When Evelyn and Phil Matlin’s eldest daughter, Ronna, was playing in the basement, she discovered her father’s long forsaken magician’s suitcase. The year was 1964 and the curious 6-year-old begged him to perform magic at her birthday party.
This event sparked the revival of an inherent skill that Phil had honed in his youth, and to this day the world of magic plays an integral role in the family’s life.
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J.L. GILLES FONTAINE
The I.B.M. Headquarters recently was notified that J.L. Gilles Fontaine, 86, of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, died September 19, 2012. Born in Quebec City, he was the son of a banker, and became one himself. At age ten he saw a performance by Harry Blackstone, Sr. and it inspired him to take up magic as a hobby, collecting magic books, subscribing to magic magazines, and practicing for hours. He became "Gilles the Magician," and performed for children and senior citizens whenever and wherever he could. He even taught magic at a local elementary school.
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October 27
Come in costume for this special Halloween-themed magic show. Ghosts and goblins of all ages will enjoy magician-illusionist Chris Pilsworth's amazing wizardry and hilarious antics in a fast-paced, fun-filled performance.
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Thanks to an overwhelmingly kind donation from magician Doug Taylor, we are pleased to announce the Magi-fest Youth Scholarship Program.
Several lucky, enthusiastic young magicians (everyone under 18 is eligible to apply) will receive FREE entrance into the Columbus Magi-Fest. And, there are youth events being planned open only to the young, serious magicians.
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Last night marked the 2000th Magic Show in The Greg Frewin Theatre! A huge thank you to all our supporters! pic.twitter.com/xnJEja7bVs
— Greg Frewin Theatre (@FrewinTheatre) October 24, 2013
Official Houdini Séance will Haunt the
Halifax Citadel on Halloween
Famous Canadian fort to host an evening of
magic, mystery and history
Harry Houdini spent a month in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1896. This Halloween, some are hoping the legendary escape artist will return to the harbour city. The 2013 Official Houdini Séance is set to convene at historic Citadel Hill, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on October 31.
Before he died on Halloween in 1926, Houdini promised to send a message from the Great Beyond. His widow Beatrice held the first ten séances on the anniversary of his death, and each year since the Official Houdini Séance has been held in a city where Houdini performed. It is now organized by an American consortium of Houdini experts, piloted by Tom Boldt and Bill Radner, son of Sidney Radner who was caretaker of the Séance from 1947-2010. Halifax organizer is Nova Scotia author and Houdini historian Bruce MacNab.
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Goulish thrill seekers in Halifax will be looking for signs of legendary magician Harry Houdini’s return from the grave this Halloween night.
Houdini, whose real name was Ehrich Weisz, died in Detroit at the age of 52 on Oct. 31, 1926. He was buried in Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, N.Y.
Just before he passed away, he promised his wife he'd send a message from the great beyond, if it was possible.
Since his death 87 years ago, there's been a séance — somewhere in the world — every Halloween night. This year it will be held in Halifax.
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