30 May 2014

Winners to see The Uncertainty Project in Toronto

The contest to win tickets to see "The Uncertainty Project" next month closed last night at midnight.  Here's the list of entrants:
  1. Artemus Syman
  2. Dan McLean Jr
  3. Derek D
  4. Magic Mike Segal
There are four pairs of tickets to be won and four entrants, leaving no uncertainty about who won the tickets!

Congratulations Artemus, Dan, Derek and Mike!  I'll be e-mailing you with instructions about how to claim your prize.  Enjoy the show!  (And don't forget to let me know how you like it.)

Thank you all for playing! A special thanks to James from Abracadabaret for generously making these tickets available to you!



David Ben on Ross Bertram and Sleight-of-Hand

From Magicana's article "Sleight-of-Hand":
Ross Bertram was a legendary figure in the world of magic, first coming to international prominence for his pure sleight-of-hand in the 1940s when he was invited to be part of the “Stars of Magic”, the magic equivalent of a art movement or group, whose techniques were offered by subscription to magicians around the world. Dai Vernon, his friend, and fellow Canadian, and the most influential magician of the 20th century, had invited him to participate. Ross disappeared from view in the 1960s, the stress and strain of a life in show business having taken its toll. He reappeared in the late 70s, just when my interest in sleight-of-hand began to percolate.

Read more.


From Magicana's article "Improvisation":
“Learn as many sleights at as you possibly can and then improvise,” was Ross Bertram’s advice. 
Read more.

29 May 2014

Murray SawChuck's appearance on AGT

iTricks is revisiting magical appearances on America's Got Talent and recently posted footage of Murray SawChuck from a few years back.  Enjoy!


28 May 2014

Review: A Series of Unfortunate Effects

From the Facebook page of A Series of Unfortunate Effects:



27 May 2014

Broken wand: Bob Johnston

From Ring 17:
We are sad to report the passing of one of our members, Bob Johnston. Bob was a member briefly, joining in 2011, and attended meetings occasionally when his schedule permitted. He passed away May 12 following a heart attack. The club sends its sincere condolences to his wife, Debbie. 
Read more.

From Legacy:
JOHNSTON, Bob - Suddenly at home on Monday, May 12, 2014 at the age of 57. Bob, beloved husband of Debbie for 35 years. Cherished son of Margaret and the late Johnny and treasured son-in-law of Ila and the late Jack Ellison. Dear brother of Gary. Bob will be sadly missed by family members, countless friends and much loved pets. 
Read more

Hamilton: Séance with Nicholas Wallace

June 25-27 
Everyone loves a good ghost story. This is your chance to be part of one.

In this completely immersive experience, illusionist Nicholas Wallace invites you to join him in exploring the world of the Victorian spirit medium, in what is reliably being called “the first attempt to use an actual séance as part of a theatrical entertainment.”

Read more and buy tickets.

26 May 2014

Darcy Oake on foreign acts

From the Daily Mail:
But as he prepares to perform live tonight, the 26-year-old said he could accept the point of view that only Britons should be allowed to compete. 
[Darcy] Oake said: 'I totally understand and get that viewpoint. For me, Britain's got talent is literally the biggest talent show in the world. 
Read more.

From Clive Court's Facebook page:



Post by Clive Court.



Best wishes Darcy!