Houdini diary entry from Toronto

From Wild About Houdini:

There's a lot to love about this. First is the glimpse into the politics of showbiz that a newspaper won't write stories about an act unless the theater buys advertising. Houdini's shorthand "O.D. Stunt" appears to be his catch-all for "outdoor stunts" (bridge jumps, overboard box, suspended straitjacket). Finally, Houdini's expression of hurt at not being thanked feels very genuine. Doesn't matter if you're the world's greatest mystifier; everyone likes to be thanked.

Read the quote.

Toronto: Juston Flom lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sorcerers Safari & Browser's Den of Magic present the Justin Flom Lecture in Toronto - Sunday August 25th, 2013

Fresh from his recent appearance on the ever-popular Ellen Degeneres show, Justin Flom visits Toronto to spend time with you before heading up to Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp. In his acclaimed lecture, Justin shares strong versions of his best-selling routine Card Artistry including several new clever touches not included in the original write-up.

Justin also plans to share unreleased routines as seen in his popular YouTube video series. Come to this lecture & learn great magic using objects like: Dollar Bills, Post-it Notes, 6th Fingers, Playing Cards, Silver Coins, Invisible Thread Loops, Photographs, and even something including Donald Trump. (You must see it, to believe it!)

Read more and buy tickets.

[via Magic Information Canada]

Toronto - Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay

Various dates in early July.

From Bloor Cinema:

Touted as one of the greats in the world of magic, Jay is dedicated to researching, teaching, performing and perfecting his craft. Magicians would normally be reluctant to let their secrets out, let alone allow a documentary crew to peek behind their velvet curtain, but in Deceptive Practices Jay allows the directors behind the curtain. Shot over ten years, the film examines Jay’s life, career and profession while providing a rare glimpse into the world of magic itself. Robin Smith, Hot Docs

Directors Molly Bernstein and Alan Edelstein will participate in Q&As on Friday, July 5, at 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, July 6, at 9:00 p.m.

Read more and buy tickets.

[via Sharing Wonder]

Toronto: Learn the art of magic

From Joylister:

July 20

Learn the Art of Magic with Chad Zhou

Learn the basic principles and theories behind simple, close-up magic tricks, including:

• Sleight of hand
• Making items vanish
• Reading people's minds
• Manipulating cards, coins, and other daily objects
• Techniques for a great performance

Absolutely NO experience is required - just be sure to bring a pen, notebook, your curiosity and passion to learn! In this interactive setting, you'll have the opportunity to test out your craft in front of your peers and gain valuable feedback to further improve your performance. 

Read more and register.

Montreal: Fredo, complètement fou

From Montreal Families:

July 5

Fredo is a magician with a unique style. Incapable of remaining in one place, he has a wild imagination that constantly invents new tricks with the help of everyday objects.

Read more.

[via Perfect Magic]

Gwyn Auger in Calgary is Awesome

From Calgary is Awesome:

Everyone comes to see the Magician on the stage.  He or she is the Illusionist that take our attention, grabs hold of our imagination and suspends our belief. With a twist of the wrist and a fortuitous puff of smoke, the unbelievable becomes reality.

But that’s just part of the story. It often takes 2 (3 if you include the rabbit) to make the event an act with panache as opposed to a clumsy fumbling of playing cards and rumpled sleeves. After all, the Magician needs his assistant to set the mood, follow the invisible cues and distract the crowd. It takes a special person who can be trusted with all that on stage, PLUS protect the secrets of the ages, float in the air, cheat death and do it all with a smile.  So without further adieu, ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages from 1 to 100, introducing Gwyn Auger, Calgary’s Magic Assistant.

Read more.

Check out Gwyn's company, Sparkle Events Services, which promotes magicians and performers of all ages and of all sorts for public and private events. 

Help solve the mystery of the Ring 49 photo

Jeph Stahl, CAM webmaster and webmaster from Ring 49, is helping Herb Cullen's granddaughter identify the names of the people in a photograph from the Ring 49 charter year.

Read Jeph's post and help him if you can!