Showing posts with label Graeme Reed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graeme Reed. Show all posts

14 February 2024

London: Keith Brown and Friends (Graemazing and Paul Hutcheson) [Mar 16]

Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

Learn more about Graeme at GraemeReedMagic.com, Paul at canuckhutch.com, and Keith at instagram.com/keithhbrown.

 

From the February 13th Facebook post by Keith Brown:

Buy tickets today (Tues) or tomorrow (Wed) to be entered into a draw for $50 Downtown Dollars!

 

 

 

 

 

22 January 2024

Graeme Reed in the Brant Beacon

From the January 3rd article "Living a magical childhood dream" by Kimberly de Jong in the Brant Beacon:

Since entering the world of magic at a young age, one thing is clear, Reed has opened a host of opportunities for himself, from doing a TEDx talk, to being Doug “the Great” Hunt’s Guinness World Record Verification and Video\Photograph Coordinator, he continues to work on projects that nurture his passions.

His advice for those looking into getting into magic, is simple.

“If anyone was interested in really learning magic and discovering more, there are local magic clubs you should look into joining,” he said. “The best person to reach out to would actually probably be Doug Hunt because he’s the president of the local Hamilton Magic Club. I first met him at the club when I was a kid, and it’s people like Doug that keep someone like me doing magic.”

Read more.


 

From the January 18th Instagram post by Graemazing:



 

 

 

 

07 December 2023

Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fourth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Doug Hunt!

Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Doug had two people submit his name!


In spite of the personal and professional challenges Doug Hunt has endured through the nearly 40 years I have had the privilege of calling him my friend, I have never seen him without a desire to give back from his heart. He will tell you that he may not be the most talented magician you know, but I'm here to tell you that he is the most HUMAN magician you will ever meet.

Submitted by Peter Mennie



At age 67, Doug Hunt walked 16 steps at 55 ft high in the air, breaking a Guinness World Record. While most might break a record for their own ego; Doug does these amazing stunts to put a spotlight on his local community and raising awareness for local charities. Doug shows how we as entertainers can take our gift and make an incredible impact.

Submitted by Graeme Reed


 

ICYMI, have a read of Graeme's guest post about Doug's recent Guinness World Record breaking stilt walk!

 

Congratulations Doug!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Doug, visit his website at DougTheGreat.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.  

 

Thank you Peter and Graeme, for your excellent submissions!

To learn more about Peter Mennie visit his website at PeterMennie.ca and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.

To learn more about Graeme Reed visit his website at GraemeReedMagic.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.



2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Paul Romhany
  Alexandra 
 Derrick Chung
 Doug Hunt

 
 





[Guest post] Walking Tall for Brantford

The following is a guest post from Graeme Reed.  This article first appeared in the December 2023 issue of VANISH Magic Magazine issue #113, pages 40-43.  Reprinted with permission.

-- 

 

Doug Hunt

Doug Hunt, October 21, 2023
Photo credit:  Donna Thompson

 
 

 

Walking Tall for Brantford

On October 21, 2023, Doug Hunt aka “Doug the Great”, made history when he broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for Mastering the Tallest Stilts, walking 14 steps at 55 feet above the ground. In front of fellow entertainers from around the world and his community of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Doug successfully reclaimed the record that he first earned over 20 years ago. 


2002-09-14
Doug Hunt set a new Guinness World Record for the tallest and heaviest stilts mastered in Brantford, Ontario, by taking 29 independent steps on stilts measuring 50’ 9” at a combined weight of 137 pounds.

The most recent record was set by Jordan Wolf (USA), who walked on 54’ 1” stilts in 2022.


"This wasn't just about breaking a Guinness World Record, it was a challenge for people who live a challenge every day."
 - Doug Hunt



In the city of Brantford, “The Centre of the Universe,” as Walter Gretzky would say, besides walking on stilts and entertaining the masses, Doug is best known for his love and support of the community. Working as head of fundraising at Participation Support Services Brantford for over 40 years, Doug has always found creative ways to build awareness and raise money while empowering everyone around him.



"Some people think what we do is crazy, but when you look at the end result and what we're doing helping other people, it should be inspirational for other people to go and reach those goals and do those truly amazing things."
- Doug Hunt

 

The attempt occurred at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre’s (WGSC) 10th anniversary celebrations. Inside the sports complex is a museum dedicated to Brantford’s greatest athletes. To see Walter and Wayne Gretzky's historical hockey memorabilia, you first walk under The World's Tallest Stilts. Walter Gretzky was famous in Brantford for signing autographs with his branded blue Sharpie – blue never fades. To pay homage, Doug, with the help of local sponsors, made up custom blue markers for sponsors and anyone who donated to sign his record-breaking stilts.

Among those in attendance was Nicole Lee; this is how she experienced the truly amazing day:

The Stilts
The stilts were on display when we arrived at the WGSC anniversary festivities.  These were the same stilts Doug used to achieve his 2002 record.  Except each one now had an aluminum extension approximately 5 feet in length and 15 pounds in weight.

Going Up
Two cranes, roughly 50 feet away from each other, were extended about 60 feet in the air. Attached between them in parallel, were two taut safety cables.  A third crane, an aerial lift, sat in the middle with its platform lowered.


Three cranes.

The three cranes
 
 

A team of approximately half a dozen people moved the stilts from their resting place. Someone attached the “boot ends” of the stilts to the aerial lift.  Slowly, the crane gained height and the boot ends rose towards the sky, while the opposite ends remained on the ground.  The stilts shifted suddenly on the way up and I felt my heart in my throat.  Their unexpected movement provided a visceral understanding of the stunt's inherent danger.  Eventually, Doug’s “ballet slippers” (as he sometimes calls them) were vertical and secured to a safety cable.  

It was overcast and a cool 12℃.  An organizer notified the crowd that the wind was strong 60 feet up. There were concerns for Doug’s safety.

We waited.

Shortly after 11:30 am, we were told that the wind was expected to pick-up throughout the day.  

It was now or never.

Putting on the Stilts
The platform descended to collect Doug, who was now outfitted in his Brantford Bulldogs jersey, safety harness, gloves, and ball cap.  The crane extended, and Doug carefully went over the safety rail of the platform, grabbed his stilts and slid his feet into his boots.  The two man crew on the platform laced him up.  It was time.

The Walking
Doug made several attempts to balance. Holding the cables for support between attempts, he had to be mindful of the harness and safety equipment to which he was fastened.  He worked hard against the ~20 km/h winds.

He started walking.  A few steps at first.  Each stilt was scrutinized at ground level and their movements evaluated by official “step counters.”  Then a rest.  Repeat.  It must have been exhausting fighting the wind at such a height, with an additional 80+ pounds of weight on each foot!

Try, try again.  

The sun peeked through the clouds and we saw a bit of blue in the sky.  More movement from Doug.  At 12:45pm, Doug stood tall and pumped his arm into the air in victory.  Cheers erupted from the crowd!

The 2022 record lay shattered at his tall, metal feet!



 

Doug Hunt

A victorious Doug Hunt!
Photo credit: Gary Foster
 

 

"This record today is a testament to him and all that he has given back to the community; it's fantastic to see the community giving back to him."
- Scott Wilkins, Rumple & Friends. 
 
 
Family and friends.

Daughter Megan, grandson Seth, Doug Hunt, and David McKee (Brantford Town Crier)
 
 



A large-scale stunt like this is only possible with community support. There is a list longer than 55 feet of people who donated their time, money, and passion to the project, not just to break a record but to raise awareness and donations for Participation Support Services Brantford whose mandate it is to “support adults with physical disabilities and complex needs to live as independently as possible.” Everything from the one-of-a-kind stilts, aerial lift, two cranes, and so much more was all donated to spotlight a truly amazing cause.  



"This guy is passionate about everything he does. He thinks (about) everything in a positive way… this guy is kind of like a magnet; everyone wants to work and be with Doug."
- Dave Levac, Team Manager


While Doug reclaimed the record at 14 steps on October 21 at the WGSC, the official submission is 16 steps at 55 feet high, achieved on October 17th, 2023, at Brantwood Farms in front of a small public audience. Congratulations to Doug Hunt of Brantford, Ontario for reclaiming his Guinness World Record of Mastering the Tallest Stilts and being truly amazing.


Silo height.

The silo.
 
 


Training with Coach Tom.

Training with Coach Tom
 
 


Group outside silo.

A winning team!
 
 




--

Congratulations Doug, on this amazing accomplishment! 

To learn more about Doug Hunt, visit his website at DougTheGreat.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.    


Thank you Graeme for sharing this wonderful article!

To learn more about Graeme Reed visit his website at GraemeReedMagic.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

23 October 2023

Scotland: Shazam with Graeme Reed and Scott Boyd [Nov 3]

Tickets at Flux Brews.

 

From the October 13th Instagram post by Flux Brew:

SHAZAM AT FLUX: A magic & mind reading experience / Nov 3

We’re bringing magic back to the taproom on Friday, November 3 ✨ with the fantastic @scottboydmagic and Level 7 Wizard @graemazing 🪄🔮

 

 

 

 

 

21 September 2023

Hamilton: Smooth Comedy hosted by Graemazing [Sep 29]

From the September 17th Instagram post by Smooth Comedy:

HAMILTON! We’re back at the world famous @thestaircase theatre on September 29th with a BIG TIME COMEDY SHOW!!

We’re hosting some of the best comedians to ever live in the world.

@tandemjumpmtl from Quebec (biggest province to colour on map of Canada)

BOY FRINGE are the worldwide fringe award losing group celebrating PERFORMANCE whenever they hit the stage

@audioopera once asked the queen of Sweden to do the ice bucket challenge and has been banned from every Volvo dealership because of it

@jordannebrown7 is the human form of your favourite Saturday morning cartoons.

Smooth Comedy is hosting with @graemazing doing spells. See ya there!

 

 

 

 

 

18 July 2023

Brantford: The Great Event with Doug the Great [Sep 21], Guinness World Record attempt [Oct 21]

From the June 1st article "Doug “the Great” to reach new heights this October" by Kimberly de Jong in the Brant Beacon:

(Doug) Hunt is set to make another Guinness World Record attempt for stilt walking during the 10th anniversary of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre rebuild on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

In anticipation for the event, Hunt and his camp are preparing for a fundraising event called the “Great Event” to be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Participation Support Services Brantford, Brant and Norfolk.

“The September event will be like a pre-party leading up the October attempt,” said Tammy Hunt, Doug’s niece. “The event will be to help raise money in support of Participation Support Services, which is his ‘why’ for this fundraiser. The celebration will almost be like a big community hug for him.”

Read more.


From the July 4th article "Doug The Great looking to reclaim stilt walking record" by Vincent Ball in The Brantford Expositor:

Backed by a strong team of supporters, the multi-talented Brantford entertainer is going after the Guinness World Record for the tallest stilts ever mastered. Wearing stilts that will measure close to 55 feet in height, Hunt will attempt to take 10 steps in front of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Oct. 21.

The world-record event will be part of the Gretzky Centre’s 10th anniversary celebration.

“I’ll be on the stilts and taking the steps but this is a team effort,” Hunt, also known as Doug The Great, said. “Tom (Rollins) is back, Dave Levac is handling the logistics and my niece Tammy (Hunt), Joshua (Wall), Robb (Nagy) are also helping out and doing some fundraising.

“We have a terrific team working on this and I’m really grateful for the support.”

Arron Jeavons, Trevor Cherewka, Tom Hunt, Gary Foster and Graeme Reed are also on the “On The Record Team.”

Read more.


 

 

 

23 May 2023

Hamilton: Graemazing at the Smooth Comedy Festival [Jun 23 - 25]

Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

From the May 10th Instagram post by Smooth Comedy:

Smooth Comedy is putting on a full weekend of shows at the world famous @thestaircase in beautiful Hamilton. We’re calling it…a “FESTIVAL”!

The weekend will feature some of our favourite performers making their Smooth Comedy debut, and some that we really wanted to have back again.

If you’ve ever wanted to come to a show, this is this weekend to do it! Grab a ticket and come on down to one or even all three of the shows. Link is in the bio! SEE YA THERE!

Hosted by the Smooth Comedy crew - Kym Wyatt Mckenzie, Darren Menezes, GRAEMAZING, Zach Berge & Devin Bateson.

 

 

 

12 May 2023

Scotland: Wizard in the Woods with Graemazing [May 24]

From the April 25th Facebook post by All Day Breakfast:

An ancient tale speaks of a level 7 wizard appearing in the woods to perform for a select group of mortals!
🧙‍♂️🌲 

Join Graemazing in the Woods on Wednesday May 24th for a special magic and mind-reading experience!

Wizard in the Woods - Magic & Mind-Reading Experience

Click here to order your tickets:
https://bit.ly/WizardintheWoods


 

 

 

 

 

 

20 April 2023

Hamilton: Smooth Comedy with Graemazing [Apr 28]

From the April 10th Instagram post by Smooth Comedy:

April 28th the only comedy show that begins every show by singing the Narnia national anthem is back!

We got a new lineup of performers, new Jackass style skits, and GRAEMAZING (a wizard from Hogwart’s rival school…Yale!)

THIS MONTHS PERFORMERS
@freddienoelrivas
@hesherella
@stephbabyneale
@countgavin
@jordannebrown7 

 

 

 

30 March 2023

Hamilton: Graemazing at Smooth Comedy [Mar 31]

From the March 9th Instagram post by Smooth Comedy:

MARCH 31st!!! (VERY GOOD LINEUP BELOW)
The comedy show that has brought you such pranks as Old Milk and Fuzzy Fire is back with all new sketches, comics and magic. let’s have some darn fun at the @thestaircase theatre in the big smoke Hamilton, Canada!! TICKETS IN BIO!!

This months performers
@tlmblalr
@ajbate__
@timgrayrulez
@danasmithcomedy
@rodrigofstoll

RESIDENT WIZARD @graemazing

Car guy
@moneymakerzach

Master of Disguise
@debateson

hosted by two buckets of paint (@darrenjmenezes @kymwyattmckenzie )

 

 

 

 

08 March 2023

Scotland: Shazam! at Flux [Mar 10]

With Keith Brown and Graeme Reed!

 

Tickets at Flux Brewing.  


From the March 3rd Instagram post by Fluxbrews:

RESCHEDULED TO FRI MAR 10

Our magic & mentalism show has been rescheduled to Friday March 10 from 7:30-9.

There are limited tickets available - hit the link in our bio to claim your spot!

 

 

 

23 February 2023

Scotland: Shazam! at Flux [Mar 3]

Tickets at Flux Brewing


From the February 17th Instagram post by Fluxbrews:

SHAZAM AT FLUX: A magic & mind reading experience / MAR 3

Join us for a mind bending night of magic and mentalism featuring 3 incredible performers💥👇

@awesomemikemagic “10x Guinness world record holder”
@rehandcrafted “Canada’s top mentalist”
@graemazing - “Level 7 Wizard”

The show is on Friday March 3 from 7:30-9pm. Tickets are 25 bucks which includes the show and your first beer.

There are limited spots available, hit the link in our bio to secure your tickets!

 

 

 

13 February 2023

Hamilton: Smooth Comedy (and magic!) [Feb 24]

From the February 7th Instagram post by Smooth Comedy:

FEBRUARY 24th!
the comedy show that all the mom blogs have been talking about is back! tell your grade 6 best friend it’s time to reunite at the only show that will make your tummy hurt…in a GOOD way! Let’s smile and lol etc etc

Tickets are 3% sold right now! Let’s get that to 5-8% sold by the end of the week! TICKET LINK IN BIO! LOVE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This months performers
@rorbdvies
@snapshotrobinson
@ostadz
@akablackzeus
@countgavin
@burgerqueenashley

RESIDENT WIZARD @graemazing

ZOOKEEPER
@moneymakerzach

COWBOY
@debateson

hosted by two broken fishing rods (@darrenjmenezes @kymwyattmckenzie )

 

 

30 December 2022

Shazam! Graemazing on CHCH Morning Live

From the December 30th Instagram post by CHCH Morning Live:

To help us ring in the new year we welcomed our friend @graemazing to dazzle & amaze us with his Level 7 Wizardry.