The Sentimentalists at The Magic Castle

If you're not going to be able to catch Chris and Steffi at The Magic Castle, you could always see the in Toronto for a Belated Hallowe'en at Curiosa.


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Julie Eng talks Johnny Thompson

From the September 24th post "Johnny and Me" by Julie Eng at Magicana:

She squeals and The Great Tomsoni’s face says it all. He’s found the wad of bubble gum his beautiful assistant, “& Co.”, has just stashed—her improvised solution after being scolded—inside his top hat. My sister and I look at each other with total delight. We proceed to mimic The Great Tomsoni, move for move, stretching the sticky ball between his fingers. We collapse into hysterics in our backstage hiding spot when he reveals that this is hardly the first time he’s had to deal with his assistant’s antics. With an exasperated sigh and eyes rolling to the rafters, The Great Tomsoni peels back his tuxedo lapel and displays the other dozen pink, gooey masses already squashed on to his jacket. This visual punch line never fails to crack us up.

It’s the late Seventies. I am about six years old, and my little sister, Sandra, and I are tucked away in our “secret spot” backstage at a variety show in British Columbia. Our father, Tony Eng, had been hired to perform his act, Mysteries of the Orient, with our mother, Ann, on a program with several other acts. On the bill was a big headliner from LA, Johnny and Pam Thompson, a.k.a. The Great Tomsoni & Co.

Read more.

Help Neil McNally fund “Doug Henning’s Magical World”

From the September 24th post, '“Doug Henning’s Magical World” Indiegogo Funding Begins Today!' at The Doug Henning Project:

Hello Everyone, 

It’s been a long road, but here we are!

The funding for my documentary “Doug Henning’s Magical World” begins today on Indiegogo and I hope you all will consider donating.

As I mentioned, this will be the first feature length documentary regarding Doug’s life and work and features many of Doug’s close friends and collaborators. Please share the links with anyone you may know. Doug deserves a project of this scale, and I’d love for you to contribute to its creation.

The links are:

Official Doug Henning Indiegogo Page

Official Movie Website

With Magic and Wonder, 

Neil McNally

Read more and donate.

 From the YouTube channel of Doug Henning's Magical World:

Toronto: Eric Hanson at The Browser's Den of Magic

Updated at 7am to add:

• This event has been cancelled due to a death in Eric's family.  Our thoughts are with Eric at this difficult time.

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

ERIC HANSEN STORE VISIT- Sunday, September 30 from 12noon to 5pm: Master wood craftsmen Eric Hansen will be stocking the back room FULL of his wonderful and unique creations for sale. Chops Cups, Wands, Money Makers and many new items that you have never seen before. Some of you have met Eric at his booth at the 'Bash'. We hope you will come and chat magic with Eric and take a look at the world of his new magic wonders.

Sheldon Casavant in East Texas Matters

The East Texas State Fair runs from September 21st through Sunday, September 30th.


From the September 19th article "New magic show to be first performance in historic Mayfair building in decades" by Daniel Pierce in East Texas Matters:

TYLER, Texas (KETK) - The East Texas State Fair is opening the historic Mayfair Building for the first time in decades to host an all-new magic show. After more than twenty years without a performance, fairgoers are being welcomed once again to the 100-year-old building for a show promising entertainment of epic proportions.

Internationally recognized magician Sheldon Casavant will headline the East Texas State Fair this year offering a nightly show beginning at 8:00 pm every day during the fair.

Read more.

Congratulations to Shin Lim!

From the September 19th article "Magician Shin Lim Crowned Season 13 Champion of America's Got Talent" by Karen Mizoguchi in People:

“When you told me at 16 that an awkward, shy kid would one day be performing at the Dolby Theatre performing on America’s Got Talent, I wouldn’t have believed them. To compete on AGT, it means the world to me,” said Lim, who opened up about his carpal tunnel syndrome due to a career-ending injury to his thumb tendons.

The 26-year-old self-taught magician, who was born in Canada and currently lives in Acton, Massachusetts, wowed audiences through sleight of hand magic and close-up tricks. For his final trick, Lim performed a card trick with host Tyra Banks and American Ninja Warrior co-hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila.

Read more.

Watch the announcement from the America's Got Talent YouTube channel:




Watch his final performance on the America's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Vancouver: Shawn Farquhar, resident artist at Bacio Rosso

Catch Shawn Farquhar from the middle of October until the middle of January!

From Bacio Rosso:

Canada’s first Gourmet Cabaret Cirque.

Moulin Rouge meets Cabaret meets Burlesque!

Bacio Rosso is an intimate, fully immersive evening of Cirque, Comedy and Cuisine.

Guests are seated in the heat of the action with jugglers, contortionists, trapeze artists, magicians, singers and clowns weaving together an unforgettable evening of magic, love and laughter. All combined with a delicious 4-course gourmet menu designed by local award winning chef Adam Pegg of La Quercia.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Sweden: The Close Up Show

The 32nd Magic Weekend runs from October 5th to the 7th.  Catch Michael Close in the "Close Up Show."


From the Magic Weekend:

The Close Up Show is performed six times for six different groups. Early registrants will se the show under 'Close Up Conditions'

Read more and register.

Broken wand: Douglas Trouten

Recently we were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of the passing of Douglas Trouten. Dennis is graciously allowing me to pass this on to you.

-----

Dr. Douglas J. Trouten

Doug, 58, passed away gently in the early hours of July 30, 2018, 6 months after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Born December 26, 1959 in Regina, Saskatchewan, his family moved to the Twin Cities 6 months later.

Doug enjoyed magic and the art of illusion and was a valued and active member as well as the current treasurer of International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 19 in Minneapolis. For his many friends at Ring 19, Doug’s passing is a huge loss to our club and a huge loss to our community. And a huge loss to all of us that loved and respected him.

He attended St. Paul Bible College where he met his wife Elizabeth (French), working on his student newspaper. He earned a Masters and Doctorate in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota. Doug was editor the Twin Cities Christian/Minnesota Christian Chronicle for 20 years before becoming a professor of journalism at the University of Northwestern, where he taught for the last 19 years. He also served as Executive Director of the Evangelical Press Association for 11 years. Doug published thousands of articles in dozens of periodicals. His work appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune and in various magazines including Christianity Today, Plain Truth and World.

He is survived by sons Lucas (Katie), David; daughter Tracey; sisters Darlene (Mike) Morgan, Donna Olson; brother Daniel Trouten; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by mother, Elaine; father, Dr. Donald J. Trouten.

Vancouver: Cabaret of Wonders

From The Georgia Straight:

Oct 5-6

Two-Time World Champion of Magic and the man who fooled Penn & Teller twice on their hit TV show, Fool Us brings his show, the Cabaret of Wonders, to Vancouver for a two night exclusive engagement. Shawn is presenting an evening that could only happens once in a blue moon. Interestingly enough the unique fact is it will be presented at the Blue Moon Theatre in the elegant five diamond Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver, BC.

Read more and buy tickets.

"From Fair to Foul" with The Amazing Corbin

Catch "From Fair to Foul" October 10th at Annondale House in Tillsonburg ON, October 15th at the St. Thomas public library and October 21rst at Eldon House in London ON.

Check the comments in the Facebook post for more dates.


From the Facebook page of The Amazing Corbin:

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Welcoming a new Friend: Matt DiSero

Please join me in welcoming our newest Friend, Matt DiSero!

I first met Matt during the early days of the Magical Arts Festival in Toronto somewhere around the turn of the century.  I remember walking to a show at Big Daddy's Crab Shack And Oyster Bar from the parking lot near The Charlotte Room and having the good fortune to have as company Matt, Julie Eng, and David Peck.

I've been joyfully entertained by Matt (and Hartnell) at numerous "Magic Tonight" events and other such productions in and around the Toronto area.

You may have seen Matt on the 2016 season of Penn and Teller's Fool Us, or heard him interviewed by David Peck or the "Discourse in Magic" crew.  You can check out his blog at http://www.mattdisero.com/blog/

Catch Matt, along with Glenn Ottaway and James Alan in "Magic Tonight: The grumpy old men of magic" on September 15th. 

Thank you Matt, for befriending Canada's Magic!

Michael Close's September 2018 newsletter

Just finished reading the May newsletter from Michael Close.  You may be interested in:

• Michael's thoughts on ethics and the performing of someone else's work.
• "Plausible Props" by Mick Ayres.
• "Can I be Frank?" by Tom Frank.
• The U.S. Postal Service's new magic kit  (The Art of Magic Kit) and stamp set (The Art of Magic  Forever®  Stamps). 
• Entering the September Caption Contest!
• "One Last Yelp" by Norman Beck.
• A list of recommended podcasts.  (Can you guess which Canadian podcast is listed?)
• Product review of Juan Tamariz's "Magic from My Heart."
• "Must-have show apps for your iPad" by Bruce Kalver.
• And more!

Sign-up at MichaelClose.com to receive Michael's newsletters.

Louis Pezzani and Ben Price at the Vancouver Fringe

Updated at 7:00am to add:

• There's a nice article by Janet Smith titled "Magicians find fresh form at the Vancouver Fringe Festival" from September 5th in The Georgia Straight.  [Thank you The Magic Demon!]

Thank you to The Magic Demon for informing me that in addition to Keith Brown, both Louis Pezzani and Ben Price have shows at this year's Vancouver Fringe.

The Vancouver Fringe Festival runs from September 6th to the 16th


From Louis Pezznai's listing in the Vancouver Fringe:

Master mentalist and magician Louis Pezzani has been blowing audiences’ minds around the world for decades. This astounding show features mindreading, lightning calculation, and incredible mind-over-matter demonstrations where metal bends, twists, and melts! Astonishing, interactive, critically acclaimed, and very funny. Unforgettable theatre for all.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Ben Price's listing in the Vancouver Fringe:

Have you ever wanted to attend the ultimate magic show? Ben Price uses his abilities in sleight of hand, thought influence, and comedy to take you on a journey through the perfect magic show. This 60 minute, interactive show will have audiences laughing, gasping, and cheering as Ben performs all kinds of marvels from card tricks to mind reading.

Read more and buy tickets.

Niagara Falls: David DaVinci at the Greg Frewin Theatre SEP 28 - OCT 13

Word on the street is that David DaVinci will be back in Niagara Falls SEP 28 - OCT 13!


From the Greg Frewin Theatre:

Due to Greg Frewin’s international travel and television performance schedule* there will be times when throughout the calendar year, fellow magician David DaVinci will step into Greg’s shoes and perform our award-winning WILD Magic show.

David’s first dove illusion was taught to him intimately by Greg and the two have continued their love and passion creating awe-inspiring magic together. David has mentored under the professional guidance and leadership of Greg Frewin well over a period of twenty years; sharing both stage and audience as one.

When David is performing on the Greg Frewin Theatre stage, prepare to be mystified by mind boggling illusions and jaw dropping magic, seamlessly fused with exotic parrots that materialize from thin air. You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, and your jaw will hit the floor, as David DaVinci presents his interpretation of the WILD Magic Show through the age-old art of magic and illusions, in “Thrillusionist!”

Read more and buy tickets.

Shin Lim smoking the semifinals of America's Got Talent 2018

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
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From the America's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Toronto: Ben Train at Sick Kids' fundraiser

See Ben at the fundraiser this Sunday, September the 9th.


From Benzi Train's Facebook page:

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"A World of Magic" in the Georgia Straight

A World of Magic runs September 7th to the 9th.


From the August 27th article, "A World of Magic will bring Vegas-style illusionists to Vancouver Playhouse" by Charlie Smith in The Georgia Straight:

The opening event is on the Friday evening, followed by three family-friendly shows on each of the following two days. Presented by impresario James Liu, A World of Magic will feature world champion magicians Juliana Chen (also a presenter) and Aaron Crow.

...

That’s not all. Canada’s 2006 magicians of the year, Murray Hatfield & Teresa, will bring their award-winning illusions to the Vancouver Playhouse.

They’ll share the stage with other esteemed magicians, including Ed Alonzo, Claudius Specht, Kevin James, and Wayne Houchin. Alonzo, also a comic actor and vaudeville performer, is known to many TV viewers by his Groucho Marx eyebrows and Harold Lloyd glasses, not to mention his crazy vertical hairstyle.

Read more.

Matt DiSero in the Edmonton Journal

The Edmonton Comedy Festival runs from October 10th to the 13th.


From the August 29th article, "Edmonton Comedy Festival Sponsored by Edmonton Comedy Festival Steve Patterson, K. Trevor Wilson and more headline Edmonton Comedy Festival" by L. Harrison Kelly in the Edmonton Journal:

This year’s bill breaks new ground. For the first time in its history, the festival will feature stand-up comedy’s dark cousin: magic.

“As a festival producer, you have to wear more than one hat, and sometimes put one in the closet and not look at it,” says Grose. “As a standup comic, I don’t bring props on stage. We standups kind of turn our noses up at anybody who uses more than their voice. But there is demand for magic, and we’re going to provide it.”

That market demand will be met by Mathew Disero, a talented Canadian magician who has worked with Penn and Teller.

Read more.

Thank you to our September 2018 friends!

Updated at 7:30pm to add:

• Thank you also to Matt DiSero!

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 September 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.

--
* This book is intended for mature audiences.

Vancouver: Absolute Magic at The Fringe

The Vancouver Fringe Festival runs from September 6th to the 16th.


From the Vancouver Fringe:

Expect the unexpected from world-class Magician Keith Brown. He’s inspired wonder in over 22 countries and counting. Toronto’s best magician and he’s not even from Toronto! Prepare to be engaged in extraordinary feats of magic that you have to see in order to believe!

Read more.

From Keith Brown's Twitter feed:

Photo by @averyschaffer during @londonfringe
Absolute Magic plays @vancouverfringe September 6 to 16th on Granville Click link in bio or go to https://t.co/muJH2JjaYC for details!#portrait #vanfringe #blackandwhite#photography#londonfringe #yyz #… https://t.co/IxJKsQniMZ pic.twitter.com/v9rQCEJh9J

— Keith Brown (@KeithHBrown) August 28, 2018

W. C. Shelly

John Smithman posted a while back, that "W.C. Shelly was the second president (1944-1945) of the Vancouver Magic Circle. He was a prominent business man and politician in Vancouver who had a park named in his honour."

Not to shabby to have a park named after a magician!

Here's a photo of John at the park:





I think he started a trend, because Shawn Farquhar recently posted a similar photo!


From Shawn Farquhar's Twitter feed:

The VMC annual picnic held at a park named after one of our members! #farquharfun #shawnfarquhar #vmc75 https://t.co/BG7ewp9REj pic.twitter.com/5tm5X7wvXn

— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) August 20, 2018

Catching up with The Sentimentalists

Scroll down to see upcoming public appearances by Steffi and Chris at Magic Monday (Santa Monica) and The Revival Bar (Toronto).


From Facebook, watch The Sentimentalists on CHCH: