Top 5 posts in February 2015

It's been another busy month for news with over 45posts! Here are the most viewed posts at Canada's Magic this month:

5. Montreal: The McCord Museum magic acquisition - A very big deal! 

4. Thirty seconds with Alex Seaman - Such an accomplished young man. 

3. Thirty seconds with Ben Train - A very good sport. 

2. Thirty seconds with Lisa Close - I could chat with Lisa all day.

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Who's where February 2015 - Don't forget to add yourself to next month's list!

Rounding the Western rings in March 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)	- TBA
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- TBA
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- TBA
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Third Monday Magic
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- Jay Scott Berry lecture
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- Chris Westfall lecture
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- TBA

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

Rounding the Central rings in March 2015

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Stage work
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Members' Favourite
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- a possible exchange night with Hamilton & London Clubs
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Stand-up Magic
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- n/a
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Browser's Den visit

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in March 2015

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

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

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

Jay Olson and Amir Raz in Consciousness and Cognition

From UBC News:

Magicians have astonished audiences for centuries by subtly, yet powerfully, influencing their decisions. But there has been little systematic study of the psychological factors that make magic tricks work.

Now, a team of researchers from McGill University and UBC has combined the art of conjuring and the science of psychology to demonstrate how certain contextual factors can sway the decisions people make, even though they may feel that they are choosing freely – a finding with potential implications even for daily decision-making.

“We began with a principle of magic that we didn’t fully understand: how magicians influence audiences to choose a particular card without their awareness,” explains Jay Olson, lead author of a new study published in Consciousness and Cognition. “We found that people tend to choose options that are more salient or attention-grabbing, but they don’t know why they chose them,” says Olson, a graduate student in psychiatry in McGill University’s Raz Lab, which investigates psychological phenomena such as attention and consciousness. 

Read more.

This article was also picked up at:

• the Medical Xpress 
• the Science of Us and
• Science 2.0 

Fun Family Day at Dave and Busters

Ontario's Family Day long weekend was just over a week ago.  (As a bonus for the kids it was an extra long, long weekend because of a school Professional Activities day tacked onto the Friday before.)  Going into the weekend, I had high hopes for a low key, low stress relaxing weekend that would include outdoor activities such as skating and tobogganing.

The Universe had other ideas.  To be fair, there was lots of sleeping in and it was very low key and low stress.  (Thank you to the public library for letting us borrow from your DVD collection.)  The weather outside, however, was close to minus 400 degrees with the windchill and I am not a fan of doing anything in that kind of cold.

On the weekend a Tweet from Bill Abbott caught my attention:

"CHICO IS BACK!!! 2 shows only. This Monday 2pm and 4pm"

How could I resist?

We arrived at Dave and Busters an hour before showtime and were warmly greeted at the door by Ben Train.  After we bought our tickets (bring cash), we went into the theatre to find our seats and settle in.  I was very impressed to find that the theatre was almost half full already.  We ordered some yummy food and passed the time by teaching Kidlet how to do a Bruce Posgate knot with the table decor.

Some notes on the show:

• About 10 minutes before showtime, the room was completely sold out.  
• Bobby Motta did a great job of warming up the crowd.
• Bill Abbott was in fine form.
• Kidlet has seen an effect created by Bill, performed a number of times by people who have purchased his product.  It was very educational for Kidlet to see Bill perform it himself!  (And it's always entertaining.)
• It was a delight for me to finally see Bill live, performing someThing I had only seen him do on video.  (And it looks great live!)
• After all these years, Chico is just as precocious as ever.
• Some magical items were on sale after the show ... parents bring some extra cash.
• The show was very entertaining and well worth the ticket price!

As a bonus, on your way out after the show everyone receives a game card which gives you unlimited play on all the non-ticketed games in The Midway.  Needless to say we spent a good chunk of time exploring all the offerings!  (And got some virtual snowboarding and skiing in to boot.)

Thank you Ben, Bill, Bobby and Dave & Busters for being a part of such a fabulous Family Day outing!


From Ben Train's Twitter feed:

Every Fri & Sat at @DnB_Toronto, come see @bobbymotta and @billabbottlive! 2 shows a night, 8 & 10:15- $20 per show (includes game cards)!
— Ben Train (@ErdnaseinTO) February 22, 2015

Festival de magie de Québec 2015

From the Festival de Magie as translated through Google translate:

From Thursday 3 to Sunday, September 6, 2015, the population of the Quebec City, Quebec tourists and magic lovers everywhere will be invited in the St-Roch Nouvo order to live magic moments. Indeed, several shows and events they will be offered by artists handpicked and only goal is to make them unforgettable and enchanting moments!
 For this 5th edition, will focus programming and animation at five locations to make the festival as accessible as possible to all. These will be: the square of the Saint-Roch Church, Benjo store, Theatre Lined, Little Imperial and Gabrielle-Roy Library. We expect more than 20,000 people.

Read more.

About the contest:

The Association du Festival de magie de Québec is very proud to announce the establishment the third edition of an international calibre contest in Quebec for amateur and professional magicians around the world.

We are also very proud that the first prize and the name of this contest bear the name of a legend and extraordinary pioneer of magic in Quebec. Many thanks to the Cailloux family for allowing us to use Michel Cailloux’s name.

Read more.

Watch a documentary about the 2014 experience from the Festival de magie de Québec's YouTube channel:




[via the Canadian Association of Magicians]

Food drive by The Browser's Den

The Browser's Den of Magic is collecting food to donate to a Toronto food bank.

Starting today, until the end of the Bash on Sunday, April 12th, 2015, you're urged to bring a canned food good (non-perishable) with you to the Browser's Den or the Browser's Magic Bash and help fight hunger in Toronto. It's amazing what a can or two from each of us could do. And as magicians, it's our duty to amaze! 

From the Browser's Den Twitter feed:

Bring a canned good to the Browser's Den or the #BrowsersBash2015 to help those less fortunate in #Toronto pic.twitter.com/0o3rMmS8Pq
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) February 25, 2015

Ken Margoe, Chris Westfall and Brian Roberts at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):  Ken Margoe

Pickering (Fri):  Chris Westfall

Toronto (Sun):   Brian Roberts


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*.




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

Behind the scenes at Wizard Wars

Also, go to Ellen Fox's website to find out which Canadian wizard has ink that reads "There is no hocus pocus"?

From Rick Lax's YouTube channel:

Three years ago Justin Flom and I hosted the first-ever "Wizard War" in a 2-bedroom apartment a block of the Vegas Strip. Against all odds, we parlayed it into a show on Syfy. (As a diehard Face Off fan, Syfy was always my #1 choice.) And against all further odds, they picked us up for more episodes. 

Read more and watch video.

Brian Roberts on Rogers TV

Rumour has it that Brian Roberts will be on Rogers TV Toronto, tomorrow at 10am and 3pm.

Thirty seconds with Lorena and Trevor Watters

This is the sixth 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.

Lorena and Trevor Watters are professional magicians from North Delta, BC.  They both love the beautiful scenery and friendliness of Canada.  They first heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp when Magic Mike Segal and his wife Jen approached them at the World Magic Seminar.  This was  Lorena and Trevor's third year as camp instructors.

FUN FACT:
They're both big fans of the original Star Wars trilogy..

DID YOU KNOW?
- Lorena's most embarrassing magic moment was at the West Coast Fair when wind blew her skirt up!  (Apparently they had a much bigger audience the next day!
- Trevor's pre-show routine involves him doing push ups against a wall for 10 seconds to help him relax and psych himself up.

The Watters, like so many of the adults who pass through camp, wish that something like this was available to them when they were growing up.  When they think of camp they think of amazingly talented kids, fun times and unforgettable memories.  To them it's the perfect place to learn "magical performance arts."  They've loved camp since the first day and look forward to it yearly.  Lorena sums up one of their favourite things about magic camp, "It's awesome to watch how much kids grow (both physically and magically) in a year."

Trevor's first memory of magic goes back to the age of 12.  He remembers his dad coming home from Las Vegas with some magic tricks.  That's when Trevor fell in love with the craft.  As for Lorena, her first solid memory of magic was in the very early days of dating Trevor.  Trevor asked her if she'd like to come back to his place to see an illusion.  Lorena added, "He asked if I could fit into a box on the floor.  Then he said he was going to put 12 swords into it. The rest is history."

Lorena wishes that more people would think of magic as an art form.  Trevor agrees and would like people to respect magicians as much as they respect actors, or lawyers.  Both of them have the same advice for the young magicians out there:  Practise makes perfect.  Don't be afraid to fail; some of their best material comes from epic fails.

We wish them all the best as they represent Canada in the FISM World Championship held in Italy this July!

Visit their website at TrevorWatters.com .

From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

Post by Fireside Productions.

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train

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

Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp Documentary 2014

If you've read my post "The secret to Sorcerers Safari's success," you'll know that Magic Mike Segal's magic camp is pretty awesome.  Words, however, cannot adequately describe the experience.  Check out Chris Mayhew's fabulous documentary filmed at camp last summer.  (If you look very carefully and don't blink, you'll even see me in the video!)

For those of you who want to go to camp, but are worried about being able to cover your costs, I encourage you to seek out the organizations and individuals who offer scholarships to Sorcerers Safari.


From Sorcerers Safari:

See what Sorcerers Safari Magic & Performance Camp is all about - from our campers perspective. 

2014 Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp ‘KIDS CUT’ Documentary from the Sorcerers Safari YouTube channel:  

After watching this documentary you’ll see what makes magic camp so special and why campers keep coming back year after year.  While the grounds are amazing, the teaching is top quality and the nightly shows are stellar, magic camp is much more than the sum of its parts - this documentary helps explain why. 

Sorcerers Safari Magic & Performance Camp runs at Camp White Pine in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada for one awesome week every summer.  For more information, or to join us this August 15th - 19th, 2015, visit http://sorcererssafari.ca/about/register-for-magic-camp-2015/

Sheldon Casavant at TEDxVancouver

From the TEDx Talks YouTube channel:

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Sheldon invites an audience member to call a friend and come on stage and put him to the test. A master illusionist with a great sense of performance and humour, Sheldon keeps his audience well entertained.

The Story of the Blaney Ladder Levitation

A little bird from the IBM head office told me that Walter Blaney turned 87 on February 11th.  If you haven't already, send him a happy birthday e-mail  (Walter AT walterblaney DOT com)!

In the video below, Peter Reveen speaks about the illusion, and if I'm not mistaken, Julie Eng has a cameo as well!

From the Walter Zaney Blaney YouTube channel:

The history of the famous Ladder Levitation Illusion as told by Walter Blaney himself. Guest appearance by David Copperfield, Lance Burton, James Dimmare, Jeff McBride, Peter Reveen, Steve Dacri and Stan Allen. A chapter in the documentary series Still Zaney After All These Years.

[via Carey Lauder and Ryan Joyce]

Shawn Farquhar interviewed in Vanish

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Post by Shawn Farquhar.

Matt Disero interviewed by Adam Pal

(I haven't listened to this myself, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was NSFW.)

Rumour has it that James Alan does a cameo.


From PALmCAST Network's YouTube channel:

Ted and Marion Outerbridge in the Nanaimo Daily News

From the Nanaimo Daily News:

Ted Outerbridge's love of illusions started at the age of seven when the neighbourhood magician Magic Tom freaked him out by pulling an egg out of his ear.

The same magician had a TV show out of Montreal, and Outerbridge also has a specific memory of watching him perform a trick with hankerchiefs that blew his mind.

"I still remember it today, how I was so amazed, and I was very determined to be able to deliver that same experience of wonder," he said.

It became an obsessive focus as Outerbridge studied magic books and then got a job at the local magic store.

"The owner of the store, Richard Olsen, he taught me all kinds of things and I learned so much," he said. "All the big magicians coming through town would drop into the store and I got to meet them. That was really huge for me."

Read more.

via Perfect Magic's Facebook page:

Post by Perfect Magic.

Calgary: James Jordan at WOWFest

From James Jordan Twitter feed:

http://t.co/QPrtz3lUyz Excited to return to #Calgary's only #Magical #arts #festival WowFest. Get tickets at http://t.co/763xbiY3ot #yyc
— James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) February 8, 2015

Wes Zaharuk, Phil Pivnick and Ben Train at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

 

Mississauga (Thurs):  Wes Zaharuk

Pickering (Fri):   Phil Pivnick

Toronto (Sun):  Ben Train


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*.




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

Montreal: The McCord Museum magic acquisition

From the Montreal Gazette:

The McCord Museum has acquired a $3-million collection of 600 posters, 200 rare books and 200 documents relating to the golden age of magic – from the 19th to early 20th centuries. 

Included are objects linked to Harry Houdini, including personal correspondence and scrapbooks. Houdini performed in Montreal four times, including the event in 1926 where a McGill student punched Houdini in the stomach before he was prepared for it, rupturing his appendix. Houdini died a week later.

“It’s the second-largest collection of Houdini material held in a public institution,” said David Ben, artistic director of Magicana, an organization dedicated to the study of magic. Ben served as an adviser to the museum and was there on Monday as journalists were invited into the museum vaults to view some of the artifacts.  The Library of Congress in the U.S. has the largest such collection, making this the most extensive in Canada. “The collection is significant,” Ben said.

Read more.

From Julie Eng's Facebook page:

Post by Julie Eng.

More media links:

La magie entre au musée - La Presse+ http://t.co/Wl9al8mkMr via @lp_lapresse
— Julie Eng (@anjusan) February 10, 2015

Thrilled to be present at @museemccord announcement of its new magic collection. See video and hear interview here: http://t.co/TQgWdXrC3Q
— David Ben (@theconjuror) February 10, 2015

Acquisition majeure pour le Musée! RT @LeDevoir: #Houdini surgit au @MuseeMcCord http://t.co/rE0k1UazT3 pic.twitter.com/B3f0evCpMt
— Musée McCord Museum (@MuseeMcCord) February 10, 2015

Montreal’s McCord Museum gifted largest cache of magic-related memorabilia in Canada - The Globe and Mail http://t.co/LXMmbexcvl
— Magicana (@sharingwonder) February 10, 2015

Thirty seconds with Ben Train

This is the fifth 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.

Professional magician Benzi Train is from Toronto, Ontario.  Proud of his homecountry, Ben thinks of "poutine, maple syrup, and free health care" when thinking about Canada.  (Good thing for that health care too; poutine and maple syrup aren't good for you in large doses.)

FUN FACT:
Ben's a fan of Harry Potter, chocolate chip cookies and Netflix.

DID YOU KNOW?
Ben's most embarrassing moment was getting pantsed at camp last summer. (I think there's video footage of that out there somewhere.  Finding it will be left as an exercise for the reader.)

Ben first came to Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp loving the idea that two of his passions, magic and camping, could be experienced simultaneously.  He comes back because, it's "the most amazing place in the world."  The words family, fun, and magic come immediately to mind when he thinks about magic camp.    Last summer marked Ben's twelfth year at Sorcerers Safari.  He has attended as a counsellor in training, a counsellor and most recently as an instructor.

Ben's first memory of magic was seeing Triumph performed when he was 14 years old.  He hopes that magicians today adapt to, integrate, and utilize all of the new technology and platforms to their advantage.

Ben heads up Five Academy Magic and performs as well as lectures all over the world.

Visit Ben's website at bentrain.ca .

Ben will be appearing this coming Sunday at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) .


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

Post by Fireside Productions.

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman

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

Pickpocket James on Daytime TV

From Pickpocket James' Twitter feed:

Popping on Daytime TV for the Live show on Feb. 16th. @RTVBarrie @VioletsVenue
— PickpocketJames (@PickpocketJames) February 10, 2015

Shawn Farquhar interviewed by Scott Wells

There are two parts to the interview!

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Post by Shawn Farquhar.

Europe: Jay Sankey tour

From Jay Sankey's newsletter:

I also love meeting my awesome students and fans. Which is why I'm so psyched for my European Lecture Tour, starting NEXT WEEK! 

Bruxelles/ Feb 16
Lieges/ Feb 17
Luxembourg/ Feb 18
Geneve/ Feb 19
Reims/ Feb 20
Strasbourg/ Feb 21
Dijon/ Feb 23
Clermont Ferrand/ Feb 24
St. Etienne/ Feb 25
Nimes/ Feb 26
Marseille/ Feb 27
Toulouse/ Feb 28
Poitiers/ March 2
Lorient/ March 3
Paris/ March 4
Bale/ March 5
Zurich/ March 6
Lille/ March 9
Velden/ March 10
Antwerpen/ March 11 

Read more.

Toronto: Markham Street Films at the Browser's Den of Magic

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

Hello everyone! Tomorrow a film crew from Toronto's Markham Street Films will be at Browser's Den of Magic starting around 2:30pm to shoot footage for a documentary film about the bullet catch. The documentary features Scott Hammell, Magic Mike Segal (who will be in attendance at Browsers), and numerous other magicians. The crew would love to meet some young, budding local magicians to hear their stories, see them shop and talk about tricks, and to discuss the joy and wonder of getting into magic for the first time. Please come out if you are interested in participating. Please note, individuals under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them to sign a consent form to appear on camera. We hope to meet everyone there! 

Read more.

Mark Correia: Card to vending machine

From Mark Correia's YouTube channel:

Toronto: Browser's Bash update *More tickets are now available!*

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

Dear Magic Friend,  

Thank you very much for your patience regarding the Browser's Magic Bash. 

*More tickets are now available!*  

The wonderful news is that to accommodate everyone we have switched to a bigger and better venue, the Montecassino Hotel and Banquet Hall(3710 Chesswood Dr. Toronto, On. M3J 2P6).  

The Montecassino is:

• - 5 minutes off the 401 highway.

• - Has loads of Free Parking (if you're driving).

• - 5 minute bus ride (15 minute walk) from the Downsview Subway station.

• -Connected to a hotel in the event you want to stay overnight.

Buy A Ticket To The BROWSER'S MAGIC BASH 2015

(click here) 

We hope that you still plan on attending. 

Sincerely,
Jeff Pinsky
(Your faithful magic shop owner) 

ps. As always, if you have any questions about the BASH, just ask. I'm right here with the answers!

Read more and buy your ticket.

Ted and Marion Outerbridge on CBC Yukon

From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:

Post by Perfect Magic.

Win tickets to "Sketchy Magic"

Chris Westfall is having a contest to win one pair of tickets to his upcoming show "Sketchy Magic" on Tuesday April 7th in Toronto, Canada.

To enter:

• Follow Sketchy Magic on Twitter (@SketchyMagicTO)
• Tweet to @SketchyMagicTO your sketchiest first date story.  (You do not need to be a magican to enter the contest.)
• If you win, you must be willing to provide your full name and contact information to share with Chris.
• Chris will be notifying the winner by Twitter on Monday February 16, 2015.

The fine print:

• To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.
• One entry per person.
• This giveaway is open to Canadian residents.
• This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
• You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)
• Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets at the show.
• The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.
• Contest closes on Sunday February 15th, 2015 at 11:59pm EST.

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:

Post by Chris Westfall.

Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Sketchy Magic to receive a 50% discount*.








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

Ben Train, Chris Mayhew and Wes Zaharuk at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):  Ben Train

Pickering (Fri):  Wes Zaharuk

Toronto (Sun):  Chris Mayhew


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*.




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

Ty Reveen in The Telegram

From The Telegram:

Ty Reveen returning to perform in St. John’s, where his father did his last show
You have to concentrate when speaking with Ty Reveen. Every story leads down a series of paths that reveal a little more about who he is and why Newfoundland is so important to him.

Newfoundland played a big part in the fate of The Man They Call Reveen and his son, Ty.

Read more.

David Merry at the The Old Naples Comedy Club

From David Merry's Twitter feed:

Playing The Old Naples Comedy Club this Thursday through Valentines day with @briancorrion http://t.co/ANTsJ8VBXW pic.twitter.com/mYFXiMtroR
— David Merry (@davidmerry) February 8, 2015

Thirty seconds with Alex Seaman

This is the fourth 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.


Alex Seaman is a university student and professional magician from Vancouver, BC. Alex's magic mentor, Shawn Farquhar, first tipped Alex to Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp many years ago.  Alex considers magic camp to be the "best week of the year" and can't wait to come back.  He says Sorcerers Safari is all about "sharing magic and experience."  Alex has been a camp counsellor for four years.

FUN FACT:
Alex takes Superman over Batman any day.

DID YOU KNOW?
This past summer, Alex was nominated to the Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and hopes to help nourish the growing strength in the community of magicians.

Alex's first memory of magic is seeing a magician at a birthday party when he was five years old. Alex received a magic kit as a gift and the rest, as they say, is history.  Alex hopes that the younger generation in magic will develop a strong sense of ethics in magical performance and display a greater willingness to credit the sources / resources upon which they draw.  He advises aspiring magicians to learn about the importance of performance over method, to cite sources, and to connect with their audiences.

Alex has empowered new students through the art of magic in his after-school programs and lessons across the school district. Leading by example, at only 19 years old Alex became the President of the Vancouver Magic Circle (I.B.M. Ring #92), making him the youngest Ring President in the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

When not engrossed in magical activity or his university studies, Alex spends his free time as a Scout Leader.

Visit Alex's website at:  GottaBeMagic.com .

Here's a picture of Alex doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at camp from Carey Lauder's Facebook page:

Post by James Carey Lauder.

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close

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

Toronto: "Sketchy Magic" with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall

I was lucky enough to attend Ring 17's Members' Night, where Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall gave us a sneak peak of some of their upcoming show, "Sketchy Magic."  One of the bits they did, was a routine I first saw David Acer and Richard Sanders perform back in 2001 at the very first CAM convention.  The Chrises were every bit as entertaining as David and Richard!  If the rest of "Sketchy Magic" is even half as good as what I saw, it's going to be a fantastic show.


From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:

Post by Chris Westfall.

And

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

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








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

Congratulations Michael Bourada!

From Michael Bourada's Twitter feed:

Thanks to anyone and everyone who voted me Ottawa's Top Entertainer. And thanks to @facesottawa for a fun night too! pic.twitter.com/NIxI94KirB
— Michael Bourada (@MichaelBourada) February 1, 2015

Toronto: Lukas Stark and Chris Mayhew at "Mess@Round"

From Lukas Stark's Twitter feed:

Saturday, February 7th. TOMORROW Night 10 pm at Round in #kensingtonmarket my friends and I are doing… http://t.co/sHmjqpv0wS
— Lukas Stark (@MysteryArts) February 7, 2015

From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page:

Post by Chris Mayhew.

Randi retires from JREF

From the James Randi Educational Foundation:

At 86 years of age, I feel that it’s now well time to officially retire, so I’m stepping down from my position with the JREF – the James Randi Educational Foundation. 

This doesn’t mean that I’m retiring from my battle against the so-­called psychics, faith healers, paranormalists, and the assorted frauds I’ve encountered in my worldwide wanderings. I’ll in no way relax the critical attention I’ve given to them over the last busy 73 years, I promise you. I’ll still lecture and write, here and abroad – but now on my own time – not on the exhausting schedule that I’ve had these past few years. 

Read more.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

This Saturday, February 7, 2015 Free Magic Club!

On the first Saturday of each month here at 'Browser's Den' we have a Magic Club that meets from 2:30pm until 5:00pm. Whether you have been interested in magic for two months or twenty years all are invited to attend.

At the club magicians and hobbyists sit around our 'magic' table and talk magic and show each other tricks. Plus cookies and snacks are provided.

Hope to see you at the next one!

Yours Very Truly - Jeff, Shawna, Lisa & Eric

Canadian faces in MAGIC Magazine

From The Evason's Facebook page:

Post by The Evasons - Mind Readers.

Jason Palter, Brian Roberts and Keith Brown at "Magic Tonight"

Post by Abracadabaret.

Mississauga (Thurs):  Jason Palter

Pickering (Fri):  Brian Roberts

Toronto (Sun):

From Keith Brown's Facebook page:

Post by Keith Brown.

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*.






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

Toronto: David Merry at Out of the Cold

From David Merry's Twitter feed:

Donating my time and would love to see as many people come out as possible for this special cause and event tomorrow!
— David Merry (@davidmerry) February 3, 2015

Also from David Merry's Twitter feed:

http://t.co/uM4grGQbOP pic.twitter.com/DXPXs473Sl
— David Merry (@davidmerry) February 3, 2015

Thirty seconds with Lisa Close

This is the third 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.

Former professional magician Lisa Close is a Toronto, Ontario native who thinks about family when she thinks about Canada.  She has a fondness for both camping and magic, so when she heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp (from chatting with Magic Mike Segal at The Browser's Den of Magic), she knew she had to try it out.  Lisa has been a part of Sorcerers Safari for three years.

FUN FACT:
Lisa prefers "Harry Potter" to "The Lord of the Rings" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" to "Star Wars."

DID YOU KNOW?
- Lisa is the graphic designer for M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians.
- Lisa also loves to crochet.  You can purchase some of her creations at her Etsy shop.

Lisa loves the whole experience of magic camp.  Especially the cooperation, camaraderie and fun had by everyone.  The "back to nature" setting is a big plus.  Lisa really enjoys watching campers see a magic trick they can't explain.  To her, magic camp means reuniting with old friends, eating together and watching kids take to the whole experience.

Her first memory of magic was when she was nine years old and her dad showed her a silk vanish.  She hopes that the young magic enthusiasts won't forget the importance of reading about magic and learning from books.  Her advice for aspiring magical youth:  "Come to Sorcerers Safari!"

Lisa loves watching movies, especially comedies, when taking a break from magic.

From The Browser's Den Twitter feed:

Hey hey @magikgal, guess who just #GotCooped? YOU!! It's all in celebration of the #BrowsersBash2015 on 4.12.2015! pic.twitter.com/UzzaCiWtPa
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2015

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc

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

Thank you to our February 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.

Welcome Ring 62!

From the Perfect Magic Facebook page:

Post by Perfect Magic.

Rounding the Western rings in February 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)	- Murray Hatfield Lecture
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Murray Hatfield lecture
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Murray Hatfield lecture
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Third Monday Magic - Murray Hatfield lecture
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- Annual  Installation  Banquet - Bizzaro lecture
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- John Kaplan lecture
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Murray Hatfield lecture

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

Rounding the Central rings in February 2015

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Stage workers
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- TBA
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Sponge ball magic.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Impromptu tricks found around the house and in Dollarama
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Member’s Night:  Jean-Luc’s Theme Night “Everything Book Magic” - Literacy Magic - Initiation Shows - Charity Show:  Rehabilitation Hospital Show (Adults)
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- n/a
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Pre-meeting Jam with Rob Powers:  "jam session from 6 till 7 before the meeting. Bring whatever you'd like to jam with but if you use linking rings, ill be jamming with rings so bring them along and we can trade some cool moves" - Members' night - lecture/panel discussion featuring the cast of the movie "A series of unfortunate effects."

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in February 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.

Who's where February 2015

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

• Magic Mondays with James Jordan in Calgary
   
• From Ben Train's Twitter feed :
  

  Every Fri & Sat at @DnB_Toronto, come see @bobbymotta and @billabbottlive! 2 shows a night, 8 & 10:15- $20 per show (includes game cards)!
  — Ben Train (@ErdnaseinTO) February 22, 2015

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

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4	From David Merry's Twitter feed: http://t.co/uM4grGQbOP pic.twitter.com/DXPXs473Sl — David Merry (@davidmerry) February 3, 2015
5	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
6	Brian Roberts at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
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8	50% discount at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic From Keith Brown's Facebook page: Post by Keith Brown.
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10	I'll be debating our obsession with bacon at a live taping of @cbcdebaters on Feb. 10th. Here's an excerpt from my opening arguments: "the" — David Acer (@David_Acer) January 25, 2015
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12	Post by Keith Brown. Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) From Perfect Magic's Facebook page: Post by Perfect Magic.
13	Wes Zaharuk at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
14	From Perfect Magic's Facebook page: Post by Perfect Magic.
15	Chris Mayhew at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
16	From Bill Abbott's Twitter feed: CHICO IS BACK!!! 2 shows only. This Monday 2pm and 4pm @DnB_Toronto $20 Tix at the door includes unlimited game card! pic.twitter.com/F9AkMxTlo0 — Bill Abbott (@billabbottlive) February 14, 2015 From Ben Train's Facebook page: Post by Benzi Train.
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19	Wes Zaharuk at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) From Richard Forget's Facebook page: Post by Magic Stripped with Richard Forget.
20
21	From James Jordan Twitter feed: http://t.co/QPrtz3lUyz Excited to return to #Calgary's only #Magical #arts #festival WowFest. Get tickets at http://t.co/763xbiY3ot #yyc — James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) February 8, 2015 Phil Pivnick at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
22	Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
23
24
25
26	Ken Margoe at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
27
28	Chris Westfall at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)

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