Walter Blaney documentary series

Visit WalterZaneyBlaney.com to learn more about the Walter Blaney documentary series.  The site is curated by Timothy Drake.

Sleightly Sketchy: Ghost light

To keep you safe upon your return.





Text from day_leno_'s Instagram:

In theatre we have a tradition- whenever the theatre is empty we are always sure to leave one light on. Typically on a stand in the center of the stage, this light is known as the ghost light. There are many stories about its origin- but it’s meaning is unmistakable.

It means though the theatre is empty, WE WILL RETURN. So here’s to us. The actors, the technicians, the directors, the carpenters, the designers, the dancers, the teachers, the students, the freelancers, those on tour, those at sea, the electricians, the stitchers, the makers, the stage managers.... THE ARTISTS. Many of us have taken big hits during this virus. Financial and emotional weights have come crashing down as our entire industry is reduced to nothing but a bunch of ghost lights. But those ghost lights are temporary place holders. They are a sign. We might be down now- but our passion, our creativity, our drive is still center stage. We’ll be unplugging those ghost lights in no time. Until then- here’s a ghost light- to let the world know we will be back.

A letter from Alex Zander, IBM International President

From the IBM Facebook page:

*** Letter from the International President ***
I am reaching out to all members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians with important news as we talk #coronavirus, #conventions, and how to #KeepCalmAndPerformMagic

As the worldwide organization of magicians, we have been closely following the coronavirus outbreak, and want to assure that your health and the health of our communities come first. 

The IBM Convention is still months away, not until July 8-11th, 2020, and planning is in full swing. We are continuing to work hard to provide another exceptional gathering of talent and an unforgettable opportunity to learn from the true greats. If the virus continues to present issues in the months ahead, we will surely keep you informed of any changes, as we monitor the medical response in the United States, and will do our part keeping communities safe by respecting official event restrictions. 

We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh, PA July 8-11, 2020 for the magic convention of the year. For details, visit IBMConvention.com
With regards to Ring meetings, we cannot offer specific guidance about whether you should or should not meet because our Rings are located in diverse countries, states, provinces, regions, and communities. Rather, we urge you to follow the recommendations of your local/state or federal medical authorities and governments. Obviously, everyone’s safety is paramount and we are confident that you will do what is best for all concerned. 

We are here to support you however we can and will help you through this challenging time. We have been hard at work and ramped up our release date to proudly announce three exciting new projects this month:
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- I.B.M. JAM Live- a Two-Week Facebook Live streaming event with new performers daily, featuring lectures/talks/JustAboutMagic sessions with Q&A from world renowned stars, experts, and creative forces in the world of magic like Jessica Jane Peterson,Harrison Greenbaum, Shawn Farquhar, Ryan Pilling, David Kaye, and many MANY more with over 14 world-class acts - all rallying together to spread joy in the face of adversity. See the full talent list, watch the Facebook Live stream and comment on IBM - International Brotherhood of Magicians @ 8:00pm Central Time. EVERYDAY March 22-April 4 2020. Then rewatch in the members-only area at magician.org!

- Free Landing Pages for Rings- this incredible offer is ready to be seized by your Ring to reach magic lovers in your area through local search results. Includes magic keywords and your customized Ring meeting location, contact info, and URL by city!Take a look at the live example sites at MagicInVancouver.now.site, MagicInToronto.now.site, MagicInNYC.now.site and soon to in your city too! Just email royaltie@magician.org for your free Ring landing page, or visit MarketingMagic.now.site for one of the best offers in web design with an I.B.M.-exclusive.

- MyMagicMeeting.com - Free videoconference Ring meetings around the world and across your phone, tablet, or computer. We now provide free access to Rings and magic communities internationally to meet across distance. This can include an I.B.M. Host to facilitate the entire hosting process (no need to learn videoconferencing software!), introduce new performance ideas, workshops, creativity challenges, and bring in special guests and international stars of magic from our worldwide JAM Live sessions right to your local group! Visit today and register your next ring at MyMagicMeeting.com
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We continue to work around the clock to provide world-class benefits to our members and magic community, all at no extra cost, and hope you can join us for these exciting new projects to keep our communities strong at the world’s premier magic organization.
- Alex Zander
International President,
International Brotherhood of Magicians

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Details available at Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses.


From the Canadian Actors' Equity:

Self-employed workers not eligible for EI, aka most Equity members ARE COVERED under Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan! Some excellent news we all needed to hear.

Self-employed workers not eligible for EI, aka most Equity members ARE COVERED under
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan! Some excellent news we all needed to hear.

https://t.co/6IeJRl8RY7

— Canadian Actors' Equity (@CdnActorsEquity) March 18, 2020

Online meetings and shows

Updated at 15:31 EST to add:

• Jeff & Tessa Evason have opened up their vault to share this TV special featuring Thomas Baxter, James Cielen, Carl Cloutier, Dean Gunnarson, Gary Kurtz, Richard Sanders and Jay Sankey, with a special appearance by magician David Peck.  Watch on YouTube.

Are you itching to make it to a magic meeting from the comfort of your own home? 

• Ryan Pilling has set up www.MyMagicMeeting.com
  

  I can't stand cancelled magic club meetings! So I made this...
  www.MyMagicMeeting.com
  Join me Thursday night for a live, interactive video magic club meeting. You can participate, and even become a part of the scheduled program by proposing a talk.
  Magicians: Please share this with your local clubs that are currently on hiatus.

  
  
• You could join Aaron Matthews Magic live:

  Why not have some fun and share some magic and thoughts with all of you while we’re all home for a few weeks! I hope to hear from all of you in the chat this week.
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  View this post on Instagram

  
  

  
  

  
  

  WE GO LIVE starting TOMORROW!! Why not have some fun and share some magic and thoughts with all of you while we’re all home for a few weeks! I hope to hear from all of you in the chat this week 🥳😊 @thekillshow @entertainuspodcast @emilmorelikedessert

  A post shared by Aaron Magic Matthews (@aaronmatthewsmagic) on Mar 17, 2020 at 1:54pm PDT

  
  
  

  
  
• Free admission to McBride Magic and Mystery School
  

  MYSTERY SCHOOL MONDAY is held every Monday night at 7:00-8:00pm pacific time. The following link will take you into our classroom as early as 6:45pm: https://zoom.us/j/562254051
  Please note: we use the Zoom platform. (Download Zoom for free at www.zoom.us.)
  
  If this is your first time, you will find a welcoming community of like-minded magicians discussing a significant topic every week! Please note: our classroom only holds 100 people, so be sure to get to class early!

Interested in catching a show?  Peter Mennie and Carisa Hendrix have you covered!

Full 1 Hour Lucy Darling show available to stream for free here at 7am PST https://t.co/5QfwWAPAuS

Grab a drink and pretend you are here in this beautiful theatre. Happy to be able to make this available to you while we wait for things to return to normal.
Please stay safe.

— Carisa Hendrix (@CarisaHendrix) March 16, 2020

Here's a FREE full length show in case you can't get out. #covid19 #magicshow #magician #marchbreak
A FREE Video for you just because you can't see it live for the next little while. - https://t.co/b56S0OHfNR

All of us are affected by the events and postponments happening...

— Peter Mennie (@petermennie) March 16, 2020

An upcoming lecture series on April 5th:



There's also consumable content from R. Paul Wilson and Mark Clearview:





From Mark Clearview:

We're all going to die and I'm going to document it. Listen to what I'm doing with all my free time. Follow my adventures through headlines and misinformation as I contribute a heaping helping of my own. Exclusively on my website until we're up and running on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

View this post on Instagram

WELL IT'S HERE! We're all going to die and I'm going to document it. Listen to what I'm doing with all my free time. Follow my adventures through headlines and misinformation as I contribute a heaping helping of my own. Exclusively on my website until we're up and running on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Hosted with @davidmfklein LINK IN BIO! __ #quarantine #blog #quarantinelive #endtimes #coronavirus #COVID19 #covid #corona #virus #endoftheworld #comedy #podcast #comedian #funny #sorry

A post shared by Mark Clearview (@markclearview) on Mar 16, 2020 at 5:03pm PDT

Put the things we're missing in the comments!

Broken wand: Tom Baxter

Our sincere condolences to Tom's family and friends.


From the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club Facebook page:

Hello Dear Friends:

It is with a sad heart that I write to you to say that Tom passed away last night at the Vancouver General Hospital surrounded and supported my his brother, Bill; sisters, Brenda and Patrice; brother-in-law George; and myself.

Tom was a gentle soul with a wondrous interest in life. He quietly and stoically faced the challenges of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia over the past six years.

He touched the hearts and minds of many. May you cherish the special moments that he had with you.

Tom did not wish to have a funeral. His wish was to be cremated, and some of his ashes sprinkled on Lake Ontario where he spend many hours sailing.

He had many future ideas planned with regard to his writings, music, and travel.

One of the first (of many) sayings he said to me was … “act little braver than you may feel”.

We cherish all your kind words, cards, messages, phone calls, and thoughts.

Please keep in touch when you can.

A hug to you all,
Wenda 

Perfect Magic in the Montreal Gazette

A wonderful piece by Julie Matlin about her parents!



From the March 13th article "The magic of pursuing your dreams: father's bravery had a ripple effect" by Julie Matlin in the Montreal Gazette:

Phil and Evelyn Matlin, my parents, own a beloved Montreal institution called Perfect Magic. It is, fittingly, a magic shop that’s been serving the community for more than 43 years. Walk in and you’re likely to find amateur hobbyists alongside pros chatting about technique. Or a seasoned performer giving some tips to a kid just starting out. It’s a unique experience.

My dad is 83 now, and my mom is 79 and undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, yet they still go to work every day. Whenever I ask them about retiring, my dad shakes his head. “What would I do?” he asks. They’re happy. And I’m happy for them. My dad followed a dream and it led them to not only run a business that supported a family with four children, but also left a lasting mark on the magic community at large.

It’s funny how we got here.

Read more.