Steve Valentine: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Steve Valentine!

Steve Valentine: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

For Steve's work at MagicOnTheGo. Really inspiring to see someone put up 900+ videos of magic instruction. Deep dives into the work from a real working pro is very rare to get access to. A lot of the material is also obscure and people may not even have known it existed, which aids in cataloguing material that may otherwise have been lost to history.

Submitted by Matt DiSero

Congratulations Steve!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Steve Valentine's project, visit his website at MagicOnTheGo.vhx.tv, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank Matt for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Matt DiSero, visit his website MattDiSero.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt Johnson
Ken McCreedy
Marc Trudel
Ryan Michael
Tabraze Sheikh
Scott McClelland
Alex Boyer
Chanelle Munroe
Sean Watson
Steve Valentine
Lon Mandrake
Julie Eng
 

 

Wes Barker: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Sixteenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Wes Barker!

Wes Barker: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

Wes is by far the most dedicated magician we have working in Canada, his work ethic is unparalleled. Add to that the volume of creative output -- a new live show, taped a TV show, produces and tours shows, wrote a book and put it out to audio book, hosts podcasts and creates viral videos.  I rarely leave a meeting with Wes not inspired.  Every time I hang out with that dude he's always making me want to try new things and see what else I can push for.  I rarely do them, that's on me.

Submitted by Matt DiSero

 

 

 

The show Wes Barker: Live on Tour dropped on Wes Barker's YouTube channel this morning: 

 

Congratulations Wes!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Wes Barker visit his website WesBarker.ca, visit his store 2nd to none, listen to his podcast Bottom of the Barrel (with Chris Ramsay) and follow him on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

 

Thank Matt for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Matt DiSero, visit his website MattDiSero.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

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

Paul Romhany
  Alexandra 
 Derrick Chung
 Doug Hunt
 Chris Gowen
 Yannick Lacroix
 Scott Baird  
  Leif David 
  Garnet Garven 
  Lee Asher
  Rob Teszka
  Ian Stewart
 Colin Geddes
 SYM Manitoba
 Ryan Pilling
  Wes Barker 
   

 

Random thoughts about "An Evening of Magic and Laughter"

Last Friday, KOP and I ventured to Brampton to see An Evening of Magic and Laughter with Matt DiSero, headliner Steve Valentine, and emcee Evan Carter.  I'd seen adverts these three a number of times.  I know that Matt and Steve are guaranteed to entertain, and I'd heard excellent things about Evan Carter.   

 

TLDR:  A show bursting with magic and laughter!

 

 

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Here are some random thoughts about the show:

Also at the show (in no particular order):
- Glenn Ottaway
- Richard Forget
- David Merry
- Ray Anderson
- Artemus Syman 
- Ian Batterbury, and
- Gord Gardiner!

• The Rose Theatre in Brampton is a beautiful cozy theatre where almost all of the seats have a fantastic view of the stage.  I hope to get back to see more shows here. 
   
  
• Evan Carter lives up to his reputation.  He made hilarious observations about everyday life and was family friendly.  He quickly and expertly won over the audience. 
    
• Matt DiSero took the stage and did not disappoint! 
   
  
• Matt leaned into playing in his hometown and the audience loved it! 
    
• His years of experience and lessons learned on the road shone through and in spite of the fact that Hartnell wasn't behaving, we saw Matt at his best.
  
  
• The highlight of Matt's act was his selection of volunteer Camilla.  This five year old had just the right ratio of adorableness, impulsiveness, and respect for authority.  It was a delight to watch Matt guide her through the piece and let her shine like a star!
  
  

From the October 29th Instagram post by Matt DiSero, Camilla and Matt:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @mattdisero

 

• A brief intermission followed.
   
  
• Steve Valentine took the stage by storm and never looked back!
  
  
• The hand may be quicker than they eye, but Steve produces magic effects faster than my brain can absorb them!
   
  
• There was some difficulty with the tech and there was no AV for his show.  Those familiar with Steve's show, know that there are a ridiculous number of AV cues with multimedia woven throughout his set.  IT DIDN'T MATTER.  Steve ran through his show, improvising AV at times to great comedic effect, and no one was the wiser.
  
  
• Things were thrown, things were produced, things vanished, and the laws of physics were stood on their ear.
  
  
• Much of Steve's show was similar to the show he presented at Jokers, with minor tweaks and polishes. 
  
  
• There were also brilliant additions (to already strong pieces) that were absolutely amazing and well received.  (Who wouldn't want to leave the show with a box of kisses from Steve?)
   
  
• It was interesting for me, to see his show play in a theatre after seeing it first in a comedy club.  It was just as fabulous in the theatre as it was in a more intimate setting.  Steve masterfully delivers in any venue size.
  

• As I've said before, it is obvious to the casual observer that Steve takes his role as entertainer seriously.  It is equally obvious that he doesn't take himself seriously, which always endears him to the audience.

 

All in all it was a wonderful evening of entertainment by highly seasoned performers giving us their very best!

 

Thank you gentlemen, for sharing with us the gift of your talent!

 

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Georgetown: An Evening of Magic and Laughter with Matt DiSero, Steve Valentine, and Evan Carter [Sep 30]

Tickets at the John Elliott Theatre.

 

From the August 31st Facebook post by Matt DiSero:

Join us for an evening of magic and laughter, featuring Canada''s best magicians and comedians. You''ll be treated to incredible sleight of hand, mystifying illusions, and a whole lot of fun for all ages!
⏰  7.30 PM
🗓️  Sat. September 30, 2023
📍  John Elliott Theatre

 

 

 

 

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 3

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

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.

If you completed our 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.

 

<< part 2  |  part 4 >>

 

Part 3 features:  Brett Chrest, Dick Joiner, and Matt DiSero. 

 

  Brett Chrest  

Scientist.

Attended camp as a camper from 2011 to 2014.

Since his time at camp Brett has:

• Completed an undergraduate degree in biomedical science and moved from Canada to North Carolina to pursue a PhD as a cancer scientist.
  
  

In his own words:

• Attending camp greatly improved my public speaking ability and gave me the confidence I have now to speak with authority and give presentations up on a stage.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Watching and sharing magic with our fellow roommates, counsellors, and our honoured guests later at night in our cabin before bed.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• The sense of community and belonging at a young age.

 

 

  Dick Joiner  

Professional magician,  DickJoiner.com

Attended camp for 18 years as staff from approximately 2001 to 2016.

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Seeing so many young adults arriving at the camp with a dream and leaving at the end of a week with that dream becoming a reality.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• The friends made.
• Seeing so many campers performing professional "entertainment" not only in Canada but around the world.
  
  

 Life is but a dream that can be magical...

 

 

  Matt DiSero 

Professional magician, MattDiSero.com

Attended camp the second or third year as a Special Guest.

Since his time at camp Matt has:

• Appeared on Penn and Teller:  Fool Us, worked The Magic Castle, and overcome his fear of dark wooded areas.
  

• Editor's note:  Matt was too modest to include his submission that he published the book “The Fog Machine of War: Observations, Stories and Advice from the Showbiz Trenches,” the proceeds of which are donated to a magic school for kids in Bolivia.
  
  

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Sharing the stage with Josh Jay.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• I noticed the relationship between kids and counsellors was very good and the atmosphere supporting new magicians was really great.

 

Mike’s done an incredible job with that camp. Professional magicians working today can draw a direct lineage to their success and the camp. I hear that often.

 

 Thank you Brett, Dick, and Matt, for sharing your memories!

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

 

 Previously featured 

• Ben Train - part 1
• Brad Bond - part 2 
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
  
• James Carey Lauder - part 2
• Sam Pearce - part 1
  

 

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

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

<< part 2  |  part 4 >>

 

 

Toronto and Brampton: Matt DiSero [Jul 29 (with Ken Margoe) and Oct 27]

Updated September 26th to add:

• October 27th event also includes Steve Valentine and Evan Carter!
  Tickets and more information.
   

 

 

From the July 16th Facebook post by Matt DiSero:

Hey Toronto ! Club 52 brings  Ken Margoe and I to this very cool little venue in the west end July 29th. Love me some small intimate venue where we can do things we couldn’t on a big stage. We’d love to see ya there !

Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/club-52-presents-matt-disero-ken-margoe-tickets-678772285177

 

 

From the July 17th Facebook post by Matt DiSero: 

BRAMPTON!! I'll be comin' home to perform at the Rose Theatre Oct 27. Brampton's my hometown, as noted in this video, a teaser of sorts, we have abundant drugs and all. I'll share details soon, but mark your calendars, it'll be on the Rose site shortly.

 

 

Fredericton, Moncton, Halifax, St John: Matt DiSero, Ken Margoe, & Khang Pham [Sep 14 - 17]

From the June 29th Facebook post by Matt DiSero:

East Coast Canada !! Fredericton, Moncton, Halifax, St John... Comin at ya in September. I know its early but tickets are flyin, so get em now while the gettin's good. FYI - gifts of lobster or screech will get you backstage.

Sept 14 - Fredericton 
Sept 15 - Moncton
Sept 16 - Halifax
Sept 17 - St John

 

 

 

 

 

Checking in with Matt DiSero and The Fog Machine of War

We had the opportunity to check in with Matt DiSero and learn more about his recently released book, The Fog Machine of War: Observations, Stories and Advice from the Showbiz Trenches.

As many of you are aware, Matt is a show biz veteran who has accumulated over 30 years of experience and stories about both the entertainment industry and life on the road.

 

 

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

First memory was of my great uncle doing magic. I couldn't have been more than 5. He worked in the side show occasionally and played piano at private gigs. Black sheep of the family. Naturally I was drawn to the dude who was doing card tricks for me. Better than being drawn to Uncle Jimmy the pot dealer. The real thing that got me hooked on magic happened at Morrissey Magic, and that story is in the book, so you'll have to read the story of the crack that got me hooked on magic.
 

Who inspires you that isn't a magician?

Fran Lebowitz, Peter Hujar, William Gibson, John Wing, William Burroughs, Edward R Murrow, Hunter Thompson and a zillion others.  Worthy of note, I don't see much of their influence in my own work. Ironic. I can be a lazy arse about work sometimes. By that metric I suppose another influence is Garfield. Also I noticed just now that I'm influenced by a lot of older or deceased artists. That's troubling. 

Who from the magic community inspires you?

A lot of people inspire me for a lot of different reasons. Jay Sankey for his ability to create, Steve Valentine for being an obsessive student of the history of magic and one of its greatest performers, David Ben for many of the same reasons and for treating this like an art, though I'm not sure it can be. (Let's start the fight! It's in the book too.) Mostly though, I'm inspired by any magician doing the type of work they want to do, that's OF them and who are still excited to be in this. The juice is performing live. For me, that's where the respect is at.
 

What prompted you to write this book?

I had no real desire to write a book because WOW I'm lazy... but magicians are often asking me to write one. They seem to like my Facebook posts and think I have something to say. Well, I'll prove them wrong, just you watch. Not sure I have anything to say, but when I thought about it, the idea of putting out a book would silence the constant ask. At the same time donating profits to a magic school in Bolivia absolves me of any guilt from asking for cash for the work. See the goal here is to straddle the constant self loathing while equally promoting this thing. Apathy, it's my sword and shield. Hey, lets also not forget that the published author tag also sure helps on the green card application, which I'm currently in the middle of getting through. Not long until I'm outta this frozen hell hole of Hoth we call Ontario.

 

 

 

 

What is your favourite anecdote from the book? 

I'm fond of the Magic Castle story, because the first time performing there is super special and I think people ought to read how it feels if they've never been. Mostly though, it's the Monkey story. The whole thing screams show business. If nothing else I was hoping to show people just how crazy this business can be, and that's the coolest thing about it. Even when the money wasn't great, the stories were. It was the best way to grow up. Oh... there's also a ton of swearing in it. Apologies, but I swear a lot. It's a personal failure. Take it up with the editor of this thing.

You're not making a profit from this book.  All proceeds are going to charity.  Tell us about the charity you're supporting.
 

As charities go, this is a good one. It's a magic school for kids in Bolivia. If you've ever been anywhere in South America you'll notice they have it pretty rough compared to here. It's a good place to try and raise some cash for. To be fair it was Shawn Farquhar who put me on to that school. I always wanted to do something to help kids in magic and Shawn had a connection to the school, so it was a great fit. Magic has given us all so very much and so many crazy adventures. I like the idea of helping out a kid who loves magic who might one day have their own crazy stories. Maybe because we bought some props and helped them along.... hey I'm just a steel town girl on a Saturday night, looking for the fight of her life. In the real time world no one sees me at all, they all say I'm CRAAAAZZYYY... she's a maniac....maniac on the floor.....

[Editor's note:  Great.  Now that Michael Sembello song is stuck in my head.]

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about you or The Fog Machine of War with our readers?
 

I always say this is bathroom reading for magicians. It's not a long book, really not long. I'm saving trees. Short stories, often less than a page at a time. I'm not trying to put out a Ken Weber style work. It's light reading, hopefully, to make you laugh and think about the industry. There's a few pieces in there specifically designed to start some debates, maybe even fights. I was always a fan of Metropolitan Life by Fran Lebowitz, so I sort of patterned the book after that. Naturally my book is nowhere near as good as Fran's. That said, maybe I can build an empire off publishing a single book. Hey, worked for her.

 

 

Thank you Matt, for making the time to answer our questions! 

To learn more about The Fog Machine of War and to purchase the book, visit MattDiSero.com/book/

Learn more about Matt at his website MattDiSero.com and follow him on Instagram.

 

 

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Charlottetown: Matt DiSero [Apr 15]

From the March 2nd Tweet by Matt DiSero:

#CHARLOTTETOWN #PEI ! I’m comin your way!! Gonna be a great night ! Love me some east coast Canada annnndddd casino shows are my fav because I can gamble back everything I make. I’m the king of business. #redshorescasino #comedy #magic #comedymagician pic.twitter.com/GTYnsgfsJw

— Matthew DiSero (@MattDisero) March 2, 2023

 

 

 

 

Matt DiSero in Kitchener with Ken Pham & Ken Margoe [Oct 22], Toronto [Oct 23], and Niagara Falls [Nov 4-5]

From the October 17th Instagram post by Matt DiSero:

KITCHENER Ontario!! I'm comin your way on Saturday OCT 22nd, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts.
I'd love to see you there, after the show we can hit the short stop and get slushies!

 

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From the October 18th Instagram post by Matt DiSero:

Toronto, forgot to mention, I'll be at Yuk Yuk's Comedy Clubs - Toronto this Sunday, one show only with some fantastic magicians. Then Nov 4-5 I'll be at Yuk Yuks Niagara Falls, so come hang out...there's some cool new things in the works

 

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Richmond Hill: Matt DiSero at Jokers [updated]

Updated on August 23 to add:

• possible date change
• check Jokers.ca for details
  

 

From the August 9th Instagram post by Jokers:

Mind blowing magic!” - Breakfast Television

“An Unforgettable Show!” - Toronto Star

August 25th HEADLINER @mattdisero ✨

Tap the link in bio to get your tickets before they disappear 🎟

Produced by @torontomagiccompany 🪄

 

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Toronto: Hocus Jokus with Babins, DiSero, Stark, Train, and Westfall [May 1]

From the April 21st Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

Is this Toronto’s funniest magic show or Toronto’s most magical comedy show? 😲

Trick question - it’s BOTH! 😆✌

Toronto’s funniest magicians have joined forces to create a 90 minute show jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing amazement. They’ll read your mind, predict the future, and do all sorts of other crazy sh*t you won’t believe unless you see it with your own eyes!👀

And it’s happening one day only - Sunday May 1st.👈

So get off the couch and join @jonahbabinsmagic , @train.ben , @chriswestfallmagic , @mysteryentertainer, and headliner @mattdisero for an incredible night of comedy, magic, and fun that you’ll never forget.🙌🙌

 

 

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