From the May 25th Facebook post by CTV Morning Live Atlantic:
ICYMI: magician Bill Peterson returned to the studio this morning to share with us some of the newest tricks up his sleeve that are sure to impress!
WATCH:
Showing posts with label # media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label # media. Show all posts
26 May 2023
Bill Peterson on CTV Morning Live Atlantic
15 May 2023
Atsushi Ono in the Calgary Herald
Tune into Canada's Got Talent on CityTV tomorrow night to watch Atsushi compete in the live finale!
From the May 12th article "How Calgary magician Atsushi Ono wowed his way to the season finale of Canada's Got Talent" by Eric Volmers in the Calgary Herald:
For now, he is in Niagara Falls, Ont., which is where the two-hour live finale of Canada’s Got Talent will be filmed on May 16. Ono, who showcased some genuine nervousness during his initial audition, seemed to legitimately wow the judges, particularly Offishall. The hip-hop artist seemed too enamoured with what he was seeing to sit still.
“I thought I was very lucky,” he says. “The beauty of close-up magic is that you never know what is going to happen. When I saw him (walking away), I thought I can make this funnier. The other thing was that I trust all the judges. They are the real stars … they understand how TV works. So whatever happens, I’m going to trust them. They are going to make me even funnier or make me cool or whatever.”
Still, he admits he is dealing with some nerves leading up to the all-important finale.
“I don’t want to disappoint anybody,” he says. “At the same time, of course, I’m nervous because it’s a live show.”
14 May 2023
Brian Glow in KYUK
From the May 8th article "Touring magician spreads anti-bullying message to youth in rural Alaska" by Evan Erickson at KYUK:
“There was a news report on the radio on my way back that had said that the worst suicides in the world were happening in Arctic Canada and Arctic Alaska. I said, you know what, I have some of those skills and I can do something about it,” Glow said.
One of the villages that Glow visited on his recent tour of the Y-K Delta was Tuntutuliak, where he performed for the whole community, as well as for elementary and high school students at Lewis Angapak Memorial School.
“It was a really great experience. He had a really great message that he was providing to the students as well,” said Dean of Students Katie Chearney.
Glow uses a two-fold approach to communicate an anti-bullying message, combining his personal experiences with symbolic illusions, for example, using three different-sized ropes to represent children at different levels of maturity.
06 May 2023
Vincenzo Ravina in SaltWire
From the April 28th article "Fun childhood experience unlocked Vincenzo Ravina's inner wizard" by Katy Jean at SaltWire:
Though many questions could be asked of someone who has a career in wizardry, asking how he became one seemed of most importance.
“When I was a kid my family and I loved going to this restaurant downtown that had a guy named Dave Moon and he would go around table to table doing magic. And he wore this long flowing purple moon and star robes and he had a long white beard,” Ravina said of a childhood experience that would unlock a lifelong interest.
“I loved seeing magic and being left in a state of mystery. I wanted to learn how to do that and share it with other people.”
From the May 1st upload "Vincenzo Ravina: Actual Wizard" at the SaltWire YouTube channel:
SaltWire's Katy Jean has a wish fulfilled by wizard and magician Vincenzo Ravina.
Ravina shares his story of becoming a career wizard and his experiences in the magician industry.
29 April 2023
The Psychology of Magic at the University of Toronto
From the April 26th article "Sleight of Mind -- How magicians exploit gaps in human perception to trick audiences" by Cynthia Macdonald at the University of Toronto Magazine:
In his popular first-year foundations course, the Psychology of Magic, Dirk Bernhardt-Walther reveals the secrets behind magicians’ tricks as a way of teaching students about the human mind and the fallibility of perception. The associate professor of psychology draws on disappearing acts and other illusions to explain how magicians take advantage of human misjudgment and perceptual gaps to wow audiences. Here, he explains three of their techniques:
ICYMI, this course was also mentioned in:
- the April 25, 2022 article "Hocus focus: Undergrads study stage magic to learn about the mind, gaps in perception" by Cynthia Macdonald at U of T News, and
- the Septembre 4th, 2022 article "What magic teaches us about the mind -- How magicians trick your mind and exploit its weaknesses" by Sahir Dhalla at The Varsity.
10 April 2023
Halifax: Vincenzo Ravina -- Actual Wizard and Global News interview [Apr 22, May 13, Oct 30]
From Halifax Magician:
After two sold out performances, Actual Wizard returns to the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts by popular demand.
In this unusual show, actual wizard and Halifax magician Vincenzo Ravina brings his magic to an odd little room with two pianos in it.
Vincenzo will emerge from his mysterious smoke-filled cave to show you some strange stuff.
There will be: Potions! Ghosts! Playing Cards! Murder!
Actual Wizard is funny, mystifying, absurd, and experimental.
From the April 5th upload by Global News Morning Halifax:
Global’s Eilish Bonang is joined in studio by actual wizard and magician, Vincenzo Ravina to talk about his upcoming magic show at the Maritime Conservatory and perform a mind-blowing magic trick!
02 April 2023
Steve Valentine co-producer of Scatman John biopic
From the March 28th article "Scatman John Feature Film in the Works (Exclusive)" by Alex Ritman at The Hollywood Reporter:
Tom Malloy (Lansky, Ask Me to Dance), founder of Trick Candle Productions, and Steve Valentine (MonsterHigh, The Walk) brokered the deal with Lee Newman, Larkin’s stepson, who handles the estate.
“Today, more than ever, John’s message resonates and needs to be heard,” said Valentine. “He was a true legend, tearing down barriers that would have deterred many from attempting to accomplish their dreams. We are excited to work on this project with Lee, and are honored to be bringing Scatman John’s story to the big screen.”
10 March 2023
Magicians on Canada's Got Talent [Mar 21 premiere]
Learn more at the Canada's Got Talent website.
From the March 7th media release "Canada’s Got Talent Reveals This Season’s Showstopping Acts, Premiering March 21 on Citytv" at Globe Newswire:
ALBERTA
ATSUSHI ONO – Magic Act, Calgary
BRITISH COLUMBIA
WILL STELFOX – Magic Act, Vancouver
MANITOBA
DEAN GUNNARSON – Stunt, Onanole
ONTARIO
CHRISTIAN MASCIA – Magic Act, Stoney Creek
RICHARD FORGET – Magic Act, Whitby
QUEBEC
JP PARENT – Magic Act, Montreal
YUKON TERRITORY
MAGIC BEN – Magic Act, Whitehorse
05 March 2023
John C. Green in Guelph Today and Elk Point History
From the February 19th article "Guelph's connection to Canada's first moving picture shows" by Ed Butts in Guelph Today:
Not much is known about John C. Green’s early years. An article about him that appeared in the Guelph Mercury in 1946 says he was a native of nearby Galt (now part of Cambridge). However, another biographical account says he was born in Boston on March 26, 1866.
...
Green worked for circuses, freak shows and touring theatrical troupes. He was especially interested in magic. He learned the tricks of the trade from professional magicians and eventually developed his own act. Green initially billed himself as The Merry Wizard, but finally settled on the name Belzac.
[Editor's note: While Green's stage name is often thought to be "Belsaz" it was "variously spelled Belzac, Belsac, and Belsaz in Ottawa newspapers" according to Hilary Russell in the article "All that Glitters: A Memorial to Ottawa's Capitol Theatre and its Predecessors" last updated on October 24, 2006 at ParksCanadaHistory.com ]...
For a long time, Canadian film histories pointed to that Ottawa event as the first showing of a motion picture in Canada. However, there actually had been an exhibit of motion pictures in Montreal a few weeks earlier.
Still, Green had been part of an historic event....
In 1913, Green opened the Temple Theatre in Galt. Then about 1918 he took over management of the Regent Theatre on Macdonell St. in Guelph. According to the 1946 Mercury article, Green would appear on stage to lecture on the movie and introduce the songs. This wasn’t unusual in an age in which movie reviews in the newspapers actually told readers almost the entire story, with no spoiler alerts.
Green would add a few magic tricks to his lectures to be sure the audience got their money’s worth.
Could this be the same John Green?
From the article "Green the Magician" at Elk Point History:
One entertainer I remember well, and one who was in a class all by himself, was a man who went by the title of "Green - the Magician." John Green was small in stature and in his late seventies when he first visited Elk Point during the middle 1940s. He always performed before sellout crowds and always put on an outstanding show. As a rule, if you didn't arrive at the hall early, you stood a chance of not being seated.
Green always traveled by train and usually brought about ten large trunks with him. They contained his costumes as well as other paraphernalia needed for his show. His magical performance always lasted a full two hours and was made up of a variety of acts which kept the large audience fascinated and spellbound throughout the entire evening.
03 March 2023
Victoria, Oliver, Kelowna, and Fort Langley: Ty Reveen plus newspaper and video interviews [Mar 11, 15, 16 - 19, 22]
From the February 23rd article "World-renowned hypnotist Ty Reveen set to dazzle Langley with his show -- The show has a history that spans about six decades" by Anmay Ahluwalia in the Langley Advance Times:
Learning and performing since the age of five, Reveen said he had the “world’s greatest teacher,” who taught him the principles of “superconscious psychology.”
“My father taught me how to be a great performer and how to apply the principles of psychology in my shows.”
Reveen’s show also holds a special place in Canadian entertainment history.
“From the time our family first arrived to Canada from Australia in 1961, to 2001, our show has been seen by more people coast to coast throughout Canada’s top theatre circuit than any other show starring a theatrical entertainer,” he commented.
From the February 27th Facebook post by Reveen The Legend Continues:
From the February 27th Facebook post by Reveen The Legend Continues:
From the February 27th Facebook post by Reveen The Legend Continues:
From the February 27th Facebook post by Reveen The Legend Continues:
28 February 2023
Rod Chow and The Magic Demon to discuss Houdini in Vancouver on CBC Radio One Vancouver
Rod Chow will join The Magic Demon in studio today to discuss Houdini in Vancouver on CBC Radio One Vancouver (on line and locally at 88.1 FM and 690 AM) at 5:20 pm PT (8:20 pm ET)
[Guest post] 100th anniversary of Houdini appearing in Vancouver, BC
Edited at 8:30am to add the link to the article "Houdini's daring Vancouver escape was 100 years ago this week" by Michelle Gomez and Andrew Kurjata, published today on the CBC website.
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
--
100th ANNIVERSARY OF HOUDINI APPEARING IN VANCOUVER BC
It was one hundred years ago today (Feb 28th, 1923) that the legendary Harry Houdini made his one and only stop over in Vancouver BC for three days and four nights of thrilling vaudeville shows which were prefaced by his awesome upside down straight-jacket release while hanging high above an outdoor street crowd estimated in the thousands.
Canada's Magic provided reconstituted coverage of the auspicious event on its 94th anniversary, which you can find here: [Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, and part 7.
CBC Radio One Vancouver (on line and locally at 88.1 FM and 690 AM) plans to mark the memorable occasion with a brief interview about Houdini in Vancouver with our very own Magic Demon, author of our reconstituted coverage. It's scheduled for today, Tuesday Feb. 28th at 5:20 pm PT (8:20 pm ET) although it is subject to last minute changes as the CBC Radio One afternoon program, On The Coast, provides updated breaking news which may even pre-empt the irrepressible Houdini!
There has also been an accompanying on-line print interview by CBC Vancouver reporter Michelle Gomez about Houdini in Vancouver which will also appear on the CBC News site. You can also find it by googling the reporter's name and adding Houdini in Vancouver.
[Edited to add: Here's the link to the CBC article "Houdini's daring Vancouver escape was 100 years ago this week"]
So happy 100th anniversary Harry! We trust you enjoyed your time visiting Vancouver as much as Vancouver enjoyed hosting you. I'm sure you'd be beyond pleased to know we remember you and we're still talking about you.
- The Magic Demon
--
Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
19 February 2023
Lon Mandrake in The Runner
From the February 12th article "Lon Mandrake brings magic to KPU TALK event" by Kyler Emerson in The Runner:
On Feb. 10 as a part of KPU’s Third Age Learning at Kwantlen (TALK) program, Lon and his wife, Linda, gave a presentation about Leon’s life, Lon’s experience growing up around magic shows, and performed one themselves.
Whereas his father started magic performances at a young age, Lon did his first show at age 38. Some of the students Lon taught at the time asked him why he didn’t do magic like Leon, and after he dreamt about performing magic that night, he performed some the next class.
“It really blew their minds because everything had worked really well,” Lon said. “They dropped a sledgehammer on me and I was doing various kinds of mental effects where you read their minds.”
He’s been performing ever since.
In 2018, Lon and his wife Linda collaborated together to write the book The Real Mandrake the Magician, a biography that describes Leon’s career through over 100 photos and text of behind the scenes stories.
05 February 2023
Jason Verners on CHEK News Magic Monday
From the January 31st Tweet by Jason Verners:
Loved spending a few minutes with @jesseropershow
for @CHEK_News
Magic Monday last night! I even got to teach him how to shuffle cards.. 😉
Loved spending a few minutes with @jesseropershow for @CHEK_News Magic Monday last night! I even got to teach him how to shuffle cards.. 😉 #Magician pic.twitter.com/KosrMIZ8J5
— Jason Verners | falseshuffle.eth Ξ (@jasonverners) February 1, 2023
Murray Sawchuk book donation and 21st anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip
From the January 24th article "Las Vegas’s Murray the Magician Offering Children’s Book to Libraries" by Chris Yandek in CY Interview:
In honor of Nevada Reading Week, Las Vegas headliner Murray the Magician is offering his new children’s book, At Nighttime We Are All The Same Size, free to libraries in Nevada. The magician, comedian and actor posted on social media:
“If you are a teacher or librarian and would like one of my books for your school, please email me at info@murraysawchuck.com with your full name of librarian and school address and we will send your school library a copy. Happy Reading Week (Feb. 27th – March 3, 2023).”
We recently spoke with Murray about his children’s book, as well as other topics. You can find that CYInterview by clicking here.
Belated congratulations Murray, on the 21st anniversary of you performing on the Las Vegas Strip!
28 January 2023
R. Paul Wilson on Martin Nash, "The Charming Cheat"
From the January 24th article "R. Paul Wilson On: The Charming Cheat" by R. Paul Wilson at Casino:
One thing was for sure: After a career performing thousands of live shows and countless television appearances, Martin Nash’s playing days – real or imagined – were long in the past but his performing life continued until his death in 2009.
Shortly after Martin passed, magician Bob Farmer learned – while researching another project – that Martin had helped the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to catch card cheats who had been working the lumber camps in British Columbia.
Read more.
15 January 2023
Doug Henning and Transcendental Meditation
From the January 5th article "Real Magic" by Lauren Collee in The Baffler:
viaAs a magician, Henning was loved and admired throughout his career for leading magic “away from the tuxedo approach” and reinjecting the craft with a sense of mischief and wonder. Having initially studied psychology (with an emphasis on hypnosis), he abandoned medical school to train with magic greats like Dai Vernon (“The Professor”) and Tony Slydini. By the late 1970s, Henning’s star was rising. His magic-musical theatre show Spellbound had been a Broadway hit. He performed Harry Houdini’s water-torture escape trick live on NBC for the first time since Houdini himself pulled it off, and made a live elephant disappear and then reappear onstage. He did magic for the Reagans, and designed illusions for Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind and Fire concerts.
But those who worked with Henning directly were growing frustrated with the magician’s increasingly obsessive interest in Transcendental Meditation. While preparations for his new stage show were underway, Henning would frequently pause all activity so that he could mediate for hours on end. Often he would instruct everyone else to pause and meditate too, so that the collective energy they generated together might allow him to successfully levitate in the air; a feat he hoped to perform as part of the show. Exasperated, his long-time technical director Glenn Priest walked out mid-rehearsal in 1983. Three years later, to the chagrin of his fans, Henning himself sold his illusions to David Copperfield and other magicians, and permanently quit the world of fake magic to devote himself, full-time, to the real magic of Transcendental Meditation.
File under "Real Magic"? An article about the late Canadian magician Doug Henning, and Transcendental Meditation (TM). https://t.co/yOvaB4DFmi
— Daniel Zuckerbrot (@dzuckerbrot) January 7, 2023
07 January 2023
Ones to watch: Carisa Hendrix, Savio Joseph, and Michael Kras
From the December 29th Instagram post by OneAheadClub:
These magicians will shape the future of magic. Be sure to check out the full list, the reasons they're on there, and the interviews. Should we keep our eyes on any performers for next year's list?
From the December 29th Instagram post by Michael Kras:
This made my entire day: Beyond James has named me one of their Five Hamilton Artists to Watch in 2023!
30 December 2022
Shawn Farquhar made New Westminster better in 2022
From the December 25th article "Presenting ... the 12 Good Folks of Christmas in New West" by Julie MacLellan in the New Westminster Record:
Shawn Farquhar: The affable, fast-talking Shawn makes life in New West more magical – quite literally. A two-time world champion of magic, Shawn serves up his world-class sleight of hand at the unique Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience, tucked away in a secret location in downtown New Westminster. It’s a gem that draws people from all around the region into our city. And Shawn himself? Well, he’s an all-around good guy – just ask the folks he saved from a devastating apartment fire once upon a time in New Westminster. He spoke to reporter Julie MacLellan in June. *
* From the June 8th article "There's magic hidden in the heart of New Westminster" by Julie MacLellan in the New Westminster Record:
Farquhar, who lives in Maple Ridge, has a longstanding connection to New Westminster. He first lived in the community in the 1980s and built his career as a magician here, making the pages of the Royal City Record on numerous occasions. New Westminster’s own icon of magic, Leon Mandrake, a.k.a. Mandrake the Magician, is one of Farquhar’s heroes and mentors in magic.
28 December 2022
ICYMI: Chris Ramsay in Inked
From the June 8th article "Magician Chris Ramsay on finding magic, making it big on YouTube and appearing opposite Chris Rock in 'Spiral'" by Devon Preston in Inked:
But, one of his biggest puzzles to date took place in the 2021 film “Spiral,” where he portrayed a drug dealer caught in a Jigsaw copycat’s trap. “Darren Lynn Bousman, who was the director of this film and ‘Saw II,’ ‘Saw III’ and ‘Saw IV,’ is fan of magic and hit me up on email being like, ‘Hey man, I’m a big fan and I would love to kill you in one of my movies,’” Ramsay says. “In between takes, Darren would come up to me and be like, ‘Hey, I’m working on this, how do you think it looks?’ He’d just finished a scene with Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, but he wouldn’t care and would ask me how a card trick looked. I would definitely do it again, and my character doesn’t die. I think he’s the only one who survived.”
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