Storytime with The Professor

From John Cox at Wild About Houdini:

The October 2013 Magic Castle Newsletter has launched a new column, "Storytime with The Professor", featuring memorable tales told by the late Dai Vernon. The inaugural story is about, what else, Houdini, and in it Vernon recounts how S.A.M. members once "tricked" Houdini into going into a closest at the New York Hippodrome and locked him inside. "We pulled this trick on him because he was such a terrible egotist," said the man who's own ego was pretty well developed.

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Toronto: Browser's Den 38th Anniversary Party

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

BROWSER’S DEN OF MAGIC
38th Anniversary Party
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2013
Cost to Attend: FREE!!

FREE PRIZES * DISCOUNT ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * * SANDWICHES * COFFEE *SNACKS * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * * SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD * CAKE *

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WowFest Magic Festival's Young Magician Showcase

From WowFest Magic:

At the upcoming WowFest Magic Festival, happening in February 2014, we want to hand a whole show over to the next generation of magicians! The Young Magician Showcase will feature amazing performers under the age of 20. This is an open invitation to all those young whipper-snappers who want to be a part of WowFest.

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Cool couple: Evelyn and Phil Matlin

Happy (upcoming) 55th wedding anniversary Evelyn and Phil!  And happy birthday Evelyn!


From The Canadian Jewish News, "Montreal Weddings" supplement (pg 12 and 13):

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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Broken wand: Gilles Fontaine

From Magician.org:

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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[via The Linking Ring, Vol 93, #10, October 2013]

Ottawa: Chris Pilsworth

From Canada Aviation and Space Museum:

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. 

Read more and buy tickets.

[via Perfect Magic] 

Magi-Fest 2014: Youth scholarships

According to Andi at Vanishing Inc Magic, Canadian's are welcome to apply!  Thanks Andi!


From Magi-Fest:

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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