5. Shin Lim takes on Bohemian Rhapsody - A very creative and magical take on this classic!
4. ICYMI: Darcy Oake and Chris Ramsay in "A Series of Impossible Events!" - Super fun video!
3. The 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award - Thank you all for helping us celebrate the great talent in this country.
2. Random thoughts: "Champions of Magic" 2019 - Quick recap: so. much. FUN! (Remaining Canadian dates: Saskatoon (January 16), Regina (January 17), Prince George (January 26), and Rama (February 29).)
1. Vote now for the 2019 Readers' Choice award - And vote you did! Congratulations again to the winners and to all of the nominees!
Surprising The Homeless with MAGIC! (Try Not To Cry)
a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.
Editor's note:
- The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
- The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October
Editor's note:
- In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
- In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
- Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
- Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).
Editor's note:Website: RyanJoyce.com
- In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival, Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.
Editor's note:
- Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge!
Editor's note:
- After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!
Edtitor's note:
- Anastasia has over 30 implants.
- You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
- Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."
Editor's note:
- Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
- They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
- Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House." They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.
This was extremely challenging making this video!
Absolutely no CGI was used on the card tricks in this routine.
One of my all time favorite songs, I hope you like this tribute to it.
Check out my interview on The Kind Of Late Show with host/comedian Veronica Antipolo!
Also some very funny Christmas tunes by comedian Nikki Yee. Thanks to Frequency5fm for having me out!
You must have heard about Doctors Without Borders, well yesterday we had a visit from Magicians Without Borders, a non-profit organization founded by Tom Verner and Janet Fredericks. It was a real fun and fascinating day. These people go around the world spreading magic. What fun that must be. Harry Chaucer (on the right) was here with a friend. Harry is a magician without borders.
Here are a couple of photos. They’ve been all over the planet entertaining people. The audience seems to be enjoying it. According to the literature they left me, they have been performing since 2003 for one million children in many of the most war-torn, difficult places in the world like Haiti, Sudan, Burma, and Bangladesh as well as for veterans in the US. They came up from Vermont to see us and it was fun and educational.
Read more.
I will be in the 2019 Spectacular Showcase December 28 & 29. This cabaret show is a fun two days to be part of an ensemble cast. If you are looking for a fun family show between Christmas and New Year come out and join us. I you are going to be at one of the two shows, shoot me a private message so we can catch up following the show.
Excited to be back at my home away from home- Niagara Falls! Upcoming Shows...
Dec 21- 24: Sheraton the Falls : 8:30 pm
Dec 25: Fern Resort : 8:30 pm
Dec 26- 28: Sheraton on the Falls: 8:30 pm
Dec 29-30: Crowne Plaza Hotel Niagara: 8:30 pm
Dec 31: Invista Centre Kingston: 8:00 pm
Jan 1- 4 : Crowne Plaza Hotel: 8:30 pm
FREE I.B.M. JAM!
Spend a full day of learning and jamming with magic masters. Open exclusively to I.B.M. members.
Jan. 12, 2020.
10am-4pm, WyndhamGrand Pittsburgh
Details at IBMJAM.com
*Advertisers in The Linking Ring get a free Dealer Table!*
Peacefully with her family by her side, on Sunday, December 8th, 2019, at St Joseph's Hospice, London, Ontario, in her 68th year. Beloved wife of John McMullen for nine years. Loving mother of Angela Gilbert and Holly Ridgeway, stepmother of Marci Hutchinson, Alex McMullen and Josh McMullen, adored grandmother of Chase, Cienna, Ciara, Aiden, Ali, Grace, Eleanor, Nicole, Jordyn, and Harlea. Survived by sisters Dianne and Janet. Predeceased by her parents Lillian and Clifford.
Read more.
36. David Acer
I just bought a Canada Goose jacket. I love it—it’s warm, it’s comfortable. The only problem is, whenever I run into other people wearing Canada Goose jackets, we all have to walk in a V-formation.
Follow Montreal comedian David Acer on Twitter @David_Acer.
Read more.
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| Champions of Magic. Photo credit: Champions of Magic. |
Note to parents of young children: The music can be very loud at times throughout the show. There's also a smoke machine involved. Forewarned is forearmed.
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| Young (sporting the jersey of the Oshawa Generals) and Strange. Photo credit: William Balfour, Spectra Experiences. |
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| Kelly and Dave help out Alex McAleer. Photo credit: William Balfour, Spectra Experiences. |
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| Fernando Velasco in danger. Photo credit: William Balfour, Spectra Experiences. |
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| Kayla Drescher with Mason and Brian. Photo credit: William Balfour, Spectra Experiences. |
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| Marissa Maiorana flying high. Photo credit: William Balfour, Spectra Experiences. |
Thank you Oshawa @MyTributeCentre for a really fun show last night! One more on this leg of the Canadian tour at @Place_Bell arena tonight, then we're back in January with shows at @SaskTelCtr, @conexusartscntr, @CNCentre and @CasinoRamaLive. We love Canada! pic.twitter.com/2Br52oiyMR— Champions Of Magic (@ChampionsMagic) December 15, 2019
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.
Brilliant show! Wasn't sure what to expect but it exceeded all expectations!— Sun, surf & sand (@dawnlrogers) December 15, 2019
It was a great show. Will definitely see it again.— Lesley Kielly (@lesley_kielly) December 15, 2019
Was at the #ChampionsOfMagic show today at the #TributeCommunitiesCente and was awesome! What a great show, we were truly amazed #YouGottaSeeThat— moOre (@_mo0re_) December 15, 2019
On Dec 16, 2019, Calgary Magician and Past President of the Calgary Magic Circle Ring 66, Randy Burtis passed away after a year long battle with cancer. Randy had performed magic for over 25 years, and had a passion for gospel magic. He is the author of "Gospel Illusions: Object Lessons you can do!". Randy enjoyed working with kids and families, both in magic and as a pastor. Randy is survived by his wife and two daughters. His family will be hosting a celebration of life at 11am on Dec 20 at the Centre Street Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Randy to Samaritan's Purse.
Randy was born on September 2, 1969. He passed away peacefully at his home in Calgary on December 17, 2019. Randy was a loving, nurturing father and husband with a deep, abiding faith is Jesus Christ. He was a children's pastor at Centre Street Church, a published author and a talented magician.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cara; their daughters, Katie and Julia; his mother, Heather and cousin, Mitch Bell and all of Cara's family.
Read more.
Randy wrote a book earlier this year, I’ve been encouraging people to consider purchasing even if it’s not their type of magic.
https://www.amazon.ca/Gospel-Illusions-Randy-Burtis/dp/1628628162
10 Jan 2020 at 20:00 – 11 Jan 2020 at 23:00
They are back... for real this time.
Fresh off this Season of Americas Got Talent (Quarter finalists) and last season on Penn and Tellers Fool Us (Foolers), The Sentimentalists.
World renowned mentalist Mysterion teams with The first lady of mentalism Steffi Kay creating a two person mind reading experience that is truly breathtaking. Steffi brings back classic couture. Her vintage look will transport you back to the golden age of magic. Mysterion has appeared on stages around the globe and on countless TV appearances. Together they showcase their incredibly special way of communicating, with a touch of humor and most importantly class.
James Harrison Lecture
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Whether you are a hobbyist looking to learn a new skill, or a professional looking for a proven trick, don’t miss this rare opportunity to add pickpocketing to your repertoire!
After 20 years of performing close up, strolling magic, James Harrison has established himself as a pickpocket specialist. He has shared his knowledge as an author for Street Magic Magazine, as well as at conferences and conventions across North America and Europe. His television show, Behind the Magic, aired on Rogers TV and his recent appearance on Modern Rogue has been trending on YouTube.
James will teach you how to interrupt and entertain any audience with the opening series from his strolling magic repertoire that lets everyone know that he is worth their time!
Tricks and topics include:
Repeat Card to Pen
A great repeat card to impossible location and Why it’s important to have more than just a Sharpie pen.
Wallet Pen
Wow a table with just a coin and pen with this series based off of Rune Klan, David Stone and Harrison’s own ideas.
Necro Tagged
A thought of word book test with a great scary story, still safe for corporate.
Card CollectionA great segue for handing out business cards – it is a card trick without playing cards!
Grift SenseA con man’s prediction of a spectator’s series of choices.
Ring to WatchIf you like Garret Thomas’ Ring Thing, you will love this perfect segue into pickpocketing.
PickPocketingWatch? Wallet? Cell phone? Anything that is not nailed down! How to deal with change in clothing styles. Who to choose, and more importantly, who NOT to choose!
"It's been a pleasure to work with James at one of the largest hackers convention in Vegas. I watched him explain the how to’s of pickpocketing to a packed room, and still steal off them mere moments later. Watch and learn from him now, while you still can, because soon the whole world will be booking him up.”
Brian Brushwood - host of Modern Rogue and Scam Nation
“I will highly recommend James Harrison’s knowledge and skills… an opportunity not to be missed out on” James Brown, Professional Opportunist
We look forward to you joining us on the 11th!
Read more and buy tickets.
Steve stole the show and had a shining moment with his personal story of how he told and showed his daughter all about snow, as they were moving from California to Canada. He got a girl of 9 to join him on stage as he made it snow from his hands from water and literally nothing and then the snow engulfed the entire stage to create a shining, spectacular white Christmas illusion. If you are in town, this show is a must, and well worth the price of admission. The performances will leave you inspired and feeling all the magic of the holidays.
Read more.
We organized a three-day magicians convention, produced a four-day festival featuring five stage shows, two parlour shows, and first-ever Livestream Magic Special during the seven days.
The OWOW Festival scheduled magicians performing table-to-table at local restaurants, secret sessions for magicians, world-class gala magic shows at the Fergus Grand Theatre and exclusive private events around town.
This year we featured twelve internationally acclaimed magicians, Stephen Bargatze, Michael Close, Greg Frewin, Carisa Hendrix, Rick Merrill, Paul Romhany, Jay Sankey, Nicholas Wallace, Owen Anderson, Ryan Joyce, Cody Moynihan, Peter Mennie, Graemazing Reed and Ed Stone.
Read more.
The producers of a show I'm doing at the Keystone Amphitheatre in Brandon Manitoba on Jan 25th, asked me to make a teaser video for the performance. Here it is,...A little low res, low tech ( just like me )video promo. I'm really looking forward to being there. Thank god I'm not in video production, I'd go broke.
January 19th is confirmed for our annual Magic Show at the Arts Centre. Two shows: 1 pm & 3 pm. We are not able to perform in the Frazee Gallery like last year as the Gallery will have an exhibition set up,but we can use the smaller room that seats about 45 people.
To celebrate the end of our THIRD season of the Newest Trick in the Book we’re throwing a party. No wait, a show. No wait, we’re throwing BOTH!
Join us at See-Scape for our last event of the Year - and also our biggest one ever. Doors open at 8pm and then the show starts at 8:30, featuring TEN of our favourite performers from the past year, including:
- Mark Correia
- Bobby Motta
- Jacqueline Swan
- Patrick Nemeth
- Chris Mayhew
Editor's note:
- Gwyn performed solo in the May 13th Celebrities of Magic - Variety Show Spectacular #2
Editor's note:
- The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
- The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October
Editor's note:
- In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
- In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
- Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
- Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).
Editor's note:Website: RyanJoyce.com
- In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival, Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.
Editor's note:
- Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge!
Editor's note:
- This is a very complete nomination submission. I've got nothing to add!
Editor's note:
- Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
- They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
- Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House." They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.
Editor's note:
- After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!
Edtitor's note:
- Anastasia has over 30 implants.
- You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
- Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."
Regarding the actual shoot. Look, I’ve been a full time act since I was 16. I’ve never had a day job. I’m a lifer and as a result, like many of you, the social aspect of being on a multi person show is huge. It IS the juice. I have better sets when I’m joking around with the other acts before I go on. It helps me get into the zone. This will NOT happen on Fool US. When you shoot you’ll be isolated from the other acts.
You can’t watch them do camera block, tech rehearsal or shoot the live show. You can’t be in the audience. You literally sit in a little room waiting to be called to go out and tape. After make up you’re kind of in a jail cell. If you’re hoping to hang with the acts backstage, forget it. Afterwards in the bar yes, but during the show, no. It’s hard to be alone and not get to chill with the acts especially on such a high pressure shoot. Be aware of that and get ready for it.
Read more.
Our next Free Magic Club Meeting is this Saturday December 7 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. All welcome!
