015

Browser's Bash special guest: Nathan Kranzo!

  

Only 22 spots remaining!

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

It's time to announce the 1st mystery guest of the Browser's Magic Bash.

All the way from Flint, Michigan...

Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for the King of Koins, NATHAN KRANZO!

We're excited to have him sharing his magic and partying with us, all day long.

Once again, if 10+ magicians, a close up show, a stage show, lectures, mini-sessions, 12 hours of magic overload, free lunch & dinner, and surprises that will make your jaw drop sounds like your kind of fun, the Browser's Magic Bash is for you. Register now before it's too late.

Read more.

Check it out ... I've been Coope'd!

From The Browser's Den Twitter feed:

Hey @canadasmagic, you've been Coope'd in celebration of the #BrowsersBash2015! pic.twitter.com/uDRgkuTawa
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2015

To get Coope'd, have a look at this Tweet from The Browser's Den of Magic:

Want to be Coope'd? Tweet a photo over to @TheBrowsersDen right now! #BrowsersBash2015 #GotCooped
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2015

WowFest is back!

Ryan Pilling is bringing WowFest back on February 21st and February 28th.

From WowFest:

WowFest Magic Arts Festival first appeared in Calgary in February of 2013 with a day full of amazing fun magic shows set in the community of Westgate. The festival was launched with the support of the “Cultural Capital of Canada” arts funding from the Calgary 2012 program.

With a successful, sold-out day full of shows, and positive audience feedback, the festival was set to become a recurring event. 

Read more and buy tickets.

Thirty seconds with Eric Leclerc

This is the second in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Eric Leclerc is a professional magician from Ottawa, Ontario.  He loves the beautiful scenery of Canada and especially the friendly people.  Eric first saw information about Sorcerers Safari at a convention and decided to investigate further.  He thinks magic camp is fabulous because it's about guiding and mentoring.  "Most importantly," Eric said, "it's about showing that magic isn't all about the tricks; it's about soft people skills like how to approach people."*  He comes back to camp every year to see the kids progress year over year.  He loves that there's a place where a "group of geeks / people just like us" can get together.  Eric's attended camp for six years as a counsellor.

FUN FACT:
While a fan of Superman, Eric prefers the Marvel world to DC comics.

DID YOU KNOW?
- You can see Eric on the National Geographic show Brain Games which has over 100 million viewers in 45 languages.  The opportunity came about because of Eric's YouTube video project 365 interactive card trick.

- Some of his project 365 episodes are also appearing on BBC One's "Now you see it!"

- Keep an eye out for Eric on YTV in September.   He's got his own 20 episode show of hidden camera magic!

Eric's first memory of magic was a hat tear performed at the annual Veterans' Christmas party he'd traditionally attend with his grandfather. He thinks that the instant access of so many magic effects today is a double-edged sword. On one hand there's greater variety and ease of access. On the other hand, there isn't the "gate keeper" of a magic store owner to help filter things for kids based on appropriateness and/or skill level. When asked for advice he'd give aspiring magicians, Eric offers up some tips he was given when he was starting out: "Work on your people skills, not just the technical side of the effects. Take marketing and business classes. Learn about promotion and book keeping and everything else you can learn."

When not honing his magic skills, Eric enjoys video editing.

Visit Eric's website at EricLeclerc.com

From Fireside Productions Facebook page, Eric entertaining a volunteer:

Post by Fireside Productions.

From the Brain Games Facebook page, Eric and some chicks:

Post by Brain Games.

--
* I've had the pleasure of seeing Eric perform his "Rocky Raccoon" routine a number of times.  Enough times that I have a good feel for his script, rhythm, and pacing.  One day I saw a young child, six or seven years of age, watch with rapt attention as Eric worked with Rocky.  Eric began to focus the presentation to the child, much to their delight!  This time, however, Eric left out the part of his routine that generally gets the biggest laughs.  I asked Eric about the script change, and he said it was his opinion that the child may not have reacted favourably to the missing bit.  I also chatted with the child's father, who agreed with Eric's assessment that including the left out bit would likely have led to tears.  Knowing "how to approach people" is a big deal indeed!


Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Darcy Oake passes through a bus wall

From Darcy Oake's YouTube channel:

Wizard Wars returns

Congratulations Billy and  Bedros!

Wizard Wars returns to Space on February 3rd.

From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:

#wizardwars returns jan 29 on #syfy #space channels. #boomshakalaka http://t.co/kQWA3oCB8r
— Billy Kidd (@Billykiddshow) December 30, 2014

From Triple A Media:

Wizard Wars with Billy Kidd returns for its second series! After the huge success of series one Syfy channel brings back with wizarding magic with Canadian magician Billy Kidd. Wizard Wars sees Billy creating jaw-dropping illusions using random objects and transforming them into eye popping miracles! The show is judged by magic legends Penn & Teller and Billy was the only magician last series to receive a standing ovation from the duo.

Read more. 

From Ellen Fox's Twitter feed:

Y'all seen the trailer for new eps of #WizardWars right? Is it ok to announce that @Billykiddshow is our new wizard? http://t.co/9FEnRdezUG
— Ellen Fox (@EllenFox) January 13, 2015

From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:

Ok the rumours are true. I was lucky enough to be upgraded to Wizard Status. New episodes Jan 29 on Syfy/Space in... http://t.co/QwrRDxQSsB
— Billy Kidd (@Billykiddshow) January 12, 2015

From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:

Post by Perfect Magic.

An excerpt from "An Honest Liar"

From the NewYork Times:



[via Perfect Magic]

Shawn Farquhar and Ice McDonald Live Video Q&A with Full Circle Magic

From the Full Circle Magic Q&A YouTube channel:

Matt DiSero entertains Canadian Armed Forces

Matt DiSero's website says that:

"He has performed for the Canadian Armed Forces to boost morale in such countries as Cypress, Bosnia, the United Arab Emirates, Greenland and even WAY up at the North Pole."

Rumour has it that Matt's recently /  is / is going to entertain the troops again!  The tour involves performances on a battleship in Italy as well as for land troops in Kuwait.  Matt joins hockey players from Team Canada, CFL players and Arlene Dickinson (an honorary Captain in the Navy!).

When you're able to Matt, we'd love to hear if you got to ride on an Airbus, and if a hockey game broke out (though hopefully not on the Airbus)!

Ricky Jay on Dai Vernon

From iTricks:

PBS is stepping up the promotion of their airing of Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice as a part of American Masters next week with a few new clips. In addition to one of Jay on Charlie Millers, they put out this video featuring memories of the incomparable Dai Vernon. Deceptive Practice will air on most PBS station next Friday, January 23; it is the first time a magician has been featured in the American Masters series.

Watch on YouTube:

 

Ben Train and Lukas Stark this week at "Magic Tonight"

James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"

Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.




Mississauga:

Post by James Alan.

Pickering:

Post by Abracadabaret.

Toronto:

Post by Benzi Train.

--
* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

So how do you know what's good?

From Perfect Magic:

When we opened Perfect Magic, before the internet, we bought what we thought was good from suppliers we trusted. There was not this smorgasbord of magic that there is today. Every single day we receive new items to consider. At one time there was Mak Magic, Morrissey Magic, Abbott’s, Fun and a few others that manufactured products here in Canada or the U.S.A and Supreme in England. Now very little is made here. It’s hard to compete with China or India. Some of the stuff is good, some is not. But when you read the write-ups, everything is the greatest ever. So how do you know what is good.

Read more.

Breaking news! Toronto: Browser's Den Bash!

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

See Magic. Learn Magic. Show Magic. Love Magic

April 12th, 2015 

Imagine 12 jam-packed hours of magic filled with a plethora of amazing talent, delicious food, and wonderful experiences that you cannot find elsewhere. Card guys, mentalists, stand-up magicians, stage perfomers, and everything in-between... there's something for everyone! You're going to have a fantastic time at the Browser's Magic Bash. It might even challenge the way you normally look at magic conventions.

Space is limited so act now and reserve your spot right away.

Read more and register.

Thirty seconds with Dan Wiebe

This is the first in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds.  Little did they know ...

Semi-professional magician, Dan Wiebe, from Winnipeg Manitoba, is one of the first faces I remember meeting at my first visit to Sorcerers Safari.   Dan is super friendly and has a great sense of humour.  His son Graham previously attended camp for over half a dozen years.  Dan's been an instructor with the camp for seven years.

FUN FACT:
Dan would rather watch Star Trek: The Next Generation, than Star Wars.


DID YOU KNOW?
Dan's most embarrassing magical moment was during a performance as "Alex R. O'Leif," when he blanked on the script after recognizing a student as an audience member.

Dan loves that Sorcerers Safari as a fun place to be.  He's a big part of making it that way.  His classes are practical, patiently taught, entertaining and creative.  For the very young kids with shorter attention spans, he'll sometimes get them to do a little craft that gets incorporated into the routine he teaches.  While helping set-up last year's camper show, he made sure that all of the kids would be showcased and their talents highlighted in a lighthearted and entertaining way.  (Who can forget the sight of one of the smallest performers choosing what had to be the tallest volunteer?)  Dan's first memory of magic dates back to about ten years of age, when he watched someone make an "invisible flea" fly onto a piece of paper.

Dan is a 13 year instructor with the Society of Young Magicians (youth chapter of the Society of American Magicians).  His advice for young magicians:  "Practise."

When not in a magical mood, you're likely to find Dan at a computer.

From Becky Wells' Facebook page:

Post by Fireside Productions.

For more information about the Society of Young Magicians in Winnipeg:

Post by James Carey Lauder.

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Eric Bedard receives IBM Presidential Citation

Congratulations Eric!

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Post by Shawn Farquhar.

Mike Segal featured at the Magic Classroom

Congratuations Magic Mike Segal!

From Jim Stott's Facebook page:

Hello Mike, Congratulations on being a Featured Member this week over on The Magic Classroom at www.magicclassroom.com! Thanks for all you do for magic and have a great week! Jim

Brain Games sneak peak with Eric Leclerc

From Eric Leclerc's Facebook page:

Post by Eric Leclerc.

And now for some Doug Henning videos

From the Johnny Carson YouTube channel:



[via iTricks]



And one from Clive Court's Facebook page:

Post by Clive Court.

I can see why Ryan uses a jar and not a bag

Watch on YouTube as Ryan Joyce plays with eggs:

Eric Leclerc on "Now you see it!"

From the BBC:

Now You See It

Fast-paced entertainment series voiced by Mel Giedroyc, featuring the best and worst of magic and other incredible performers from around the world.

Read more.

From Eric Leclerc's Facebook page:

Post by Eric Leclerc.

Erin Thomas writes about a Performance Critique Workshop

Back in 2013, author Erin Thomas wrote about her experience at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp.  Orcabook's has recently published Erin's impressions of the Performance Critique Workshop (with Aaron Fisher, Justin Flom and Bobby Motta) she attended that summer:

The other night I sat in a room with a handful of other writers here in my hometown. It’s a routine occurrence—we’re a writing group, and we meet at the library every second Tuesday. We all write in different genres and styles, we all bring different backgrounds and experiences to our writing, and we’re all there for one reason: To make the work better.

One of the things I found most fascinating in researching ‘Forcing the Ace’ (Orca Limelights, 2014) was that magicians do the same thing. The day I attended Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp in Ontario, I was lucky enough to sit in on a Performance Workshop led by professional magicians Aaron Fisher, Justin Flom and Bobby Motta. It took place in a pineboard hall with stacking chairs and a stage, and the participants, tracking in pine needles and swatting mosquitos, were teenaged magicians.

Read more.

From Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Toronto: Jason Palter at "Magic Tonight"

From James Alan's Facebook page:

Post by James Alan.

It's noteworthy that "Magic Tonight" is now available in Pickering on Friday nights!    From James Alan's Facebook page:

Post by James Alan.

Receive a 50% discount at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic



--
* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Chris Westfall published in Genii

From Chris Westfall's Twitter feed:

My trick is now published in Genii Magazine. #scasn "Secret Card at Secret Number" it's my baby!… http://t.co/eyReycAnpq
— Chris Westfall (@westfallmagic) January 6, 2015

Paris: Luc Langevin at the Casino de Paris

From La Press as translated through Google Translate:

Luc Langevin has a magical journey! At 31, this former nerd shy lover of science is now the preferred magician Quebecers. In five years, the illusionist has built a small business with his magic tricks. There were TV shows and a show on stage Really, who turns three years throughout Quebec (with more than 125,000 tickets sold). In February 2016, his show will be on view three weeks at the Casino de Paris.

Read more.

From  le Journal de Montreal as translated through Google Translate:

During our interview, the magician was quite busy with the shooting of his new TV series, on whom he has the greatest mystery. After collecting a Gemini nomination for the third installment of At the limits of illusion, Luc Langevin is currently filming a new show that will air in the spring of 2015 on ARTV and Radio-Canada.

The mystery surrounds this new project, but it is known is that the illusionist will be accompanied by two other magicians. "This is a very different concept of what I did before," said he just said.

Read more.

Darcy Oake's Prairie tour

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

Post by Clive Court.

Jamie D. Grant joins Dodd Vickers' Year in Review

From Dodd Vickers' Twitter feed:

It should have read: : Talking magic with @DanSperry we are joined by @Jamie_D_Grant - Genii Magazine COVER BOY! http://t.co/M0PxmOp0FT
— Dodd Vickers (@thewizard) January 9, 2015

From the Magic Newswire:

In this episode of the MagicNewswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast, we take a look back at 2014 and a peek ahead at 2015.

Genii Magazine Associate Editor Dustin Stinnett leads the way with his always amazing recaps of the previous year of magic news in review, but we are also joined by many special guests along the way. My cohosts are Chase Goforth, Cameron Ramsay, and David Kaye. Special Guests include Dan Sperry, Jonathan Pendragon, Mike Caveney, Tina Lennart and more. Happy new year everyone!   

Read more and listen to podcast. 

Alex Belfield interviews Murray SawChuck

From Alex Belfield's YouTube channel:



[via iTricks]


From the KTNV Channel 13 Action News YouTube channel:



[via iTricks]

Free books from The Conjuring Arts Research Center

From Mahdi Gilbert's Twtiter feed:

More free books from @conjuringarts http://t.co/GnFDhghBiS Happy New Year!
— Mahdi Gilbert (@mahdigilbert) January 1, 2015

$250 in prizes and a t-shirt

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Post by Shawn Farquhar.

Mahdi Gilbert ambiciosa

From Eric Mead's Twitter feed:

My dear friend Mahdi Gilbert doing fantastic sleight of hand. Take a moment and watch. You're welcome. #fb http://t.co/50SvW4Sp9z
— Eric Mead (@meaderic) December 20, 2014

Toronto: Brian Roberts at "Magic Tonight"

From Reality Based Magic:

Among the things that distinguish me as a truly unique entertainer — such as the fact that I have performed in both East Gwillimbury and West Gwillimbury — is the fact that I have performed with both of Canada’s tallest*magicians. The first is, of course, Tyler Wilson, whom I joined for our show Illusions of Grandeur in 2013. The second is the virtuoso sleight of hand performer Brian Roberts who will be joining me this Sunday on Magic Tonight. 

* It’s actually fairly difficult to tell which one is taller since one of them has the odd propensity for wearing high heels and the other is so hyperactive he won’t sit still long enough for anyone to properly measure his height.** 

Read more.

From Brian Roberts' Twitter feed:

#TorontoMagic January 11 at The Cage 292 Rumoured to be a special day for Magic Tonight's creator @james_alan . pic.twitter.com/q8t7tVO9Uy
— Brian Roberts (@BrianRobertsNow) December 21, 2014

Receive a 50% discount at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic



--
* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Spellbinding Science and Magic

While it's too late to see Rob Testa and Baldini at the Ontario Science Centre, you can still book them for your school!  Spellbinding Science and Magic offers a lunch and after school program as well as an anti-bully show.


Watch on Rob Testa's YouTube channel, Rob and Baldini on CP24:




Watch on YouTube how Rob says no to bullying... magically:

Close Up Kings on OLN

From OLN Canada's Twitter feed:

#IllusionsofGrandeur is followed by new series #CloseUpKings RT @zackmirza: @canadasmagic @tv_eh Get an exclusive first look tonight at 8!
— OLN (@OLNCanada) January 6, 2015

More information can be found at the bottom of the page mentioned in TV, eh?'s Twitter feed:

@canadasmagic @zackmirza @OLNCanada I have nothing on Illusions of Grandeur but added Close Up Kings here /dw http://t.co/MbHNW7YEYb
— TV, eh? (@tv_eh) January 6, 2015

Chris Funk's 52 week challenge

Magicians love challenges.  Eric Leclerc ("Project 365") and Andrew Musgrave both did 365 day challenges.

And now, Winnipeg magician Chris Funk, is well on his way to completing his 52 week, Wonder Wednesday challenge!

From Chris' Twitter feed:

52 week challenge ends soon! - http://t.co/dA2x014qFj
— Chris Funk (@chrisfunkmagic) December 31, 2014

Zack Mirza: Illusions of Grandeur

Watch a teaser video at OLN.

From The Star:

Specialty channel OLN is putting some magic into its 2015 schedule.

The channel announced two new original series on Friday: Illusions of Grandeur and Close Up Kings.

Illusions follows Toronto illusionist Zack Mirza as he travels across North America on a quest to become one of magic’s all-time greats, walking in the footsteps of past magicians and learning the history of their tricks, OLN says.

It won’t be Mirza’s first time on TV. He appeared on a February episode of CBC’s Dragons’ Den, where he impressed the Dragons with some card tricks and a disappearing act.

Read more.

From Zack Mirza's Facebook page:

Post by Zack Mirza.

Thank you to our January 2015 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.

California: Jay Sankey lectures

From Jay Sankey's Twitter feed:

I'm psyched to lecture in San Francisco @ Misdirections and in Carmichael @ Grand Illusions in January. California here I come!
— Jay Sankey (@jay_sankey) December 25, 2014

Rounding the Western rings in January 2015

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
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)	- Third Monday Magic
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- IBM JAM
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 January 2015

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

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Auction Night in Canada
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- n/a
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- A dealer demo
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Member’s Night:  Tenyo Magic Presentation by Pierre B. - Something New - New Member Induction Presentation
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- n/a
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Auction

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in January 2015

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.

Review: The Conjuror

Reminder: The Conjuror ends on January 4.

From Mooney on Theatre:

The Conjuror David Ben showed off some family-friendly hocus pocus at Toronto’s Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Watching The Conjuror in action was a enchanting way to welcome the new year for me and my little companion.

Set in 1909 at London’s St. George’s Hall, the show was a mesmerizing series of magic feats typical of the Golden Age of Magic: we saw a person being sawed in half (ouch!), a handkerchief playing hide and seek, and an egg being thrown around without breaking.

The set was simple. We did not see a flashy David Copperfield-style spectacle, but instead saw classic acts performed against a relatively plain background. No neon lights or booming music. As a result, we were successfully transported to an early 20th century London stage.

Read more.

FCM Q&A with Shawn Farquhar and Ice McDonald

From Daz Buckley's Facebook photo:

Post by Daz Buckley.

Toronto: Browser's magic club meeting reminder

From the Browser's Den mail out:

Magic Club Meeting is this Sat. Jan. 3, 2015 from 2:30 to 5:30pm. 

[Guest post] Magic Magazine: January 2015

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

--

Magic Magazine always makes good reading but the current issue contains noteworthy Canadian content.

First and foremost, a feature profile of the award winning Canadian photographer, cinematographer, magician and Ellusionist production manager Peter McKinnon. It is eloquently penned by the multi-talented Vancouver magician Jamie D. Grant.

Peter McKinnon's inventive photographic work is well known within the magic community. Magic Magazine's September 2014 cover was his; and if you've ever seen any special deck of playing cards advertised in an unusual or attention-grabbing way in the last decade or so, chances are it was also one of Peter's photos or videos.

It was just about ten years ago that Peter McKinnon was cutting college classes and hanging out at the Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto. Today he bases his internationally acclaimed photographic work out of both Toronto and San Francisco. He usually manages to combine his love for magic with his awesome creativity in the visual arts. It's an inspiring story.

Secondly: Prominent within the article is a whimsical photo of Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto. It was originally part of Peter McKinnon's compelling and idiosyncratic "Plaid Chair" online project. It seems a fitting salute to the man behind the b&m magic store which perhaps initially helped to energize Peter's impressive career.

Editor's notes:

• Visit the Browser's Den Facebook group to see Peter Mennie's post which inspired Wilson to comment "So this is how Harry Potter looks like when he grows up"

• Read Peter's thoughts about Jeff over at The Plaid Chair (in keeping with Wilson's comment above, the photo is filed under "Hogwarts")

Thirdly (and finally) in this issue: Ian Rowland's always must-read "Loving Mentalism" column features a fun and quirky mentalism effect contributed by John Pellatt, known to readers of this blog as the founder/curator of the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site. John credits fellow Canadian Patrik Kuffs for inspiring the creation of his original mentalism effect/routine. It is called "Expresso ESP" and described as "a seemingly impromptu experiment in mindreading suitable for informal occasions."

So, not bad for Magic Magazine's first issue of 2015. In fact, it's a Canadian magical hat-trick!

 ~~~~

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

Who's Where January 2015

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

• The Conjuror wraps up its run in Toronto
• Potted Potter wraps up its run in Toronto
• Bill Abbott and Bobby Motta are back at Dave and Busters Vaughan
• Magic Mondays with James Jordan in Calgary

Jump to date: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

1
2	From Captain Corbin's Twitter feed: Shiver me timbers mates! I'll be at the Brampton libraries on January 2cnd as well. I'm @ South Flecher's & @ the Gore Meadows branches. — Captain Corbin (@Captain_Corbin) December 20, 2014
3
4	From James Alan's Facebook page (Receive a 50% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic): Post by James Alan.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11	Receive a 50% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic From Brian Roberts' Twitter feed: #TorontoMagic January 11 at The Cage 292 Rumoured to be a special day for Magic Tonight's creator @james_alan . pic.twitter.com/q8t7tVO9Uy — Brian Roberts (@BrianRobertsNow) December 21, 2014
12	From the Celebrities of Magic's Facebook page: Post by Celebrities Of Magic.
13
14
15
16
17
18	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight Receive a 50% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic
19
20
21
22
23
24
25	From Ben Train's Facebook page (Receive a 50% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic): Post by Benzi Train.
26
27
28
29
30
31

--
* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the  coupon code cmagic.

Happy 2015!

Wishing you and yours a year filled with awe and wonder!

And now, a musical interlude from James Jordan's Twitter feed:

Happy New Year: http://t.co/mQxCM7MRU8 via @YouTube
— James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) December 31, 2014