Canada's Magic

26 July 2016

Review: Keith Brown's "Absolute Magic"

From the CBC:

Hotter than Potter!

That's how short, suited, 20-something magician Keith Brown bills himself. He even hawks buttons with that overconfident slogan. It definitely becomes him, though — this guy performs like a motivational speaker on Red Bull.

Read more.

25 July 2016

Does magic have a future on Canadian television?

Of importance, in the last paragraph of Clive's message, he states:

"I want to encourage Canadian magicians who appear on international tv shows to produce an 8-minute video for showing to the people who will be meeting across Canada during the next year to discuss the future of Canadian television. It is our opportunity to change the lousy management of our entertainment resources....particularly television."

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

24 July 2016

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.

23 July 2016

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:

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

22 July 2016

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.

21 July 2016

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.

20 July 2016

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.