23 February 2013

Broken wand: Lucien "Stephano" Boucher

From Le Survol de la Rive-Nord:
À Saint-Eustache, le 24 novembre 2012 à l’âge de 89 ans, est décédé Lucien Boucher, époux d’Huguette Beaudoin. Outre son épouse, il laisse dans le deuil ses fils Pierre et Stéphane (Diane); ses petits-enfants : Alyssa, Aaron, Frankie et Missy; de nombreux frères et sœurs ainsi que plusieurs autres parents et amis.

Lucien Boucher a fait sa marque, sous le nom de Stéphano, dans le milieu des variétés en tant que magicien, humoriste et photographe.

Read more.

Read in english via Google Translate.


[With thanks to Phil Matlin.]

In which Mark Lewis reads my mind

Well, he did a pretty good job of reading my mind.  Though the question was not quite as general in my head as what he asked, and I may have had a few different words in mind to express the thought.

I'm back to othe question I asked earlier this week, Does Magician of the year mean the same thing as Perfomer of the year? (The comments to the post have started to sway my orginal stance.  I am also astonished that 93% of you that voted in the poll so far, have voted that amateurs should be eligible for the award -- I was sure there would be hundreds of "no" votes by now!)

But back to Mark Lewis.

On the Canadian Association of Magicians website post, Nominations for Magician of the Year, Mark asked:

The “proficient magician” part of things may cut possible nominees down quite drastically. Is it possible to nominate someone who is utterly useless as a performer (as most are) but has contributed in some other way ?



Go to the CAM post to read Shawn's answer.

And an update from Shawn in his latest e-mail to remind CAM members that time is running out to nominate someone for the award:
We have over 40 nominees and there is a clear first place and three very close contenders for the final spots on the actual ballot.



So there you go.  I can't wait to see who makes it to the voting round!




Dorval: Blair Marshall

From Montreal Families:
Feb 24, 2013
Magical Purim Party

Featuring Dorval's Master Illusionist Blair Marshall with the fastest hands in the West!
    Megillah reading at 3:30
    Hamantashen & Tempting Purim Spread
    Balloon Sculptures & Pinata
    Photo Booth
    Come dressed in Costume
Read more.


[via Perfect Magic]

22 February 2013

Toronto: Roy Kueppers' Day at The Den

From the Browser's Den of Magic:
When: Sunday, March 10th
Where: The Browser's Den of Magic, 3220 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON
Cost to attend day: FREE!

Mr. Roy Kueppers, the man who personally manufactures all of the specially gimmicked canadian coins will be here at the shop for a full day of activities. Roy also makes non-canadian trick coins.  Plus a host of other gorgeous props including 'okito boxes', 'hand-crafted magic wands' and more!

Read more.
From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:
ALSO APPEARING: MICHAEL FRANCIS CURRENT GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF:
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls in one minute - 2 hands = 92 (previous record was 78)
Most Multiple Coin Rolls in one minute - 1 hand = 29
(previous record was 26)
Most Coin Rolls in one minute - 1 hand = 49
(previous record was 45)
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls (no time limit) - 1 hand = 986
(previous record was 72)
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls (no time limit) - 2 hands = 211
(previous record was 102)

Read more.

Ryan Pilling on Breakfast Television Calgary

Watch Ryan Pilling's appearance on Breakfast Television Calgary, promoting WowFest - Calgary's First Magic Festival, happening this Saturday, February the 23rd.


The appearance is also on YouTube:


Toronto: Music, Magic, Muggles...and some other M word.

Updated March 25th: 
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.


From the Music, Magic, Muggles...and some other M word Facebook page:
Where: C'est What, Toronto.
When: Sunday March 31

Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Camp has been opening up the world of magic and performance to talented and creative youths aged 8-18 for more than 15 years! We combine the fun and exciting experience of summer camp (swimming, bonfires, canoeing) with instruction on the history and practice of magic (street, stage, parlour, etc.) and help kids learn how to get up in front of a crowd and perform. Fun-loving counselors and professional magicians come together with the campers to build friendships, make connections, and create a memorable experience that campers will hold on to for a lifetime. This fundraiser is designed to help keep this program going...and growing! 

Performers:

Read more.

21 February 2013

Michael Francis: World record holder!

From Mississauga.com:
Since 2005, the Guinness World Record for most one-handed coin rolls in a minute has been 45, until Sunday (Feb. 10) when Clarkson resident Michael Francis passed a U.S. half dollar  between his fingers 49 times in one minute.

"It means a lot," said Francis. "In the magic of field, most coin rolls a minute has been the most highly regarded one … all of the biggest magicians have tried for it."

Well, move over Houdini because the 28-year-old broke an additional four coin rolling records Sunday: most consecutive coin rolls in one minute with two hands, 92 (previous record 78); most multiple coin rolls in a minute with one hand, 29 (previous record 26); most one-handed coin rolls with no time limit, 986 (previous record 72) and most consecutive coin rolls with two hands, no time limit, 211 (previous record 102).

Read more.
 
The article goes on to say that Michael is going to attempt to break an additional 25 Guinness World Records this year!  Good luck Michael!

By my count, that puts the total of Canadian Guinness World Record holding magicians to four!