Former RCAF officer is Christchurch's Official Wizard

From the August 10th article "This man gets paid US$10,000 a year to be a city's official wizard" by Julia Hollingsworth in CTV News:

For decades, the city has had an official wizard. Born in the United Kingdom, Ian Brackenbury Channell settled in New Zealand in the 1970s, where he became known as The Wizard. As if to reinforce how serious he is, he even held a New Zealand driver's license issued to The Wizard, although he says he hasn't officially changed his name.

Over the years, he became a fixture in the city. On the paved square in front of Christchurch's cathedral, he pontificated on his life theories, wore wizard robes and became such a well-known figure that he earned himself a TripAdvisor rating (four out of five stars). Since 1998, he's been paid 16,000 New Zealand dollars (US$10,400) annually by the Christchurch City Council for "wizardry."

Read more.

ICYMI: "Magic Camp," the movie inspired by Magic Mike Segal

ICYMI, last week Disney released the movie "Magic Camp" which was inspired by Mike Segal's brainchild, Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp.  The first iteration was written by Mike's brother-in-law.  Mike did consulting (as did Justin Willman) for this project which was 17 years in the making!

I don't have access to Disney Plus so I haven't seen it yet.  If you have, I'd love to hear your review!

 

Last night I watched Magic Camp on Disney+ and I have to be honest.

It’s easily one of the BEST representations of magic in a movie I have ever seen. It’s true and honest and will EASILY inspire thousands and thousands of future magicians!
Bravo Disney!

— Daniel Garcia (@garciamagic) August 15, 2020

Vancouver: Shawn Farquhar's Hidden Wonders

From the August 7th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

Well, it's in the newspaper, so it must be happening. I plan to open the doors to the new Hidden Wonders on Friday, August 28th. The first show is sold out. Don't get excited, I'm only admitting 12-14 people per show, lol. I want to be safe and keep people spaced out. I have created a bunch of new stuff that is interactive and non-contact. Bring on the fun... it's been so long...

Alex Kazam at Camp Cataract

From the August 9th Facebook post by Alex Kazam:

I'm very excited to announce my first public live show since MARCH! Happening at Camp Cataract on August 28th 2020 at 8pm!

Tickets available here!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/alexkazam/404745

Greg Frewin on YourTV Niagara

From the August 7th YourTV Niagara Facebook post:

Master Magician Greg Frewin With Niagara recently moving into stage 3, Master Magician @Greg Frewin and his team have resumed shows at The Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls. Greg spoke to the Source about coming back after an almost five month break, what safety procedures are in place for his staff and guests, and a few charity events taking place at the Theatre in the coming weeks.

Broken wand: Paul Wildbaum

Updated August 18th to add:

• Alex Kazam has a wonderful 3 part tribute to Paul on Facebook.  Part 1, part 2, and part 3.
  

 

More information will be posted as it becomes available.  Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this difficult time.

From the August 15th Facebook post by Peter Loung:

I am not one to throw the word genius around lightly, especially when referring to an individual. However, in this case that term cannot be more apt of a description for this genuinely beautiful and ridiculously talented soul. Paul Wildbaum was, and forever will be, the measuring stick in which other circus folk measure their skill. For over two decades I have had the honour and privilege to share both the stage and in-depth conversations, ranging the gamut from existential thought to the efficacy of wearing a clown nose, with this legend. To quote William Shakespeare, he was “…a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy…” and he was my friend. I am truly saddened to my core to hear of his passing yesterday, and no amount of words can impart the loss that I, and indeed the world, has suffered.

RIP Paul Wildbaum, you will be sorely missed.

My dear dear friend, mentor and veritable genius in all things circus and clown, Paul Wildbaum has passed.

I missed him after I moved away from Toronto and now won’t get another moment with the master. Rest In Peace sweet clown prince. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AUjNEALaLx

— Bill Abbott (@billabbottlive) August 15, 2020

View this post on Instagram

Sad to report the passing of Paul Wildbaum. Paul was unquestionably a unique performer in Toronto, blending magic with clowning, mime and an assortment of allied arts. He was an inspiration and mentor to many. He will be deeply missed. (Photo: Seen here as Doctor-Professor Faux-Pas, performing the Human Glockenspiel at the Year-End Banquet, June 2012)

A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub) on Aug 15, 2020 at 4:58pm PDT

  

Clinton Gray on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us"

From the August 6th post by Clinton Gray on Facebook:

Alyson Hannigan is not really scared of my “Arm Chopper of Doom!” She is scared because we are filming during a pandemic and I’m about to get really close and touch her a lot. Catch my appearance on Penn & Teller Fool Us, August 17, 9pm on the CW Network.