Top 5 posts in March 2021

There were 28+ posts at Canada's Magic this month.  Here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days: 

5. Broken wand: Rod Doiron - Our condolences to Rod's family and friends. 

4. Keith Brown in support of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario's Purple Palooza [Mar 26] - Great cause to support!

3. You're invited to a CAM JAM with Steve Valentine - Soooo good!

2. Broken wand: Paul Royter - Our condolences to Paul's family and friends.

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Worldwide search for new magic in collaboration with Murphy's Magic and CAM - Can't wait to see the ideas that come out of this collaboration!

 

Vitaly Beckman in the Vancouver Sun

From the March 24th post "Vancouver-based magician Vitaly Beckman fools Penn & Teller for second time" by Stuart Derdeyn in the Vancouver Sun:

“It’s ironic that I was performing in (Las) Vegas and went to see the last taping Season 7 of Fool Us as a guest on March 14, and the next day everything closed down,” said Beckman. “Suddenly, I had a lot of time on my hands to work on new illusions for my act, so when I heard Penn & Teller were doing the show virtually, I thought, ‘Why not? Let’s see if I can still impress them after a five-year break.’ ”

Read more.

Chris Ramsay teams up with Immersive Tech

From the March 22nd article "Immersive Tech Teams Up With Celebrity YouTube Creator Chris Ramsay On An Exclusive Immersive Experience That Will Be Featured On His Social Media Channels To His 6.4 Million Fans" at Street Insider:

“Celebrity vlogger, magician and social media influencer Chris Ramsay will be teaming up with Immersive Tech to provide an immersive experience like no other!” said Immersive Tech CEO Tim Bieber. “While the nature of this highly anticipated experience will be kept confidential until the video premieres, I promise all that it will be a truly engaging experience that will invite fans and the public to actively participate in a companion experience. I hope that this announcement will be the start of a long and productive relationship with Mr. Ramsay,” said Bieber.

Chris Ramsay said, “I am stoked to be teaming up with my fellow Canadian experiential experts at Immersive. I am impressed with the Company’s trailblazing attitude and technology as it positions itself to be the global leader in the emerging AR/VR - LBE based products through 'UNCONTAINED',” said Ramsay. This project with Mr. Ramsay will have narrative tie-ins to the upcoming flagship “UNCONTAINED” experience, offering fans an opportunity to be part of the story themselves.

Read more.

Save the date for the 52 Plus Joker annual gala convention

From the February 10th Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

Playing Card lovers - UNITE! @52PlusJoker will hold an annual #playingcard convention in Niagara Falls, New York this October 20th through 23rd, 2021.
.
Make plans to be there. Your #playingcardcollection will thank you!

 

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A post shared by 52 Plus Joker (@52plusjoker)

 

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A post shared by Lee Asher | Playing Cards (@leeashermagic)

 

 

FISM / NACM Quebec 2021

From FISM/NACM Quebec 2021:

September 30 to October 3, 2021
2021 North American FISM Magic Championship
and CAMaraderie 2021

The largest magic convention ever held in Canada and three important magic competitions!

• The 2021 Canadian CAM Magic Championships
• 2021 North American FISM Magic Championship
• The "Michel Cailloux" International Magic Contest for those 17 and under.
  

Goals:

• Identify up to 15 magicians who can represent North America at the FISM World Championship of Magic in 2022
• Crown the next 2021 Canadian Champion of Magic
• Crown the next champion, aged 17 and under, in the "Michel Cailloux" International Magic Competition.
  
  

Read more and register.

Carisa Hendrix at Kids' Entertainer Fest

From the March 11 Facebook post by Buster Balloon Caldwell:

June 3, 4, & 5th (and maybe just a little bit of the 6th).

Registration is now open at...
https://www.eventbrite.com/.../kids-entertainer-fest...

Check out our amazing Line-up of instructors and performers!

Azhelle Wade, The Toy Coach
https://www.thetoycoach.com
https://www.facebook.com/thetoycoach/

Carisa Hendrix
https://www.carisahendrix.com
https://www.facebook.com/carisa.hendrix

Chriscapehartmastermagician.com
https://www.chriscapehartmastermagician.com
https://www.facebook.com/chris.capehart.79

Fay Presto
http://www.faypresto.com
https://www.facebook.com/faypresto/

Gus Davis
https://gusdavis.com
https://www.facebook.com/gameshowstogo

Heather Green
https://www.facebook.com/FABAtv
https://www.facebook.com/SillyFarmSupplies

Iman Lizarazu
https://www.imanlizarazu.com
https://www.facebook.com/iman.lizarazu

Katie Rosa Marchese
https://www.mariothemagician.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rosamarchese

Leah Orleans
https://theabcsoffitness.com
https://www.facebook.com/theabcsoffitness

Lindsay Benner
https://www.lindsaybenner.com/
ttps://www.facebook.com/womeninvaudeville

Regina Martinez
http://www.sillysparkles.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sillysparklesclown

Marcela Murad
ttps://www.facebook.com/MarciPoppinsandFriends/

Yasu Ishida
https://www.yasutheatre.com/
https://www.facebook.com/yasumagic

 

The Ontario Science Centre's show The Science of Magic

From the March 17th Facebook post by Neil Croswell:

The show explored the relationship between science and magic and we were joined by Illusionarium creator, Jamie Allan, as well as Richard Wiseman, psychologist and creator of Quirkology. These gentlemen joined us from their studios in the UK while my fellow cast mates, Cammy Gibson, Caitlin Mckeon and I, live-streamed directly from the Illusionarium in Toronto. 

Thank you to all involved! 

For those interested in all things science and magic it is a great watch and the recording of the event can be viewed back here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZPSWxWVdbg

 

 

 

 

Due to the notice from the Ontario Government on March 19th, Illusionarium will now open on April 3rd.

We are in the process off rescheduling tickets and reaching out to everyone affected.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times!

— Illusionariumto (@illusionariumto) March 20, 2021

 

Mark Clearview's Try This at Home - now with Nick Wallace! [Mar 27 & 28]

From the March 14th Instagram post by Nick Wallace:

My friend @markclearview has been doing some really fun virtual shows. And now he’s inviting friends to join him. This month that friend is me. So you can join both of us on March 27th and 28th form the comfort of your own home. Best part of all - it’s Pay What You Can. Magic. Comedy. You. Me. Mark. Try This At Home. Head on over to @markclearview for all the ticket info.  [www.markclearview.com/trythisathome]

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Broken wand: Roman Szydlowski (Romaine)

Updated March 29th to add:

• Link to Romaine's obituary at Dignity Memorial.
  
• Link to Luiz Castro's wonderful tribute to Romaine.
  

 

Updated at 9:35am EST to add some thoughts about Romaine from Jeff McBride (bottom of post).

 

Our sincere condolences to Romaine's family and friends.  

You can read a little about Romaine in our post from last December, "A lifetime of achievement: Romaine (Roman Szydlowski)."

 

From the March 21st Facebook post by Phil Matlin at Perfect Magic:

It's with a heavy heart I am informing you of the passing of Romaine Saturday March 20th. A long time friend for over 40 years and an unbroken 35 years of of spending Christmas and New Years with him and Joan. Originally in Montreal and it continued after they moved to Kitchener. Not only a close friend, but he was also my mentor in magic. His knowledge and willingness to share it with me was exceptional. Known world wide as Monarch of Manipulators, and wherever he went he got 5 star reviews. Romaine will be remembered and missed in the magic community. RIP my friend.

 

 

 

 

From the March 21st Facebook post by Phil Matlin at Perfect Magic:

To all those who have asked or will be asking, at this moment there are no additional details such funeral home, dates etc. As soon as I get any additional information, it will be posted here on the Perfect Magic [Facebook] site.

[Guest post] A preview of Calculated Thoughts

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon. 

--

HEADS UP - CANADIAN MENTALISTS!
(And magicians seriously interested in mentalism)

An exclusive preview for Canada's Magic

by The Magic Demon

Doug Dyment, longtime resident of Gibsons on the "Sunshine Coast" in beautiful British Columbia, has penned a magnificent new 398 page hardcover book containing 40 awesome routines that (in the words of Richard Webster) "will become a classic and will be read and studied by future generations of magicians and mentalists".

Entitled "Calculated Thoughts" and published by Vanishing Inc. (and retailing for $60 US) this is an impressive publication consisting of original material and material reworked from his legendary self-published manuscripts (some of which have had their original editions go out of print). Mr. Dyment has long been considered one of the foremost highly-regarded "underground" thinkers in the world of mentalism, and is a past president and lifetime member of the Psychic Entertainers Association (PEA).

Written in an erudite, precise, and clear prose style I don't believe this is a book for the casual beginner. Motivated beginners and more experienced performers will gain much, however, from its original effects and (in the words of Ken Weber) "Doug's dazzling insight[s] into some of mentalism's classic plots".

I won't waste any more space on its unanimously glowing reviews but by all means check them out for yourself on-line at (for example) The Magic Cafe or Genii forum as well as on Doug's own unique and informative website, www.deceptionary.com. (It's well worth a visit even if you aren't yet planning to buy the book.) Doug's site also has a password protected section of corrections and supplements for "Calculated Thoughts".

I'm calling this a "preview" because I don't feel I can properly review "Calculated Thoughts" yet. It offers too much to contemplate too quickly and I've only just very recently bought it - but I can tell you how happy I am that I did and why.

Not so very long ago I was more than willing to pay $50 CDN for one of Doug's acclaimed "underground" booklets, the one dealing with his ingenious solution to one of the "core tools of mentalism", the billet tear (which he called R2D2). I was disappointed to discover the original edition had gone out of print. How pleased and excited I was to discover that for only about 50% more (Browser's Den of Magic is currently selling "Calculated Thoughts" at a very reasonable $74 CDN) I would not only get a thorough and detailed chapter full of Doug's updated and revised best billet tear explanation - but also nine other thoughtful, innovative and powerful chapters with enough new ideas, musings and variations on numerous effects to keep me reading and busy for months and months... and months. Such a deal! Was I happy? Very.

Very very, in fact.

So if you're "into" mentalism, may I humbly suggest this could be your best purchase of 2021. I already have a good feeling that it is going to be mine.

Thank you Mr. Dyment for presenting us with such an inspiring collection of your finest work. It is very much appreciated.

-----

Alternatively to obtaining your copy from the Browser's Den of Magic (where it is currently in stock and listed on their website), this site's other sponsors might also be able to special order it for you. They may even already have it in stock since I last looked.

Full Disclosure: The Magic Demon paid retail for their copy from Clownin' Around (Canada's only brick and mortar magic shop west of the Great Lakes) on Granville Island in Vancouver, BC and has received no compensation for writing these words.

 ~~~~

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

Julie Eng interviewed by Connie Boyd and on the cover of Vanish Magazine

Julie's been busy!  Not only did she participate in the Asian panel (ep 78) of Shezam, she was also interviewed by Connie Boyd and appeared on the cover of Vanish Magazine!

Watch the March 3rd episode of Magical Women with Connie Boyd, "Julie Eng #1 | Helping others through Magicana: My Magic Hands & Senior Sorcery | Magical Women #36":

From the March 1st Facebook post by Paul Romhany:

 

 

Take the Tarbell Challenge

From the March 15th Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

We're throwing out a challenge to all the magicians out there!

The Tarbell Course in Magic is widely considered one of the most important collections of magic secrets ever published. Most magicians have copies on their shelf, but few have actually gone THROUGH them. Time to change that.

For the next 8 months Jonah and Ben will be going through the Tarbell course, one book per month, competing to see who can find the coolest trick. The winner each month gets fame and fortune. The loser? A horrible punishment.

Here's how YOU can participate! First, grab book one of the Tarbell course (available from any good magic dealer as well as online as a free resource). Then, read the book. Find a cool trick.

Next, send us a video of your performance (either by emailing it to us or posting it online and tagging us). EVERYONE gets a shout out when our video comes out... but if our judges like your trick better than either of Ben's or Jonah's, YOU win the prize and the boys get punished!

Get in on the fun. Take the Tarbell challenge today!

 

 

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Carisa Hendrix at Vanishing Inc's Connected Live [March 20]

Talent includes: Carisa Hendrix, Jason Suran, Steve Thompson, Dani DaOrtiz, Mark James, Will Houstoun, Harry De Cruz, David Parr, Matt Szat, Matthew Gilmore, @Royalpainisme, Joshua Jay, and Andi Gladwin.

 

From Vanishing Inc Magic:

"Connected: Live" is an all-day online magic convention dedicated to virtual magic shows. Whether you’re a virtual magic veteran or just LOVE magic in general, this convention will provide a blueprint for developing the best possible show and exploring all the opportunities virtual magic can provide. You’ll enjoy virtual performances, lectures, panel discussions, and interactions with top luminaries in the industry.

Read more and register.

 

 

From the March 17th Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

Vitaly Beckman on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" [Mar 19]

From the March 13th Facebook post by Vitaly Beckman:

On this day, one year ago I was performing in Vegas and in the evening decided to attend the taping of Penn and Teller: Fool Us and watch the show as an audience member... it was the last filming day of season 7 and I was surprised to see a few good friends Shawn Farquhar and Clinton W. Gray being taped that night! Little did I know that from that very day I won't perform live nor see another live show for a year.

Coincidentally, I also didn't know that one year later I will be invited to participate in the Fool Us show as a contestant again... virtually! And so, I'm excited to announce that I will be performing a brand new piece of magic this Friday at 9pm on The CW. Wish me luck!

 

 

Ben Price workshop (free)

From the February 25th Facebook post by Ben Price:

Brushing up on my basics before my FREE workshop with Green Fools Theatre - If you want to learn a FULL ROUTINE that will impress your friends and family (in person or online!!) register HERE https://bit.ly/3kmM6Xz for the workshop on March 23! 

 

 

Broken wand: Paul Royter

Updated March 20th to add to bottom of post, thoughts by Scott Boyd posted to Facebook on March 17th.

 

Updated March 18 to add a link to the Magician's Talking Magic podcast tribute to Paul, "Ep 116: Paul Royter: Lessons from a Touring Legend."

This was a difficult episode to record Thanks to Sam Pearce for joining. Ep 116: Paul Royter: Lessons from a Touring Legend https://t.co/j9GIWqpq8c pic.twitter.com/TBZUzbDCGy

— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) March 17, 2021

 

Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this impossible time. 

More details will be posted as they become available.

 

From the March 14th Tweet by Ryan Joyce:

Sad to learn Paul Royter has passed. He was an amazing hypnotist, magician and mentor. He changed my life and I'm forever grateful. Rest in peace, Paul.

— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) March 14, 2021

Calgary: Lachlan outside Pages Books

From the March 12th Instagram post by the Calgary Magic Circle:

 

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A post shared by Calgary Magic Circle (@calgarymagiccircle)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worldwide search for new magic in collaboration with Murphy's Magic and CAM

 Learn more about the CAM Creator initiative by visiting cammagic.org/creators!

 

This is going to be incredible!! A worldwide search for new magic and magicians with @cammagicorg and @MurphysMagic already tons of interest! 👉https://t.co/Wq1okXyCLc https://t.co/SS2xmN7F80

— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) March 12, 2021

 

Ring 66 hosts a mini lecture and Q&A by Lance Burton

From the February 24th Instagram post by the Calgary Magic Circle:

Join us next month for our monthly meeting with a special guest lecture by club member @lanceburtonmm - 7pm MST - included with your membership - not a member yet? Join today - location in Calgary is not necessary the meeting is on Zoom! 

 

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A post shared by Calgary Magic Circle (@calgarymagiccircle)

 

 

 

 

Thank you to our March Friends!

A quick reminder of our earlier Mail as Medicine request for Katie Hunt.  If you have the time, Katie and Doug would both benefit from hearing from their friends!

 --

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

 

 

Museum of Surrey hosts "Mandrake the Magician" exhibit

Click through and scroll to the end of the CBC article to listen to Lon Mandrake chat about his father to Stephen Quinn.

 

From the February 28th post "World-renowned Mandrake the Magician star of new exhibition at Surrey, B.C., museum" by CBC News:

Lon Mandrake has teamed up with Museum of Surrey staff to pay tribute to his famed father, who died in 1993, in a new exhibition that is open to the public until May 16.
 
Visitors will have the opportunity to see magical tools of the trade like Leon's decks of cards and magic wand, posters from performances, comics from that era and costumes belonging to Mandrake the Magician and his assistant, Lon's mom Velvet.

"My dad's philosophy of life was really interesting. It made for a very happy, very happy family," said Mandrake. "He always said, you know, magic could stimulate a sense of wonder about the world... that sense of excitement of the unknown leads you to find, you know, life more interesting."

Read more and listen to Stephen Quinn speak with Lon Mandrake.

Julie Eng in the Asian panel (ep 78) of Shezam and Sleightly Sketchy (Where are you from?)

Listen to episode 78 of Shezam where Kayla Drescher hosts a panel who talk about their experiences being performers of Asian descent.  Topics include cultural appropriation, micro-aggressions, and the use of "exotic" props.  The panelists who admirably navigate these complex and nuanced topics are:  Felice Ling, Makoto Halverson, Ed Kwon, Courtney Pong, and Julie Eng.

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A post shared by Shezam Pod (@shezampod)

As the third generation in my family to be born in Canada, we're very familiar with the conversation that begins with the question, "Where are you from?"

You're invited to a CAM JAM with Steve Valentine

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

Wed., Mar. 10  |  Join us in ZOOM 

We're excited to announce CAM JAM on MARCH 10 at 8 pm EST features the incredible, Steve Valentine! You don't want to miss this! Add the event to your calendar here. This is open to all magicians, membership is not required. French-speaking guests join us 30 minutes early (at 7:30 pm EST)

Read more and RSVP.

Broken wand: Rod Doiron

Rod passed on March 3rd.  

Updated March 18th to add the link to an official obituary:

Rod was a wonderful magician. Magic was the joy of his life. His stage show afforded him a chance to demonstrate his wonderful sense of humor and dazzle and confound his audiences with his illusions. His close-up magic was, well, magical. In typical Rod fashion, after mastering many aspects of the craft, he gave back to those aspiring to do likewise. He spent hours teaching effects to young magicians. 

 

Updated March 8th to include Josh Jay's wonderful tribute to Rod at the bottom of this post.

 

Our thoughts are with Rod's family and friends at this impossible time.

 

From the March 5th post by Mike Northorp in the Conjurers' Court, IBM Ring 316 - Halifax, NS Facebook group:

It brings me great sadness to share the news that Rod Doiron passed away this past weekend.
 
This is a big shock to us all, and a huge loss for the magic community and his friends and family. I've tried to reach out to many of you personally to share the news and I apologize if I missed anyone, but hoping this reaches a wider group of people.  

I currently don't have any details on funeral arrangements etc but will share when I get more information. I'll also work with Bill VanGorder and the club executive about putting together a broken wand ceremony for him.  

Sorry to have to share such sad news with you all.

GoFundMe to send Benjamin Déziel to study the Art of Magic in Paris

From Benjamin Déziel's GoFundMe:

I started magic when I was 9 years old after seeing a magic show at my parents wedding. The experience blew me away and I remember asking my dad how the performer did it. He told me that if I wanted to know, I would have to become a magician. I lived in a small Inuit community called Kangiqsujuaq all my life so I would stay in my room and just practice my art. I have done shows in french, english and Inuktitut. After 8 years, I have performed in different places across North America, been a finalist for 6 years in a row at the Concour International de Magie Michel Cailloux and attended Tannen's magic camp.

Read more and donate.

Keith Brown in support of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario's Purple Palooza [Mar 26]

From the February 16th Facebook post by Keith Brown:

Excited to announce, I will be the featured sponsor entertainment for Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario's Purple Palooza on Friday, March 26th! 

They have a fundraising goal of $35,000 and are already well on their way. 

Join us for an evening of entertainment, guest speakers, silent auction; all in support of a great cause. 

Event Link: https://trellis.org/purple-palooza
 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheldon Casavant in The Weston Edmonton's Magic Show and Local Dinner Event Series

From the February 15th Facebook post of The Weston Edmonton:

Entertainer of the Year by Canadian Events Industry Sheldon Casavant and The Westin Edmonton are happy to announce the next Magic Show and Local Dinner Event Series.⁣
⁣
Sheldon isn’t your everyday magician. Recognized as one of Canada’s most sought after performers, he engages diverse audiences with a repertoire of magic that is highly interactive and fun.⁣
⁣
Show 1 - March 13th ⁣
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-stpatricks-day-magic-show-dinner-event-tickets-140608270121⁣
⁣
Show 2 - April 3rd ⁣
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/an-easter-day-magic-show-dinner-event-tickets-140608607129⁣
⁣
Show 3 - May ⁣
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-mothers-day-magic-show-dinner-event-tickets-140608731501⁣

 

 

 

 

Sean Watson, Emma Bartolomucci, and Cameron Gibson in Smart Magazine

From the article "The Latest on Illusionarium" by Justine Tenzer in Smart Magazine by Lighthouse:

The extended Ontario lockdown has only increased the anticipation for Illusionarium, Lighthouse Immersive’s latest project. While waiting for the opportunity to open doors to visitors, Jamie Allan and his team have been working up more magic in the meantime. “There is magic every day, everywhere. People need to know that”, says Sean Watson, one of Illusionarium’s resident magicians, describing how this art form helped him through some dark moments in his life. Indeed, Illusionarium is arriving at a time where excitement, wonder and joy are desperately needed. 

Read more.

Thank you to our March 2021 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 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.

Ring 17 hosts a lecture by Kozmo

From the February 25th Facebook post in the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club:

Kozmo is coming.....March 4th!
It’s gonna be great!