Top 5 posts in August 2020

 There were 20 posts at Canada's Magic last month.  Here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days:

5. Broken wand: Paul Wildbaum - Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this time.

4. Clinton Gray on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" - Congratulations Clinton!

3. First magic performance in Canada? - Well, in what is now considered to be Canada.

2. Did you know that Harry Potter performed in Canada in 1858? - Canadian magic trivia brought to you by a US transplant.

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. "Illusions: The Art of Magic" in Apollo Magazine  - A fabulous exhibit at the AGO.  Visit if you can.

Carisa Hendrix: 2019 AMA Stage Magician of the Year

Congratulations to Carisa Hendrix (Lucy Darling) for winning the AMA 2019 Stage Magician of the Year award!

Congratulations also to all of the other nominees and winners! Keep up the great work everyone!

Congratulations to @CarisaHendrix (Lucy Darling) for winning @MagicCastle_AMA 2019 Stage Magician of the Year!

Congratulations also to all of the other nominees! Keep up the great work everyone! pic.twitter.com/wdpLLYlQn3

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 24, 2020

Magician attacked by squirrel

Another curious find by Lee Asher, published on Twitter on August 13th:

So #Magic #playingcard legend Derek Dingle got into a fight with a #Torontonian Squirrel ... and lost. #VisciouslyBitten I mean if it was a #beaver, I'd understand. But a #squirrel???

So #Magic #playingcard legend Derek Dingle got into a fight with a #Torontonian Squirrel ... and lost. #VisciouslyBitten

I mean if it was a #beaver, I'd understand. But a #squirrel???

Hey @TOMentalist ... perhaps you could shed some light on this? 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/tUrMvckeCP

— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) August 13, 2020

Carisa Hendrix nominated for AMA Stage Magician of the Year (virtual awards presented August 23rd)

Congratulations on your nomination Carisa!

 

From the August 20th post on the Magic Castle Facebook page:

Votes are in! Who will win???

Tune in to find out Sunday, August 23rd, at 7pm PT, for the AMA AWARDS Virtual Experience! You don't wanna miss #MAGIC's big night! Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and spread the word. It's free! All are welcome to this family-friendly celebration of magic. No password or special software needed. Winners, surprises, and more! ✨🏰🏆

www.magiccastle.com/awards

Former RCAF officer is Christchurch's Official Wizard

From the August 10th article "This man gets paid US$10,000 a year to be a city's official wizard" by Julia Hollingsworth in CTV News:

For decades, the city has had an official wizard. Born in the United Kingdom, Ian Brackenbury Channell settled in New Zealand in the 1970s, where he became known as The Wizard. As if to reinforce how serious he is, he even held a New Zealand driver's license issued to The Wizard, although he says he hasn't officially changed his name.

Over the years, he became a fixture in the city. On the paved square in front of Christchurch's cathedral, he pontificated on his life theories, wore wizard robes and became such a well-known figure that he earned himself a TripAdvisor rating (four out of five stars). Since 1998, he's been paid 16,000 New Zealand dollars (US$10,400) annually by the Christchurch City Council for "wizardry."

Read more.

ICYMI: "Magic Camp," the movie inspired by Magic Mike Segal

ICYMI, last week Disney released the movie "Magic Camp" which was inspired by Mike Segal's brainchild, Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp.  The first iteration was written by Mike's brother-in-law.  Mike did consulting (as did Justin Willman) for this project which was 17 years in the making!

I don't have access to Disney Plus so I haven't seen it yet.  If you have, I'd love to hear your review!

 

Last night I watched Magic Camp on Disney+ and I have to be honest.

It’s easily one of the BEST representations of magic in a movie I have ever seen. It’s true and honest and will EASILY inspire thousands and thousands of future magicians!
Bravo Disney!

— Daniel Garcia (@garciamagic) August 15, 2020

Vancouver: Shawn Farquhar's Hidden Wonders

From the August 7th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

Well, it's in the newspaper, so it must be happening. I plan to open the doors to the new Hidden Wonders on Friday, August 28th. The first show is sold out. Don't get excited, I'm only admitting 12-14 people per show, lol. I want to be safe and keep people spaced out. I have created a bunch of new stuff that is interactive and non-contact. Bring on the fun... it's been so long...

Alex Kazam at Camp Cataract

From the August 9th Facebook post by Alex Kazam:

I'm very excited to announce my first public live show since MARCH! Happening at Camp Cataract on August 28th 2020 at 8pm!

Tickets available here!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/alexkazam/404745

Greg Frewin on YourTV Niagara

From the August 7th YourTV Niagara Facebook post:

Master Magician Greg Frewin With Niagara recently moving into stage 3, Master Magician @Greg Frewin and his team have resumed shows at The Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls. Greg spoke to the Source about coming back after an almost five month break, what safety procedures are in place for his staff and guests, and a few charity events taking place at the Theatre in the coming weeks.

Broken wand: Paul Wildbaum

Updated August 18th to add:

• Alex Kazam has a wonderful 3 part tribute to Paul on Facebook.  Part 1, part 2, and part 3.
  

 

More information will be posted as it becomes available.  Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this difficult time.

From the August 15th Facebook post by Peter Loung:

I am not one to throw the word genius around lightly, especially when referring to an individual. However, in this case that term cannot be more apt of a description for this genuinely beautiful and ridiculously talented soul. Paul Wildbaum was, and forever will be, the measuring stick in which other circus folk measure their skill. For over two decades I have had the honour and privilege to share both the stage and in-depth conversations, ranging the gamut from existential thought to the efficacy of wearing a clown nose, with this legend. To quote William Shakespeare, he was “…a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy…” and he was my friend. I am truly saddened to my core to hear of his passing yesterday, and no amount of words can impart the loss that I, and indeed the world, has suffered.

RIP Paul Wildbaum, you will be sorely missed.

My dear dear friend, mentor and veritable genius in all things circus and clown, Paul Wildbaum has passed.

I missed him after I moved away from Toronto and now won’t get another moment with the master. Rest In Peace sweet clown prince. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AUjNEALaLx

— Bill Abbott (@billabbottlive) August 15, 2020

View this post on Instagram

Sad to report the passing of Paul Wildbaum. Paul was unquestionably a unique performer in Toronto, blending magic with clowning, mime and an assortment of allied arts. He was an inspiration and mentor to many. He will be deeply missed. (Photo: Seen here as Doctor-Professor Faux-Pas, performing the Human Glockenspiel at the Year-End Banquet, June 2012)

A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub) on Aug 15, 2020 at 4:58pm PDT

  

Clinton Gray on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us"

From the August 6th post by Clinton Gray on Facebook:

Alyson Hannigan is not really scared of my “Arm Chopper of Doom!” She is scared because we are filming during a pandemic and I’m about to get really close and touch her a lot. Catch my appearance on Penn & Teller Fool Us, August 17, 9pm on the CW Network.

Luc Langevin at Casino de Paris in January 2022.

From the August 5th Twitter post by Luc Langevin:

Official announcement

My shows at the Casino de Paris in January 2021 are postponed to January 2022.
If you have a ticket, it is automatically valid for the new period.
That said, you won't have to wait until 2022 to experience my magic live ...

🚨Annonce officielle🚨Mes spectacles au Casino de Paris en janvier 2021 sont reportés en janvier 2022.
Si vous détenez un billet, il est automatiquement valide pour la nouvelle période.
Cela dit, vous n’aurez pas à attendre 2022 pour vivre ma magie en Live... 😏 pic.twitter.com/OM4bfudy3F

— Luc Langevin (@LucLangevin) August 5, 2020

"Illusions: The Art of Magic" in Apollo Magazine

I had the good fortune to visit this exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario back in February.  You can read my "Random thoughts about 'Illusions: The Art of Magic.'"

"Illusions: The Art of Magic" is scheduled to close at the AGO on November 8th.

From the July 24th article "Illusions: The Art of Magic" in Apollo Magazine:

The celebrity performers of their day, magicians were integral to the show-business boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, embarking on worldwide tours to dazzle audiences with their tricks and stunts. This display of posters, photographs and archival documents at the Art Gallery of Ontario (until 8 November) explores the remarkable feats of performers such as Harry Kellar and Harry Houdini, as well as lesser known magicians such as Adelaide Herrmann, while a series of projections shines a light on famous illusions of the era.

Read more.

[via The Society of American Magicians]

Vincenzo Ravina in CTV News

The Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" episode with Vincenzo Ravina aired on August 3rd.

From the July 27th article "Halifax magician uses sleight of hand to earn way into Vegas-based show" by Amanda Debison in CTV News:

"It was very intimidating and I was very nervous," says Ravina. "I usually perform at little open mics around town, or at the Bus Stop Theatre for an audience of less than a hundred. This was an audience of 500, plus Penn and Teller, plus Alyson Hannigan, so it was a whirlwind."

Ravina's love of magic began when he was little.

"There was a magician who worked at a restaurant downtown, his name was David Moon," explains Ravina. "He looked like a wizard and would do magic. I loved going there as a kid and would just be amazed. I started studying magic after that."

Read more.

[via The Society of American Magicians]

Did you know that Harry Potter performed in Canada in 1858?

Technically, not Canada.  Yet.  But in what is now Canada.

From the August 28th, 2015 post "Harry Potter and Itinerant Entertainment in Dundas" by Emily Herron from the Dundas Museum:

On May 21st 1858, there appeared in the Dundas True Banner and Wentworth Chronicle, an advertisement. This advertisement would be exciting for readers — especially young readers — today. Why? It announced that Harry Potter was coming to Dundas! And Harry Potter was a magician, known as the original American Wizard! The ad reported that Harry Potter would entertain audiences at the Town Hall the next night. Modern readers would be surprised — and delighted — to read of Harry Potter in a 19th century Dundas newspaper. While this appears to be a coincidence, we want to know more about this performer.

Read more.

With thanks to Lee Asher for digging up this gem!

FUN FACT: Did you know there was a real-life #magician named Harry Potter, and he performed in #Canada? Crazy, eh? https://t.co/n1xPQ7PEi8 pic.twitter.com/8ELJt9vzvk

— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) August 5, 2020

Lawrence Larouche's virtual Happy Hour

From the July 3rd Facebook post by Lawrence Larouche:

HAPPY HOUR has just become more magical! Poor yourself a drink and join us at the Factory Fantastic for an hour of unbelievable interactive magic & mentalism. This is a live show in which you can participate in all the magical mischief served up by master magician and mentalist Lawrence Larouche. Click on the link for tickets. One ticket allows your household to take part in all the paranormal activities. Limited screens available… so don’t wait till the last minute. Friday the 7th at 5:00 p.m. VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE: Let the mind games begin!. Ticket available here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtually-impossible-let-the-mind-games-begin-tickets-114771847686

Thank you to our August 2020 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, Gwyn Auger, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, John Smithman, Richard Hough, Robin Dawes, Eric Bedard, and Loran 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.

Chris Funk on Masters of Illusion (August 7)

From the July 31st Instagram post by ChrisFunkMagic:

So excited for Masters of Illusion on August 7th. After years of trial and error, one of my signature pieces will make its primetime debut! So much hard work went into this. Crowds seem to love it! Here's a teaser. Check your local listings for time and channel.

View this post on Instagram

So excited for Masters of Illusion on August 7th. After years of trial and error, one of my signature pieces will make its primetime debut! So much hard work went into this. Crowds seem to love it! Here's a teaser. Check your local listings for time and channel. #corporateentertainment #corporatemagician #eventplanner #worldtraveller #internationalmanofwonder #thewonderist #tvmagician #headliner #magic #wonder #guitar #eventplanner #privateparty

A post shared by Cʜʀɪs Fᴜɴᴋ Tʜᴇ Wᴏɴᴅᴇʀɪsᴛ (@chrisfunkmagic) on Jul 29, 2020 at 11:02am PDT

Thank you to our August 2020 sponsors!

This is a reminder that our sponsors also have bills to pay and mouths to feed.  If you have the means, please support them by making a purchase if possible. 

If you would like to show your support for our sponsors, but have no immediate need for their products, consider purchasing a gift certificate which you can put to use (or not) at a later time.

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,
• Ty Reveen - catch him on his Fall tour, and 
• Brent Smith, owner of The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop!

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.

New dates for FISM NACM in 2021

From the July 27th FISM NACM 2021 Facebook post:

We are pleased to announce the new dates for FISM NACM in 2021. The Canadian Championship of Magic 2021 and a 3rd contest for junior international and Canadian magicians will also take place. More information to come in September 2020!