Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Hi Denizens,

Friendly reminder that this Saturday December 2nd at Browser's Den is our next free Magic Club. All are welcome.

Club meets from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.
 

Take it easy-Old Jeff, Young Jeff & The Browser's Den Team

Rounding the Central rings in December 2017

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Free form first Fridaze - Executive meeting - Second Saturday night special - Instagram Tuesday - Sunday brunch
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Christmas dinner.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- TBA
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- TBA.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Browser's Den visit.

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Toronto: Andrew Eland lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Is it a show? Is it a lecture? We are really not sure. What we are certain about is that you do not want to miss the EXPERIENCE of a magic evening with South Africa's Andrew Eland.

An Internationally traveled street and stage performer, Andrew is one of the most experienced magicians in South Africa.

His performance specialty is interactive, mind-boggling sleight of hand spiced with comedy. He has performed in top nightspots across Europe, Japan and South Korea. He is the only magician to have headlined at every casino and comedy club in South Africa. Andrew's show and lecture will consist of a wide variety of magic and bits of business. Cards tricks, card manipulation, coin tricks, coin manipulation, and so much more that is difficult to describe on paper.

Our founder the late Len Cooper encouraged customers to improve their magic and skill. But truth be told Len rarely praised many. Well, about 20 years ago Andrew was visiting Browser's Den on a day when both Len and I (Old Jeff) were at the shop. When Andrew left the shop Len turned to me and said "He's a very good magician." Len was a man of few words so believe me when I say that those few words of praise about Andrew was a rare event.


Read more and buy tickets.

Random thoughts from the Browser's Den of Magic 42nd anniversary party

I had the pleasure of spending some time at the Browser's Den of Magic 42nd anniversary party on Sunday.  A great time appeared to be had by all!  Here are a few random thoughts:

• I missed the auction, but heard it was absolutely packed, with a lot of great deals to be had.
• There are lots of a amazing finds and deals in the Back Room.
• It was still pretty busy in the afternoon.
  

  It was a packed house at @theBrowsersDen 42nd anniversary party! pic.twitter.com/cghsXjvP61

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• The trivia segment was great fun, as always.  Jeff has a lot of very knowledgeable patrons!
  

  The patrons @theBrowsersDen anniversary party were in fine form for the trivia challenge. pic.twitter.com/deXvFOLVa3

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• Trivia question answers included: Jeff Hinchliffe, Jeff Pinsky, and 1995.
• Bernice was looking well.  It was great to see her.
• It's not an anniversary party without an award ceremony...
  
  
  
• Happy to see Sorcerers Safari alumnus RJ Steele win the Len Cooper Memorial Award this year.
  

  Lovely to see Bernice come out to the party!
  
  Congratulations to RJ for winning the Len Cooper Memorial Award @theBrowsersDen ! pic.twitter.com/1s47mglbzA

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• Congratulations on another great anniversary event, Jeff et al!

Toronto: Browser's makes Pop announcement for Bash 2018

  

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Dear Denizens,

We are very excited to announce that Pop Haydn will be making a very rare Canadian appearance, bringing his award-winning magical talents to our 2018 Browser's Magic Bash.

Pop Haydn started out as a street performer in the 1960's, and he has worked all over the world in every type of venue.

He is a seven time Magician of the Year award winner at the Magic Castle. He is easily one of the most versatile performing magicians alive.

He is well known for his comedy Four Ring Routine, Multiple Peeked Cards to Pocket, Mongolian Pop Knot, Six Card Trick, Chicago Surprise, and Colour Changing Handkerchiefs. However, it is not only his handling of these effects that are impressive but the entertainment he squeezes out of each moment that is truly amazing and a lesson for all to study.

As well, through School for Scoundrels (a company he co-founded with Chef Anton) he has given the magic community valuable lessons on classic cons such as Three Card Monte, Fast & Loose, and the Three Shell Game.

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Hi Guys,

Hope that you are all well and happy.

Friendly reminder that our monthly Magic Club is this Saturday, November 4 from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.

Feel free bring a trick or a move to show others.

AND...Our 42nd Store Anniversary Party is coming up on Sunday, November 12. You can find full details about the party on our homepage.

Thank you for your kind support-Old & Young Jeff, John Cardella.

Rounding the Central rings in November 2017

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Free form first Fridaze - Second Saturday night special - Montreal's first IBM magic jam! - Magicians and friends - Sunday brunch - Instagram Tuesday
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- TBA.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Magic auction.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- TBA
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- TBA.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Richard Sanders lecture. - Browser's Den anniversary party.

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Names announced for Browser's Bash 2018

  

From Jeff Hinchliffe's post at the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Dear Denizens,

The launch of the Bash 2018 tickets was our most successful yet!

Thank you to all who have already purchased a ticket. We appreciate your kind support of this event!

Of course there are still plenty of great tickets available. Remember the earlier you buy the closer you will be to the stage!

And now...Bash Drum Roll please....Here are some of the talented performers who will be taking the stage at the Bash 2018. We will announce more big names soon!

DICK JOINER - Emcee
Joining us again in 2018! He will share his infectious hysterical laugh, fun-loving zany manner and high paced interactive comedy magic. With Dick Joiner returning as emcee we know that Bash 2018 will be another fun day!

MICHAEL CLOSE- Miracle Worker
Michael Close has a worldwide reputation in the magic community as an author, a creator, a performer, and a consultant. His specialty is sleight-of-hand, close-up magic, but he also has extensive experience in stand-up magic. He has lectured and performed for audiences around the world!

NICHOLAS WALLACE - Practitioner of the Art of Astonishment
Nicholas has been receiving rave reviews from both critics and audiences for his one-man stage shows. His most recent production "Séance" received glowing reviews from the Toronto Star, Now Magazine, The National Post, Torontoist and more.

JAMES ALAN - Blindfolded Card Magic Extraordinaire
One of Toronto's busiest working pros. His one man show Magic & Martini continues to fill the house each night leaving his audiences stunned, perplexed and entertained. We are pleased that James will be joining us on the Bash stage.

CHRIS PILSWORTH - Mixing Magic & Art
A rare breed of magician. A performer who stays true to his strong beliefs about magic as an art form yet always entertains his audiences. And always with a twist of originality. A Canadian hidden treasure.

And we have more big names to announce!

TO BUY TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BASH 2018 please follow this link: http://www.browsersden.com/bash
 
Thank you
-Jeff Pinsky, John Talbot, Jeff Hinchliffe & The Browser's Den Team

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Browser's Den (FREE) Magic Club meets this Saturday, October 7 at the shop from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

All are welcome.

Thank you for your kind support- The Browser's Den Team.

Toronto: Browser’s Den of Magic Shop 42nd Anniversary Party!

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Browser’s Den of Magic Shop
42nd Anniversary Party!

COST TO ATTEND-FREE
DATE: Sunday, November 12, 2017
TIME: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Browser’s Den of Magic

FREE PRIZES * DISCOUNT ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * SANDWICHES * COFFEE * SNACKS * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * BIRTHDAY CAKE
AUCTION BEGINS AT 11AM!

Read more.

Toronto: Browser's Bash 2018 ticket sale reminder

 

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept 18th, 2017 - 10 am Sharp!

Talent currently booked for 2018 include:

• Dick Joiner as emcee,
• Michael Close (author of the Workers series and other ebooks), and
• Nicholas Wallace.

Read more and buy tickets!

Toronto: Amazing Johnathan and Anastasia Synn

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

We are very excited to let you know that Anastasia Synn and the Amazing Jonathan will be at 'Browser's Den of Magic' for a FREE Meet & Greet on: Saturday, September 16 from 2pm to about 4pm.

Whether you are a friend of Anastia & Jonathan or not, they want you to know that all are welcome to attend. You can bring photos to sign if you wish too.

Read more.

From The Amazing Johnathan's Facebook event:

A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

Toronto: Save the date for 'Browser's Magic Bash 2018'

From the Browser's Den of Magic's Newsletter:

Dear Magic Friend,

We hope that you and family have had a happy and fun summer.

As we approach September we are very excited to tell you about two important dates.

The date of the 'Browser's Magic Bash 2018' is: SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018.

Tickets go on sale for the Bash on: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 at 10:00am.

As in past years you will be able to purchase tickets on the Bash website or if you prefer by phone with a Visa or MasterCard. The price of the tickets will be the same as Bash 2017.

As always everyone involved with the Bash thanks you for your wonderful support of this day.

Read more.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

This upcoming Saturday, September 2nd will be our next Magic Club Meeting.

The club meets at Browser's Den from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. All are welcome.

Thank you-The Browser's Den Team.
Serving Magicians Since 1975

Random thoughts from "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out."

Updated August 16 to add:

• Michael Weber has been announced as an additional special guest for the October workshop with Jason England.
• Michael posted his thoughts about his lecture.

You may remember that I had the good fortune of spending time with Michael Close at Sorcerers Safari.  (I even snagged a mini-interview with him.)  I was always thoroughly impressed with the wisdom he shared with his advanced card classes. 

When I heard Michael was lecturing locally, I knew I had to make it if I could.


From the Canada's Magic Twitter feed:

Guess where I was last night?@theBrowsersDen pic.twitter.com/q6R8EZYofZ

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 14, 2017

Sunday night, the stars aligned and I was able to attend "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out."


Also from the Canada's Magic Twitter feed:

It was standing room only for the @MikeCloseMagic lecture @theBrowsersDen pic.twitter.com/ADymaPhGnC

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 14, 2017

Among other things, during the lecture Michael discussed:

• theory's place in performance arts (with wonderful music analogies)
• his wonderfully complete definition of magic
• how to find (and cure) trouble spots in performance
• the importance of emotion and intellect
• the importance scripting
• assumptions that laymen make
• control, repose, and chaos
• "The Big Lie"

We got to see some magic too!  Of note, he performed "Red Blue Mama Fooler" and then pointed out The Big Problem and how he fixed it.  I was also delighted with a yet to be published routine from his upcoming eBook "Paradigm Shift."

Attendees were provided a discount code for MichaelClose.com which includes The Workers series, and Closely Guarded Secrets.  We were also tipped to the great sale price of Magic in the Real World.  (And if you didn't already know, there's this little thing called "Magic In Mind" that you can get for free at Vanishing Inc, which includes an essay from Michael as well as 32 other highly regarded professionals.)

If you haven't seen the announcement, Michael is hosting a workshop with Jason England and Michael Weber (and perhaps an additional mystery guest) in October.  Only eight spots remain.

Bottom line, as with Phil Matlin's report from a 2014 lecture by Michael, I was very impressed!

Far out Magic Dude.

Read Michael's thoughts about his lecture.

The last Tweet from Canada's Magic Twitter feed:

"Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out."

-- @MikeCloseMagic @theBrowsersDen pic.twitter.com/TXs6r6q4lr

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) August 14, 2017

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

Calling all Denizens...This Saturday, August 5 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm is the next (free) Magic Club meeting at Browser's Den. 

All are welcome!

Toronto: Michael Close lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out.
Michael Close Lecture - August 13, 2017

Dear Denizens,

All of us here at Browser's are certain that Mr. Close's brand new Magic Theory Lecture will be a truly inspiring and fun event at our shop. We are convinced that it will have a long lasting effect on your magic journey.

In short...it may be the most important lecture you will ever have an opportunity to see.

Some of the topics that he will be covering in great detail will be...

• What is theory?
• Your definition of magic
• The Power of a Real Magician
• Conviction
• Assumptions
• Scripting vs. Not Scripting
• Who (or What) Has the Power?
• Control, Repose, and Chaos
• and much more. (There may even be a trick or two.)

Michael Close has a worldwide reputation in the magic community as an author, a creator, a performer, and a consultant. He has been a student of the conjuring arts for over fifty years, and has been performing professionally since 1978. His specialty is sleight-of-hand, close-up magic, but he also has extensive experience in stand-up magic. He has lectured and performed for audiences around the world.

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Hi Denizens-Friendly reminder that this Saturday, July 8 is our next Free Magic Club Meeting.

The meeting is at Browser's Den from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. All who want to talk magic and or share a trick or a move are welcome.

Snacks will be provided.

Thank you for your kind support
-Jeff Hinchliffe, Old Jeff, John Cardella, Luiz, & Lisa Close.

Toronto: Marcus Eddie lecture

Don't forget about the Playing Card Collecters' Meet-up on Jun 11!

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Date & Time: Sunday, June 18, 2017
Location: Browser's Den of Magic
Ticket Price $20.00

1st Place IBM Close Up 1995 * 1st Place T.A.O.M.  Close Up 1996 * 1st Place Stage S.A.M. 2009 * 1st Place Stage T.A.O.M. 2010 * 1st Place Wizard Wars SYFY 2014 and more...

Marcus Eddie from Austin, Texas USA is touring Canada with his lecture. We are so happy that he has decided to give a lecture at Browser's Den and share his brand of cool and inspirational magic.

You may have seen him on 'Penn & Teller's Fool Us'.  You may have seen him headline at the Magic Castle.

If not... well, then you can see him at Browser's Den on Sunday, June 18, 2017.

"Growing up overseas as part of an Air Force family, Marcus did not have access to magic shops or clubs. Using a magic set he received as a gift from his parents and the few magic books he could find in the school library, Marcus began teaching himself the craft when he was just 12 years old. Building his illusions from toy boxes, tape and everyday items, Marcus took his childhood passion and turned it into his career.

Today, he is a 8 time, award-winning magician, including his win on the Syfy Channels magic competition, 'Wizard Wars', he appeared on 'Penn & Teller Fool Us and is the creator of several products on the market and consults for magician's worldwide, including David Blaine on his last special, 'Beyond Magic'. Marcus Eddie's original magic will leave you stunned!"

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Playing Card Collectors Meeting

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

PLAYING CARD COLLECTORS MEETING - TORONTO
Sunday June 11th, 2017 at 2PM - 5PM

WHO: Anyone with interest in collecting playing cards
WHAT: Playing Card Collector's Meeting
WHERE: Browser's Den of Magic (3220 Dufferin St. #19, Toronto, ON M6A 2T3)
WHEN: Sunday June 11th, 2017
COST: $10 OR Free for those who attended the 2017 Browser's Magic Bash

Playing Card Collectors Meeting - Calling all card collectors within a 200 kilometer radius of Toronto and the GTA!

With the help of 52 Plus Joker (North American Playing Card Collector's Club), the Browser's Den proudly offers you the opportunity to attend this free meeting and receive expert tips on caring for your collection, as well as learn methods to keep your cards in top-notch condition. Plus see decks of cards you've only read about in books and online.

Read more.