Top 5 posts in April 2015

It's been another busy month for news with over 70 posts! (Live-blogging will do that to one's stats.)  Here are the most viewed posts at Canada's Magic this month:

5. Looking for Hosts for REALITY - MAGIC SERIES - Did you apply?

4.  Under new management - Deceptively deceptive. 

3.  Who's where April 2015 - Don't forget to add yourself next month!

2. Thirty seconds with Chris Mayhew - The videographer speaks.

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap - What a great day! Can't wait for next year's!

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Jeff Pinsky here.
A friendly reminder that this Saturday, May 2 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm is our next (free) Magic Club meeting.
All interested in talking magic are welcome.

For those of you who missed it, Jeff's got a wonderful collection of photos from the Browser's Magic Bash 2015 up on his Facebook page.

Peter Mennie on Rogers Daytime London

From Peter Mennie's Facebook page:

Posted by Peter Mennie - Magician VIP Entertainer on Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Welcoming a new patron: Michael Fisher!

Welcome to our newest sponsor, Michael Fisher, aka The Amazing Corbin, aka Captain Corbin The Magical Pirate!

Based out of London, Ontario, Mike wows his audiences as "the charming cheat," The Amazing Corbin.  He also delights audiences with a humourous pirate themed show as "Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate"!

Additionaly, last month Mike received a a 2015 volunteer service award for five years of volunteering with Make-A-Wish Southwestern Ontario.

Watch Captain Corbin talk about his volunteer work with Make-A-Wish:

Ahoy Pirates! Here I am on television today talking about my fundraiser for Make a wish and performing a bit of magic. I...
Posted by Captain Corbin The Magical Pirate on Monday, 13 April 2015

You can sponsor Captain Corbin at the Make-A-Wish Rope for Hope website.

Thank you Mike, for your efforts towards giving back to your community through Make-A-Wish, and for your sponsorship of this website!

Montreal: Le Lab Magique

From Le Lab Magique's Facebook page:

Il ne reste que 8 jours avant notre premier Lab Magique. Ne manquez pas ce spécial 100% féminin (ou presque)...

Posted by Le Lab Magique on Tuesday, 21 April 2015

"Sketchy Magic," Ben Train, Paul Pacific and Mysterion at "Magic Tonight"

Updated April 27th to add:  Ben Train in Pickering.


Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic

Mississauga (Thurs):   Paul Pacific

Pickering (Fri):  Ben Train

Toronto (Sun):  Mysterion



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.

Deceptively deceptive

Earlier this month, I published the post "Under new management."  It is a surprisingly well read post.  As it stands, it is still the third most viewed post this month.

It recently came to my attention that not everyone read through to the second last sentence.  Let me cut to the chase.  April Fool!

There is no change in management happening under this banner.

However, there is a kernel of truth to the idea that the sweat equity to income ratio is not ideal.  To that end, during the month of May I will be offering 40% discount on the listed price of any one year advertising package.  

More on that next month.

Conan Doyle and Houdini drama

From The Malay Mail Online:

A drama based around the lives of two unlikely friends — crime writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and illusionist Harry Houdini — is set for TV networks in the USA, Canada and the UK.

Sony Pictures TV struck a deal with Fox in the US, ITV in the UK, and Shaw Media in Canada, for a production which has several heavy hitters on its roster.

David Titcher, who came up with ongoing action and adventure series “The Librarians,” is also credited with creating “Houdini and Doyle” for Sony.

Read more.

Montreal: Chris Mayhew

From the Comedy Nest Montreal Twitter feed:

Catch magic phenom @chrismayhew1 at the Nest April 26th! 8pm $10/$6st @CultMTL Info & tix: http://t.co/dgPrkUd4lm pic.twitter.com/zFpuPZN9k3
— Comedy Nest Montreal (@comedynest) April 23, 2015

North Grenville: Matt DiSero

From the North Grenville Twitter feed:

Tickets are selling fast for the Community Living Comedy Night, April 25, with Matthew DiSero. Do you have yours yet? http://t.co/L6JO6yayFo
— North Grenville (@North_Grenville) April 17, 2015

Pickpocket James in Simcoe.com

From Simcoe.com :

James Harrison, a veteran of the Barrie busking scene, also auditioned.

Known as Canada’s Pickpocket Magician, Harrison simply picks a spot, sets up his table and starts talking to people as they pass by.

“Magic isn’t just for kids,” said the full-time magician who does parties and table-side magic at some Barrie restaurants.                      

Read more.

Brent and Sarah Nicholls in the Cambridge Times

From the Cambridge Times:

In an enchanted world, married magician couple Brent and Sarah Nicholls could wave their magic wands and make all wicked words and bullying behaviour disappear into a cloud of dust.

“Unfortunately, that’s one thing that’ll never happen,” acknowledged Brent, during an interview with the Times this past Tuesday (April 7).                        

Read more.

New York City: Elliott Smith

With quotes from Shawn Farquhar.

From the Ottawa Community News:

Barrhaven magician Elliott Smith is an old hand at slights of hand.

He has cast spells on audiences for 42 years, and he is now poised to execute a feat accomplished by only one magician before him.

On May 13, Smith will perform his comedic magic act as headliner at the legendary Friars Club in New York City in a show hosted by Jerry Lewis.

Read more.

Sheldon Casavant on CTV Alberta Primetime

From Sheldon Casavant's Twitter feed:

Profiled on Alberta Primetime last night... check it out! #yeg #yegarts http://t.co/RXQo1HtDLr
— Sheldon Casavant (@SheldonCasavant) April 7, 2015

Sketchy Magic, Phil Pivnick and Jason Palter at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic

Mississauga (Thurs):   Phil Pivnick

Pickering (Fri):   Jason Palter

Toronto (Sun):  Jason Palter


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.

Toronto: Harry Houdini

From Beth Tzedec: 

Harry Houdini: Poster Child of the Jewish Immigrant Experience
with a Lecture and Magic Performances
Apr 29 2015

Magician Ben-Zion Train will amaze with feats of grand illusion and Barbara Rusch will entertain with stories of master magician Harry Houdini, the quintessential Jewish immigrant. Artefacts once belonging to Houdini will also be on display.

Read more.

Toronto: Best Magician contest 2015

Winners of last night's A1 Radio Best Magician Contest:

• Best Magician: Phil Pivnick
• Viewer's Choice: Ray Xu

Congratulations Phil and Ray!

[With thanks to James Alan.]

Brockville: Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries

From Inside Brockville:

On Saturday, May 2, Canada’s top illusionist Ted Outerbridge along with his talented wife Marion will bring an amazing magic and levitation show, Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries, to the Brockville Arts Centre.

During a brief visit to the city last week, Ted took to his signature levitation act with Marion three feet off the ground at Blockhouse Island, in front of a passing freighter, John B. Aird.

Read more and buy tickets.

Welcoming Ron Keller as CAM President

As you may have read in the note attached to the Spring 2015 edition of the Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM) publication, "Northern Peeks," Ron Keller has recently taken over the role of President from Scott Hood.

Thank you Scott, for your time and efforts as CAM President!

Welcome Ron and thank you for taking on this important role.


--
For more information about CAM, visit their website at CAMmagic.org .

Chilliwack: Shawn Farquhar

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Posted by Shawn Farquhar on Saturday, 21 March 2015

Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap

As many of you are aware, I live-Tweeted and live-blogged the first annual Browser's Magic Bash last Sunday.  In this post I've consolidated (and edited) the blog posts and Tweets, and included many of your Tweets tagged with #BrowsersBash2015 . (For the complete list of Tweets and photos check out this Twitter link to #BrowsersBash2015 )  It's a very long post.  Click "read more" below to view it.  Thanks for joining in.

I hope you all had as much fun as I did!

Breaking news: $250,000 For Excellence in Magic

I hope there's an award for best Canadian Magic Blog!  *fingers crossed*

From Magicana:

Magicana is pleased to announce on behalf of the Slaight Family Foundation the creation of the Allan Slaight Awards to recognize oustanding achievement in the pursuit of the impossible.

Initiated by the Slaight Family Foundation to honour Canadian media mogul and philanthropist Allan Slaight, and his lifelong passion for and contribution to magic, Magicana will distribute, on behalf of the Slaight Family Foundation, $250,000 over five years to recognize excellence in magic.

Read more.

Jason, Glenn, Keith, Greydon, Chris and Chris at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):   Jason Palter

Pickering (Fri):   Glenn Ottaway

Toronto (Sun):  Keith Brown and Greydon Gilmore

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic


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.

Thirty seconds with Steve Valentine

This is the last in my baker's dozen 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 actor and magician Steve Valentine was born in Scotland and currently resides in LA. Love and happiness are the things that come to his mind when he thinks of Canada; his wife, Inna, is originally from Toronto. Steve met Magic Mike Segal at a chance encounter at The Browser's Den of Magic. After hearing Mike talk about Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp, Steve said that he'd "like to help out if he could in anyway." And so, Steve attended magic camp last summer.

FUN FACT:
Steve would rather watch Dr. Who than either Star Wars or Star Trek.

DID YOU KNOW?
- Steve's life motto: "Always do everything you want and love to do, to live a fulfilling life. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
- Steve was named the Magic Castle's Close-up Magician of the Year two years in a row.
- You may have seen Steve in on TV on shows such as Crossing Jordan, House, NCIS, and The Big Bang Theory.

Here's what Steve had to say about Sorcerers Safari: "It's fun! It's a bunch of magic nerds getting together." He also expressed a little bit of jealousy. Like many of the adults who have been to magic camp, Steve wishes something like this was available to him in his youth.

Steve's first memory of magic has him at six years of age in a playground in England and involves a vanishing knot. It was around that time that he also learned an important show business reality – if there's no publicity, no one will show up.

It's Steve's observation that the kids today are learning at an exponential rate given the easy availability of magic videos to consume. He hopes these kids will also make a point of exposing themselves to more of the history of the craft and rounding themselves out as individuals. Steve thinks that we're at a great place in magic, in that there's a new generation of audiences available who are not jaded by the "old shtick." He's especially happy that audiences are really accepting and enjoying close-up magic. Steve's advice for aspiring magicians: "Learn and read as much as you can – old books especially (fewer people know about this stuff)."

When Steve's not being magical, he loves being an awesome dad to his beautiful daughter, Evie. (Evie is a celebrity in her own right at magic camp. As near as anyone can tell, she never had to stand on her own because all of the campers were lined up to carry her!)

Visit Steve's website at: SteveValentine.com


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

Steve Valentine kills ...
Posted by Fireside Productions on Friday, 5 September 2014

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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth | Chris Mayhew | Simon Waring

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

Interview: Zack Mirza about his show "Illusions of Grandeur"

Zack Mirza's show "Illusions of Grandeur" airs Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on OLN.

I'm excited to have to guest post at TV, eh? where I interview Zack about his show.
.
Thank you for the opportunity Diane!

An excerpt from TV, eh?:

I was very impressed to see that you include historical footage like clips from Dai Vernon’s “The Spirit of Magic.” I understand you’re going to be delving into some magic history throughout the other episodes. How important do you think it is for magicians to study the history of their craft?

Prior to the show I knew a little bit about the history of magic but going through the whole experience I got exposed to so much more. I can’t express how important it is for up and coming magicians, and magicians out there in general, for them to learn about the history of magic. We’re basically standing on the shoulders of giants. Everything that they’ve done is pretty much the ground work for what magicians are today. There’s so much respect. There’s so much wisdom that you can pull from anyone in the past. As soon as you get to learn a little bit about the history it just makes it that much more special.

Read more.

Dean Gunnarson's "Escape or Die!"

Dean Gunnarson's show "Escape or Die!" starts Tuesday April the 14th at 9pm on OLN.

Reveen's Red Falcon Tuxedo

From Ty Reveen's Facebook page:

My father's famous Red Falcon Tuxedo was donated to The Arts and Culture Centre in St. John's Newfoundland today. I know...
Posted by Reveen The Next Generation on Thursday, 26 March 2015

Live-blogging #BrowsersBash2015

If all goes according to plan, all live-blogging posts from #BrowsersBash2015 will appear under this post.  The most recent update will be immediately after this post.  Check back often for updates!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Individual jam-sessions happening directly after the show!

Good night!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

The Browser's Magic Bash tradition has officially begun and is off to a great start!

What's in store for next year?

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Amazing stage show with David Acer, Haim Goldenberg, Greg Frewin, Nathan Kranzo, John Park and Richard Sanders!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Kranzo' s up!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Jeff just won the first ever Head Basher award for his contributions to the magic community!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

From Jeff:

Two people worked tirelessly to make the #BrowsersBash2015 come together into this wonderful event.

Both are wickedly smart. Both are very creative. Both are very hard workers. And both are very good people.

Lee Asher and John Talbot ...without them there would be no Browser's Magic Bash.

Thank you Lee and John!

They were both presented with sweater vests!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Jeff's thanking:

- all the staff here at the MonteCassino for treating us like family. Cheers to the office, engineering, hotel, and kitchen staff. 

- people who helped transform the Bash into something special: Annie Pinsky, Mike Segal, James Allen, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Marvin & Shawna York, Nicole Lee, John Michalson, Stephanie Kline, Roxanne Talbot, and Christina Asher.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Richard Sanders lecture starting!

"Canadian bills are stupid."

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Wow!   Alexander Pappas came here all the way from Switzerland and Jo Deng came from Changsha, China.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Kudos to Steven Kline Productions for all the behind the scenes work and to Luiz Castro for helping!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

David Acer lecturing!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Browser's Magic Bash Food Drive had two tables full of cans & dried goods contributed.

A week tomorrow, it's going to the Toronto Food Bank on behalf of the local magic community.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Lanyards generously donated by Chad Juros of the Spread The Magic Foundation. Chad is a leukemia survivor with an inspirational story. Spread the Magic spreads hope and inspiration to children battling cancer through the power of magic.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

From Jeff:

Mahdi Gilbert spent a few months at Conjuring Arts Research Center in New York helping to transcribe historical magic texts into a digital format.

Called the Conjuring Arts Research Center, and told them you were speaking at the Bash. They are very proud of you, just like we are, and they wanted to celebrate with us, too. 

On behalf of the Conjuring Arts Research Center, in honor of Mahdi Gilbert, and in celebration of the Browser's Magic Bash, everyone here has been gifted a digital copy of the project he deemed your favourite - the entire Tarbell Course set!

Thank you Conjuring Arts Research Center, and thank you Mahdi!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Another recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial award, Mahdi Gilbert takes the stage.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Chris Westfall up to talk about improvisational magic.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Eric Leclerc asking audience member not to freak out.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Jeff Hinchliffe is back in the world of magic!

(And also presently lecturing.)

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Lunch is being served. Pizza and sandwiches.  Nom, nom, nom.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Jeff's uncle, (his dad's older brother) flew in from Montreal to spend some times with us today in Jeff's dad's honour. 

A rubber chicken for Dr. Uncle Jerry!

Jeff also recognized Joan Caesar, the founder and past president of the Canadian Association of Magicians and also the past International President of the IBM! 

Bernice Cooper and her son were here too.  Fabulous!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Richard Sanders entertaining the crowd.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

On stage 146 year old Doc Wuthergloom.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Welcoming Wij Siva on stage!

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

On stage Nathan Kranzo sharing childhood Applebee's experience.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

David Acer, 'Official #BrowsersBash2015 Emcee of the Day' has the stage.

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Housekeeping include:
- rules on making things float
- restrictions on spoon bending
- D'Lites for emergency preparedness

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Jeff is still welcoming everyone to the very first #BrowsersBash2015 !

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

We're here safe and sound. The room is almost ready and the attendees are getting registered.  Big display table of food drive contribution so far.  Dealer's table is well stocked.

One minute warning just called.

Everyone is stoked! 

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Rise and shine for #BrowsersBash2015 !

#BrowsersBash2015 social media

As many of you know, tomorrow is the "Browser's Bash," an all day convention hosted by the Browser's Den of Magic.

It was announced on the Browser's Den Twitter feed that the event is a complete sell out!

The #BrowsersBash2015 is OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT (for the 2nd time). Over 250 people will be in attendance tomorrow! Will you be one of them?
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) April 11, 2015

I'm one of the lucky ones attending and plan to be doing some combination of live-Tweeting and live-blogging of the event.  Apologies in advance for clogging your feeds.  To follow my Twitter account, you can use the web or use the Twitter widget on the right side of this page, under the "Selected Anniversaries" feature.   If you're at the event and Tweeting, I encourage you to add the hashtag "#BrowsersBash2015" to your Tweets.  I've added a feature just under the header of this page, which collects and posts all Tweets tagged in this fashion.

I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow!

blogTO's top five magicians in Toronto

It's interesting to read the comment section of the post.  How lovely to see that people can be passionate about their favourite magician.  Doubly so that there are so many talented magicians in Toronto from which to choose!

What do you think?  Did PO Karim get the top five right?

From blogTO:

The top magicians and mentalists in Toronto are amongst the best in the world, though skeptics may not be aware of their existence. These masters of magic are sought after entertainers wowing audiences from TV and stage to corporate functions and special events. Whether they're using elaborate theatrics or a deck of cards, their specially honed skills can have you believing in the impossible.

On with the show - here are my picks for the top magicians in Toronto. 

Read more.

Anthony Lindan interviews Greg Frewin

From Anthony Lindan:

The Secrets of Success Project is a collection of inspiring and motivating Niagara success stories. Anthony Lindan, whose 15 years old son is on the Autism Spectrum, created the Project as a third party fundraising initiative to raise both money and awareness for Autism. 

Anthony interviewed some of the most interesting people in Niagara - world class athletes, radio personalities, business people, entertainers and entrepreneurs - about their success. The interviews offer powerful tips and insights about becoming more successful both personally and professionally. 

The interviews are online at http://secretsofsuccessproject.com/ and visitors are encouraged to listen to as many as they like and make a ‘pay what you can’ donation.
All net proceeds from the Project will go the Autism Ontario Niagara Region Chapter.

From the Secrets of Success:

Amazing is the only way to describe Greg Frewin’s career and his passion for amazing and entertaining his audiences. Greg is currently Canada’s most accomplished and successful magician. He has performed on every major stage in the world, on numerous TV specials and has won every magic award and honor offered. For the past 10 years Greg has performed about 275 dates a year in his own theatre – The Greg Frewin Theatre – in Niagara Falls, ON.

Greg shares the real secrets that have brought him incredible success both on and off the stage.

Read more, listen to the interview and make a donation to the Autism Ontario Niagara Region Chapter.

Looking for Hosts for REALITY - MAGIC SERIES

Location: Toronto based - Shooting across Canada

DEADLINE FOR TALENT VIDEO SUBMISSIONS: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

New, reality MAGIC SERIES driven by 2 actual magician/illusionists, who go undercover as tour guides of authentic haunted locations, creating mind-boggling, organic illusions each tour to unsuspecting crowds of tourists.

[MAGICIAN/ILLUSIONIST 'HOSTS' X 2 (MALE)] UNION or Non-Union. 2 experienced magician/illusionists, capable of creating organic illusions of conjured paranormal phenomenon. Must be highly skilled in a variety of forms of magic including but not limited to large illusions, escapology, close-up magic, mentalism, and pickpocket. An interest in the paranormal is a plus as well as a comedy background. Highly experienced MAGICIAN/ILLUSIONISTS. Ability to collaborate with a team of magician/illusionists. Strong improvisational skills. Strong interaction skills. Comedy/Acting background an asset. An interest in the paranormal. Must be CANADIAN.

MUST REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

1. PHOTO & MAGICIAN BIO

2. MAGIC/ILLUSION DEMO REEL

3. SELF-TAPE – 2-3 minutes - Chatting directly to camera, as your outgoing self, tell us briefly about your Magician/Illusionist experience, your interest in the paranormal, and an example of a mind-boggling paranormal illusion you would create. ***Please ensure enough light for self-tapes.

4. Opening Text Screen should read:

Name

represented by:

Vanderwerff Talent

416 890 0905

mirjam@vanderwerfftalent.com

5. Email materials through a file/video sharing site, such as an unregistered youtube link, or via WETRANSFER OR HIGHTAIL, WITH EMAIL LINK TO: mirjam@vanderwerfftalent.com by Wednesday April 22, 2015.

With thanks to Lisa Close for sending this in.

Ben Train, Phil Pivnick and "Sketchy Magic" at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):  Ben Train

Pickering (Fri):   Phil Pivnick

Toronto (Sun):  [dark] [I can't imagine why]

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic


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.

Hamilton and Ottawa: Henry Evans lecture

From Joan Caesar:

Henry Evans is lecturing in Hamilton on April 27 and in Ottawa on April 28 at the IBM Rings in those cities.

Thanks for the update Joan!

Thirty seconds with Simon Waring

This is the twelfth 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.

I remember sitting at the Pinetages Theatre waiting for the evening show to start.  Lee Asher's "B4" card class was tasked with approaching people in the audience (before the main show) and performing some close-up magic for them, while paying close attention to audience reaction.  While the majority of the class made a beeline to their friends, Simon made his way to me. I had the pleasure of watching him perform three wonderful card tricks.  Keep up the great work Simon!

Simon Waring is an aspiring magician from Gerogina, ON.  He thinks Canada is the best country in the world because it's such an accepting place, there is so much freedom and it's home to many great accomplishments.

FUN FACT:
Simon prefers chocolate chip cookies to Oreos.

DID YOU KNOW?
Simon's biggest influences are his parents, "the two best people in the world.

Simon's first memory of magic dates back to when he was six years old.  He remembers performing a children's vanish with Playmobil and a Toys'r'Us magic kit.  Simon first heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp at Morrissey's Magic shop in 2009 when he was ten years old.  Simon's attend camp as a camper for six years.  He comes back to camp because the activities are so unique and interactive.  He hates the thought of missing out on something wonderful.  He's made great friends at camp and keeps in touch with them throughout the year.

Simon hopes that magic isn't losing its roots and that that people realize the value of reading books, going to lectures, and learning in person.  He suggests that young performers "practise, practise, practise."  He also encourages them to be creative and think about what enhances effects.  One last tip from Simon: "Take good care of your cards."

Simon's favourite non-magic activity is talking with friends about history.





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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth | Chris Mayhew

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

Erix Logan on Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

I've been waiting for this video! So here is tri-lingual Canadian illusionist Erix Logan performing his spectacular new...
Posted by Clive Court on Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Who's where April 2015

Leave a comment on this post to let us know where you're going to be this month!  (Confirm details with event organizers / venues.)

Updated April 26th to add:

Montreal: Henry Evans lecture

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

• Bill Abbott and Bobby Motta Fridays and Saturdays at Dave and Busters in Vaughan
    
• Magic Mondays with James Jordan in Calgary
    
• From Peter Mennie's Facebook page:
  Post by Peter Mennie - Magician VIP Entertainer.
    

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	Mysterion at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
3	Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
4	April 4th-6th I'm going be be in Kouvola, Finland to present at Kouvolan Taikapäivät 2015. Really… http://t.co/0YtAkIhb4X — Mahdi Gilbert (@mahdigilbert) February 22, 2015 Tickets now on sale for Easter/Passover wknd with these awesome comedians & more! Info & tix: http://t.co/nQPcPxMQPW pic.twitter.com/QA5H9f3wgS — Comedy Nest Montreal (@comedynest) March 15, 2015 Just booked! I'm back at @NottawasagaInn for an Easter Weekend show http://t.co/toFshNVgna #Easter #resort #magicshow #nottawasagainn — Peter Mennie (@petermennie) March 24, 2015
5	Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
6
7	Next week @mahdigilbert and @ShaneCobalt will be performing their new show Modern Magic at #WHSTeatteriUnion! http://t.co/bd8Xb9Mm5V — WHS Teatteri Union (@TeatteriUnion) March 30, 2015  Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
8
9	Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) Illusionist @RayChance will wow at #mwf_2015 event on April 9, 2015. Check him out --> https://t.co/zJLJdjLU42 pic.twitter.com/p5uzy896Lj — MissWaterfrontFest (@the_mwf) March 27, 2015
10	Phil Pivnick at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
11
12
13
14	Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) Starting Monday, @ZackMirza will be posting #Magic every day leading up to the April 14th premiere of #IllusionsOfGrandeur! #7DaysOfMagic — IllusionsofGrandeur (@iogtv) April 1, 2015
15
16	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
17	Glen Ottaway at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) April 17th you can find me performing at the @WhiteOaksMall in London On with my good friend, Captain Corbin, @Captain_Corbin — Peter Mennie (@petermennie) March 27, 2015 Ahoy pirates, April 17th you can find me performing at the @WhiteOaksMall in London On with my good friend, that Magic guy, @petermennie — Captain Corbin (@Captain_Corbin) March 27, 2015
18
19	Keith Brown and Greydon Gilmore at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
20
21	Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
22
23	Phil Pivnick at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
24	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) Tix are on sale at http://t.co/MVqeAPyqNz. Please buy early so I have the extra cash I buy more advertising. https://t.co/0lyJhxSGkR — James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) April 2, 2015
25
26	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) I will be performing my full one man show in Montreal April 26th. If you are near or in the area come check out... http://t.co/h9fyXsjVUH — chris mayhew (@chrismayhew1) March 21, 2015
27
28	Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
29	Montreal: Henry Evans lecture
30	Paul Pacific at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)

"Never the same way twice" free download

From Ryan Pilling's Facebook page:

Free Magic Download! The first chapter of Never The Same Way Twice is now available. Get your PDF of the Energized Cards...
Posted by Playing Big Magic on Thursday, 2 April 2015

Crowdsourcing: Zack Mirza interview questions

There's a high probability that I'm going to get a chance to interview Zack Mirza about his upcoming docu-series, "Illusions of Grandeur."

I'm working on my list of questions and thought I'd open it up to the floor to see if you had any burning questions you'd want me to ask Zack.  (Due to the limited interview time, there's no guarantee I'll be able to ask all of the questions submitted.)

If you have questions you'd like me to ask, e-mail me or leave them in the comment form below.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Hi There!
A short note that on this Saturday, April 4th our monthly free Magic Club takes place at Browser's Den from 2:30pm until 5:00pm.
All welcome. Snacks provided!

Winnipeg: Family day of magic

From the Magic Club of Winnipeg's Facebook page:

Posted by Magic Club of Winnipeg on Friday, 27 March 2015

Montreal: Henry Evans lecture

From the Montreal Magic Jam:

Henry Evans
When: Wednesday April 29, 7pm Where: Mainline Theatre 3997 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montreal, Quebec MapOnly $25 before April 21

After a bit of break, we’re back and very excited to present a lecture by one of the top card magicians in the world: Henry Evans!

Direct from Argentina, Henry will demonstrate the importance of imprinting your own personal style on every effect you perform. The first time you see Henry Evans perform, you are reminded of what it is like to be a lay person! His astonishing magic is HIGHLY visual and ultra deceptive, he will fool you… again and again and AGAIN!


Over the course of the lecture, he will explain several important concepts, each one illustrated with an effect, making sure you will understand how to apply them to your own magic. You will see original openers and closers, and new ideas created by Henry, like Watch, Watch, Watch, a very nice and visual idea to open a show using a rope and a watch!

Read more and buy tickets.

Thank you to our April 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.

Mysterion and Ben Train at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):  Mysterion

Pickering (Fri):   Ben Train

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*.



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

Under new management

It is with mixed emotions that I announce, effective immediately, James Alan is in charge of Canada's Magic.  As many of you know, I started this site over 4 years ago and have since tried to make a go at making it financially viable.  I remain grateful to my sponsors past and present (Doug Cuff, Ryan Pilling, Clive Court, Phil & Evelyn Matlin and Jeff Pinsky) for showing me their support.  However, the sweat equity to income ratio remains unfavourable.

I have great faith that the site will be in good hands.  James did wonders with the Ring 17 social media during his presidency.  I understand that he's got many creative plans lined up for the future.  (Based on the success of the recent "Thirty seconds with..." interviews, I understand he's lining up some interesting podcasts with mimes).  I will be assisting him with transition in the short term.

For current sponsors, you have the option of riding out your current contract or contacting me directly to make alternate arrangements.  For my long time supporters, I thank you and hope that you show James the same support and encouragement that you've shown me over the years.  Before you contact me to find out the unpublishable details, I recommend that you check the date this was posted.

Thank you, as always, for your support and understanding.