For more information visit https://edmontonstreetfest.com/
Magic acts include Ron Pearson and Jay Flair.
Found at the June 23 Instagram post by Edmonton Street Fest.
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Sponsored by: Clive Court ~ The Browser's Den of Magic ~ Michael Close ~ Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club |
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For more information visit https://edmontonstreetfest.com/
Magic acts include Ron Pearson and Jay Flair.
Found at the June 23 Instagram post by Edmonton Street Fest.
For tickets and more information visit MagicTickets.ca/manager/events/wit-and-wizardry
Found at the June 23 Instagram post by Ryan Pilling.
For tickets and more information visit TicketPro.ca
From the June 12th Facebook post by Billets.ca:
Alain Choquette in Montreal!
Don't miss his show on November 27, 2026 at Salle Pierre-Mercure!
Found at the June 16th Facebook post by Alain Choquette.
For more information about Fête nationale du Québec Windsor visit val-ouest.com/fete-nationale-du-quebec-windsor-la-celebre/
For more information about Capitaine Loran, visit CapitaineLoran.com
From the June 19th Facebook post by Loran:
Captain Loran will dock his ship in Windsor on June 24th in celebration of the National Quebec Day. It's a date at 5pm for his stage show "A Pirate Like No Other!"
Previously shared on Facebook June 19.
New videos of John Giordmaine are now available to watch thanks to our friends at Magicana! With thanks to James Alan for letting us know.
From the June 17th post "John Giordmaine - Cardistry Before There Was Cardistry" at Magicana:
This footage was captured and edited by Sid Lorraine in 1931 in Lima, OH, courtsey of the David Ben Collection
John Giordmaine was a prominent Toronto magician. He was celebrated as a family entertainer but probably best known for his decades-long work demonstrating magic in the toy department of Eaton’s.
From the June 17th post "John Giordmaine - Chicago 1940" at Magicana:
This clip was recorded at the SAM Conference in Chicago in 1940.
The performer who appears beforehand for just a brief few frames is Al Baker performing his celebrated “Cake in the Hat”.
From the June 17th Facebook post by Danny Kazam:
I have to say I'm incredibly honored and excited to share that I’ve been invited to speak as an expert presenter at next year’s CANSCAIP Prairie Horizons Conference (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers).
Visit CANSCAIP.org to learn more about the organization.
Pre-sale starting later today!!!
For tickets and more information visit TicketMaster.com.
Found at the June 16th Facebook post by Gabriella Lester.
Previously shared on Facebook June 16.
Tickets and more information at Eventbrite.
From the June 15th Facebook post by Chris Mayhew:
... with special guests James Alan (magician) and Ernie Vicente (stand up comic).
Tickets and more information at Eventbrite.
From the June 12th Instagram post by WH Kung:
Excited to be returning to The Show Cellar for another night of impossible magic, laughs, and surprises. I’ve something special planned, and I’d love to see some familiar (and new) faces in the audience!
Our sincere condolences to Trent's family and friends at this impossible time.
From the Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home:
He was also a phenomenal fly fisherman, spending several years as a guide on the Bow River, and professional magician, entertaining family and friends with his skill and sense of humour. He will be greatly missed.
Found at the June 14th Facebook post by Brent Smith.
Tickets and more information at EventBrite.com/o/80980743733
From the June 11th Instagram post by Ian Batterbury:
Previously shared on Facebook June 11.
Michael Close's Explorer 2: Build Your Skills
Teaching the magic beyond the tricks
This article first appeared in last month's issue of VANISH (May 2026 #142, pgs 78 - 79). Republished with permission.
From MichaelClose.com:“Explorer 2 continues the structured training from Explorer 1, focusing on rarely-mastered sleights and advanced routining. You'll refine your technique, learn Michael's deceptive new handling of a popular stand-up effect, and develop the skills that separate hobbyists from performers.”
Michael Close has decades of experience performing and has authored fifteen books of original material for magicians, including the highly regarded “Workers” series. He is a sought-after magic consultant, notably consulting for “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”
Last Fall, I had an overwhelmingly positive experience auditing Michael’s six week online course, Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic. In level one, Michael introduces a dozen foundational sleights (with cards and coins), more than a half-dozen tricks that incorporate the sleights, theory, critique, and insights on practise, finding your style, construction, routining, and presentation.
It goes without saying that I was eager to discover what Michael had in store for the next series of classes in Explorer 2.
The classes build directly on the material presented in Explorer 1. Michael methodically expands our knowledge base on foundational sleights with both cards and coins. In these classes there is a focus on some card and coin techniques that are often poorly executed by magicians in general. Guided by Michael’s extensive real-world experience observing what can go wrong in their execution, he teaches the skills in easy to digest layers (including the assignment of preparatory exercises), as well as alerting the students how to both mitigate and circumnavigate potential issues.
The format for Explorer 2 is similar to level 1 of the course. The online classes are about an hour in length, delivered weekly, and run for 6 weeks. The class size is capped at twelve students, which allows students to participate in discussions, ask questions, and receive personal attention. The classes are recorded, which means if you are absent for a class, you can watch the recording on your own time before the next class. (It’s a tremendous gift if you’re having difficulty mastering a move because you can slow down the video!)
Michael provides many opportunities to ask questions both during and between classes. While there is no requirement for students to perform during classes, he encourages them to submit videos of their progress for him to provide feedback. He is also available by email to answer questions between classes.
One huge advantage to learning this material from Michael is his ability to draw on his considerable knowledge and experience to suggest alternative handlings if one’s skill set or dexterity aren’t quite up to the material as initially presented. He can tell you the “why, when, and how” of the technique creation and point you to suitable workarounds if required.
In contrast to Explorer 1, where it was recommended to practise fifteen minutes a day to achieve mastery by the next class, many of the techniques presented in Explorer 2 require greater daily effort and may take longer than a week to truly master. It is recommended that you set aside at least thirty to forty-five minutes a day for practise.
With respect to teaching effects and routines, Michael provides insights into an effect’s construction. Theory is interspersed with the card and coin technique. He shares his thoughts about the routining and what can be done to elevate the experience of the spectator. Michael offers constructive criticisms and encourages his students to do the same. Thought is given to the optimal way to present the effect and reading material is assigned to provide context regarding an effect’s creation and subsequent evolution.
Similar to Explorer 1, Michael has both assigned and supplemental reading, sharing wisdom from magicians such as Stewart James, Roberto Giobbi, Arturo De Ascanio, Jon Racherbaumer, Frank Garcia, Johnny Thompson, Martin Gardner, and John Carney. (We also received the notes to Michael’s fantastic 2017 lecture "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out.") The reading material serves to frame the lessons by reinforcing critical thinking skills, walking through the history and refinement of effects, and expanding on the opinions and observations of notable figures in magic.
As with Explorer 1, most of the class materials for Explorer 2 continue to be available to the students beyond the six week course enrolment.
I had a fantastic time and learned an incredible amount participating in Explorers 1 and 2! If you’re looking for a way to refine your technique and elevate the impact of your performances, the Explorer series is for you!
For more information about the Explorer series of classes, visit MichaelClose.com.
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Disclosure: I audited the classes as a guest. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.
From HarbourHouseWindsor.com/events.html:
Weekly Events
- Sunday's 5pm to 8pm: Tableside Magic with Eric Bedard (Kid's Eat Free)
- Thursday's 6:30pm to 9:30pm: Tableside Magic Social Hours with Eric Bedard
From the June 6th Facebook post by Eric Bedard:
Harbour House Waterfront Eatery where we have Magic Drinks, A Magical Atmosphere and Award Winning Magic at your Table.
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!
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Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, Doug Hunt, John Smithman, Loran, Peter Mennie, Noah Nogueira, Aaron Matthews, Cam Dix, Ian Batterbury, Eric Bedard, Sonny Patel, and the Toronto Magic Company 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.
Presented by: Just For Laughs
From CarisaHendrix.com/tour/montreal-july-2026:
Lucy is bringing her signature charm and mischief from screen to stage. Simply Darling is the perfect chance to take a break from reality and indulge in the mischief, sarcasm, and wonder that we all deserve.
Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 5pm
Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 8pm
From CarisaHendrix.com/roadready:
Road Ready -- Variety Arts Touring Intensive Program
Hosted by Carisa Hendrix and the Lucy Crewcy and some ducks.
You’ve polished your act, you’ve mastered your gear, you’re booking shows… but what does it take to run a successful tour?
Found at the June 7th Instagram post by Carisa Hendrix.
For more information and tickets, visit MontrealFringe.ca
Found at the June 5th Instagram post by Ben Bisaillon.
Our sincere condolences to Bill's family and friends.
From the McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes:
He had a playful side as a magician, bringing smiles and laughter to those around him.
Found at the June 5th Facebook post by Paul Alberstat at the Calgary Magic Circle Facebook group.
The Toronto Fringe (June 30 - July 12) is fast approaching!
James Alan kindly agreed to answer some of our questions ahead of his upcoming show Mysteries and Lies at The Toronto Fringe.
Updated June 26th to add:
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An abridged version of this article first appeared in last month's issue of VANISH (May 2026 #142, pgs 48 - 53). Republished with permission.
Wherein we share some trivia about a cast member, take a good look at the behind the scenes effort involved in putting on the show, and take a bit of a tangent in order to drop Alan Hudson's name.
A Week in the Life of Champions (of Magic) -- part 1 of 3
On a cold and grey December day, I met up with the Champions of Magic crew at the Bluma Appel Theatre in downtown Toronto.
My mission: to shadow the company from load-in to load-out, for their 13 day Toronto stay.
I was unable to attend two of the days and four of the days were statutory holidays. Allow me to take some liberties with the timeline and present to you what I learned spending A Week in the Life of Champions (of Magic).
Continue reading this password protected article.
Password clue:
- Canadian magician who appeared on The Muppet Show
- Additional clue for our UK readers, this magician also ran as a candidate for the Natural Law Party in England in the early 90s.
Format: Firstname_Lastname
For tickets and more information, visit ChampionsOfMagicTour.com
Read Part 2 in this month's issue of
VANISH Magic Magazine (June 2026 #143, pgs 48 - 53)
From the May 30th Instagram post by Champions of Magic:
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:
or
Tickets and more information at lepointdevente.com/billets/hkj260729001.
Win tickets to the premiere of SECRETS! Details at the June 1st Instagram post by Michael Demers.
Found at the March 17 Instagram post by Michael Demers.
From the May 27 Instagram post by Billy Hsueh:
I’m excited to be back at @magiccastlehollywood June 15–21!
Previously shared on Facebook May 27.
From the May 31st Facebook post by James Alan at the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club Facebook group:
We're extending members a last minute invitation to a special workshop with Javi Benitez. (Javi has been on Fool Us twice and did a virtual lecture for the club during the pandemic.)
It's Wednesday, June 3 at 7pm, near Yonge and Eglinton.
$100 per person.
There were 22 posts at Canada's Magic this month. Here are the top 5 posts in the previous 30
days:
5. Shawn Farquhar and Friends at TED2026 in Conjurly- Congratulations to everyone involved in creating a magical TED experience in 2026!
4. Winnipeg: Cabinet of Curiosities -- Masquerade [May 7] - Tell us all about it!
3. Thank you to our personal sponsors for May 2026! - We appreciate each and every one of you! Thank you!
2. Regina: Marc Trudel lecture [May 27] - Were you there? Tell us about your experience!
1. Ian Stewart's earned three Guinness World Records in 2026! - Well done Ian! Congratulations!
Three videos have recently been added to the Screening Room at Magicana.
From the April 14th article "Back to the Screening Room" by James Alan at Magicana:
So with these challenges in mind and wanting to adhere to Prof. Edwin Dawes’ motto (“Collect, Collate, Communicate!”) we want to share video from the collection on a regular a basis. Our working title for the series is “The Good, The Bad and the… You Decide”.
We want to begin with this recording of Lewis Ganson. This is a short excerpt where he performs “The Diminishing Cards.” (Please note this clip has no audio.)
From the May 5th article "Principles, Deceptions and a Phantasy" by James Alan at Magicana:
Continuing our series of “The Good, The Bad and the… You Decide” we are pleased to share two clips from Arthur Buckley. (If you missed the previous release featuring Lewis Ganson, consider stopping there first.)
ICYMI, from the May 27 article "Why Hollywood And The Creator Economy Are Trading Places" by Taylor Reilly in Forbes:
Gabriella Lester, is no different. A touring magician, a Magic Castle headliner, and a Penn & Teller Fool Us alum, she joined the four Horsemen of Lionsgate's Now You See Me LIVE for its 2025 Sydney Opera House premiere. Her social channels alone are now pulling roughly 100 million views a month.
Read more.
Found at the May 27 Facebook post by Gabriella Lester.
Previously shared on Facebook May 27.
Also ICYMI, the folks at the Canadian Association of Magicians named Gabriella their Canadian Magician of the Year for 2025!
Tickets and more information at the Vancouver Magic Circle website.
From IBM Ring 92:
Monday, June 1
Nathan is in Vancouver between headline performances on cruise ships. Because of baggage limitations he is only bringing and sharing actual material he is currently performing for real audiences on real world gigs.
Read more and buy tickets.
Previously shared on Facebook May 26.
From IBM Ring 92:
Monday, June 15
When Kenrick was 10-years old he was given a used magic kit from a second-hand store that was incomplete and missing pieces. That magic kit was the key to revealing a passion and natural talent that would later becoming a life-long career, which would transform Kenrick into “ICE McDonald.”Read more and buy tickets.
Previously shared on Facebook May 25.
See Marc lecture in Regina while he's touring Saskatchewan with his French school assembly shows. We saw him lecture in Toronto a couple of years ago and learned a lot!
From the May 26th Facebook post by Marc Trudel at SaskMagic:
Wednesday 27th at the Regent Family Restaurant
3823 Sherwood Dr, Regina, SK S4R 4A8
Hope to see you there!
About Marc Trudel:A two-time Canadian Magic Champion and the first recipient of the prestigious Grand Prix de Magie Michel Cailloux, Marc Trudel has built a reputation that goes far beyond the stage. With over 25 years of performing experience — from intimate close-up settings to full theatrical productions — he is recognized by his peers as a creator, consultant, lecturer, and educator of the highest calibre.
Previously shared on Facebook May 26.
How do Ian Batterbury, Rob Fishbaum, Gambit, and Jason Lam fair as fares on Cash Cab Canada S10E08? Stream on Crave and find out!
Found at the May 14th Facebook post by Ian Batterbury.
Previously shared on Facebook May 14.
Tickets at https://www.bloomtickets.ca/event/1217?DaredevilsofDeception-DefyReality
From at the May 22nd Instagram post by Patrick Gregoire:
🔥 Brand new show at the Rec Room Seasons of Tuxedo in Winnipeg - just 2 weekends away!
Ian's done it again! Earlier this year we reported that he reclaimed the Guinness World Record for "The most stage illusion tricks performed in three minutes (27), January 14."
He's also earned:
Congratulations Ian!
Found at the May 19th Instagram post by Ian Stewart.
A reminder that the number of Canadian World Record holding magicians is eighteen!
Tickets at Eventbrite.
From the May 13th Facebook post by Chris Philpott:
4 magicians. 2 countries. 1 unforgettable night. Windsor, May 23.
Eric Bedard, Dreygon, Johnny New York and I return to the Shadowbox Theatre for an outstanding and awe-inspiring evening of magic and mentalism that will leave you wide-eyed and thirsty for more!
Previously shared on Facebook May 15.
Tickets and more information at TicketTailor.com/events/hiddenwonders.
From the May 17th Facebook post by Hidden Wonders:
Hidden Wonders is hosting a very special weekend and tickets are already selling fast for this experience in October!
Previously shared on Facebook May 17.
Visit ProvincialExhibition.com:
Entertainment by:
- Doodles the Clown,
- Bella Magic, and
- The Magician and the Muse (Chanelle Munroe and Sean Watson)
For more information and tickets, visit ProvincialExhibition.com.
From the May 17th Facebook post by Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba:
🎭 Back by popular demand, Wayne Lee is returning to the Manitoba Summer Fair!
Wayne Lee brings a high-energy hypnosis experience packed with huge laughs, jaw-dropping moments, and unforgettable audience participation. Fast-paced, family-friendly, and wildly entertaining, this crowd-favourite show turns everyday volunteers into the stars of the stage in the most hilarious ways imaginable.
Found at the May 17th Facebook post by Sean Watson.
Tickets and more information at BellaRoseArtsCentre.com
From the May 13th Instagram post by the Bella Rose Arts Centre:
For the first time ever, the sensational magician and mentalist Anmol Magic brings his spectacular “Out of This World” Canada Tour 2026 to the stage at Bella Rose Arts Centre, Halifax — welcoming audiences from across the region.
Found at the May 17th Facebook post by Bernard Cormier at the Magic Circle of St. John.
Tickets and more information at ShowPass.com
From the May 6th Facebook post by Jordan Sabo:
Magic Mania returns on Friday, June 12th
Updated Facebook post from May 12.
Previously shared on Facebook May 7.