A peek behind the curtain with Fernando Velasco

Upcoming Champions of Magic Canadian tour dates:

• 12/8/19     Brandon, MB
• 12/12/19   Ottawa, ON    TD Place    <<<  ** recent addition **
• 12/14/19   Oshawa, ON
• 12/15/19   Laval, QC
• 1/16/20     Saskatoon, SK    SaskTel Centre
• 1/17/20     Regina, SK    Conexus Arts Centre
• 1/26/20     Prince George, BC

Read more and buy tickets.

 

I was delighted to receive an invitation to email interview Fernando Velasco, as part of a Champions of Magic promotion.  You may already know that Velasco was presented with the 2018 Junior Achievement Award at the Magic Castle earlier this year.

What a dream receiving this award was over the weekend, big Thanks to the AMA (thanks Steve & David for presenting it) huge thanks to my manager/mentor/ Director Chuck Jones, who is always… https://t.co/9Otpl6J073

— Fernando Velasco (@illusionistFV) May 7, 2019

What is your first memory of magic?

I must have been around 7, and my dad (who lived in the US while i still lived in Mexico) took me a DVD from the US with a number of magicians on it. there i started to fall in love with magic.

I used to think "THAT is real magic" and would invite all my neighborhood friends to come over and watch this DVD with "REAL magic."

Who inspires you magically?

Mexican magician Joaquin Ayala, along with Copperfield, and naturally HOUDINI.

What would have been in store for you had you not caught the magic bug?  

Maybe if I could sing, a singer

Why do you think audiences are still drawn to escapes, sleight of hand, and illusion?

Magic still gives people a feeling of "wonder."

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez as it feels like he gives it all on stage every time.

What's special about Champions of Magic draws large audiences on 6 UK tours and 3 North American tours over the past 6 years?

There is nothing like a good magic show LIVE. Not on TV or online, BUT LIVE.

You've performed in many different countries. Have you experienced anything specific about Canadian audiences in particular?

They are up for the fun.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
  I sing, terribly but I try to sing.  As well as sometimes I watch live performances of my favorite singers/bands. I feel like I take on their energy for the show.

Do you have a favourite touring anecdote and / or advice for touring magicians?

Too many to tell!
 
(Sam) Strange and I often go urban exploring and that's fun.

@ChampionsMagic
There i was minding my own business (as usual)
... LOOKING FOR SOME TACOS... 🌮🇲🇽❤️
Somehow I’ve ended up in a very sketchy part of town ( shown in this picture) ...
FYI in case I don’t make it to tonight’s show pic.twitter.com/BsCt91Izb3

— Fernando Velasco (@illusionistFV) January 3, 2019

Advice: Have fun on and off stage!

What interests do you have outside of magic?
 
Sports.

What do you do to keep your performance fresh for both your audience and you?

Doing little things to have fun with the other performers and crew on stage.  Like playing tag on stage (without the audience noticing anything) among other small things.

If you could be endowed with the talent to take on any Broadway role past or present, who would you pick and why? 

Aladdin.  Because I had a dream I played him!

I just had a dream i was Aladdin 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

— Fernando Velasco (@illusionistFV) September 14, 2019

What's your Canadian connection to magic?

I saw Greg Frewin's show last year.

Velasco also experienced, for his very first time, the magic of real snow in Toronto last December!

Thank you Fernando Velasco for making the time to answer our questions!



Catch the Champions of Magic on tour in Canada!

Upcoming Champions of Magic Canadian tour dates:

• 12/8/19     Brandon, MB
• 12/12/19   Ottawa, ON    TD Place    <<<  ** recent addition **
• 12/14/19   Oshawa, ON
• 12/15/19   Laval, QC
• 1/16/20     Saskatoon, SK    SaskTel Centre
• 1/17/20     Regina, SK    Conexus Arts Centre
• 1/26/20     Prince George, BC

Read more and buy tickets.

Champions of Magic are coming back!

I was also lucky to score interviews in 2018 with two of the four acts in the show.  Have a read:

• A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer
• A peek behind the curtain with Young and Strange

I had the privilege of seeing Champions of Magic with Kidlet last December. So. Much. Fun! You can read my random thoughts about their show here.


From the Champions of Magic:

• 12/8/19     Brandon, MB
• 12/14/19   Oshawa, ON
• 12/15/19   Laval, QC
• 1/16/20     Saskatoon, SK    SaskTel Centre
• 1/17/20     Regina, SK    Conexus Arts Centre
• 1/26/20     Prince George, BC

Read more and buy tickets.

From the Champions of Magic Facebook page:

"The Lucky Dragon Tour" with Piff the Magic Dragon

From Piff the Magic Dragon:

OCT 10 THU - Casino Regina, Regina, SK
OCT 11 FRI - Casino Regina, Regina, SK
OCT 12 SAT - Gold Eagle Casino, North Battleford, SK
NOV 8 FRI - Sagebrush Theatre, Kamloops, BC
NOV 9 SAT - Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC

Read more and buy tickets.

With thanks to The Magic Demon for submitting this post idea. Submit your post idea here.

Masters of Illusion Canadian dates for 2020

Check the Masters of Illusion website for cast information and additional show dates.


From Ticketmaster:

     March 2020 shows include:

• Mar 18, 2020 - Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
• Mar 19, 2020 - TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK
• Mar 20, 2020 - Winspear Centre, Edmonton, AB
• Mar 22, 2020 - Red Deer Memorial Centre, Red Deer, AB
• Mar 23, 2020 - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, AB
• Mar 24, 2020 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC
• Mar 25, 2020 - Royal Theatre, Victoria, BC

Regina: Magic and Mystery

A magical fundraiser show for the WA WA Shriners.  October 25th, 2019.


From Chester McBain's Facebook post:

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.

An update from ReginaCadabra

From the ReginaCadabra Facebook page:

ReginaCadabra Magic Festival would like to announce with regret that we will not be holding the Festival in 2019 and beyond. This decision was not made without a great deal of thought and discussion with the stakeholders. We sincerely appreciate all of the magic fans that attended the wonderful event in 2017 and 2018. We thank all of our community partners and sponsors that participated in the past events. We thank all of our magician friends that performed at the event and those that helped to promote the event to fellow magicians and magic fans. Thank you to all of the volunteers that donated so much of their time to help make the event run smoothly and professionally. Thank you to the Regina Hotel Association that created the Event of Events contest that brought forth this event to Regina. Finally thank you to the Festival Committee and Board who gave countless hours of meetings and time to help produce and run the event.

For the magic fans, we hope you remain a follower of this page as we will from time to time communicate (post) magic events that are occurring in the area.

Again on behalf of the Board, Thank you!

Brent Kloeble
President
ReginaCadabra Magic Festival.

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.

Catch the Outerbridges on tour

Catch Ted and Marion Outerbridge on tour!


From the website of Ted Outerbridge:

• December 29, 2018 - FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines, ON
• January 4-8, 2019   - APAP|NYC New York, NY
• 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, 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

Saskatoon: Chris Visser at the #YXEFringe

The #YXEFringe runs August 2 to 11, 2018

From the 25th Street Theatre:

*NEW SHOW* – MAGIC is a hilarious look into a world of innocence and wonder. Visser takes his audience back to a child-like state where anything is possible and everything is achieved. With state of the art stage illusions, award winning magic and even live magical animals, Chris will make a believer out of the most skeptical of spectators. Join us and experience MAGIC.


Read more and buy tickets.

From Chris Visser's Twitter feed:

COMING BACK! With new bits! Times&Tix: https://t.co/6nYuXv1gV7 #yxe #magic #yxefringe #yxearts #Saskatooning #exploresask #exploreyxe #magician #magiclife #liveyxe #yxeevents #yxeliving #saskatoonevents #saskatoonliving #comedy #illusion #magicyxe #kidsconnect #chrisvisser pic.twitter.com/3mLkFnhX0N

— Chris Visser (@VisserMagic) July 18, 2018

Regina: ReginaCadabra now with Danny Kazam

From the ReginaCadabra Facebook page:

The Family Magic Show Saturday July 28 has added magician
Danny Kazam originally from Montreal. Danny is a full time magician. Danny will open for Eric Leclerc at this event. Eric is Canada's Two-Time Magic Champion from Ottawa. Danny brings a laugh out loud interactive comedy ride of fun and amazement for the whole family! Only a week until showtime. Tickets are disappearing fast. Get yours today at https://www.picatic.com/event15271723187499

Reginacadabra 2018: Talent

The Reginacadabra Magic Festival will be held July 25-28, 2018.

The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed the sign-up for more information about CAM 2019, July 24-27, 2019!


From Reginacadabra:

Matt Gore aka “The Ginger Ninja” from South Africa

• After winning the title of FISM Africa Magic Champion in 2012, and competing in the World Championships of Magic twice, Matt has achieved international recognition for his performances. Matt is a talented entertainer with over 12 years’ experience performing all around the world; add to that his cheeky character and sharp sense of humour and you have the ultimate comedy magician. Matt interacts among your guests, standing or seated at tables, bringing his exceptional brand of interactive comedy magic right to them. Your guests may have seen magic on stage or TV, but never has the impossible happened so close to them, the magic will literally happen in their own hands!

Danny Kazam

• Danny is a full time professional children’s entertainer, magician, and puppeteer. He is also a talented song writer, and has created magic for other magicians. He studied acting at Studio Sound Stage in Toronto, Ont. and has a background in both theatre arts and child development. Two of his biggest influences in becoming a children's entertainer was Shari Lewis and Ernie Coombs/Mr. Dressup.

Andrew Kinakin

• Andrew Kinakin is a professional entertainer from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Having travelled five continents around the world, he is happy to be back performing in the province he calls home. Being one of the youngest professional performers around this area Andrew brings a new, fun, high energy form of entertainment that you will find both captivating and refreshing. In the past few years Andrew has had the opportunity to make appearances on media outlets such as Global, CTV, C95 and CruzFm. Performing close-up magic gives everyone an opportunity really experience the entertainment right under their noses! Be prepared to experience entertainment with extra excitement!

Eric Leclerc - Canada's Two-Time Magic Champion from Ottawa

• Eric Leclerc is a globetrotting speaker and magician that performs feel good magic for your brain. His popular YouTube videos have gathered over 10 million views worldwide. He currently co-hosts the game show AU DÉFI on TFO Networks and is a regular guest on National Geographic's top rated show Brain Games. His original magic and hilariously crazy attitude have made him a 2-time winner of the "Canadian Magic Championship" title. Whether it's in front of the camera, performing live on the world's stages or simply speaking to inspire, Eric uses his charismatic personality to delight and connect with any audience. His shows have been described as ''a unique journey through interactive experiments and calculated craziness''. Think you know what magicians do? Think again. See why Eric's performances guarantee a healthy dose of laughter for your soul, and magic for your brain.

Chris Lovely

• For almost as long as I can remember I wanted to be an entertainer. Wasn’t sure just what at first, all I knew was that I loved to see people having a good time and laughing. When I was 11 years old I saw David Copperfield on TV for the first time, and I was hooked, I had found my calling in the entertainment world. Every year since I looked forward to his yearly T.V. specials and counted the days when his next special was airing. It was something my Mother and I watched together year after year. I started doing some research on how one becomes a magician. When I was 14 I met the local magician in Fredericton NB named Pearly Palmer. He became my mentor and is one of my main reasons I became the magician that I am. He gave me my first paying gig. My passion for magic and entertaining people has never changed. I am dedicated to providing not only a quality show but being sure you get the right show for your event.

Richy Roy

• Saskatchewan's own Richy Roy has been performing magic across Canada, for over a decade, entertaining audiences with his amazing magic, incredible balloon twisting, energetic stage performances, and hilarious antics! Nobody entertains quite like Richy! Card manipulations, linking rings, unbelievable rope magic, and levitation are only some of the impressive routines Richy Roy will perform. Hilarious entertainment professionally crafted to keep you amazed and laughing all show long!

Kent Wong

• Kent Wong is one of the most sought after entertainers in North America. With numerous appearances on national television, he is also a two-time, international Gold Medal Champion and a member of Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. Kent has astounded audiences with his unique brand of magic and humour for over 35 years. From strolling magic to banquet shows and grand scale illusions, Kent has done it all. Kent’s close-up magic is similar to the Street Performing festivals prevalent throughout many cities each and every summer, with much of the magic happening right in your hands. Kent Wong can bring the joy and excitement of this festival right to your doorstep!

Read more and register.

Regina: Murray the Magician

From Casino Regina:

April 20, 2018

Murray the Magician - As seen on Pawn Stars, America's Got Talent & YouTube!

Murray who is currently headlining at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas strip nightly really made his mark as a household name when he exploded onto the entertainment scene after his successful run as a semi-finalist on NBC-TV’s “America’s Got Talent.” The #1 network summer series was viewed by over 22 million fans nationwide. Murray dazzled the judges: Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel by producing a Ferrari from thin air, transforming a girl locked in a cage into a 450 pound tiger and did the largest trick ever on “AGT” by vanishing an entire 1918 steam train locomotive in mere seconds. All of these illusions took place before a “live” and national “TV” audience, and brought standing ovations from the judges.

Murray has won over 32 awards for his performances nationally and internationally and received the title of “World Champion.”  He has delighted audiences in theatres from Monaco and Paris to Las Vegas and the legendary Playboy Mansion.  Recently he was honored with 4 awards, The Hollywood FAME Award for contribution to Magic on TV, the LA Comedy Award for BEST COMEDY SHOW, TOP 100 Business Men of Nevada and 100 Most Distinguished Men of Nevada.

Read more and buy tickets.

ReginaCadabra: Save the dates!

Stay tuned for the talent announcement!

From ReginaCadabra:

The ReginaCadabra Magic Festival, North America's Premiere Magic Festival will be held July 25-28, 2018.

The Illusionists: MB, SK, AB, BC, ON

From The Illusionists Live:

• WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APR.10
• REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN - APR.11
• SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN - APR.12
• RED DEER, ALBERTA - APR.13
• LETHBRIGE, ALBERTA - APR.14
• KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA - APR.16
• PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA - APR.17
• KITCHENER, ONTARIO - MAY.17

Read more and buy tickets.

From the April 9th article 'Works like magic: Illusionists get to shine in "roller-coaster" show' by Cam Fuller in the Saskatoon Starphoenix:

“The Avengers of magic.” That’s what Jeff Hobson feels like as part of The Illusionists.

The necromantic spectacular features stars in five disciplines, from traditional magic to mind-reading: The Inventor Kevin James, The Deductionist Colin Cloud, The Manipulator An Ha Lim and Hobson, the Trickster.

“We’ve been all over the world and this is our first chance to get to the western side of Canada, which is great,” said Hobson.

“I love Canada. We always have great audiences. We just finished in Ottawa for a week and did Toronto for a month back in December.”

Read more.

Outerbridge Magic Fall 2017 tour dates

If you can catch Ted and Marion Outerbridge on their upcoming tour, I highly recommend it!

From Ted Outerbridge:

• October 14, 2017:  Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (Showcase), Regina, SK
• October 15, 2017:  Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (Showcase), Regina, SK
• October 27, 2017:  Gracie Theatre, Bangor, ME
• November 18, 2017:  (Holiday Magic Show), St. Catharines, ON
• November 20, 2017:  Capital Theatre (Holiday Magic Show), Windsor, ON
• November 21, 2017:  Kiwanis Theatre (Holiday Magic Show), Chatham, ON
• November 22, 2017:  Library Theatre Holiday Magic Show), Sarnia, ON
• November 24, 2017:  Forest City Church Theatre (Holiday Magic Show), London, ON
• November 28, 2017:  (Holiday Magic Show), Belleville, ON
• November 30, 2017:  Rose Theatre (Holiday Magic Show), Brampton, ON
• December 1, 2017:  Sanderson Centre (Holiday Magic Show), Brantford, ON
• December 2, 2017:  Humanities Theatre (Holiday Magicc Show), Waterloo, ON
• December 7, 2017:  Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre, Camrose, AB
• December 8, 2017:  Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat, AB
• March 14, 2018:  First Ontario Arts Centre Milton, Milton, ON

Champions of Magic: North American Tour dates

From Champions of Magic:

Direct from a hit season in London’s West End, the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions Of Magic team return for a spectacular night of mystery that’ll keep you guessing for a long time to come. With over 20 million online views between them, and sold out shows on their 2014, 2015 and 2016 tours, the cast includes international award winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen around the world, and on TV in the UK appearing on ITV’s ‘Next Great Magician’ and ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’.

With over 20 million online views between them, Champions Of Magic includes a cast of Britain’s top magicians. International award winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions, their skills have been seen around the world on TV with appearances on ITV’s ‘Next Great Magician’, ITV/The CW’s ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’, CNN’s ‘A Quest For Magic’ and NBC’s ‘Caught On Camera With Nick Cannon’.

Canadian dates include:
NOVEMBER 2017

• Friday 3rd: REGINA, SK (Canada) - Casino Regina - Tel 1-800-555-3189
• Saturday 4th: WINNIPEG, MB (Canada) - Pantages Playhouse - Tel (204)-989-2889

Read more and buy tickets.

ReginaCadabra in the CBC

From the CBC:

Doug Arden has been waiting nearly 20 years to be a part of a magic festival in Regina, and this weekend he'll lift the curtain on his long-awaited performance.

ReginaCadabra is Regina's first magic festival. Featuring 10 Canadian magicians, it runs Wednesday through Sunday at various locations around the city.

"I've always loved entertaining people so I look forward to making everyone laugh. That's what I live for," said Arden, a local ventriloquist, comedian and magician who has been working full-time as an entertainer for 20 years.

Read more.

Win a magical weekend at ReginaCadabra

Contest closes Monday July 10 at 5pm CST.


From the ReginaCadabra Facebook page:

ENTER TO WIN A MAGICAL WEEKEND ULTIMATE VACATION PACKAGE GIVEAWAY. $1000 Value, Prize Details below.

To Qualify
LIKE OUR REGINACADABRA PAGE and SHARE THIS POST and COMMENT ANY SONG TITLE WITH THE WORD "MAGIC" IN THE TITLE OR LYRICS, prior to Monday July 10 at 5pm CST. Must be at least 19 years old to qualify.

Prize Package Includes (approx. $1000 value, no cash value):

Two Nights Hotel Room SUITE Courtesy Regina Ramada Plaza July 28 & 29

Two Tickets in LOGE SEATING SUITE Riders vs Argos July 29, Hosted by Regina Hotel Association. Loge Seating provides guests the action and excitement of open-air stadium seating with the benefits and amenities of a suite

Two Tickets to ReginaCadabra's Hocus-Pocus Hilarity Comedy Magic Show Friday July 28 at Regina Ramada Plaza. 3 World Class Magicians on One Show.

Two Tickets to ReginaCadabra's Smoke And Mirrors Spectacle at Casino Regina Saturday July 29 post Rider game. 5 World Class Magicians on One Show

ReginaCadabra in the CBC

To learn more about ReginAcadabra (featuring: Chester McBain, Chris Funk, David Merry, Doug Arden, Jeff Richards, Keegan Duck, Paul Romhany, Richy Roy, Sean Watson, and Shawn Farquhar), visit ReginAcadabra.com


Watch Tracy Fahlman and Brent Kloeble talk about the upcoming ReginAcadabra event on CTV News.


From CBC News:

Brent Kloeble has high hopes for the new ReginaCadabra Magic Festival, which makes its debut July 26 in the city.

Kloeble, who is the chairman of the event, hopes the festival gains enough momentum to become an international attraction.

"It's an exciting event for Regina. There's nothing really like that around here," Kloeble said.

"We can make this a big tourism event," Kloeble said of the family-friendly festival, which will feature 10 performers throughout the week. "We know people will travel in to come see it."

Read more.

From the ReginaCadabra Twitter feed:

Close- up magic by Chester McBain @EscapeRegina see Chester and many other #magicians @ReginaCadabra #magic #festival in #yqr this summer https://t.co/4ujqDywTko

— ReginaCadabra (@ReginaCadabra) May 24, 2017

Andrew Kinakin at the Saskatoon Family Expo

From The Saskatoon Family Expo:

Our next Expo will be taking place Saturday and Sunday November 19 and 20 - Hope to see you there

Watch our Facebook page for all the announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/saskatoonparentandtotexpo/

Read more.

From Andrew Kinakin's YouTube channel, watch Andrew promoting the event on CTV news:





[via iTricks]