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

16 May 2018

Toronto: Ben Train at Nerd Nite

From the Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

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02 April 2018

Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book

From the Newest Trick in the Book Facebook page:
Come see the first Newest Trick in the Book in April! Tuesday April 3rd at See-Scape. We have a stacked lineup that you're going to love!

If you've never been, The Newest Trick in the book is the only open mic night for magicians in North America and it's totally free!

Will Zhang and Matthew Thomas Stewart (otherwise known as magic duo Will & Matt)- An incredible Toronto magic team that recently sold out a show at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Come see the brand new magic that this dynamic act has put together!

Christian Mascia - A talented young Toronto performer that's part of the generation of people making magic cool! Come see why, with his brand new material this week!

Brian Roberts - A performer, lecturer, and all around incredible magician is bringing some brand new magic to the show. He's a newest trick in the book newcomer, but an expert magician. Come see world class magic

Benzi Train - A TMC founder and an unbelievable performer who's helping put Toronto on the map as one of the magic capitals of the world! Come see why this Tuesday!
and your host

Jonah Babins - A TMC founder, head of the Discourse in Magic podcast (one of the worlds top magic podcasts), and a fantastic performer. Jonah is an up and coming name in the magic scene, that you won't want to forget!

Come see the show, and grab FREE tickets below!

20 March 2018

Toronto: A super secret special guest at the Newest Trick in the Book

From The Toronto Magic Company's Facebook page:
Come see the Newest Trick in the Book on Tuesday March 20th!

The show is FREE, and we have an AMAZING lineup, of world class performers.

Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-newest-trick-in-the-book-to…)

Graemazing Reed A Newest Trick in the Book newcomer, but an expert magician is here to show off some brand new magic! He has a Tedx talk, countless TV appearances, and AMAZING magic to boot! Come see his BRAND NEW material on Tuesday!

Bella M. Eurta - A wildly talented variety performer, a Newest Trick in the Book newcomer, and all around expert on stage. She's going to be performing something that I PROMISE you have never seen before

Benzi Train - A TMC founder, Newest Trick expert, and a ridiculously talented performer, is bringing something amazing and a little bit frighting to the stage

and your host

Jonah Babins - A TMC founder, and frequent time traveller, potion drinker, and holder of magic secrets. Come see the some magic that might just make you believe!

PLUS

A SUPER SECRET SPECIAL GUEST!



09 January 2018

2017 Readers' Choice award results

Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:  a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the fabulous talent in our country.

One hundred and seven votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  This year there was an option to add a comment to your vote.  My favourite comment?  "I hope no one can see I voted for myself..."  (Bonus points to you if you can guess who wrote that.)

Here are the results of our second annual  "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)


2017 Beacon of Inspiration: Ryan Brown
Ryan Brown
Nominated by dmdlfyer.

It is clear from his multiple nominations that Ryan has worked hard to get this far in his career.  He is an inspiration to the students at his alma mater.   Ryan continues to stretch himself by seeking opportunities to learn with and from world class magicians.

Website: RyanBrownMagic.com




2017 Beacon of Inspiration: Neil Croswell

Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.

In 2017, Neil appeared on "Masters of Illusion" and performed across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka.

Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer.  He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival."  This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.


Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com



Caiden Finch (12 yo)
Nominated by Phil Matlin.

Caiden was the youngest nominee in 2017.  It is clear to me that he is on a similar trajectory as the others nominated this year.  He is a hard worker, who actively seeks out feedback, and implements advice received.  I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  I have no doubt we'll continue to hear wonderful things about him as the years progress!

Website:



2017 Beacon of Inspiration: Murray and Teresa Hatfield

Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.

The Hatfields had another amazing year! Murray and Teresa Hatfield starred in and produced their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen.

Additionally, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com




Editor's Choice


2017 Editor's Choice: Julie Eng
Julie Eng
Nominated by James Alan.

Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," in 2017 Julie was also a major driving force behind the publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson," Magic Live (as performer, presenter, and host), Magicana's Magic Collectors Weekend, Magicana's A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities (as publisher, project manager) and the CBC's show Magic and Science.  I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!

Somehow, while doing all of that, Julie still found time to be the Executive Director at Magicana.


Website: magicienne.com



Readers' Choice

2017 Winner: Benzi Train
Benzi Train
Nominated by Ari.

Congratulations to Benzi for winning the 2017 Readers' Choice award!

Keep up your great work with the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, Newest Trick in the Book and Toronto Magic Company!













02 January 2018

Toronto: The newest hat and rabbit trick in the book

Tonight's performers (January 2nd) are mentioned at the bottom of the post.

From The Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

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Also from The Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

16 December 2017

Ottawa: Ben Train at Magic Monday

From Ben Train's Facebook feed:

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09 December 2017

Vote now for the 2017 Readers' Choice award

Reader's Choice logo 
The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the 2017 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!  Voting will close on Saturday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll.  (Unfortunately, the poll does not appear in the mobile version of the site.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (in no particular order):


2017 Nominee: Caiden Finch
Caiden Finch (12 yo)
Nominated by Phil Matlin.
"He has performed on stage for paying audience and I might say he was great. His magic was excellent. He was dressed for the occasion. He had a themed routine and what I really liked was that came in [to Perfect Magic] about week before the show and asked for some advice. I talked, he listened and implemented 95% of it in his show."

I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  He's a fine young man with a bright future ahead of him!

Website:



2017 Nominee: Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown
Nominated by dmdlfyer.
"Ryan started performing magic very early in school. While he was in my class, he would bargain his work completion in order to go to the kindergarten class and perform his latest trick. He continued to perform and cam back several years to perform free at our school's fun fair. True school and community spirit. Ryan has inspired many of the students to believe in their dream and to work hard to achieve it. He continues to seek advancement in his craft by seeking peer help and taking classes taught by more experienced magicians. In 2017 Ryan performed at Screemers at Exhibition Place Toronto in October. Great show Ryan!!  Increased his knowledge of magic by taking classes in Las Vegas with the master of masks and magical knowledge, Jeff McBride earlier this year."


"Ryan Brown is an example of a young man who knew what he wanted to accomplish, kept focused under difficult conditions, and has achieved it - a life in magic. Not only is he talented, he is a joy to work with, both personally and professionally. My agency had the pleasure of mentoring and booking Ryan from early in his career. He takes his magic very seriously, and is constantly working to raise the bar on his show and learn from others. He is worthy of an award."


"The magic or Ryan Brown. I have known Ryan for many years and not only is he a close friend but amazing magician who is dedicating his life to magic and works extremely hard so he definitely deserves an award."


"I'd like to nominate Ryan Brown ("The Magic of Ryan Brown"). I've known Ryan since he was a youth and was shown his first magic tricks. From that point on, Ryan became dedicated to learning the craft, and perfecting tricks and routines. He recently won a scholarship to an exclusive magic school in Las Vegas where he had opportunity to perfect his craft further. Ryan creates routines to amaze his audiences with thought to ages he he performing in front of. He continues to create illusions himself. Seeing a performance by Ryan is nothing short of amazing. "


"I second all these nominations of Ryan. I have worked with as his assistant. And he is always improving and raising the bar, trying and accomplishing new tricks and striving to be the best magician he can be. "


"I nominate Ryan Brown because having known him since he was 15, I have seen him hold fast to his dream of being a professional magician in the face of having his mother suffer a devastating illness when Ryan was age 11.

As a result Ryan had to grow up in a blue collar single parent household in a low income area, having to overcome many obstacles in order to be where he is today."


"Many years ago, I gave Ryan Brown his first opportunity to perform professionally. Seeing his accomplishments to date astounds me, just like his magic does.

Ryan continues to diversify his act. In 2017 he added new stage illusions and executed them flawlessly in his own style. As Ryan moves to the next phase of his career, I can't help but be inspired by his daily dedication to the craft of magic. New wardrobe, new card manipulation, new stage illusions, he's been hard at work this year.

On a personal level, 2017 was an extra challenging year for Ryan, with the passing of his father. Ryan's first performance on a Las Vegas stage this past September would have made him very proud.

It is for these reasons that I nominate Ryan Brown for "Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year"."


Website: RyanBrownMagic.com




2017 Nominee: Neil Croswell

Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.
"I would like to nominate Neil Croswell. I have watched Neil devote his life to magic from a young age and he has stuck to his vision from day one. His determination and work ethic over the years make him an inspiration as well as his countless awards and international TV appearances (Fool Us, etc.). In 2017, he appeared on "Masters of Illusion" , completed 250+ shows on a cruise in the Bahamas, and performed internationally across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka. To accomplish what he has at his age, I believe, is an inspiration to Canadian magicians with goals of a professional career. "

Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer.  He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival."  This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.


Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com



 

2017 Nominee: Julie Eng
Julie Eng
Nominated by James Alan.

Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," this year Julie has had a few other things on the go!
 

"The Magic of Johnny Thompson": Julie has been project managing the production and publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson." Her roles include: photographer, photo editor, and editor.

Magic Live - performer, presenter, and host: Julie was invited back (for the third time since 2015!) to co-host all the general sessions with Jonathan Levit. Sometimes hosting meant interviewing interesting magic characters, like the one-and-only David Williamson, or being part of something like a “show and tell” with Levent (where he talked about 3D printing).

Magicana - Magic Collectors Weekend - producer, host, project manager:  As part of Magicana, Julie staged and produced a Magic History Conference called the Magic Collectors Weekend in Montreal (first time out of the USA).  It coincided with the opening of Illusions: The Art of Magic poster exhibition featuring some of the top-drawer posters from the newly acquired Allan Slaight Collection of posters.

Magicana - A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities -  publisher, project manager: This year, Julie also worked closely with Dr. Eddie Dawes and his family to start the process of publishing the historical series A Rich Cabinet of Curiosities (published in the Magic Circle’s organ the Magic Circular). Magicana will produce and release Dr Dawes's collected monthly series in an epic, multi-volume compendium spanning forty years, of over 450 articles. The first volume is now in the works and with hopes of getting an edition out by the late fall of 2018 or perhaps early 2019.

Magic and Science - performer, host, presenter: Julie was included as part of the Magic and Science special, one-hour documentary for CBC’s "The Nature of Things: which will air sometime in the early part of 2018. Julie acts as “host” and helps to link the segments together, performing a bit of magic along the way. This is Julie's first major television piece.

Somehow, while doing all of that, Julie still found time to be the Executive Director at Magicana.


Website: magicienne.com




2017 Nominee: Murray and Teresa Hatfield

Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.
"The Magic Demon nominates Murray and Teresa Hatfield for starring in and producing their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. For the second year in a row, it was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen."

In addition, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com



 

2017 Nominee: Benzi Train
Benzi Train
Nominated by Ari.
"I nominate Benzi Train because of his tireless work over the years to promote the performance of live magic in Toronto and his efforts at the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club and bringing in of top quality lecturers to our community. His (and partner Jonah Babbins) show Newest Trick in the Book gives any magician a venue/opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. He has inspired many magicians to challenge themselves creatively or to even perform live."


Supporting information from Steven Lafond:
"I second the nomination for Ben Train for his incredible work with the Toronto Magic Company. He is an amazing performer and producer and has worked very hard to keep magic alive in the Toronto performing arts scene."


Supporting information from Natasha:
"I’m nominating Ben Train for all the work he’s done for the Toronto magic community. Besides becoming one of the most popular performers in the city, Ben also founded the Toronto Magic Company and produces different magic shows every week across the city. Whether working with aspiring young magicians to give them the confidence to go on stage, provide professionals with new opportunities to share their magic, or bringing the best magic in the world to Toronto for public shows and lectures, there isn’t anyone in the city doing more for magic than Ben."


Website: BenTrain.ca




Cast your vote now at Poll Junkie!





















02 October 2017

Random thoughts from "The Newest Trick in the Book"

The Newest Trick in the Book is back Tuesday October 3rd, at 8:30pm, for a FREE Halloween themed show, with Benzi Train, James Alan, James Harrison, and Shamus Mac Gregor!
Last month, I attended the September 5th edition of "The Newest Trick in the Book," billed as "Toronto's ONLY magic open-mic."

I had no idea what to expect from a magic open-mic.  I thought it might be a slightly more dressed up version of watching folks jam at the club or the magic shop.  As it turns out I'd previously seen most of the performers on this program both jamming casually and performing professionally.  Would the evening be a repeat of stuff I'd already seen?

The verdict:  no.  Well, sometimes yes.  But not really.

Let me explain.

The event takes place at  See-Scape Toronto, a sci-fi bar and gaming café.  It's a cozy space filled with wonderful people.  (And lots of games.)



Everything about the place is interesting.


You were probably wondering about the show.

The evening was a TONNE of fun.  The performances were elevated well beyond a typical jam.  Each of the performers had an energy that was different from what I expected of them.  Perhaps it was the buzz of doing something in front of an audience for the first time? 

It was also clear to me, that the performers were having more fun than usual too!  I witnessed the child-like excitement of bringing a new idea to life, the brilliance of turning the tables on an old standard, freshening up a classic, and the general enjoyment of working things out in front of a safe crowd.  (I've heard more than one professional espouse the importance of having a "safe place" to try things out in front of an audience.  I better appreciate the wisdom now.)

If you're in the Toronto area, I encourage you to both attend and perform at "The Newest Trick in the Book."



Trivia questions: who said what?

1) Iä! Iä! Cthulhu fhtagn! a) Sammy Jakubowicz
2) Mr. Harrison, it's time for your medication. b) Chris Westfall
3) That's what I would do if I were in your position. But I'm a jerk. c) James Harrison
4) I'm not a thief, I'm a magician. d) James Alan



With thanks to the wonderful performers!













26 September 2017

Toronto: Tricks in the Six (Sept 28)

From The Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

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13 August 2017

Canadians remember Eugene Burger

From Perfect Magic:
Eugene Burger was special, as a magician and as a person. The first and most important memory I have of him was when he came to Montreal to lecture for Magie Montréal. It was many years ago and I was not that into magic at the time, but I went to the lecture to help Phil and Vim Vermeys with registration, etc.  and stayed of course for the lecture.

Anyone at that lecture learned valuable lessons. I don’t rememberphil-eugene-and-tom one trick that he did. It wasn’t about the tricks, it was about performing. Every word was well thought out and had a reason for being there. His jokes were not to get a laugh, which they got, but as he explained, when you laugh you close your eyes for a second and that’s all the time he needed to do what he had to do in front of your eyes.

Read more.


From Derek Selinger's Facebook page:



From Lawrence Larouche's Facebook page:




From Ben Train's Facebook page:



From the Facebook page for Michael Close:



From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:




Visit the Eugene Burger Memorial Page, McBride Magic & Mystery School on Facebook.


14 May 2017

Toronto: Introducing "Tricks in the Six"

Scroll down to see the contest to win tickets to the May 25th show with Ben, Keith Brown, and headliner Karl Hein.  (Contest closes at end of day today.)


From the Toronto Magic Company:
The Toronto Magic Company is working with the best magicians in the world to put on incredible shows in Toronto, at incredible prices, every single week. Whether you come see our magic open mic, “The Newest Trick in the Book,” our premier magic variety show, “Tricks in the Six,” or one of our many special events, we promise you’ll always have an impossibly good time!

Read more and buy tickets.


From the Toronto Magic Company's Facebook page:

11 April 2017

Sign up for The Newest Trick in the Book

From the Facebook page of The Newest Trick in the Book:
As Toronto's only magic open-mic, we get a lot of messages from people wanting to be on the lineup. Well, we'd love to have you!

The process is REALLY simple. Attend ONE show (it's free!) so you can see the space and show some support to your fellow performers. Then speak to either Benzi Train or Jonah Babins to sign up for a spot. That's it! Told you it was simple!

But act fast- all the April spots are booked up and there's only 4 more spots left for May (with some June spots gone already as well).

Our next show is Tuesday April 11th, at 8:30pm. Only at See-Scape.

29 March 2017

Now with prizes! (Unofficial) Browser's Bash Bingo

This is not officially part of the Browser's Bash!

All questions about the bingo go to Canada's Magic. 
Do NOT ask Jeff P, Lee A, or John T questions about this.

Those of you planning on playing the (unofficial) Browser's Bash edition of Magic Convention Bingo on Saturday may be interested in knowing that Ben Train has generously offered 3 pairs of tickets as prizes for Browser's Bash Bingo 2017!


Three (3) lucky bingo players can each win a pair of early bird tickets to an exciting, brand new magic show in Toronto, opening in May 2017 in the College and Bathurst area.

The show is presented by the Toronto Magic Company.  (If you haven't already, go to their website now and sign up for their newsletter!)

As an added bonus, everyone submitting a card with a "bingo," will receive by email at a later date, a coupon code which can be used to receive a "buy one get one free" discount for the same show.

Thanks Ben, for making these goodies available!




How to play:
  1. Print off a copy of Magic Convention Bingo - Unofficial Browser's Bash edition and bring it with you to the Bash this Saturday.
  2. Print your name, email address, and phone number on the card.
  3. At The Bash, and before dinner is served, bring to Canada's Magic, your printed bingo card with a "bingo" (5 across, 5 down, 5 diagonally through the centre, or all 4 corners) to be entered into a draw for the prizes.
  4. Contest closes Saturday April 1st when dinner is served.
  5. Only one entry per person.
  6. The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.
  7. Winners will be determined by random draw.  
  8. Winners will receive, by email at a later date, a coupon code which will allow you to obtain tickets.
  9. This contest may be terminated or withdrawn at any time.
  10. To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.
  11. You must be able to use the prize as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the prize.)
  12. You will be disqualified if you interrupt me while speeches, presentations, or performances are happening.
  13. You will be disqualified if you shout "BINGO" during speeches, presentations, or performances!


05 March 2017

Canadians remember Daryl

Scroll to the bottom of this post to find out how you can donate to the Daryl Easton Family Fund, or visit the GoFundMe campaign for the Easton Family.


From Michael Close's blog post "Salute to our friend Daryl":
When that tour wrapped up, Alison stayed in England to visit with relatives and Daryl returned to Vegas. The day he got in, he called to say he was back. I suggested he come over to our house for a home-cooked meal, something I thought he’d appreciate after such a long time on the road. He came by that evening.

Lisa and I prepared a pasta dish, with salad, bread, and red wine. We ate, talked, and listened to stories of the life of a lecturer. It was obvious Daryl was jet-lagged and beat to hell, which made him the perfect foil for a practical joke.

Read more.






From Carey Lauder's Facebook page:



From Ben Train's Facebook page:





From Shawn Farquhar's Instagram:




Magicana has video of Daryl performing card magic and close-up magic on the Canadian television series "The Magic Palace."  Also at Magicana, Jamy Ian Swiss writes about Daryl and Bob Cassidy.


I'm drifting a little here, hope you don't mind.


Michael Ammar has a fantastic Facebook tribute to Daryl that begins, "There's a hole in the curtain." This part continues to resonate (bolding mine),
"with thoughts that maybe we could have said or done something, or with guilt over having missed any warning signs."  


Here's the post from Michael Ammar's Facebook page:



This is how I'll remember Daryl.

Daryl. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Daryl.


Learning from Daryl during free time. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
Learning from Daryl during free time.


Camp photo. Photo by James Carey Lauder.
2015 camp photo.

From Sorcerers Safari's Facebook page:


On Facebook, Kenton Knepper gave away a free video inspired by Daryl.  More importantly he had this to say:
"All I ask is, in the present or future, you support magic and mentalism creators with your wallet, not just words, so they can make a living too."

And with that, here's some information about how you can help the Easton family.


From Michael Close's website:
PLEASE DONATE TO THE DARYL EASTON FAMILY FUND

The office at the Magic Castle has received calls from members and magicians around the world, asking how one can offer support and donations to the Daryl Easton family.

The Academy of Magical Arts has now established a fund to receive donations for Alison Easton, Daryl’s wife, and their two daughters. You can also send bereavement cards for Alison to the AMA offices as well, who will forward them to the family.

If you would like to make a donation to the family, please send a check payable to “The Academy of Magical Arts, Easton Family Fund” to:

The Academy of Magical Arts
ATT: Daryl Easton Family Fund
7001 Franklin Ave
Hollywood CA 90028

If you would like to donate via credit card, please call Trish Alaskey at 323-851-3313 ext. 301.
The Academy will work with Alison and the family, and pick a date in the future to hold a memorial for Daryl. If you have any questions, please email the General Manager, Joe Furlow, at: jfurlow@magiccastle.com.

You can also donate via PayPal directly using magic@daryl.net

There is also a GoFundMe campaign for the Easton Family.


It's worth noting that Daryl's online shop remains open for business.  An alternate method of showing your support for his family is by making an online purchase at his store.





13 November 2016

Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book

The graphic on James' site states that the show is running every Tuesday in November.  Contact Ben Train for more information.


From James Alan:
Coming to See-Scape in Toronto, there's a new show organized by Ben TrainThe Newest Trick In The Book. In the same way that comedians experiment with new and fresh material at open-mic nights, and plays are refined through workshops, this is an opportunity for magic material in development to be tested in front of a live audience.

In addition to having the privilege of seeing tricks for the first time, guests have the opportunity to offer feedback to help shape the new material. It's an interesting experiment that I'm looking forward to being a part of.

I'll be appearing on the show Tuesday, November 8 and Tuesday, November 15 performing never-before-seen tricks. If you'd like to join us, the entire event is pay-what-you-want.

The location is 2480 Dundas Street West in Toronto.

13 October 2016

Ottawa: Ben Train, Buzz Collins, and Gabriel Le Marquand

From Ben Train's Instagram feed:

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06 October 2016

University of Toronto magic club 2016 - 2017

First class starts Friday Oct.7th.

From Will Zhang's Facebook page:

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15 August 2016

Toronto: Magic, mystery, and mayhem

From James Alan's Facebook page:
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I'll be part of a special one-night only show Saturday, August 20 at the The Social Capital Theatre with the hilariously...
Posted by James Alan on Thursday, 4 August 2016


25 June 2016

Catching up with Discourse in Magic

Jonah Babins and Tyler Williams have been steadily producing podcasts since their launch in April.  Have a look at what they've released so far...


From Discourse in Magic:
Welcome to the Discourse in Magic podcast! This is where we tackle magic’s hardest issues, theories, philosophies, discussion, and more to help you explore.  We jump into all sorts of resources and most importantly actionable tips to help better the art and become a killer performer!

  • Episode 11 – How to be a Great Teacher, Mentor and Student of Magic with Aaron Fisher and Adam Grace
    June 16th, 2016
  • Episode 10 – Playing Card Innovation and Economy in the Era of Crowdfunding with Lee Asher June 9th, 2016
  • Episode 9 – Community Month: Introduction Magic Shops, Camps and Friends June 2nd, 2016
  • Episode 8 – Performing Tips for the Working Magician, From Restaurants to Big Illusions with Chris Westfall May 26th, 2016
  • Episode 7 – Ethics and morals for the modern magician with Ben Train May 19th, 2016
  • Episode 6 – Creating a fictional premise with conflicts and twist endings that rock May 12th, 2016
  • Episode 5 – Designing magic for the screen and the stage with Patrick Kun May 5th, 2016
  • Episode 4 – Improv and being open to change with Chris Mayhew April 29th, 2016
  • Episode 3 – Personality, character and connecting with your audience with Eric Leclerc April 27th, 2016
  • Episode 2 – Going viral, the Reddit secret, and Rubik’s cubes with Steven Brundage April 23rd, 2016
  • Episode 1 – Introduction Episode April 20th, 2016

Read more and listen to podcasts.



10 June 2016

Toronto: Fundraising for Fort McMurray

It started in New Westminster  with their "Magic for Fort Mac" event (raising approximately $8,150 for the Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal), then there was "Family Fun for Fort Mac" in Calgary, followed by "Magicians vs Fort McMurray Wildfires" in Brantford, ON.  Coming in July is "Magic and Hypnosis: A fundraiser for Fort McMurray."

From the Magic and Hypnosis website:
Join us for a night of hypnosis and magic, to raise money for those affected by the fires in Fort McMurray.​ All money raised by this show will be donated.

This magical night will be hosted by Jamie Stam and his extremely-mental approach to magic. Often described as “Kreskin” on drugs, Jamie will leave you out of breath with his sharp wit, and magic.

The first act on the show is Ben Train with his mind-blowing mystery and non-stop laughs that will get everyone involved in the fun. The future will be predicted; you will read each other’s mind and other feats you will swear that aren’t possible.

Following Ben will be the Sentimentalists. A two person mind reading experience that is truly breathtaking. Together they showcase their special way of communicating, with a touch of humour and most importantly class.

The show concludes with Dave Curran, The Bad Boy of Hypnosis, doing his wildly popular adult hypnosis show. The show definately crosses the line. Come see how Dave got his nickname. Watch the show or be the show!

All the performers are donating their time, so please support them:

Jamie Stam
www.magicandmartini.ca

Ben Train
www.bentrain.ca

The Sentimentalists
www.thesentimentalistsmagic.com


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