Canada's Magic: 2016-05

31 May 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 6

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A camper's notebook.

Day 3: Sunday August 16th*

Morning comes too early. I’m tired. Started the day with scrambled eggs and cereal (no sugary cereals here… boo!). Card class was great. Dick Joiner taught us how to do an effect called “Hotel.” I’m amazed at how it works!

Card class with Dick Joiner and Ted Outerbridge.

I heard that some of the more advanced kids need to get some card tricks ready to perform walkaround magic in the audience before the camper show. I’m glad I’m just a beginner!

Camp stretch.

Field activity was a game called “Food Chain.” The rules were a little complicated, but it was fun. One kid hid under the mess hall stairs to try and “survive” longer in the game!

There's always time to squeeze in some more magic!

5pm
Fueled up at lunch with meatball sandwiches and corn! Apparently Joan Caesar, the founder of the Canadian Association of Magicians, is here visiting today. And Bill and Becki Wells from the International Brotherhood of Magicians are here all week. Wow! More great electives to choose from (camper show walk through, impromptu magic, classic force, balloons, stage presence / performance tips, elastic thread, the business of magic, and necklace magic).

The balloon elective was tonnes of fun! Balloons kept popping all the time. It was crazy! Even the instructors, Carey Lauder and Chris Westfall, were surprised at how much they kept popping. We learned some easy things like dogs but also some more complicated things like flowers and ladybug bracelets.

Before the camp swim, they got EVERYONE in the camp together to take the camp photo at the dock. I took forever to get everybody organized. I can’t wait to see it. I learned an important lesson too: never be late for the camp photo! There were a few stragglers and boy did they get get in trouble. Not only are they not in the photo, but now they have to clean up ALL THE TABLES at dinner tonight!

Camp photo! Photo by James Carey Lauder.

2015 camp photo! (Scroll to see everyone.)

Turns out that Carey is also the official camp photographer. During camp swim he did something called “Levitation Photos.” We all got to pose for a photo either levitating someone, being levitated by someone or both! (The line got longer by at least 20 people when Neil’s assistant was being levitated!) I posed for pictures with one of my new best friends. I can’t wait to see them! (Diary, you’ll have to understand if I don’t reveal the secret here. I’d hate for it to fall into the wrong hands if I happened to lose you!)

Levitation photos!

The big kids looked like they were having so much fun jumping off the tall platform. The lifeguard did some trick flips too! I want to try jumping but it looks scary. I don’t like heights.

In performance workshop we played a game called “Freeze Tag.” That was hilarious. It was improvising and then anyone could call out “freeze” and tag someone out, take their spot, and change the entire setting! It’s supposed to help with thinking on the spot, playing characters, and doing scene work, but I just think it’s great fun!

Mark Correia and Chris Westfall make improvising fun!

To be continued ...

--
The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

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* The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season. It is an aggregate of many perspectives, and at times includes events from previous years.

30 May 2016

Greg Frewin's recent television appearances

Watch Greg on CHCH:

Is it all an illusion? @timbolen gets in on the magic @GF_Theatre @MorningLive . Segment: https://t.co/5z5btUwceC pic.twitter.com/0QxEZxcSVw
— CHCH News (@CHCHNews) May 27, 2016

Watch Greg on the Today Show, promoting "Masters of Illusion."

Eric Leclerc in MathXplosion

From the National Screen Institute:

Ottawa-based kids’ content producer GAPC Entertainment is in production on a new web series for TVOKids and TFO. mathXplosion is produced by GAPC’s Hoda Elatawi (NSI Global Marketing).

The 50-episode series has mathemagician Eric Leclerc taking children, six to eight years old, through an adventure in the world of math. Everything from measuring tree height with your thumb to finding treasure with a grid map, these short, kid-friendly episodes are aimed at inspiring both children and their parents to try out fun, accessible math experiments for themselves.

mathXplosion is produced in conjunction with TVO and TFO with financial participation from the CMF, Shaw Rocket Fund and Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund.

From Eric Leclerc's Facebook Fan page:

29 May 2016

Rounding the Western rings in June 2016

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)	- Daryl lecture. - Junior club meeting. - Annual general meeting.
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Daryl lecture.
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Daryl lecture.
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring )	- Daryl lecture. - Third Monday Magic
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- Murray lecture. - Children's Magician of the Year. - A Magical Evening.
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- TBA.
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Daryl lecture.

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

Rounding the Central rings in June 2016

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Free form Fridays. - Executives quarterly meeting. - Charter night. - Twitter Tuesday.
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 Pot-luck / Banquet.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Year End Banquet with a performance by Wes Zaharuk.

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in June 2016

Does anybody have current information to share about the Magic Circle of St. John?

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

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- 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

28 May 2016

Vote for ReginAcadabra in the #eventofevents competition

Help Regina start an International Magic Festival! Vote for "ReginAcadabra" in the #EventofEvents competition on Twitter.

From the Regina Hotel Association's Twitter feed:

Who should win the #eventofevents competition?
— Regina Hotel Assoc (@StayinRegina) May 26, 2016

Ryan Joyce talks about Fundraising for Fort McMurray

Watch on YouTube, Ryan Joyce talk about Fundraising for Fort McMurray:

London: "An Evening of Mystery, Trickery and Wonder"

From Sawyer Bullock's Facebook page:

27 May 2016

Guelph: Dan McLean Jr and Some Honey

From Brown Paper Tickets:

May 28, 2016

This will be a live concert filming of Dan doing songs from his upcoming album, and Dan will be accompanied by his three backup singers "Some Honey".

Opening the show will be two of Dan's most talented songwriter friends. Jane Lewis of Guelph, and Mandippal of Kitchener-Waterloo, both of whom also will be recorded.

ALL AGES!

Admission includes a full night of music and some snacks. Excellent food & drink will be available for you to order. 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor & Yelp.

Read more and buy tickets.

26 May 2016

Calgary: new show added for Piff the Magic Dragon

Updated as of 6:40am EST:

The new Sunday 7pm show is now sold out. A new Sunday at 9:30pm show has been added. Check The Laugh Shop for the most up to date information.

From The Laugh Shop:

Piff the Magic Dragon: Exclusive Concert Presentation
May 26 - May 28

EXCLUSIVE CONCERT PRESENTATION

THIS IS AN 18+ SHOW – MINORS ARE NOT ADMITTED.

May 26-28 – all shows $29.95

Thursday 7 pm – SOLD OUT!
Friday 7pm & 10pm – SOLD OUT!
Saturday 7pm & 10pm – SOLD OUT!
~~Sunday 7pm~~ – SOLD OUT!
Sunday 9:30 pm – $29.95 9:30 pm SUNDAY SHOW ADDED – PURCHASE TICKETS

Piff the Magic Dragon The stand out star of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, imagine Larry David in a dragon suit performing jaw-dropping magic tricks and you’re on the right track. With over 12 million YouTube hits to his name Piff has performed to hundreds of thousands of people in preposterous venues such as Radio City Music Hall, the O2, London, and Sydney Opera House. His sidekick Mr Piffles, The World’s First Magic Performing Chihuahua has been levitated, laminated, shackled in a straitjacket and shot out of a cannon all in the name of entertainment. Just one thing: They don’t do Children’s Parties.

Read more and buy tickets.

25 May 2016

Toronto: Keith Brown at momondays

From the momondays Toronto Facebook page:

STACKING THE ODDS: Keith shares his story about how at 15 years old, in a train in the Czech Republic, he entered into a friendly wager that led him to the Stanley Cup. He shares how he stacked the odds in his favour by doing the work beforehand has led him to places he never dreamed. Keith's words of advice on how he leads himself… don't judge a book by its cover because it could be an opportunity in disguise. Keith is a world-class speaker and entertainer. He was performing at Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Party before he could even drive a car! He toured his show across North America this summer to rave reviews, including 5 stars from the CBC! Keith has shared his magic with audiences in over 16 countries and counting. In 2013, he was awarded Toronto's Best Magician... and he's not even from Toronto!

Get the magic of Keith Brown at momondays Toronto on May 30!

Read more and buy tickets.

24 May 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 5

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A camper's notebook.

Day 2: Saturday August 15th (cont)*

5pm
Camp swim is so much fun! We get to use huge inner tubes to float in the docks at the lake. Eric Leclerc went out of the designated area in an inner tube, to get a ball that floated away. It was funny to watch him try and paddle with his hands! There’s a slide that goes into the lake and a super high platform that you can jump off of too.

Inner tubes are fun!

Squeezing more magic in before the swim.

We had “performance workshop” where some campers performed something and everyone got to tell them what they liked about it and what they thought could be improved. Some kids got up and did things that we just learned at electives today! Everyone seems really supportive and encouraging here. No one was mean about it.

Then we played the “Umm” game. It’s where you have to talk as long as you can about an assigned topic (think unicorns, chocolate, soccer, etc) without saying things like “umm” or “ahh.” It’s hard! (And fun to watch!) Now I know that I need to script my performances because I’m not so good at improvising!

Performance workshop.

10pm
What a night! We ate chicken burgers and chocolate mousse! At the theatre we watched video messages for us from magicians from Las Vegas and other places in the US. Apparently there’s a camper show later in the week. I wonder if I have anything good enough to do for the show...

The evening performance was mind blowing. Mike Close, Eric, Sheldon Casavant, Scott Hammell, Neil Croswell and Ashley Da Silva are all fabulous. I got to see dove magic live for the first time. Neil made birds appear out of NOWHERE.

Mike Close.

Eric Leclerc.

Neil Croswell and Ashley Da Silva.

Rosemary Reid, Mark Correia, and Chris Mayhew did lip syncs tonight. I laughed so hard when Chris “blah, blah, blahed” his way through "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé.

Chris Mayhew channeling Beyoncé.

After that we had a beach party -- wait for it -- on the beach! There was fire floating in the lake (I’d never seen that before). We had fries and chicken nuggets and fried zucchini for snack. Phil DaCosta, the DJ, had everyone moving and doing the limbo and forming conga lines. I liked it when he played the “Cha Cha Slide” and “Uptown Funk.” I complained when my counsellor said I had to leave early ‘cause I’m so little. Secretly I’m glad I’m back at the cabin. I’m pooped.

How low can you go?

Beach party!

More beach party!

To be continued ...

--
The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

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* The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season. It is an aggregate of many perspectives, and at times includes events from previous years.

23 May 2016

Brantford: Fundraising for Fort McMurray

On the heels of New Westminster's "Magic for Fort Mac" event (raising approximately $8,150 for the Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal) and "Family Fun for Fort Mac" in Calgary, comes "Magicians vs Fort McMurray Wildfires" in Brantford, ON.

The talent listed at the Benefit Show site include:

Keith Brown
Craig Douglas
Ryan Joyce
Peter Mennie
Ryan Edwards
Doug Hunt
David Merry
Graeme Reed

22 May 2016

Vancouver: Murray SawChuck lecture

From the Canadian Association of Magician's Facebook page:

Want to learn how to be remembered? Want to learn how to get rebooked? Want to learn how to create revenue through your magic? Want to learn how to use your magic to get in the newspaper or on television?

Then you need to sign up for the Vancouver Magic Circle's next lecture! Las Vegas headliner Murray SawChuck will be presenting his all new lecture at Douglas College on Friday June 3rd at 7pm (Room 2203).

Price for this lecture is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. As a special bonus, for only $35, you can go to Murray's lecture and the Daryl lecture sponsored by the FVMC on Friday June 10th. Two great lectures at an amazing price! Thanks to the FVMC for organizing that special rate with us!

Event details and Paypal button will be up on the VMC website shortly. Look forward to seeing everyone on June 3rd for an evening of great magic.

Jeff Christensen
Lecture Chair
Vancouver Magic Circle

21 May 2016

Magic Camp TV

Have you ever wondered what Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp was really like? Are you more of a video person than the sort that would read "Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie" or "The Secret to Sorcerers Safari's Success"? Well you're in luck!

Have a look at the Sorcerers Safari 2015 video put together by Chris Mayhew:

Sorcerers Safari 2016 special guest

From Sorcerers Safari:

Toronto, Ontario. – May 19th, 2016 EST – Campers and fans of Sorcerers Summer Safari Magic Camp have been posting ideas on who this year’s special guest will be for months. Perhaps someone extra special in celebration of 20 years in operation?

Finally, the wait is over. For the first time ever the special guest this year will be famed female magician, Suzanne!

Recently famous for fooling Penn & Teller and winning the Close-Up Magician of The Year award from the Magic Castle, Suzanne’s magic is internationally acclaimed. She has released several best selling DVDs and appeared on the cover of Genii Magazine.

“She simply loves magic and will be a perfect fit for camp and the kids. What a wonderful role model for the young girls, too,” exclaimed Jennifer Segal, co-owner of the magic performance art camp. Segal continued, “There really is no better way to spend quality time immersed in the art of magic than with one of your heroes. Who doesn’t love Suzanne? She’s awesome!”

Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp chooses only the best of the best to come up as their special guest, and it is always a hot debate at the annual executive staff meetings. After unanimously agreeing Suzanne was a perfect fit, the team asked her and she gladly accepted.

“Suzanne is going to have a great time up at camp, and so are all the campers and staff. She is a celebrated performer with tons of magic to share, recognized and respected by everyone in the world of magic, and she’s a genuine trailblazer,” said Sorcerers Safari sixteen year camp veteran and professional magician, Rosemary Reid.

Reid adds, “I have not had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne yet, but have anticipated a female special guest for about… sixteen years, when I first attended Sorcerers Safari as a girl. We welcome her to our camp family with open arms. Hopefully her attendance will encourage more young women to come to camp too!”

Sorcerers Safari continues to grow exponentially every year with a high rate of return campers and staff. With luck, Suzanne will love camp so much she will be counting down the days until 2017 along with everyone else!

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 Suzanne this year.

20 May 2016

Calgary: Family Fun for Fort Mac

On the heels of New Westminster's "Magic for Fort Mac" event, that raised approximately $8,150 for the Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal, comes a magician driven fundraiser in Calgary.

From the Calgary Magic Show site:

SAIT is currently housing many families displaced from the Fort MacMurray wildfires, and have made arrangements for an afternoon of Family Fun this Saturday!

Face Painting, Balloons, and fun activites from Noon until 4 PM

Magic Show on stage starting at 1 PM

Some of the best entertainers have stepped up to volunteer to make it an amazing event, and we wanted to extend the invitation out to more Calgary families.

Especially to those who have been volunteering in so many ways to support our fellow Albertans. Our focus this afternoon is simply on providing great entertainment and stress relief. However, anybody is welcome to drop in and take part, in trade for a donation to the Canadian Red Cross.

Located in the Symposium room on Level 2 of the the SAIT Campus Centre. This is the building right beside the LRT station. Hop off the train, up the stairs, and we will be right down the hall. Also, very close to the parkade accessible off 10th Street.

Bring the family, stop by, say hello, have fun, make a donation, and make some friends!

Montreal: Le lab magique May 2016

From le lab magique's Facebook page:

Mercredi le 25 mai 2016 à 19h30
$15 à la porte
$10 en pré-vente
Réservez sur le site ou au 514-937-6702

Artiste invité
STÉPHANE DUMAIS - Mentaliste-hypnotiseur
Artistes testeurs
SINEM KARA - humoriste
TRIXTER - circassein
TESTEUR INCONU - Magie

19 May 2016

Luc Langevin: Paris 2017

Luc returns to Casino De Paris next January!

From Sebastien's Twitter feed:

Langevin revient à paris avec son incroyable spectacle.

Infos:https://t.co/5yH0bKBOcU pic.twitter.com/IovwVcHRpS
— sebastien (@mesrendezvous) April 6, 2016

18 May 2016

May 2016 sale: 40% off yearly sponsorship rates!

Canada's Magic is offering, for the rest of May, a 40% discount on the listed price of any one year advertising package. Qualifying packages include the Platinum, Gold, and Silver annual rates. (This offer does not include Sponsored Posts or being Our Friend.)

Join the company of patrons Clive Court (The Fun-da-Mentalist), Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic, and Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic and sponsor us (or be our friend) today!

Our patrons make this site possible.

For more information, please visit the "Sponsor" tab, leave your question in a comment below or send an e-mail.

Thank you for your continued support!

17 May 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 4

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A camper's notebook.

Day 2: Saturday August 15th *

Don’t have much time. Breakfast was awesome (pancakes!) and no one laughed at me in card class. Most of the kids in my class are near the same age and ability as I am -- I am so relieved! I was very surprised (and happy) to find we were learning in the Mess Hall and not in a big classroom with blackboards and uncomfortable desks! Yesssss!!!! Our instructor, Scott Hammell, told us that “The main time you go through a lot of cards is when you’re practicing.” Then he told us to “Go through a lot of cards.”

Scott teaching card class.

I learned the term, “beached cards.” It’s when you drop your cards on the ground and they get all sandy and wet and impossible to use afterwards. I’m going to be extra careful to keep mine on the table. Some of the more advanced kids said they learned harder things. The really experienced kids had to perform stuff and then everyone else in their group gave ideas on how it could be made it better.

I have to get ready to do this big camp wide activity. I hope it’s not dodgeball.

11:40am
Whoa! That was so much more fun than dodgeball! We just did a relay race kind of thing in teams with everyone from different cabins. It involved:

water

balloons

tape

pool noodles and

people wrapped up in toilet paper!

Listening to the rules.

Pool noodle marble run.

Pouring water backwards.

That's a lot of balloons!

It was more fun than Fun Day at the end of school! I think Sheldon Casavant was still on the field, wrapped head to toe in toilet paper, when I left. Hope he’s okay.

Sheldon getting wrapped.

2pm
Yum! Bagel pizzas for lunch! Magic Mike Segal and his staff make announcements at every meal. Sometimes when there’s exciting news, everyone bangs on the tables and cheers! It gets really loud and it’s great fun!

Announcements with Magic Mike.

I saw three cute little brown rabbits eating weeds outside the Mess Hall. Someone said they saw a deer here too. I hope I see one!

There were so many interesting electives to choose from today (duct-tape wallets, “no sleight” misdirection, stage card manipulation, sponge balls, juggling, and bill folds). I did juggling and boy am I bad at it. I was dropping things all over the place. Scott said that it will come with practice. I hope he’s right! (He’s really good!)

Learning to juggle with Scott.

Stage card manipulation with Sheldon.

To be continued ...

--
The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

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* The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season. It is an aggregate of many perspectives, and at times includes events from previous years.

16 May 2016

Greg Frewin: 2016 winner of the AMA Performing Fellowship

Congratulations Greg!

According to Lee Asher, the only other Canadian to receive this award was Doug Henning.

Read Richard Kaufman's post at the Genii forums to find out all of the other award winners from last night.

From the AMA Twitter feed:

@AMA_Magic thank you all at the Academy of Magical Arts. It is an amazing honour...# so excited #honoured #magiclife #magic
— Greg Frewin (@GregFrewinMagic) May 16, 2016

PCAM 2016

Shawn Farquhar is currently a confirmed performer.

From PCAM 2016:

August 4 – 7, 2016

Welcome to Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM) 2016! PCAM is truly a “magical family reunion” where everyone knows your name. The uniqueness of the PCAM convention is that it is the longest running magic convention in the world that is not associated with a central governing board, but rather with a group of dedicated individuals that keep the spirit of PCAM alive each year.

Read more and register.

15 May 2016

Toronto: Mahdi Gilbert lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Date & Time: Sunday June 5, 2016
Where: Browser's Den of Magic
Lecture Fee: $20.00
(Lecture Notes for Sale at lecture)
-------------------------------------------------------
Mahdi Gilbert travels the four corners of the Earth sharing his life and his magic with people.

Now is your chance to witness the power of Mahdi in this exclusive whirlwind tour through his magic, his story and his soul.

You will follow a child born without hands as he discovers magic and develops his passion into the most remarkable sleight of hand man this world has ever seen.

Through the performance and thorough explanation of several pieces of magic,
you will learn how to:

* Trust Yourself * Break the Rules * Transform your Liabilities into Assets *
*Charm and Disarm * Believe in the Impossible * Make Others Believe in the Impossible *

Read more and buy tickets.

Save the date: Saturday April 1, 2017

No joke!

The 2017 edition of the Browser's Magic Bash will be on April Fools' Day next year.

Mark the date in your calendar and stay tuned for details!

14 May 2016

Request: Benevolence of Magic

The following is from Dennis Schick, the editor at the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring:

Dennis Schick, Assistant Editor of the IBM’s monthly magazine, The Linking Ring, has been writing a series of articles on the Benevolence of Magic since the December 2012 issue. To date, he has highlighted over forty giving-back projects and activities of individual magicians as well as groups and organizations. Many are various kinds of fund-raising; others are simple acts of bringing joy and laughter to people in need, such as orphan children or senior citizens. Projects so far range from Kevin Spencer’s Healing of Magic and Magicana’s Sharing Wonder, to Magicians Without Borders, Magic is Medicine, and Michael Finney’s Foundation. If you do or know of good examples of magic used for good causes, please contact Dennis at crylds [at] att [dot] net* as soon as possible.

Alternately you may post examples of your magical good deeds in the comments below, and I'll be sure to e-mail Dennis directly!

--
* Email formatting by Canada's Magic to discourage e-mail harvesters.

Toronto: The Illusionists

From Mirvish.com:

December 13, 2016 to January 7, 2017

Direct from Broadway, the world’s best selling magic show is coming to Toronto.

This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. THE ILLUSIONISTS —LIVE FROM BROADWAY has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

Read more and buy tickets.

13 May 2016

Richmond: "A Magical Evening"

From Celebrate the Child:

We look forward to hosting you at our 8th annual A Magical Evening fundraiser in memory of Jonah and in support of children’s charities. This year our plan is to support the Village of Bellavista in Ecuador, where we recently visited to work on a fresh water project with Free the Children. Given the recent disaster in Ecuador, our efforts are even more important. Please join us in creating “real magic” on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at our A Magical Evening fundraiser!

Read more and buy tickets.

12 May 2016

Greg Frewin in "Masters of Illusion" Friday, May 20, 2016

From Broadway World:

MASTERS OF ILLUSION
"Techno Magic, Quick Change and a Guillotine" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)

A WEB OF DANGER - Hosted by Dean Cain, "Masters of Illusion" features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include Greg Frewin, Barry and Stuart, Jason Bishop, Michael Grandinetti, Jonathan Pendragon, David and Dania, Bill Cook and Les Arnold and Dazzle (#301). Original airdate 5/20/2016.

Read more.

11 May 2016

New Westminster: Fundraising for Fort McMurray

Featuring Shawn Farquhar, Murray and Teresa Hatfield, Paul Romhany, Gary Savard, John Kaplan, Clinton Gray, Trevor & Lorena Watters, Damien James and Mike Battie.

From Fundraising Magic:

WHO: BC's top magicians and variety artists.

WHAT: One-time only family-friendly benefit show on behalf of those families in Fort McMurray that have lost their homes in this devastating tragedy.

WHEN: Monday, May 16th 2016

WHERE:
Massey Theatre
735 8th Ave, New Westminster 604-521-5050
www.ticketsnw.ca

WHY: So many young families have been affected by this disaster. As family entertainers, many of us have performed multiple times in Fort McMurray, and have a longstanding and deep connection to this community. Pooling oiur talents to show our support and raise much needed funds is something we're all greatly motivated to do. Besides, helping our neighbours and fellow citizens during their time of need is the Canadian way.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Clinton Gray's Facebook page:

Innisfil: Bobby Motta's "Gray Matter"

From Alana Motta's Facebook page:

10 May 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 3

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A camper's notebook.

Day 1: Friday August 14, 2015 (cont)*

11pm

After dinner we went back to the cabins to get some rain gear -- the weather report said it was going to thunderstorm. We headed off to the “Pinetages Theatre.” The theatre is about the size of my school gym, maybe a little smaller but with a bigger stage.

The Pinetages Theatre.

Each cabin did something for “cabin intros” under the guidance of the counsellors (Philip Bowser, Greydon Gilmore, Jonah Babins, Tyler Williams, Mark Correia, Nathaniel Rankin, Rosemary Reid, and Sam Segal). Cabins did really clever things including impersonating well-known magicians (like Penn & Teller and David Blaine), miming deliberate misinterpretations of magic terms (like overhand shuffles and dribbling), a version of the TV show “Fool Us,” and magic effects performed using people instead of things (linking rings, sliding knot on rope, and cups & balls). I was sooo nervous. I took some deep breaths and I didn’t mess up! It feels amazing to be on stage and hear everyone clap and cheer for you.

Cabin intros.

More cabin intros.

Rosemary announced that they were going to do a lip sync competition all week. She started it off and then Eric did “Your Name” by Taylor Swift. Hilarious! It rained really hard while we were in the theatre. (Glad I brought rain boots!)

Rosemary singing.

Eric channeling Taylor Swift.

Daryl did amazing rope magic. Ben Train did a wild book test. Phil DaCosta did more fun rope magic. Chris Westfall and Chris Mayhew made everyone laugh so hard. They even threw some “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Llama” shirts into the audience. I wish I got one. At the end we all got brand new decks of really cool cards that Dave Mitchell got donated from Ellusionist. They look so nice, I don’t want to use them!

Chris and Chris bringing the laughs.

It is soooo dark here at night. I can see more stars here than I knew existed! At our cabin we had a “cabin visit” from Chris Westfall. He showed us AMAZING tricks using cards, rubber bands, and coins!

Chris Westfall being magical.

I feel a little sad. I miss my home and my bed and my room. And especially my family. Everyone here is super friendly and nice though. And this place is so much fun! I’m super excited about tomorrow.

We all got ready for bed. I tried to go to sleep without writing here. But I just couldn’t. That’s why I’m writing here so late. Tired now. G’night.

To be continued ...

--
The 2016 season of Sorcerers Safari will run from Sunday August 7th through Friday August 12th, 2016. For more information, or to register, please visit SorcerersSafari.ca

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* The “Diary of a Sorcerers Safari Newbie” is primarily based on the 2015 camp season. It is an aggregate of many perspectives, and at times includes events from previous years.

09 May 2016

Montreal: Spidey and McSorely and Chung

From the Comedy Nest Twitter feed:

Catch all these hilarious magicians on one show right here Sunday May 22nd! 8pm $15 info/tix https://t.co/oQueNYFpIm pic.twitter.com/5Vvn6Dkjnp
— Comedy Nest Montreal (@comedynest) May 4, 2016

08 May 2016

Markham: Mayhew Mayhem

From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page:

07 May 2016

Toronto: Playing Card Collector's Meeting

Remember, everyone who attended the 2016 Browser's Bash is eligible to attend for free (Space is limited, not all 400 Bash attendees can go.)

Did you know that Lee Asher is the President of the 52 Plus Joker Organization?

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Calling ALL card collectors within a 200 kilometre radius of Toronto & the GTA!
WHO: Anyone with interest in collecting playing cards
WHAT: Playing Card Collector's Meeting
WHERE: Browser's Den of Magic
WHEN: Sunday June 12th, 2016 - Start time: 2PM - 5PM
COST: $10 OR free for 2016 Browser's Magic Bash Attendees
Toronto Playing Card Meet-Up on Sunday June 12th, 2016.

With the help of 52 Plus Joker (North American Playing Card Collector's Club), the Browser's Den proudly offers you the opportunity to attend this free meeting and receive expert tips on caring for your collection, as well as learn methods to keep your cards in top-notch condition. Plus, see decks of cards you've only read about in books and online.

Get your questions answered from some of the most prestigious card experts on the planet. Their arsenal of knowledge will leave you wanting more. On hand during the meeting, President of the 52 Plus Joker Organization -- Lee Asher -- will be there to help you become a smarter collector. Bring items from your collection to have examined, appraised, traded, and/or sold.

Celebrate with everyone else in Toronto who shares the same love for playing cards as you do.

Space is limited. Mark Sunday June 12th, 2016 (2PM-5PM) in your calendar. See you there, and BRING CARDS!

06 May 2016

Broken wand: Peter Marucci and Cliff Harden

From Graham A. Giddy Funeral Homes:

Peter Marucci
Journalist and Magician…
Following a long illness on Monday May 2, 2016, Peter Marucci passed away peacefully at the Wellington Terrace in his 77th year with his wife by his side. Peter is survived by his aunt Mary (”Mame”) Marucci of Guelph. Peter was a long-time member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians and the Order of Merlin. A private Broken Wand Ceremony has been held in his honour. Remembrances to the Hospice Wellington, Guelph or Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home would be appreciated by the family. www.grahamgiddyfh.com 519 843 3100

From Canadian Obituaries:

HARDEN, Clifford Stanley “Hardini”Passed away May 4, 2016 with family by his side at Lakeridge Health Oshawa at the age of 82.

Loving husband and best friend to Marie for almost 59 years.

Caring father of Rose Marie Walker (Rob), Wendy Crawford (Randy) and David Harden (Trish).

Proud Granddad of Sarah Walker and Shauna Yarrow-Harden. Brother to the late Isobel Matthews (James). Uncle to Margaret Wicksted (Alan) and family.

He will be missed by his extended family and many friends.

Clifford was proud to have served 6 years with the 33rd Medium Regiment in Cobourg. He was a talented magician, artist, woodworker and photographer to name a few of his passions. He truly enjoyed life and lived every day to the fullest. Cliff will be dancing in heaven.

Please join the family in celebrating Cliff’s life at MOUNT LAWN FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY, 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, 905-443-3376, on Thursday May 12th. Memories will be shared at 3pm with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lakeridge Health Foundation - Cancer Centre or the Diabetes Association.

Montreal: Magic lessons for kids!

From the Perfect Magic Facebook page:

We will be starting our Magic Lessons For Kids program Saturday May 21. Age 7-9, one hour from 10:30am to 11:30am at Perfect Magic in Montreal. Limited registration so if you know anyone that is interested, now is the time to register. Phone 514-738-4176 for information or to register.

Windsor-Walkerville Fringe: Keith Brown's "Absolute Magic"

From the Windsor-Walkerville Fringe:

ABSOLUTE MAGIC is the fusion of mystery, wonder, and storytelling in an intimate & interactive theatre setting. Keith uses everyday objects to produce miracles up close and personal. Keith focuses on magic that creates relationships; this is participatory entertainment at it’s finest, magic revolving around you – the audience.

GENRE: Magic, Storytelling, Comedy
AUDIENCE: All Ages

Read more and buy tickets.

From Keith Brown's Twitter feed:

Just got my @wwfringefest dates! Join me @oldewalkervilletheatre for my hit show Absolute … https://t.co/nUWHExbLmi pic.twitter.com/ShStDBcsSp
— Keith Brown (@KeithHBrown) April 13, 2016

05 May 2016

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

This Saturday, May 7 from 2:30 to 5:30pm is our next Free Magic Club meeting at Browser's Den. All interested in talking magic are welcome.

Magical hugs-Jeff & The Browser's Den Team.
Serving Magicians Since 1975
Canada's Oldest Magic Shop

Edmonton: A night of magic

From Signed Events:

Monday, 09 May 2016

Professional magician Dr. Jay (member of the Canadian Association of Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Academy of Magical Arts [Hollywood's Magic Castle!]) presents a unique magic show as well as a demonstration of close-up interactive magic. Then stay as our guests afterwards for a round of mini golf in the coolest glow-in-the-dark monster-themed environment.

Read more and buy tickets.