David Ben in the National Post

From the National Post:

DAVID BEN: Canadian magician. Recognized as one of the world’s greatest sleight of hand artists.

There’s something I’ve worked on (the Dad Stevens Riffle Cull); it’s probably the most difficult sleight of hand technique in the world. The famed magician Dai Vernon discovered it from a gambler, who told him it took 18 years of practice. I thought that was crazy, but I also thought I was young enough that I could give it a shot. I’ve now been working on this technique every single day for 15 years (45 minutes a day at first, but now it’s about 15 minutes) and I’m only just getting it. I studied with master magician Ross Bertram, and he told me that the one thing he couldn’t teach me was enthusiasm. That has to be innate.

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Vancouver presents: A Q & A with Oslen and Kel

From Vancouver Presents:

Illusionists Oslen, a finalist on Canada’s Got Talent  in 2012, and award-winning Kel team-up for a three-night run of what they promise to be a Vegas-style magic show at South Vancouver’s Metro Theatre.

In this Q&A, we find out more from both illusionists as they prepare for Magique – A Magic Spectacular.

Q: Most magicians became interested in magic at a young age – do you remember the first time you wanted to be a magician?

Oslen: Yes I remember my first time I wanted to be a magician, it was at an early age of eight when I first saw my first live magic show at the PNE on the Kids World stage. After watching that magic performance I told my dad I wanted to be a magician.

Kel: I do wish I was younger than when I started.  I was 17 when I decided that I was going to be a magician.

Q: What was it about magic that excited you?


Read more.

St. Albert: Sheldon Casavant "Exploring the Impossible"

From the Northern Alberta International Children's Festival:

Sheldon Casavant:  Exploring the Impossible

Children are fascinated by magic – longing to become their own magnificent magicians. With sleight of hand and mind-captivating illusions, Edmonton's Sheldon Casavant shares his own story of discovery as he redefines magic in this logic-defying, mind-bending performance.

Borrowed items vanish and reappear, inanimate objects are brought to life, and kids are called on to perform outrageous feats. Casavant uses the art of magic to inspire curiosity and courage to imagine the impossible.

Tuesday, May 31
Wednesday, June 1    
Thursday, June 2    
Friday, June 3    
Saturday, June 4

Read more and buy tickets.

Caledon: Lee Elliott at "How to in 10"

From the Caledon Public Library:

How-To in 10 Festival

Saturday, April 16, 2016 ~ 1 to 3 pm 

Albion Bolton Branch, 150 Queen Street South, Bolton

Local businesses and organziations will offer their expertise and enthusiasm to teach a new skill in 10 minutes or less.

Read more.

From the Caledon Public Library's Twitter feed:

Learn magic tricks with Magic Lee at How-To In 10 Festival. https://t.co/NB2unYbSiq #CPLHowTo10 @TheLeeElliott pic.twitter.com/xNLLqpm5EX

— CaledonPublicLibrary (@CaledonLibrary) April 11, 2016

Montreal: Ravi Mayar lecture

From Montreal Magic Jam:

Monday April 18

Our next lecturer will be the fantastic Ravi Mayar. Ravi was actually a Montrealer for a good part of his life, but is now based out of the UK, and we’re happy to welcome him home. Ravi will be presenting his No Cards Lecture, based on the material from his DVD Storyteller, a collection of visually stunning, organic magic effects. The lecture will also include material from his first DVD set, Collisions, as well as an intro to his hypnosis technique and the real work on pickpocketing! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn material not usually taught in magic lectures, and is not to be missed!

Read more and buy tickets.

Rounding the Western rings in April 2016

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)	- Junior club meeting. - Christian Engblom lecture
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Christian Engblom lecture
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Christian Engblom lecture
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Magic Flea Market - Christian Engblom lecture - Third Monday Magic
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- TBA
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- TBA
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Christian Engblom lecture

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

Rounding the Central rings in April 2016

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Meetup. - Simon Black lecture
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Favorite card or rope trick.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Round robin.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Auction.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Tenyo Magic Presentation - Show and tell - Executive nominations - Charity Show @ Waupoos Farm
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Rob Power lecture.

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