Showing posts with label # general. Show all posts
Showing posts with label # general. Show all posts

26 March 2020

Women seen as worse magicians

From the March 7th article "Women seen as worse magicians despite identical skills" from Neuroscience News:

Study participants were shown close-up videos of 14 magic tricks. Only the hands and arms of the magician presenting the tricks were visible. The figure wore white gloves and long sleeves which prevented participants identifying cues about whether they were male or female.

The performer was introduced to half the participants as ‘Nathalie’ and to half the participants as a ‘Nicolas’. Those who believed they were seeing tricks performed by ‘Nathalie’ rated them more negatively, and less impressive, than those who believed they were watching tricks performed by ‘Nicolas’.

Read more.

25 March 2020

Breaking news: Allan Slaight Relief Fund for Professional Magicians

With tremendous thanks to the Slaight Family Foundation for their generosity!


From Magicana:
And just like that, the Canadian magic industry has vanished.

In response to difficult and devastating times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for magicians who work in the gig economy, the Slaight Family Foundation has pledged to help.

Allan Slaight Relief Fund 


To contribute during these trying times, the Foundation has established the Allan Slaight Relief Fund of $150,000 to help defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians. The Slaight Family Foundation has partnered with Magicana to administer the payment of funds to applicants who meet eligibility.
The relief fund was initiated to help with monthly costs, such as groceries, utilities, phone and Internet bills, up to a maximum of $500 per application. Because of the uncertainty of how long we must maintain strict social distancing, applicants can reapply for assistance thirty days after receiving a prior payment, until the fund is depleted.
If you are a Canadian citizen, living in Canada, working as a full-time professional in magic with at least three years of experience, you are eligible for funding assistance. We understand that many magicians are semi-professionals. We would, however, ask that applications at this time be reserved for those who rely on magic as their sole source of income.

Read more to learn about the application process.




19 March 2020

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Details available at Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses.


From the Canadian Actors' Equity:
Self-employed workers not eligible for EI, aka most Equity members ARE COVERED under Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan! Some excellent news we all needed to hear.











15 March 2020

Peter Mennie's list of 5

5 low or no cost things to do if you can't perform over the next few weeks:

1. Go for a walk.
2. Write new material.
3. Clean/repair/upgrade your props.
4. Do your taxes (and invest your refund).
5. Don't worry. The work will come back in greater abundance.
#inspiration


The Social Distancing Festival

From The Social Distancing Festival:
The Social Distancing Festival is an online artist’s community made to celebrate and showcase the work of the many artists around the world who have been affected by the need for social distancing that has come about due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Personally, a production of a new musical of mine was cancelled on March 13, 2020. Yeah, Friday the 13th. Like, come on right? It’s such a weird mix of feelings. Yes it was absolutely the right decision. 100%. But so, so, SO disappointing. That production was years in the making, and my co-creator and artistic team had a lot invested. We didn’t just lose  a chance to develop the work, but also to share it, celebrate it, and potentially connect with further opportunities. Instead, I went home, where I was alone, disappointed, and facing a whole lot of free time.

I have three main goals with this project:

1) It helps to get some of the great work that you’ve done out to the world, and projects that were cancelled get the word of mouth that they missed out on;

2) We are able to keep feeling a sense of artistic community, even from our living rooms, and;

3) Artists are able to continue to engage with their projects by making videos, sharing work, and celebrating the work of others. 


Read more and submit your work.





29 February 2020

Elliott Smith in the Comedy Hall of Fame Museum

From the February 25th press release "Ottawa Comedy Magician, Elliott Smith, makes history at National Comedy Hall of Fame Museum in Holiday, Florida" in the Digital Journal:
Comedy Magician Elliott Smith made history once again. On February 23, 2020, he made his hometown of Ottawa and all of Canada proud by being the first and only Comedy Magician to appear on the Wall of The Great Touring Comedians at the National Comedy Hall of Fame Museum located in Holiday, Florida.

Read more.




01 January 2020

Happy 2020!

Wishing you and yours a year filled with health, joy, and wonder!








29 December 2019

2019 Readers' Choice award results

Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:
a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.

Over 500 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

Here are the results of our fourth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!



Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

2019 Beacon of Inspiration: Gwyn Auger

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Aaron.
"I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton."

"Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!"

Website: Gwyn Auger
 

Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
-
Gwyn totally deserves this she has been instrumental in the Calgary magic community as well as many larger circles globally.
- Talented and skilled people, one and all, but only Gwyn has the magic presence that makes those around her shine.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Frank Loesser / Hoagy Carmichael, Queen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.




2019 Beacon of Inspiration: James Harrison


James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown.  The quote below is from Unknown.

"James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it."

Editor's note:

Website: PickpocketMagic.com


Comments from James' fans include:
-
Stole my watch while I 'watched' and I still missed it...AMAZING.
- I've seen him perform multiple times and can't tell you how great he is! Charismatic, talented and just a decent guy. Good for any event.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Bach, Peter Gabriel, and Green Day.





2019 Beacon of Inspiration: Carisa Hendrix


Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."

Editor's note:

Website: CarisaHendrix



Comments from Carisa's fans include:
-
Phenomenal entertainer and lecturer. Goes out of her way to give of herself to anyone who asks.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, and Elton John.









2019 Beacon of Inspiration: Ryan Joyce
Ryan Joyce
Nominated by Anonymous.
"Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."

Editor's note:
Website: RyanJoyce.com



Comments from Ryan's fans include:
-
His work and efforts speak volumes and he is all about bringing the magic community together.

Voters' musical tastes include:  The Beatles, Pitbull, and Ed Sheeran.






2019 Beacon of Inspiration: 
Ken McCreedy

Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."

Editor's note:
  • Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge! 

Website: KenMcCreedy.com




Comments from Ken's fans include:
-
Always entertaining and full of surprises.  He is a kind and patient teacher.  It is an Honour to be his assistant.

Musical tastes include:  Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, and  Deep Purple.





2019 Beacon of Inspiration: The Sentimentalists



The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)

Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller."

Editor's note:
  • After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!

Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com




Comments from The Sentimentalists' fans include:
-
These two are AMAAAAAAAAAZING. Been in the business nearly half a century, at this point, and I've never seen a live mentalism act to top theirs. Just a stunning act. Stunning.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Steve Miller, Queen, and Harry S. Miller.






2019 Beacon of Inspiration: 
Anastasia Synn

Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants."

Edtitor's note:
 
Website: Synnister.com



Anastasia's fans were people of few words.

Musical tastes include:  Radiohead, Crystal Eyes, and Rag'n'Bone Man.



Editor's Choice


2019 Editor's Choice: Ted and Marion Outerbridge
Ted and Marion Outerbridge

Nominated by Unknown.
"I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!"


Editor's note:
 
Website: TedOuterbridge.com



The Outerbridge's fans were also people of few words.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Smash Mouth, Brockhampton, and Frank Sinatra.




Readers' Choice

2019 Winner: Mike Norden

Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.

Congratulations to Mike for winning the 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!


Keep up the great work!


Website: MagicShows.ca


Mike's fans were most likely to not follow instructions, and also most likely to get the date wrong.

Musical tastes include:  A wide assortment of Christmas music.







09 December 2019

Vote now for the 2019 Readers' Choice award

Reader's Choice logo 
The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fourth annual 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name!  (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)

Voting will close on Monday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the PollJunkie link if the poll does not appear in your browsers.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):


2019 Nominee: Gwyn Auger

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Aaron.
"I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton."

"Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!"

Editor's note:

Website: Gwyn Auger




2019 Nominee: James Harrison

James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown.  The quote below is from Unknown.

"James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it."


Editor's note:

Website: PickpocketMagic.com




2019 Nominee: Carisa Hendrix

Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."

Editor's note:

Website: CarisaHendrix





2019 Nominee: Ryan Joyce

Ryan Joyce
Nominated by Anonymous.
"Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."

Editor's note:
Website: RyanJoyce.com




2019 Nominee: Ken McCreedy

Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."

Editor's note:
  • Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge! 

Website: KenMcCreedy.com





2019 Nominee: Mike Norden

Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.
"It gives me great pleasure to nominate Mike Norden for Canadian Magician of the Year. Mike has worked tirelessly for the magic community over the last 15 years. He has organized and co-hosted at least 8 local conventions, and several weekends of magic. He has held the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Sergeant at Arms in several local magic organizations, including the Vancouver Magic Circle, the Fraser Valley Magic Circle, & the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians. He was instrumental in creating the local KIDabra Chapter, as well as one of the newest rings in Canada, IBM Ring 387, aka FVMC. He spearheaded the creation of 3rd Monday Magic, a monthly magic show held in his hometown, and has performed in and produced countless of those shows. He hosted all lectures at his house for more than 8 years, and continues to host all local meetings of the FVMC. He has, and continues to donate untold hours to the art of magic, through the clubs he belongs to, the conventions he runs, the shows he produces, and the youth he mentors. Mike truly embodies all that is magic, and exemplifies what it is to be an ambassador of one's art."

Editor's note:
  • This is a very complete nomination submission.  I've got nothing to add!

Website: MagicShows.ca




2019 Nominee: Ted and Marion Outerbridge

Ted and Marion Outerbridge
Nominated by Unknown.
"I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!"

Editor's note:
 
Website: TedOuterbridge.com





2019 Nominee: The Sentimentalists

The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)

Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller."


Editor's note:
  • After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!

Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com




2019 Nominee: Anastasia Synn


Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants."

Edtitor's note:
 
Website: Synnister.com







Cast your vote now at Poll Junkie!













18 November 2019

The 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award

Reader's Choice logo 

Updated December 3rd to add: 
- Nominations are now closed.  Stay tuned for voting information!

Updated December 1st to add a nominee submitted on November 29th:
- Mike Norden has accepted his nomination by an anonymous reader who wrote:
It gives me great pleasure to nominate Mike Norden for Canadian Magician of the Year. Mike has worked tirelessly for the magic community over the last 15 years. He has organized and cohosted at least 8 local conventions, and several weekends of magic. He has held the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Sergeant at Arms in several local magic organizations, including the Vancouver Magic Circle, the Fraser Valley Magic Circle, & the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians. He was instrumental in creating the local KIDabra Chapter, as well as one of the newest rings in Canada, IBM Ring 387, aka FVMC. He spearheaded the creation of 3rd Monday Magic, a monthly magic show held in his hometown, and has performed in and produced countless of those shows. He hosted all lectures at his house for more than 8 years, and continues to host all local meetings of the FVMC. He has, and continues to donate untold hours to the art of magic, through the clubs he belongs to, the conventions he runs, the shows he produces, and the youth he mentors. Mike truly embodies all that is magic, and exemplifies what it is to be an ambassador of one's art.


Updated November 29th to add:
-
Gwyn Auger has accepted her nomination by Aaron who wrote:
I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton.
Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!


Updated November 28 to add:
- James Harrison has accepted his nomination by multiple readers who wrote:

James Harrison, for being such an amazing ambassador of magic pretty much every time I see, as well all the awesome youtube video he has been part of explaining and showing off his skill.

James Harrison, The Pickpocket magician , out of Barrie, On., is a favourite of mine. There are many videos on YouTube, and as a human being he is so warm and excellent with working an audience. He absolutely needs to be in the running, as his work is so impressive!

James Harrison is a thoroughly entertaining and incredibly talented magician!! His slight of hand is so fluid you'll never know what he might have walked off with lol

I would like to nominate Pickpocket James Harrison! He has an amazing array of skills, and he's a master of sleight of hand. He's been featured in programs throughout North America. Off stage, he's extremely friendly, creative, funny, and always seems to work hard at encouraging those around him. On stage, he's very much the same, but with an extra aire of mystery and amazement! You can absolutely tell that he's a man doing what he loves, and he does it extremely well. He wears his passion on his sleeve with such a drive that he does more than entertain - he inspires!

I would like to nominate James Harrison for his passion to entertain people with his amazing magical skills and showmanship. I’ve had the pleasure to see him preform numerous times and it’s always an enjoyable time. 

James Harrison , also known as Canada’s Pickpocket Magician is astounding - he has done many acts over the world and his art of picking pockets and close up magic as gained him notoriety - he is a true inspiration and fantastic performer.

James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it.


Updated November 27 to add:
- Ryan Joyce has accepted his nomination by an anonymous reader who wrote:

Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magcians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art.

Updated November 25 to add:
-
Ted & Marion Outerbridge have accepted their nomination by an anonymous reader who wrote:
I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!


Updated November 23 to add:
- Ken McCreedy has accepted his nomination by JM who wrote:
Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts.  
  
Updated November 21 to add:
- Anastasia Synn has accepted her nomination by KL who wrote:
She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants. 


Updated November 19th to add: 
 - The Sentimentalists, Mysterion and Steffi Kay, have accepted their nomination by Ross who wrote:

I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV apperances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller.


The Canada's Magic 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award nominations are now open.

You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2019, in the comments below.  (Or you may email your nomination.)

Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM EST on Friday November the 29th.  We will contact the nominees via email and give them one week to accept or decline their nomination.  The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence in December.  (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.) 

This is a "bragging rights" only contest.  There is no cash value for this award.

Individuals and groups can be nominated.

We look forward to seeing your nominations!

In the spirit of celebrating all Canadian magicians, last year's winners of the Readers' Choice award (Jeff Christensen) or the Editor's Choice award (Mike Segal) are not eligible for nomination in 2019.



24 September 2019

Peter Mennie's advice based on "40 Years As A Kid's Performer"

From the September 16th article "40 Years As A Kid's Performer Helps" by Peter Mennie at LinkedIn:

I started my career on their stage while I was still in still high school. I had a full stage crew to set my props, run my music (on cassette!) and supply my mic (where I learned proper technique and went from handheld to headset) For the last ten years, I've done tech and this year and last, I was exclusively at the Kiddieland stage. Interestingly enough, the acts were the same both years (plus one additional Juno-nominated siging duo). It was a great opportunity to see how some acts grew (or not) why some acts stayed the same (because it works) and how an act that (according to them), never play these types of events, fit in (they didn't).

I was 'the old guy' in the group but with a unique perspective being both a performer and a technician. Everyone's goals were aligned - gather a crowd and entertain them - however as a performer, I know what the crew needs to make my show a success and as crew, I know what I need to support the stage acts.

Here are a few tips from both perspectives.


Read more.

22 September 2019

Ramsay's (sub)Reddit

Chris Ramsay started a subreddit to talk magic, puzzles and cardistry.

Have a look for yourself over at r/ChrisRamsay52.

A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.
Magic, Puzzles and stuff from r/ChrisRamsay52


From Chris Ramsay's Twitter feed:



04 September 2019

Michael Close's September 2019 newsletter

A quick reminder that Michael will open the Toronto Magic Club's season as the first lecturer on September 30th. 

Just finished reading the September newsletter (vol 2; issue 9) from Michael Close.  You may be interested in:
  • Michael Close has a podcast for subscribers, titled "Conversations with Close."   This month's guest is David Regal. 
  • Some insights into Michael's new ebook "The T.O.M. Epiphany: Fourth Dimensional Strategies for Turning Magic Tricks into Miracles.”
  • A review of David Regal's "Interpreting Magic."
  • An effect by David Regal.
  • All about Avner Eisenberg.
  • A playing card patent article by Lee Asher.
  • The Art of Conjuring by Mick Ayres.
  • Technically Speaking by by Bruce Kalver.
  • and many other newsworthy tidbits from the magic community!

Sign-up at MichaelClose.com to receive Michael's newsletters. 





29 August 2019

Steffi's shoes stolen

Please keep an eye out for Steffi Kay's stolen shoes.  Would love to have them returned to their owner.


From Steffi Kay's Facebook post:

Someone broke into my car and took my bag of 1920s and 1930s shoes. There wasn’t much in my car for them to steal minus the shoes and my insurance and apparently whatever was in my compartments... but I was going to take all my 1920s and 1930’s shoes in for repair today... I am now missing all 8/9 pairs of my favourite shoes that I have collected for over 10 years and loved so dearly. These are all my favourites. They’re all in need of fixing and are literally trash to someone selling them. They’re truly just 80 - 90 year old shoes that would be very difficult to resell at pawn shops as they’re in disrepair. In the condition they’re in they are something most would throw away and not be able to resell. However they are valuable because of the size and styles. My worst fear is the most likely thing... that they’re ending up in the trash 😭 If anyone comes across them I can offer a reward and my eternal gratitude. These are not replaceable so I need to find them. If anyone has any leads please get back to me. They went missing between around 11:30 pm August 27 and 11 am August 28 on Queen west in Toronto near Roncesvalles. Please help me bring my babies home. 💔😭



12 August 2019

Michael Close's August 2019 newsletter

Just finished reading the August newsletter from Michael Close.  You may be interested in:
  • Michael Close has a podcast for subscribers, titled "Conversations with Close."   This month's guest is Paul Vigil. 
  • Introduction to "Targeted Training with Michael Close.”
  • An effect by Paul Vigil, from his performing repertoire!
  • A playing card patent article by Lee Asher.
  • The Art of Conjuring by Mick Ayres.
  • Technically Speaking by by Bruce Kalver.
  • and many other newsworthy tidbits from the magic community!


Sign-up at MichaelClose.com to receive Michael's newsletters. 

21 May 2019

Nick Wallace on AGT 2019

We previously mentioned that The Sentimentalists were going to be on AGT 2019.  Here's another representative from the Canadian magic scene!

Keep an eye out for Nick Wallace!  The season starts May 28 on NBC.


From Nick Wallace's Instagram:

01 April 2019

Card throwing in the 2024 Olympics?

From the February 27th article "These Are the New Sports We May See at the 2024 Summer Olympics" by Jenny McCoy in Self:
As mentioned, three of the five proposed sports—skateboarding, surfing, and climbing—are already on the program for Tokyo, which means the IOC already has a solid understanding of the factors that would make the sports good Olympic contenders, like their global popularity, how competitions are run, venue requirements, and so on. Break dancing, though not on the list for Tokyo, was part of the 2018 youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, so it’s also already well-known to the IOC, explains McConnell. Card throwing, is well, the wild card of the 2024 games.

Read more.

27 March 2019

Edmonton: Building Skills as Professional Artists - A Public Seminar

Sheldon Casavant will be speaking at "Building Skills as Professional Artists - A Public Seminar."


From Evenbrite:

As an artist, you are a person driven by passion. Whether you came across your art form by happenstance or by choice, you have given it careful thought and finally decided to go the distance! You have spent countless hours developing your craft, honing your skills and technique. Now that you feel ready, how do you bring your art into the world? Who needs the art, and how will they support me to make it? How do I get the most out of my craft, and how can I create for the rest of my life?

In other words, how does one start the path pursuing a career in the arts? At the surface these questions may seem straightforward, but the answers are a new way of thinking entirely. In the real world, we must put the same care and attention towards our professionalism just as much as our art.

Read more and buy tickets.

24 March 2019

Chris Funk: Helping us all find success

Thanks Chris!


From Chris Funk's Twitter feed:
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Also from Chris Funk's Twitter feed:


20 March 2019

Oshawa: Potted Potter

Catch Potted Potter in Oshawa March 22 - 24!


From the Potted Potter Twitter feed:
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