Toronto: Nicholas Wallace in The Art of Magic

From the Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

The Art of Magic is BACK! Valentines Day Edition!

On February 13th (Valentines Eve), the Toronto Magic Company has put together a perfect date night!

This is our 8th show (and our first 7 shows SOLD OUT completely!)

This show features the incredible Nicholas Wallace (Who recently FOOLED Penn and Teller), Award winning Magician and Illusionist Rob Testa, Jonah Babins local rising star, and host Benzi Train one of Toronto's busiest performers.

Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book

From the Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

The Newest Trick in the Book is BACK this Tuesday Feb 5th with a NEVER BEFORE SEEN LINEUP!

Here's 10 reasons you should go:

1. It features Jacque Swan, Mark Tricks, Sean Rooney, Benzi Train, and host Jonah Babins.

2. The Temperature outside will be above 0

3. It's a FREE show

Read more and claim your ticket.

Toronto: Greg Wilson lecture - "Things I carry and use..."

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Please Pay at the Door $20 (Standing Room Only)

From the man who brought us such gems as Pointless, Bandwidth, Revolution, Cold Case, Unleashed, Hundy 500 and so much more, Greg Wilson is bringing his brand-new lecture to the Browser's Den! He's a two-time FISM winner, he had an entire chapter dedicated to his magic in Paul Harris' ART OF ASTONISHMENT books, and now he's coming to share his decades of knowledge with you!

Just like the title, Greg's lecture will use things that fit in his pockets and things found around him, teaching you to be ever-ready for performing spur-of-the-moment astonishments.

Building on his best-selling videos “Off the Cuff” and “On the Spot”, Greg teaches you how to convert everyday objects into devastating weapons of deception. The emphasis here is on ENTERTAINMENT. From close-up to stand-up, there’s something for everyone.

Now just because it’s called a lecture doesn’t mean it has to be dry and academic. You will experience a rip-roaring, laugh-out-loud, audience-involving show! Greg will not only fool you, he'll have you laughing and clapping along the way!

This is one lecture you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!

Please Pay at the Door $20 (Standing Room Only)

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

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Ryan Murray lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

Sunday, February 10

Ryan Murray's new book 'Curious Weaving' has been completed (proofread by Jeff Hinchliffe). It is a book on one of the most talked about of all shuffles in 'magic' the Faro Shuffle.

The Faro Shuffle is a technique used by most of the top professional card handlers in the world.  However, it is a technique that requires study and effort. For those who enjoy memorized deck work the Faro shuffle is a valuable weapon.

Ryan will be covering different methods so that there is something of value for all skill levels including:  IN-HANDS FARO (Technique & Fixing Mistakes); PROPERTIES (Cycling Order, Straddle Faro; Controlling a Card to Any Position); TABLED FARO (Breakdown of Techniques, Checking for Mistakes, Controlling In or Out, Combining with Riffle Shuffle); DOUBLE FARO.

And he will be performing some effects from his new book.

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Talent announced for the 2019 Browser's Bash

BROWSER'S BASH 2019
Saturday, April 13, 2019

Here's a summary of the awesome talent announced for this year's Bash!


From the Browser's Den of Magic:

CHRIS CAPEHART - LEGENDARY STREET PERFORMER
Chris Capehart is a master magician and a regular headliner at Monday Night Magic in New York City. Come see why he is held in such high esteem by magicians around the world.


PAUL RICHARDS - CREATIVE CONJUROR
Founder of Elmwood Magic. Mr. Richards has been around the globe sharing his wonderful brand of magic. Eye Popping magic combined with good fun. One of the true gentlemen of the world of magic.

THE OUTERBRIDGES - INTERNATIONAL ILLUSIONISTS
International Illusionists Ted & Marion Outerbridge will cast a magic spell over the audience at this year's Bash. And share some secrets too!

DICK JOINER - EMCEE
Due to popular demand...Joining us again in 2019! He will share his infectious hysterical laugh, fun-loving zany manner and high paced interactive comedy magic. Dick Joiner plans to delight and astound us all day long.



RYAN BROWN - RISING STAR
Ryan will be sharing with us his love of the classics. Card Manipulation, Rings and Magic that will have your eyes popping out! One of the young stars of the Canadian Magic Scene.

GARRETT THOMAS - MASTER MAGICIAN
Due to your huge amount of requests Mr. Thomas will be returning to the Bash stage in 2019. He truly blew us all away in 2018 and that was only half his lecture. Wait to you see part two! Thanks Garrett!

JAMES HARRISON - PICKPOCKET
Finally on the Bash stage! Pickpocket Act and one of Canada's premier close up magicians. Be ready to clap. And be ready to hold onto your wallets & watches!

JACQUE SWAN - COIN MAGICIENNE
Canadian new talent, Ms. Swan will be sharing some of her coin magic with us that will make your magic eyes pop out! Don't blink as coins vanish and reappear at a mystifying speed.



ROBERT AND SCOTT PRESSWOOD - THE BUMBLING BERTS
Two of the busiest children's performers in the GTA. Combined they give more then 600 shows annually. Sit it and learn on their tips for making your family show reach it's potential. (at lunch break)



ANDREW WOO
Sit in and learn from over 35 years of experience performing and creating magic. Simple Methods with Strong Audience Impact!



JENNY PARSONS - HIDDEN CANADIAN GEM
Is she a comedian? Is she a magician? Is she a sorceress? You'll decide. Ms. Parsons will be sharing her unique world of fun and chaos! A hidden gem of the Canadian entertainment scene



CHRIS BRUCE - CARDICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE
FREE Lunchtime Table Class on False Shuffles, Classic Force & Top Change

 
Read more and register!

Toronto: Free magic club

This Saturday, February 2nd is The Browser's Den of Magic's next (Free) Magic Club meeting. All are welcome.

The club meets from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

Rounding the Central rings in February 2019

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- N/A.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Members' Choice.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Buck Macleod Lecture.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Literacy Magic - Charity Show:  Rehabilitation Hospital
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- N/A
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Jay Sankey lecture.

Please leave a comment or email me about corrections or omissions.

Outerbridge Magic tour dates

From the website of Ted Outerbridge:

• February 2, 2019   The Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
• February 3, 2019   Flato Markham Theatre, Markham, ON
• February 12, 2019   Luseland Homecoming Hall, Luseland, SK
• February 13, 2019   Watrous Civic Centre, Watrous, SK
• February 14, 2019   Hudson Bay Allied Arts Council, Hudson Bay, SK
• February 15, 2019   CJVR Performing Arts Theatre, Melfort, SK
• February 16, 2019   Maurice Taylor Performing Arts Theatre, Tisdale, SK
• February 23, 2019   Morinville Community Cultural Centre, Morinville, AB

Read more.

Toronto: Chris Pilsworth, Jason Palter, Jonah Babins, and Ben Train

From Eventbrite:

Thu, 31 January 2019

In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 75 tickets are available for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!

Now, without further ado, let’s meet the performers.

Chris Pilsworth
Chris Pilsworth knows how to entertain. Since becoming a professional magician over 30 years ago, Chris has performed thousands of shows all over the world, including headlining at the Magic Castle in Hollywood and performing for millions of people on live TV. New York Times Best Selling Author Stephen Dubner says that "Chris Pilsworth is better than advertised: a great illusionist, yes, but with a heart and mind that match it." We couldn't agree more.


Jason Palter
Jason is a comedian, an award winning magician and one of Toronto’s top professional speakers. He has spent the last 20 years performing his original magic and illusions all over the world, including hundreds of live shows as well as numerous television and corporate video appearances. He is an "Entertainer of The Year" recipient, as presented by the Canadian Event Industry Awards, and just appeared on last month's season finale of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us". With Jason one thing is for sure - you’re going to laugh and be fooled at the same time!


Jonah Babins
Jonah is one of the founders of the Toronto Magic Company as well as the host of Discourse in Magic, the #1 rated podcasts for magicians on the planet. He has performed all over Toronto, L.A, and New York for celebrites, influencers, and private events - not to mention the 100+ show summer tour every summer. Jonah is a rising star in the world of magic and is not to be missed!


Ben Train
The host of The Art of Magic and one of the founders of the Toronto Magic Company, Ben is one of Toronto’s busiest entertainers. He has performed all over the world, including Canada, the United States, as well all across Europe, and he has a weekly show at Dave and Busters Oakville. When Ben isn’t on stage he’s busy creating magic for other magicians with 2 books and 3 DVDs of original magic for sale all over the world.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Ben Train's Facebook page:

Guelph: Ray Chance and Mike D'Urzo

From the River Run Centre:

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Mesmerizing magicians Mike D’Urzo and Ray Chance have entertained audiences around the world with memorable mental demonstrations and incredible illusions. The pair is bringing their unique performance styles together, joining forces in a dueling magic show that’s sure to inspire awe.

“Be amazed as renowned magicians Mike D’Urzo and Ray Chance square off in a magic show designed to challenge each other and mystify audiences.” – Inside Halton


Read more and buy tickets.

Greg Frewin's "Imagine tour"

From Imagine Tour:

Check this page often as additional dates may be added in the coming year!

IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN SIMCOE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019
SIMCOE COMPOSITE SCHOOL 40 Wilson Ave, Simcoe



IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN WINDSOR
MON, FEBRUARY 11, 2019
CAPITOL THEATRE Pentastar Playhouse
121 University Ave W, Windsor



IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN BRANTFORD
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2019
BRANTFORD'S SANDERSON CENTRE 88 Dalhousie St, Brantford


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN HAMILTON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019
MCINTYRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Mohawk College - Fennell Campus
West 5th St & Fennell Ave, Hamilton


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN NORTH BAY
THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019
CAPITOL CENTRE 150 Main St E, North Bay


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN SUDBURY
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019
Laurentian University Fraser Auditorium
935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN SAULT STE MARIE
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019
KORAH COLLEGIATE & VOCATIONAL SCHOOL 636 GOULAIS AVE, SAULT STE. MARIE

Read more and buy tickets.

From the January 3rd article "Greg Frewin brings magic show to Mohawk College in support of Diabetes Canada" by Hamilton Mountain News at The Spec:

Internationally renowned magician Greg Frewin is performing at Mohawk College Feb. 13 in support of Diabetes Canada.

The Hamilton-born entertainer is a former International Brotherhood of Magicians Grand Champion and was named 2009 Magician of the Year at the World Magic Awards.

Frewin can be seen regularly at the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls.

Read more.

Hamilton: Two Penn & Teller Foolers!

Catch The Sentimentalists and Nicholas Wallace in Hamilton on May 11th.


From The Foolers 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.

Rounding the Central rings in January 2019

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- TBA.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Java night.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Round robin.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Teach-a-trick Night.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Perform something new to you or something you haven’t performed at the club before.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- N/A
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Kayla Drescher lecture

Please leave a comment or email me about corrections or omissions.

Toronto: Michel Huot lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Dear Denizens,

We are so excited to start off the 2019 year with a lecture by Michel Huot.

It is not often that we have a lecturer who earns almost all of his living as a corporate magician.  Michel Huot is just that magician.  He has been a corporate magician for 24 years. Over the past 24 years he has given more then 4,000 performances!

Years and years of performing magic in the real world have fine tuned his performances to make sure that he gets repeat business...repeat business...from businesses.

He is also a top notch creator of magic including 'Priceless', 'Dirty Pool' and the soon to be released 'Socks'.  Many of his routines have also appeared in the magazines 'Genii', 'Magic', 'The Magic Menu'. Some of his creations have also appeared in the books of David Acer, John Lovick.

He has performed and lectured in Algeria, Mexico, Canada, France, Magic Circle in London, Penguin Magic.

In his lecture you will learn cool tricks with your shoe, your cellphone, plush toys, socks, cards, jacket and more. Everything Michel teaches you is magic and methods for the real world; magic, that can be done in non ideal surroundings.

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den Facebook group:

Happy 2019 to all of our WONDERFUL 'Browser's Den' magic friends/customers.

We would not be still in business if it was not for your KIND support over these past forty three years. THANK YOU!

On this Saturday, January 5 is our next Free Magic Club Meeting from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. All welcome. 

Happy New Year-The Jeff's, John Cardella, Luiz Castro & Lisa Close.

Toronto: Strange and Unusual

See Nicholas Wallace in "Strange and Unusual."


From Fringe Toronto:

Borrowing from the world of Hitchcock and the Twilight Zone, Strange & Unusual is a unique mixture of storytelling and illusions. It is an interactive exploration of how and why humans are hardwired to believe in “weird things”, a celebration of the importance of mystery. You are cordially invited to explore the world of conspiracy theories, superstition, psychics, and all things strange and unusual.

Read more.

From the Twitter feed of Chris Bruce:

If you are in Toronto from Jan 9-20 you should check this show out. I’ve seen it 3 times and loved every one. https://t.co/A00til4qUU

— Chris Bruce (@magicchrisbruce) January 2, 2019

Windsor and Kitchener: Masters of Illusion

From the December 19th article "MASTERS OF ILLUSION, America's Largest Touring Magic Show, Announces 2019 U.S.A. And Canada Tour" by BWW News Desk at Broadway World:

Masters of Illusion, America's largest touring magic show featuring the greatest magicians of our time will tour the U.S.A. and Canada in January and February 2019 making stops at theatres in North Carolina, Florida, Canada, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. It stars magicians from The CW Network's hit primetime television series of the same name.

Magicians appearing in the January 2019 leg of the tour will include: Ed Alonzo, Naathan Phan, Michael Turco and Tommy Wind. Click here to see some performance highlights of magicians appearing on January 14 - 21, 2019 tour dates: https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/301716874/19b98d5c64

Magicians appearing in the February 2019 leg of the tour will include: Chipper Lowell, Naathan Phan, Michael Turco and Tommy Wind. Click here to see some performance highlights of magicians appearing on February 2 - 17, 2019 tour dates: https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/301715723/9f169c234f

Read more.

Canadian dates include:

Saturday, February 2, 2019: Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, 377 Riverside Drive East (Hotel, Casino and Valet Entrance): McDougall Avenue and Pitt Street, Windsor, ON, CA N9A 7H7, https://www.caesars.com/caesars-windsor

and


Wednesday, February 13, 2019: Centre In The Square, 101 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 6P7, Canada, https://centreinthesquare.com

Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic"

Before I begin, have a peek at a snippet of the most recent Champions of Magic press release:

TORONTO, ON, December 21, 2018: Last night, the UK’s biggest large-scale illusion spectacle Champions Of Magic left Toronto spellbound after its spectacular opening night performance. Running for a limited-time engagement at The Bluma Appel Theatre (St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St E.), with an unprecedented three shows a day, the popular production has to be seen to be believed.

As The Bluma Appel Theatre’s highest selling holiday extravaganza ever, ​Starvox Entertainment is proud to announce the addition of five new performances across the following dates, including a death-defying fourth show on January 5, for a total of 40 performances over 18 days!

• Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. EST
• Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. EST
• Friday, December 28, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. EST
• Wednesday January 2, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. EST
• Saturday January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. EST

A four show day, 17 days into the run?  Death-defying indeed!

 

On with the show...

After missing out on the opportunity to interview Alex McAleer and Young & Strange live, I knew I had to jump on the chance when I was invited to attend Champions of Magic (especially after what Strange told me I missed by not making it to interview day).

We arrived early and had a chance to get the feel of the theatre.  The Bluma Appel Theatre seats just under 900 guests and is a cozy theatre.  I'd venture that there are no truly bad seats in the house.

• I experienced my first feat of astonishment when the usher read my mind and gave me directions to the rest room before I'd even asked the question!
• Kidlet observed that there were a lot of children in the audience and was surprised by the number of girls in attendance.
• If not a sold out show, the theatre looked very close to capacity.
• If you're chatting with Brendon at the merchandise table, tell him to visit the Browser's Den of Magic if he gets any off-time.  
• The show is about an hour for the first half, 15 minutes intermission, and about an hour in the second half.
• I am genuinely afraid of posting spoilers.  The less you know going in, the more you'll enjoy it.

Note to parents of young children:  The music can be very loud at times throughout the show.  There's also a smoke machine involved.  Forewarned is forearmed.

So. Much. Fun.

• The show starts strong with Young and Strange and keeps up an astonishing pace.
• As with Starvox Entertainment's Potted Potter, Champions of Magic is absolutely D'liteful!
• The four acts are interwoven through out the night, which works really well at keeping each of the disciplines fresh.
• Kayla Drescher, Alex McAleer, Fernando Velasco, and Young & Strange all do what they do very well indeed!
• There's a tangible camaraderie among the cast.  Kidlet likened the feeling of the group to the team of illusionists in Now You See Me (but without the audience payout at the end of the show).
• There's a tonne of audience participation with both children and adults!
• One of the pieces performed was something submitted in the contest from earlier this month.  Can you guess what it was?
• McAleer does impressive mind reading.  He even offers a wager with an audience member for a substantial amount of money. (And he knew how to pronounce "Toronto" like a local!)  If he asks you how you are, be sure to ask him how he's doing too, so he knows that Canadians are a caring bunch.
• Velasco does more than impressive breathtaking, heart-stopping escapes.
• Drescher did some mind-boggling close-up in the audience, a couple of types of "arts and crafts," and made her young volunteer, Malia, feel very special. (Also of note, Drescher's volunteer Andy, was very reluctant to break her heart.)
• Young and Strange performed a super tight, high energy set while channeling their inner SARMOTI.  It's refreshing to see a man get put into boxes to be squished and skewered!  On a personal note, it was fun to see them perform an original illusion by Canadian magician Gerry Frenette.
• Annalisa, the aerialist was fabulous! As were Brendon, Brandon and the rest of the stage crew and theatre crew.  Those folks hustled to keep the pace going.
• I had many "how'd they do that?" thoughts, along with so many moments of joyous laughter, and periods of being completely enthralled in the spectacle.
• Kidlet can't stop talking about the ending.  It caught us both completely by surprise!

Don't just take my word for it, have a read of Wayne Leung's post "Review: Champions of Magic (Starvox Entertainment)" from December 21, over at Mooney on Theatre.

Hang out in the lobby after the show and have a picture taken with the @ChampionsMagic cast.#ChampionsOfMagic #championsTO pic.twitter.com/Y42ZWLMUyF

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) December 21, 2018

Catch the Champions of Magic at The Bluma Appel Theatre through to January 6, 2019.  Tickets through Ticketmaster.

(Don't forget about Drescher's Toronto lecture in the New Year!) 

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

The Outerbridges in go/be Weekly

Catch them in Niagara on December 29th!


From the article "Ted Outerbridge: Clockwork Mysteries Tour Delivers Holiday Magic" by David DeRocoo:

“I was in a restaurant eating a bowl of spaghetti when this guy pulled an egg out of my ear and it blew my mind,” remembers Outerbridge, who shares the stage with his wife and partner, Marion Outerbridge. “From that moment on I wanted to be able to create a sense of wonder for others.”

By the time he was 12, Outerbridge was already being paid to perform magic at neighbourhood birthday parties, delivering 15-minute sets of slight-of-hand tricks and small-scale illusions. At 19 he was earning his living as a professional magician, developing illusions that would eventually be used in such sold-out tours as Magical Moments In Time and the Time Capsule Tour.

Read more.

From Marion Outerbridge's Facebook page:

Oshawa: The Amazing Kreskin

From the Regent Theatre:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019 

Presented by:  Punchline Productions Inc.

With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit, and the capacities of a bona fide Mentalist or thought reader, The Amazing Kreskin has, for six decades, dramatized the unique facets of the human mind…his own. His very name has become an integral part of pop culture throughout the world. During the past fifty years Kreskin has had a television series, his own board game by Milton Bradley, twenty published books, and a major motion picture inspired by his work.

In the 1970’s Kreskin headlined his own television series for five and a half seasons called, ‘The Amazing World of Kreskin’. The airline industry estimates that Kreskin has flown over 3 million miles, to reach a vast international audience with his unique brand of Mentalism.

At 83 years of age, Kreskin shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to perform his legendary live shows in front of packed audiences around the world, playing over 200+ dates yearly.

Recommended Age:  10+
Age Restriction:  7+

Read more and buy tickets.

Click over to Canada's Magic Facebook page for a discount code.