Julie Eng in the Asian panel (ep 78) of Shezam and Sleightly Sketchy (Where are you from?)

Listen to episode 78 of Shezam where Kayla Drescher hosts a panel who talk about their experiences being performers of Asian descent.  Topics include cultural appropriation, micro-aggressions, and the use of "exotic" props.  The panelists who admirably navigate these complex and nuanced topics are:  Felice Ling, Makoto Halverson, Ed Kwon, Courtney Pong, and Julie Eng.

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As the third generation in my family to be born in Canada, we're very familiar with the conversation that begins with the question, "Where are you from?"

You're invited to a CAM JAM with Steve Valentine

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

Wed., Mar. 10  |  Join us in ZOOM 

We're excited to announce CAM JAM on MARCH 10 at 8 pm EST features the incredible, Steve Valentine! You don't want to miss this! Add the event to your calendar here. This is open to all magicians, membership is not required. French-speaking guests join us 30 minutes early (at 7:30 pm EST)

Read more and RSVP.

Broken wand: Rod Doiron

Rod passed on March 3rd.  

Updated March 18th to add the link to an official obituary:

Rod was a wonderful magician. Magic was the joy of his life. His stage show afforded him a chance to demonstrate his wonderful sense of humor and dazzle and confound his audiences with his illusions. His close-up magic was, well, magical. In typical Rod fashion, after mastering many aspects of the craft, he gave back to those aspiring to do likewise. He spent hours teaching effects to young magicians. 

 

Updated March 8th to include Josh Jay's wonderful tribute to Rod at the bottom of this post.

 

Our thoughts are with Rod's family and friends at this impossible time.

 

From the March 5th post by Mike Northorp in the Conjurers' Court, IBM Ring 316 - Halifax, NS Facebook group:

It brings me great sadness to share the news that Rod Doiron passed away this past weekend.
 
This is a big shock to us all, and a huge loss for the magic community and his friends and family. I've tried to reach out to many of you personally to share the news and I apologize if I missed anyone, but hoping this reaches a wider group of people.  

I currently don't have any details on funeral arrangements etc but will share when I get more information. I'll also work with Bill VanGorder and the club executive about putting together a broken wand ceremony for him.  

Sorry to have to share such sad news with you all.

GoFundMe to send Benjamin Déziel to study the Art of Magic in Paris

From Benjamin Déziel's GoFundMe:

I started magic when I was 9 years old after seeing a magic show at my parents wedding. The experience blew me away and I remember asking my dad how the performer did it. He told me that if I wanted to know, I would have to become a magician. I lived in a small Inuit community called Kangiqsujuaq all my life so I would stay in my room and just practice my art. I have done shows in french, english and Inuktitut. After 8 years, I have performed in different places across North America, been a finalist for 6 years in a row at the Concour International de Magie Michel Cailloux and attended Tannen's magic camp.

Read more and donate.

Keith Brown in support of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario's Purple Palooza [Mar 26]

From the February 16th Facebook post by Keith Brown:

Excited to announce, I will be the featured sponsor entertainment for Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario's Purple Palooza on Friday, March 26th! 

They have a fundraising goal of $35,000 and are already well on their way. 

Join us for an evening of entertainment, guest speakers, silent auction; all in support of a great cause. 

Event Link: https://trellis.org/purple-palooza
 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheldon Casavant in The Weston Edmonton's Magic Show and Local Dinner Event Series

From the February 15th Facebook post of The Weston Edmonton:

Entertainer of the Year by Canadian Events Industry Sheldon Casavant and The Westin Edmonton are happy to announce the next Magic Show and Local Dinner Event Series.⁣
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Sheldon isn’t your everyday magician. Recognized as one of Canada’s most sought after performers, he engages diverse audiences with a repertoire of magic that is highly interactive and fun.⁣
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Show 1 - March 13th ⁣
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-stpatricks-day-magic-show-dinner-event-tickets-140608270121⁣
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Show 2 - April 3rd ⁣
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/an-easter-day-magic-show-dinner-event-tickets-140608607129⁣
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Show 3 - May ⁣
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-mothers-day-magic-show-dinner-event-tickets-140608731501⁣

 

 

 

 

Sean Watson, Emma Bartolomucci, and Cameron Gibson in Smart Magazine

From the article "The Latest on Illusionarium" by Justine Tenzer in Smart Magazine by Lighthouse:

The extended Ontario lockdown has only increased the anticipation for Illusionarium, Lighthouse Immersive’s latest project. While waiting for the opportunity to open doors to visitors, Jamie Allan and his team have been working up more magic in the meantime. “There is magic every day, everywhere. People need to know that”, says Sean Watson, one of Illusionarium’s resident magicians, describing how this art form helped him through some dark moments in his life. Indeed, Illusionarium is arriving at a time where excitement, wonder and joy are desperately needed. 

Read more.