[Guest post] Opening Night at Parlour Magic at Tranzac

A reminder that October's Parlour Magic show features Bill Abbott!  Tickets and more information at MagicParlour.ca

 

The following is a guest post from Ryan Pilling.

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Opening Night at Parlour Magic at Tranzac

When it was confirmed I'd be flying from Calgary to Toronto to facilitate a conference, the first thing I did was look up Canada's Magic blog, as the go-to source for Canadian magical goings-on, to see if my trip would align with any club meetings or lectures. It was there I heard about the launch of a new monthly show starting up in Toronto presenting magic in a cozy parlour setting. Lucky me!

Then I saw the line-up for the show; hosted by series producer Ian Crawford featuring acts from Rob Fishbaum, Jeff Hinchliffe, and Nick Wallace. I know them all, by reputation or personal experience, to be top notch presenters. Very lucky me!

Finally the day had arrived. I made my way on a warm September night, walking three blocks from the subway station. Perhaps it was not being accustomed to the Toronto humidity, perhaps it was my excitement for the show, but I arrived moist.

The TRANZAC, which long ago stood for something-something New Zealand / Australia something^¹, is now a home for Toronto's independent music community. Any night of the week you can drop in and find local musicians kicking off a new show every two hours. It's a lively space and I very nearly succumbed to the siren call of a banjo being tuned in the other room.

To the left, however, I heard the sounds of cheers and applause. Guests who had arrived early were already being dazzled, even a little razzled, with pre-show close-up magic. In the hallway I watched Fish the Magish (Rob) melt minds as easily as he melted rubber bands.

One music-fan passing by asked "What's going on here?" He was told "A magic show!" and he pulled an oddly curious expression. "Oh, I didn't know people still did that sorta thing." He turned right, into the Bluegrass room.

The show was in The Living Room at the TRANZAC, an aptly named space with a brick fireplace, a handful of well-worn upholstered chairs, and decorated exclusively with pictures of cats. The room was filled to capacity with folding chairs for a sold-out crowd to witness the inaugural edition of Parlour Magic.

Ian Crawford stepped up, as host for the evening, to welcome the enthusiastic crowd. He quickly kicked things off with one mindreading miracle before introducing the first of his trio of tricksters.

Ian Crawford warms up the crowd.
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

Ian Crawford with a between-act treat!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

 

The laughter rarely ceased during Rob Fishbaum's turn thanks to a fast-paced delivery of jokes and visual gags. I have a hard time recalling the individual items amongst the fun-filled frenzy. A testament of personality being more important than tricks. At one point he had crowned himself king, and he smashed a world record for solving a Rubik's cube. All in a day's work. His friendly style pulls people in, and his smooth presentation of good magic assures everyone they are in for a great show. A perfect opening act to set the rest of the performers up for smooth sailing.

Rob Fishbaum with a wardrobe adjustment
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

You can take the teacher out of the school,
but you can't take the school out of the teacher!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

A headdress worthy of royalty!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

 

Next Jeff Hinchliffe, introduced as an underground legend, surfaced with only two decks of cards. One red, one blue. That's all he needed to deal out straight miracles to this full house. If you're familiar with card magic, you may catch a hint of common plots but Jeff transforms them into something more. It would be dismissive to call it "a variation on Chicago Opener" when his clever restructuring has turned a bar trick into a parlour performance piece. Everything he did landed multiple hits of strong magic leaving the audience's brains well-pummelled and mushy. His closer, which may sound tedious on paper, had the whole audience fixed on the progressive reveals, murmuring "no way" as cards were counted out in perfect pairs.

Red? Or blue?
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

The choice is yours!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

A quick lession in neurobiology.
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

With no recovery time granted, Ian introduced the final act; "as seen on America's Got Talent" Nick Wallace. The audience immediately realizes this fella is a bit... different. He specializes in teasing maximum anticipation from long pauses in a delightfully unsettling way, like approaching a corner in a haunted house. I know Nick also puts a lot of effort into the visual look and staging of his act, which felt a bit cramped in the living room, wedged between the piano and drumset. 

Looking for inspiration.
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

Part of the show took place in a satellite location outside of the building.
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

Nothing to see here!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

It did, however, add that much more tension for those finding themselves within arms reach of a serrated animal trap ready to snap. The huge round of applause was partly in appreciation of Nick's beautiful magic, which feels like more than just tricks, but also a celebration that nobody died.

This does not look easy!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

I was expecting to attend a little show with some local magicians. What I got was a top-notch evening which would be perfectly at home in the Magic Castle. I'm thankful that Ian is making a place where we can we can still 'do this sorta thing.'

A fantastic line-up for a fabulous opening night!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

Parlour Magic at TRANZAC is on once a month, with fresh acts, through to February 2027. See MagicParlour.ca for shows, guests, and tickets.

The incredible talent line-up for the first 6 months!
Photo credit:  Ryan Pilling

  

Our generous guest post author relaxing after the show.

 

Thank you Ryan for guest posting at Canada's Magic! 

 

For more information about Parlour Magic at Tranzac, visit their website at MagicParlour.ca and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Here are some additional photos of the show from the September 13th Instagram posts at Canada's Magic:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

Footnote: 

1. Tranzac is an abbreviation of Toronto Australia New Zealand Arts Club (https://ticketscene.ca/venues/11/).

 

 

 

[Guest post] Curtis - Vancouver's Golden Man of Magic

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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Curtis - Vancouver's Golden Man of Magic
by The Magic Demon
Exclusive to Canada's Magic


Walk around delightful Granville Island in Vancouver BC this summer and you will see many dazzling and remarkable sights.

The stylish skyline. The always full-of-activity green-blue water. The unusual shops and artisans.

If you are especially lucky you may also see Curtis - Vancouver's Golden Man of Magic. Or as he is officially known, The Gilded Johnson - Independent Living Statue.

Combining magic and Living Statue performance techniques, Curtis has quickly made himself one of the city's most colourful and memorable street performers.

His backstory is an inspiring one.  A traumatic BMX-related injury just a couple years ago completely changed his life's trajectory - with him ending up as one of the most iconoclastic buskers in all of Vancouver. But that is only part of his remarkable story.

Check out his website for the full story:  BeLivingProof.ca

And be sure to stop and say hello should you see him in person. You will have met not just a golden living statue but a golden living example of overcoming adversity with humour, determination and talent.
 

Curtis with Quincy, owner of Clownin' Around on Granville Island, 
Canada's only dedicated b & m magic shop west of the Rockies.
Photo credit:  The Magic Demon

 

- The Magic Demon

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

 

[Guest post] Magic Made In Canada

The following is a guest post from Ryan Pilling.

 

 

 

Until the lathes stopped spinning in 2013 Morrissey Magic Ltd. was Canada’s top name in the manufacture of magic props. Known for their cups, pans, balls, and bowls finely crafted from Quebec aluminium, adorned with the red maple leaf sticker, and still found in prop cases around the world.

The Canadian magic industry is still alive and well, though more dispersed, with independent creators and makers working from kitchen tables and garages to make magic. Our aim here is to bring more awareness to magic being Made in Canada.

This list is a living document, and we’re hoping you can help us to track down any missing makers. To qualify, we’re using the “Made in Canada” definition of the Competition Bureau^[1] that at least 51% of production costs are incurred in Canada, and the last substantial transformation occurred in Canada. For mail order, the product must be shipped from Canada. For digital products, the creative effort must come from a Canadian resident.

[1] https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/publications/product-canada-and-made-canada-claims#sec-3-2


Alberta

• Micky Hades - Calgary
  Run by Micky's son Brian, PDF copies of Micky's lectures notes and books, among other offerings. 
  http://www.mickyhades.com 
  

• Ian Pidgeon - Edmonton
  TOXIC+ and iThump are apps for Apple devices to create amazing mentalism effects.
  https://www.ToxicPlus.com
  
  
• Ryan Pilling - Calgary
  Tips & Tricks for Magicians offers original digital products and a book Finding the Funny now printed in Canada.
  https://MagicTipsAndTricks.com

British Columbia

• Shawn Farquhar - Maple Ridge
  Palmer Magic manufactures and sells original products such as the Omni Deck and Sheer Luck Comedy Book Test.
  https://PalmerMagic.com 
  

• Paul Romhany - Vancouver 
  VANISH International Magic Magazine which is nominated for an online FISM award in 2025!
  https://DigitalVanishMagazine.com

Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Nova Scotia


Ontario

• Michael Close - Mississauga
  Ebooks and magic merch from the author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and more!
  https://MichaelClose.com  

• Ariel Frailich - Toronto
  Author Sub Rosa, Reading Writing, and more!
  https://ISawThat.com  

• Gerry Frenette - Barrie Magic Makers is known as a builder of illusions to the biggest stars. Now semi-retired, but still making magic. https://MagicMakersIllusions.com  

• Chris Philpott - Windsor Creator of 100th Monkey and more brilliant mentalism and magic.
  https://www.MagicaOnline.com 
  
  
• Chris Pilsworth - Ottawa
  Creative consultant and maker of artisanal magic. You can order his PB&E (Paper Bag & Egg) and 2025 lecture book with an inquiry to
  chris at borntoamaze dot com
  
  
• Jay Sankey - Toronto
  Sankey Magic is home to Jay’s original and creative products.
  https://SankeyMagic.com
  
  
• Steve Valentine - Toronto
  His Magic on the Go video library offers deep dive instruction for classic sleight of hand magic.
  https://SteveValentine.SquareSpace.com/magic

Prince Edward Island


Quebec

• Normand Beauchamp - Saint-Jérôme
  Original ideas and props from Normek Magic & Illusion.
  https://www.NormekMagicIllusions.net
  
  
• Michel Huot - Montreal
  Order direct from the creator of SOCKS and Priceless.
  https://MichelHuotMagic.com
  
  
• Steph Lac - Montreal
  Slim Card Gaffs & Magic is creating gaff cards in a traditional, handcrafted way.
  https://www.SlimCardco.com
  
  
• Richard Sanders - Montreal
  Sanders FX is the home of worldwide hits such as Fibre Optics and Extreme Burn. https://SandersFX.com
  
  
• Marc Trudel and Sophie-Ann Vachon - Montreal
  Conundrum Magazine is a unique publication in magic.
  https://www.ConundrumMagazine.com

Saskatchewan

• Lisa Krol - Saskatoon
  Magic By Lisa is handcrafting magical bags and other props to make things vanish or appear.
  https://www.MagicByLisa.ca/basic-bags (password: Vernon)

 

Yukon | Nunavut | Northwest Territories


For corrections or additions please contact Ryan Pilling at
ryan at MagicTipsAndTricks dot com

Note: this list does not include retail magic dealers, but we strongly encourage you to also support our Canadian magic shops.

 

 --   

 

Thank you Ryan for creating this valuable list and  guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest post] Remembering The Amazing Kreskin

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--  

Remembering The Amazing Kreskin
by the Magic Demon
Exclusive to Canada's Magic

The legendary American mentalist The Amazing Kreskin has died, age 89.

To multiple generations of fans he WAS mentalism.

He had a strong Canadian connection.

Many of us will recall his late 1970s TV series taped first in Ottawa at CJOH TV and later in Toronto at CFTO TV.

It was at the latter where I sat enthralled by his performance during a taping. It was also the first time I began to understand how he did what he did, which fostered both a lifetime admiration for his talent and gifts but also a personal interest in performing mentalism (as an amateur) as a theatrical device with which to explore limits of imagination and the element of wonder in all of human life.

I was lucky enough to see him again in person during the late summer of 2014 where he performed outdoors at the Toronto annual CNE.

The photos below were taken during one of his "hypnosis" shows (although he always firmly insisted such a phenomenon did not exist and preferred to call it "powers of  suggestion.")

 

 

Kreskin at the CNE
originally published as part of '[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE'
photo: ©The Magic Demon, 2014, All rights reserved

 

 

Kreskin with a stage full of volunteers
originally published as part of '[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE'
photo: ©The Magic Demon, 2014, All rights reserved

 

 

Kreskin's powers of suggestion
originally published as part of '[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE'
photo: ©The Magic Demon, 2014, All rights reserved

 

 

Kreskin messing with minds
originally published as part of '[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE'
photo: ©The Magic Demon, 2014, All rights reserved

 

 

Kreskin's influence on anatomy
originally published as part of '[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE'
photo: ©The Magic Demon, 2014, All rights reserved

 

 

Kreskin at the CNE
originally published as part of '[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE'
photo: ©The Magic Demon, 2014, All rights reserved

 

So RIP Amazing Kreskin.

You provided joy and mystery for generations of fans; inspiration and excellence to which to aspire for generations of mentalists.

- The Magic Demon

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

A sampling of thoughts from the magic community:

 

From the December 10th Facebook post by Bernard Cormier:

 

 

 

From the December 10th Facebook post by Brian Robert:

 

 

 

From the December 10th Facebook post by Patrick Francis Drake:

 

 

From the December 10th Facebook post by Chris Doyle Mysterion:

 

 

From the December 11th Facebook post by Tim Ottaway:

 

 

From the December 10th Facebook post by Bill Abbott: 

 

From the December 11th Facebook post at The Historical Society of Ottawa: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest post] Random thoughts about "Magic Show" with Ken McCreedy

The following is a guest post from John Smithman.

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On October 28th, Champions in the Workplace sponsored an afternoon magic show by Ken McCreedy for seniors in St. Catharines at the Gibson Road Older Adults Centre. Over 100 people enjoyed a full show of classic magic by a true professional. Ken was perfect - funny, colourful and very entertaining. Several members of our Fonthill Magic Circle also attended to support our service to senior citizens in St. Catharines. The Community Centre promoted the show and provided the venue - a beautiful hall with a well-equipped stage.

— John Smithman

  

 

 

Thank you John for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

[Guest post] Peculiar Curt Spotted Busking in Vancouver

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--  

SPOTLIGHT ON UP & COMING TALENT

Peculiar Curt Spotted Busking in Vancouver This Summer

Exclusive to Canada’s Magic

One of the friendliest magicians busking this summer in Vancouver calls himself Peculiar Curt.

But Curt isn’t really all that peculiar at all.

He’s a fine magician, musician, teacher and family man who’s spending more and more time out and about again this summer busking in Vancouver.

Curt does low-key fun routines with regular cards, coins and (especially for the kids) an original specialty utilizing Pokeman cards.

Curt told this reporter the invaluable experience he’s gaining by expanding his busking chops again this summer should greatly enhance his magic repertoire which already includes performances at kids’ parties and all kinds of social events.

So far this summer Curt has been spotted busking near or around the always popular Science World on False Creek.

If you ever should see him, go up and say hi to one of the nicest magicians you will ever meet. Enjoy Curt’s set and, hey, share the wealth if you can.

For more information, check Curt’s website: www.peculiarcurt.ca

— The Magic Demon (with thanks to S & D who met Curt first!)

 

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest post] Mark Lewis featured in June Genii

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--  

CANADA'S MARK LEWIS FEATURED IN JUNE 2024 GENII

Vanessa Armstrong, via her excellent monthly column "The Eye - Stories From Around The World of Magic" features a full half page item on Mark Lewis winning the Golden Buzzer on Canada's Got Talent, back in April. This includes a colour photograph taken from the City TV stream.

Although this is no new news to readers of Canada's Magic (who first reported the matter in a much more timely fashion) it is still always a noteworthy achievement to make it to the pages of Genii, The Conjuror's Magazine.

Armstrong, who refers to Mark as "79 years young" reports that Howie and the other judges were "smitten by Lewis's deprecrating manner and delighted by his card routine".

She explains how Howie called him back after Mark left the stage in order to give him a Golden Buzzer which had Mark looking "truly shocked".

We can only hope that the $25,000 cash prize has helped the shock wear off by now.

Armstrong concludes with a link to Mark's performance (at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id4703fH33o) and her sincere congratulations on his triumphant success.

To which, belatedly, we can only add our own.

- The Magic Demon

 

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest post] An Irregular Series of Original Patter - Dicey Dots

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--  

NEW SCRIPTS FOR DEALER ITEMS:
An Irregular Series of Original Patter

TODAY: DARYL’S DICEY DOTS
A SCRIPT FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART OF ALL AGES

BY THE MAGIC DEMON
Exclusive to Canada’s Magic


Daryl’s Dicey Dots is an entertaining close up trick but the concept of dice might seem more suitable for adults than children.

My scripting solves that dilemma! (It’s also a fun presentation for the young at heart of all ages.)

—————

“Once upon a time, there was an awesome Princess/Prince [name of young spectator here].

She loved collecting things. It was her passion.

One day when she was seven years old (in the distant past/in the not too distant future) she collected some dots.

She loved her dots.

But how could she ever keep them safe?

She asked her Grand Old Wizard for help. He conjured up a magical cube and placed her dots on it.

SHOW DIE

This is the origin of the die - which is what you call a single dice. Did you know that?

The Princess was so happy. Every morning and every night she counted her dots.

Can you count them too?

SHE DOES

That’s right. There are 21 in all. But let me show you a curious thing.

TAKE BACK DIE

If you look closely, you’ll see each pair of opposite numbers added together makes seven. Six plus one, two plus five, three plus four and so on, Isn’t that interesting? That’s because the Princess was seven when she collected her dots.

Now take them back and hold them [the die] ever so tight. Don’t let go until I say so. So the Princess loved her dots and when she wasn’t counting them always, always held them tight. One day, not so long afterwards, she wished she could see more than just the few dots on one side of the magic cube at a time. So she sent again for her Grand Old Wizard.

She asked, oh Grand Old Wizard, can you make it so I can see all my lovely dots at the same time?

The Grand Old Wizard pondered this request and then produced a tiny magic wand which was sparkling clean on both sides.

He said, I shall use this magic wand to grant you your wish. Do you know any magic words? [USE THEM OR UTTER YOUR OWN, THEN] And so saying the magic words, the wizard waved the tiny wand on her tightly closed hand, and the magic wand was suddenly covered in dots.

Can you count how many? Yes, exactly twenty one. They were indeed her beloved dots, she recognized them right away, magically transported to the wand so now she could look at all 21 at once!

Oh Grand Old Wizard, thank you, cried the Princess! I can now look at all these lovely dots at once. But whatever shall I do about all the old dots still on my magic cube?

Take a look, replied the wizard, and so she opened her hand and found all the old dots on her cube had vanished. They had indeed been magically transported to the tiny wand. So he let her have both the magic wand with her 21 favourite dots and the blank cube to examine for a very long time.

And that’s the story of the Princess and her beloved dots and how dice came to have 21 on each. Believe it or not!

The End!”

———————

Daryl’s Dicey Dots has been recently re-re-released and the props are easy to handle. Available now from your favourite dealer such as  The Browser’s Den of Magic, Toronto.

DISCLAIMER: The author received no compensation for writing this whimsical nonsense and paid retail for the aforementioned, highly recommended trick.

- The Magic Demon

 

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!