Showing posts with label Ben Train. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ben Train. Show all posts

01 March 2024

Toronto: Hocus Jokus [Mar 10]

Featuring Ben Train, Jonah Babins, and James Alan.  Tickets at Yuk Yuk's.

 

From the February 28th Facebook post by The Toronto Magic Company:

What do you get when you combine a Comedy Mind-reader, an Award-Winning Magician, and a world-class sleight of hand expert into a single 90-minute show?

Answer: an amazing night of fun for YOU! 

Jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing magic, this show is perfect for a night out with friends, a date, or just because you need a break from your annoying kids. 

Featuring Ben Train (Penn and Teller’s Fool Us), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Award Winner), and sleight of hand artist James Alan, it’s all happening Sunday March 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Toronto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

03 December 2023

Jonah Babins and Ben Train on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" S10 E03

From November 13th upload at the Toronto Magic Company YouTube channel:

Jonah Babins and Ben Train try to Fool Penn & Teller with a couple of pieces of paper!
S10E3, The CW Channel. Original air date: Nov 10/2023
 

 

 

 

 

 

21 November 2023

Toronto: "With an Extra Helping of Magic" in support of the North York General Hospital [Nov 23]

With performances by the Toronto Magic Company, Phil Pivnick, Patrick Nemeth, David Peck, Katarina Gligorijević, Rob Fishbaum, and Anthony Lindan.  (Line-up subject to change.)

 

From the IBM Ring 17 website:

With an Extra Helping of Magic 
November 23

Join us for an enchanting evening of wonder and compassion as Willowdale Rotary and the Hat and Rabbit Club come together to host a magical charity fundraiser on November 23 at 7:30 pm.

This fun and interactive magic show is not just about illusion but also making a real difference. As we gather at this memorable event, with some of Toronto's finest magicians, we'll be raising critical funds to support mental health initiatives in Toronto and in support of the North York General Hospital. With every ticket sold and every donation made you're contributing to the well-being of those in need, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and providing essential resources for our community.

Our goal is to raise at least $2,500.

Prepare to be amazed as we unite for a cause that's truly magical - the well-being of our fellow Torontonians.

Buy tickets or donate now.


 

 

08 November 2023

Toronto: Jonah Babins and Ben Train in Hocus Jokus [Nov 19]

From the November 2nd Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

Toronto’s most MIND-BLOWING COMEDY SHOW is back November 19th at @yukyukstoronto.

Starring Ben Train (as seen on “Penn and Teller’s Fool Us”), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Rising Star of Canadian Magic Award winner), and all the way from the UK illusionist Steve Jones.

Now all we need is people who want to laugh their faces off. People like YOU.

Click the link in our bio to get your tickets!

 




01 November 2023

Ben Train and Jonah Babins on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" [Nov 10]

From the October 27th Instagram post by Jonah Babins:

Guess what?
Two weeks today Benzi Train and I will be back on Penn and Teller: Fool Us!
Round 2!
Will we fool them?
Will we embarrass ourselves?
Only time will tell 🙂
What do you think will happen?

 

 

 

 

 

18 October 2023

Checking in with Ben Train and The Art of Magic [Oct 21]

Toronto Magic Company logo

This morning we let you know about the upcoming The Art of Magic show presented by The Toronto Magic Company.  

If you've never been to one of these shows, they're a very unique experience.  Ben Train was kind enough to answer some questions we had about The Toronto Magic Company, and The Art of Magic.

 

Ben Train

Ben Train




What is the Toronto Magic Company (TMC)?

In 2016 I partnered up with my best friend Jonah Babins to produce magic shows across the GTA. Specifically, we wanted to produce GOOD magic shows - the kind of shows we’d be excited to see.

Since then we’ve produced more than 200 shows a year, worked with hundreds of amazing magicians from around the world, and entertained thousands of people.

 

Who are the players in TMC?

There’s myself, Ben Train, and my good buddy Jonah Babins. We’re the two co-founders. We also have an amazing team working behind the scenes; video editors and photographers, our incredible magicians and volunteers, and of course - our audiences!


Ben Train and Jonah Babins

Ben and Jonah Babins on an adventure.

 


 

What is The Art of Magic?

Magicians have been talking about magic being an art form for hundreds of years. So in 2018 Jonah and I had an idea. What if we produced an event that wasn’t just a show, but rather a “gallery” of magic art?

And that’s what we did! We filled a gallery with magic-themed art (posters, props, and interactive exhibits), invited some of our favourite close-up magicians to walk around the space performing, and finished the whole experience off with a stage magic show filled with mind-reading and illusions.
 

Examining the art at The Art of magic

Admiring the art at
The Art of Magic



 
How does The Art of Magic differ from the Toronto Magic Company's other offerings? 

All of our shows have different concepts, because we want to appeal to different audiences and we want to explore different ways of presenting magic.

What most of our shows have in common though is that they follow a pretty traditional show format: you arrive at the venue, sit in your seat, watch a show, and then go home. (I promise the shows are waaay more fun than that description makes them sound!)

What makes The Art of Magic different is that it’s not just a show, but rather an interactive exhibit that lets you explore magic in different ways (including actively being part of the experience in ways you simply couldn’t do with a typical show).

Oh… and on top of all that you ALSO get an amazing show!

 

Jonah Babins at The Art of Magic

Jonah entertaining at The Art of Magic

 

 

How was the recent September show (the 30th Art of Magic show) different from the very first The Art of Magic show?

The first Art of Magic, back in 2018, was very different. We were in a different location, which meant different limitations (and advantages), we didn’t have access to enough magic-themed art, and we were relying more on out-of-town talent.

When the pandemic temporarily shut us down we used our time to retool everything.

We found a better venue (two floors which allowed us to have different experiences happening at the same time), we got WAAAY more magic-related art pieces (Several dozen and counting), and watched as the talent in Toronto developed to a point where we no longer needed to bring in outside help (though we still bring in performers from all over the world - because we love featuring the best magicians on the planet!).

The concept is ALWAYS something we’re tweaking with, because we’re always trying to make it better. Speaking of which, if anyone reading this has been to one of our shows and has ideas for how we can improve… please message me! ( ben at TorontoMagicCompany dot com)


Ben Train at The Art of Magic

Ben entertaining at The Art of Magic



 

What have you learned from producing 30 of these shows?

That there are waaaaay easier ways to make money lol.

Also, I’ve learnt that sometimes the things that excite ME (or passionate magic lovers like me) aren't necessarily what excites the general public. So as we test and try new things we pay special attention to which exhibits resonate with people and WHY, so we can make all our future events better.

 

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about The Art of Magic?

Yah. Buy some tickets and come on out!

If you’re a magic fan, this is a must-attend. I truly believe that.

And if you’re not yet a magic fan but you are a fan of fun nights… come on out and we’ll convert you. ;)


Thank you Ben, for making the time to answer our questions!
 
 
You have two chances to catch The Art of Magic on Saturday October 21st.  The show features:  Jeff Hinchliffe, Harry Zimmerman, Jonah Babins, and James Alan.  (Ben Train will be appearing in the second show.)   Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

Learn more about The Toronto Magic Company and follow them on Facebook, and Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: The Art of Magic [Oct 21]

From Eventbrite:

Toronto has spoken! After more than 30 straight sold out shows,The Art of Magic is BACK! This time with full night of magic plus an interactive EXHIBIT

The Art of Magic is way more than just a show. It’s an entire evening filled with beautiful magic inspired art, and interactive magical exhibit and most importantly a secret magic show that you have to see to believe!

The Gallery
The fun begins at 6pm OR 8pm -  inside the Super Wonder Gallery. Enjoy delicious drinks while you interact with our magical art.

We don't want to give away all our secrets but you'll get to enjoy:

100+ year old magic props, world famous magic posters, and paintings and physical illusions that you get to BE IN! (You read that right!)

The Close-up Magic
During the gallery, while you're drinking, relaxing and enjoying the night - our magicians are working! 5 Magicians will be wandering around the event doing close-up magic that happens IN YOUR HANDS!

This is a chance for you to not only experience magic, but to experience a lot of it, right at your finger tips!

The Secret Show
At one magical moment during the night you are whisked away to a private SECRET show . This is a private show, for a small selection of the audience where you get to interact up close and personal with the magic. It's intimate, impossible, and this is magic of the highest level the way it was meant to be experienced: up close and personal. Seating for this secret experience is extremely limited and is included with your ticket to the Art of Magic show!

In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 50 tickets are available each show for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!

Oh! And did we mention that each ticket comes with a drink 🍸 😘

Read more and buy tickets.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

02 October 2023

Richmond Hill: Joker's fundraiser with Erik Tait, Dan McLean Jr, Ben Train, Elvis Gallant, and more! [Oct 6]

From the September 25th Facebook post by Dave Curran:

Our fundraiser is coming up! Don't just come to support us, but show love for all these incredible performers that are donating their time. This show is going to be lit!
https://www.showclix.com/event/fire-sale

 

 

 

 

01 September 2023

Mono and Toronto: Toronto Magic Comapny presents ... [Sep 1, 10, 23, and 29]

Don't miss your chance to see Ben Train, Jonah Babins, Chris Westfall, Sawyer Bullock, James Alan, and Steven Jones in action this month!  (Performers vary by date and location.)

 

From the August 29th Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

FOUR AMAZING EVENTS THIS MONTH!
(Tickets in bio!)

“The Magic of Illusion” at Hockley Valley Resort on Friday September 1st. Filled with laughs and impossible magic, this show is perfect for the whole family!

Tickets are running out fast though, so if you’re hoping to score some seats click the link in our bio RIGHT NOW!

Next up is “Hocus Jokus” on Sunday September 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club. Is this Toronto’s funniest comedy magic show or Toronto’s most mind-blowing comedy show? You decide! Featuring three magicians, including headliner Chris Westfall!

Then on Saturday September 23rd we have the return of “The Art of Magic” at the Super Wonder Gallery. The night begins with drinks and a tour through the gallery, where you’ll see magic-themed works of art and meet our mingling performers. These roaming wizards will give you the chance to experience magic up close, with tricks happening in front of your eyes and even in your own hands!

Then, take your seat in the secret theatre for the show: a mixture of award-winning sleight of hand and world-class mind reading.

If you love magic, art, or just a great night out: this event is for you.

Finally we have “Ben and Jonah’s Magic Road Trip” at Joker’s Theatre and Comedy Club on Friday September 29th. After touring the show across Canada (including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, a dozen other cities) Ben and Jonah are back with their incredible two-man show. If you’re a fan of magic, you won’t want to miss it. And if you’re not a fan of magic… come and they’ll change your mind.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09 August 2023

Toronto: Hokus Jokus with Ben Train, Jonah Babins, and Mark Clearview [Aug 13]

Tickets available at Yuk Yuk's.

(As an aside, all three of these performers are part of the Sorcerers Safari Legacy!)


From the August 4th Facebook post by The Toronto Magic Company:

What do you get when you combine a Comedy Mindreader, an Award-Winning Magician, and a World Record Holder into a single 90-minute show? 

Answer: an amazing night of fun for YOU!

Jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing magic, this show is perfect for a night out with friends, a date, or just because you need a break from your annoying kids.  

Featuring Ben Train (Penn and Teller's Fool Us), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Award Winner), and Mark Clearview (World Record Holder), it's all happening Sunday August 13th at Yuk Yuk's Toronto.

 

 

 

 

07 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 1

August is the time of Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp.

I continue to feel extraordinarily grateful that I had the opportunity to experience Sorcerers Safari as an embedded reporter, a parent of a camper, an impromptu cabin counsellor, and an arts and crafts instructor.  It was the highlight of my summer for five years!

The Canadian sleep away magic camp, Sorcerers Safari, was the brainchild of Mike Segal and Mike Toal.  It was produced annually by Mike and Jen Segal.  Located in Haliburton, Ontario, it hosted a yearly gathering of magicians and magic enthusiasts from across the world.  In 2016, after 20 seasons, a bus full of magic campers left Haliburton for the very last time.  

This time of year has magic camp staff and alumni reminiscing about our time at Sorcerers Safari.  It's the perfect time to share with you this occasional series, “The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari.” 

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts.  We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

Almost thirty of you have responded with your most cherished memories of camp as well as your significant accomplishments since camp. 

If you completed the survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment! 

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time.  The survey can be found here:

https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76


Thank you to all that contributed!  

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari
>> part two >>

 

Part 1 features:  Sam Pearce, Byron Berry, and Ben Train.

 

Professional magician, CanadianIllusionist.com
  Sam Pearce  

Attended camp for 2 years (approximately 2006 and 2007) as a camper.

Since his time at camp Sam has:

  • Performed cross-Canada tours, entertaining Canada's top executives.


In his own words:

  • On top of learning great magic, it was an amazing behind-the-scenes look at the magic biz

  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • Meeting magicians I admire, working backstage at the theatre.

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • I made some great friends, and learned a ton about how to make a career as a magician.

 

 

  Byron Berry   Registered Nurse.

Attended camp:  2010 - 2011 as a camper.

Since his time at camp Byron has been a:

  • Bartender Magician,
  • Hospital Magician, and a
  • London Magician’s Guild Member.


In his own words:

  • Absolutely all of them [his accomplishments] are because of, or were made easier by my time at Sorcerers Safari.  I’m still connected with camp goers to this day.

  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • Shawn Farquhar teaching me the Classic Force.

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • I have learned that skill does not come overnight, as demonstrated by my terrible dancing cane act on the camper’s show lol!

I’m all for bringing this back, please Mike! 

 

 

  Ben Train   Professional magician, TorontoMagicCompany.com

Attended camp from 2000-2016. CIT (counsellor in training, 2000-2001), Counsellor, Staff.

Since his time at camp Ben has:


  • Delivered magic lectures in more than 70 cities around the world.
  • He co-runs TorontoMagicCompany.com, a company that produces magic shows!


In his own words:

  • ALL of my accomplishments were made easier having gone to camp. 
  • I gained knowledge but also confidence because of camp!

  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • My legal council advises I don't answer” this.

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • My friends and my love for community-building.

Bring back camp! Sorcerers 2.0!!!! 

 

Thank you Sam, Byron, and Ben, for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff! 

part 2 >>

 part 1part 2  | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12

 

 Learn more about Sorcerers Safari 

 

 part 2 >>

 

22 May 2023

Toronto: The Art of Magic [Jun 3]

Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

From the May 18th Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

Toronto has spoken! After 24 straight sold out shows The Art of Magic is BACK!

If you missed out on getting tickets for our previous events, good news: in order to ensure everyone has a chance to experience the magic, we’re doing TWO shows on June 3rd!!!

So… what’s it all about? Great question!

The Art of Magic is way more than just a show. It’s an entire evening filled with beautiful magic inspired art, an interactive magical exhibit and most importantly a secret magic show that you have to see to believe!

The Gallery:
The fun begins inside the Super Wonder Gallery . Enjoy delicious drinks and music while you interact with our magical art.

The Exhibit:
After the open gallery viewing it's time for the exhibition. This is a combination of an interactive magic show, and a gallery tour, AT THE SAME TIME. You'll be transported through some of magic's most incredible moments all experienced by YOU in an intimate setting

The Secret Show:
At one magical moment during the night you are whisked away to a private SECRET show. This is a private show, for a small selection of the audience. It's intimate, impossible, and is magic the way it was meant to be experienced: up close and personal.

Seating for this secret experience is extremely limited and is included with your ticket to the Art of Magic show!

In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 60 tickets are available per showing for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!

 

 

 

 

30 March 2023

Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, & Peterborough: Ben and Jonah's Magic Road Trip [Apr 23, 29, 30, May 12]

From the March 25th Instagram post by The Toronto Magic Company

Ben and Jonah are two of Toronto’s busiest magicians. They’ve sold out shows at comedy clubs and theaters across Canada, amazed Penn and Teller on their hit tv show, Fool Us, and created mind-blowing magic that’s used by magicians all over the world.

Now they’re taking their show on the road (literally!) and bringing the magic and fun across Canada!

Jam-packed with laughs and audience interaction, this show is perfect for families and adults alike. Join Ben and Jonah as they read minds, predict the future, and astound you with world-class sleight-of-hand that looks like real-life CGI!

 

 

 

 

11 January 2023

Rounding the Western rings in January 2023

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

CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- N/A.
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- N/A.
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- N/A.
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)- Ben Train and Jonah Babins lecture.
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- Ben Train and Jonah Babins lecture.
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- N/A.
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)  - Ben Train and Jonah Babins lecture.


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

 

 

 

 

Rounding the Central rings in January 2023

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

Montreal, QCRing 62 (20th Century Ring)- N/A.
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)- Ben Train and Jonah Babins lecture.
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Ben Train and Jonah Babins lecture.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (KW Magic Society)- N/A.
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)- N/A.
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- N/A
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)- James Alan lecture.


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

 

 

 

 

09 January 2023

Ben and Jonah Mean Business [various: Jan 11 - Jan 20]

From the January 4th Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

FOR MAGICIANS ONLY!

Jonah Babins and Ben Train are two of Canada’s busiest magicians. Now for the first time ever they’re teaching the secrets to the original magic they’ve used to entertain thousands of people around the globe.

Not only will you learn some kick*** magic, like burning and restoring a spectator's tshirt and the world's most disgusting vanish, but you'll also learn the REAL SECRETS to succeeding as a professional magician.

Want to get in on the fun? Well if you live in any of these cities, you can!

Combined Hamilton/London Lecture: Wednesday January 11th at TBA
Ottawa Lecture: Thursday January 12th at Pub 101
Toronto Lecture: Sunday January 15th at the Browser's Den of Magic
Victoria Lecture: Tuesday the 17th for the Victoria Magic Circle
Vancouver Lecture: Friday the 20th for the Fraser Valley Magic Club

Let the fun begin!