London: Michael Close at The Session 2018

From The Session:

The Session & The Event – January 12th – 14th 2018

Now based just two minutes from Heathrow airport (making it very easy to get to!), you’ll learn the true secrets of performing amazing close-up magic and mentalism from some of the best in the industry.

With a variety of workshops, lectures, parties and plenty of time to session (of course), it’s no wonder that The Session has sold out every single year. With one-off events and lectures designed specifically for this event, The Session is not just a conference; it is a learning experience like no other in magic.

The Session 2018 promises to be the best yet! In previous years our guests were sharing magic with the likes of Derren Brown, David Blaine, Dynamo, Rune Klan, Troy, Ben Hanlin, Guy Hollingworth, Pit Hartling, Denis Behr, Daniel Madison, Roberto Giobbi, Juan Tamariz, and more. You would be CRAZY to skip The Session 2017. We’ll be announcing more info soon!

Read more and register.

From the Facebook page of Michael Close:

Hamilton: Michael Kras' "The Year and Two of Us Back Here"

From the Twitter feed of Michael Kras:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

Also, my new play The Year and Two of Us Back Here is officially premiering at the @HamOntFringe in 2018 at @TheStaircase. It's really personal and also has the longest title at the Fringe this year probably. I can't wait to share it with you. pic.twitter.com/srieQJfaSu

— Michael Kras (@KrasMagic) December 12, 2017

Carleton establishing Chair for the Study of the Conjuring Arts

Speaking of picking a post-secondary school, Carleton is adding a new magical incentive!

(There's a nice mention of Johnny Giordmaine in the post too.)


From the December 20th post at the Carleton Newsroom:

Carleton University is pleased to announce the creation of the Allan Slaight Chair for the Study of the Conjuring Arts, thanks to a $2-million leadership gift from The Slaight Family Foundation that has been matched by the university. The Chair will work with students on various topics in many disciplines and will join the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

“We are honoured to be the recipient of The Slaight Family Foundation’s generosity and excited for the learning opportunities this Chair will create,” says Carleton’s Interim President Alastair Summerlee. “As a society, it’s imperative that we understand when we are being deceived. It’s also important to remember that magicians are among some of history’s greatest performers and influencers.”

Read more.

Isn't this how everyone picks a post-secondary school?

From the December 19 article "The Things We Do For Love (of Magic)" by Evelyn Matlin at the Perfect Magic blog:

So here’s the story. Before Christmas Stephane came to our shop for  supplies. He was talking to Phil at this point, as I was with another customer so I don’t know how the topic came up,  but I caught a bit of the conversation and later got the whole story. Stephane told us when he graduated from CEGEP, he was accepted by four Universities. He told his father he wanted to go to the Polytechnique  Montréal. His father said, “Why do you want to go there? You can go to any University, you can go to McGill!” and Stephane said he made up some excuse that he told his father and that’s where he went.

He said “Very few people know this but I chose it because ...

Read more.

A magical Diversion to start the New Year

From the December 12th article "Entertainment Diversion Opposes The Great Illusion Friday, January 5th!" by Pascal at le blog TV news (translated by Google):

A program presented by Arthur and proposed by Satisfaction, The Television Agency, broadcast Friday, January 5 at 21 hours on TF1.

For one evening, forget everything you think you know about magic and let yourself be immersed in the incredible universe of "DIVERSION"!

" For this second issue, six magicians specializing in illusion or mentalism will take control of your TV!" Caroline Marx "The Sorcerer", Enzo Wayne "The Elusive", Luc Langevin "The Scientist", Gus " The manipulator ", Antonio" the expert "and Viktor Vincent" The mentalist "have given themselves the mission to make you spend an amazing evening that mixes magic and humor On the set, they will surprise anonymous and celebrities with blows many more bluffing turns than the others! "

Read more.

Read original article "Le divertissement Diversion opposé à La grande illusion vendredi 5 janvier !" in French.


From the MT1 Twitter feed:

@Diversion revient sur @TF1 vendredi 5 janvier 2018 à 21:00 présenté par @Arthur_Officiel accompagné de @LucLangevin, #ViktorVincent, @GusIllusionnist, @Caroline_Marx_, @EnzoIllusion, & #Antonio ! #Diversion pic.twitter.com/Ho51X6s8wb

— MT1 🎄 (@MT1_Off) December 12, 2017

Jeff Hobson steals from Toronto police

Catch The Illusionists at The Princess of Wales Theatre until January 7th.


From the December 15th article, "Performer ‘robs’ police chief Saunders of watch" by Alina Bykova  in the Toronto Star:

Saunders, who was in the audience with his wife and son, was picked as Hobson’s “first victim” for a trick that involved a set of cards and ended with him removing a chewed card from Hobson’s mouth.

At the same time, Hobson skilfully removed the chief’s Apple watch from his wrist without him noticing.

“Of course, not being from Toronto, Jeff had no idea who this gentleman in a suit was — and the chief never revealed his identity,” wrote John Karastamatis of Mirvish Entertainment in an email to the Star.

Saunders said he was shocked and amused by the trick.

“What happened is I got duped; buddy removed my watch, but he was kind enough to return it,” Saunders said in a phone interview. “It’s shocking how good he is, he did it without anyone knowing. It was very funny.”

Read more.

Steve Harmer in the Mayerthorpe Freelancer

From the December 4 article "Peter Shokeir" by in the Mayerthorpe Freelancer:

Motivational Magic helps children understand abstract concepts through a magical performance. It offers 10 different shows, which teach subjects ranging from leadership to bully prevention.

"Kids love magic. It captures their imagination," Harmer said. "The message enters in the backdoor."

For Elmer Elson, Harmer did his "Brilliant and Resilient" show that teaches children how to bounce back after difficulties and problems. Some concepts he taught include the importance of interpersonal connections and believing in one's own abilities.

"I love capturing the children's attention," Harmer said. "It's just a fun way to teach. I have more fun than the kids."

Read more.