The magic of Pokémon Go

From Discourse in Magic:

Unless you’ve been living under the worlds largest rock, I’m sure you’re aware of the hype and excitement of the launch of Pokémon Go.

Whether you feel good about it and you’re excited that nerds are getting out of their dens, and losing some weight. Or you feel bad about it, because people are crowding public places, while still staring at their phones. You cannot deny that it’s launch is one of the most viral launches of anything that we’ve ever seen.

Since magic is a unique art, it’s always interesting when new art forms, games, or technologies come to light, that help us get a better view of what were doing. 

So what does magic and Pokémon Go have in common AND WHY DOES IT MATTER TO YOU?

Read more.

Ryan Joyce on "Penn and Teller Fool Us" Season 3

The US networks are doing a great job of CanCon!

Watch Ryan's outstanding performance on the Penn & Teller Fool Us Season 3 YouTube channel:

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Also watch Ryan's video Behind the Scenes EP 1:

Random thoughts on "Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess"

Last night I had the pleasure of catching "Chris Westfall Magic & the Porcelain Princess" at the Papermill Theatre (part of Todmorden Mills on Pottery Road, tucked in next to the DVP).  It's a cozy theatre that seats approximately 150.  I'm guessing there's not a bad seat in the house.

Kidlet had this to say about the show:

• If you ask me what my favourite part is, my answer would be "the beginning to the end."

Kidlet's friend added:

• If I were half as good a magician as Chris Westfall, I'd call myself incredible!

Here are some random thoughts that came to mind about Thursday night's show:

• Ben Train kept the kids captivated in the lobby while we waited for things to get started.
• Chris made the kids laugh as he gave the audience a pre-show sneak peak at Bella. 
• From the beginning, Chris and Bella, deliver a very visual and high-energy show!
• Bella elegantly defied the laws of physics with, among other things, a crystal ball, rings, and a hula hoop.
• (Was I the only one tickled by the visual pun of the dolly being taken off stage on a dolly?)
• Chris masterfully executed illusions large and small.
• Mouth shuffling was unexpectedly entertaining! 
• A Pokéman Go player made a timely and unexpected cameo.
• This is a volunteer intensive show.  By my count there were eight delightful children and one good-natured adult brought up on stage.
• The volunteers were fabulous, and made the evening so much fun for everyone!
• Chris expertly engaged the children, and had them eating out of the palm of his hand (figuratively). 
• Hang out after the show for post-show photos, autographs, and a meet & greet!
• "Is it magic, or is it illusion?"

To learn more about this family friendly show, visit Chris Westfall Magic.  You can purchase tickets for tonight's show (Friday July 22) at Eventbrite.

Disclosure:  My family and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

Darcy Oake tests driverless car

From the CBC:

Darcy Oake has been getting a lot of head turns from drivers and pedestrians over the past few days on Winnipeg streets.  

The Winnipeg magician has been driving a borrowed electric Tesla Model X around the city — one of the few self-driving cars currently on the streets of Winnipeg and Western Canada. 

"It's insane. I feel like it's artificial intelligence." 

"It senses everything around, it drives itself, it parks itself, it can come pick you up, it's kind of freaky," he said while taking CBC for a ride-along Tuesday afternoon. 

Read more.

Michael Close on WISH TV

From WISH TV:

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Each and every week Dick Wolfsie shares an interesting and unique story that has a connection to central Indiana.

This time Dick Wolfsie talked to magician Mike Close.

Close, who is the president of the Society of American Magicians, discusses the intricacy and process that goes into performing an illusion and a trick.

Read more and watch videos.

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5

[via The Magic-Compass and iTricks]

Brampton: Matt Disero

July 23

From Dave Sokowlowski's Facebook page:
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Hey, go check out my good friend Matt Disero performing in Brampton.
Posted by Dave Sokolowski on Friday, 15 July 2016

Calgary: James Jordan Vaudevillian

 July 29 to Aug.6

From the Calgary Fringe:

WINNER {Spirit of the Fringe} Vancouver Fringe
Amazing vaudeville comedy variety show with original magic, skilled juggling and royalty-free music.

“You definitely will laugh and cheer” Valerie Ostara, Vancouver, Plank Magazine

“humorous, lighthearted and fast-paced” Andrea Hill, The Starphoenix

“Vaudevillian is a fast-paced firecracker” Michael Hingston, Edmonton Journal

Genre: Comedy / Spoken Word / Cabaret / Vaudeville
Rating: Especially for Young People (All Ages 5+, Audience Participation, For/By Children, Solo Performance,


Read more and buy tickets.