Canada's Magic

01 April 2015

Mysterion and Ben Train at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs): Mysterion

Pickering (Fri): Ben Train

Toronto (Sun): Ben Train

James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!" Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.

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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

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:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

30 March 2015

Rounding the Western rings in April 2015

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

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- Shoot Ogawa lecture
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Shoot Ogawa lecture
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Shoot Ogawa lecture
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring )	- Third Monday Magic - Shoot Ogawa lecture
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- N/A
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- N/A
Victoria, BC	Ring 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, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Assistants, auditions and rehearsal. - Stage workers.
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- TBA
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Prop and pocket management.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Magic auction.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Show and tell. - Executive Nominations. - Martin Cox and Will Gray lecture.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Ben Train lecture