Vincenzo Ravina in CTV News

The Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" episode with Vincenzo Ravina aired on August 3rd.

From the July 27th article "Halifax magician uses sleight of hand to earn way into Vegas-based show" by Amanda Debison in CTV News:

"It was very intimidating and I was very nervous," says Ravina. "I usually perform at little open mics around town, or at the Bus Stop Theatre for an audience of less than a hundred. This was an audience of 500, plus Penn and Teller, plus Alyson Hannigan, so it was a whirlwind."

Ravina's love of magic began when he was little.

"There was a magician who worked at a restaurant downtown, his name was David Moon," explains Ravina. "He looked like a wizard and would do magic. I loved going there as a kid and would just be amazed. I started studying magic after that."

Read more.

[via The Society of American Magicians]

Did you know that Harry Potter performed in Canada in 1858?

Technically, not Canada.  Yet.  But in what is now Canada.

From the August 28th, 2015 post "Harry Potter and Itinerant Entertainment in Dundas" by Emily Herron from the Dundas Museum:

On May 21st 1858, there appeared in the Dundas True Banner and Wentworth Chronicle, an advertisement. This advertisement would be exciting for readers — especially young readers — today. Why? It announced that Harry Potter was coming to Dundas! And Harry Potter was a magician, known as the original American Wizard! The ad reported that Harry Potter would entertain audiences at the Town Hall the next night. Modern readers would be surprised — and delighted — to read of Harry Potter in a 19th century Dundas newspaper. While this appears to be a coincidence, we want to know more about this performer.

Read more.

With thanks to Lee Asher for digging up this gem!

FUN FACT: Did you know there was a real-life #magician named Harry Potter, and he performed in #Canada? Crazy, eh? https://t.co/n1xPQ7PEi8 pic.twitter.com/8ELJt9vzvk

— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) August 5, 2020

Lawrence Larouche's virtual Happy Hour

From the July 3rd Facebook post by Lawrence Larouche:

HAPPY HOUR has just become more magical! Poor yourself a drink and join us at the Factory Fantastic for an hour of unbelievable interactive magic & mentalism. This is a live show in which you can participate in all the magical mischief served up by master magician and mentalist Lawrence Larouche. Click on the link for tickets. One ticket allows your household to take part in all the paranormal activities. Limited screens available… so don’t wait till the last minute. Friday the 7th at 5:00 p.m. VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE: Let the mind games begin!. Ticket available here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtually-impossible-let-the-mind-games-begin-tickets-114771847686

Thank you to our August 2020 Friends!

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Chris Funk on Masters of Illusion (August 7)

From the July 31st Instagram post by ChrisFunkMagic:

So excited for Masters of Illusion on August 7th. After years of trial and error, one of my signature pieces will make its primetime debut! So much hard work went into this. Crowds seem to love it! Here's a teaser. Check your local listings for time and channel.

View this post on Instagram

So excited for Masters of Illusion on August 7th. After years of trial and error, one of my signature pieces will make its primetime debut! So much hard work went into this. Crowds seem to love it! Here's a teaser. Check your local listings for time and channel. #corporateentertainment #corporatemagician #eventplanner #worldtraveller #internationalmanofwonder #thewonderist #tvmagician #headliner #magic #wonder #guitar #eventplanner #privateparty

A post shared by Cʜʀɪs Fᴜɴᴋ Tʜᴇ Wᴏɴᴅᴇʀɪsᴛ (@chrisfunkmagic) on Jul 29, 2020 at 11:02am PDT

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New dates for FISM NACM in 2021

From the July 27th FISM NACM 2021 Facebook post:

We are pleased to announce the new dates for FISM NACM in 2021. The Canadian Championship of Magic 2021 and a 3rd contest for junior international and Canadian magicians will also take place. More information to come in September 2020!