This Saturday, Dec 28th in Calgary! Comedian Ben Cannon joins me as the special guest star at Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret.
A performer with a knack for blending self-deprecating wit with keen observational humor, Ben has graced stages at prestigious events like the YYComedy Festival. He also produces Ducking Comedy at Ducky’s, a local favorite that showcases some of Calgary’s top comedic talent. Whether he’s headlining shows or producing his own, Ben’s commitment to uplifting the local comedy scene is undeniable.
Ben’s material often reflects his Métis heritage, Calgary roots, and the hilarious awkwardness of navigating life’s twists and turns. With an easygoing charm and a genuine connection to his audience, he’s a comedian who leaves every crowd both entertained and wanting more.
It will truly be an evening featuring both Wit annnnd Wizardry, as I'll be hosting the show and bringing a few minor miracles to warm your winter. See you there!
Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret is kicking off season two with special guest Malcolm Russell - magician. YOU WILL BE CHARMED AND AMUSED OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES!
Calgary's only monthly amazing magic show is ready to chop... er... knock your socks off with jaw-dropping tricks, stunts, and laughs.
I've been working on a course for Casual Card Magic, which means performing
in a relaxed manner, without tension, seemingly without care. It covers
foundational sleight-of-hand technique from the past to be in control of
cards without raising suspicion.
In a world obsessed with advanced technique and nuance, this is my case
study for the strength of competent intermediate card skills. It's better to
do an easier move well than a difficult move poorly.
The teaser video shows some moves and magic from the first six lessons, and
there's plenty more Casual Card Magic yet to come!
It's all available for free (registration required) because I don't want a
payment to stop you from improving your magic.
The last Tuesday of the month will be a night to remember! Magic, poetry, one man band, Nigerian Jazz, ukuleles…what more could you ask for? Fun times for sure Calgary! Jan 30th. call the Ironwood Stage & Grill for reservations.
I'm casting a spell to cure cabin fever in Calgary. Join me at Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret appearing Jan 31st. Advance tickets on sale now for an affordable night out.
This project has been whispers on the wind, but it's time to break wind and release the whispers! Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret is *appearing* in Calgary at the end of January.
I'm at my best in a small theatre venue, so you'll get to see me at my most magical, along with some equally astonishing friends. ("What, Ryan has real friends? I'm astonished!")
I will be promoting this relentlessly, forevermore, so you might as well give up now and hop aboard the Wizard Train™. Choo choo, muggle huggers.
We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the
country.
A huge shout out to everyone who trusted us enough to
submit names and supporting text last month, even though you didn't know exactly how it
was going to be used.
I spend a lot of my time researching and reading through the dusty pages of The Linking Ring magazine.
My attention always perks up when I come across one of the many Canadian Hocus Pocus Parades, which were an almost annual tradition between 1943 and 1972. It's wonderful to see magic from both the famous and not-so-famous, including many who are the namesakes of our Canadian Rings; Ernie Crockford, Roy Cottee, Sid Lorraine...
Other than one "Canadian 4F Gala Parade" compiled by Joan Caesar in April 2016, this tradition has been long lost to history.
Well, here I am attempting to pick up the torch and spark something.
I'm reviving the Canadian Hocus Pocus Parade! And I'm inviting you to be a part of the legacy.
Canada's greatest strength comes from diversity of its people and regions, and I'm hoping to put together a collection of great magic with an equal variety, from magicians coast to coast to coast.
I'm looking for your most creative magic, be it inventions or adaptations.
If you have it written up, that's great... send it along.
If not, you can film a quick home video to teach the idea to me, and I'll write it up.
Bonus points if you can send a performance or demonstration video that we could include as a digital supplement to the Parade.
What makes a good magazine contribution - an idea that looks/sounds FUN to PLAY with.
A quick trick, a new use for a common prop, something easy to make, etc.
What makes an ignored magazine contribution - difficult or complicated routines.
If you can't decide what to send you're welcome to send along more stuff and allow me to choose.
I'll give you a timeline of August 31 to get your submissions to me.
Thanks!
Maple flavourdly yours, Ryan Pilling ryan @ wowryan . com (Calgary, Ring 66)
P.S. You are welcome to forward this invitation to your local clubs and Canadian magician friends. I'd especially appreciate your help if you know magicians from more remote regions. Worst case is that I get so much I can do it again next year!
I'm creating a magical "advent calendar" of chocolately goodness and gifts! 🎁
Every day in December (up to Christmas) I'm giving away something fun... tips, tricks, ideas and techniques for making magic.
I've got a list of ideas, but I'd love to get your suggestions, too; what would you like me to teach and share? Could be something specific, or a general topic. Post your ideas below, please and thanks!
In JUST THREE WEEKS, Alberta's FUNNIEST MAGICIANS take the stage at @yukyuksedmonton! On November 20th, my friend Jeff is hosting @Jeff Newman LAUGH-A-CADABRA at the Century Casino, and we have a night FILLED with amazing magic, incredible mind-reading, and stunning sleight of hand, thanks to, Ryan Pilling Jimbo Jordan . Not only will we blow your minds, but we'll split your sides! This is a show you DON'T want to miss, and tickets are going to go FAST...luckily, you can get them in this link! https://www.yukyuks.com/?action=club.comicDetails&comedianID=2337&venueID=2480 See you there!
On Tuesday, October 25th Ryan Pilling ventures back... Inside The Ring!
Each month Ryan digs through the archives of The Linking Ring magazine to find the hidden gems of magic buried within those pages. He dusts them off, polishes them up, and lets them shine! It's a show about "new" old ideas and the magicians who came up with them.
Showtime will be October 25th at 6 PM Pacific, 9 PM Eastern. It will be broadcast live on the I.B.M. Facebook page where you can watch and participate in the chat.
An evening of music and magic with Andrew Abildgaard (Bullets & Bronze) and Ryan Pilling (in alphabetical order) at the Haysboro Community Association.