Blackpool: Jay Sankey lecture [Feb 2026]

Jay Sankey will be joining Richard Sanders and Eric Leclerc at the 2026 Blackpool Magic Convention! 

 

From the November 20th Facebook post by Blackpool Magic Convention:

 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook November 20. 

 

 

 

 

 

Random thoughts about “Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic"

Micheal Close's Explorer 1
Teaching the magic beyond the tricks

Has your magic has plateaued in spite of owning shelves of magic books, a hard drive full of instructional downloads, and drawers full of magic effects?  Enter “Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic” a 6 week online course offered by Michael Close.

 

As you are likely aware, Michael is well known in the magic community for his excellence as an author, a creator, a performer, and a consultant.  For those unfamiliar with Michael’s work, I encourage you to read Jamy Ian Swiss’ 2018 article “The Paradigm Shift – Volume One & Volume Two by Michael Close” at Magicana. 

 

  Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic  

Topics covered include:

• 12 foundational sleights with both cards and coins,
• 7 tricks that incorporate those sleights,  
• Relevant magic theory,
• Critical review of magic effects, 
• Finding your style,
• Insights in constructing and routining,
• Practise suggestions, and
• Presentation considerations.

 

I participated in the beta testing of these classes, in addition to auditing the first run of the course.  The classes methodically cover foundational sleights with both cards and coins.  One of the biggest benefits to learning from Michael, a performer with decades of experience under his belt, is that he teaches fundamental material with an awareness as to how the skills will be applied as one advances their ability.  In other words, the foundational sleights are taught in a versatile manner, ready for use in more sophisticated situations.  This approach results in accelerated learning – you only have to learn a skill once! 

 

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Thinking outside the box.

 

Michael’s approach to teaching magic, mirrors in many respects, The Royal Conservatory of Music's approach to the method and practise of teaching music.  (This comes as no surprise given Michael’s Masters Degree in Music Theory and Composition.)

What do I mean by this?  A music teacher will introduce their student music theory concepts (such as a key signature, and rhythm), and provide them with a piece of music to practise which incorporates these ideas.  As music students practise with the goal of performance in mind, the teacher will discuss musical technique, as well as introduce critical analysis of their student’s efforts.  

On the surface, Micheal teaches foundational sleights, along with tricks which incorporate these fundamental skills.  While the tricks are logical a vehicle to demonstrate the use of the newfound technical expertise, they more importantly serve as case studies for broader theoretical concepts important to maximizing the entertainment value of magic performance. 

Simply put, the tricks are not the lesson.  They are the springboards that permit Michael to introduce theory that elevates the performance of magic.

 

Michael presents his well crafted lessons in a manner which is clear and easy to follow.  Nuggets of wisdom gleaned from years of performance and consulting pepper every session.  The classes are a safe and nurturing environment that puts the students at ease.  In these classes, questions in search of understanding are always welcome.

 

  Explorer 1: Transform Your Magic  

1. A foundational sleight is expertly taught
2. An effect is introduced using the newly learned sleight
3. Michael’s Secret Sauce:
1. Insights are given about the effect’s construction, 
2. Thoughts are added about routining to elevate the spectator’s experience,
3. The effect is critiqued in a constructive and informative manner with the goal being an improved effect,
4. Presentation considerations are discussed, and
5. Related reading material is assigned, providing a greater depth of knowledge about the topic from other experts in the field.

Michael provides a manageable amount of assigned and supplemental reading, invoking wisdom from magicians such as Jamy Ian Swiss, Juan Tamariz, Larry Hass, Jon Racherbaumer, and of course Dai Vernon.

As an added bonus, course enrollment includes exclusive, limited-time access to the Ask Alexander Digital Library, provided by the Conjuring Arts Research Center. 

 

  Nuts and bolts  

• This is a 6 lesson course.  Classes are delivered weekly.
• The class size is capped at 12.  This allows for personalized attention during class.
• Classes are virtual and they are recorded.  
• If you have a conflict preventing you from attending a class, you can watch the recording at a later date.  
• If you’re having difficulty mastering a sleight / effect, you can re-watch class video as required and even slow it down if needed.
• Michael encourages members to ask questions during and between classes.  
• He also encourages students to submit videos of them performing the class material for him to critique.  
• On its own, the opportunity for personal evaluation, is worth the cost of the course!  (Compare the cost of the course, to the price tag of a Michael Close private session.)
• Michael also offers great suggestions about how to creatively make an effect your own.
• There is no requirement for students to perform during class.
• To get the greatest benefit from the course, it is recommended that you set aside a minimum of 15 minutes a day for practise.  (Michael provides practical practise tips which deliver meaningful results.)
• Explorer 2 will be the next rung on the course ladder, and it builds upon the skills mastered in Explorer 1.

 

In keeping with the music class analogy, during the course Michael said this about foundational sleights:

“... one of the good things about developing a toolbox of techniques of sleights that you are competent at, is it makes reading magic books a lot easier.  You're almost like musicians when they sight read a piece. If I have all my scales and my arpeggios and all these things under my fingers to a reasonable degree, then as I look at a new piece of music, I can get a sense of what that piece of music is as I sight read.”

 

Similarly, if you embrace the theoretical concepts, while also developing your analytical and critiquing muscles, you will be able to utilize this knowledge to enhance any magic performance, from close-up to stage.

I had an overwhelmingly positive experience participating in these classes.  If you’re looking for a way to shore up your sleights, and elevate your presentation skills, this is the course for you!

To register, or for more information, visit Micheal's website at MichaelClose.com.

Disclosure:  I beta tested and audited the classes as a guest.  The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

 

 

Toronto and Montreal: Rick Holcombe on Coin Magic (Fusion Lecture) [Nov 19 - 21]

For more information visit Toronto's IBMRing17.com (details coming soon) or the Montreal Magic Jam website about the Montreal lecture and workshop.

 

From the Montreal Magic Jam Facebook event "Rick Holcombe on Coin Magic":

Tickets are now on sale for our first lecture of the 2025-2026 season with coin-man extraordinaire Rick Holcombe. On Nov 20, Rick will be giving his Fusion Lecture and sneaking in a few bonuses along the way.

On Friday Nov. 21, Rick will also be giving small coin workshop where he'll teach a variety of hand-picked routines, techniques and sequences that require just three coins and will give an in-depth teaching session on his Sly Palm, a practical new tool that you will happy to be add to your repertoire. Email us if you're interested as spaces are limited.

I first heard of Rick Holcombe through my dearly departed friend Curtis Kam. On a Zoom session during lockdown, Curtis said there was a guy that was doing some very interesting stuff, AND the material was easy. For those that knew Curtis, I'm still not sure if that last comment was a compliment or him throwing shade. 🙂

So we watched some video, and Rick impressed me with how smooth and soft his work was. The Mr. Rogers of coin magic, his disarming nature only adds to the power of his magic. I've never met Rick in person but I'm excited to have him in Montreal for his first ever mini-Canadian lecture tour (he's just doing two dates: Toronto and here).

If you're a fan of coin magic, or are a little scared of it but want to add a little bit of it to your repertoire, Rick's your guy. His magic is strong and accessible (i.e. NOT knuckle-busting). So I hope to see most of you at the lecture, and at least a few of you at the workshop. 

 

 

 

 

 

CAM presents Ekaterina virtual lecture [Oct 19]

From the Canadian Association of Magicians website:

Your FREE CAM Member Gift: Exclusive CAM JAM with Ekaterina! 

Speaking of things to be thankful for, we're giving you a FREE gift just for being a member: get ready for a spectacular event coming up Sunday, October 19— CAM JAM with Ekaterina!

This upcoming session features the amazing talent of Ekaterina, and you absolutely do not want to miss it. It's an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by one of the best in our community.

The best part? It's entirely FREE for all CAM members! Click below to RSVP! 

Read more and register. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blackpool: Richard Sanders lecture [Feb 19] and Eric Leclerc hosting The Family Entertainer of the Year Competition [Feb 2026]

Applications for the The Family Entertainer of the Year Competition close November 30th.  Visit the Facebook post by Blackpool Magic Convention for submission details.

 

From BlackpoolMagicConvention.com: 

✅ Lineup Almost Complete!
The 2026 schedule is packed with world-class talent, including:

✨ Hans Klok – Renowned illusionist famous for his lightning-fast grand illusions
✨ Richard Sanders – Sleight-of-hand innovator and creator
✨ Paul Gertner – A true legend of close-up magic
✨ Banachek – Master mentalist and mind reader
…and many more still to be announced!

--

Richard Sanders’ original magic creations have infiltrated the repertoires of magicians all over the world; with lectures and appearances in Canada, United States, France, Spain, U.K. Australia, Germany, Japan and as a featured lecturer and performer at FISM (THE WORLD CONGRESS OF MAGIC).
Richard’s products have been hailed by magicians all over the world as some of the best magic effects on the market!

 Venue, Circle Hall Theatre, Date: Thursday 19th February 

Read more and register. 

 

 

From the September 25th Facebook post by Blackpool Magic Convention: 

BMC are proud to announce The Family Entertainer of the Year Competition 2026.

It’s easy to apply:
Simply submit a short performance video (no more than 10 minutes duration) to be in with a chance of appearing in the live final on the incredible Opera House Theatre stage at The Blackpool Magic Convention 2026.  

 

 

 

 

Drumheller: The Business of Showbiz with Lothar Malmberg [Sep 21]

From the September 10th Facebook post by Caleb Gordon:

Lothar the Magician is proud to share his Business of Showbiz Workshop: how to avoid the path of the starving artist!

Negotiation and Contracts: what should be in your contracts, and how does one write it?

Manage expectations and keep your bargaining power!

Expenses, taxes and bookkeeping:

What's covered when doing your bookkeeping? What's a write-off, and what's worthwhile?
Are you a sole proprietor? How do you know? These questions (and many more) have answers that Lothar is proud to share with you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: David Ben lecture [Sep 24]

 

 David Ben lecture

Thursday, September 24th, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road

We’re thrilled to welcome David Ben as our special guest for the launch of the 2025-2026 Hat and Rabbit Club season. David is a master magician, author, and co-founder of Magicana, a performing arts organization dedicated to the advancement of magic as a performing art.  

 

 

 

 

 

New Westminster: Magic Way lecture by G [Aug 16]

Tickets at https://ibmring92.com/pay-for-stuff/ 

 

From the August 5th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

Magic Way is not an ordinary magic lecture — it’s a brand new experience designed to remind magicians what magic truly is, and to rediscover our true mission as magicians. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK and Italy: Steve Valentine lectures and shows [Jul 2 - 19]

From the June 27th Facebook post by Steve Valentine:

• July 2nd 730pm LECTURE, Bath Spa, The Alehouse  - KrowdKeepers Theatre
• July 5th: 8pm SHOW, Bath Spa, The Alehouse  - KrowdKeepers Theatre
• JULY 6TH 8pm: LECTURE. Southend Sorcerers Society. 
• JULY 7TH: 730pm - LECTURE -  Magic Circle London 
• JULY 8TH: 8pm  LECTURE - Northamptonshire Magicians' Club 
• JULY 12TH - 8pm - SHOW - Bath Spa, The Alehouse  - KrowdKeepers Theatre
• JULY 14- 19: SHOW - LECTURE - VALENTINE WORKSHOP INTENSIVE, FISM World Championships. Turino, Italy 

 

 

 

 

IBM's Virtual Lecture Series: Ryan Pilling lecture [Jun 17]

Register for this meeting at Zoom. 

 

From the June 12th Facebook post by the International Brotherhood of Magicians:

🎉Something new is launching at the International Brotherhood of Magicians!
.
We’re thrilled to announce our brand-new Virtual Lecture Series – bringing top magicians and fresh ideas right to your screen. 
.
First up? The incredibly inventive Ryan Pilling! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Montreal: Jeff Hinchliffe lecture and show [Jun 17 & 18]

Lecture information from the Montreal Magic Jam:

Jeff Hinchliffe has been a mainstay in the Toronto magic scene for over two decades. He was a counselor at the Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp, he worked behind the counter of Browser's Den, and was the inaugural recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial award. Now he's a full-time pro with his own successful one-man show. Not a bad resume. On top of being an exceptional sleight-of-hand magician, and expert at the memorized deck, a charming performer, he's also created some pretty damn good magic.

It's been over ten years since we've had Jeff in Montreal, so we're bringing him back for a brand new lecture and show (more details on the show soon). 

Read more and buy tickets to the lecture.

 

 

Show information from the Montreal Magic Jam:

Stepping Into the Impossible Magic Show
When: Wednesday June 18
Where: The Comedy Nest 

For almost his entire life, Jeff Hinchliffe has been captivated by the art of magic. His journey began with a single pack of cards, a purchase that unexpectedly set the stage for a life dedicated to wonder. From the hushed tables of magic shops and the camaraderie of magic clubs, to the immersive experience of magic camp, Jeff's passion has led him to perform and learn in a diverse array of settings. 

Read more and buy tickets to Stepping Into the Impossible.

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Mentalism Pro-Panel [May 22]

From the May 17th Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club Newsletter:

Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Agricola Lutheran Church, Toronto

A fun and engaging night of insight, inspiration, and intrigue as our panelists pull back their approach to magic, Mentalism and their approach to the craft.

Special Guests:

Mysterion – Internationally known mentalist.

• A true showman with a flair for the strange and surreal, Mysterion has captivated audiences around the world with his bold and theatrical brand of mentalism. Mysterion has appeared on stages from Las Vegas to America’s Got Talent. Blending vintage charm with a modern twist, Mysterion brings a unique perspective to the world and always rooted in character, creativity, and the unexpected.
  
  
  

Ryan Edwards – Award-winning mentalist and creator of original mind-reading effects

• With a sharp mind and a passion for pushing boundaries, Ryan Edwards is a celebrated mentalist, creator, and consultant known for his innovative approach to psychological magic. His work has been featured on international stages and television, and his original effects are used by magicians and mentalists around the globe.
  
  
  

Ron Guttman – Longtime Ring 17-member, performer and thinker.

• Known for his thoughtful presentations and deep psychological insights, Ron's performances blend intuition, suggestion, and storytelling into powerful moments of connection and wonder. Ron has a quiet charisma that leaves a lasting impression.

Hosted by our own Ian Crawford – Mentalist, Hat and Rabbit Club member, and passionate host for the evening.

 

 

 

 

Rounding the Western rings in May 2025

Updated May 18th to add:

• Mirth and Magic (and comedy competition) hosted by the Victoria Magic Circle

 

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- N/A.
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- N/A.
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- SYM.
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Originality contest.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- N/A.
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- N/A.
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Mirth and Magic

Please leave a comment to let us know about corrections or omissions.

 

 

 

 

 

Rounding the Central rings in May 2025

Updated May 18th to add:

• The Toronto Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club event as been changed to a Mentalist Pro-Panel discussion with Mysterion, Ryan Edwards, and Ron Guttman.

 

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website. 

Montreal, QC	Montreal Magic Jam	- Eric Leclerc lecture - James Harrison lecture
Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- N/A.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- London Ring Exchange
Hamilton / Burlington, ON	Hamilton Burlington Magic Society	- N/A.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Magician Foolers.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (KW Magic Society)	- N/A.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- N/A.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- N/A
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Club social. - Chris Congreave lecture. - Mentalism pro-panel.

Please leave a comment to let us know about corrections or omissions.

 

 

 

 

Rounding the Eastern rings in May 2025

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- Visit their Facebook page.  - Magic Club Showcase at The Bus Stop Theatre.
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- Magic that begins with a production.

Please leave a comment to let us know about corrections or omissions.

 

 

 

 

 

Montreal: Lectures by Eric Leclerc [May 12] and James Harrison [May 18]

Tickets at the Montreal Magic Jam for Eric and James.   

Early bird pricing ends TODAY!

From the Montreal Magic Jam event Eric Leclerc Conférence:

Après avoir brillamment mystifié Penn & Teller et été la vedette d’une série sur Netflix, Éric Leclerc débarque à MONTRÉAL avec sa magie… et son chaos parfaitement dosé!

Ce magicien canadien survolté présente une toute nouvelle conférence pleine de matériel inédit, absurde, hilarant — et surtout, conçu pour fonctionner dans le monde réel.

Que vous présentiez de la magie devant des enfants ou des adultes, Éric a quelque chose de percutant à partager. Attendez-vous à des tours utilisant des pailles, des sous-vêtements, des desserts, des substances douteuses (rassurez-vous, tout est presque légal), et même le souffle humain!

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

From the James Harrison Lecture: 

James Harrison is a pickpocket magician and security consultant who has turned his uncanny sleight-of-hand skills into a tool for awareness and defense. With a background in street magic and the art of misdirection, he now exposes the tricks of thieves by demonstrating live pickpocketing techniques at major security conferences, including NorthSec (Montreal), BSides (Florida), SecT (Sweden), and DefCon (Vegas) —where audiences watch in awe as wallets, phones, and even neckties vanish without a trace. His engaging talks blend entertainment with real-world security insights, teaching professionals how to spot and stop theft before it happens. Whether baffling crowds with his magic or arming them with anti-theft tactics, James proves that the best defense is knowing the thief’s playbook.

The Lecture will be two parts.

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

Toronto: Jeff Hinchliffe Lecture [Apr 17]

A reminder that you can see Jeff's show, Stepping into the Impossible, at the Red Sandcastle Theatre on May 22nd.  Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

From the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club (IBM Ring 17):

I've been involved in magic for nearly 30 years, and yet in those 3 decades I had never put together a complete show. In the summer of 2024 that finally changed. With the encouragement of our own Mahdi Gilbert, I set out to create my first show. A show about how and why I became a magician.

In my lecture this month I'm going to dissect my show for you.

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

Do you think Jeff will explain the set he performed at the Browser's Bash this summer?

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A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Montreal: Alain Iannone lecture [Apr 21]

From the Montreal Magic Jam (translation by Google):

Alain Iannone presents “Magic for the Real World”

You may not have heard of him, but audiences around the world certainly do. Alain Ianonne has been a featured performer at major events in Europe for 25 years, as well as at Hollywood's famous Magic Castle. His work has been published worldwide in various magic magazines, including Genii and a "One Man Parade" in The Linking Ring.

His lecture goes far beyond new tricks. Alain blends proven ideas from decades of successful live performances. He'll offer practical advice and theoretical insights on how magicians can make their magic more... magical. 

Read more and buy tickets.

 

From the Facebook event Conférence Alain Iannone:

 

 

 

 

 

Rounding the Western rings in April 2025

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- N/A.
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- N/A.
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- SYM.
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Norden & Gordon's magic shindig.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- N/A.
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- N/A.
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- N/A

Please leave a comment to let us know about corrections or omissions.

 

 

 

 

 

Rounding the Central rings in April 2025

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website. 

Montreal, QC	Montreal Magic Jam	- Alain Iannone lecture
Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- N/A.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Auction. - Members performing different magic themes
Hamilton / Burlington, ON	Hamilton Burlington Magic Society	- N/A.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Closers.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (KW Magic Society)	- N/A.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- N/A.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- N/A
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Club social. - lecture TBA.

Please leave a comment to let us know about corrections or omissions.