30 April 2018

Top 5 posts in April 2018

Out of the 58 posts at Canada's Magic this month, here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days:


5. Remembering Harry Anderson - The older I get, the younger 65 seems.  Our thoughts to his family and friends.
4. I'll just leave this here - I'm surprised this one made it to the top 5!
3.  Rounding the Central rings in April 2018 - It was a busy month in Central Canada.
2. Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book - There's another one tomorrow night.

and the most viewed post this month  ...





1. Bangladesh International Magic Convention 2018 - Canadian magicians are EVERYWHERE!

Publication round up - April 2018

Michael Close's April newsletter:
  • Interesting insights into all the behind the scenes work that goes into Penn and Teller's Fool Us, among other interesting articles and interviews.
  • Sign-up to receive Michael's newsletters at  MichaelClose.com


Northern Peeks:
  • Articles both by and about Ryan Joyce 
  • CAMaraderie reminder
  • Feature on Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin as well as Houdini's Water Torture Cell
  • Articles by Murray Hatfield, Bill Abbott, Phil Matlin, Gerry Frenette, Jason Verners, and Ryan Pilling.
  • Renew your membership or become a member at CAMmagic.org


Vanish magazine:
  • Articles by Jeff Christensen, Paul Romhany, Hal Meyers (Anthony Street feature), Jeff Hobson (interviews Jonhathan Goodwin), Joshua Endress, Jim Sisti, Tim Ellis, Alex Zander, and Louie Foxx!
  • Product highlights: Bill Abbot's 5 card box, Victor Voitko's Snowstorming Fan
  • Read and subscribe at VanishMagic.com






Toronto: The Newest Trick In The Book - May 1

From James Alan's newslettter:
Tuesday night (May 1st) I'll be appearing on a special free show in downtown Toronto. The Newest Trick In The Book is put on by The Toronto Magic Company and hosted by the adorably charming Jonah Babins.

This is a magic show not quite like any other. The rule is that performers have to showcase brand new material. Which means either the opportunity to see something special for the first time ever... or the opportunity to see something crash and burn horrendously. Either way, special! I'm actually cheating. I'll be presenting very old magic which hasn't been seen in nearly 100 years.

See Scape
2840 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Tuesday, May 1, 2018

I'll be appearing alongside Chris Mayhew, Sawyer Bullock and Daniel Lawson. This is an absolutely free event to attend. Although it can get quite full and you can reserve a free ticket by going to the Toronto Magic Company website.

Plus... See Scape is a board game and video game bar, so once the show is over, you can stick around to play.
Reserve your tickets at Eventbrite.


29 April 2018

Rounding the Western rings in May 2018

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



CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) - Meeting.
- Make Magic
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- TBA
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- Swap meet.
- SYM
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)- Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- TBA
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- TBA
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)  - "Mirth and Magic" featuring the magic of Murray Hatfield, Zanthera, Eric Bedard…


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

Rounding the Central rings in May 2018

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



Montreal, QCRing 62 (20th Century Ring)- TBA.
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)- Entertainment by Buffalo Ring 12.
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- TBA.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Luiz Castro lecture.
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)- TBA.
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- TBA
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)-  Ari lecture on video at the Browser's Den.


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

Rounding the Eastern rings in May 2018

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, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - Visit their Facebook page
St. John, NBMagic Circle of St. John- TBA


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

28 April 2018

The Thrillusionists: May 4th premier

Updated at 8am to add:
  • Suspicion confirmed, Sorcerers Safari alumnus Brad Bond is one of the three stars in The Thrillusionists!
  • From the April 27th article "Tricky Orillia teen set to make magical debut on CBC series" in Barrie Today:
    Brad Bond has been fascinated by trickery, sleight-of-hand and the mystery of illusions since he received a magic kit from his grandparents as a Christmas present when he was 10-years-old.

    But for him, this has never been child’s play. Bond, now 16, has approached the craft like a professional, painstakingly working on his technique, delivery and persona. That work has paid off.

    The Grade 10 Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School student was one of three youths chosen – more than 1,000 auditioned from coast to coast – to host The Thrillusionists, a ground-breaking magic show set to make its debut next month.

    “It’s almost surreal,” Bond says of his new gig. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was very young.”


I have a sneaking suspicion that a Sorcerers Safari alumnus is one of the Thrillusionists!


From The Thrillusionists Facebook page:
The Thrillusionists will PREMIERE on CBCKIDS.CA and on-demand MAY 4TH 2018!!! Stay tuned to this page for news update, live appearances and more! Thanks for watching and have a magical day! Bought to you by CBC Kids & 5'7 Films


From the CBC:
The Thrillusionists explored the mystical and fascinating world of magic with kid magicians! Our team of three master magicians are guaranteed to blow your mind!

Watch as they travel the city of Toronto, gaining access to various VIP locations — backstage at concerts, professional sports arenas and amusement parks — and perform their trickery for celebrities!

The Thrillusionists is brought to you by television-magic masterminds who have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Criss Angel, David Blaine, Dynamo and David Copperfield.

The Thrillusionists are two boys and one girl (ages 8-12). This is the first magic series that involves kid magicians performing “grown up” illusions, all to delight and entertain kids!

Read more.


Check out the Thrillusionists YouTube channel.







27 April 2018

Oakville: "Real or magic?" and "Westfall's World"

From Evenbrite:
Fri, 27 April 2018

What's included:
- 1 ticket to Ben Train's "Real or Magic" show - half comedy show, half mindreading show, and all amazing, you have to see what Ben can do to believe it!
- 1 UNLIMITED PLAY video game card, good for all the non-redemption games in the building until 2am!
- 60 credits for the redemption games
- 1 seat upstairs in the private theater, with full food and drink service available before and during the show!

There's no better way to have fun in Toronto on a Friday night- delicious food, fun games, and mind blowing magic!


Also from Eventbrite:
Sun, 29 April 2018

What's included:
- 1 ticket to Chris Westfall's "Westfall's World" show - half comedy show, half comedy show, and all amazing, it's fun for ages 3 to 103!
- 1 UNLIMITED PLAY video game card, good for all the non-redemption games in the building all day and night!
- 60 credits for the redemption games
- 1 seat upstairs in the private theater, with full food and drink service available before and during the show!

There's no better way to have fun in Toronto on a Friday night- delicious food, fun games, and mind blowing magic!

26 April 2018

Browser's Magic Bash 2018 recap

I'm delighted I was asked to live-Tweet and live-blog the 2018 Browser's Magic Bash last Saturday!  

I enjoyed catching up with the friends I've made at previous Bashes (hi Adam, Sonny, Noah, and Nicole) and making new friends too (I'm looking at you Maria, Tara, Mark, Carter, and Carter's brother).

Here's the traditional consolidation of the posts and Tweets. (For the complete list of Tweets and photos check out this Twitter link to Tweets tagged with #BrowsersBash2018 or #BrowsersBash.) 
It's a very long post.  Click "read more" below to view it.

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


25 April 2018

Jason Latimer and the "Impossible Science Student Challenge"

From the "Jason Latimer & engineering.com presents: Impossible Science Student Challenge!" Project Board:


ProjectBoard Description
What cool projects are you working on in science (and STEM) classes today? We want to know about them! Your experiments, drawings, videos, and papers... All of them qualify!

Winning team with the most awesome, crazy, creative experiment, or STEM project will receive a LIVE IMPOSSIBLE SCIENCE STAGE SHOW at their school, by World Champion Magician and curator of Impossible Science, Jason Latimer!
https://youtu.be/mFH6eWeqKh0

See DETAILS & WHITEBOARD to learn more about how to enter, challenge guidelines, and more!

ProjectBoard Details
Who can compete?
Current Middle School & High school Students in USA & Canada

Read more and sign up.

24 April 2018

Kickstart Mahdi Gilbert's new deck, "Hidden Leaves"

From the "Hidden Leaves" Kickstarter page:
The cards are made from the same Premium Bee Stock used in world class casinos for durability & flexibility. This premium stock has been Crushed Thin so that they can be used for superior and fine card manipulation by card experts worldwide. Finally they have been enveloped in a Smooth Finish so that they are long lasting and glide effortlessly in any environment.

~~~

Every single card in every pack of Hidden Leaves playing cards has been drawn by Mahdi to evoke a nostalgic feel. Crafted with love, this deck is inspired by & a homage to the legendary card artist who in 1885 designed cards for Andrew Dougherty including Tally-Ho.

~~~

Many of Hofzinser's finest deceptions were only possible because of the playing cards of the era. Hidden Leaves playing cards feature no indexes just like playing cards used to be made. This unique feature allows you to explore all sorts of forgotten card transformations, hypnotize your audiences with hallucinations of duplicates, renders well-known prearranged stacks completely invisible (even to magicians).

These are only a sliver of the secrets you will find in Hidden Leaves.

~~~

I have also found through performing with Hidden Leaves that the audience is able to concentrate more on the plot of the card effect you are performing. I believe the reason for this is that there is less information for the spectators to process (they are not seeing a bunch of numbers & letters all the time) which allows them to focus on their cards and the magic that you are presenting.


Read more and back this project.





23 April 2018

Fort Macleod: Ben Price's "Rabbit Stew"

From the April 18th article "Empress Theatre to host magic show" by admin in the Macleod Gazette Online:
The Empress Theatre Society plans to pull a rabbit out of its hat with a new fund-raiser on Saturday, April 28.

Magician Ben Price brings his new show Rabbit Stew to the Empress stage at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is by donation and proceeds from the show go to the Empress Theatre Society.

“My new show, Rabbit Stew, is set to hit the stages of festivals around Canada this summer and I thought what better place to premier the show than right close to home?” Price said.

Read more.

22 April 2018

Remembering Harry Anderson

By now you have likely heard the news that Harry Anderson passed away last Monday at the age of 65.

Mr. Anderson was kind to me.  Back in 2003 he gave me permission to market an effect of mine that is based on one of his better known routines.  I'm grateful that I was able to thank him in person and see him perform live and lecture, when he came to Ontario in 2012.

Little known fact: David Merry and Harry Anderson are tangentially responsible for the start of this blog!

Our condolences to his family and friends.


Here's what others have to say...

From Matt DiSero's Facebook post:




From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook post:



Some thoughts from John Larroquette on Twitter:





And from his son, Dash's Facebook post:


21 April 2018

Final words from Jeff P:  Thank you again for your kind support of this day.


He asked: Should we do another one? 


What do you think the crowd said?
Super fantastic stage show with:


- Emcee - Dick Joiner  [ http://dickjoiner.com ]

- Nicholas Wallace [ https://www.nickwallace.com ]

- James Alan (bartending on the side?)  [ http://www.jamesalan.ca ]

- Michael Close [ https://www.michaelclose.com ]

- Chris Pilsworth  [ http://www.borntoamaze.com ]

- Pop Haydn  [ http://www.pophaydn.com/ ]

Thank yous to those involved in making The Bash possible:


- Everyone who bought tickets.


- Ahmed, Jon Sy, Andres Gil, Roxanne Talbot, Nicole Winters, Rosemary Reid, Nicole Lee, Eric Simmatis, John Cardella, John Michalson, Shawna Ross York, Lisa Close, Luiz Castro, John Morgan, Cam Dix, Simon Rotstein, Chris Mayhew, and Annie Pinsky.


- Elliot and his crew from EJ Entertainment.


- A big thanks to the staff at the Montecassino.


- Special recognition to Dick Joiner for adding so much fun to the day!

 
Jeff P:

- Took a moment to remember two dear friends we lost.

- A toast in memory of Mr. Nick Sacco and Mr. Bruce Fricker.

 

And in the spirit of thinking of others we will be donating on behalf of all you Bashers out there $500.00 to the Sick Kids Foundation [ https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com ].

 

Michael Close on stage with some Very Important Announcements.
 
Most importantly it's time for D&D (dinner and dealers)!


 

Captivating lecture by Pop Haydn!

 [ http://www.pophaydn.com ]

- touched on character development and story

- treated to some card tricks too!
Daniel Zuckerbrot mini-talk.

[ http://www.reeltimeimages.ca ]

We were treated to some clips that weren't included in
 "The Science of Magic" which aired on CBC's "The Nature of Things."
Jay Sankey lecture

[ http://www.jaysankey.com ]


Jay gave a very practical lecture with lots of insight. Offering outstanding deals on his products.
Spectacular close up show:

- Emcee - Dick Joiner [ http://dickjoiner.com ]

- Jay Sankey [ http://www.jaysankey.com ]

- Garrett Thomas [ http://gtmagic.com ]

- Chris Pilsworth [ http://www.borntoamaze.com ]

- Michael Close [ https://www.michaelclose.com ]

- Pop Haydn [ http://www.pophaydn.com ]

 




 



Jeff P recognized Robert Presswood [ https://www.presswood.com ] for  recommending Elliot's company to handle the tech for the day!

- Thank you to Elliot and the EJ Entertainment  team! ( http://ejentertainment.net )



Bernice Cooper who (with her late husband Len Cooper) opened The Browser's Den of Magic [ https://www.browsersden.com ] in 1975, was able to spend some time with us today!

Lisa Close on stage with a Very Important Announcement.

- It's time for LAD (that's Lunch And Dealers).




Chris Pilsworth mini-talk

[ http://www.borntoamaze.com ]

- making magic more personal with examples from his own show

- presented PB & E




Michael Close lecture

[ https://www.michaelclose.com ]



- magic theory

- definition of magic

- importance of a mentor

- things you can do to better your act until you've found a mentor

- thinking fast and slow

- chaos, action, and repose (rest)

- q & a


Great opening lecture by Garrett Thomas 

- Touched on mine, juggling, imagination, and coins.

- Discusses "Problem People" in depth on his DVD
Jeff (P), Jeff (H) and John take the stage


- Big thanks to all who join us today.

- All part of the Browser's Den Family.

- Welcome to Browser's Magic Bash.... 2018!

- Introducing Dick Joiner, emcee extraordinaire!



Setting the scene:

- Background audio: Mary Hopkin - Those Were The Days
  [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Those_Were_the_Days_(song) ]

- Video of founder Len Cooper, the man who started it all 42 years ago!











Rise and shine!


Today's the day.


It's going to be all kinds of awesome!

20 April 2018

#BrowsersBash 2018 social media

Browser's Bash logo  
Saturday is the "Browser's Bash," an all day convention hosted by the Browser's Den of Magic!

Like last year, and technology willing, I will 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 are more of an Instagram kinda cool, follow along as Chris Westfall takes over the Browser's Insta account for the day.

If you're at the event and using social media, I encourage you to add the hashtag "#BrowsersBash" to your Tweets.  I'll be adding a feature near the top of this page, which collects and posts all Tweets tagged in this fashion.

I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday!



19 April 2018

Wishing "Magic Mike" Segal a speedy recovery

Mike Segal recently had a significant cardiac misadventure (heart attack).  The good news is that he's home from the hospital and recovering well.

From Jen:
Feel free to email or message him.  Talking seems to take his breath away, so please no phone calls. 

Wishing you a speedy recovery Mike!

Regina: Murray the Magician

From Casino Regina:
April 20, 2018

Murray the Magician - As seen on Pawn Stars, America's Got Talent & YouTube!

Murray who is currently headlining at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas strip nightly really made his mark as a household name when he exploded onto the entertainment scene after his successful run as a semi-finalist on NBC-TV’s “America’s Got Talent.” The #1 network summer series was viewed by over 22 million fans nationwide. Murray dazzled the judges: Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel by producing a Ferrari from thin air, transforming a girl locked in a cage into a 450 pound tiger and did the largest trick ever on “AGT” by vanishing an entire 1918 steam train locomotive in mere seconds. All of these illusions took place before a “live” and national “TV” audience, and brought standing ovations from the judges.

Murray has won over 32 awards for his performances nationally and internationally and received the title of “World Champion.”  He has delighted audiences in theatres from Monaco and Paris to Las Vegas and the legendary Playboy Mansion.  Recently he was honored with 4 awards, The Hollywood FAME Award for contribution to Magic on TV, the LA Comedy Award for BEST COMEDY SHOW, TOP 100 Business Men of Nevada and 100 Most Distinguished Men of Nevada.

Read more and buy tickets.

18 April 2018

Calgary: Piff the Magic Dragon

From The Laugh Shop Calgary:
May 10-12, 2018

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.

17 April 2018

Matt Johnson's BGT audition

From the April 14th article "Who is Britain’s Got Talent’s daring escape artist Matt Johnson?" by Matthew Trask at Radio Times:
Matt’s career began in his hometown of Sheffield, where he cut his teeth as a street magician and illusionist.

In his 20-year-long career leading to the Britain’s Got Talent stage, he traversed the globe performing his unique style of illusion and his daring escapes to audiences around the world.

Matt auditioned with the same audacious trick for BGT in 2017. Unfortunately, the tank he was using broke leaving the stage flooded.
Read more.


From the Britian's Got Talent YouTube channel:



16 April 2018

Toronto: Browser's Den hours pre-Bash

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Subject: Limited Shop Hours This Week
Dear Magic Friends,
Due to the 'Bash' this week we have very limited Browser's Den Store Hours.
...
As many of you know we bring about 80% of the shop inventory to the 'Bash'. We need the extra time to pack up and transport the inventory to the hotel.
(So sorry for the inconvenience.)

Monday April 16- CLOSED
Tuesday April 17- 10am to 7pm
Wednesday April 18- 10am to 7pm
Thursday April 19- CLOSED
Friday, April 20- CLOSED
Saturday, April 21- CLOSED
Sunday, April 22- CLOSED
Thank you- The Browser's Den Team


15 April 2018

Ottawa: Magic Monday - Zach & Steve!

From the April 30th Facebook event Magic Monday - Zach & Steve!:
Magic Monday returns for one final performance before an indefinite hiatus, so let's go out with a bang!!

This month will be our "Comic Book Edition" of Magic Monday. All of our guests will be gifted free comic books in celebration of Free Comic Book Day on May 5th! Courtesy of The Comic Book Shoppe 2

Headlining the show are Zach & Steve - Comedy Magic Duo! Opening up for them is the incredible Luc Leduc - The Duke of Magic and hosted by the creator of the show, Steven Lafond.

Read more.

14 April 2018

Reviews: Luc Langevin's "Now tomorrow"

From the April 12th article "Luc Langevin still spectacular" by Sandra Godin in le Journal de Quebec, translated by Google:

Amazement and incomprehension: two feelings that will invade you constantly during this second show of Luc Langevin, who concocted us ten new spectacular illusions, between telepathy, teleportation and levitation.

The public remained speechless after the illusionist had teleported a spectator locked in a safe, at the end of the first media of Now tomorrow , which was held Thursday at Albert-Rousseau Hall. It was just before he levitated up the stage.

The master of illusion retains its title with numbers that combine mathematics, science, technology, projections and optical illusions, at the end as fascinating as each other.

Read moreRead original.


From the April 13th article "Luc Langevin: The magic of illusions" by Virginie Landry in Journal Metro, translated by Google:
"Everyone knows that magic does not exist." It is on this statement that Luc Langevin begins his new book, The science of illusion , in which he decrypts his art through scientific concepts. But we have a hard time believing that there is not an ounce of magic in what he does ...

"In my wildest dreams, I was hoping to go there, but I did not expect to get there in such a short time," says the magician, who is celebrating his 10-year career this year. In the last decade, Luc Langevin has animated As Magic , At the Limits of Illusion , Defying Magic , as well as several specials with local artists and documentaries. He also put on his first indoor show and released three board games. Phew. "When I look at all this, I think I was productive!" He laughs. (And he wants us to believe that there is no magic in there? Anyway ...)

In 2018, question of being as busy as in recent years, the magician launches a second show indoors, Now tomorrow , and a first book. The purpose of this book? "I wanted to lift the veil on some physical phenomena that I use. I found that these methods or phenomena were almost more interesting than the tricks I make with them. "In doing so, Luc Langevin wanted to give magic its nobility so that people understand that" it's not just clowning. to entertain children "is an art.

Read moreRead original.



From the April 13th article "Luc Langevin: believe in the impossible" by Sandra Godin in le Soleil, translated by Google:
In the Tomorrow Today program, Luc Langevin notes that his way of practicing his job as a "creator of illusions" has changed since his first show: "My scientific knowledge still inspires my illusions, but I learned that to reach the the brain of the public, sometimes you have to go through the heart. "

And that's exactly what he's doing with this new show: his numbers are still as surprising and spectacular as they are ... human and sincere, and tell a story. Including that of this extremely shy boy that was the little Luc Langevin, for whom magic was a lifesaver ...

And although the magical numbers of the illusionist are (of course) the nerve of the war of this evening staged by René-Richard Cyr, we must say that the success of the company is very much based on the likeable and endearing personality of Luc Langevin, and the constant dialogue he sets up with his audience.

Read moreRead original.


13 April 2018

Maple Ridge: Shawn Farquhar

From the April 11th article "Two-time world champion of magic to perform in Maple Ridge" by Colleen Flanagan in the Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadow News:
All money from the show is going to the dry grad which will have a Roaring 20’s theme with video games, a dance and other activities being organized by Laurel Ross, head of the dry grad committee.

“They have a hypnotist coming in, which is even funnier because the hypnotist used to be my high school teacher from Victoria,” said Farquhar who is doing another show that night.

There are only 210 tickets available for the nights performance and 100 tickets have already been sold. Farquhar also donated 200 of his DVDs that will be for sale the night of.

The show is suitable to people of all ages which Farquhar says is great because, “parents can bring younger kids so they can demystify the high school in advance.”

Secrets the Magic Show takes place at 7 p.m. on Apr. 21 at Westview secondary, 20905 Wicklund Ave. in Maple Ridge.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at eventbrite.ca. For more information, go to secretstheshow.com.

Read more.

12 April 2018

ReginaCadabra: Save the dates!

Stay tuned for the talent announcement!

From ReginaCadabra:
The ReginaCadabra Magic Festival, North America's Premiere Magic Festival will be held July 25-28, 2018.

11 April 2018

The Illusionists: MB, SK, AB, BC, ON

From The Illusionists Live:
  • WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APR.10
  • REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN - APR.11
  • SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN - APR.12
  • RED DEER, ALBERTA - APR.13
  • LETHBRIGE, ALBERTA - APR.14
  • KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA - APR.16
  • PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA - APR.17
  • KITCHENER, ONTARIO - MAY.17

Read more and buy tickets.


From the April 9th article 'Works like magic: Illusionists get to shine in "roller-coaster" show' by Cam Fuller in the Saskatoon Starphoenix:
“The Avengers of magic.” That’s what Jeff Hobson feels like as part of The Illusionists.

The necromantic spectacular features stars in five disciplines, from traditional magic to mind-reading: The Inventor Kevin James, The Deductionist Colin Cloud, The Manipulator An Ha Lim and Hobson, the Trickster.

“We’ve been all over the world and this is our first chance to get to the western side of Canada, which is great,” said Hobson.

“I love Canada. We always have great audiences. We just finished in Ottawa for a week and did Toronto for a month back in December.”

Read more.

10 April 2018

Pacific Coast Association of Magicians 2018

Trevor and Lorena Watters are among the names announced for the 2018 Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM) convention, August 9th - 12th!  Also announced are Master Payne, Chris Capehart, Kayla Drescher, and Joshua Jay.

Visit PCAMBakersfield.com for more information and to register.

09 April 2018

St. Augustin de Desmaures: "Le Désir," directed by Jean-Luc Rivard

From Eventbrite:
Le Désir , une comédie de l’auteur québécois Michel Marc Bouchard .

Sous la direction de Jean-Luc Rivard mettant en scène Brigitte Lepage , Fanny Truchon , Tanya Rancourt , Vincent Bédard , Jean-Philippe Delage et Bernard Guay .

Le « désir » , sous-entendu dans son acception d'attirance pour une autre personne , est un puissant moteur de l'espèce humaine qui accélère le pouls et active la circulation sanguine.

Sous la plume aiguisée de Michel Marc Bouchard, voilà que le désir devient en outre un instrument qui chatouille la rate et actionne les mécanismes du rire .

DATES DES 4 REPRÉSENTATIONS:
- Vendredi 18 mai 2018 à 20 h.
- Samedi 19 mai 2018 à 20 h.
- Vendredi 25 mai 2018 à 20 h.
- Samedi 26 mai 2018 à 20 h.

Read more and buy tickets.

08 April 2018

Bangladesh International Magic Convention 2018

Ariann Black and Dean Gunnarson will be performing at the gala!

From the Bangladesh International Magic Convention:

26, 27 & 28 April 2018

Such international grandiloquent wizardry event will take place for the first time in Bangladesh with the spur-of-the-moment participation of world-renowned magicians like Safir Ullah Sikder, Dean Gunnarson, Ariann Black, Fukai, Albert Tam, Mamada, Bond Lee,  Ma Yan Yan, Keanu Ho, Dr. Man, Myungjoon Lee, Lee Jei Min, B.S.Reddy, Ali Magician, Venu Samala, Raj Kumar, Dominico Danta, Walter Rolfo,  and other famous magicians from more than fifteen (15) countries including Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Japan, Italy, Canada, the USA & other countries around the world.

Read more.

07 April 2018

Winnipeg: A Family Day of Magic

From Carey Lauder's Facebook page:

A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

06 April 2018

Montreal: Garrett Thomas lecture

Of course, those of you with tickets to the Browser's Bash will see Garrett lecture on April 21st.

From the Montreal Magic Jam:
Wed April 18

If you care about magic as an art, you MUST see Garrett Thomas. Why do you do what you do? Do you want to take it to the next level? Just spend some time with Garrett, and you will soon learn how to further your magic in simplicity, clarity, and most importantly, how to evoke astonishment.

You will learn some of the effects that have made Garrett a favorite amongst top magicians. Also, learn many touches to be applied to your own magic.

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Garrett Thomas One Man Show

From the Facebook page of the Toronto Magic Company: A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

Toronto: Extra! Extra! Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:
Hi Denizens,

Friendly reminder that this Saturday, April 7 at 2:30pm is our next Free Magic Club Meeting.

This will be a special one as a newspaper reporter is coming by to do interviews with you our magic club members.

All are welcome.

Thank you-Jeff's & The Browser's Den Team.

05 April 2018

Calgary: Magic Weekend of Amazement

Mark April 14th in your calendars!


From the Magic Weekend of Amazement Facebook event:

A Weekend of Magic at the Pumphouse Theatre featuring the most amazing magicians from the Calgary area that deliver a variety of magic shows for all ages.

Pick a show, any show, and you'll experience a show that will have you both amazed and laughing.

Saturday - 3 PM: The Calgary Magic Circle Variety Show featuring a cast of half a dozen magicians, each showing you their best mystery! You'll see a broad mix of styles that is sure to offer something for everyone.

Saturday - 6 PM: Ryan Pilling, improvisational comedian and magician presents his Show of Wonders. This magic show will have you laughing out loud, and scratching your head with impossible stunts.
Read more.


04 April 2018

Thank you to our April 2018 friends!

Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, and Ian Crawford 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.

Thank you to our April 2018 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:

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.






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* This book is intended for mature audiences.

03 April 2018

Three more days to get your nominations in!

Delighted to see so many of you celebrating talented people past and present in your nominations for the top 10 Canadian magicians of all time!

We have FIFTY fabulous nominees.

If you don't see your favourite on the list, submit your nominations in the comment form on the post "Who are the top 10 Canadian magicians of all time?"* by 11:59PM EDT on Friday April 6th.  You may nominate as many Canadian magicians as you like.  (Number of nominations don't influence the vote.  If you see your choice(s) listed, please refrain from submitting duplicates.)

Thanks for playing!


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* or email me.  I'll send a confirmation back to let you know I received your email. 

Rounding the Western rings in April 2018

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



CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- Magic Circle Variety show.
- Meeting.
- Make Magic
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- TBA
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- TBA
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)- General meeting.
- Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- TBA
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- TBA
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)  - Round table.


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

Rounding the Central rings in April 2018

Did you know that Dan Trommater is performing close-up at the Magic Castle until April the 8th?

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


Montreal, QCRing 62 (20th Century Ring)- TBA.
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)- Visit from the Brantford Fun Troop.
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Video night.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Annual Magic Prop Auction.
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)- TBA.
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- TBA
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)-  Members teaching members.


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

Rounding the Eastern rings in April 2018

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, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - Visit their Facebook page
St. John, NBMagic Circle of St. John- TBA


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

02 April 2018

Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book

From the Newest Trick in the Book Facebook page:
Come see the first Newest Trick in the Book in April! Tuesday April 3rd at See-Scape. We have a stacked lineup that you're going to love!

If you've never been, The Newest Trick in the book is the only open mic night for magicians in North America and it's totally free!

Will Zhang and Matthew Thomas Stewart (otherwise known as magic duo Will & Matt)- An incredible Toronto magic team that recently sold out a show at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Come see the brand new magic that this dynamic act has put together!

Christian Mascia - A talented young Toronto performer that's part of the generation of people making magic cool! Come see why, with his brand new material this week!

Brian Roberts - A performer, lecturer, and all around incredible magician is bringing some brand new magic to the show. He's a newest trick in the book newcomer, but an expert magician. Come see world class magic

Benzi Train - A TMC founder and an unbelievable performer who's helping put Toronto on the map as one of the magic capitals of the world! Come see why this Tuesday!
and your host

Jonah Babins - A TMC founder, head of the Discourse in Magic podcast (one of the worlds top magic podcasts), and a fantastic performer. Jonah is an up and coming name in the magic scene, that you won't want to forget!

Come see the show, and grab FREE tickets below!

Toronto: Magic Night at The Lockhart

From Carpe Diem:
Time for Charms class! James Alan and Dan Trommater are back this month and who knows what they've got up their sleeves!?

Join us the 1st an 3rd Tuesday of every month for table to table magic. Starts at 7PM and end at 9PM — No cover as always!

Read more.

From James Alan's Facebook page:






Winnipeg: Conjurors' Cabaret

Featuring:
  • Ken Sky ‘Mystifier,’ 
  • Brian Trudeau ‘Mindshocker,' 
  • Sean Fields ‘The Mastermind,’ and 
  • Gregoire ‘The Astonisher.'

From Carey Lauder's Facebook page:

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01 April 2018

I'll just leave this here

First, some backstory from Shawn Farquhar's December 9th Facebook post (emphasis mine):
A Letter to the Magic Community...

As Producers of Penn & Teller : Fool Us, our guiding principle is that the show is made "by magicians, for magicians." We have tried to provide a positive Prime Time outlet for magicians everywhere over the course of our 4 seasons on the air - and we've been lucky and successful enough to get an order for Season Five on the CW Network.

As always, our goal is to feature the best and brightest in the magic world, and as such, we'd like to respectfully invite you to submit a recording of a trick you perform that you believe would be good for our show. Highly original presentations and original tricks of all kinds are appreciated.


And here's a not so subtle reminder that my original effect "The Fools' Monte," was well received by (and dare I say fooled) Jeff McBride at the workshop he held at CAM in 2003. 


With that, I'll just leave you this Tweet from Teller:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.



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All kidding aside, April 2nd at 9pm PST the first annual April Fool Us Day Special will premiere!



From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page: