Canada's Magic: 2018-08

31 August 2018

30 August 2018

Throwback Thursday from 1934

Makes me kind of glad I wasn't part of this organization!

From Shawn Farquhar's Twitter feed:

Excerpt from the Canadian Magicians magazine of 1934, The Imp. Republished in the Die Box, the official publication of the PCAM. #farquharfun #shawnfarquhar #pcammagic #cockroaches https://t.co/lAZ3xwFBEL pic.twitter.com/vtRKtaYXhW
— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) August 26, 2018

29 August 2018

Edmonton added to Billy Kidd's "Find it, sign it, leave it."

Traveling through Edmonton? You can play Billy Kidd's "Find it, sign it, leave it" while you're there!

From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:

It’s bloody early but this one is for you Canada. Edmonton Airport. Gate 82. #findmycard #findit #signit #leaveit pic.twitter.com/Uk5yoGtAMY
— Billy Kidd (@Billykiddshow) August 27, 2018

28 August 2018

Toronto: Daniel Garcia lecture

Wednesday September 12th

From James Alan's Facebook post:

27 August 2018

Rounding the Western rings in September 2018

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)	- Daniel Garcia lecture. - Meeting.
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Daniel Garcia lecture.
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Daniel Garcia lecture.
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring )	- Daniel Garcia lecture. - Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- TBA
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- TBA
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Daniel Garcia lecture.

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

Rounding the Central rings in September 2018

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- TBA.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Barry O’Neil lecture. - Executive vote.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Auction.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Executive elections. - Derrick Finn and Romaine kick off open-mic night.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- TBA.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Jeff Hinchliffe lecture. [Get your special limited edition collectible tickets!] (also Daniel Garcia lecture at Browser's)

Please leave a comment or email me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Eastern rings in September 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, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- Visit their Facebook page.
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- TBA

Please leave a comment or email me about corrections or omissions.

26 August 2018

Philip's Magical Paradise to close in September?

Read Dean Gunnarson's Facebook post from August 25 and watch his mini-tour of Philip's Magical Paradise in Giroux (just south of Winnipeg). It opened in 1991 as a tribute to Marilyn and Gordon Hornan's youngest son, Philip Hornan. Philip was a magic enthusiast who succumbed to cancer at the age of 15.

From Dean's video, it sounds as if the museum is set to close forever, unless one of you out there has an idea on how to keep it alive.

From Dean Gunnarson's Facebook page:

From Dean Gunnarson's Facebook page:

24 August 2018

A World of Magic in the Daily Hive

A World of Magic runs September 7 to 9.

From the August 21st article "Vancouver's first-ever magic festival is about to make its grand appearance" in the Daily Hive Vancouver:

And it’s all happening because the International Magician’s Gala is partnering up with Canada Chuan Sheng Culture & Media Group and The Vancouver Magic Circle.

Now for the magician talent.

You’ll get to see Canada’s master illusionists Murray Hatfield & Teresa, world champion magician Juliana Chen, shock magician and daredevil Wayne Houchin, America’s Got Talent contestant Aaron Crow, the misfit of magic Ed Alonzo, juggling magician Claudius Specht, as well as “the inventor” of magic, Kevin James.

You’ll be giving back by attending the magic festival as $3 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Richmond Hospital Foundation.

Read more.

23 August 2018

Friday's Diversion

From the Diversion Twitter feed:

Oubliez tout ce que vous pensez connaître de la magie vendredi 21h sur @TF1!
♣️@Gusillusionnist le Manipulateur
♦️@EnzoIllusion l'Insaisissable
♠️@AntonioMagicien l’Expert
🃏@ViktorVincentOf le Mentaliste
♥️@Caroline_Marx_ l'Ensorceleuse
⚗️@LucLangevin le Scientifique pic.twitter.com/SA6gC5cTkr
— Diversion (@Diversion) August 22, 2018

22 August 2018

The summer 2018 edition of Northern Peeks is out!

This issue of the Northern Peeks (v22, #3, Summer 2018) contains columns by:

Joan Caesar
Murray Hatfield
Gerry Frenette
Renée-Claude Auclair
Ryan Pilling
Phil Matlin
John Rose
Jason Verners and
Mike Fisher

Lastly, a reminder that FISM 2021 will take place in Québec City, July 26 to 31, 2021!

21 August 2018

AGT live show recap

From the August 17th article "'America's Got Talent' Recap: First Live Show Stuns And Excites" by Carolyn Lipka in Forbes:

Shin Lim’s intricate and mind-bending close-up magic had him producing cards out of thin air, changing their patterns and ultimately making them disappear. Shin Lim is a powerful stage presence with tricks to match and I have no doubt that he’ll achieve success in magic regardless of his ultimate performance on the show.

Read more.

From the IBM Twitter feed:

Shin Lim, first place winner of The I.B.M. Close-up contest in 2015 moves forward to the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent. Congratulations Shin Lim! pic.twitter.com/kibKHGxOWe
— IBM (@IBMMAGIC) August 16, 2018

20 August 2018

Chris Mayhew on Trickheads

From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page:

Toronto: The Magic of Professor Wick at the CNE

As near as I can tell, this is the only magic act at The Ex this year.

From The Ex:

MAJINX’s Professor Wick is back with a brand new show featuring all new illusions and a spectacular stunt that will leave the audience asking "how did he do that?".

Come experience the magical fun daily with Professor Wick on the Kids World Stage!

All Programming Subject to Change

Read more.

19 August 2018

Dear Micky Hades. From Doug Henning.

From Neil McNally's Twitter feed:

THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT: Another Micky Hades Letterhttps://t.co/SSkFfmgbzl
— Neil McNally (@DougHenningProj) July 24, 2018

18 August 2018

Vancouver: Magic Brian at the PNE

From the PNE:

Magic Brian - NEW
Celebration Plaza | Daily | 1:30, 3:30 and 6pm

FREE with admission

Internationally acclaimed, award-winning performer that will have you laughing hysterically one moment, and gasping in awe the next. It’s a high-energy, interactive comedy-magic sideshow with plenty of surprises – including a record-breaking escape from a real straitjacket and 40 feet of chain.

Read more.

17 August 2018

Dundas: The Amazing Kreskin

From the Dundas Cactus Festival:

Sunday August 19, 2018

With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit, and the capacities of a bona fide Mentalist or thought reader, The Amazing Kreskin has, for six decades, dramatized the unique facets of the human mind…his own. His very name has become an integral part of pop culture throughout the world. During the past fifty years Kreskin has had a television series, his own board game by Milton Bradley, twenty published books, and a major motion picture inspired by his work.

Read more.

16 August 2018

Toronto: James Alan lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Dear Magic Friends,

Being in Toronto we are incredibly fortunate to have so many extremely talented magicians. One such talented fellow is a one Mr. James Alan. From organizing shows and lectures to putting on his own performances, he has his paws in just about every magic cookie jar in town, and he is coming to lecture here at the shop.

He is one of the recipients of the Len Cooper Memorial Award — a special award we give out here at the shop to a young magician in memory of the original owner. He also gave a spectacular performance at the Bash this year. For a number of years he hosted Magic Tonight where he shared the stage with dozens of magicians. Now, for the past two years here in Toronto he has had is own show Magic & Martini which is often sold out weeks in advance.

Read more and buy tickets.

15 August 2018

London Jones cleans up at PCAM

Congratulations London!

From the Twitter feed of London the Magnificent:

Double GOLD MEDALS at the PCAM!!!
Gold in STAGE
Gold in CLOSE-UP

I killed it!!!

Thanks Carissa and to my new friends Kayla & Lorena!!@CarisaHendrix @MagicinHeelsKD pic.twitter.com/WB9T0kpMeL
— London the Magnificent (@LondonMagNIF) August 13, 2018

14 August 2018

Toronto: Grumpy old magicians

Catch Matt DiSero and Glenn Ottaway in James Alan's "Magic Tonight: The grumpy old men of magic" on September 15th.

From the Facebook page of James Alan:

13 August 2018

Winnipeg magicians on "The Amazing Race Canada"

Tune in to "The Amazing Race Canada" on Tuesday Aug 14 to see Carey Lauder, Dan Wiebe, and Greg Wood!

From the August 8th article, "Winnipeg streets become the latest venue for The Amazing Race Canada" by Randal King, in The Winnipeg Free Press:

Since the production keeps a tight lid on the specifics of the competition to prevent spoilers, the show descended on the city with the impressive organization of a top-secret military operation. Only in a couple of instances — competitions at the Legion and The Forks — were members of the general public allowed to witness the proceedings.

The Winnipeg leg was something of a homecoming for unflappable host Jon Montgomery, a former gold medal Olympian skeleton racer born and raised in western Manitoba town of Russell.

Read more.

From the Facebook page of Carey Lauder:

12 August 2018

The Amazing Randi in the media

James Randi celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this week. Here are a couple of pieces from the internet.

From the August 6th post, "Magician the Amazing Randi has dedicated his life to promoting critical thinking" by Troy Lennon in The Daily Telegraph:

The interview on August 13, 1980, ended with Lane throwing to a commercial, telling Randi to “piss off” before storming out, flicking away Randi’s bent cutlery as he left. Randi was flustered but largely maintained composure. Lane later apologised for swearing but insisted the American had failed to prove anything. But the controversy made the sceptic more famous in Australia.

Read more.

From the Twitter feed of Interval Magic:

In honor of magician and skeptic James Randi’s 90th birthday, I posted a radio interview he did that hasn’t been heard since 1982. Enjoy! https://t.co/QsMQY1KRMH pic.twitter.com/t3lMrxOUw8
— Interval Magic (@intervalmagic) August 8, 2018

11 August 2018

Michael Close's "The Road to Riffsville"

Go to MichaelClose.com to purchase your copy of "The Road to Riffsville."

From the Facebook page of Michael Close:

Steve Bedwell has this to say about The Road to Riffsville: "Can't put The Road to Riffsville down and focus on anything else. (Especially frustrating because I'm at MAGIC Live!) Fascinating analysis of some of the issues I've personally experienced with the estimation aspects of memdeck work, with robust solutions. An outstanding contribution!"

10 August 2018

Guelph: Dueling Magicians

From the River Run Centre:

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Mesmerizing magicians Mike D’Urzo and Ray Chance have entertained audiences around the world with memorable mental demonstrations and incredible illusions. The pair is bringing their unique performance styles together, joining forces in a dueling magic show that’s sure to inspire awe.

“Be amazed as renowned magicians Mike D’Urzo and Ray Chance square off in a magic show designed to challenge each other and mystify audiences.” – Inside Halton 

Read more and buy tickets.

From the River Run Centre Twitter feed:

Mesmerizing magicians @MikeDurzo and @RayChance bring their unique performance styles together in #DuelingMagicians. https://t.co/LSbSIDTiq1 pic.twitter.com/jmUJgo2cdI
— River Run Centre (@riverruncentre) July 23, 2018

09 August 2018

Bangkok: The Magnificent Seven

From the July 23rd article "Now you see it …." at The Nation:

September 19 and 20

The Magnificent Seven are Peter Gossamer and Rocco Silano from the US, Raul Alegria from Spain, Double Fantasy – Vitaliy and Helena Gorbachevsk – who hail from Ukraine, Pole Vlad Kryvonogov, Germany’s Sos and Victoria, and Ariann Black from Canada.

The show is produced and directed by Tony Hassini, the founder of the International Magicians Society who is often referred to as a walking encyclopaedia of magic.

Helping create the magic are lighting director Nick Morss, choreographer Maryna Popova and stage manager Mahdi Moammer, himself a professional magician.

Canadian Ariann Black is one of the best female magicians in the world and has staged six successful Las Vegas shows in six different casinos. She’s tailoring a new act just for Bangkok.

Read more.

08 August 2018

Toronto: Jeff Hinchliffe Memorized Deck workshop and private lessons

From Jeff Hinchliffe:

Firstly, I'm going to be giving a 4 hour Memorized Deck workshop on Saturday, September 8th, 2018, from 6pm-10pm. The cost of the workshop will be $50, and it will be limited to 20 people.

The workshop will cover a wide range of memorized deck work. We'll begin with the differences between stacked,cyclic, and memorized orders, and the advantages of the common/popular published mem-deck stacks (Aronson, Tamariz, Aragon, Redford).

From there, we will delve into tricks which are stack-independent (meaning that they work with any stack) to the open-index system, jazzing, and estimation. We will discuss the various sleights, techniques and subterfuges that one should have in their toolbox with the mem-deck in order to achieve maximum impact.

~~~~~~

Secondly, I'm happy to announce that I am again offering private lessons at the shop. I gave these lessons years ago at our Bathurst and Eglinton location and over the last several months enough people have inquired about lessons that I've decided to bring them back.

The lessons will take place at the shop, after business hours, Tuesday thru Friday evenings. The lessons will run 90 minutes in length, from 7pm to approximately 8:30pm, and will cost $120.

What we cover in the lesson is dependent on what you'd like to achieve. Whether it's adding a few new tricks to your repertoire, adding a few new sleights to your toolbox, or tightening and polishing existing material, I can help you.

Read more.

07 August 2018

Shezam by Kayla Drescher and Carisa Hendrix

Kayla Drescher and Carisa Hendrix team up for a new podcast about being women in the magic community. Now available at iTunes.

From the Twitter feed of Carisa Hendrix:

Hey all! @MagicinHeelsKD and I have started a resource that we hope will slowly answer all the questions about being women in the magic community. Join us for our official facebook-live launch tomorrow at noon PST! It's gonna be A HOOT! @ShezamPod https://t.co/Ta18lenpX2
— Carisa Hendrix (@CarisaHendrix) July 30, 2018

06 August 2018

Ian Stewart on Penn & Teller: Fool Us

Did you know that Ian Stewart is a 6-time Guinness World Record holder? [Including 2011: The most chainsaw juggling catches, and 2016: The most consecutive maul juggling catches.]

Watch Ian on Penn & Teller: Fool Us Monday evening.

From the August 2nd article "Truro area magician appearing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us" in the Truro News:

Details about his appearance are being kept secret until the show airs.

Stewart also takes part in unusual activities like juggling axes and chainsaws, and hold world records in both areas.

Read more.

05 August 2018

Chris Funk on Masters of Illusion season 5

From Chris Funk's Twitter feed:

Chris Funk The Wonderist - Masters of Illusion s05e04 https://t.co/iizcw4zU0c via @YouTube is up!
— Chris Funk (@chrisfunkmagic) July 24, 2018

04 August 2018

Toronto: Tickets for the 2019 Browser's Magic Bash

A little bird has told me that tickets for the 2019 Browser's Magic Bash will go on sale on Monday, September 17th, 2018! Keep your eyes open for more news from the Browser's Den of Magic as we get closer to the date.

To whet your appetite, have a quick peek at Chris Mayhew's 90 second video synopsis of the 2018 Bash!

Toronto: Silent auction at the Browser's Den

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

SPECIAL SILENT AUCTION EVENT
High Quality Professional Magic & Collectables
Sunday, August 26

Dear Magic Friends,

Over the past 43 years we have held over 100 store auctions. And each one was a lot of fun, created memories and all while people were able to get wonderful deals on magic new and used.

However, over those 43 years we have never held a SILENT Auction.

Here's how it will work.

a) All the items will be out on display for you to take a look at when the shop doors open at 10am.

b) Each item will have a minimum bid listed next to it.

c) Attendees can then use the paper provided by us to write down their bid. Fold up their bid and put into the box related to that item.

d) Every half hour until about 4pm, five of the auction items will then be award to the highest bid.

The auction will have a variety of magic that will include: props, ephemera, posters, close-up props, books, tables.

Please note too that should we get a good size crowd and reasonable bidding we will do more of these.

Read more.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Next (free) Magic Club at Browser's Den takes place this Saturday, August 4 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.
All welcome.
Have a nice day.
Browser's Den of Magic.
Since 1975.

03 August 2018

Billy Kidd in the Inquirer

From the July 26th article "Billy Kidd: Filipina, female, magical" by Rae Ann Varona in the Inquirer:

“Magic wasn’t even on my radar whatsoever,” Kidd told the Asian Journal, adding that she was never one of those kids who had their own magic kit to play with.

“I wish I had that story, but I don’t,” she added.

Born in Canada, Kidd has gotten away with being an actress since she was just 11 years old, something she’s called magic in itself.  The life of being able to miss periods of school, playing around, and getting paid for it made what she described as the “best life ever.”

But her introduction to magic came much later at a music festival where she saw a street magician from Australia doing a classic cups and balls trick in which balls appear and disappear under the cups at random.

Read more.

02 August 2018

Niagara Falls: Ken McCreedy's "Mystify"

From the Scotia Bank Convention Centre:

Come join us for an extraordinary close-up magic experience featuring mind blowing magic, comedy, interactive mind manipulation and world class entertainment. The show runs 75 minutes and features two sleight of hand artists with over 25 years of experience entertaining audiences just like YOU! All seats are General Admission. The show is suitable for ages 12 and up. We have lots of tricks up our sleeves, so get your tickets before they disappear!

Show Dates
June 9 & 15
July 7 & 14
August 4
September 15

Read more and buy tickets.

01 August 2018

Thank you to our August 2018 friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Owen Anderson, and Ryan Pilling 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 August 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:

Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others, and
Daniel Sugar, author of Salem Burning.*

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.

Pages