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.

 

 

 

Random thoughts about David Kwong's "The Enigmatist"

TL;DR.

  

The Enigmatist runs until June 22nd at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto.  For tickets and more information visit Starvox Entertainment.  

 

 

Lighthouse ArtSpace, Toronto ON

 

 

Last Wednesday, KOP and I made the trek to Toronto's Lighthouse ArtSpace.

• This was our second trip to this location.  Just over a year ago we saw Alex McAleer - Mind Reader in this space.  (If you were at the McAleer show, please note that you need to use the West entrance for The Enigmatist.)
• The performance space is one flight of stairs up from the main level.  Contact the venue if you require accommodations. 
• The show is about two hours long, with one 15 minute intermission.
• While there is nothing inappropriate for young children in the show, this is not a show designed for young children.  The Starvox website states "The show is appropriate for children aged 6+."  However, we're not sure that Kidlet would have enjoyed it much before the age of 8.
• "Hearts" ticket holders have general admission seats closest to the stage.  The seats are all on the floor.  "Spades" and "Clubs" ticket holders are on risers in the back half of the house.
• Plan to arrive early.  There is a preshow activity in The Puzzle Garden.  From the Starvox website:
  "The doors to the bar/lounge will open 60 minutes before curtain.
  
  "The Puzzle Garden will open 60 minutes before curtain for Hearts ticket holders, and 30 minutes before the show for Spades and Clubs ticket holders.
  
  "We recommend that you arrive early to solve the four puzzle walls, which will be located in the lobby area. Please plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes (in total) solving the puzzles before taking your seat inside. While not mandatory to gain entry to the performance, completing the puzzles will enhance your overall experience of the show."  [Emphasis added.]
• There is time to complete unfinished puzzles during the intermission.
• Puzzle tip:  Some of the puzzles have a poster with important reference information on it.  Use your phone to take a photo of the poster.  Then you can review the details without blocking others from seeing the clues.
• David's book How to Fool Your Parents, and his Enigma’s Puzzle Hunt Playing Cards are available for purchase at the venue. 
  
  
       
  
  
  
  

 

 

On with the show...

 

Preshow vibes

• The performance space is intimate.  Due to the general admission seating, arrive early if you wish to sit close to the stage.  
• There are so many dimensions to the show, it's hard to know where to start! 
• We were a little nervous about attending.  The promotional material mentions of "brain twisting riddles," "cracking ciphers," and "puzzle solving" were somewhat intimidating.  (This did not sound like an evening of passive entertainment.)
• All our worries were for naught!  
• Yes, there are plenty of activities where the entire audience can rise to the challenge and participate!  
• No, you don't have to participate if you don't want to.  (But we're pretty sure you'll want to.) 
• Puzzle solvers were consistently celebrated! 
• Right off the bat, as David mentioned in his interview with us, a young audience member solved the first puzzle before any of the adults! 
   

 

  How'd we do?   

Puzzle Garden 
- We were able to solve two of the puzzles without assistance.  The other two required nudges in the right direction.

During the show
- We solved one puzzle properly, and intuited the answer to another one (without actually solving the puzzle part).  Some of the others we may have been able to solve with more time.  

The inability to solve puzzles did not detract from the enjoyment of the show.

 

• David treated everyone with the utmost respect.
• He is incredibly knowledgeable, has a fantastic memory, and demonstrates impressive sleight of hand.  
• It is very clear that David, when designing his show, took to heart Will Shortz's quote "... a good puzzle makes the solver feel smart."  The show is carefully constructed in the same fashion.
• David never made the audience feel "less than" in any way.  
• The show is highly interactive.  We counted around thirty volunteers in addition to multiple whole audience participation opportunities.  The majority of the time, people were able to volunteer from their seats.
• This is legitimately the first time we've seen (heard?) Tom Lehrer invoked in a magic show.  We approve!  (Doubly so given the subject matter and the method of delivery.)
• David has an engaging stage presence, well-honed audience management skills, and excellent technical abilities!   (As evidenced by a few perfect Faros, a one-handed rotational pivot cut, and some card lovely manipulation.)  

The Enigmatist is magic, inside a puzzle, wrapped in pure entertainment!*

* With apologies to Sir Winston Churchill

• The show has a solid throughline, inspired by historical figures and events, providing an intriguing narrative.
• It is clear to the magicians in the audience, that a extraordinary amount of thought, planning, and attention to detail went into this show.  (Pay close attention.  There are a surprising number of callbacks in the second half!)
• With few exceptions, the "magic" done in the show is presented in a very customized way, obfuscating the "trick" part of the performance while highlighting the awe and wonder of the presentation.  David's use of surrogates for traditional magic props, gives the show a unique and truly personal feel.
• We tried desperately to keep up while David created an impromptu crossword puzzle.  At some point we just gave in and let his spectacular vocabulary and puzzle building expertise wash over us.  (And he incorporated a word we shouted out!)  It was absolutely amazing to witness in real time!
• The Enigmatist is a masterclass in using magic principles as a tools to create entertainment in delightfully novel ways!
  
    

 

Learn more about David by visiting his website DavidKwongMagic.com, following his Substack newsletter Enigmatology, buying his book How to Fool Your Parents, and following him on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

 

Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

With thanks to Erica Fee and Starvox Entertainment for the tickets.

 

 

  Remaining dates  

The Enigmatist runs until June 22nd at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto.

Tickets and more information at Starvox Entertainment.


Read our interview with David:
A peek behind the curtain with David Kwong.

 

 

Don't take our word for it, see what Glenn Sumi had to say in his June 12th review "This genial nerd will make you believe in magic — not the AI kind — at ‘The Enigmatist’" in the Toronto Star.  (Paywalled.):

"David Kwong’s solo show is mesmerizing, with a keen attention to detail." 

Read more.

 

 

Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic -- Chasing the Unbelievable" 2025

Western Canada, don't miss your chance to catch Champions of Magic -- Chasing the Unbelievable in May!
 

  Remaining Canadian dates:  

• May 7-9:  Victoria BC, Royal Theatre
    *** Show added May 7 ***
  
  
• May 11-12:  Calgary AB, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 
   *** Show added May 12 ***
  
  
• May 20-22:  Vancouver BC, Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Tickets:  ChampionsOfMagicTour.com 

 

Last week, we made the trek to the FirstOntario Concert Hall in Hamilton.

• This was our first trip to FirstOntario Concert Hall.
• It is a lovely theatre with 2 levels of balconies and a seating capacity of just over 2000.
• There is a 6 level parking garage across from the theatre (be prepared to pay event pricing!) and quite a few surface lots within easy walking distance.
  
• The theatre staff were super helpful, professional, and generally fabulous! 
• The show is about approximately 2 hours in length, including a 15 minute intermission.
• As always with this show we are genuinely afraid of posting spoilers.  The less you know going in, the more you'll enjoy it!

 

FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton ON

 

On with the show...

Note to parents of young children:  The music can be very loud at times throughout the show.  There are also smoke and fog machines involved.  Forewarned is forearmed.

There's a videographer on hand to capture close-up miracles and project them on a big screen so everyone can see!

It is always a treat to see
Champions of Magic!

Pre-show vibes

• There were plenty of children in the audience.  Many people in the audience had seen the show at least once before.  Some of the children brought their own RL/GL props!  (IYKYK.) 
  
  
• They've added spectacular lightwalls upstage which add to the ambience of the set.
  
  
• Liberty Larsen, Fernando Velasco, Richard Young and Sam Strange all do what they do very well! 
  
  
• The show is very different from the ones we've seen previously*.  There are significant changes in both the cast, and the structure of the production. 
  *Toronto 2018, Oshawa 2019, Kitchener 2022, and Toronto 2023
  
  
• For those who have enjoyed the shows they've presented in the past, not to worry!  They have retained some of their cornerstone crowd-pleasers! 
  
  
• Some of the new segments are bound be become future cornerstone crowd-pleasers!
  
  
• Significant parts of the show consist of imaginative narrative brought to life through full ensemble numbers.
  
  
• There are also plenty of moments for each of the acts to shine as solo performers.
  
  
• There was LOTS audience participation with both children and adults!  By our count, 13 volunteers were involved.  Many of the volunteers were able to do so from the comfort of their seats.  A lucky few were brought on stage for a fully immersive show experience!
  
  
  Some notes on volunteer handling.  (Regular readers will recall that we pay close attention to the treatment of audience volunteers.)  We were particularly impressed when:
  
  - Velasco went searching for a child to bring on stage.  The first kid he asked, declined. Velasco didn't miss a beat and quickly found someone else.  Additionally, Velasco informed the selected volunteer in advance what was going to happen, and then asked for her consent to continue.  We think more kids were interested in helping out after that.  They got the sense that they weren't going to be pressured into doing something they didn't want to do.
  
  - At one point Young and Strange also required two children to volunteer.  These kids were also treated with respect and weren't talked down to in any way.  In fact, Strange broke character for a brief moment and instantly put the boys at ease.  It was as if he manifested the same child wrangling superpowers gifted to elementary school teachers, and parents of young children.  This segment of the the show ends with the volunteers receiving tremendous audience applause!
  
  Well done team!
   
  
  
  
  
• The show was visually stunning!
  
  

Whether you're new to magic or are a professional magician, there's something for everyone!

• Larsen showcased talents we'd not previously seen in a Champions of Magic show.  She has a very creative style that delivers personal and refreshing takes on some classics of magic.  As an added bonus for magicians, she spent a little bit of time talking about her magical family.  This provided a springboard for captivating and organic storytelling, punctuated with magical effects.
   
  
• Velasco succeeded in breathtaking, heart-stopping stunts both large and small.  In addition to having the audience on the edge if their seats, he also performed some head-scratching miracles at a smaller scale.  It will surprise you not, that one of this escape artist's effects conjures the name Harry Houdini.
  
  
• Young and Strange are always delightful!  Even when (and in some cases especially when) they are bickering, they are very compelling.  One can't help but get caught up in the fun they are having!  Both individually, and together as a double act, they consistently deliver impressive sleight of hand, laugh out loud comedy, and a truly exhilarating exhibition of grand illusion.  Since we last saw them in 2023 they've introduced some pieces of magic that were both very impressive and thoroughly entertaining.  They get bonus points for mentioning Canadian born magician Dai Vernon.  Additionally we were treated to video clips  featuring Siegfried & Roy, and David Copperfield.  (It goes without saying that Young's homage to David Copperfield Easter egg is still in the show.)

The magic is excellent. 
Most importantly, the show is wonderfully entertaining.

• The acts and the scripts are a work in progress and continue to be thoughtfully curated, updated, and revised.   (Bonus points for inserting both current affairs and localized content!)
  
  
• This was our fifth time seeing Champions of Magic and we enjoyed it every bit as much as the previous incarnations. 
  
    

We highly recommend it!
(Even if you've seen it before.)

 

Final bows with Sam Strange, Liberty Larsen, Fernando Velasco, and Richard Young

 

 

Post-show vibes

 

Disclosure:  We were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

With thanks to Champions of Magic for the tickets.

 

 

  Remaining Canadian Dates 

• May 7-9:   Victoria BC, Royal Theatre
    *** Show added May 7 ***
  
  
• May 11-12:  Calgary AB, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
   *** Show added May 12 ***
  
  
• May 20-22:  Vancouver BC, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 

Tickets:  ChampionsOfMagicTour.com 

 

Read our interviews with the cast:

• Liberty Larsen   
  
• Sam Strange 
  
• Fernando Velasco and
• Richard Young       

 
Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagicTour.com and follow them on Facebook, and Instagram. 

 

 

Don't take our word for it, see what others are saying in the April 3rd Instagram post by Champions of Magic:

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Random thoughts about Piff the Magic Dragon in Niagara Falls

Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop.

We're playing a little bit of catch-up at the blog.  These random thoughts are from the show we saw on Mother's Day weekend.  (Is there a better way to celebrate Mother's Day than going to see a magic dragon?)

Based on our previous travel experience to Niagara Falls, after consulting Google we added an hour to the longest estimated time in an attempt to get us to the theatre by 3pm.  Surely leaving at noon would give us a chance to wander around and take in The Falls prior to the show!

Wouldn't you know there were phantom traffic jams aplenty.  KOP and I rolled into town at 2:40pm, scrambled for parking, and made our way to the theatre.  Sadly there was no time to see The Falls.

Thankfully, we made it to the Avalon Theatre (at Fallsview Casino Resort) with a few minutes to spare! 

• This was our first experience at this venue.
• The box office staff and lobby staff were super friendly and helpful!
• It's a nice sized theatre with a capacity of about 1500.  
• The theatre website states "You are never more than 100 feet away [30.48 m] from an amazing performance by your favourite artist."
  

On with the show...

• The show is highly interactive.  (There were at least a dozen volunteers in addition to a whole audience game of HoT with a kicker ending!)
• Francis is a squire of many talents!  Including (but not limited to) playing the tin whistle, videography, rapping, dancing, and urm, choreography.
• Jade is just as charming and wonderful as you'd expect from listening to her on The Piff Pod back in the day, or seeing her on Piff's television appearances.
  
• We loved that Jade spent some time in the audience chatting up the littles while the adults were being told the rules for the HoT experience.
• As expected, Mr. Piffles was an absolute crowd favourite!  He is a very accommodating and adorable magic dog.
  
• As a companion to the expertly executed comedy magic, there was a significant amount of legit stand-up comedy.  Delivered in a way that only Piff can!  (As with a regular stand-up comedy show, don't sit up front if you don't want to be part of the show!)
• There was much amazement in the audience.  And laughter.  So much laughter!
• For us, the pièce de résistance was the sandwich effect Piff showcased on the 2024 AGT Fantasy League.  Complete with a callback to audience volunteer Princess Kat from earlier in the show.  
• In the stage show, Piff explained how certain AGT edits detracted from the entertainment value of the routine.
• He was right.  The effect was super strong live, in person, and without edits!
  
  
• After the show there was a Meet and Greet in the lobby with Jade, Mr. Piffles, and the magic dragon himself, Piff.  They were very friendly, signed autographs, and didn't rush.  (We were the last in line from our show, and even though we knew we were the last thing standing in the way from them being able to change / eat / relax, they were very friendly and sociable!)
  

 

Definitely the funniest and most magical dragon you'll ever see!

Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop. 

When he's not on tour, you can see Piff in Las Vegas at the Flamingo!

 

Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

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Random thoughts about Gerry Frenette's lecture and his memoir "My Life as a Magic Maker"

Last Thursday, IBM Ring 17 (the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) was treated to a lecture about the Psychology of Magic by club member Gerry Frenette!

As you may be aware Gerry:

• has been building magic props and illusions through his company Magic Makers Illusions since 1985,
• previously released a series of DVDs, Building Your Own Illusions, The Complete Video Course, parts one and two,
• recently released his memoir "My Life as a Magic Maker" at Amazon (more on that at the end of the post).* 

 

  From the back cover:  

Magic Makers Gerry and Leonora Frenette travelled internationally as headline entertainers, performing their original illusions for major cruise lines, magicians' conventions, corporate events, and at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Gerry also designed and built stage apparatus for magicians worldwide. His creations have appeared on numerous TV shows including the Gemini Awards, America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent, and touring shows like The Champions of Magic, and more.

We made the trek to the club on a cold January night, learned a lot, and had a really good time!  

 

In his lecture, Gerry:

• demonstrated how assumptions are a powerful tool to use and can sometimes be stronger than "proving" (proving can ruin the psychology of assumption)
  
• showed many of the assumptions that can be involved when using a Vortex tube
• did some magic with his assistant Gwendolyn the Psychic Chicken and showed us something that once fooled Jeff McBride
• got knotty with a piece of rope
• ran though some thoughts about using a card box
• did a beautiful Coins Across for young volunteer Andrew
• talked about illusion design and worked through examples of how to make an illusion look smaller than it is (showing examples with boxes, illusion bases, and mirror frames)
• discussed the importance of looking at things from the perspective of the audience
• showcased his poker skills against David S, Rob F, and two other volunteers (and teased a story from his book which describes how he almost lost big with this "always winning" poker routine),
• shared some interesting sub trunk stories
• highlighted more psychological sleights while performing his Chop Cup routine and Slydini Paper Balls for volunteer Nicole (and as a bonus tipped another story from the book, where he stayed in the moment with a drunk audience volunteer and performed an effect powerful enough to be considered a reputation maker!), and
• talked about his recently released memoir "My Life as a Magic Maker" at Amazon!
  
  This book starts from his childhood in Amherst, Nova Scotia and is chock full of entertaining stories from Gerry's magic journey, including: early days of illusion building, working with Dean Gunnarson, CRA audits, being suspected of money laundering, thoughts on copycats & exposure, career highlights, a plethora of photos from the past, and more!
  
  (No magic secrets are revealed in this book.  It is intended for magicians and non-magicians alike!)
  

 

It was an entertaining and informative night!  Thank you very much Gerry!

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--

* What people are saying about "My Life as a Magic Maker" ...

 

From the January 7th Facebook post by Matt DiSero:

 

 

From the January 7th Facebook post by Blair Marshall:

"Gerry Frenette  has put together a fun read with lots of photos of "the big stuff" ( no secrets though lol) and it's available through Amazon. 🙂"

 

Customer reviews from Amazon:

MScott - 5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating & fun to read!
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
Couldn’t put it down. As a lay person, I felt I stepped into the author’s entertaining world of magical illusions. Buy it & be amazed!

 

Raman Sharma - 5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books I have read in a long time!
Reviewed in Canada on December 29, 2023
It did not take me long to realize that this book is not just for Magician's. The author does a great job in making the reader live through his experiences. I definitely feel more inspired after having read this book, and will definitely be recommending it to my friends.

 

Paul - 5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in Canada on January 4, 2024
Interesting and fascinating to read all the way through!

 

 

  From the author:  

"I've spent the last 40 years making magic on stage and in my workshop. All kinds of interesting, amusing, amazing, and downright hilarious things have happened. This recollection of colorful anecdotes and photographs is not only for magicians but for anybody who enjoys a captivating and inspiring story. It looks inside a unique career that started in a small Canadian town and grew to international recognition."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of "My Life as a Magic Maker." The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Random thoughts about "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories"

Last Saturday, Jeff Pinsky hosted "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories" at The Browser's Den of Magic.

It was a lovely way to spend an evening!

We heard stories from: 

• Mike Segal
• Greg Hobor
• Richard Lyn
• Nicole Lee
  
• Dick Joiner
• Mike King
  
• David Sutherland
• Gordon Precious -- who, as an added bonus performed 2 effects for us!
• Colin Geddes
• David Peck
• Jeff Hinchliffe,
• Sammy Jakubowicz, and
• our host Jeff Pinsky
  

Stories told included Magic Masters, Daytona Magic, Macy's, The Arcade, The Den (on Bloor across from Varsity Arena, above Yuk Yuk's, Bathurst and Eglinton, and now!), Morrissey's (Montreal and Toronto) and even Marie & Jack Hughes living room in London, England!  They also included names like Sophie Smith, Len & Bernice Cooper, Herb & Dan Morrissey, Henry Gordon, Jay Sankey, Gary Kurtz, David Ben, Mark Lewis, David Mitchell, Danny Tsukalis, Steve Martin, Jim Carey, Keanu Reeves, and more!

 

Did you know that:

• Bernice Cooper often baby sat a Toronto magician's son at the store?
• Dick Joiner first saw Mark Lewis in England?
• David Copperfield once ended his grand illusion show in Toronto with "What's Next?" 
• Keanu Reeves used to hang out at The Browser's Den of Magic?
• There used to be a Canadian 25 cent bill!
  

 

Thank you older Jeff, for conceiving and hosting this wonderful evening of sharing!

From the January 14th Facebook post by Greg Hobor at The Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

 

 

 

 

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