Richmond: Penn & Teller

From River Rock Casino Resort:

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

Penn & Teller have performed together for over thirty years combining the art of magic with comedy. And along the way, they have made the hardest trick of all – a remarkable career that ranges from stage to television to three best-selling books – look easy. Since first teaming up in 1975 when they combined Teller’s silent, occasionally creepy magic with Penn Jillette’s clown college education and juggling expertise, the duo have created an entertainment success story that went from the streets to small clubs to national theatre tours. Their live show has been a hit on Broadway and throughout North America and now has a permanent home at the Rio in Las Vegas. Penn & Teller’s understanding of magic and their ability to relate to audiences with their comedic approach has also garnered serious academic attention … they serve as Visiting Scholars at MIT which is the highest honour bestowed by the school.

Read more.
 

[via Lots of fun, respect in Penn and Teller’s magic moments in The Province]

David Ben's review of "The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini"

Late last year, John Cox at Wild About Houdini posted about Bruce MacNab's book The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini, which details Houdini's 1896 Canadian tour.

From Sharing Wonder:

... David Ben, artistic director of Magicana, has penned a review, “The Handcuff King” for the Literary Review of Canada which has just been released (March 2012: Vol. 21, No. 2, p. 27). According to Ben: “Part biography, part travelogue, part magic book, Bruce MacNab’s The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini follows the exploits of Houdini as he laid the groundwork for becoming a 20th-century icon.”

Read more.

Vote now for CAM Magician of the Year!

Voting is now open for The Canadian Association of Magicians' "Magician of the Year" award!  From CAM:

Below, in alphabetical order, are the four official candidates for the 2013 Canadian Magician of the Year. Each of the candidates were asked to submit a short biography outlining their accomplishments.  Voting comences today and will continue until April 23rd, 2013. The results will be revealed at the CAM JAM Spring edition on April 28th at the Greg Frewin Theatre.  In your eMail inbox will be a communication from the CAM offices via BallotBin.com  In this eMail will be a unique link created just for you to use to select your choice for the award.  Once you have voted it can not be changed.

Read more.

A recap of the process:

• a request for nominations went out in January
• official nominees were announced on March 2nd
• Shawn Farquhar declares on March 3rd, "it is my intention, having already won the award twice, to state in my nominee description that members should not vote for me in the final process."
• voting opens for the official candidates on March 16
• David Ben withdraws from the ballot on March 17

Mayhew and Train: Underground in Washington

From the Society of American Magicians:

Show Producer Mike Miller announced a new idea not offered before at a convention, as an added bonus to those attending the SAM Convention in Washington DC, July 3-6, 2013:

After the Dealer Room closes each night, some of the best close-up performers (some you know and all you should know) will session with the conventioneers till early morning!

Read more.

How exciting to see Chris Mayhew and Ben Train on the list!

Broken wand: Blain Harper

Updated at 4pm to include this link to a tribute to Blain by Lee Elliott.

From Mount Pleasant Group:

Harper, Blain
 
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Blain, on March 15, 2013 at St. Michael’s Hospital in his 41st year. Blain brought humour and magic into the lives of everyone he met and will be sadly missed. Cherished husband to Sophie for 13 years. Adoring father to Kara. Loving son to the late Marilyn (1991) and Robert and his wife Susan. Loving and supportive brother to Jennifer. Devoted uncle “Goofball” to Willow. He will also be missed by his step siblings Alison and Warren Lawtey as well as by his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was revered by his multitude of friends, neighbours, and colleagues at Yonge & Rubicam where he worked as an Associate Creative Director. Family and Friends may call at PINE HILLS CEMETERY & VISITATION CENTRE, 625 Birchmount Rd., Scarborough (north of St. Clair Ave. E., 416-267-8229) on Thursday, March 21, 2013 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm for visitation. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 11am in the chapel at Pine Hills.

Read more.

[with appreciation to Lee Elliott for letting us know]

David Peck interviews Jay Sankey

From David Peck Live:

Listen as Jay covers a whole lot of ground talking philosophy, creativity and how magicians have lost their way. Find out why he believes sleight of hand magic is about Bending The Real.

Read more.

Edmonton: Wayne Lee & Sheldon Casavant

From Constant Contact:

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 23^rd when two nationally-acclaimed entertainers in hypnosis and illusion come together to share a night of upbeat entertainment at the Royal Alberta Museum Theatre. Hypnotist Wayne Lee and Magician Sheldon Casavant will mesmerize audiences with their interactive mix of humour, mystery and intrigue, all while helping raise funds for the children and youth of Edmonton-based charity Abbottsfield Youth Project.

Read more and purchase tickets.