Toronto: Ben Train's Birthday Bash!!!!!!!!!!

From the Ben Train's Birthday Bash!!!!!!!!!! Facebook page:

To celebrate 28 years of life I am planing THREE amazing evenings of fun.

Friday March 29th I'm going to Dave and Busters to see Bobby Motta perform, and play some games. Details to follow.

Saturday March 30th the Browser's Den is throwing a birthday party for me. The event is free, and it includes performances by Bill Abbott, Chris Mayew, Chris Westfall, James Harrison, James Alan... and free cake! Again, details to come. And, for those who care as much about doing "good" as they do about having "good fun", there will be opportunities to help support and donate to the Toronto Humane Society!
 
Finally, Sunday March 31st, my actual birthday, I'm going to a fund raiser event to help send an underprivileged child to summer camp.
 
Read more and find out how you can spend time with spending time with the Sweater-Vest Jeff Pinsky outside of his shop.

Gatineau: Greg Frewin's Imagine

From Casinos du Quebec:

March 22 and 23

Considered by many of his peers, World Class Magician and Illusionnist Greg Frewin is considered the greatest magician in the world! Nothing better illustrates this than the fact that he is the reigning “Best Magician in the World” title holder from the WORLD MAGIC AWARDS (since October, 2009). Back by popular demand, Greg’s new Las Vegas Style Magic Revue “IMAGINE”. Greg invites his audience to experience the mystery and art of illusion in this live show, which includes rare and majestic tigers, exotic birds, beautiful showgirls and exciting and dangerous NEW illusions, which have never been seen before!         

Read more and buy tickets.

Los Angeles: PCAM 2013

The Pacific Coast Association of Magicians have a website up for PCAM 2013 which will run Aug 1st-4th.  According to the current schedule, representing Canada will be a lecture from Trevor & Lorena Watters as well as a lecture by Shawn Farquhar.

Visit PCAM 2013 for more information!

 

 

Toronto: Sorcerers Safari Open House

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 AT 1PM

On this day at Browser's:
Mike & Jen Segal, Lee Asher, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Rosemary Reid, Chris Westfall and so many others involved in the Sorcerer's Safari Summer Magic Camp will be at the shop from 1pm to about 4pm to answer any of your questions about Canada's number one magic camp!
They will show you photos, video and lots more about past seasons.  Plus they will let you know about their exciting plans for this year's camp.

So if you are considering attending the camp or just want to find out more information please feel free to drop by the Open House! It will be a lot of fun!

RECEIVE $100 worth of bonus magic supplies for camp if you register on the day of the Open House. As an incentive, bring a friend who also registers for camp and you BOTH receive 10% off of camp fees, plus the $100 magic supply bonus.

Read more to find out about additional discounts and deals.

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