Matt Johnson: Inspirational Canadian Magician

First up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Matt Johnson! 

 

Matt Johnson: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

Based in Vancouver, Matt Johnson performs around the world on cruise ships, captivating international audiences with his breathtaking magic and escape acts. What inspires me most about Matt is his relentless pursuit of pushing magic and escapes to their physical limits. His grand-scale illusions set him apart, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. The fact that he’s consistently rebooked years in advance speaks volumes about the impact and success of his shows.

Submitted by Leif David

Congratulations Matt!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Matt, visit LikeMattJohnson.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Thank you Leif, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Leif David visit BCMagician.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase
 

 

2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

It's time for our second annual Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase (ICMS)!

Last month, we reached out to the magicians featured in last year's ICMS and asked them to write two to four sentences about someone in the Canadian magic community who inspired them in 2024.  (They were given the caveat that the magicians in last year's showcase were ineligible to be named in this year's showcase.)

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be hosting a showcase of the submissions, in no particular order. 

We hope you enjoy!

2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.
 

 

Note:  This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the inspirational things magicians are doing across Canada.  Instead, think of it as highlighting a random sample of excellence at a single point in time.

Random thoughts about "This Book Will Read Your Mind"

You may know Alex McAleer from his performances in Champions of Magic, or from listening to his podcast his weekly podcast Through the Magic of Television (also available on Apple Podcasts).

Earlier this year, we were gifted a copy of his book, This Book Will Read Your Mind.  In this book, there are 10 interactive experiments to try.  Each one is a clever self-working mind-reading journey.  The exercises will appreciated by those who enjoy puzzles or magic!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

While not a treatise on "how to be a mentalist," the collection is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

As an added bonus, there are a few Easter eggs in the book for those who have seen Alex in Champions of Magic, and for listeners of Through the Magic of Television.

Designed and written by Alex McAleer, This Book Will Read Your Mind is 60 pages long and measures just shy of 15cm square.


Purchase This Book Will Read Your Mind directly from Alex at
https://alexmcaleer.bigcartel.com/product/this-book-will-read-your-mind-by-alex-mcaleer
or ask your local brick and mortar magic shop to order it in from Murphy's Magic.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Random thoughts about Graemazing Level 7 Wizard at the Hamilton Fringe

Graemazing Level 7 Wizard is playing at the Hamilton Fringe daily until July 28th.

 

Based on our previous travel experience to Niagara Falls, KOP and I again added an hour to the Google projected travel time, with the hopes we could wander around Hamilton prior to the show.  The traffic gods, however, had other plans.  Luckily, we arrived with plenty of time to find parking, a rest room, and get checked in at a leisurely pace.

• This was our first time at the Hamilton Fringe!
• Graeme's show is at the Elaine Mae Theatre adjacent to The Staircase.  (Check their website for instructions on where to find alternate parking if their lot is full.)
  
  
• The Elaine Mae Theatre is a cozy theatre space which comfortably seats approximately 40 people.
• The venue has air conditioning.
• There is a flight of stairs up to the venue.  Contact the theatre directly to see if they offer accommodations.
• If you require a rest room, they will send you over to The Staircase.  (Which has a good number of stairs to get from the sidewalk to the main floor.)
  
  
• Each Fringe attendee is required to purchase (and wear) $4 Hamilton Fringe button.  (We confused the volunteer staff outside the venue by trying to pay for the button with cash.  We apparently broke some generally known (except to us) norm.  We're still not sure what payment methods they prefer, as eventually they let us trade our sheet of plastic and our coins for two buttons.)
• Fringe volunteers also have tip buckets and Fringe fund raising buckets, into which they request you donate cash in support of the Fringe.  (So apparently cash isn't taboo for everything.)
  
• All ticket sale proceeds go to the performers.

 

On with the show...

• The performance space is intimate, capable of seating approximately 40 people.
• It is general admission seating.  If sitting at the front is important to you, arrive early.
• Unless you are short and there's a tall person sitting in front of you, there are no bad seats in the house.  (The seating is NOT raked.  All the chairs are on the same level.  The stage is raised.)
  
• The show is highly interactive.  There were more than a dozen volunteers and a segment which required the whole audience to participate.
• Only a handful of the volunteers were required to get on stage.
• Volunteers were treated with dignity and respect. 
  
• While not crafted as a "children's magic show," the (guardian accompanied) children in the audience were very engrossed and entertained!
  
• The show is targeted as "Parental Guidance (ages 13+)."  We feel this has less to do with the content of the show and more to do with young children's abilities to follow instructions and to sit still for the duration of the show (approximately one hour).
• Graeme could have very easily created an entertaining show, performing his selection of magical effects as documented (and performed by countless other magicians).
• With a delightful impact, however, he highly personalizes his conjuring, adding to the entertainment value of each of the sequences by making them unique to his "Graemazing Level 7 Wizard" persona.
• The description for the show "Graemazing is a Level 7 Wizard with a black belt in card magic and a starfish badge in mind reading, totally real" tells you upfront that the show isn't going to take itself overly seriously! 
• If you're looking for a show that invokes super heroes, comic books, trading cards, breakfast cereals, John Cena, and movies from the 90s, look no further! 
• BONUS POINTS for a wonderful shout out to The Browser's Den of Magic.
• There were many very strong, almost visceral, audience reactions to his well-crafted performance.
  
• Graeme's improvisation expertise, combined with his re-imagining of classic effects, elevates his more than capable wizardry, and creates an engaging show unique to every audience!

 

The experience was unquestionably, Graemazing!

 

 

Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

 

  2024 Hamilton Fringe  

• Graemazing Level 7 Wizard is playing at the Hamilton Fringe daily until July 28th.
  Read the Steel City Review.
  

  
Other magical Hamilton Fringe experiences:

• Arts and Crafts for Grown-Ups, by Ben Bisaillon (Vancouver), until July 28th.
  Read the Steel City Review.
  
  
• Spookshow, by Nicholas Wallace (stage manager Ahmed Alexander), until July 26th.
  Read the Steel City Review.
  

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

 

Random thoughts about Piff the Magic Dragon in Niagara Falls

Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop.

We're playing a little bit of catch-up at the blog.  These random thoughts are from the show we saw on Mother's Day weekend.  (Is there a better way to celebrate Mother's Day than going to see a magic dragon?)

Based on our previous travel experience to Niagara Falls, after consulting Google we added an hour to the longest estimated time in an attempt to get us to the theatre by 3pm.  Surely leaving at noon would give us a chance to wander around and take in The Falls prior to the show!

Wouldn't you know there were phantom traffic jams aplenty.  KOP and I rolled into town at 2:40pm, scrambled for parking, and made our way to the theatre.  Sadly there was no time to see The Falls.

Thankfully, we made it to the Avalon Theatre (at Fallsview Casino Resort) with a few minutes to spare! 

• This was our first experience at this venue.
• The box office staff and lobby staff were super friendly and helpful!
• It's a nice sized theatre with a capacity of about 1500.  
• The theatre website states "You are never more than 100 feet away [30.48 m] from an amazing performance by your favourite artist."
  

On with the show...

• The show is highly interactive.  (There were at least a dozen volunteers in addition to a whole audience game of HoT with a kicker ending!)
• Francis is a squire of many talents!  Including (but not limited to) playing the tin whistle, videography, rapping, dancing, and urm, choreography.
• Jade is just as charming and wonderful as you'd expect from listening to her on The Piff Pod back in the day, or seeing her on Piff's television appearances.
  
• We loved that Jade spent some time in the audience chatting up the littles while the adults were being told the rules for the HoT experience.
• As expected, Mr. Piffles was an absolute crowd favourite!  He is a very accommodating and adorable magic dog.
  
• As a companion to the expertly executed comedy magic, there was a significant amount of legit stand-up comedy.  Delivered in a way that only Piff can!  (As with a regular stand-up comedy show, don't sit up front if you don't want to be part of the show!)
• There was much amazement in the audience.  And laughter.  So much laughter!
• For us, the pièce de résistance was the sandwich effect Piff showcased on the 2024 AGT Fantasy League.  Complete with a callback to audience volunteer Princess Kat from earlier in the show.  
• In the stage show, Piff explained how certain AGT edits detracted from the entertainment value of the routine.
• He was right.  The effect was super strong live, in person, and without edits!
  
  
• After the show there was a Meet and Greet in the lobby with Jade, Mr. Piffles, and the magic dragon himself, Piff.  They were very friendly, signed autographs, and didn't rush.  (We were the last in line from our show, and even though we knew we were the last thing standing in the way from them being able to change / eat / relax, they were very friendly and sociable!)
  

 

Definitely the funniest and most magical dragon you'll ever see!

Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop. 

When he's not on tour, you can see Piff in Las Vegas at the Flamingo!

 

Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

Browser's Bash: Getting to know Ian Stewart

  

Will you be at the 2024 Browser's Bash on Saturday, July 13, 2024?

We are pleased to have the opportunity to do short interviews with some of this year's performers.  Next in the series is Ian Stewart!
 

You may already know that Ian:

• Was recognized as being an Inspirational Canadian Magician in 2023, and
  
• Claimed the Guinness World Record for Most Magic Tricks Performed in a Minute last month!
  
  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by IanStewart (@ianstewartandstuff)

We're delighted that Ian made time to answer our questions ahead of this year's Bash!

 

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
Bella, my dog.  She is happy no matter what.  I think we should all try and be like that.  You didn't say a person....

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

When I was 3 years old a magician came to my play school.  I still remember the paper coils coming out of his mouth.  We all grabbed a piece of it.  He also actually pulled a rabbit out of a hat.  I think that may be the only time I ever actually saw that trick done.
 

 

Who from the magic community inspires you?

So Many people.  But currently Jeff McBride is the person I'm looking up to the most.  His abilities in so many areas of magic, as well as his ability to teach it to others is mind blowing!

 

Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?

No,  Not really.  I grew up in Nova Scotia.  We had very little in the way of magic.  But, my grandfather lived next door to this John Talbot guy who did magic.  He was kind enough to share information and loansome books.  This kick started me getting more seriously into magic.

Ian Stewart

Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?  
 
I never did.  For many years I concentrated on my juggling and hypnosis shows.  But I never actually quit magic.  It's always been a huge part of my life.

Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with our readers?
 

I actually don't think I have any.  I do like putting a cheque into the bank machine after a show!

 

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2024 Browser's Bash?
 

I'm unknown to most magicians.  I've been hidden away on the East Coast and as a full time single dad I've rarely had time to socialize with magicians from outside of the East Coast.  Now that my boy his a bit older and I can travel again, I'm excited to meet more magicians!

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 

I'm excited to see everyone!

 

 

Thank you Ian for making the time to answer our questions!  We look forward to seeing you at this year's Bash!

Learn more about Ian Stewart at his website IanStewart.info and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Visit the Browser's Den of Magic website to buy your ticket and learn more about this year's Bash!  See you on Saturday, July 13, 2024!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Browser's Den of Magic (@browsersden)

 

 

 

 

Browser's Bash: Getting to know Dick Joiner

  

Will you be at the 2024 Browser's Bash on Saturday, July 13, 2024?

We are pleased to have the opportunity to do short interviews with some of this year's performers.  Next in the series is Dick Joiner!

 
 

You may already know that Dick:

• Attended Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp for 18 years, and
• Presented touring magic shows across Canada for 30+ years (Fantasy Magic and Holiday Magic).

We're delighted that Dick made time to answer our questions ahead of this year's Bash!

 

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
The significant others who support the magical fraternity and suffer our constant barrage of "Let me show you a new trick."

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

I was born and raised in England and saw my first magician at about the age of 12 years. It was at an office party celebrating the holiday season. The magician performed such mysteries as the die box and square circle. The presentation was aimed at children younger than myself and although it peaked my curiosity I was not overly impressed. It was not until I was in my later 20's when living in Canada that I became interested in this magical form of entertainment.
 

Who from the magic community inspires you?

I am always in awe of those performers who continue to provide inspiring

entertainment and to those with magical knowledge who pass that knowledge on the up and coming generation. The list of names could be endless and I would hate to miss anyone out.

 

Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?

I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with some fabulous people over the years. In the local club circuit it would be impossible for me not to mention past members Sid Lorraine, Bruce Posgate, The Wacky Wizard Jack Bateman, Magic stores of Morrisey Magic under the leadership of Herb, and The Browser's Den under the leadership of Len [Cooper] and now Jeff [Pinsky]. Magic Camps.... The one and only Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp under the leadership of Mike and Jen [Segal].

International performers Michael Ammar, David Copperfield, Jaun Tamariz, plus Terry Seabooke, and so many more.

Our centurion... GORDON PRECIOUS (always presenting his latest miracle).

Dick Joiner

Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?  
 
Slow times make you wonder about why you are doing what you are doing. I have always been fortunate enough (at least in my earlier days) to always have something come-up at the last minute.... A cruise ship offer, a tour with Bobby Vinton or Bobby Curtola as an opening act, a long running dinner cabaret show, etc etc. Great agents that believe in you can certainly make booking gigs so much easier.

Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with our readers?
 

Arrive early at the performance site is a MUST FOR ME. It also became a MUST for any of the cast we had performing over the thirty plus years I was presenting either "Fantasy Magic" or "Holiday Magic" show tours across Canada. It is also a great concern to me that we give the client 110% effort on the show and provide for them what they envisioned the show to be.

 

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2024 Browser's Bash?
 

Restarting what BROWSERS DEN had started before C19. This is a great get together of a very talented community and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about either a chosen hobby or career. Friendships are re kindled and n friendships made.

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 

IF YOU DO NOT GO AFTER WHAT YOU WANT - YOU'LL NEVER HAVE IT.

-

IF YOU DO NOT ASK THE ANSWER WILL ALWAYS BE NO.

IF YOU DO NOT STEP FORWARD, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN THE SAME PLACE.

 

 

Thank you Dick for making the time to answer our questions!  We look forward to seeing you at this year's Bash!

To learn more about Dick Joiner follow him on Facebook. 

 

Visit the Browser's Den of Magic website to buy your ticket and learn more about this year's Bash!  See you on Saturday, July 13, 2024!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Browser's Den of Magic (@browsersden)

 

 

 

 

Browser's Bash: Getting to know Ben Train

  

Will you be at the 2024 Browser's Bash on Saturday, July 13, 2024?

We are pleased to have the opportunity to do short interviews with some of this year's performers.  Next in the series is Ben Train!
 

You may already know that Ben:

• Received the Len Cooper Memorial Award in 2008, 
• Created the film A Series of Unfortunate Effects (Mayhew & Train), 
• Was a camper, CIT, Counsellor, and staff at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp,
• Was recognized as Inspirational Canadian Magician in 2017,
• Co-runs TorontoMagicCompany.com, a company that produces magic shows,
• Appeared on Penn and Teller's Fool Us, and 
• Delivered magic lectures in more than 70 cities around the world!

We're delighted that Ben made time to answer our questions ahead of this year's Bash!

 

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
Is it too cheesy if I say "my dad"? 'Cause I think he's pretty awesome...

I'm inspired by artists, athletes, writers, politicians, activists, etc. Instead of listing any... you can talk to me and ask. :)

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

When I was 8 years old my parents took me to the Browser's Den as a reward for doing well (or doing better than I normally did) at school. I'm sure I saw a lot of magic that day, but the one I remember most vividly was the Mismade Queen - a scaled down close up version of the famous ZigZag illusion. I loved that trick, and ended up playing with it so much that I wore out the cards that came with it!
 

Who from the magic community inspires you?

Rather than give you specific names, I'll break it down into the two types of magicians that inspire me. 

First are the people who focus on growing and building up their local communities. These are the volunteers at magic clubs, the ones that provide spaces for their fellow performers to try things, the ones that organize regular jams and hangouts. I see the Ottawa magic community as an example of people doing this really well. 

The other type of magicians that inspire me are the ones NOT involved in their local communities directly - the ones that just focus on making their own magic as good as they can possibly make it. These are the people inventing new tricks, performing kick-ass magic, and making magic better simply by being GOOD.
 

Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?

Sure! In chronological order:

1. Jeff Pinsky made me feel welcomed into the world of magic.

2. Steve Forte and Dai Vernon (videos/books) helped me fall in love with learning magic.

3. Sorcerers Safari gave me the confidence to start sharing magic.

4. Bill Abbott and Bobby Motta made me want to be a full-time performer. 

5. All the amazing friends over the years that inspired me, and continue inspiring me, to keep working on getting better!

Ben Train

Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?  
 
God. All the freaking time. I think about shows that went wrong. Audiences that didn't seem to care about what I was sharing. About how bad I am compared to other performers I know. About how useless, in the grand scheme of things, what I do is.

But then I take a breath and remember why I LOVE what I do. About how happy it makes people when I'm able to connect with an audience. About how good I feel when a show goes well. 

Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with our readers?
 

First and foremost, I set the stage with everything I need for the show and then double check it’s all there and where I need it to be.

Next, I do a quick walk-through of how I want the show to run. This means preplanning where I’m calling audience members from, how long it’ll take people to get on stage, where I’m entering and leaving the stage, etc.

Depending on my mood and the event I might be interacting with the audience before the show or “hiding”, but either way I’m trying to get psyched up for the show. I remind myself I don’t HAVE to be doing this - but rather I GET to do it. And I remember how much I enjoy sharing magic, making people laugh, and connecting with people.

Then I take a big pre-show poop and hit the stage.

 

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2024 Browser's Bash?
 

I love seeing friends and meeting new people… but if I’m being honest what I’m looking forward to the most is seeing dope magic. 

 

 

Do you have a favourite Browser's Bash memory?
 

Yes.

  

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 

Nothing makes me happier than seeing magic. So if you’re coming to the Bash I would be DELIGHTED if you show me a trick. .

 

 

Thank you Ben for making the time to answer our questions!  We look forward to seeing you at this year's Bash!

Learn more about Ben Train by visiting TorontoMagicCompany.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Visit the Browser's Den of Magic website to buy your ticket and learn more about this year's Bash!  See you on Saturday, July 13, 2024!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Browser's Den of Magic (@browsersden)

 

 

 

 

Browser's Bash: Getting to know Jeff Hinchliffe

  

The 2024 Browser's Bash is on Saturday, July 13, 2024!

We are pleased to have the opportunity to do short interviews with some of this year's performers.  Next in the series is Jeff Hinchliffe!

 
 

You may already know that Jeff:

• Was the inaugural recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award in 2003, 
• Was featured in the film A Series of Unfortunate Effects (Mayhew & Train), 
• Was a counsellor and also staff at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp,
  
• Works at the Browser's Den of Magic where he is sometimes referred to by the moniker "Young Jeff," and
• Was the subject of the very first post at this blog!
  

We're delighted that Jeff made time to answer our questions ahead of this year's Bash!

 

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
I find inspiration more in ideas than in people. So I'll read philosophy, science, art, history and look for inspiration there.

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

My first memory of magic is my dad dressing up as a magician for my 5th or 6th birthday party, and trying to perform a bunch of tricks from a magic set. I distinctly remember one kid heckling my dad quite well.
 

Who from the magic community inspires you?

Honestly, not one person in particular. But when I see young magicians starting to really develop their magic, and when I see younger guys that are making a go of it, performing public shows, it helps rekindle that early passion and love.
 

Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?

I bought a Svengali deck from the booth that Browser's used to operate at Wonderland in 1996. I got my wooden nickel for a free trick from the shop at Bathurst & Eglinton. I took in my nickel, got my free trick, and my life was changed forever.

'Young' Jeff

Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?  
 
I didn't just get discouraged, I did quit magic for 5 years. I came back in 2017. What encouraged me to come back was living in the real world for 5 years lol.

Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with our readers?
 

I personally do not have any pre-show rituals.

 

 

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2024 Browser's Bash?
 

Being on the stage and performing again (my last performance on the Bash stage was at the 1st Browser's Bash).

 

  Do you have a favourite Browser's Bash memory?  

My favourite memory is when Michael Ammar and Eugene Burger told us that the Bash was unlike any other convention they had attended. They could feel the difference in the room.  

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 

Get ready, the next few weeks are gonna fly by!

 

 

Thank you Jeff for making the time to answer our questions!  We look forward to seeing you at this year's Bash!

Follow Jeff Hinchliffe on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Visit the Browser's Den of Magic website to buy your ticket and learn more about this year's Bash!  See you on Saturday, July 13, 2024!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Browser's Den of Magic (@browsersden)