Nine years of My Magic Hands

Congratulations Julie, on the continued success of this fabulous project!

From Sharing Wonder:

It is hard to believe that My Magic Hands was originally launched nearly a decade ago.

Magicana applied for funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation(OTF) to develop a pilot program version of  ”Magic Hands”.  In 2004, the program was designed and tested during the year in four different at-risk communities around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Canada’s top children’s rehabilitation hospital, now known as Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. The response to the pilot program was excellent and Trillium agreed. Magicana was then awarded a multi-year grant to expand  My Magic Hands program (and, to simultaneously develop Senior Sorcery – a program designed specifically for the senior population). My Magic Hands continued to evolved and developed through funding from private foundations and donors. Today, this program is funded solely by the Slaight Family Foundation.

Read more.

Toronto: Jason Palter

From Pubaret:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
MAGICIAN JASON PALTER

Could it be time for another first at The Pubaret?  Yes it could cuz we've never had a magic show until now:  Magician Jason Palter.

Palter. Say the name PAUL, add a TER, and that’s how you pronounce Jason’s last name.

Like many magicians, the love of magic was born at an early age; Jason was just 9 years old when he received his first magic set. After that, it was only natural that his tendency to be class clown and overall goofball would one day merge with his love of magic. A comic magician was born!

Read more and buy tickets.

Goodbye to Murray’s Trick and Joke Shop -- the end of an era in Victoria

A reminder to us all to support our local brick and mortar magic shops while we still can.

Don't have brick and mortar shop in your area?  Consider supporting one through their online shops.   (I direct your attention to two of the wonderful sponsors of this blog, Perfect Magic and
 The Browser's Den of Magic!)

Read the comments on Murray's Facebook page.


From the Times Colonist:

There will be no large puff of smoke or silk curtain drawn as house lights fade to black. Instead, with the simple closing of a door and turning of a key, three decades of illusion and whimsy will end as Murray’s Trick and Joke Shop closes for the final time Aug. 25.

The store — the go-to destination for gear, tricks and effects for amateur and professional magicians, as well as a year-round costume source and a gold mine for would-be office pranksters and kids of all ages — is about to pull its own disappearing act.

“It’s sad because of the long history of this place, and my wife and I were thrilled to have been a part of that,” said current owner Murray Hatfield, who along with wife Teresa Midbo bought the store seven years ago from Tony and Ann Eng.

Read more.

Guelph: Laughing Matters

From River Run:

As Canada’s Premiere Comedian, Derek Edwards creates enchanting tales based on everyday subjects and delivers them with polished style and impeccable timing. With Jim McNally and Matt Disero warming up the crowd you are guaranteed to be left doubled over with laughter wanting more!

Laughing Matters is an event to raise awareness about poverty and support local at-risk communities. Proceeds from this event are going directly back into the community through Speroway’s work procuring and distributing food in Guelph.      

Read more and buy tickets.

Magic Information Canada has added features!

Earlier this summer, Doug Cuff over at Magic Information Canada, added some nifty new functionality to his awesome site!

In his own words:

Added "muggle events" check box to http://t.co/Q7MlBSmksb -- which allows magicians to include performances in their agenda of lectures etc.
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) June 2, 2013

I admit it: I added the "muggle" check box because I was irked that my site didn't offer an easy way to view all the @McBrideMagic events.
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) June 2, 2013

Added "closed" check box to http://t.co/aNhDze6sVE -- which allows you to include business that have closed and save time chasing dead ends.
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) June 2, 2013

If you haven't already, click over and visit this great resource.

Thanks for your continued hard work Doug!

Toronto: Buskerfest!

The 2013 Scotiabank BuskerFest in support of Epilepsy Toronto will be held from August 22nd to August 25th.  Magical performers include:

• Charlie Caper (Sweden)
• Chris Capehart (USA)
• Diogo Alvares (Brazil)
• Max T. Oz (Canada) and
• Nathaniel Rankin (Canada)

Toronto: There's magic at the Ex!

There's magic at the CNE again this year!

At The Farm, Daniel Steep is back with Agri-Magic, an interactive magic show that educates audiences about Canadian Farming.

Only a few days until #CNE2013 ! Catch the #agrimagic show 4 times daily in the #cnefarm ! @LetsGoToTheEX
— Daniel Steep (@danielsteep) August 13, 2013

Majinx is back at Kids' World with Professor Wick's School of Magic and Illusion.

And Mike D'Urzo is at the Variety Stage, located on Princes' Boulevard at Ontario Drive, south of BMO Field.

Excited to announce I will be performing at the EX from Aug.16- Sept.2 daily at 12:30 & 3:00 pm on the Variety Stage! http://t.co/VnsjxVCEKI
— Mike D'Urzo (@MikeDurzo) August 14, 2013

This year the Ex runs from August 16th to September 2nd, 2013.  Please check the CNE's website for dates and showtimes.