ICYMI: Chanelle Munroe on APTN News

From the October 29th upload at the APTN News YouTube channel:

Métis magician Chanelle Munroe stopped by the APTN News studio to show off some of her hair-raising magic tricks.

 

 

 

 

 

David Peck interviews Shawn Farquhar on Toronto Threads

David Peck interviews Shawn Farquhar about Lost in the Shuffle.  Listen at Toronto Threads.

Didn't make it to the premiere at the Toronto Hot Docs screening of the film?  Don't worry, it's coming to a theatre near you!   (Including Vancouver and Toronto later this month.)  Check the Lost in the Shuffle website for details.

Read our check-in with Shawn about Lost in the Shuffle from May 2023. 

 

 

 

 

Shawn Farquhar on the cover of Genii

From the July 20th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

A childhood dream came true today.

Thank you to the amazing team at Genii Magazine, and especially to Dustin Stinett, Elizabeth Kaufman, Peggy Donmoyer, and Richard Kaufman.

 

 

 

 

Kyle Key in the Red Deer Advocate

From the April 18th article "Magician to teach some tricks of the trade at Red Deer museum" by Lana Michelin in the Red Deer Advocate:

On April 27 at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, Key will be teaching magic tricks to anyone who registers (ages 5 and up). The two workshops, each an hour long, are designed to “unlock magical potential,” not only by teaching these skills, but by using the lessons to build self-confidence, public speaking and fine motor skills.

“Magic is a great mechanism to improve your core competency,”says Key. He feels it’s one thing to show somebody a trick, it’s another to present it with the flair of a street performer, while telling a story to build interest.

His fascination with “magic” began at age five, after he got a Halloween-themed kit for his birthday.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Win tickets to see "Lost in the Shuffle" at the Hot Docs Film Festival

Great news folks! We have been offered tickets to give away to our readers, for the premiere of Shawn Farquhar and Jon Ornoy's Lost in the Shuffle at the Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto, Canada.

Shawn Farquhar and Michael Vincent at The Magic Circle

Pick a card, any card!  

If you’re looking for magic and mystery, then you’ll love the new documentary LOST IN THE SHUFFLE which will be having its world premiere at the Hot Docs Film Festival running from April 25 – May 5.  

World champion magician Shawn Farquhar delves into a medieval murder cold case among Jacks, Queens and Kings as he devises a new trick inspired by the world’s best sleight-of-hand artists.

The film will be playing at the TIFF Lightbox on April 29 and May 1st.  If you love magic, then you’ll love this film!  

Get tickets through the Hot Docs website or visit:
https://bit.ly/HD2024LIS 

 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

 

 

Read our 2023 check-in with
Shawn Farquhar

 

 

If you don't want to leave your tickets to chance, you can purchase them directly at the Hot Docs website.


There will be a random draw for two (2) tickets to the film.  

• There will be one (1) winner.
• The prize consists of two (2) tickets. (Approximate retail value of $40.)  
• The draw results will be posted by end of day on Saturday April 27th, 2024.

To enter:

1. Log into the RaffleCopter widget at the bottom of this post, using a valid email address.
    
2. Mandatory: Leave a comment in the widget, telling us which of Shawn's special guests you're most excited to see in the movie.
    
3. If you win, you must be willing to provide your name, email address, and phone number, so that a representative from the Hot Docs Film Festival can coordinate the prize with the box office.
   
   
4. The winner will be notified by email.  You will have 24 hours to claim your prize.  If we have not heard back from you within 24 hours, your entry will be disqualified and we will draw an additional name.

The fine print:

• To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.
  
  
• One entry per person.
  
  
• This giveaway is open to Canadian residents, excluding residents of Quebec. (Je m'excuse!)
  
  
• This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
  
  
• This giveaway may be terminated or withdrawn at any time.
  
  
• Entries may be disqualified at any time (reasons for disqualification include but are not limited to the provision of information that is untruthful, inaccurate, incomplete, or suspected fraudulent behaviour).
  
  
• You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)
  
  
• Transportation to/from Toronto will not be provided.
  
  
• Accommodations will not be provided.
  
  
• Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets at the box office prior to the show on your way into the theatre.
  
  
• The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.
  
  
• Contest closes on Tuesday April 23rd, 2024 at 11:59pm ET.  Entries received after this time will be disqualified.

 

With thanks to the Hot Docs Film Festival for generously making these tickets available to you!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Shawn Farquhar performing an original routine created for the documentary

[Guest post] April 2024 Genii Issue Features Canadians

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

--

CANADIANS FEATURED IN THE APRIL 2024 ISSUE OF "GENII"
Exclusive to Canada's Magic
by The Magic Demon

In the current April 2024 issue of "Genii, The Conjurors' Magazine", one of Canada's best known magicians, Bill Abbott, rates an almost half page review of his most recent (fourth) appearance at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Shawn McMaster's column, "Knights at the Magic Castle", includes a great action photo of Bill receiving what appears to be an enthusiastic round of applause mid-performance. McMaster details Bill's act which when read certainly sounds like both Bill and his audience had an enjoyable time.

In her regular news column "The Eye", Vanessa Armstrong has a feature item on "The Magic Word" podcast with Scott Wells, who recently interviewed Murray SawChuck about his spate of on-line exposures. While making his own position against such exposure clear, Wells feels he has at least tried to offer a platform for both sides of this controversial and divisive issue.

Finally, in his editorial "Genii Speaks", editor Richard Kaufman offers an unambiguous personal endorsement for the craftsmanship of Roy Kueppers, now residing in Las Vegas. Kueppers' "cornucopia of coins gimmicked in a fantastical variety of ways" clearly delights Kaufman who concludes his editorial this month simply: "If you need a gimmicked coin, he [Roy]'s your guy". Also noteworthy, Roy has taken out a two page ad (the first time he has ever done so I believe) which includes an impressive testimonial from David Copperfield about Roy's latest "Statue Vanish" trick.

Genii is available by subscription, as a digital or printed-on-paper publication, as well as through your local magic dealer such as The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto. The author paid for their own copy.

- The Magic Demon

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Lost in the Shuffle a Hot Docs Special Presentation [Apr 25 - May 5]

Updated March 26 to add:

• LitS screenings are April 29th and May 1st
• Tickets at https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/hot-docs-festival/films/2024/lost-in-the-shuffle

 

 

Additional details at Hot Docs.

 

From the March 17th Instagram post by Hot Docs:

Pick a card, any card!

Enter the magical world of magician Shawn Farquhar (@magichampion) as he simultaneously devises a new magic trick and delves into medieval murder cold cases in @LostInTheShuffleMovie.

Seen through the eyes of some of the world’s best sleight-of-hand artists, LOST IN THE SHUFFLE is a loving look at how playing cards has become synonymous with magic and the mysteries hidden in their art.

This magical film will have its world premiere at #HotDocs24 as part of the Special Presentations program.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hot Docs (@hotdocs_)

 

 

 

 

Ben Proudfoot wins Oscar for Best Short Documentary

Congratulations Ben!

 

From the March 11th article "Canadian Ben Proudfoot wins Oscar for best short doc" in CBC News:

Halifax's Ben Proudfoot won his second career Academy Award on Sunday for co-directing the documentary short The Last Repair Shop, about volunteers who fix school-issued instruments in L.A. He hopes the win will 'help the millions of young people ... who just want to play music.'

Read more and watch video.

 

From the March 10th Instagram post by Ben Proudfoot:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ben Proudfoot (@bgproudfoot)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magicians on Canada's Got Talent [Mar 19 premiere]

Good luck to all!  

 

Who'd we miss?

 

From the March 5th media release:

ALBERTA
JEFF NEWMAN – Magic Act, Calgary

NOVA SCOTIA
VINCENZO RAVINA – Magic Act, Halifax

ONTARIO
ALEXANDRA - Stunt, St. Catherines
CARSON & TAYLOR – Magic Act, Toronto
EKATERINA – Magic Act, Barrie
MARK CLEARVIEW – Magic Act, Toronto
MARK LEWIS – Magic Act, Toronto

QUEBEC
BAO HOANG – Magic Act, Montreal
THE AMAZING TODSKY – Magic Act, Montreal

SASKATCHEWAN
MITCHELL HRYCAN – Magic Act, Saskatoon

ABROAD
NICOLAS RIBS – Magic Act, Lyon, France

 

 

 

 

Michael Kras in Intermission Magazine

From the March 1st article "Invisibility cloaks, cardboard rockets, and flying orbs of light: Here’s how Canadian theatre uses the art of magic" by Michael Kras at Intermission Magazine:

Cursed Child is hardly an isolated case for this hefty use of theatre magic. Plenty of prominent productions utilize magic design in considerable ways, including the current West End hit Stranger Things: The First Shadow (also featuring illusion design by Cursed Child’s Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher), which is already planning to hit more stages internationally, with little doubt that Canada will eventually be in the mix. Hit musical adaptations from the West End and Broadway like Back to the Future (illusions by Chris Fisher) and Beetlejuice (illusions by Michael Weber) are both slated for the forthcoming Mirvish subscription season.

Of course, a common thread here is that these are all imported, big-budget commercial properties. But the beautiful thing about magic is that a relentless spirit of ingenuity and creative problem-solving is far more important than a price tag. The entire job description is about making the impossible possible onstage, and the greatest magic is achieved by earthy, organic means rather than high-tech gadgets.

One such homegrown example is Young People’s Theatre’s Dora-winning The Darkest Dark, adapted by Jim Millan and Ian MacIntyre from Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion’s book of the same name. Canadian conjuror David Ben – who also staged the effects in the Stratford Festival’s Grand Magic last season — was tasked with crafting magic that had a childlike spirit of play and imagination, with sophisticated, memorable illusions built from humble cardboard boxes. On a smaller-scale indie level, Eric Woolfe’s Eldritch Theatre is also known to regularly feature sleight of hand in their spooky seasons of plays. 

Read more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Kras (@michaelkras)

[Guest post] February 2024 Genii Issue Features Canadians

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

--

February 2024 Genii Issue Features Canadians


The current issue of Genii opens with a heart-felt tribute filling an entire page in their "In Memorium" section to the late Micky Hades written by Stephen Forrester.

"The Eye" section (featuring stories from around the world of magic) curated by Vanessa Armstrong has two Canadian references:

• A photo of Gabriella Lester illustrates a short piece linking to a longer New York Times article on diversity in magic, highlighting three women performing today including Lester. Armstrong refutes some of its broader generalizations.
  Link - https://myqrcode.mobi/70e1232e
  
  
• A second longer piece about the Magic of Tony Eng Exhibition opening in the Victoria BC Chinatown Museum includes several quotes from Tony's daughter (the Executive Director of Magicana Julie Eng) as well as a link to the CBC television report on the Exhibition's openinglast December.
  Link - cbc.ca/player/play/2290720323810

Finally, in Shawn McMaster's column "Knights at the Magic Castle" Murray Sawchuck is prominently reviewed for his December holidays appearance at The Magic Castle along with Lefty (Doug Leferovich.)

 

- The Magic Demon

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Eng interviewed by Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee

From the January 25th Instagram post by Julie Eng:

It was an honour to join the @ccmuseumbc at the opening of the new exhibition “The Magic of Tony Eng” at the Victoria location in collaboration with @victoriachinatownmuseum, back in December. At that time, I was invited to also participate in a podcast to talk more about my dad, Tony Eng.
Here’s the episode!

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Q6eLIyk2vR4z123WlsY4X?si=abd37475a68d4071

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsw-nuh8g6k

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Julie Eng (@magicienne)

 

 

 

 

 

CBC Radio: Jason Osler interviews Mel Jones and Julie Eng

Listen to Jason Osler interview Mel Jones and Julie Eng "Why aren't there many female magicians?" on the the January 10th episode of "Columnists from CBC Radio."

[via The Magic Demon]

 

 

 

 

Graeme Reed in the Brant Beacon

From the January 3rd article "Living a magical childhood dream" by Kimberly de Jong in the Brant Beacon:

Since entering the world of magic at a young age, one thing is clear, Reed has opened a host of opportunities for himself, from doing a TEDx talk, to being Doug “the Great” Hunt’s Guinness World Record Verification and Video\Photograph Coordinator, he continues to work on projects that nurture his passions.

His advice for those looking into getting into magic, is simple.

“If anyone was interested in really learning magic and discovering more, there are local magic clubs you should look into joining,” he said. “The best person to reach out to would actually probably be Doug Hunt because he’s the president of the local Hamilton Magic Club. I first met him at the club when I was a kid, and it’s people like Doug that keep someone like me doing magic.”

Read more.

 

From the January 18th Instagram post by Graemazing:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Graemazing - Level 7 Wizard (@graemazing)

 

 

 

 

Shawn Farquhar on "This is BC" with Jay Durant

ICYMI, on November 9th, Shawn was featured in a segment of This is BC.   Watch the segment about Shawn in This is BC: Magician follows family tradition with Jay Durant.

 

 

 

 

Victoria: The Magic of Tony Eng at the Chinese Canadian Museum

From the December 6th article "New magician exhibit opening at Victoria’s Chinese museum in Fan Tan alley this week" by Curtis Blandy at Victoria Buzz:

Eng was born in 1948 and raised right here in Victoria. According to the museum, he had an affinity for the magical arts since he was a young boy. He received his first magic kit at the young age of 8-years-old and had started performing shows by age 12.

Onlookers would be able to see his show at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades.

He worked over the years to piece together a show that was interwoven with his Chinese Canadian heritage that he called ‘Mysteries of the Orient,’ in which he was adorned in an elegant, embroidered mandarin robe. 

Read more.

Listen to Gregor Craigie interview Julie Eng about her father on the December 4th segment at CBC's On The Island.

 

 

From the December 7th Facebook post by Julie Eng:

It’s official! The Magic of Tony Eng exhibition, at the Victoria Chinatown Museum in Fan Tan Alley is now open! It is wonderful to see my dear dad being honoured in this very special way. Throughout the curatorial process, I was very moving to hear just how many people were touched by Dad and his magic. Thanks to the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum for choosing to spotlight someone who dared to be different and to chase his dreams. I was very excited to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony today. A profound honour and one I will never forget. Dad, I think you really would have loved this exhibition. I know I do.

 

 

 

From the December 6th Facebook post by Charlayne Thornton-Joe:

The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum have worked closely with the Eng family to create the exhibition which celebrates the spellbinding magical career of Tony Eng, whose enchanting influence and legacy reached far corners of the world. The exhibition features Tony’s original mandarin robe and many items from his bag of tricks.

“The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society is delighted to work with the Chinese Canadian Museum on the installation of ‘The Magic of Tony Eng’,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, Board Chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and Co-Curator of The Magic of Tony Eng. “Tony was a mentor to youth in Victoria and around the world. His magic was more than a routine, it provided a space for us to dream beyond the ordinary. Stories of Victoria Chinese Canadians are important to share.” 

Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Tony’s fascination with magic began at the age of eight when he received his first magic kit, and then started performing magic shows at age 12. He became a fan favourite when he performed every Sunday at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades. 

Embracing his Chinese Canadian heritage, he created a distinctive show called “Mysteries of the Orient” which he performed in an embroidered mandarin’s robe. His skill and talent made him renowned in the Canadian magic circle where he was known as the “Ambassador of Magic.” His entrepreneurial skills enabled him to run a successful wholesale business and establish the Premier School of Bartending. He also started up his own Tony's Trick & Joke Shop in Victoria which was a fantasy emporium of wizardry and gadgetry where he inspired and mentored many young up-and-coming magicians for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Montreal Trio sur La France A Un Incroyable Talent

We couldn't find the YouTube video mentioned by Michel below, so at the bottom of this post we embedded their fantastic performance from a video on Facebook.

 

From the November 22nd Facebook post by Michel Hout (translation by Facebook):

In September and October, I visited France twice. One of these times was because we had been invited Marc Trudel , Yannick and I: The Montreal Trio) to come perform an original number at France's got incredible talent.

It was a bit crazy because on August 29th in the evening, I was performing in Prévost and had to go directly to the airport. Immediately heading to the recording studios upon arrival. So 2 shows in 18 hours on two different continents. Hehe. Watch 28 Nov on M6. For America, the whole thing will be on YouTube the next day.

From the November 26th Facebook post by Michel Huot (translation by Facebook): 

Several years ago I watched the show Whose Line is it Anyway and saw this principle there. I have always wanted to do something similar After the very good Chick N Swell had done some circus themed floor (excellent). We decided to get involved in magic. 🙂

 

Chris Mayhew on CP24

From the November 1st Instagram post by Chris Mayhew:

I don’t ever do TV magic, I much prefer to perform live, but I was asked to do a lil segment on CP24’s breakfast television for Halloween! 🎃 Here’s a clip of the performance 🤗 Shout out to Richard Sanders for this awesome piece of magic. I was a lil nervous because I don’t do this sort of thing ever, but I think I did alright considering this is my first live TV performance 😅 Anyways enjoy everyone and come watch me perform live weekly in downtown Toronto at @coctoronto

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Mayhew (@thesurrealmayhew)

 

 

 

 

Toronto Threads with David Peck [Saturdays]

Listen to Toronto Threads (including David's interview with Julie Eng) at the Toronto Threads website. 

 

From the October 13th Instagram post by Face 2 Face Live:

Exciting News! David Peck is back with a brand new venture: "Toronto Threads!" Tune in to 640 Toronto every Saturday at 10pm for an incredible radio experience that delves into the fascinating people that make up Toronto's diverse and vibrant culture.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Peck (@face2facelive)

 

 

 

 

Dean Gunnarson's "Escape or Die!" now on Tubi [free]

Watch on Tubi.

 

From the July 24th Instagram post by Dean Gunnarson:

I just found out my TV series Escape Or Die can be watched on tubitv.. Watch as me and my crew travel around the world and i attempt some pretty daring escapes... let me know how you like it. 💀 ☠️ https://tubitv.com/series/300000904/escape-or-die?start=true

 

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A post shared by Dean Gunnarson (@dean_gunnarson)