27 June 2024

ON, MB, NWT, & FN: Magician and the Muse Summer Tour

From the June 26th Facebook post by Sean Watson:

We are excited for our summer tour! Hopefully some of you can make it to one of our shows!


 

 

 

 

24 June 2024

[Guest post] Mark Lewis featured in June Genii

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--  

CANADA'S MARK LEWIS FEATURED IN JUNE 2024 GENII

Vanessa Armstrong, via her excellent monthly column "The Eye - Stories From Around The World of Magic" features a full half page item on Mark Lewis winning the Golden Buzzer on Canada's Got Talent, back in April. This includes a colour photograph taken from the City TV stream.

Although this is no new news to readers of Canada's Magic (who first reported the matter in a much more timely fashion) it is still always a noteworthy achievement to make it to the pages of Genii, The Conjuror's Magazine.

Armstrong, who refers to Mark as "79 years young" reports that Howie and the other judges were "smitten by Lewis's deprecrating manner and delighted by his card routine".

She explains how Howie called him back after Mark left the stage in order to give him a Golden Buzzer which had Mark looking "truly shocked".

We can only hope that the $25,000 cash prize has helped the shock wear off by now.

Armstrong concludes with a link to Mark's performance (at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id4703fH33o) and her sincere congratulations on his triumphant success.

To which, belatedly, we can only add our own.

- The Magic Demon

 

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

 

 

 

23 June 2024

Broken wand: Edward “Ed” van Oorschot

We were recently informed of the recent passing of Edward “Ed” van Oorschot, member of the Magic Circle of Saint John.

 

From the Fundy Funeral Home:

It seems Ed was always learning new skills. He learned to scuba dive, play the fiddle, and make cedar strip canoes. He renovated an old school bus into a “mobile” home, which took 11 of us all the way to Regina. Ed had so much fun with magic. He loved to learn new tricks, and entertain others with his sleight of hand. The Magic Circle was special to him, and he looked forward to seeing his fellow magicians at the monthly meetings.

Ed loved to fish, and would take his kids out with him. But no way would he put the worms on for us – if we wanted to fish, we had to do it all! We had 4-season fires on the beach, cooking hot dogs and roasting potatoes. He took us wilderness camping on many occasions.

Ed’s heart knew no borders. He and Eke volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico for 6 months, where they were able to use their skills to teach woodworking and sewing. They also spent several months at Harvest House in Saskatchewan providing support to this community. These experiences abroad enriched his understanding of humanity and fueled his commitment to service.

In recognition of his great service to his community, Ed received the Order of New Brunswick in 2018. And in 2023, he received the Queen’s Jubilee award. So well deserved!!!

Read more.



Our sincere condolences to Edward's wife Eke, his family, and his friends at this difficult time.

 

 

 

 

 

21 June 2024

Browser's Bash: Getting to know Ian Stewart

Browser's Bash logo  

Will you be at the 2024 Browser's Bash on Saturday, July 13, 2024?


We are pleased to have the opportunity to do short interviews with some of this year's performers.  Next in the series is Ian Stewart!
 

You may already know that Ian:



We're delighted that Ian made time to answer our questions ahead of this year's Bash!

 

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
Bella, my dog.  She is happy no matter what.  I think we should all try and be like that.  You didn't say a person....
 
What is your first memory of magic? 

When I was 3 years old a magician came to my play school.  I still remember the paper coils coming out of his mouth.  We all grabbed a piece of it.  He also actually pulled a rabbit out of a hat.  I think that may be the only time I ever actually saw that trick done.
 
 


Who from the magic community inspires you?

So Many people.  But currently Jeff McBride is the person I'm looking up to the most.  His abilities in so many areas of magic, as well as his ability to teach it to others is mind blowing!

 

Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?

No,  Not really.  I grew up in Nova Scotia.  We had very little in the way of magic.  But, my grandfather lived next door to this John Talbot guy who did magic.  He was kind enough to share information and loansome books.  This kick started me getting more seriously into magic.



Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart


Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?  
 
I never did.  For many years I concentrated on my juggling and hypnosis shows.  But I never actually quit magic.  It's always been a huge part of my life.

Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with our readers?
 
I actually don't think I have any.  I do like putting a cheque into the bank machine after a show!



 
What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2024 Browser's Bash?
 
I'm unknown to most magicians.  I've been hidden away on the East Coast and as a full time single dad I've rarely had time to socialize with magicians from outside of the East Coast.  Now that my boy his a bit older and I can travel again, I'm excited to meet more magicians!

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 

I'm excited to see everyone!

 

 

Thank you Ian for making the time to answer our questions!  We look forward to seeing you at this year's Bash!


Learn more about Ian Stewart at his website IanStewart.info and follow him on Facebook and Instagram

 

Visit the Browser's Den of Magic website to buy your ticket and learn more about this year's Bash!  See you on Saturday, July 13, 2024!