The Kingston Penitentiary Escape by MindBender Magic

From the September 26th upload "The Kingston Penitentiary Escape" at MindBender Magic's YouTube channel:

I want to thank the Staff at Kingston Penitentiary for allowing me to attempt one of Houdini's most famous escapes.

 

 

 

Magic Ben on episode 8 of Behind the Magic

From the July 18th upload "Magic Ben - Behind The Magic Episode 8" on the Behind the Magic YouTube channel:

 

 

 

 

An update and wheelchair jokes from Miranda Allen

Thanks for the update Miranda!  Nice to see you're in good spirits.  Take good care.

 

From the July 4th Instagram post by Miranda Allen:

Holy smokes, making this was so exhausting! I’m so happy I finally did it.
I’m gonna go take a nap while you read this description 😆

My condition is called ME/CFS.
It is a complex, chronic, fluctuating, neurological condition which affects the autonomic nervous system and cellular ATP energy output…. What?!

I’ll break it down:
COMPLEX = a condition affecting multiple systems in the body.
CHRONIC = it’s gonna last a long time.
FLUCTUATING = sometimes it is better, sometimes it is worse, sometimes it’s a symptom severity mix and match.
What I can do one day, I may not be able to do another.
NEUROLOGICAL = affecting the brain and nerves.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM = the part of your nervous system (brain & nerves) that controls subconscious body functions, IE: all the stuff you don’t have to think about like heart rate, breathing, digestion, sending blood to in-use muscles, dilating pupils, etc.
CELLULAR ATP ENERGY OUTPUT = remember the mitochondria?  Powerhouse of the cell.
In short, inside our cells mitochondria turn oxygen & nutrients into a chemical called ATP, which your body uses as energy.
In ME/CFS patients this process is messed up. Our mitochondria are in rough shape and produce HALF the energy of a healthy person.
Our bodies literally cannot make enough energy to function.

Hence, a complex, chronic, fluctuating, neurological condition which affects the autonomic nervous system and cellular ATP energy output. 😊

Thanks for watching and reading.
Please give this reel a “like” if you’ve come this far because I dunno where I’m going with this all, but I imagine likes will help. 😄

 

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From the July 23rd Instagram post by Miranda Allen:

Wheelchair jokes!
Here’s 90 seconds of a ten minute set I’m working on about things I’ve noticed &/or learned since becoming an ambulatory wheelchair user. 

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 From the July 30th Instagram post by Miranda Allen:

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David Ben teases the magic in Grand Magic at Stratford

Updated August 11:

• to include full YouTube video at bottom of post.

 

Tickets at Stratford Festival.ca.

 

From the July 23rd Instagram post by StratFest:

So what we're hearing is David Ben, #Magic Consultant, of #SFGrandMagic finds our creative teams.... magical? ✨

Yeah, that checks out!

 

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From the July 20th upload at the Stratford Festival YouTube channel: 

 

 

Jack Schwartz interviewed by Kidney PLUGGED IN

From the August1st upload "Meet Jack, a grade 7 student at Vancouver Talmud Torah. Jack is a Magician and Youth Philanthropist." on the Kidney PLUGGED IN YouTube channel:

Jack is an accomplished magician, helped to raise funds by putting on fabulous magic show for friends and family!  Inspired by his father, Daniel Schwartz, a nephrologist at St. Paul’s hospital.
Jack chose to donate the proceeds from his show to the BC & Yukon Branch of The Kidney Foundation in support of vulnerable kidney patients in BC/Yukon.

On this episode, you’ll meet this amazing young man, hear about what motivated his philanthropic and be treated to a performance of some of Jack’s magic tricks.

Read more and watch video.

From the August 2nd Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

Meet Jack Schwartz, one of the younger members of the Vancouver Magic Circle, IBM Ring #92. He was just featured in this nearly thirty minute program, performing magic and doing interviews. He's not only a Magician, but a Philanthropist for raising $2,600.00 for the Kidney Foundation by producing his own magic show. 

I love that he mentions the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and our local Ring, and was delighted to be included in his list of mentors along with his Father and Rod Boss.
We have a wonderful community of magicians in the lower mainland and Jack is a fine example.  Kudos to you Jack on a job well done! *Daniel Schwartz, you can be rightfully proud!  😉

 

 

 

David Acer on The Terry & Ted Podcast, S05 E08

From the July 26th upload "STANDING BY: The Terry & Ted Podcast | Season 5 | Episode 8 w/ David Acer" on the Pantelis Comedy YouTube channel:

David Acer wears many hats, and we're guessing at least one of them has a rabbit in it. David is a magician, a comedian and the co-owner of one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious comedy clubs - the Comedy Nest in Montreal - and he's our guest on Season 5 Episode 8 of Standing By: The Terry and Ted Podcast.

 

 

 

Canadian premier of Broken Courage is tomorrow! [Jun 24]

Co-written and co-directed by David Peck (along with Nathanael Draper (writer / director) and Suon Rottana (writer)), the documentary Broken Courage has its Canadian premier at the Oakville Film Festival tomorrow!

 

From the Jun 13th upload at the CHCH News YouTube channel:

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Oakville Film Festival, taking place June 21st to 27th. With over 100 films screening across three theaters, including 5 Drive-In there will be lots of movies for people to go see. Today we welcomed Wendy Donnan, Executive Director of the Oakville Festivals of Film and Art, and David Peck, Director of the documentary, Broken Courage to share more about the documentary and movies.

 

 

 

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ICYMI: Adding and Controlling Music in Your Magic Shows over at the CAM blog

From the CAM blog post "Magician's Guide to Adding and Controlling Music in Your Magic Shows":

Our special guest is Peter Mennie, a true veteran of the magic scene with over 45 years of spellbinding performance experience. We are thrilled to have him share his invaluable insights and expertise in enhancing magic shows with the power of music and sound.

In this interview, Peter answers a series of thought-provoking questions that will guide you through seamlessly integrating music and sound effects into your magic show, shedding light on the importance of these elements in creating an unforgettable audience experience.

From the evolution of technology in magic to the future of performances, this interview is a treasure trove of information for seasoned and aspiring magicians. 

Read more and watch video.

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Atsushi Ono's performance on the Canada's Got Talent finale

Sleight of hand, time travel, British rectangular prism in a primary colour.  What's not to like?

Fabulous job Atsushi!

 

From the May 17th upload "Atsushi Ono Travels Through Time For The Finale" at the Canada's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Atsushi Ono conquered his nerves on the way to the CGT Finale, where his playful brand of sleight-of-hand magic once again took centre stage - again and again and again and again... 

 

 

ICYMI: Guy Hollingworth talks Torn & Restored Card with Glenn West over at the CAM blog

From the CAM blog post "Guy Hollingworth talks Torn & Restored Card /w Glenn West ":

Welcome to Magic Minds: Two Magicians One Trick - An Interview with Guy Hollingworth and Glenn West

Prepare to be amazed as we embark on a magical journey with the Canadian Association of Magicians' new interview series: Magic Minds: Two Magicians One Trick with Glenn West!

In this exciting series, we'll dive deep into the world of magic, exploring the inspirations and techniques behind some of the most renowned magicians and their unforgettable tricks.

In our first video of the series, we are honoured to have the incredible Guy Hollingworth join forces with our very own Glenn West to discuss the mesmerizing art of the Torn & Restored Card. This highly anticipated interview will provide an exclusive look into the history and inspirations of Hollingworth's legendary Reformation and the captivating story of what first introduced him to this magical plot.

But that's not all!

Our dynamic duo will also reveal some of the latest updates to the routine, which, in Glenn West's opinion, take it to a whole new level of astonishment.

Read more and watch video.

 

 

Here's an incredible discussion for magicians about the Torn & Restored Card with Guy Hollingworth and @MagicByWest https://t.co/WEfVVrUgJy

Exclusively for @cammagicorg members! Watch now!#magician #cardtrick #magictrick

— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) May 24, 2023

 

 

 

Bill Peterson on CTV Morning Live Atlantic

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: 

 

 

 

 

Canada's Got Talent: Vote Magic Ben to the May 16 finale!

To vote Magic Ben to the finale, visit https://cgtvote.votenow.tv/.  Voting is open until 4 a.m. ET / 1 a.m. PT. 

 

From the May 9th upload "MAGIC BEN’s Charming Card Tricks Dazzle The CGT Stage" on the Canada's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Magic Ben comes to us from The Yukon, where he’s mastered his magic tricks, and his charming stage presence!  After this delightful display of talent, will Canadians choose to make Magic Ben appear in the Live Finale?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada's Got Talent: Checking in with Magic Ben

Two weeks ago we learned that Magic Ben advanced to the Canada's Got Talent semi-finals!

Semi-finalist Magic Ben
source: @CanGotTalent

We had the opportunity to check in with Ben ahead of his appearance on the Canada's Got Talent semi-finals tomorrow.

Read our March interview where we learn about Ben's:
 - first memory of magic,
 - magical inspirations,
 - other inspirations,
 - magical influences,
 - motivation to audition,
 - pre-show rituals,
   and
 - thoughts about quitting.

 

When you first learned you made it to the semi-finals, was your first impulse to add complexity to your semi-final performance?  Or was it to simplify?  Will you be honouring that impulse or did you change your mind? 

When I first learned I made it to the Semi-Finals, I made sure I performed what I had in mind. In the audition I wanted to make sure one of the judges would feel the magic in their hands. I told the production, this time, let's make sure the 5000 people in the audience feel it in their hands. I've always been about playing to the audience, they are part of the magic, It doesn't exist without them.
 

ICYMI:

 - Watch Ben's audition video "19-Year-Old MAGICIAN Magic Ben’s Audition Freezes Judge Lilly Singh"

 - Read the April 15th article "From Nunavik to national TV: 19-year-old 'Magic Ben' recalls his start in northern Quebec" by Rachel Watts at CBC News.

 - Listen to Jacob Elyachar interview Magic Ben on the April 10th episode "Canada's Got Talent: Season 2- Special #5: Magic Ben" of his podcast "Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar" 

Will you be performing something from your regular repertoire or have you created something new for the competition?

This is something from my repertoire, I perform it in my shows but it definitely was a first for this kind of audience!
 

Will you give it everything you’ve got or will you hold something special back for the finals?

 I always give everything I got, but you know, we always have another trick up our sleeve!   ;)

 

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Who is on your team of advisors for your progression to the next round(s) at Canada’s Got Talent? 
 
For this round I went back to my roots. What routine played the best for the audience? I went and asked people that have seen me perform for 10 years, family, friends. I had great help from my mentor Hypnotist Corrie J as well.

What will it mean to you to advance to the CGT finals?
 

Advancing to the finals would be an absolute dream come true. It would show that no matter the obstacles that come in life, you can make it through. Obstacles fuel me to push and produce so let's have some fun!

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s Magic?
 

To all the readers of Canada's Magic, I don't care how old you are or where you live. If you have a dream, or there is something you want to do - DO IT! Anything is possible and I am realizing it now, be magic my friends..

 

 

Thank you Ben, for making the time to answer our questions!  Break a leg on the CGT semi-finals!

Learn more about Ben at his website MagicWithBen.com and follow him on Instagram.

 

 

Watch Ben's performance at the Canada's Got Talent semi-finals May 9th on CityTV.

 

 

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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.”

Read more.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Canada's Got Talent: Atsushi Ono moves on to the May 16 finale!

Congratulations Atsushi, on a fantastic performance at the semi-finals!

 

From the May 2nd upload "Atsushi Ono’s MAGIC Dazzled The Judges With Quick Card Tricks" on the Canada's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Don’t ask Atsushi Ono where your card is!  He’s just the kind of magician who could tell you it’s anywhere and it will show up.  The speed of his card tricks and stage presence blow the judges away and his incredible talent is rewarded with a spot in the #CGT Live Finale!

 

 

 

 

Canada's Got Talent: Checking in with Atsushi Ono

Last week we learned that Atsushi Ono advanced to the Canada's Got Talent semi-finals!

Semi-finalist Atsushi Ono
source: @CanGotTalent

 

We had the opportunity to check in with Atsushi ahead of his appearance on the Canada's Got Talent semi-finals tomorrow.   He very kindly to answered the questions below.

Read our March interview where we learn about Atsushi's:
 - first memory of magic,
 - magical inspirations,
 - other inspirations,
 - magical influences,
 - motivation to audition,
   and
 - thoughts about quitting.

 

When you first learned you made it to the semi-finals, was your first impulse to add complexity to your semi-final performance?  Or was it to simplify?  Will you be honouring that impulse or did you change your mind? 

When I first learned that, I was in all emotions like surprise, relief, grateful. However, I didn't actually have any specific plan for the semi-finals as I gave everything I had to the audition lol, so nothing changed my mind but I started working on it right away! 

 

 

ICYMI:

 - Watch Atsushi's audition video "MAGICIAN Atsushi Ono’s Audition FREAKS OUT Kardinal"

 - Listen to Jacob Elyachar interview Atsushi Ono on the April 6th episode "Canada's Got Talent: Season Two Special #4: Atsushi Ono" of his podcast "Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar" 

Will you be performing something from your regular repertoire or have you created something new for the competition?

I have created something new so I’m very excited and nervous to see how people will react to it!
 

Will you give it everything you’ve got or will you hold something special back for the finals?

Yes! Of course I will give it everything I've got as always!   :) 

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Who is on your team of advisors for your progression to the next round(s) at Canada’s Got Talent? 

My friend Kevin Rusli has been helping me since the beginning in every way, and the feedback from the team at CGT has also been very helpful.

What will it mean to you to advance to the CGT finals?
 

It means a lot but it would also give me more opportunities to deliver my message.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s Magic? 

I hope you will enjoy my act and always appreciate it if you could sending me your thoughts and feedback! Thank you for your time.  :)

 

Thank you Atsushi, for making the time to answer our questions!  Break a leg on the CGT semi-finals!

Learn more about Atsushi at his website AtsushiOno.com and follow him on Instagram.

 

Watch Atsuhi's performance at the Canada's Got Talent semi-finals May 2nd on CityTV. 

 

 

 

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