Canada's Magic: 2016-07

31 July 2016

30 July 2016

Murray SawChuck on Masters of Illusion

From Murray SawChuck's YouTube channel:

[via iTricks]

29 July 2016

Mahdi Gilbert on "Penn and Teller Fool Us" Season 3

A third Canadian magician on Penn and Teller's Fool Us!

Well done Mahdi! You are truly an inspiration.

Watch on Mahdi Gilbert's YouTube channel:

28 July 2016

Shawn Farquhar RVP for SAM Canada

Congratulations Shawn!

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

I am happy and honored to announce I am the new RVP for the SAM for Canada. As the founder of SAM #95, a thirty year member, Dean of my Assembly and life time member #363 I look forward to working to make the SAM's presence in Canada bigger and better.

Read more and have your say.

27 July 2016

Did you catch the Magic Master Summit*?

Did you catch any of the presentations in last week's Magic Master Summit? Try as I might, I didn't get to see them all. (A big shout out to Kidlet and KOP for their patience with me as I gorged on magic videos.)

If you missed some or all of the free event last week, fear not! You can purchase a "LIFETIME PASS," and watch the entire event, from beginning to end, over and over, as many times as you like, for less than $6.57 per lecture! (Dave Womach's even offering up a 100% Money Back Guarantee.)

Get Your LIFETIME ACCESS before August 1, 2016 and Save $100!

All 30+ Lectures, $197 USD.

(After Aug 1, 2016 Price is $297)

Some of the videos I watched:

Rick Thomas (Performance and Personality): I could have used some of his advice back in my high school days.
Bill Gladwell (How to make $380,000 / year by "2-walling"): Interesting contract advice.
Dr. Joe Vitale (Easy and OUtrageous Marketing Techniques): Enough said.
Shawn Farquhar (Making Magic More Memorable): Are you a tuxedo person, or a coverall person?)
Chris Randall (Magic and Street Busking): The video includes instructions on two effects.
Greg Frewin (The Creative Process): Greg shared his interesting tactic to get creative time during his cruise performance days.
Murray SawChuck (Marketing and PR for Entertainers): Do you agree with Murray's "random call" theory?
Glen Foster (How to build a HUGE Fanbase): Don't for get to take advantage of his discount for people who have seen this talk.
Robert Stephens (Secrets to Six-Figure Strolling Magic): Fun listening to him describe when things literally hit the fan.
David Farr and Brad Ross (Internet Marketing and Lead Generation): Giving away to Magic Master Summit attendees, for FREE, an information package valued at close to $200!)
Theresa McLean (Secrets to Costuming): Fun stories and great costuming advice.

Purchase your lifetime access today, before prices go up!

--
* Disclosure: I am a Magic Master Summit Affiliate and I am eligible to make a commission with every sale made using the links posted on this site.

26 July 2016

Review: Keith Brown's "Absolute Magic"

From the CBC:

Hotter than Potter!

That's how short, suited, 20-something magician Keith Brown bills himself. He even hawks buttons with that overconfident slogan. It definitely becomes him, though — this guy performs like a motivational speaker on Red Bull.

Read more.

25 July 2016

Does magic have a future on Canadian television?

Of importance, in the last paragraph of Clive's message, he states:

"I want to encourage Canadian magicians who appear on international tv shows to produce an 8-minute video for showing to the people who will be meeting across Canada during the next year to discuss the future of Canadian television. It is our opportunity to change the lousy management of our entertainment resources....particularly television."

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

24 July 2016

The magic of Pokémon Go

From Discourse in Magic:

Unless you’ve been living under the worlds largest rock, I’m sure you’re aware of the hype and excitement of the launch of Pokémon Go.

Whether you feel good about it and you’re excited that nerds are getting out of their dens, and losing some weight. Or you feel bad about it, because people are crowding public places, while still staring at their phones. You cannot deny that it’s launch is one of the most viral launches of anything that we’ve ever seen.

Since magic is a unique art, it’s always interesting when new art forms, games, or technologies come to light, that help us get a better view of what were doing.

So what does magic and Pokémon Go have in common AND WHY DOES IT MATTER TO YOU?

Read more.

23 July 2016

Ryan Joyce on "Penn and Teller Fool Us" Season 3

The US networks are doing a great job of CanCon!

Watch Ryan's outstanding performance on the Penn & Teller Fool Us Season 3 YouTube channel:

Also watch Ryan's video Behind the Scenes EP 1:

22 July 2016

Random thoughts on "Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess"

Last night I had the pleasure of catching "Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess" at the Papermill Theatre (part of Todmorden Mills on Pottery Road, tucked in next to the DVP). It's a cozy theatre that seats approximately 150. I'm guessing there's not a bad seat in the house.

Kidlet had this to say about the show:

If you ask me what my favourite part is, my answer would be "the beginning to the end."

Kidlet's friend added:

If I were half as good a magician as Chris Westfall, I'd call myself incredible!

Here are some random thoughts that came to mind about Thursday night's show:

Ben Train kept the kids captivated in the lobby while we waited for things to get started.
Chris made the kids laugh as he gave the audience a pre-show sneak peak at Bella.
From the beginning, Chris and Bella, deliver a very visual and high-energy show!
Bella elegantly defied the laws of physics with, among other things, a crystal ball, rings, and a hula hoop.
(Was I the only one tickled by the visual pun of the dolly being taken off stage on a dolly?)
Chris masterfully executed illusions large and small.
Mouth shuffling was unexpectedly entertaining!
A Pokéman Go player made a timely and unexpected cameo.
This is a volunteer intensive show. By my count there were eight delightful children and one good-natured adult brought up on stage.
The volunteers were fabulous, and made the evening so much fun for everyone!
Chris expertly engaged the children, and had them eating out of the palm of his hand (figuratively).
Hang out after the show for post-show photos, autographs, and a meet & greet!
"Is it magic, or is it illusion?"

To learn more about this family friendly show, visit Chris Westfall Magic. You can purchase tickets for tonight's show (Friday July 22) at Eventbrite.

Disclosure: My family and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

21 July 2016

Darcy Oake tests driverless car

From the CBC:

Darcy Oake has been getting a lot of head turns from drivers and pedestrians over the past few days on Winnipeg streets.

The Winnipeg magician has been driving a borrowed electric Tesla Model X around the city — one of the few self-driving cars currently on the streets of Winnipeg and Western Canada.

"It's insane. I feel like it's artificial intelligence."

"It senses everything around, it drives itself, it parks itself, it can come pick you up, it's kind of freaky," he said while taking CBC for a ride-along Tuesday afternoon.

Read more.

20 July 2016

Michael Close on WISH TV

From WISH TV:

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Each and every week Dick Wolfsie shares an interesting and unique story that has a connection to central Indiana.

This time Dick Wolfsie talked to magician Mike Close.

Close, who is the president of the Society of American Magicians, discusses the intricacy and process that goes into performing an illusion and a trick.

Read more and watch videos.

[via The Magic-Compass and iTricks]

19 July 2016

Brampton: Matt Disero

July 23

From Dave Sokowlowski's Facebook page:

Hey, go check out my good friend Matt Disero performing in Brampton.
Posted by Dave Sokolowski on Friday, 15 July 2016

18 July 2016

Calgary: James Jordan Vaudevillian

July 29 to Aug.6

From the Calgary Fringe:

WINNER {Spirit of the Fringe} Vancouver Fringe
Amazing vaudeville comedy variety show with original magic, skilled juggling and royalty-free music.

“You definitely will laugh and cheer” Valerie Ostara, Vancouver, Plank Magazine

“humorous, lighthearted and fast-paced” Andrea Hill, The Starphoenix

“Vaudevillian is a fast-paced firecracker” Michael Hingston, Edmonton Journal

Genre: Comedy / Spoken Word / Cabaret / Vaudeville
Rating: Especially for Young People (All Ages 5+, Audience Participation, For/By Children, Solo Performance,

Read more and buy tickets.

17 July 2016

The secret lives of magic tiger cubs

From the Greg Frewin Theatre YouTube channel:

16 July 2016

Edmonton: Sheldon Casavant at K-Days

From K-Days:

July 22 – 26: 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Audiences around the world have been thrilled with Sheldon Casavant’s captivating, humorous, and high energy performances. Sheldon’s show is an insightful glimpse into abstract thought and a clever take on modern illusion.

Read more.

15 July 2016

Shawn Farquhar on "Penn and Teller Fool Us" Season 3

Watch Shawn's awesome second appearance on Penn and Teller's Fool Us!

From the Penn and Teller Fool Us Season 03 YouTube channel:

14 July 2016

Toronto: Suzanne lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Saturday August 13th, 2016

"Suzanne has a kind of cool, sweet authority that assures any audience that they are in the hands of a real pro." ~ Teller

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Suzanne is well-studied in the art of magic and has the skills and experience to approach her performance like a musician approaches Jazz. Her style is rooted in her heart - she is bright-eyed, attractive and fun.

She can hold an audience without her magic. Suzanne is more than likable; she personifies charisma. She makes shy people shine and bold people laugh.

People don't like Suzanne when she performs, they love her. When she takes the stage, the typical persona of a magic performer is far, far away. Rather than adopt the currently-popular character of a frantic used car salesman when performing magic, Suzanne is herself: feminine, funny, wise, direct and, above all, delighted to be performing for the audience. This core positively is contagious, and it radiates from Suzanne.

Fresh from her recent appearance on the ever-popular Penn & Teller FOOL US show, Suzanne visits Toronto with her acclaimed close-up lecture. Suzanne shares strong advice and magic that can only come after decades of experience. She also plans to share some of her favorite effects that have helped her achieve success in her career. Come to this lecture & learn great magic that you will use.

As a bonus, Suzanne offers up her personal formula for success that has made her one of America's foremost restaurant performers. She's ready to teach the tips and tricks on how to get resident performing positions.

Read more and buy tickets.

13 July 2016

Toronto: Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess

2 shows only - Thursday, July 21st & Friday, July 22nd, 2016

From Chris Westfall Magic:

Performed for packed houses across the country, families from all over Canada have enjoyed the tale of Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess.

With ONLY 2 shows playing in Toronto, Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess is a high-energy 90 minute magic extravaganza, with lots of interaction that's fun for the entire family.

From the large theatrical magic illusions that magician Chris Westfall performs all the way to Princess Bella, the porcelain doll who magically comes to life though jugging, theatrical dance, and illusions -- this show has entertained thousands of children and adults alike. Now it's your family's turn.

In addition to this unique magical experience, everyone gets an opportunity to meet all the performers in the lobby directly after the show. Receive an autograph and see more fantastic magic.

Read more and buy tickets.

12 July 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 12

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A camper's notebook.

Day 6: Wednesday August 19th*

So sad. This is the last time we’re going to be in the Mess Hall. One last round of table banging and cheering. I hate today. I wish camp could go on forever.

I better finish packing.

6pm
We got our stuff out of the cabins and sorted our bags on the same field where we arrived. Everybody was a happy kind of sad. People were signing name tags and arms and books and stuff. I overheard Daryl say that he was amazed that he learned stuff starting at the very first day of camp. He said he “came here expecting to teach, but (he) didn’t expect to learn.” That’s cool!

I wish camp were longer.

Everyone was saying that this was the “Best Year Ever.” Even though it was my first year, I’d have to agree. There’s no way they could make camp any better than this!

Loading the bus.

Dad came and got me just as the bus was leaving. I kind of wish I’d taken the bus, just to be together with my new friends for a a little bit longer. But I can sleep in the car when Dad drives. He doesn’t ask me nearly as many questions as Mom. And I was so tired.

It’s good to be home, but In the words of one of my new BFFs,

"I wish I could sleep for 360 days. So I could miss the school year and when I wake up it would be time for camp again."

--
A question to the reader: Was Alex a girl or a boy? What lead you to that conclusion?

A special thank you to the campers who let me interview them for this article (in no particular order):

Ryan from Mississauga, ON
Astrid from Grimsby, ON
Landon from Toronto, ON
Thomas from Montreal, QC
Serena from Toronto, ON
Angelique from Grimsby, ON
Stephanie from Bermuda
Peter from Toronto, ON
Cathy from Toronto, ON
Paolo from Toronto, ON
Brad from Orillia, ON

and to all the other campers (and staff) that let me ask them questions throughout their stay!

--
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.

11 July 2016

Winnipeg: There's magic at the Fringe

The Winnipeg Fringe runs from July 13 to 24.

From the Winnipeg Fringe:

6 Quick Dick Tricks: A Dirk Darrow Investigation by Tim Motley

Absolute Magic by Keith Brown

Charlatan! by Travis Bernhardt

David Eliot Presents EVOLUTION - A Journey Through Magic by Eliot Entertainment

The Magic of Kindness by Comedy Illusions of Greg Wood, directed by James Carey Lauder

Read more and buy tickets.

10 July 2016

Television magicians from decades long gone

Two Canadians in the top 8!

From Me TV Chicago's article "8 Magicians Who Dazzled Us on TV as Children":

1. DOUG HENNING

With his bedazzled overalls and beaming smile, Henning was the perfect man to introduce children to the world of magic, a lovable character akin to Gallagher or Slim Goodbody. The Canadian first broke in this country on Broadway, earning a Tony nom for his 1974 production, The Magic Show. A year after that opening, 50 million viewers tuned in for the TV special Doug Henning's World of Magic. The escape artist and lover of Houdini went on to create stage tricks for Earth, Wind and Fire and Michael Jackson tours.

2. THE AMAZING RANDI

James Randi is as well known for his skepticism as his illusions. The performer famously offered $1,000 (then $10,000, then $1,000,000) to anyone who could prove the existence of the supernatural. He's still waiting to pay out. Randi, seen here on the cover of Dynamite magazine, had a mission to expose charlatans posing as naturally gifted psychics. He would especially work to debunk the following man, his nemesis…
Read more.

09 July 2016

Catching up with David Peck's "Face 2 Face"

Edited at 10:15am to add a list of magicians David's interviewed over the years:

Matthew Disero - episode 3
Jay Sankey - episode 5
David Merry - episode 27
Anthony Lindan - episode 45
Gabe Fajuri - episode 48
Tom Ogden - episode 102
David Ben - episode 145
James Alan and Mike Close - episode 79
Lawrence Hass - episode 150
Viveka Melki - 177 - On the Circus
Marcie Hume - filmmaker - about the movie "Magicians" - episode 187
Jeff McBride - episode 188
Mac King - episode 189

Coming soon:

Lawrence Hass (Part 2)
Bobby Motta
Jeff and Tessa Evason
Matthew Disero (Part 2)

David's got a long list of interesting guests on his "Face 2 Face" podcasts this year. Check out his interviewees, then click through to his site and have a listen! (I'm hoping to get a chance to listen to the Mac King and Jeff McBride interviews soon.)

From David Peck Live:

Greg Paul – Episode 193

Brian McKenna – Ep. 192

Alex Hinton – Episode 191

Jay Whitelaw – Episode 190

Mac King – Episode 189

Jeff McBride – Episode 188

Marcie Hume – Episode 187

Michael Coren – Episode 186

Mitch Abrams – Episode 185

Nicholas Greco – Episode 184

Susanne Regina Meures – Episode 183

Peter Stockland – Episode 182

Christal Earle – Episode 181

Alethea Arnaquq – Episode 180

Todd & Jedd Wider – Episode 179

Anjali Nayar – Episode 178

Viveka Melki – Episode 177

“Best and Most Beautiful Things” – Ep. 176

Read more and listen to podcasts.

08 July 2016

Mike Fisher on being a magician

From Mike Fisher's Facebook note*:

To be a magician it seems to me,
you have to get good at things others can’t see.
Practice for hours when you’d rather go out,
Explain to the client what your shows all about.
Create a performance to fit a challenging budget,
Perform for a crowd that can’t help but judge it.

To be a magician performing shows can be tough,
some times your best just isn’t enough.
Arrive at a venue with no sound system inside her,
Argue with the client it was on the rider.
Set up your show and learn most of it won’t fit,
weeks of rehearsals all gone to sh*t.

To be a magician and perform for the public,
often does terrible things to ones stomach.
Unruly children and parents who don’t care,
heads tilted downward into phones they stare.
Volunteers from the audience who’d rather not join you,
disrupt your act and often upstage you.

To be a magician running a business is hard,
no one is begging for my contact card.
Facebook adds are expensive, Newspaper’s dead,
I’m never sure if my twitter feed’s read.
Cleaning my suit and repairing an old prop,
buying new magic spending won’t stop.

To be a magician and have a great show,
is a powerful drug that many can’t know.
The feeling you get when an effect goes right,
smiles from the audience -- a beautiful sight.
Line ups for autographs, people asking for more,
Inquiring about your next stop on the tour.

To be a magician is a wonderful thing, sometimes you cry, sometimes you sing.

--
* Reprinted with permission from Mike.

07 July 2016

Chicago: Chris Mayhew at the Chicago Magic Lounge

From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page:

06 July 2016

Jack Lillico in the Vancouver Magic Circle June 2016 Newsletter

Last month I posted a link to John Smithman's interview of Jack Lillico. This month, the Vancouver Magic Circle published a special "pull-out" section about Jack. It includes John's interview, along with some fabulous photos of magic history.

Check it out on pages 7 - 14 of the June 2016 edition of the Vancouver Magic Circle Newsletter.

As an added bonus, watch on Facebook, a video John made of an 89-year Jack Lillico doing a Card Sleight:

05 July 2016

Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie - part 11

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A camper's notebook.

Day 5: Tuesday August 18th (cont)*

8pm

Dinner was wings and fries and salad and donuts! Jen Segal, Christina Galonska, Stephanie Kline, Lori Farquhar, Lisa Close, and Mike Toal worked hard to get it organized and serve us since we weren’t in the Mess Hall tonight. They’re always working really hard to making sure all of the non-magic stuff is taken care of. I sure am grateful for their efforts.

Dance party = so much fun! Mark Correia did a wicked Michael Jackson impersonation and two of the littlest kids here had an incredible dance off! Phil DaCosta DJ’d again and gave away t-shirts and cards and stuff too for answering questions and making clever requests. I love this place.

Mark doing his thing.

The weather must have cleared ‘cause they’re letting us have camp swim!

10pm
I did it!! I got scared and wasn’t going to. But then I remembered that Scott Hammell and Eric Leclerc both say that we should try things “out of our comfort zone” now and again. The lifeguard said it was safe to jump from up high and that he’d make sure nothing bad happened to me. I was so nervous climbing up those stairs. They went up forever. The lake looked such a long way down. I froze and almost didn’t do it. Then I jumped!!!! I was surprised how long it took for me to hit the water -- it felt like hours. I didn’t get hurt, nobody laughed and my friends all cheered for me! I really feel like I’m part of one big family here.

I did it!!!

There was more dancing and a spectacular fireworks show. Everyone sang some song by a band called “Queen” and that was the end of the night. I’m so excited and tired. I don’t remember much else. I don’t want camp to end tomorrow.

This is so. much. FUN!

Everybody dance now!

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.

04 July 2016

Have you registered for the 2016 Magic Master Summit*?

Updated November 2017 to add:

Register for the 2017 Magic Master Summit!

Back in May, I shared with you information about the 2016 Magic Master Summit, a FREE online magic convention featuring more than 30 presentations, from more than 24 experts, totaling more than 50 hours of incredible secrets!

Did I mention, it's completely FREE, July 18-22, 2016?

Here's the tentative schedule:

Monday - July 18, 2016

Rick Thomas

Brad Ross

Dan Sperry

Bill Gladwell

JC Sum

Tuesday - July 19, 2016

Shawn Farquhar

Dr. Joe Vitale

Kristoffer Olson

Justino Zoppe

Chris and Neal

Chris Randall

Jim Gravina

Wednesday - July 20, 2016

Greg Frewin

Murray SawChuck

David DaVinci

Steven Yerardi

JC Sum

Glen Foster

Thursday - July 21, 2016

Reza

Josh Knotts

Brad Ross

David Farr

Stacey Smithson

Friday - July 22, 2016

Josh Knotts

Wacky Chad

Ken Weber

Kyle Knight and Mistie

Justino Zoppe

From what I understand, the sessions are each free for 24 hours, then after that if you want to purchase access to them, you'll have the ability to go back to review them.

What are you waiting for? Register at Magic Master Summit today!

--
* Disclosure: I am a Magic Master Summit Affiliate and I am eligible to make a commission with every sale made using the links posted on this site.

03 July 2016

John Smithman writes about Charles Howard

From John Smithman's Facebook page:

02 July 2016

2016 Allan Slaight Award Recipients

Congratulations to this year's winners!

From Magicana:

Lifetime Achievement Award ($15,000) - TON ONOSAKA
Sharing Wonder Award ($15,000) - DARCY OAKE
Sharing Secrets Award ($10,000) - RICHARD KAUFMAN
International Rising Star ($5,000) - JORGE BLASS
Canadian Rising Star ($5,000) - LUC LANGEVIN

Read more.

Revisit "The Magic Palace"

From Magicana:

The Magic Palace was a Canadian television series, produced and hosted by Dale Harney, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which was an inspiration for a generation of magicians. In an age before YouTube and the Internet, the show gave viewers a broad sampling of magic acts from North America and Europe in an unprecedented scale.

Almost lost to history, it is now one of the most important collections of magic performances. Magicana is delighted to share this material and, perhaps, inspire another generation of magicians all over again.

Read more and enter exhibit.

Watch the teaser:

01 July 2016

Thank you to our May 2016 Friends!

Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn and Joan Caesar for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Toronto: Free magic club meeting

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Hi There- This Saturday, July 2nd is our next (FREE) Magic Club Meeting.

We meet at Browser's Den from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. All interested in talking magic are welcome.

And we are pleased to let you know that it looks as if Jeff Hinchliffe will be joining us at the meeting.

Happy Canada Day!
Jeff & The Browser's Den Team.
Serving Magicians Since 1975

Thank you to our July 2016 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
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The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

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