Top 5 posts in May 2022

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

5. Halifax: Magic at the Oxford Tap Room with Bill Wood [May 8] - Fabulous seeing in person shows are making a come back⁠! 

4. Felix Felicis to Michael Kras! - How exciting to be magical advisor to a Harry Potter show!

3. Barrie: James Harrison at Magic Night [May 25] - Pick pockets are best enjoyed in person!

2. Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book [May 26] - It's back!  Next one is on June 23rd!

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Ring 17 hosts a virtual lecture by Murray SawChuck [May 10] - A fun lecture filled with lots of excellent pro-tips! Screen shots on Instagram.

 

 

Toronto: Beyond Mental Borders [Jul 3, 17, 31, Aug 14, Sep 4]

From the May 14th Instagram post by Beyond Mental Borders:

We’ve added a ton of new shows this summer! We’ll see you soon ✨

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beyond Mental Borders (@beyondmentalborders)

 

 

Dale Harney's cousin, Larry King, in CBC News

From the May 16th article "Alberta's retiring boomers may leave labour shortages in their wake. Experts say there's still time to prepare" by Nicholas Frew in CBC News:

Larry King started a new job last weekend — at 65 years old.

He's working as a catering server at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton's river valley.

King wished he had worn his Skechers instead of dress shoes to his first shift, but otherwise he loved it.

"The people I worked with were good, and it was fast paced, which I'm used to. I missed that fast pace in my life," he said in an interview.

King has worked since he was 16 years old.

His first paid work was handing out programs during the Klondike Days parade. Next, he was an assistant to local magician Dale Harney, his cousin.

Read more.

Raphael La Ferrara in Global News

From the May 28th article "Meet a Montreal magician who has a ‘mind-boggling’ 1.7M TikTok fans" by Kalina Laframboise in Global News:

Like most other teenagers, Raphael La Ferrara spends a lot of time on TikTok — it’s where he shares his craft, makes others smile and has amassed more than a million followers.


The 17-year-old Montrealer is a professional magician and content creator who uses everything from a deck of cards to colourful party cups to Rubik’s cubes in his popular videos. His tricks often involve putting a personal and magical spin on an online trend.

He largely films his creations from the comfort of his family home, sometimes with the help of his mom and dad.

“I’m making these videos because I enjoy making them,” La Ferrara said. “I never take anything for granted. I’m just so blessed for everything I have in my life and I’m able to perform gigs. I’m able to get bookings and it really helps me out.”

Read more.

 

Greg Frewin in insauga

From the May 16th article "VIDEO: Magic has returned to Niagara Falls dinner theatre show" by Don Redmond in insauga:

Born in Hamilton, the Niagara Falls illusionist has placed first in numerous magic competitions including the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, the Canadian Association of Magicians and the Federation Internationale Society of Magique – widely regarded as the Olympics of magic.

His winning streak recently culminated with his 2009 win of the Magician of the Year award at the World Magic awards, effectively ranking him as the world’s top illusionist.

In his professional career, Frewin has performed live all over the world, from Japan to Monte Carlo, cruise ships on the high seas to the Vegas Strip.

During that time, Frewin has also appeared on over 35 television programs including NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic, ABC’s Champions of Magic and his own three-part CBC special Magic Man: Home for the Holidays. 

Read more and watch video.

 

Ajax: Brent & Sarah’s Comedy Magic Show [June 4]

From St. Francis Centre:

Saturday, June 4

Brent and Sarah’s Comedy Magic Show combines magic, music, comedy and interactive audience participation in a way that feels more like a two-person variety show than a traditional magic act. But it’s also a non-stop laugh riot from beginning to end. It’s what you get when you pair together two magicians with skill and talent that don’t take themselves too seriously. Brent and Sarah are a husband and wife team of magicians with a unique and hilarious approach to magic. Unlike traditional magic shows that feature a male magician and a female assistant, this entertaining couple has brought magic into the 21st century with a thrilling two-person show that can’t be seen anywhere else. The show is sure to amaze and impress, but it is Brent and Sarah’s hilarious personalities and on-stage chemistry that keep audiences raving about the dynamic duo.

Read more.

 

 

 

FISM in le Soleil

From the May 18th article "Quebec will host the World Magic Championships for the first time" by Justin Staircase in le Soliel (translated by Google):

For the very first time, the World Magic Championships will be held in North America, in Quebec City, alongside the 11th Magic Festival, from July 25 to 31.

The championship will be held from July 25 to 30 and will take the form of several galas that will complement the magic festival that will be held in parallel. Ms. Auclair clarified at a press conference on Wednesday that the event was originally scheduled for 2021 before being canceled. One hundred and ten competitors are expected to participate in the competition, which will end with a gala of champions on July 30.

Renée-Claude Auclair believes that hosting such an event within the walls of Quebec could make the city one of “four or five essential destinations in the world of magic”.


THE SUN, PATRICE LAROCHE

Quebec will also host the eleventh edition of the Quebec Magic Festival, in partnership with the International Federation of Magical Societies (FISM). The spokesperson for this edition Luc Langevin detailed the “500 hours of free entertainment in the streets of Quebec, from Sillery to Limoilou” and “the 2500 magicians expected”. The magician also said he was proud to be associated with such an episode because “magic is family, everyone likes it”.

Read more.

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A post shared by Luc Langevin (@langevinofficiel)

 

 

Chicago: Nick Wallace at the Chicago Magic Lounge [June 2 - 5]

From the May 19th Instagram post by the Chicago Magic Lounge:

Greetings. It’s been a while. Really looking forward to a summer full of LIVE shows, and super excited to kick it all off at @chicagomagiclounge in 2 weeks. Lots more dates coming soon. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nick Wallace (@nickwallacelive)

 

Brian Robert is guest lecturer for the Nippon Magic Foundation [May 29]

From the May 18th Instagram post by Brian Robert:

I’m so excited to be the guest lecturer for the Nippon Magic Foundation on Sunday May 29th at 7am EDT. There will be coins, cards, popsicles and even Emerson, my emotional support bunny, will make an appearance.😄

I know it’s early, but if you prefer your coffee - MAGIC, contact me for login details. ☕️✨

 

 

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A post shared by Brian Robert (@brianrobertmagic)

 

 

Peter Mennie's Magic Live highlights

From the May 20th post "Interview: Magic Live 2022 highlights with Peter Mennie" by Ryan Joyce at the Canadian Association of Magicians:

Magic conventions are returning to full swing and this past week was the return of Magic Live in Nevada. Travel to Las Vegas with us in this quick chat about Magic Live 2022 and hear highlights from this year's convention with CAM Member Peter Mennie.

Fresh off the tarmac, Peter shares his highlights, travel experience, and the three biggest magic takeaways from this convention.

Read more and watch video.

 

 

 

 

Billy Kidd at the Glastonbury Festival [June 24-26]

Miranda Allen isn't the only Canadian you can see at Glastonbury this year!

 

From the May 4th Instagram post by Billy Kidd: 

The buzz is already in the air. So so happy to be back performing with all you freaks at Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts! Catch me Friday-Sunday June 24-26

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Billy Kidd (@billykiddshow)

Edmonton: Magic with a Little Flair [May 21]

From the May 10th Facebook post by Jay Chun:

After my first sold out show, I'm back again!
It's next Saturday! I hope to see some of you there!

 

 

 

Matt Johnson talks about blacking out in a water tank

From the April 7th upload "Ep51 Matt Johnson 2 Interview | The Deceive Reality Podcast" on the Deceive Reality podcast YouTube channel:

Matt Johnson joins us to talk about being on Broadway and a terrible accident during rehearsals. Not a podcast to be missed

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MATT JOHNSON - Escapes, Magic, World Travel (@likemattjohnson)

Edmonton Magic Club to host a virtual lecture with Katherine Mills - TONIGHT

From the May 16th Facebook post by Ron Pearson:

We are pleased to announce that we have a special FREE lecture by British Magician Katherine Mills tomorrow, Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 PM MST. Presented courtesy of the Edmonton Magic Club. All are welcome!

Katherine Mills is an expert at psychological magic, close-up and stage. Her mentalist act is a psychological high-wire act. She the ability to fascinate her audience whether they believe in magic or not; and, to wow even the most sceptical.

Katherine is the first woman magician to gain her own prime-time show in the UK: Katherine Mills: Mind Games,. She is a member of The Magic Circle.

Katherine has been active in performing magic for 17 years. She has wide experience ranging from social, commercial, fashion and artistic events—corporate and private, and will share what she has learnt performing and how she adjusted to opportunities. Her effects are ones most magicians are aware of. 

 

Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book [May 26]

From the May 13th Instagram post by Ben Train:

IT’S BACK!!!

The Newest Trick In The Book, Canada’s only open-mic magic show, is back!

And to celebrate we’ve put together a superstar lineup featuring TEN OF TORONTO’S TOP MAGICIANS!

And best of all? The show is FREE!

If you’re a magic fan you’re not going to want to miss it- Thursday May 26th at @royalcomedy1051.

Reserve your FREE tickets now by heading to @torontomagiccompany. Don’t wait- this is gonna sell out. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ben Train (@train.ben)

 

 

Barrie: James Harrison at Magic Night [May 25]

From the April 26th Instagram post by mexhico_restaurant:

 

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A post shared by Mexhico Restaurant (@mexhico_restaurant)

 

Mark Clearview at The Magic Castle [May 16 - 22]

From the May 14th Instagram post by Mark Clearview:

Guess who's back... Back again. 🏰 I'm incredibly lucky to return to the world famous @magiccastlehollywood next week. This time I'll be sharing the club with my childhood mentor @aaronfishermagic and could not be more excited 🤫🔥
If you're a member, or fortunate enough to be invited, I'll see you there!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Clearview (@markclearview)

 

London the Magnificent in Global News

From the May 13th article "Calgary teen keeps magic alive by reuniting with idols Penn and Teller" by Jill Croteau in Global News: 

London Jones has been performing magic since she was a little girl.

“It can be hard sometimes but with women in magic, the population is growing,” London said.


Her dad, Jeff Jones, said she may not know the gravity of her girl power.

“I think she’s too young to grasp the big picture of what she’s doing and how important what she’s doing could be for somebody else,” Jeff said.

It’s exactly what endeared her to the iconic magicians Penn and Teller. In 2017, when London was just nine years old, she met the duo backstage.

Penn Jillette invited her personally after she sent them a fan letter wondering: why there aren’t more girls doing magic?

Read more.

Miranda Allen at the Glastonbury Festival [and a GoFundMe to help with retooling escape equipment for her wheelchair]

ICYMI, Miranda has a GoFundMe to help, in part, to retool Miranda's act such that she can perform her escapes while in a wheelchair.  More information about the GoFundMe at the bottom of this post.

If you want to know why Miranda is in a wheelchair, visit the April 29th Facebook post by Miranda Allen Entertainment.  And then drop her a note to tell her you're thinking about her.
-Mom

 

From the April 28th Facebook post by Miranda Allen Entertainment:

Exciting news!  
I’ve agreed to one festival and one festival only this summer, and it’s a big one.
Sarah and I will be presenting Tianna & Lea at Glastonbury 2022!

 

 

 

From the April 26th Facebook post by Miranda Allen:

 

 

Keith Brown at Ottawa / Toronto / Edmonton Fringe!

With a bonus performance at Anderson Craft Ales in London!

 

From the May 6th Instagram post by Keith Brown:

Upcoming shows and tour dates!

Very excited to be back on the road this summer.

@andersoncraftales May 26
@ottawafringe June 16 - 26
@toronto_fringe July 6 - 17
@edmontonfringe August 11 - 22

Click link in bio for more information.

Toronto and Edmonton showtimes still TBA.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Keith Brown (@keithhbrown)

 

 

 

 

 

Okotoks: The Big Rock Variety Show [May 12]

From Okotoks Online:

Thursday, May 12, 2022

James Jordan, magician, comedian, vaudevillian. Magic inspired James Jordan to become a performer. He ventured through all kinds of performance art; dance, improv, musical theatre, stand-up comedy, circus, juggling and escapology. He went full circle in 2007 when he rekindled his love of magic, now with a full arsenal of new skills to make him a more versatile magician.

Jeff Newman will influence your thoughts. He’ll predict what you'll do before you even know you’re doing it. He will even read your mind.
He’ll fool you badly, and you’ll love every minute of it. Jeff Newman is an award-winning mentalist and magician that combines science, suggestion, and good old-fashioned trickery with humour and charm to create an astounding, engaging experience that his audiences will not stop talking about.

*With local Eagle Radio personality Logan Coutts as our MC!
**Special opening performance by the dancers at Possak Hampshire Irish Dance Academy! 

Read more.

 

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A post shared by James Jordan (@jjordanmagic)

 

 

Thank you to our personal sponsors for May 2022!

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,  Gordon Precious, Colin Geddes, Graeme Reed, Gwyn Auger, Chris Gowen, and Cam Dix, 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.