blogTO's top five magicians in Toronto

It's interesting to read the comment section of the post.  How lovely to see that people can be passionate about their favourite magician.  Doubly so that there are so many talented magicians in Toronto from which to choose!

What do you think?  Did PO Karim get the top five right?

From blogTO:

The top magicians and mentalists in Toronto are amongst the best in the world, though skeptics may not be aware of their existence. These masters of magic are sought after entertainers wowing audiences from TV and stage to corporate functions and special events. Whether they're using elaborate theatrics or a deck of cards, their specially honed skills can have you believing in the impossible.

On with the show - here are my picks for the top magicians in Toronto. 

Read more.

Anthony Lindan interviews Greg Frewin

From Anthony Lindan:

The Secrets of Success Project is a collection of inspiring and motivating Niagara success stories. Anthony Lindan, whose 15 years old son is on the Autism Spectrum, created the Project as a third party fundraising initiative to raise both money and awareness for Autism. 

Anthony interviewed some of the most interesting people in Niagara - world class athletes, radio personalities, business people, entertainers and entrepreneurs - about their success. The interviews offer powerful tips and insights about becoming more successful both personally and professionally. 

The interviews are online at http://secretsofsuccessproject.com/ and visitors are encouraged to listen to as many as they like and make a ‘pay what you can’ donation.
All net proceeds from the Project will go the Autism Ontario Niagara Region Chapter.

From the Secrets of Success:

Amazing is the only way to describe Greg Frewin’s career and his passion for amazing and entertaining his audiences. Greg is currently Canada’s most accomplished and successful magician. He has performed on every major stage in the world, on numerous TV specials and has won every magic award and honor offered. For the past 10 years Greg has performed about 275 dates a year in his own theatre – The Greg Frewin Theatre – in Niagara Falls, ON.

Greg shares the real secrets that have brought him incredible success both on and off the stage.

Read more, listen to the interview and make a donation to the Autism Ontario Niagara Region Chapter.

Looking for Hosts for REALITY - MAGIC SERIES

Location: Toronto based - Shooting across Canada

DEADLINE FOR TALENT VIDEO SUBMISSIONS: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

New, reality MAGIC SERIES driven by 2 actual magician/illusionists, who go undercover as tour guides of authentic haunted locations, creating mind-boggling, organic illusions each tour to unsuspecting crowds of tourists.

[MAGICIAN/ILLUSIONIST 'HOSTS' X 2 (MALE)] UNION or Non-Union. 2 experienced magician/illusionists, capable of creating organic illusions of conjured paranormal phenomenon. Must be highly skilled in a variety of forms of magic including but not limited to large illusions, escapology, close-up magic, mentalism, and pickpocket. An interest in the paranormal is a plus as well as a comedy background. Highly experienced MAGICIAN/ILLUSIONISTS. Ability to collaborate with a team of magician/illusionists. Strong improvisational skills. Strong interaction skills. Comedy/Acting background an asset. An interest in the paranormal. Must be CANADIAN.

MUST REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

1. PHOTO & MAGICIAN BIO

2. MAGIC/ILLUSION DEMO REEL

3. SELF-TAPE – 2-3 minutes - Chatting directly to camera, as your outgoing self, tell us briefly about your Magician/Illusionist experience, your interest in the paranormal, and an example of a mind-boggling paranormal illusion you would create. ***Please ensure enough light for self-tapes.

4. Opening Text Screen should read:

Name

represented by:

Vanderwerff Talent

416 890 0905

mirjam@vanderwerfftalent.com

5. Email materials through a file/video sharing site, such as an unregistered youtube link, or via WETRANSFER OR HIGHTAIL, WITH EMAIL LINK TO: mirjam@vanderwerfftalent.com by Wednesday April 22, 2015.

With thanks to Lisa Close for sending this in.

Ben Train, Phil Pivnick and "Sketchy Magic" at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):  Ben Train

Pickering (Fri):   Phil Pivnick

Toronto (Sun):  [dark] [I can't imagine why]

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic


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*.



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

Hamilton and Ottawa: Henry Evans lecture

From Joan Caesar:

Henry Evans is lecturing in Hamilton on April 27 and in Ottawa on April 28 at the IBM Rings in those cities.

Thanks for the update Joan!

Thirty seconds with Simon Waring

This is the twelfth 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.

I remember sitting at the Pinetages Theatre waiting for the evening show to start.  Lee Asher's "B4" card class was tasked with approaching people in the audience (before the main show) and performing some close-up magic for them, while paying close attention to audience reaction.  While the majority of the class made a beeline to their friends, Simon made his way to me. I had the pleasure of watching him perform three wonderful card tricks.  Keep up the great work Simon!

Simon Waring is an aspiring magician from Gerogina, ON.  He thinks Canada is the best country in the world because it's such an accepting place, there is so much freedom and it's home to many great accomplishments.

FUN FACT:
Simon prefers chocolate chip cookies to Oreos.

DID YOU KNOW?
Simon's biggest influences are his parents, "the two best people in the world.

Simon's first memory of magic dates back to when he was six years old.  He remembers performing a children's vanish with Playmobil and a Toys'r'Us magic kit.  Simon first heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp at Morrissey's Magic shop in 2009 when he was ten years old.  Simon's attend camp as a camper for six years.  He comes back to camp because the activities are so unique and interactive.  He hates the thought of missing out on something wonderful.  He's made great friends at camp and keeps in touch with them throughout the year.

Simon hopes that magic isn't losing its roots and that that people realize the value of reading books, going to lectures, and learning in person.  He suggests that young performers "practise, practise, practise."  He also encourages them to be creative and think about what enhances effects.  One last tip from Simon: "Take good care of your cards."

Simon's favourite non-magic activity is talking with friends about history.





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

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth | Chris Mayhew

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

Erix Logan on Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

I've been waiting for this video! So here is tri-lingual Canadian illusionist Erix Logan performing his spectacular new...
Posted by Clive Court on Wednesday, 1 April 2015