• Jeff’s thanking: the MonteCassino staff. Cheers to the office, engineering, hotel, bar and kitchen staff.
• Also thanks to: Annie Pinsky, Dick Joiner, David Merry, Magic Mike Segal & Jen Segal, Ben Train, Michael Gillis, Chris Mayhew, Lidden Li, Shawna York, Nicole Lee, John Michalson, Roxanne Talbot, and Christina Asher!
• Thank you to the Zone Performers:  James Harrison, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Big Louie Lebetjis, & Joe Deng.
• Special thanks to John Talbot and Lee Asher, without whom none of this would have been possible.
• A touching video tribute to Tom Mullica.

“Zone performers” James Harrison, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Big Louie Lebetjis, and Joe Deng will be entertaining tables during breaks!

Chris Mayhew on the cover of Penguin Magic Monthly

Congratulations Chris!

From Ben Train's Facebook page:
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.

Guess who's on the cover of Penguin Magic Monthly? Congrats Chris Mayhew!
Posted by Benzi Train on Thursday, 11 February 2016

Toronto: Chris Mayhew at "Magic Tonight" (new location)

From James Alan:

Toronto’s longest-running ambiguously named magic show has moved. Magic Tonight (which, depending on when you’re reading this is probably not actually happening tonight) is moving into a larger, newly renovated theatre just around the corner from their old digs.

The new location is in Downtown Toronto, just 500 feet from the Crimson Lounge where they made their home for the past two years. Continuing the tradition of vague names, “The Studio” offers up a larger stage, additional seating and a venue which is wheelchair accessible. 

The first performance at the new venue is this Sunday, January 24 with special guest Chris Mayhew. Those who have seen Chris perform join me in hoping that the new stage is very sturdy. 

Tickets to the shows through the end of February. are available online at www.magictonight.ca/tickets. Upcoming special guests include Chris Westfall, Phil Pivnick, Michael Ross and Nicholas Wallace. Readers of Canada’s Magic can use the code cmagic* for a discount on the price of tickets and dinner when booking online. 

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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

More performers announced for Browser's Bash 2016

You already heard that Tom Mullica and Daniel Garcia are performing at the 2016 Browser's Bash.  And we know that Dan Morrissey will be there too.  Check out the other amazing talent recently added to the lineup:

In no particular order:

JAMES HARRISON
As Canada's pickpocket magician, James borrows pens, watches, wallets, and even belts from spectators watching. Before you can yell thief, James has returned the valuables to their rightful owners by making them reappear in unexpected places!

BEN TRAIN
Combining humor, psychology, and a little old-fashioned chutzpah, Ben Train creates an experience that will have you laughing out loud while your mind is being blown. Mystery and non-stop laughs follow where ever he goes. Luckily, he's at the Bash all day long!

LOUIE LEBETJIS
For those who love card table artifice, secret sleights, & serious advantage play - seek out Big Lou during this Bash. His chops are top-notch, plus he will astound you. Move over Charming Cheat, there's a new kid in town.

CHRIS MAYHEW
Some say Chris Mayhew is disarming, charming, and will make you laugh out loud with his uniquely entertaining brand of magic. Others say he's just plain crazy! We will let you be the judge.

JOE DENG
All the way from Changsha, China by way of Beijing, Joe Deng is a master of close-up magic. He's revered by every single magician in his homeland, and now it's time that you meet and spend time with him.

MICHAEL LAM
Multitalented and multilingual, the Hong Kong magician brings his specially honed sleight of hand across the pond specifically for our day of fun. Known for creating the illusion of impossible, be mesmerized by the artistic magic of Michael Lam.

Browser's Bash 2015 recap video

Chris Mayhew video edited the 2015 Browser's Bash down to 4 minutes.  How many magicians* in the video can you name?  Bonus question:  How many female magicians* in the video can you name?

* includes amateurs and enthusiasts

And a reminder that Browser's Magic Bash 2016 tickets will go on sale Monday, September 28th, 2015 at 10AM.

Watch on the Browser's Den of Magic YouTube channel:

Toronto: There's magic at TIFF

From James Alan's Facebook page:

Come see me and Chris Mayhew (Chris Mayhew and I?) doing magic all afternoon at #tiff15
Posted by James Alan on Saturday, 12 September 2015

From Raindance Canada's Twitter feed:

Our #TIFF15 is getting the magic touch. Come see @james_alan (or don't) this Monday. #setonking pic.twitter.com/EWRt2RQ69O

— Raindance Canada (@RaindanceCanada) September 11, 2015

Random thoughts from the Ring 17 year end banquet

• The year end comes far too quickly.
• People drive a long distance to come to these events.
• A group of magicians is very good at entertaining themselves and each other during delays.
• The young people today spell llama differently than I was taught.
• The even younger people have a totally different approach to llamas.
• La llama es una quadrupido
                                                 ... but I digress.
• In their show "Sketchy Magic," Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall give a crazy and high-energy performance as one would expect with individual lecture titles like "Calculated Chaos" and "Mayhew Mayhem."
• Rumour has it that Chris Harvison, Andrew Goss and James Alan are back on the executive next year.  And that Phil Pivnick will be joining them.
• Next season opens with a David Ben lecture.
• Thank you Ring 17 for another great season!

Rounding the Central rings in June 2015

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)	- TBA
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Year end dinner.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- TBA
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Year end party.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Year end dinner featuring Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall in "Sketchy Magic"

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

Chris Mayhew at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Sun):  Chris Mayhew









James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Review: "A Series of Unfortunate Effects"

From the Magic Junkies:

Coming in at around 90 minutes, A Series of Unfortunate Effects is a fun, engaging and wonderfully unique instructional DVD featuring some of the best card magic I’ve seen in some time. The movie (yep, I’m calling it a movie) features appearances by Lee Asher, Jeff Hinchliffe, Glenn West, Chris Westfall, plus the creators Chris Mayhew and Ben Train. Bill Abbott even makes an appearance as a maniacal card collector – hey if the shoe fits  Even without the card routines and explanations, I thought the movie was really fun with several laugh out loud moments. The chemistry between Chris Mayhew and Ben Train provides an enjoyable romp through underground card magic. (I’ll take this moment to mention that Chris Mayhew cracks me up!) The video itself is shot in HD and edited beautifully, with great attention to detail throughout. The appearances and card routines are just icing on the proverbial cake. It is a creative adventure that is a joy to watch.

Read more.

Ron Guttman, Brian Roberts and Chris Mayhew at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Tues):  Ron Guttman

Toronto (Sun):   Brian Roberts and Chris Mayhew

James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

"Sketchy Magic," Ben Train, Paul Pacific and Mysterion at "Magic Tonight"

Updated April 27th to add:  Ben Train in Pickering.


Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic

Mississauga (Thurs):   Paul Pacific

Pickering (Fri):  Ben Train

Toronto (Sun):  Mysterion



James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Montreal: Chris Mayhew

From the Comedy Nest Montreal Twitter feed:

Catch magic phenom @chrismayhew1 at the Nest April 26th! 8pm $10/$6st @CultMTL Info & tix: http://t.co/dgPrkUd4lm pic.twitter.com/zFpuPZN9k3
— Comedy Nest Montreal (@comedynest) April 23, 2015

Sketchy Magic, Phil Pivnick and Jason Palter at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic

Mississauga (Thurs):   Phil Pivnick

Pickering (Fri):   Jason Palter

Toronto (Sun):  Jason Palter


James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Jason, Glenn, Keith, Greydon, Chris and Chris at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):   Jason Palter

Pickering (Fri):   Glenn Ottaway

Toronto (Sun):  Keith Brown and Greydon Gilmore

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic


James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Thirty seconds with Chris Mayhew

This is the eleventh in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Professional magician Chris Mayhew, originally from Calgary but now living in Toronto thinks that Canada is a friendly place to be.  He first came to Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp in 2013 with the task of creating the official camp video.  He did such a great job, that he was back in 2014 as official camp videographer.

FUN FACT:
Chris prefers Oreos to store-bought chocolate chip cookies, but would take homemade chocolate chip cookies over Oreos any day!

DID YOU KNOW?
Chris considers himself to be shy.

Chris' first memory of magic is as a young teenager of 13, seeing the sign at the Vanishing Rabbit Magic shop in Calgary.  It's not surprising that when he thinks about Sorcerers Safari, he thinks of magic!  Chris encourages performers to take the time to make routines their own, and wishes that there weren't so many people out there spreading bad magic.  His advice to aspiring magicians:  "Learn what you can and make it work for you.  Be sure to add yourself."

When not thinking about magic, Chris is likely thinking about videography.

Chris contributes to Five Academy Magic, has a solo lecture / show "MAYhew, MAYhem" and is also part of a comedy duo show "Sketchy Magic" with Chris Westfall.  You can catch Sketchy Magic every Tuesday in April.

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:

The best way to love is to laugh together. It's not a magic show, it's a #sketchymagic experience. Save a date. April 7,14,21 or 28! An amazing deal from feb 1st-14th. Stay posted for info #saveadate
Posted by Chris Westfall on Thursday, 29 January 2015

Visit Chris' website at: ChrisMayhewMagic.com .


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:

© Rebecca C. Wells 2014
Posted by Fireside Productions on Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed: 

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Win tickets to "Sketchy Magic"

Chris Westfall is having a contest to win one pair of tickets to his upcoming show "Sketchy Magic" on Tuesday April 7th in Toronto, Canada.

To enter:

• Follow Sketchy Magic on Twitter (@SketchyMagicTO)
• Tweet to @SketchyMagicTO your sketchiest first date story.  (You do not need to be a magican to enter the contest.)
• If you win, you must be willing to provide your full name and contact information to share with Chris.
• Chris will be notifying the winner by Twitter on Monday February 16, 2015.

The fine print:

• To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.
• One entry per person.
• This giveaway is open to Canadian residents.
• This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
• You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)
• Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets at the show.
• The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.
• Contest closes on Sunday February 15th, 2015 at 11:59pm EST.

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:

Post by Chris Westfall.

Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Sketchy Magic to receive a 50% discount*.








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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Toronto: "Sketchy Magic" with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall

I was lucky enough to attend Ring 17's Members' Night, where Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall gave us a sneak peak of some of their upcoming show, "Sketchy Magic."  One of the bits they did, was a routine I first saw David Acer and Richard Sanders perform back in 2001 at the very first CAM convention.  The Chrises were every bit as entertaining as David and Richard!  If the rest of "Sketchy Magic" is even half as good as what I saw, it's going to be a fantastic show.


From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:

Post by Chris Westfall.

And

James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Sketchy Magic!"

Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Sketchy Magic to receive your discount*.








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* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Toronto: Lukas Stark and Chris Mayhew at "Mess@Round"

From Lukas Stark's Twitter feed:

Saturday, February 7th. TOMORROW Night 10 pm at Round in #kensingtonmarket my friends and I are doing… http://t.co/sHmjqpv0wS
— Lukas Stark (@MysteryArts) February 7, 2015

From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page:

Post by Chris Mayhew.