24 July 2022

Broken wand: Brydon Evans Smith

Our sincere condolences to Brydon's family and friends.  Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. 

 

From the Globe and Mail:

February 1, 1938 - July 19, 2022

His championing of Indigenous artists was a vital but lesser-known aspect of his career. Smith was honoured in 2014 with a Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts for his extraordinary contribution to the visual arts in Canada. Accomplished magician, generous and fun-loving host, eco-warrior, inventor of the Samuel Beckett Martini, margarita-maker par excellence, Brydon will live on in our memories not only for having made a lasting contribution to the arts in Canada and abroad but as a lover of life to its fullest. Donations may be made in his name to: The Canadian Wildlife Federation, The Alzheimer Society of Canada Research branch or the Dementia Society, Ottawa Renfrew. Celebrations of Brydon's life will be held in the coming months.

Read more.






23 July 2022

FISM in the news

From the July 21st article "Merlin à Québec" by Paul Fontaine in Le Deviour (translated by Google):

As of Monday, curious phenomena will agitate the city of Quebec. More than 2,500 magicians will appear in the Old Capital, ready to amaze young and old alike during the Quebec Magic Festival. Witchcraft activities will enchant the ExpoCité site and the Québec City Convention Centre, not to mention the shopping streets of Old Québec and Lower Town.

This carnival of illusion, which takes place from July 25 to 31, will host with great fanfare the World Championship of Magic of the International Federation of Magical Societies (FISM).

The “Olympics of Magic”

“It's really a historic first,” says Luc Langevin, spokesperson for the 11th edition  of the Festival. Met under the shadow of the forest giants of Square Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier, in Montreal, the illusionist well known to Quebecers struggles to contain his excitement.

Read more.



From the July 14th article "Elora is indeed a 'magical' community" by Keegan Kozolanka in Elora Fergus Today:

Caesar said she looked forward to seeing a few tricks as she knows some magicians will leave her stumped how they pulled the trick off, which is rare as she claims to know most of the tricks of the trade.

“I’m overjoyed to finally have FISM come to North America specifically,” Caesar said, giving credit to current CAM president Renee-Claude Auclair. “I’m very grateful to Renee-Claude for having the foresight and energy to this done.”

“It’s a historic moment for Canadian magicians specifically but also North American because the FISM World Championship of Magic has never come anywhere west of the United Kingdom,” Joyce said. 

Read more.



ICYMI: 5000 posts!

Yesterday marked the 5000th post at the Canada's Magic blog!  

Whether you've read all 5000 posts, or are stopping by for the first time, thank you for visiting!




22 July 2022

Shane Cobalt on Global, CP24, CTV, CFRA, and SXMCanadaTalks

Bonne chance Shane!

 

From the July 19th article "Magician Shane Cobalt set to represent Canada in the World Championship of Magic" at Global News:

The World Championship of Magic is about to dazzle fans right here in Canada for the first time. Toronto’s own Shane Cobalt will be competing at the event in Quebec City. The renowned magician speaks about his excitement for the event and puts his skills on display with some card tricks.

Watch video


From the July 19th article "The Morning Show: July 19" at Global News:

Then, magician Shane Cobalt talks about representing Canada at the upcoming World Championship of Magic.

Watch video.





 

 

 

 

CFRA sound bite from July 19th "Ottawa at Work: 'I love old school magic' -- magician Shane Cobalt preparing for upcoming World Championships of Magic"

 

 


 

 

21 July 2022

Calgary: Jeff Newman in "A Different Kind Of Magic Show" [Jul 29 - Aug 6]

From the July 13th Instagram post by Jeff Newman:

The countdown is on until I bring a BRAND NEW SHOW to Calgary! ⁠

A Different Kind Of Magic Show is bringing magic and mentalism you've NEVER SEEN BEFORE to the Alexandria Centre from July 29th to August 6th for the 2022 Calgary Fringe! If you want to see the show, you can get your tickets here: ⁠
https://tickets.calgaryfringe.ca/event/366:38/

I can't wait to see you there! ⁠

 

 


 

 

20 July 2022

Hamilton: Nicholas Wallace's "A work of fiction" [July 21-29]

From the Hamilton Festival Theatre Company

Nick Wallace combines magic and story telling in exploring the murky waters of truth and fiction.

Ontario Canada

Writer/Perfomer: Nicholas Wallace

Director: Luke Brown

Running time: 55m

Age suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)

Online bookings close one hour before show time. Tickets will be available for sale at the door, unless a performance is sold out.

Performance at Hamilton Fringe Festival

Read more and buy tickets.