Request: Nominate Dale Harney for the Alberta Award of Excellence

The Magic Palace was a Canadian television series, produced and hosted by Dale Harney.  You can watch episodes of the show at Magicana.

 

From the March 31st Facebook post by Scott Imler at the Calgary Magic Circle Facebook group:

(republished with permission from Scott)

Hi everyone. My name is Scott Imler. Some of you are friends while others from the Magic community may know me from our shared love of Magic and working with Dale Harney on The Magic Palace TV series.

Dale's son, Shane, reached out to me seeking support to nominate Dale for the Alberta Award of Excellence for his contribution to Magic and his influence on the Arts in Alberta. This influence spans his live performances across Canada and the world, as well as his starring roles in several television series he created.  These series include The Dale Harney Show, Lynsky and Company and of course, The Magic Palace. In addition, he has made many other TV appearances, including a CBC special featuring him and his wife, Lynda.

Part of the Nomination includes a few  SHORT letters of recommendation from friends, fans, employees, and the public who were positively influenced by Dale and his work.

If you would like to send me a short blurb to be  included in the nomination, the Harney Family would appreciate your input. Please keep it brief: quality over quantity. 

Please send your thoughts to me Scott Imler at simler [at] telus [dot] net  [editer's note: reformat accordingly]

Thanks in Advance Scott!!

Please note that if nominated it will be a surprise for Dale. [emphasis added]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Chaos with Giancarlo Scalia [May 19]

Hosted by the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, IBM Ring 17. 

 

From The Second City website: 

It is not possible to fight chaos, but there are ways to find harmony within it. A fixed point. A breath. Giancarlo Scalia invites you on a journey where changing perspective transforms reality itself. Through impossible moments, humor, and visual poetry, simple elements will open doors to alternative realities. An invitation to transformation. A moment to escape. A journey within and beyond chaos. 

Read more and buy tickets. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISM NA: Renée-Claude Auclair has stepped down as President

Thank you Renée-Claude Auclair, for all you have done for the Canadian magic scene!

 

From the March 27th Facebook post by Renee-Claude Auclair: 

Congratulations to Dal Sanders the new president of FISM NA! 

Read more. 

 

From the March 27th Facebook post by FISM International: 

We would like to inform you that Renée-Claude Auclair has stepped down as FISM North American President, and we like to take the opportunity to thank Renée-Claude for years of dedication on behalf of FISM and everything she has done for the North American Magic community.

Read more.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Peck interviews David Ben about the new home for David Ben's magic collection

From the David Peck interview David Ben in Episode 629 on the April 1st podcast "Curiosity, Magic & Meaning" at Face2Face with David Peck:

In this episode of Face2Face, David Peck sits down with magician, historian, and thinker David Ben for a wide-ranging conversation about curiosity, illusion, and the deeper intellectual life behind magic. At the heart of the discussion is Ben’s extraordinary collection, now housed at The Lilly Library at Indiana University, a vast archive spanning more than a century of magical history. Together, they explore magic as a “prism” for understanding the world, touching on ethics, problem-solving, and the power of wonder. This is more than a conversation about magic, it’s about how we see, ask questions and make meaning. 

Read more and listen to podcast. 

 

 

From James Alan's April 1st post "A Magical Acquisition" at Magicana: 

In a landmark moment for the scholarly study of magic, Indiana University’s Lilly Library has announced the acquisition of the David Ben Magic Collection. The Lilly Library is one of the nation’s preeminent rare books, manuscripts, and special collections libraries.

Read more.

 

 

From the April 1st article "Too Good to Be True? IU Acquires Legendary Magic Collection
David Ben's extraordinary collections chronicle the art and history of magic" at Indiana University:

This April Fools’ Day, turn disbelief into discovery as the Lilly Library announces the acquisition of David Ben's very real collection of extraordinary materials chronicling the art and history of magic, illusion, and performance history. 

Read more.  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

You know the rules

and so do I.

QR Code created by the generous folks at Wikimedia Commons.
 

If you don't have a device that can read a QR code, try this website:  QRCodeRaptor.com 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 posts in March 2026

There were 22 posts at Canada's Magic this month.  Here are the top 5 posts in the previous 30 days:

        

5.  St John: Magic by Bernard [Mar 14] - This event was postponed due to weather.  We'll provide an update when it becomes available. 

4.  Toronto: Magic Guys at Work -- After Hours [Mar 11] - Catch The Magic Guys at Work (Ian Batterbury & Rob Fishbaum) in Guelph on May 1st.  Details at Ian's March 27th Instagram post.

3.  [Guest post] Remembering Ron Leonard (1923-1998) - We miss you Ron.

2.  Fredericton: Nigel Harrison -- Unreal [Apr 17] - Coming up fast!

 

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1.  Toronto: Details for Jared Kopf's lecture, show, and workshop announced [Mar 18 - 20] - Montreal and Toronto, you were treated to a fantastic lecture, show and workshop!  See photos from the Toronto workshop at our Facebook photo album.

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Zombocalypse! [Apr 29 - May 10]

Tickets at EldritchTheatre.ca/zombocalypse

From the March 26 Press Release by Eldritch Theatre:

Created by Eric Woolfe, this social satire mixes Romero’s Night of the Living Dead with Hughes’ The Breakfast Club to take aim at societal prejudices, xenophobia, and our horrifying tendency to polarize and turn against those different from us when looming disasters demand we pull together to survive. Don't worry, the play mixes live actors with Eldritch Theatre's iconic puppets and masks, and of course, there will be parlour magic.

PLAY SYNOPSIS

The Dead rise from their graves to feast on the flesh of the living in a suburban high school in 1985. A jock, a brain, a rebel, a preppie and a basket-case barricade themselves in their school cafeteria to fend off the gathering hordes of their hungry, undead friends, only to discover that their real enemies are each other. 

It’s totally the Breakfast Club, but like with Zombies.

 

 

 

Edmonton: Jeff Newman lecture [Apr 9]

From the March 25th Facebook post by Ron Pearson at the Edmonton Magic Club Facebook group: 

In this lecture, Jeff will be teaching some of his tried-and-true effects that have been performed for his audiences over the past decade. In addition, Jeff will cover performance theory and how to improve your own effects. 

Read more.

 

Previously shared on Facecbook March 25. 

  

 

 

 

Hamilton: Tricks of the Mind -- Magic, Mystery, and Possibility [Apr 23 - 24]

Tickets at https://www.tixr.com/groups/sonicunyon/events/tricks-of-the-mind-magic-mystery-and-possibility-177910

From the March 18th Instagram post by Brandon Love: 

On April 23 & 24, magician Brandon Love brings an evening of impossible demonstrations, mind-bending surprises, and audience interaction to Bridgeworks in Hamilton.

Read more. 

 

Penticton: Ryan Michael [Apr 16]

Tickets available for purchase now at Neighbourhood Brewing. 

 

From the March 23rd Instagram post by NBHDBeer: 

On Thursday, April 16th, award-winning magician @ryanmichaelmagic is bringing mind bending magic to Neighbourhood Brewing! This isn’t your average card trick night... 

Read more. 

 

 

 

Chicago: The Toronto Magic Company at The Chicago Magic Lounge [Mar 26- 29]

For more information and tickets visit ChicagoMagicLounge.com 

 

From the March 20th Instagram post by The Toronto Magic Company: 

Catch Ben Train on the main stage and Jonah Babins in the 654 Club. Shows on Thursday (SOLD OUT), two on Friday (one SOLD OUT), two on Saturday (BOTH SOLD OUT), and finally two on Sunday (ALMOST SOLD OUT).  

Read more. 

 

Previously shared on Facebook March 20. 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria: Jason Verners at Beacon Bits [Mar 26]

Tickets and more information at BeaconCS.ca 

 

From the March 21st Instagram post by Beacon Community Services:

On March 26, we’ll gather at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre for an evening dedicated to making a real impact. Beacon Bits brings our community together to raise vital funds for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across our region. 

Read more. 

 

 

 

Waterloo: Magic & Shenanigans -- a guided tour festival [May 29 - 31]

For tickets and more information, visit MagicAndShenanigans.com. 

 

This year's magicians include:

• Laura London
• Matt DiSero
• Chris Capehart
• Alyx Hilshey
• Siegfired Tieber
• Jack Wise and 
• Keith Fields 

 

From the March 3rd Instagram post by Magic and Shenanigans: 

Back for its 2nd year, this unique experience combines the greatest magicians from around the globe along with professional comedians, actors and improv specialists chosen as tour guides to help you navigate the streets of Uptown Waterloo.

Read more. 

 

We had a great time at last year's festival.  Have a look at some of our photos:

 

 

 

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Aylmer: Nick Wallace [Mar 28]

Tickets at Eventbrite. 

 

From the March 13th Instagram post by Nicholas Wallace: 

March 28th at Aylmer Old Town Hall Theater @nickwallacelive is bringing his mix of magic and stories to Elgin County for one night only. 

Read more.

 

Previously shared on Facebook February 3. 

 

 

 

 

Watson: Double Vision Magic Show [Mar 21]

For information about how to purchase tickets visit the March 13 Facebook post by The Town of Watson. 

 

Found at the March 15th Facebook post by Double Vision - Twin Magic and Comedy. 

 

Previously shared on Facebook March 15. 

 

 

 

 

 

Gatineau: Magician and the Muse at the 2026 NACCA Forum [May 6]

From the March 8 Facebook post by Chanelle Munroe:

NACCA supports economic development in Indigenous communities across Canada and provides vital programs like the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program, helping Indigenous business leaders turn their visions into reality. 

As a Métis woman who runs her own business, this opportunity is especially meaningful to me. I’m excited to bring my unique blend of magic, storytelling, and culture to the stage. 

Read more. 

 

Learn more about the 2026 NACCA Forum. 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook March 8. 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria: Tricky Tuesday [Mar 24]

From the Tricky Tuesday Facebook event:

Pro and amateur magicians will perform close up magic right at your table, maybe even in your hands before they take to the stage for an unforgettable show! This annual event is one of the most high-energy shows that The Victoria Magic Circle puts on - lots of laughs, plenty of wonder and memories made! 

Read more and buy tickets. 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook March 10. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Valentine is Face2Face with David Peck (and the Mad Hatter in Cirque Alice [Mar 13 - Jul 26])

See Steve as the Mad Hatter in Cirque Alice in Reno.  Tickets at TicketMaster. 

 

From the March 4th Face 2 Face episode "Steve Valentine: Magic, Creativity & the Power of the Subconscious - Ep. 627" listing at acast:

In this episode of Face2Face, David Peck speaks with magician, actor and creator Steve Valentine about creativity, the subconscious mind and rediscovering the art of magic. Steve reflects on how the brain is always working beneath the surface, often producing creative breakthroughs when we least expect them. He shares how revisiting the history of magic and returning to routines he once performed has reignited his passion and opened new perspectives on his craft. Their conversation explores how reflection, curiosity and our past experiences shape the way we create and perform. Thoughtful and engaging, this episode is a reminder that creativity is rarely linear and that sometimes the best way forward is to look back.

Read more and Listen to David Peck interview Steve Valentine.

  

Found at the March 9 Instagram post by Face 2 Face Live. 

 

 

 

New Westminster: An Evening of Magic [Mar 26]

This event is part of the 2026 Magic Festival. 

 

From the Ticket Tailor event "An Evening of Magic - presented by the Mandrake Assembly of Magicians SAM #95": 

Held at the renowned Rick Bronson's House of Comedy in downtown New Westminster, this magical event is a salute to the Society of American Magicians and the intriguing craft it represents. Prepare to be entertained by a diverse lineup of magicians, each bringing their distinct style to the stage. From impressive sleight of hand to mind-boggling illusions, "An Evening of Magic" guarantees a memorable night of entertainment. Join us as we unravel the secrets of the mystic arts for an enjoyable and magical experience! 

Read more and buy tickets. 

 

Additional information can be found at the March 11 Facebook post by Chris Yuill and the March 12 Facebook post at SAM #95. 

 

Previously shared on Facebook March 12. 

 

 

 

Fredericton: Nigel Harrison -- Unreal [Apr 17]

Tickets at TicketFairy.com 

 

From the January 16th Facebook post by Nigel Harrison: 

Tickets are OFFICIALLY ON SALE NOW for my live magic show, UNREAL!
Join me for a night of mind-blowing magic and illusion that the whole family can enjoy. This is an all-ages event, but be warned... tickets are limited and they WILL disappear! 💨 

Read more. 

 

 

Found at the March 6th Facebook post by Bernard Cormier at the Magic Circle of St. John Facebook group.