Top 5 posts in August 2021

There were 25 posts at Canada's Magic this month.  Here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days: 

5. Tarbell Challenge v2 - The challenge is open for volume two! 

4. ICYMI - Julie Eng in CBC Life - Read about how a beginner can get into card tricks.

3. Toronto: The Sentimentalists at Lee's Palace - Live shows are back!

2. Shawn Farquhar: Lost in the Shuffle - Can't wait to learn more about Shawn's documentary.  Subscribe to Shawn's newsletter to keep up to date on the project!

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Welcoming a new Friend: Colin Geddes - Thank you again Colin.  It's great to have friends like you!

 

Miranda Allen interviewed by Anna Freeman at BBC radio 4

From the August 24th Facebook post by Miranda Allen:

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Anna Freeman at BBC radio 4 about the significance of escape.  

It’s so cool to hear the finished product. Very dramatic!

 

 

 

Jonah Babins and Ben Train in the Toronto Star

From the August 29th article "Abracadabra! The Toronto Magic Company makes fun appear - Friends and partners Jonah Babins and Ben Train aim to provide opportunities for the city’s budding magicians" by Briony Smith in the Toronto Star: 

Toronto is, in fact, a pretty magical place. It’s home to The Hat and Rabbit, one of the oldest active magic clubs; it has produced such famous magicians as Jay Sankey, David Ben and Ross Bertram; and currently it has one of the largest magic communities on the planet. Despite this, Train says, there often weren’t enough opportunities for the two friends to share their magic. So, in 2016, they started The Toronto Magic Company to produce shows for public and private events, featuring rising local talent, as well as the best magicians from around the globe. They also launched “The Newest Trick in the Book,” an open-mic show at See-Scape, a science-fiction-themed bar in the Junction, where magicians could try out fresh material and audiences could experience new types of magic, for free.

Read more.

 

Jonah Babins and Ben Train in the Toronto Star
https://t.co/hxRb4HgnQa
@jonahbabins @ErdnaseinTO @TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/yTmSWwZy86

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 29, 2021

Tonight: The farewell Lucy Darling virtual show

The link to the show will be added to the Facebook post linked below.

 

From the August 27th Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

Big News!!! The farewell Lucy Darling virtual show will be streaming tomorrow on youtube at 7pm EST!!! And it's free! 

The link will be added to this thread tomorrow:)

 

 

 

 

 

Las Vegas: Society of Young Magicians (SYM) convention

From the August 24th Facebook post by Arlen Solomon:

Come to Las Vegas in January! On January 15-16 the Society of Young Magicians (SYM) will be hosting a convention for the Young performers.

Join  Ice McDonald, Shawn Farquhar, Steve Daly, Connie Boyd, Harrison Lampert, Curtis Kam, Kainoa Harbottle and other special guests. Registration is FREE for an SYM member with a paid adult registration if you register by November 1 2021.  Register at samconvention.com

 

 

Fredericton: Ty Reveen

From the August 24th Facebook post by Tyrone Reveen:

Hi friends, If you know anyone in  the Fredericton NB area  please share this poster for me!  Saturday September 4th @ 7:30 PM will be a night out of this world!
Sincere Thanks!

 

 

 

 

Save the date for 52 Plus Joker!

From the August 23rd Tweet by Lee Asher:

Do you collect #playingcards?
.
We have a BIG surprise for you, and it's going to make your playing card day!
.
Ready? Drum rolls, please...
.
On Saturday, October 2nd, 2021, 52 Plus Joker will host a one-day VIRTUAL playing card event, and you're invited!
.
We want everyone in a great mood for the upcoming live convention in Niagara Falls, New York. At this virtual event, you'll see excellent talks, Q&As, a Niagara auction highlight reel to help you bid, and other extraordinary moments that are sure to pique your interest in playing cards.
.
WHEN: October 2nd, 2021 from Noon to 6 PM (EDT)
.
COST: Free to members and non-members.
.
WHO: You and all the members of 52 Plus Joker celebrating together.

 

 

From the August 23rd Tweet by Lee Asher:

Do you collect #playingcards? @52plusjoker has a surprise for you! Save Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 for a virtual #playingcard event unlike any other. FREE TO ALL. More info coming. Stay tuned. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/SPiJN4GJnv

— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) August 23, 2021

 

 

Welcoming a new Friend: Graeme Reed

Welcoming our newest Friend, Graeme Reed!

Graeme is a 7th Level Wizard based in Brantford.  He is one half of the Magicians Talking Magic podcast, which recently released it's 138th episode, "5 Surprisingly Easy Magic Tricks (and why easy is important)" and one quarter of Magician Masterclass.  Graeme is often featured on CHCH and has performed at TEDxMississauga.  

 

Last December Graeme was nominated by several people for the "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award at Canada's Magic.

You can learn more about Graeme at his website, or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Shablazm! Tadoozle! Thank you Graeme, for befriending Canada's Magic!

 

 

ICYMI - Eric Leclerc interviewed by Oliver George

From the July 7th upload "CRAZIEST Magician Stories // Eric Leclerc \\ JUST CHILL PODCAST" on Eric Leclerc's YouTube channel:

From the July 7th Facebook post by Eric Leclerc:

ICYMI - Julie Eng in CBC Life

From the July 8th article "Cool trick! We asked a magician how a beginner can get into card tricks" by Sebastian Yūe in CBC Life: 

"Magic has this power, you know. It has a gift of offering the performer the chance to do something that is different — that is against science or logic," said Julie Eng, a Toronto-based magician. "And that causes an attention to be switched on. And I think that's the lure for so many people in magic."

Magicians use card tricks in particular for seamless sleights of hand that wow audiences and entertain children and adults alike. And cards — which have gone hand in hand with magic for centuries and might be the quintessential magic trick — are some of the most accessible for novices.

To find out more about the magic of card tricks, we chatted with Eng, who's also the executive director of Magicana, an organization that promotes the art of magic. Naturally, she safeguards the mystique of her work, so her trick effects are not disclosed here. But she still has lots of tips for those who are coming into magic for the first time.

Read more.

 

From the July 12th Facebook post by Julie Eng:

Charlottetown Busker Fest

August 27, 28 and 29, 2021.  Talent includes Billy Kidd, Ian Stewart, and Michael James.

 

From the August 6th article "New busker festival heading to Charlottetown" at Saltwire:

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Founders’ Food Hall & Market will be offering up more than grub and gifts as they launch their newest attraction – the Founders’ Food Hall & Market Busker Fest.

The festival will feature performances by internationally renowned buskers over three days at the end of August, said Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc. officials in a news release.

Those performing include magician Billy Kidd, chainsaw juggling catch world-record holder Ian Stewart and Toronto Raptors drummers Rhythm Works, among other local and international talents.

Read more.

 

From the Founders' Food Hall and Market:

Join us for the Charlottetown Busker Fest August 27, 28 and 29, 2021!

 

 

PCAM #88: October 23, 2021

From Eventbrite:

The Pacific Coast Association of Magicians hosts its 88th continuous edition of their annual convention, virtually, and you are invited!

Registration is necessary and all guests will be emailed a verification package with information and necessary material to attend.

The event is limited to 100 registrants, as is our custom for in-person events but unlike our normal convention which costs hundreds of dollars to register, this one is special. We want all members of the PCAM family to be able to attend and during this pandemic and we realize that can be hard for some. So once again, this year it's by donation only, so pay what you can afford. (Minimum $5.00 )

Read more and register. 

From the August 17th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

Welcoming a new Friend: Colin Geddes

Welcoming our newest Friend, Colin Geddes!

Colin is a Toronto based film producer and consultant, as well being as a curator at Shudder, the leading online streaming service for horror fans.  You may also be aware that from 1997 to 2017 Colin selected cutting-edge films for the Toronto International Film Festival, where he was in charge of the Midnight Madness and Vanguard programmes, specializing in diverse international genre cinema.

Colin is a newcomer to the Toronto magic scene, but is a passionate and avid magic enthusiast. I was pleased to strengthen our friendship during the plethora of online virtual presentations we attended over the past year.

Colin recently joined the Ring 17 executive as Vice-President, and now curates the club's social media.

You can learn more about Colin at his company's website Ultra 8 Pictures, or follow him Twitter, and Instagram.

Thank you Colin, for befriending Canada's Magic!

 

Carisa Hendrix: Texas, Ohio, California, Quebec, and more!

From the July 24th Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

It's so nice to be getting back to my life again. Come visit me on the road!!

TAOM - Austin, TX
September 3-6

Magi Fest - Columbus, OH
September 16-18

Magic Castle - Hollywood, CA
September 20-26

CAM / Association du Festival de magie de Québec
September 30-October 3rd

House of Cards - Nashville, TN
October 11 - 24

Chicago Magic Lounge (full show!)
November 4-7

A Magical Cirque Christmas
November 16th - December 20th

 

Peter Mennie: Port Severn and Parry Sound

Peter Mennie appears at Severn Lodge Sundays at 8pm and will appear at the Stockey Centre on August 30th.

 

From the August 11th Instagram post by Peter Mennie:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peter Mennie, That Magic Guy (@magicianpetermennie)

 

 

From the Stockey Centre:

This event will be held outdoors in The Stockey Centre’s Parking Lot. Seating space will be available on a first-come first-served basis, with a limited capacity. Attendance is pay-what-you-can upon arrival.

Masks are required to be worn at all times for all attendees over the age of 2 years.
We recommend bringing your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating, as seating will be in a designated area of The Stockey Centre’s Parking Lot.
In the event of inclement weather, the performance will move to the The Stockey Centre’s Performance Hall.

Seating in the designated area will begin at 10am.  We ask that attendees arrive no earlier than this time as we prepare for the event.  The performance will begin at 11am and is expected to be one hour in length.  Attendees will be actively screened prior to seating.

Read more.

Edmonton: Magic with a Little Flair

From the August 9th Facebook post by Jay Flair Magic:

I didn't think I'd be able to say this this year,  but I'm going to be at the Edmonton Fringe Fest! It'll look a lot different this time around,  but you'll be able to see me do a half hour magic show "Magic with a Little Flair"
On Aug 13, 18, 19 and 20th at 1:45 
Aug 16 and 17th at 12:30
Can't wait to see your faces!

 

 

Celebrating Sorcerers Safari, five years later

Five years ago today, a bus full of magic campers left Haliburton for the very last time. 

Some trivia about Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp:

 

For a peek into  the magic camp experience, read the 12 part series, Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie.

What made magic camp so fabulous?
From the August 11th, 2012 post "The secret to Sorcerers Safari's success":

There is no one single thing that makes Sorcerers Safari so successful.  As [Mike] Segal has often said, "it is more than the sum of its parts."  And he's right.  He's created, seemingly by alchemy, a unique opportunity for young magic enthusiasts to learn from and network with, professionals who are open and approachable.  When asked how he came by this elusive recipe, a modest Segal said, "I'm totally amazed.  This is the best trick I have ever pulled off in my life." 

Special guests included:
 
Bill Abbott, David Acer, Michael Ammar, Lee Asher, Wes Barker,Sean Bogunia,  Jason Brumbalow, Eric Buss, Dan & Dave Buck, Ray Chance, Michael & Lisa Close, Daryl, Jason Dean, Scott Dietrich, Matt Disero, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin, Aaron Fisher, Justin Flom, Daniel Garcia, Joe Givan & Carol Massie, Danny Hamill, Dan Harlan, Greg & Kristi Heath, Wayne Houchin, Joshua Jay, Eric Jones, Ryan Joyce, Nathan Kranzo, Peter Loughran, Al Monroe, Oscar Munoz, Glenn Ottaway, Ted & Marion Outerbridge, Johnny Ace Palmer, Chris Pilsworth, Jeff Pinsky, Gordon Precious, Pattrick Przysiecki, Jay Sankey, Jonathan Santiago, Bob Sheets, Soma, Suzanne, Steve Valentine, Trevor & Lorena Watters, Michael Weber, Bill & Becki Wells, Gregory Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Wij, and Asi Wind.

What did the campers think?
From the June 9th, 2016 article
"20 magical memories from Sorcerers Safari":

Many of my favourite memories at Sorcerers Safari come from the late night jam sessions in the campers' cabins.  You never know what newest tricks or guest magicians you'll find.

For example, a few years back, I witnessed Tyler Wilson sharing the longest and most entertaining card revelation I've seen. Over the course of about 45 minutes, the cabin filled with campers as they watched him attempt to find the card.  Pure suspense. Needless to say, he had no idea what the card was, and was playing us the entire time.

The jam sessions offer a great opportunity to see the campers' talent and creativity.  In 2015, Philip B. and I posed an Ambitious Card challenge to the cabin.  They split into 2 teams to work together to create an Ambitious Card routine from scratch.  This impromptu competition went on for close to 2 hours and was a blast to watch!

Sheldon Casavant (SheldonCasavant.com)
Camper: 2003, Counsellor: 2004 and 2007, Instructor: 2015

 

Did you know that author Erin Thomas went to camp to do research for her book for the 11-14 set, "Forcing the Ace"?
 
Read the November 13th, 2014 article "A Q&A with Erin Thomas."

Disney made a movie inspired by Sorcerers Safari!
From the August 20th, 2020 article "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!

What did the special guests think?
From the January 13th, 2017 article "Sorcerers Safari 2016: Dear Mike and Jen":

"Thank you for changing my life for the better and helping me find true joy in magic.  My love of teaching was inspired from here.  Thanks for letting me come!" -- Aaron Fisher (Special Guest: 2003; Instructor: 2004-2016.)

Alumni include:

• Neil Croswell
• Nick Popa
• Greydon Gilmore
  
• Scott Hammell
• Michael Kras
• Sheldon Casavant
• Kelvin Kwong
• Rosemary Reid
• Brad Bond
• Keith Brown
• Ben Train
• Jack Grady
  
• Jordan Murciano
• Alex Zander
• Mark Clearview
• Brett Chrest
• Rob Lewin
• Bill Cook
• Daniel Steep 
• Jason Verners
  
• Nathaniel Rankin
• Chad Juros

Looking back, what are Mike Segal's recollections about camp?
From the August 25th, 2020 Magicians Talking Magic Podcast "Episode 71: Mike Segal: 20 Years of Magic Camp. The camp that inspired the movie":

So our largest year was 175, I think, which was the first or second year at camp White Pine. We never got that high again. It started coming down slowly again, as the internet became more and more popular. I mean, we saw this on the camp website. Kids would be like, well, why do I have to go to camp and fight bugs when I can like, learn this trick online? Oh boy. You know, it was like, okay, well, if all you want to do is learn the trick then yeah. Do it online, you know? But, like you said, if you're a working magician, the things you got from this particular camp! We put kids on, on Murray Hatfield's international tours right across Canada. We gave kids TV appearances.  Canada day, we did Harbourfront and it was all magic campers and all that kind of stuff. It was about really bringing magic to the people.

Who attended?
Have a look below at the group photo from the last year of camp.  It includes 4 Len Cooper Memorial Award winners, 4 World Record holders, 2 Allan Slaight Canadian Rising Stars, a consultant for Penn and Teller's Fool Us, a FISM Grand Prix winner, 2 people who appeared on the Amazing Race Canada, The Toronto Magic Company, and one half of Big Trick Energy!

 

 

 

Check out the Sorcerers Safari YouTube channel to see some entertaining video summaries of camp.  

For a taste of the energy and enthusiasm at camp, we'll leave you with the Sorcerers Safari lip dub orchestrated by Trevor Watters and Mark Baluk, and filmed by Mark Baluk. 
 

 

Thank you Mike and Jen!

The magic community is better because of your efforts.

 

 

 

Michael Close interviewed by Craig Petty

From the August 7th episode of Craig Petty's Magic TV, Michael Close - The Ultimate Worker talks Reviews, Close Up Magic, Fool Us & More | Talk Magic #89:

In this interview Michael looks back at his career.  He talks about getting into magic, the purpose of writing The Workers series, working on Penn & Teller and more.  Along the way he offers advice and guidance on subjects such as creativity, trick and routine selection, performing magic, creating a product, reviewing magic, Penn & Teller and more. 

Thank you to our personal sponsors for August 2021!

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, Doug Hunt, John Smithman, Richard Hough, Robin Dawes, Eric Bedard, Loran, Peter Mennie, David Johnson, Gordon Precious, and Colin Geddes 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.

 

 

Edmonton: Keith Brown "At the Table"

From the August 8th Facebook post by Keith Brown:

My friend Colin Geddes fixed my Edmonton Fringe Theatre poster, thanks Colin!
What do you think of his handiwork?

Tickets available here: bit.ly/KBYeg2021

 

Tarbell Challenge v2

From the July 30th Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Toronto Magic Company (@torontomagiccompany)

 

Thank you to our August 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 - 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 - appearing at the St. John Imperial Theatre this month, 
  
• Brent Smith, owner of The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop, and
• Ryan Pilling's "Tips & Tricks for Magicians" newsletter!
  

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

MagicTipsAndTricks.com

 

 

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.

 

Toronto: The Sentimentalists at Lee's Palace

From the August 2nd Instagram post by The Sentimentalists:

We are so thrilled to be back on stage LIVE. Come and witness us at @leespalace on Saturday Sept 4th for a full evening of magic and mystery. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Good Morning Midnight Magic (@sentimentalists)

 

Unconventional Fun in Space

From Unconventional.Fun:

Talent includes:

• Dani DaOrtiz
• Garrett Thomas
• Daniel Garcia
• Harapan Ong
• Ryan Plunkett
• Patrick Redford
• Eric Leclerc
• Abby Segal
• Jason Suran
• Trigg Watson
• Spidey
• Xavior Spade
• Fritz Alkemade
• Kaitlyn Chen
• Evan Northrup
• Michael Eaton
• Jacque Swan
• Noah Sonie
• Chris Leuck
• Felice Ling
• Bri Crabtree
• Ryan Pilling
• Jonah Babins
• Ben Train

Read more and register.

 

From the July 31st Instagram post by unconventional.fun:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UnConventional (@unconventional.fun)

Shawn Farquhar: Lost in the Shuffle

From the July 29th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

Sign up for the newsletter about my upcoming documentary! Yes, you read that correctly.  You will automatically be entered into a draw to win a Hidden Wonders limited edition coin and lapel pin set. I have a goal of 500 for the mailing list, will you be a part of my journey?
 
https://www.lostintheshuffle.film/home/#about
 

 

From Lost in the Shuffle:

Featuring:

• Shawn Farquhar
• Alexandra Duvivier
• Juan Tamariz
• Richard Turner and
• Michael Vincent
  

Read more and sign up for the mailing list.