5. May sale: 40% off yearly sponsorship rates! - Be a sponsor or be a friend!
4. Montreal: Le Lab Magique - Their shows look like a lot of fun!
3. Keith Brown's 2015 Fringe tour - One down, how many more Fringes to go, Keith?
2. Review: "A Series of Unfortunate Effects" - I need to make a point of watching this soon.
1. Thirty seconds with Chris Pilsworth - summer's here! It's Sorcerers Safari time again!
| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - Mike Powers lecture - Annual General Meeting - Mega Magic Saturday |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - Mike Powers lecture |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - Mike Powers lecture |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - Mike Powers lecture |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - N/A |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - N/A |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - Mike Powers lecture |
| Montreal, QC | Ring 62 (20th Century Ring) | - TBA |
| Hamilton, ON | Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) | - TBA |
| London, ON | Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild) | - Year end dinner. |
| Kitchener, ON | Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle) | - TBA |
| Ottawa, ON | Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) | - Year end party. |
| Ottawa, ON | Ottawa / Gatineau magicians | - TBA |
| Toronto, ON | Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) | - Year end dinner featuring Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall in "Sketchy Magic" |
| Halifax, NS | Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court) | - TBA - Visit their Facebook page. |
| St. John, NB | Magic Circle of St. John | - TBA |
As curio shops go, Brent Smith’s Vanishing Rabbit is all things magical. Attached to the ceiling is a series of old billboards advertising the greats through the ages – Houdini, Sorcar, Mandrake and a young Doug Henning as Chou Chou (pronounced Shoe Shoe), the clown who actually sold shoes for a living.
Inside Mr. Smith’s store, a creepy-looking Charlie McCarthy puppet sits above display cases filled with easy-to-perform tricks and novelties, including the ever-popular Fart Extinguisher.
“It’s a big hit with the kids,” Mr. Smith says as he emerges from behind a counter holding a deck of Svengali playing cards. “I sell a lot of cards, too. Magic is really hot right now.”
Read more.
The name is Billy Kidd, only she’s not a kid or even an outlaw. She’s one of the very few women who perform magic tricks instead of acting as the male magician’s lovely assistant.
Born in Edmonton, now based outside of London, Ms. Kidd is so good at her craft she has been featured on the Discovery and Syfy channels, and entertains throughout Europe, Asia and Japan. She found her inspiration several years ago watching a street magician in Edmonton.
As much as she enjoyed the magic, it was the crowd’s reaction that resonated with Ms. Kidd.
Read more.
RSVP if you can attend. Really... #ibmprez #keepcalmandperformmagic
Posted by Shawn Farquhar on Saturday, 23 May 2015
Keith Brown's "Absolute Magic" was absolutely mind-bending, mind-boggling and mind-blowing. His upclose magic with cards brought "oohs," the telepathic tricks brought "ahs," and if you've had the pleasure of seeing Brown before, you know that the sewing needles brought "ooooooh — no he didn't!"
The show is quite simple: There's no music, no wild sets, no fancy assistants. He gets by with the few props he needs for his tricks — a deck of cards, some neckties, needles and thread. The razzle-dazzle of Brown is in his charming smile and charismatic personality.
Read more.
Je présente mon tout nouveau spectacle "Mystéric au DÉFI!" Dans les écoles et théâtres partout en Ontario dès Septembre! Préparez-vous! :)
Posted by Eric Leclerc on Tuesday, 12 May 2015
We love sharing magical ideas with all our readers, from our favourite family movies to some easy magic tricks for kids. However, when it comes to magic, there's no better topic than Greg Frewin! So why not get an interview with the World Grand Champion of Magic himself? We sat Greg down (and trust us, it's not that easy! Between performing in one of the top Niagara Falls attractions, creating new illusions, building the sets, and enjoying time with his family, he's generally pretty busy) and got him to answer some questions about how he came to be a magician, what has inspired him, and how he creates his show.
Read more.
It's what you've been waiting for! It's the second part of our interview with the World Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin. During part one of our interview, Greg outlined what influenced him when he was younger and figuring out what he wanted to become (if you haven't read part one, click here). Today, Greg will reveal some of the backstage elements of his show.
Read more.
On with the guys wednesday morning @HumbleFredRadio chattin' comedy, @canadalaughs @siriusxmcanada for our tour pic.twitter.com/Fpu53yVXuc
— David Merry (@davidmerry) May 20, 2015
Coming in at around 90 minutes, A Series of Unfortunate Effects is a fun, engaging and wonderfully unique instructional DVD featuring some of the best card magic I’ve seen in some time. The movie (yep, I’m calling it a movie) features appearances by Lee Asher, Jeff Hinchliffe, Glenn West, Chris Westfall, plus the creators Chris Mayhew and Ben Train. Bill Abbott even makes an appearance as a maniacal card collector – hey if the shoe fits Even without the card routines and explanations, I thought the movie was really fun with several laugh out loud moments. The chemistry between Chris Mayhew and Ben Train provides an enjoyable romp through underground card magic. (I’ll take this moment to mention that Chris Mayhew cracks me up!) The video itself is shot in HD and edited beautifully, with great attention to detail throughout. The appearances and card routines are just icing on the proverbial cake. It is a creative adventure that is a joy to watch.
Read more.
People Keep asking about my Ontario Wide tour, so here is a sneak peak of my most creative show! Inspired by a cirque du soliel format Its a family style illusion show jam packed with laughing, gasping, screaming, magic, illusions, and an awesome story line plot! Its filled with different styles of Juggling and a hook like ive never done before! Hopefully we will have it in Toronto before the Canada Wide tour begins. With Bella M. Eurta.
I am very excited to bring you news about the latest addition to JohnGiordmaine.com, the online tribute to Canada's most beloved children's magician (Johnny Giordmaine, 1898-1974).
Brian Lumley, who used to work for Doug Henning, provides the first ever-in-print anecdotal evidence of Johnny's influential mentorship with Doug.
Since I reposted Doug's 1989 "retirement from magic" letter last December (first published in Genii) in which he thanked "the late John Giordmaine" ahead of Dai Vernon, Slydini, Jay Marshall and others, I have tried to find a reason why Doug thanked Johnny first and foremost. Theirs must have been a very special kind of mentorship and friendship but nowhere in any of the magical history literature has there ever appeared any documented evidence for it.
Until now.
Brian Lumley recalls a very special "Spellbound" backstage tour in late December 1973 which Doug gave Johnny mere hours before Johnny's heart attack which would ultimately prove fatal. With this breakthrough recollection we at long last have the very first eyewitness account in print of what it meant to Doug to have Johnny as a friend and mentor.
Only now can we really begin to appreciate the reasons why Doug Henning thanked "the late John Giordmaine" first in his "letter of retirement".
This story appears nowhere else to date to the best of my knowledge. It will hopefully open the door to future further research into Johnny's pivotal influence on arguably Canada's most internationally famous magician of the 20th century.
You can read all about it, exclusively, here:
www.johngiordmaine.com
Prepare to be shocked and amazed as acclaimed magician Katherine Mills blends her extraordinary understanding of popular psychological science with astonishing trickery and illusion, making us question what is real. This is a compelling, playful series packed full with fascinating psychological revelations and wondrous magic, as Katherine combines her skills as a world-class illusionist with her extensive knowledge of the human mind. People of all ages and backgrounds are left stunned, confused and amazed as they take part in her breathtaking experiments. Katherine Mills: Mind Games proves that, while we like to believe we are in control of our minds and behaviour, in reality we are as predictable as clockwork!
Read more.
Tickets and additional information at: http://bit.ly/nbeck
Discover one of the best kept secrets in all of magic:
"Norman Beck fools me every time I see him. He was kind enough to let me put one of his effects on my last TV Special. He is very clever."
-David Blaine
“Stormin' Norman Beck is of my favorite people and magicians. He’ll make you laugh with his zany humor and that good-old-boy twang, and he’ll fool you with his diabolical thinking, methods, and routining."
-Steve Forte
"There are only a few people in the world that I would consult with, share ideas, get advice, and their critique about magic, such a man is Norman Beck."
-Asi Wind
Norman is brilliant. He has created some of the seminal tricks in Magic and you should listen to what he has to say and use his ideas. Some of the biggest names in Magic already do!"
-Peter Samelson
Read more and buy tickets.
Daryl Easton, The Magician's Magician, Special Guest at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp this Summer
Toronto, Ontario. - May 17th, 2015 EST - Amidst rampant magic forum speculation, Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp announced it is bringing in the world famous Magician's Magician as the special guest at Magic Camp this summer.
Daryl Easton travels all the way from Northern California to the Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp in Ontario, Canada. (Daryl comes for the kids, but stays for the magic; "Love it," say Sorcerers Safari staffers.)
With a record number of best selling DVDs & books, having traveled the world several times over, winning the card category at a FISM, and probably sitting on a ton of great unpublished ideas – Daryl has lots to offer the campers. He's famous for his decades of innovative thinking behind sleight of hand, which has garnered him international acclaim. Now imagine what it would be like to spend a camp session with this guy?!
The inspiration for asking Daryl to spend time at magic camp, recalled Mike Segal, owner of Sorcerers Safari, "He simply loves magic and would be a perfect fit for camp and the kids," Segal said. "And there is no better way to spend time immersed in the art of magic than with one of your heroes from all those videos and DVDs you own. Who doesn't love Daryl? He's awesome!"
The idea of having celebrity magic stars as special guests at camp is always one of the hot debates at the annual executive staff meetings. (Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp chooses only the best of the best to come up as special guest.) After unanimously agreeing Daryl was a perfect fit, we asked and he gladly accepted.
"Daryl is going to have a great time at magic camp, and so are all the campers and staff. Imagine all of the experiences he can recount about performing on HBO's Magical Moments with Dick Cavett, sessioning with Dai Vernon & Larry Jennings at the Magic Castle, headlining at Caesar's Magical Empire, and the rest of all the legendary things he's done in his life," said Browser's Den of Magic owner, Jeff Pinsky. "This is going to be magic camp's 17th year in operation, and I can't remember a time when everyone was so excited about a special guest like Daryl."
Pinsky adds, "I've always admired Daryl for his skill and showmanship and now it’s nice to see him sharing with the youth of magic, as well as the local Toronto magic community."
According to Mike Segal, magic camp is growing exponentially with a high rate of return campers and return staff. With luck, Daryl will love camp so much, he too, will return repeatedly.
Are you ages 8-20 or know someone who is and would benefit from a week at Sorcerers Safari?
Learn more about attending Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp with Daryl this year - please visit: http://sorcererssafari.ca/about/register-for-magic-camp-2015/
Posted by James Carey Lauder on Saturday, 16 May 2015
I'm a happy man. Some people of action helped me find my long lost friend Guy Stanley.
Nicole at Canada's Magic saw my post here, emailed me and asked me to send her my contact information which she sent to Phil at Perfect Magic in Montreal so that he could forward it Guy Stanley, one of his regular customers. Guy called me within hours and we spoke for several hours catching up on 53 years of separated time.
I was right. Guy still loves magic as a hobby and has a treasury of books on great historical champions of magic. Thanks Nicole for taking action. Thanks Phil for closing the loop. And thanks to Magic Café's Steve Brooks for making connections among us magicians possible!
Watch host @MrMooresays do a crazy Mind effect on me, live on @RogersTVdaytime this Monday at 10am on Rogers TV! pic.twitter.com/4bXIybEeeL
— Mind Bender (@JordanMurciano) May 15, 2015
A page in this month's @MAGICmagazine . A story I wrote about an amazing person and performer, Michael Dardant. pic.twitter.com/A7yiTeZkCA
— Jamie D. Grant (@Jamie_D_Grant) April 30, 2015
Someone from Quebec registered for FISM through a wire transfer. Unfortunately, they forgot to include their name or address, so FISM has no idea who it is. If the person could contact me, we could get it straightened out.
Voici quelques extraits du dernier Lab Magique qui se voulait un 100% féminin. Ne manquez pas le prochain Lab qui aura...
Posted by Le Lab Magique on Sunday, 3 May 2015
Have plans May 13th? Well you do now! You are invited to a FREE Mega Magic Show @ the Sanderson Centre, bring your friends!! Show starts at 5:00 -- prepare to be amazed!
Posted by Harmony Square Brantford on Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Join Chris Westfall, Anthony Lindan, Stephen Forrester, Brent Smith, Brent Miller, Atsushi Ono, and special Guests for a 1 day MEGA Magic Saturday JUNE 27th. Shows, Auction, Competitions, and lectures will all be happening. Registration is NOW OPEN . For all the details, registration packages and VIP Passes go to www.MEGAMagicSaturday.com
Read more and register.
Illusionist Sean Watson has a pretty impressive trick.
He can make people . . . appear.
A full house took in the first-ever Christ the King School Spring Gala on Friday night.
The sold out crowd – which numbered 160 people – were treated to a great meal and an entertaining show.
“It turned out to be a terrific night,” said Stephanie Nelson, a member of the school’s community council which organized the event. “I think people really enjoyed themselves and we were able to raise some money.”
Read more.
I met GUY STANLEY in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1962. He and I were training as pilots. We were both in our late teens. His hobby was magic - a very skilled magician. My hobby was photography. The sands of time separated us during our military days. Now I'd like to find him and reconnect. Does anyone in this group know of a very good magician named Guy Stanley? He would be 70ish today if he is still alive. Guy turned me on to magic at that time and it subsequently became my second hobby. Now, I live in the area where he lived when he joined the Airforce - Vancouver, British Columbia.
Read more.
Who is the Best??
Your chance to be a Winner.
CAM is having a new contest.
It’s easy to enter.
Just send in a short video of your best routine presentation based on the topic of the month.
Read more and enter.
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| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - Bar Tricks & Cons |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - N/A. |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - Family Day of Magic show. |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - Annual General Meeting. - Third Monday Magic. |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - Chris Westfall lecture. |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - Trevor Duffy lecture |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - N/A |
| Montreal, QC | Ring 62 (20th Century Ring) | - Ted Outerbridge - Assistants Auditions & Rehearsals |
| Hamilton, ON | Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) | - TBA |
| London, ON | Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild) | - Meeting cancelled. |
| Kitchener, ON | Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle) | - Lecture. |
| Ottawa, ON | Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) | - 4F Convention Sharing by 4F Gang - Memorial Night/Classic Magic. |
| Ottawa, ON | Ottawa / Gatineau magicians | - TBA |
| Toronto, ON | Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) | - David Merry lecture. |
| Halifax, NS | Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court) | - TBA - Visit their Facebook page. |
| St. John, NB | Magic Circle of St. John | - TBA |
"Chris Westfall & The Porcelain Princess" All ready for the #PorcelainPrincessTour w/… https://t.co/ylcmRVgb70
— Chris Westfall (@westfallmagic) May 1, 2015
— Chris Westfall (@westfallmagic) May 2, 2015
Hey All!! With the weather finally getting nice, we are gearing up for another AMAZING summer at magic camp (Aug. 14-19).
And, to get things offically started, we are holding our annual Open House at The Browsers Den of Magic in Toronto, on MAY 17th from noon until 3pm.
We hope to see many of you there. New campers and staff, and all the returning friends. We'll have some annoucements (Who is the special guest this year?) and prizes and fun.
