01 April 2015

Under new management



It is with mixed emotions that I announce, effective immediately, James Alan is in charge of Canada's Magic.  As many of you know, I started this site over 4 years ago and have since tried to make a go at making it financially viable.  I remain grateful to my sponsors past and present (Doug Cuff, Ryan Pilling, Clive Court, Phil & Evelyn Matlin and Jeff Pinsky) for showing me their support.  However, the sweat equity to income ratio remains unfavourable.

I have great faith that the site will be in good hands.  James did wonders with the Ring 17 social media during his presidency.  I understand that he's got many creative plans lined up for the future.  (Based on the success of the recent "Thirty seconds with..." interviews, I understand he's lining up some interesting podcasts with mimes).  I will be assisting him with transition in the short term.

For current sponsors, you have the option of riding out your current contract or contacting me directly to make alternate arrangements.  For my long time supporters, I thank you and hope that you show James the same support and encouragement that you've shown me over the years.  Before you contact me to find out the unpublishable details, I recommend that you check the date this was posted.

Thank you, as always, for your support and understanding.

31 March 2015

Thirty seconds with Chris Mayhew

This is the eleventh in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

Professional magician Chris Mayhew, originally from Calgary but now living in Toronto thinks that Canada is a friendly place to be.  He first came to Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp in 2013 with the task of creating the official camp video.  He did such a great job, that he was back in 2014 as official camp videographer.

FUN FACT:
Chris prefers Oreos to store-bought chocolate chip cookies, but would take homemade chocolate chip cookies over Oreos any day!

DID YOU KNOW?
Chris considers himself to be shy.
Chris' first memory of magic is as a young teenager of 13, seeing the sign at the Vanishing Rabbit Magic shop in Calgary.  It's not surprising that when he thinks about Sorcerers Safari, he thinks of magic!  Chris encourages performers to take the time to make routines their own, and wishes that there weren't so many people out there spreading bad magic.  His advice to aspiring magicians:  "Learn what you can and make it work for you.  Be sure to add yourself."

When not thinking about magic, Chris is likely thinking about videography.

Chris contributes to Five Academy Magic, has a solo lecture / show "MAYhew, MAYhem" and is also part of a comedy duo show "Sketchy Magic" with Chris Westfall.  You can catch Sketchy Magic every Tuesday in April.

From Chris Westfall's Facebook page:
The best way to love is to laugh together. It's not a magic show, it's a #sketchymagic experience. Save a date. April 7,14,21 or 28! An amazing deal from feb 1st-14th. Stay posted for info #saveadate
Posted by Chris Westfall on Thursday, 29 January 2015


Visit Chris' website at: ChrisMayhewMagic.com .


From the Fireside Productions Facebook page:
© Rebecca C. Wells 2014
Posted by Fireside Productions on Wednesday, 3 September 2014


Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:



From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed

30 March 2015

Top 5 posts in March 2015

It's been another busy month for news with close to 45 posts! Here are the most viewed posts at Canada's Magic this month:

5. Festival de magie de Québec: The magic poster - I'm looking forward to seeing their advertising for this year!
4. Thirty seconds with Carey Lauder - Photographer extraordinaire!
3. Thirty seconds with Michael Close - A fabulous interviewee. 
2. Thirty seconds with Mark Correia - Book coming soon.


and the most viewed post this month  ...



1. Who's where March 2015 - Don't forget to add yourself to next month's list!

Rounding the Western rings in April 2015

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.



CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- Shoot Ogawa lecture
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic ClubShoot Ogawa lecture
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of WinnipegShoot Ogawa lecture
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)- Third Monday Magic
Shoot Ogawa lecture
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- N/A
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- N/A
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)   Shoot Ogawa lecture
 
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Central rings in April 2015

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.


Montreal, QCRing 62 (20th Century Ring) - Assistants, auditions and rehearsal.
- Stage workers.
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) - TBA
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Prop and pocket management.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Magic auction.
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) - Show and tell.
- Executive Nominations.
- Martin Cox and Will Gray lecture.
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- TBA
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) - Ben Train lecture


Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Eastern rings in April 2015

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.


Halifax, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - TBA
- Visit their Facebook page.
St. John, NBMagic Circle of St. John- TBA

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

29 March 2015

Broken wand: Eric Lenz

From Legacy:
LENZ, Eric
August 11, 1935 - March 6, 2015
On March 6, 2015 Eric Lenz passed away with his family by his side at his home, Rosewood Manor. Eric was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Albrecht and Cecelia Lenz. His three siblings, sister Joan and brothers Norman and Albrecht (Chub), predeceased him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Donna; his sons Michael (Trish) and Graham (Aya); grandsons Zachary and Spencer; nieces Heather, Adele, Laura, Joanne and nephew Albert as well as many good friends. Eric resided in Richmond in the South Arm area for over 40 years. Long-time neighbours benefited from his great sense of humour and the value that he placed on their friendship. On his regular walks through South Arm Park, he was always happy to stop for a friendly chat with anyone he met. Eric worked as a salesman in the housewares/china industry to support his loving family. Second to them, his passion was magic and he was never happier than when on stage performing. He was awarded the Order of Merlin from the International Brotherhood of Magicians and a Life-Time Membership in the Vancouver Magic Circle. For more than a decade he entertained thousands across the country with the Magic of Cooking show. As a magic teacher, he taught at the Vancouver Technical night school program for 28 years. Many of his students went on to join the Vancouver Magic Circle, making it the largest magic club in North America.

Read more.

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Sorry to learn of the passing of another dear friend. Eric Lenz was an amazing man who did it all and loved every...
Posted by Shawn Farquhar on Saturday, 28 March 2015