Toronto: An intimate workshop with John Bannon [Dec 1]

From the November 9th Instagram post by IBM Ring 17:

Dealing With It: An Intimate Workshop with John Bannon

— ♣️♥️♠️♦️—

When: Friday December 1st, 7PM
Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road
Tickets: $100

We are honored to be able to host an intimate workshop with John Bannon for a limited number of participants. If you are interested, please email the club to arrange payment: ibmring17@gmail.com 

It’s been said that all you need to perform card magic is a pass, a palm, and a top-change. That may have been good advice a century ago, but modern card magic requires a different mindset … and skillset. John Bannon will share his modern magical mindset in which construction is as important as sleights, and where how you think about a trick can make a real difference. Let’s take advantage of a broader, but easier skillset, for maximum effect. 

During the Workshop, we’ll look at a wide range of tricks whose common thread is that they use a regular deck and many are impromptu. There will be discussion on how certain tricks were put together and what tradeoffs were involved. John will also answer all questions, help with the few moves required, and talk about any topic or trick requested.

John hit the scene in the early 90s with the smash hit books, Impossibilia (1990) and Smoke & Mirrors (1992), followed by his best-selling trick Twisted Sisters (1993).  His book, Dear Mr. Fantasy (2005) is widely hailed as one of the best magic books of that decade. His collections High Caliber (2013), Destination Zero (2015), and Mentalissimo (2016), had enthusiastic receptions and quickly sold out.

Now in its seventh year, John’s cutting-edge column, “Dealing With It,” in Genii Magazine continues to highlight his streamlined, yet elegant card magic.  

John’s highly-acclaimed 2023 card trick collection, Very Hush-Hush, sold out in a matter of weeks.  Its second printing is underway.

 

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Toronto: Talent call for “Cheap Tricks” part 3

Contact Chris for more information.

 

From the November 10th Facebook post by Chris Doyle:

Toronto area magicians. Who would like to be part of “Cheap Tricks” part 3

If you are not familiar, this is a live show where the “contestants” draw a style of magic (illusion, mentalism, in the style of copper field etc) a money envelope with $0-40 and a location in the vicinity of the venue to buy and create a 5 min show performed that evening on live stage. 

What would you do with $7 at the drug store in the style of horror mentalism 

 

 

 

A peek behind the curtain with Michelle Mazzarella

This is the fourth in a series of interviews leading up to the Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour Canadian dates in:

• Toronto, Ticketmaster  [Dec 27 - 31]  ** extended to Dec 31 ** 
• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
• Lloydminster, Vic Juba Theatre [Mar 20]  ** recently added **
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7] 
• Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8]    ** recently added **

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

Read our thoughts about their 2022 show:

TLDR: So. Much. Fun!

Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic" 

 

We're delighted to interview aerialist, and serial big box illusion victim, Michelle Mazzarella ahead of her Canadian Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

Growing up, my father was a Magician Member at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, so we would occasionally head there for Sunday brunch and a show. While I was really young at the time, I still remember details like the secret bookcase entrance, the portraits whose eyes would follow you, the iconic owls, the red velvet showroom curtain, and of course, all the stairs.
 

What surprised you most about touring with magicians? 

This one’s hard for me! Alex, Young, and Strange did a really great job of managing my expectations before I joined the tour. I knew that every day was going to be so wildly different from the next, and I really appreciated their transparency. It helped me figure out that I really wanted the job, and it has been quite an adventure!

 

Michelle on the Silks

 

 

 

 

What is the most annoying thing about touring with magicians?

I would call it more fascinating than annoying, but everyone talks about magic… a lot. Coming from a non-magic background, I often have no clue what they’re talking about, but I’ve been enjoying piecing things together over the months, and I’m learning a ton. 

 

 

 

Have you learned how to do any magic since you joined Champions of Magic? 

Ha, yes, but only the basics… I actually have a silly secret goal of learning at least one trick per tour leg, and all my friends at home are enjoying the results.  

 

 

How do you keep your skills fresh and performance ready?

In every new city, if time allows, I make an effort to connect with the local circus community. Sometimes they have open gyms, or I’ll even teach workshops. When we’re in hotels, I try to take advantage of their Fitness Rooms, or I’ll do a little workout on a yoga mat in my dressing room. Unfortunately, it’s hard to train Silks without actually being on a Silk, so the skills do ebb and flow a little bit, but they always come back. 

Michelle preparing to descend

 

Do you have any guilty pleasures while on tour?
 
I actually went to boarding school in British Columbia, and I really miss some of the old snacks I had, like poutine, Aero Bars, Sour Jubes, and Beaver Tails. I try to grab some whenever I can, but really any delicious food will do it for me.

One imagines that it’s sometimes hard to leave the comforts of your home for a lengthy tour.  Do you bring a special something from home with you? 

I actually had a friend attend one of my first shows with Champions of Magic. She asked me the night before what my favorite colors were, and she crocheted me a little jellyfish! I named him Squort and he has stayed in my crate ever since, often hanging on my dressing room lights or sitting nearby. 

Michelle and Squort

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s Magic?

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at a show!

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

 

Learn more about Michelle at MichelleMazzarella.com and follow her on Facebook, and Instagram. 

 

  Champions of Magic  

Catch Michelle in Champions of Magic touring across Canada in 2023 - 2024:

• Toronto, Ticketmaster  [Dec 27 - 30] 
• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7] 
• Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8]

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

 

Read our 2023 interview with:

• Alex McAleer

Read our 2022 interviews with:

• Hollie England
• Alex McAleer
• Sam Strange
• Fernando Velasco
• Richard Young 

 
Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagic.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

 

 

 

Toronto: Jonah Babins and Ben Train in Hocus Jokus [Nov 19]

From the November 2nd Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

Toronto’s most MIND-BLOWING COMEDY SHOW is back November 19th at @yukyukstoronto.

Starring Ben Train (as seen on “Penn and Teller’s Fool Us”), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Rising Star of Canadian Magic Award winner), and all the way from the UK illusionist Steve Jones.

Now all we need is people who want to laugh their faces off. People like YOU.

Click the link in our bio to get your tickets!

 

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A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer [2023]

This is the fourth in a series of interviews leading up to the Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour Canadian dates in:

• Toronto, Ticketmaster  [Dec 27 - 31]  ** extended to Dec 31 **
• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
• Lloydminster, Vic Juba Theatre [Mar 20]  ** recently added **
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7] 
• Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8]   ** recently added **

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

Read our thoughts about their 2022 show:

TLDR: So. Much. Fun!

Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic" 

 

In addition to his stage shows, you may know Alex McAleer through:

• his book This Book Will Read Your Mind,
• his mentalism offerings (under the name Alexander Marsh and available at The 1914 as well as other magic shops including The Browser's Den of Magic), or 
• his weekly podcast Through the Magic of Television (also available on Apple Podcasts) which is part of Richard Young's Magicians' Podcast Network (Apple Podcasts link).  In his podcast Alex, along with the help of a special guest, reminisces about iconic magic TV shows from the past.

On episode 4 of Through the Magic of Television (Apple Podcasts link), Alex and guest Erik Tait

   CanCon  

discuss The Worlds Greatest Magic 4 (1997), which includes performances by Juliana Chen and Carl Cloutier.
[Editor's note:  This podcast requires a paid subscription.]

We're delighted to interview Alex ahead of his Canadian Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!

 

We were fortunate to see Champions of Magic in three times in the past five years.  Your part in the show changed significantly from year to year.  In fact the 2022 experience was almost completely different from the first time we saw you in Toronto in 2018. 

When you have an audience tested, well-received show, what drives you to modify and advance your act?

It’s very tempting to just do the tricks and lines you’ve been doing for years, and the temptation is even greater when you’re waiting in the wings about to go on stage and do a new routine. It’s very rewarding however to keep things fresh, in my own act there are sections that are brand new every night so I have to think on my feet.

 
I think what drives me to make changes is not wanting things to become stale, and it’s always fun to tinker and improve each performance of a new routine.
 

Have you studied any magic-adjacent disciplines? 

I’ve studied various other skills that have all informed my performances. Theatre work when I was younger and performing in plays, readings, even panto! I’ve also studied a bit of comedy writing and physical comedy. I also went to Art School so that's given me an interest in aesthetics. 

 

 

Alex on stage with an audience member keeping Alex's eyes shut

 

 

 

 

Do you remember the specific moment when you knew you could or wanted to perform magic full time?

I think it was probably after my first “show” - I did a twenty minute show on stage in between some one-act plays in my hometown. The show I did was dreadful in hindsight but the audience really responded to it; this shy young man they all knew could now apparently read minds and hold a room’s attention. 

 

 

 

What is your most memorable performance misadventure? 

Probably when a prop we were using in Champions malfunctioned and the ‘big prediction moment’ I had been teasing throughout the show just didn’t happen. Foolishly, there was no out. I just had to move onto the next, much smaller and less significant, part of the prediction.  

 

 

What sets Champions of Magic apart from other touring ensemble magic shows?

I think it’s probably that you’re seeing a full show, not just a series of different acts doing their own thing. There are multiple moments when we are all working together on stage, or involved in another performer's act. 

Alex on stage

 

Do you have any guilty pleasures while on tour?
 
Vegan junk food. Vegan Poutine is always a highlight for a trip to the true north.

One imagines that it’s sometimes hard to leave the comforts of your home for a lengthy tour.  Do you bring a special something from home with you? 

As silly as it may sound but having a VPN on my iPad means I can enjoy the comforts of UK television. 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s Magic?

Subscribe to the Magicians' Podcast Network (Apple Podcasts link) to hear my nostalgic-rewatch-podcast Through the Magic of Television (Apple Podcasts link) . Oh and I guess you can listen to [Richard] Young’s podcasts on there too.  
[Editor's note:  These podcasts require a paid subscription.]

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

 

Learn more about Alex at AlexMcAleer.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram. 

 

  Champions of Magic  

Catch Alex in Champions of Magic touring across Canada in 2023 - 2024:

• Toronto, Ticketmaster  [Dec 27 - 30] 
• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7]
  

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.


Read our 2022 interviews with the cast:

• Hollie England
• Alex McAleer
• Sam Strange
• Fernando Velasco
• Richard Young 

 
Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagic.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

 

 

 

Checking in with Ben Train and The Art of Magic [Oct 21]

This morning we let you know about the upcoming The Art of Magic show presented by The Toronto Magic Company.  

If you've never been to one of these shows, they're a very unique experience.  Ben Train was kind enough to answer some questions we had about The Toronto Magic Company, and The Art of Magic.

 

Ben Train

What is the Toronto Magic Company (TMC)?

In 2016 I partnered up with my best friend Jonah Babins to produce magic shows across the GTA. Specifically, we wanted to produce GOOD magic shows - the kind of shows we’d be excited to see.

Since then we’ve produced more than 200 shows a year, worked with hundreds of amazing magicians from around the world, and entertained thousands of people.

 

Who are the players in TMC?

There’s myself, Ben Train, and my good buddy Jonah Babins. We’re the two co-founders. We also have an amazing team working behind the scenes; video editors and photographers, our incredible magicians and volunteers, and of course - our audiences!

Ben and Jonah Babins on an adventure.

 

 

What is The Art of Magic?

Magicians have been talking about magic being an art form for hundreds of years. So in 2018 Jonah and I had an idea. What if we produced an event that wasn’t just a show, but rather a “gallery” of magic art?

And that’s what we did! We filled a gallery with magic-themed art (posters, props, and interactive exhibits), invited some of our favourite close-up magicians to walk around the space performing, and finished the whole experience off with a stage magic show filled with mind-reading and illusions.

 

Admiring the art at
The Art of Magic

 

How does The Art of Magic differ from the Toronto Magic Company's other offerings? 

All of our shows have different concepts, because we want to appeal to different audiences and we want to explore different ways of presenting magic.

What most of our shows have in common though is that they follow a pretty traditional show format: you arrive at the venue, sit in your seat, watch a show, and then go home. (I promise the shows are waaay more fun than that description makes them sound!)

What makes The Art of Magic different is that it’s not just a show, but rather an interactive exhibit that lets you explore magic in different ways (including actively being part of the experience in ways you simply couldn’t do with a typical show).

Oh… and on top of all that you ALSO get an amazing show!

 

Jonah entertaining at The Art of Magic

 

 

How was the recent September show (the 30th Art of Magic show) different from the very first The Art of Magic show?

The first Art of Magic, back in 2018, was very different. We were in a different location, which meant different limitations (and advantages), we didn’t have access to enough magic-themed art, and we were relying more on out-of-town talent.

When the pandemic temporarily shut us down we used our time to retool everything.

We found a better venue (two floors which allowed us to have different experiences happening at the same time), we got WAAAY more magic-related art pieces (Several dozen and counting), and watched as the talent in Toronto developed to a point where we no longer needed to bring in outside help (though we still bring in performers from all over the world - because we love featuring the best magicians on the planet!).

The concept is ALWAYS something we’re tweaking with, because we’re always trying to make it better. Speaking of which, if anyone reading this has been to one of our shows and has ideas for how we can improve… please message me! ( ben at TorontoMagicCompany dot com)

Ben entertaining at The Art of Magic

 

What have you learned from producing 30 of these shows?

That there are waaaaay easier ways to make money lol.

Also, I’ve learnt that sometimes the things that excite ME (or passionate magic lovers like me) aren't necessarily what excites the general public. So as we test and try new things we pay special attention to which exhibits resonate with people and WHY, so we can make all our future events better.

 

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about The Art of Magic?

Yah. Buy some tickets and come on out!

If you’re a magic fan, this is a must-attend. I truly believe that.

And if you’re not yet a magic fan but you are a fan of fun nights… come on out and we’ll convert you. ;)

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

 

 

You have two chances to catch The Art of Magic on Saturday October 21st.  The show features:  Jeff Hinchliffe, Harry Zimmerman, Jonah Babins, and James Alan.  (Ben Train will be appearing in the second show.)   Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

Learn more about The Toronto Magic Company and follow them on Facebook, and Instagram. 

 

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Toronto: The Art of Magic [Oct 21]

From Eventbrite:

Toronto has spoken! After more than 30 straight sold out shows,The Art of Magic is BACK! This time with full night of magic plus an interactive EXHIBIT

The Art of Magic is way more than just a show. It’s an entire evening filled with beautiful magic inspired art, and interactive magical exhibit and most importantly a secret magic show that you have to see to believe!

The Gallery
The fun begins at 6pm OR 8pm -  inside the Super Wonder Gallery. Enjoy delicious drinks while you interact with our magical art.

We don't want to give away all our secrets but you'll get to enjoy:

100+ year old magic props, world famous magic posters, and paintings and physical illusions that you get to BE IN! (You read that right!)

The Close-up Magic
During the gallery, while you're drinking, relaxing and enjoying the night - our magicians are working! 5 Magicians will be wandering around the event doing close-up magic that happens IN YOUR HANDS!

This is a chance for you to not only experience magic, but to experience a lot of it, right at your finger tips!

The Secret Show
At one magical moment during the night you are whisked away to a private SECRET show . This is a private show, for a small selection of the audience where you get to interact up close and personal with the magic. It's intimate, impossible, and this is magic of the highest level the way it was meant to be experienced: up close and personal. Seating for this secret experience is extremely limited and is included with your ticket to the Art of Magic show!

In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 50 tickets are available each show for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!

Oh! And did we mention that each ticket comes with a drink 🍸 😘

Read more and buy tickets.

 

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Toronto: 48th anniversary party for The Browser's Den of Magic [Nov 19]

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

BROWSER’S DEN OF MAGIC 48TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2023

BIG DISCOUNTS ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * BIRTHDAY CAKE

Auction Begins at 1:00pm

FREE MAGIC SHOW AT 4:00pm

You are invited to join us to celebrate our 48th year in business! Many of you have been with us since the beginning back in 1975.

This is also the day when we remember the shop's founders, Len and Bernice Cooper. Jeff Pinsky took over Browser's Den in November 1995.

Len Cooper passed away in 2003. Since then at each anniversary party we hand out in Len's memory a full set of the Tarbell Course in Magic books to a deserving magician under 25 years of age who has shown a dedication to the art of magic.

PLUS - In appreciation of your devotion to our shop this is the only day of the year where EVERYTHING in the shop is on sale all day long including magic in the Used Magic Room!

We hope you can join us - The Jeff's & The Browser's Den Team

From the October 4th Facebook post by The Browser's Den of Magic:

Hi Denizens,

Lovely news to tell you about.

At our 48th Store Anniversary Party (Sunday, November 19) both Sandy and Jack Cooper will be present to see and congratulate the winner of this years Len Cooper Memorial Award.

With Bernice Cooper not able to attend the party, we are very grateful that both Sandy and Jack will be representing the family to help us keep the memory of the founders of Browser's Den of Magic alive.

The award will be given out around 3/3:30pm.

You can find the full details of the party on the homepage of our website.

Thank you,
The Jeff's, John Cardella & Lisa Close.

 

 

 

Toronto: Max's Busking lecture [Oct 27]

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

Friday October 27, 2023
Location: Browser's Den of Magic
Lecture Ticket: $20.00


Old Jeff has been asking Max to give a lecture on busking for nearly 20 years...no joke, that is the truth! This lecture will provide you with decades of knowledge that can only come from doing the work. Max will be covering the following in his lecture:

• Why Busk?
• Where & When can you busk in Toronto? In the world?
• How to get a crowd, how to keep a crowd... and how to get them to pay!
• Problems of busking (police/law enforcement, drunks, other buskers, etc.)
• How Busking can make you a better magician and open doors for you!
• How much money can you actually make?
• Which tricks work for the street, and which do not.
• My Setup and why.

Max will also be demonstrating some cool tricks and instructions that you can add to your shows that are guaranteed audience pleasers & will be open for a Q&A, so get your questions ready! 

Read more and buy tickets.

 

Toronto: Chris Bruce lecture [Oct 13]

Tickets at The Browser's Den of Magic.

 

From the September 27th Instagram post by Chris Bruce:

Magicians....I'll be lecturing at Canada's oldest magic shop, The Browser's Den of Magic, on Oct. 13th. If you're into this kind of thing then it will be the kind of thing that you are into. ;)

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Toronto: Erik Tait lecture [Oct 5]

From the September 29th Instagram post by the Hat and Rabbit Club:

Our Next Club Event is around the corner! FISM Winner Erik Tait!


When: Thursday October 5th/ Doors open 7PM - Lecture starts at 7:30PM
Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road
Admission: FREE for members and $20 for non-members


Erik Tait is an international champion of comedy and magic who has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us!, NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and been featured in The New York Times. His blend of dry surreal comedy and cutting-edge sleight of hand has earned him awards from The International Brotherhood of Magicians and FISM, the World Championships of Magic.

When he is not performing at the premier magic venues in North America or appearing as On-Camera talent for the world's largest magic retailer, Penguin Magic, he saddles up a glass chariot pulled by a pair of hot sauce-powered chihuahuas to defend this realm from that of the undead. Experts agree he is the only thing standing between this world and the forces of chaos.


In his lecture, Tait shares with you some of the secrets that he used to become the first American in 20 years to win a prize in Card Magic at FISM. You'll become privy to his philosophies and methods of false shuffles that will level up your magic. He will also be teaching a variety of tricks that range from almost self-working to disastrously difficult. Whether you are brand new to magic or a seasoned veteran, there is something for everyone in this action-packed lecture.

 

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