Quebec City: McBride’s Magic & Mystery School [July 25 - 30]

From the June 6th Facebook post by Jeff McBride:

McBride’s Magic & Mystery School will be Featured at this Year’s World Championship of Magic in Quebec

Las Vegas, NV, March 30, 2020 – The 2022 FISM (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques) World Championships of Magic will takes place in Québec, Canada from the 25th - 30th July 2022 – and will feature the lead faculty of Jeff McBride’s Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas, set up with its own space next to the dealer’s room.

Founder and master magician Jeff McBride, Dr. Lawrence Hass, who is Dean of the School, and Tobias Beckwith, emeritus faculty, will all deliver lectures featured at the convention.

They are joined by Will Bradshaw, an Instructor at the school, and Scott Steelfyre, Instructor and Media Manager for the school.

Jeff McBride is the founder of the Magic & Mystery School, which began back in 1991 with the first Mystery School retreat in upstate New York. The school added regular Master Classes and live Focus classes in 1999 when McBride relocated to Las Vegas to headline at Caesars Magical Empire.
Today, McBride Magic & Mystery School offers from 5-10 events live in Las Vegas each year, in addition to between 12 and 20 classes online. Jeff McBride, Larry Hass and Tobias Beckwith also offer one-on- one consulting to students of the school. Since 2010, the school also presents a weekly streaming show, Monday Night Mystery School.

McBride has received worldside acclaim as one of the most innovative and riveting magic performers ever since his first international tour at the age of 16, as opening act for the Fania Allstars in Japan. Known for his use of masks, mime, and world-class sleight of hand, McBride has been named Magician of the Year by Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle, among his many other awards. He has appeared on every major television network, most recently fooling Penn & Teller on their popular Fool Us! Show. His full evening shows have graced casino showrooms in Las Vegas, Tahoe & Atlantic City, as well as touring venues and arts festivals around the world.

Lawrence Hass, Ph.D., is the Dean of McBride’s Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas. He is former Professor of Philosophy and Theater Arts at Muhlenberg College and former Professor of Humanities at Austin College. In 2010 he retired from college teaching to pursue magic full-time as a performer, teacher, author, and publisher.

Larry Hass creates magic shows that mix astonishing, artistic magic with ideas that lift the spirit. He performs at theaters, nightclubs, universities, public conferences, and corporate functions, across America and internationally. In 2019, he premiered his acclaimed full-evening theatrical magic show, Magical Life.

Tobias Beckwith was the founding administrator for the school, and among it’s earliest faculty, teaching both business and theater arts for magicians. Beckwith came to the world of magic from the New York theater, where he was part of the management and production teams for such long- running hits as The Fantasticks, Sweeney Todd and Oh! Calcutta!

The Mystery School team will be offering mini-lectures and workshops, as well as magic jam sessions in their space at the convention. Learn more about McBride’s Magic & Mystery School at https://magicalwisdom.com.

 

 

A peek behind the curtain with Hollie England

 

 
You may already know that Hollie England toured with The Illusionsists, was a top 5 finalist in the Cyber Magic Superstar competition, appeared on Masters of Illusion, created Booked It, and was the director for Jamie Allan's Illusionarium in Toronto. 

Did you know that Hollie will be part of the Champions of Magic World Wide Wonders Tour  early next year?  Learn more about Hollie in the first of a series of cast interviews leading up to the Champions of Magic shows in Kitchener and Peterborough early next year.

What wondrous and extraordinary magical effect would you have shown me had I been there to interview you in person?
 
I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise for anyone who may see the effect in the future but it would definitely involve 2 of my favorite things - celebrities and fire!    

What is your first memory of magic?

I used to always love watching the magic shows at the resorts we used to stay at on vacations to Spain and Italy when I was around 8 years old. I grew up in England watching Paul Daniels, Tommy Cooper and The Masked Magician (I know, how scandalous!) on TV. My parents still have the deck of cards that came with my ‘Wizbit Instant Magic Book’ as a kid (although I secretly wanted to be Debbie McGee because she was a ballet dancer like me).

 

 

 

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
Outside of magic, I’d say choreographer Bob Fosse (they say he is the only man who should tell a woman what to do with her body) and Gwen Stefani for her style.

Who inspires you magically?

Dai Vernon once said ‘Pick a trick and learn how to do it better than anyone else,’ and the most inspiring magicians for me have done this and are both creative and original: Enzo Weyne (France) is a true engineer of stage illusions and I love how his presentations always end with an unexpected twist. I love watching Cyril Takayama perform and wish I could experience his show live. Jeff Hobson and Dan Sperry are, to me, unparalleled in how they refine character, comedy and branding for a modern audience. Jamie Allan (UK) is flawless at fusing magic and technology beautifully, using iPads, laser beams and social media. Lastly, from Korea, Yu Hojin is the epitome of class and elegance. I’ve been mesmerized watching his acts literally hundreds of times live and he is the (rightly crowned) master of manipulation, but also of expression and art in magic. 

 

In this age of computer and robotic wizardry, why do you think audiences are still drawn to mentalism, sleight of hand, and illusion?

Arthur C Clarke said:
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

Human nature will always want to be mystified and astonished and this magical feeling can truly be achieved through the right presentation and interaction. Technology and magic have evolved hand-in-hand and there will always be magical minds staying one step ahead and thinking of ways to fool people.

Above everything, we are performers and as Fitzkee says, the key to winning over an audience is to: ‘Make them like you better than your magic’.

 

Many magicians have a Canadian connection to magic.  Not including your recent Illusionarium experience, tell us about your Canadian magic connection.

Other than quoting Dai Vernon at the top of this article(!), I have worked with Canadian magician Darcy Oake. His attention to detail and modern approach to magic make him one of the most entertaining illusionists out there, as proven by his success on Britain’s Got Talent. I’m also a fan of Shin Lim, of course, who is the current king of TV magic.

 

What, if anything, makes you nervous about joining the Champions family?
 
I have very large shoes (heels) to fill! Kayla*  was the first female magician I saw perform at the Magic Castle in Hollywood many years ago and have followed her journey ever since. 
 
* Editor's note: Kayla Drescher will be leaving the Champions family next month and will not be present at their upcoming Canadian performances.

What are you most looking forward to about joining the Champions of Magic family?

Having been a fan of ‘Champions of Magic’ since I watched from the audience a few years ago, I am beyond thrilled to be joining the show. It’s a huge opportunity to be offered the chance to create and share new magic all over the world and I’m very excited to be working with such an outstanding cast and team.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hollie England (@hollieenglandofficial)

 

 

 

The Great Pause (COVID Lockdowns)

Did you experience any silver linings? 

I started off being really productive and creative, wanting to use this ‘free time’ wisely to really work on my stage act, researching and getting inspiration from books & videos & then getting feedback from magic mentors.

What was your comfort binge?
 
There were definitely the days where I stayed in pajamas, binge watched documentaries and ‘That Chapter’ YouTube channel and ordered vegan sushi on Ubereats.

Were you able to explore your personal passions?

I wanted to do something creative that didn’t feel like ‘work’ and so started to draw and paint again. I got an overwhelming response to my art & ended up selling my designs on tee’s, mugs, posters etc on Teespring- so it ended up being ‘work’ anyway! Most recently, I bought a piano keyboard and started to learn to play. I let myself do something it’s ok to suck at!

Did The Great Pause allow you to do anything that you wouldn't likely have been able to accomplish if you were touring? 

There were definitely phases of adjustment as I have lived ‘on tour’ for most of my adult life. Living on my own but having been used to being around a cast 24/7, connection was very important. I joined a lot of online magic events (which ultimately led me to my boyfriend!), lectures, Facebook groups, virtual jam sessions and then was able to get a ticket for the stream of Rick Thomas’ show in Branson.

 

How did you keep your skills fresh and performance ready?

I gave myself a deadline by applying to the ‘Cyber Magic Superstar’ competition during lockdown. I had to develop and practice my brand new act every day in order to get a good enough take to submit to the competition which was to be judged by Max Maven, Franz Harary and Shin Lim. Ultimately it’s how I started getting noticed and taken seriously as a magician when my video got shared throughout the magic community. I won a place in the top 5 and got featured in Franz Harary’s virtual shows as one of his favorite entries.

 

Did you have to adjust anything in your set to incorporate COVID precautions?
 
There’s a moment in my show where the volunteer pulls something out of my mouth. I think I’ll be doing it myself from now on!

Was there anything particularly memorable about your first live performance after The Great Pause?

It was a sold out show (but socially distanced) at ‘Late Night Magic’ at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas. I had just been filming the ‘Go Big Show’ with Ben Blaque where we had to perform to an empty arena with no live audience (apart from the 4 celebrity judges).
 
To look out for the first time and actually see and hear real people’s faces and reactions was a reminder of why we are performers!

 

Have audience reactions to live magic performances changed after Lockdown? 

When audiences come to see a live show, they enter as an individual and leave as a group, because they’ve all been bound together by the same experience. I think that this feeling is intensified after lockdown as people have been missing and craving social interactions.

 

 

 

If you could go back in time to study (magic or otherwise) under anybody, who would you choose to be your mentor?

Having toured the world since 2008 with many high profile illusion shows, I’ve been blessed to have access to some of the greatest minds in magic. Since I decided I wanted to become a magician, the respect, encouragement, mentorship, friendship and one-on-one help (plus materials and ideas) I received from talented names such as Kevin James, Luis De Matos, Bizarro, Brett Daniels, Dan Sperry and FISM.

World Champion Yu Hojin has been overwhelming. I’d like to think it was because I’m a rare breed of crazy girl, genuinely interested in magic, addicted to performing and hungry to learn and create. What a rare dream come true to be able to direct, work and spend time with so many of these people who inspire and help me with my own act.

 

 

What’s your go-to Karaoke song?

I once did a cirque show with a very muscly, butch, Russian strongman and we sang ‘It’s Raining Men’ at karaoke in Niagara. However, my favorite thing is watching my boyfriend, who always dresses in a full suit, slay at karaoke with ‘Rap God’. It’s a little insane.

If you could only perform one effect for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably the Quick Change. I have way too many clothes and not enough suitcase space to wear them all!

 

If you could eliminate other performers performing an effect forever, what would it be?

A great magician can take any effect and make it into a great performance through unique, charismatic and dynamic presentation.

 

 

 

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

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to perform with these wonderful, magical artists and to be able to return to Canada for some Tim Horton’s!

 

Thank you Hollie, for making the time to answer our questions!


Catch Champions of Magic in Kitchener and Peterborough early 2022! 

2019 Readers' Choice award results

Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:

a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.

Over 500 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

Here are the results of our fourth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Aaron.
"I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton."

"Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!"

Website: Gwyn Auger
 

Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
- Gwyn totally deserves this she has been instrumental in the Calgary magic community as well as many larger circles globally.
- Talented and skilled people, one and all, but only Gwyn has the magic presence that makes those around her shine.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Frank Loesser / Hoagy Carmichael, Queen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown.  The quote below is from Unknown.

"James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it."

Editor's note:

• The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
• The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October

Website: PickpocketMagic.com

Comments from James' fans include:
- Stole my watch while I 'watched' and I still missed it...AMAZING.
- I've seen him perform multiple times and can't tell you how great he is! Charismatic, talented and just a decent guy. Good for any event.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Bach, Peter Gabriel, and Green Day.

Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."

Editor's note:

• In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
• In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
• Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
• Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).

Website: CarisaHendrix

Comments from Carisa's fans include:
- Phenomenal entertainer and lecturer. Goes out of her way to give of herself to anyone who asks.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, and Elton John.

Ryan Joyce
Nominated by Anonymous.
"Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."

Editor's note:

• In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival,  Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.

Website: RyanJoyce.com

Comments from Ryan's fans include:
- His work and efforts speak volumes and he is all about bringing the magic community together.

Voters' musical tastes include:  The Beatles, Pitbull, and Ed Sheeran.

Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."

Editor's note:

• Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge! 

Website: KenMcCreedy.com

Comments from Ken's fans include:
- Always entertaining and full of surprises.  He is a kind and patient teacher.  It is an Honour to be his assistant.

Musical tastes include:  Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, and  Deep Purple.

The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)

Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller."

Editor's note:

• After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!

Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com

Comments from The Sentimentalists' fans include:
- These two are AMAAAAAAAAAZING. Been in the business nearly half a century, at this point, and I've never seen a live mentalism act to top theirs. Just a stunning act. Stunning.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Steve Miller, Queen, and Harry S. Miller.

Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants."

Edtitor's note:

• Anastasia has over 30 implants.
• You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
• Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."

 
Website: Synnister.com

Anastasia's fans were people of few words.

Musical tastes include:  Radiohead, Crystal Eyes, and Rag'n'Bone Man.

Editor's Choice

Ted and Marion Outerbridge

Nominated by Unknown.
"I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!"

Editor's note:

• Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
• They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
• Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House."  They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.

 
Website: TedOuterbridge.com

The Outerbridge's fans were also people of few words.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Smash Mouth, Brockhampton, and Frank Sinatra.

Readers' Choice

Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.

Congratulations to Mike for winning the 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!


Keep up the great work!


Website: MagicShows.ca

Mike's fans were most likely to not follow instructions, and also most likely to get the date wrong.

Musical tastes include:  A wide assortment of Christmas music.

Canadians at the FREE 2017 Magic Master Summit

From what I could tell from the schedule in yesterday's post, the following Canadians will be lecturing at the 2017 Magic Master Summit:

• Eric Bedard: Secrets to Getting Booked To Entertain Celebrities!
• Murray SawChuck: Bonus Lecture! and
• Trevor & Lorena Watters: Working And Traveling As A Couple and Duo Act

Who'd I miss?

What are you waiting for? Register now!





-- 
Disclosure: I am a Magic Master Summit Affiliate and I am eligible to make a commission with every sale made using the links posted on this site.

The 2017 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award

 

Updated December 1st to add:

• The nomination period is over.  Please check back regularly to see when voting starts!

Updated November 28th to add the following nominee:

• Neil Croswell - "I have watched Neil devote his life to magic from a young age and he has stuck to his vision from day one. His determination and work ethic over the years make him an inspiration as well as his countless awards and international TV appearances (Fool Us, etc.). In 2017, he appeared on "Masters of Illusion" , completed 250+ shows on a cruise in the Bahamas, and performed internationally across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka. To accomplish what he has at his age, I believe, is an inspiration to Canadian magicians with goals of a professional career."

Updated November 27th to add the following nominee:

•  Ryan Brown - "Ryan started performing magic very early in school. While he was in my class, he would bargain his work completion in order to go to the kindergarten class and perform his latest trick. He continued to perform and cam back several years to perform free at our school's fun fair. True school and community spirit. Ryan has inspired many of the students to believe in their dream and to work hard to achieve it. He continues to seek advancement in his craft by seeking peer help and taking classes taught by more experienced magicians."
  
  "Performed at Screemers at Exhibition Place Toronto in October. Great show Ryan!!
  Increased his knowledge of magic by taking classes in Las Vegas with the master of masks and magical knowledge, Jeff McBride earlier this year."

Updated November 24 to add the following nominee:

• Benzi Train "because of his tireless work over the years to promote the performance of live magic in Toronto and his efforts at the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club and bringing in of top quality lecturers to our community. His (and partner Jonah Babbins) show Newest Trick in the Book gives any magician a venue/opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. He has inspired many magicians to challenge themselves creatively or to even perform live."

Updated on November 21 to add the following nominee:

• Murray and Teresa Hatfield - "The Magic Demon nominates Murray and Teresa Hatfield for starring in and producing their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. For the second year in a row, it was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen."  In addition, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever.".  Murray is the president of the Canadian Association of Magicians.

Updated at 4pm to add the following nominee:

• Julie Eng - Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," this year Julie (with Jonathan Levit) interviewed David Williamson at Magic Live! in addition to being the official photographer for "The Magic of Johnny Thompson."  Julie is also one of the guides in an upcoming hour-long documentary for CBC's The Nature of Things that will be looking at the the intersection of science and magic cross paths.  Julie is the Executive Director at Magicana.

Updated at 1:30pm to add:

• First nomination is for 11 year old Caiden Finch!
  "He has performed on stage for paying audience and I might say he was great. His magic was excellent. He was dressed for the occasion. He had a themed routine and what I really liked was that came in [to Perfect Magic] about week before the show and asked for some advice. I talked, he listened and implemented 95% of it in his show."
  (I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  He's a fine choice for inspirational nomination!)

The Canada's Magic "Readers' Choice 2017 Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award nominations are now open.

You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2017, in the comments below.  (Or you may email me your nomination.)

Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM on Thursday November the 30th.  I will contact the nominees via email and give them one week to accept or decline their nomination.  The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence in December.  (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.) 

This is a "bragging rights" only contest.  There is no cash value for this award.

Here are some ideas for potential nominees (individuals and groups can be nominated):

• The Canadian magicians appearing on US television shows this year, including but not limited to: Richard Forget, Yan Markson, Patrik Kuffs, Murray Hatfield, Sheldon Casavant, Neil Croswell, Shawn Farquhar, and Billy Kidd.
• The owners of Canada's brick and mortar magic shops.
• Brent Kloeble and his team for establishing a magic festival for Regina.

The list of worthy entrants goes on and on ...

I look forward to seeing your nominations!

In the spirit of celebrating all Canadian magicians, last year's winners of the Readers' Choice award (Steven Lafond) or Editor's Choice award (Mahdi Gilbert) are not eligible for nomination in 2017.

Toronto: Talent announced for the 2019 Browser's Bash

BROWSER'S BASH 2019
Saturday, April 13, 2019

Here's a summary of the awesome talent announced for this year's Bash!


From the Browser's Den of Magic:

CHRIS CAPEHART - LEGENDARY STREET PERFORMER
Chris Capehart is a master magician and a regular headliner at Monday Night Magic in New York City. Come see why he is held in such high esteem by magicians around the world.


PAUL RICHARDS - CREATIVE CONJUROR
Founder of Elmwood Magic. Mr. Richards has been around the globe sharing his wonderful brand of magic. Eye Popping magic combined with good fun. One of the true gentlemen of the world of magic.

THE OUTERBRIDGES - INTERNATIONAL ILLUSIONISTS
International Illusionists Ted & Marion Outerbridge will cast a magic spell over the audience at this year's Bash. And share some secrets too!

DICK JOINER - EMCEE
Due to popular demand...Joining us again in 2019! He will share his infectious hysterical laugh, fun-loving zany manner and high paced interactive comedy magic. Dick Joiner plans to delight and astound us all day long.



RYAN BROWN - RISING STAR
Ryan will be sharing with us his love of the classics. Card Manipulation, Rings and Magic that will have your eyes popping out! One of the young stars of the Canadian Magic Scene.

GARRETT THOMAS - MASTER MAGICIAN
Due to your huge amount of requests Mr. Thomas will be returning to the Bash stage in 2019. He truly blew us all away in 2018 and that was only half his lecture. Wait to you see part two! Thanks Garrett!

JAMES HARRISON - PICKPOCKET
Finally on the Bash stage! Pickpocket Act and one of Canada's premier close up magicians. Be ready to clap. And be ready to hold onto your wallets & watches!

JACQUE SWAN - COIN MAGICIENNE
Canadian new talent, Ms. Swan will be sharing some of her coin magic with us that will make your magic eyes pop out! Don't blink as coins vanish and reappear at a mystifying speed.



ROBERT AND SCOTT PRESSWOOD - THE BUMBLING BERTS
Two of the busiest children's performers in the GTA. Combined they give more then 600 shows annually. Sit it and learn on their tips for making your family show reach it's potential. (at lunch break)



ANDREW WOO
Sit in and learn from over 35 years of experience performing and creating magic. Simple Methods with Strong Audience Impact!



JENNY PARSONS - HIDDEN CANADIAN GEM
Is she a comedian? Is she a magician? Is she a sorceress? You'll decide. Ms. Parsons will be sharing her unique world of fun and chaos! A hidden gem of the Canadian entertainment scene



CHRIS BRUCE - CARDICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE
FREE Lunchtime Table Class on False Shuffles, Classic Force & Top Change

 
Read more and register!

A peek behind the curtain with Sam Strange [2023]

This is the fourth in a series of interviews leading up to the Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour Canadian dates in:

• Toronto, Ticketmaster  [Dec 27 - 31]  ** extended to Dec 31 **
• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
• Lloydminster, Vic Juba Theatre [Mar 20]  ** recently added **
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7] 
• Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8]   ** recently added **

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

Read our thoughts about their 2022 show:

TLDR: So. Much. Fun!

Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic" 

 

You may also know Sam Strange from:

• the show Young & Strange Delusionsists or
• our interview with the bickering delusionists Young & Strange
  

We're delighted to interview Sam ahead of his Canadian Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!

 

Have you studied any magic-adjacent disciplines? 

It really highlights the scam that being a magician can be sometimes. So many magicians, including myself, hide behind the tricks/illusions when there is little talent outside of that. When I was in my 20s I did learn to partner dance (modern jive) and you could argue that gave me some coordination. However, I think honesty that would be very generous to say that it helped inform my balletic movements during the final Las Vegas parody sequence.


 

In retrospect are there skills or knowledge that you wish you had prior to pursuing magic full time? 

Certainly there are a host of skills that would have been so helpful. Being good at video editing and photoshop would be so useful. It would mean you could produce online content quickly and easily without the cost of using a professional. 

 

 

Red light, green light!

 

 

 

 

Do you remember the specific moment when you knew you could or wanted to perform magic full time?

I do remember actually with some clarity.

When I started to ‘gig’ (a few kids parties and events for friends), I was about 18 years old. Simultaneously I joined the ’Thames Valley Magicians Guild’ and would go to the weekly meetings there. After a few weeks I was kindly asked to cover a residency at a restaurant in Oxford, England. I did that on Friday and Saturday evenings. At that point there was a simple and clear connection between my magic passion and an income, of sorts. I knew at that point I wanted to be a professional magician.

 

 

 

What is your most memorable performance misadventure? 

There are so many to mention, which is both a sign of experience and flight time, but also unprofessionalism. (Richard) Young and I did the Edinburgh (Fringe) festival for 4 consecutive years and at that point new material is being worked in and lessons are being learned!

Lesson 1. Never leave the Master Prediction Tube inside the actual box. Especially when hanging that box (and ultimately the show’s finale) in full view of the audience.
Lesson 2. Always remember the key to a locked box with a spectator's watch inside.
Lesson 3. Never commit wholeheartedly to the gender of an audience member.
Lesson 4. Never perform magic on a stage at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, on New Year’s Eve in 2019, in the wind and rain. Ever.
Lesson 5. Never perform an under-rehearsed Table of Death.

All of the above had no outs. 

One of the most haunting experiences might not sound at all a problem, but knocked my confidence for years afterwards. I remember going out on stage for the show opening and having a complete mind blank. I genuinely didn’t know what I should say or how to start saying my script. Fortunately being in a double act means that essentially you have a script advisor standing next to you. But the fact that can happen means it might happen again and standing on a stage with nothing to say or nowhere to go, is a lonely and embarrassing experience.  

 

 

What sets Champions of Magic apart from other touring ensemble magic shows?

Although Champions of Magic does contain 5 magicians each performing in their own style, from their own discipline of magic, the show does feel very cohesive. It shouldn’t feel like a Magic Convention line up but without the MC. We perform together onstage throughout the show and because of that it hopefully feels like you’re watching a team of magicians, rather than segmented acts. That unifying aspect makes the show memorable, rather than the individuals within it. Coupled with the humour and no ability to take ourselves seriously, means it should be distinctive enough from the show's competitors.  

That's a lot of money

 

Do you have any guilty pleasures while on tour?
 
At every venue we go to there is a well stocked fridge and Coke (both Zero and full fat) is always on offer and display. When it’s always there, I will most likely choose it over the bottled water. It’s not a vice I suppose, but I know it’s probably not good for you in large quantities and I do love it.

One imagines that it’s sometimes hard to leave the comforts of your home for a lengthy tour.  Do you bring a special something from home with you? 

Leaving home for longer tours is an emotional challenge for sure. However, that challenge comes with the territory and it’s not like I’m down a mine shaft for weeks on end or on the front line in Afghanistan. I’m not sure if there is a front line in Afghanistan anymore, but you get the sentiment.

I do carry a couple of photos of my family, which feels very old fashioned and probably crazy considering I have my iPhone’s camera roll with me at all times. I’m sure that if I printed out all of the iPhone images of my kids and put them into a flicker book, you’d essentially get a live stream since birth.

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s Magic?

We STILL have a large quantity of shot glasses available on the merchandise stand. You would think dropping the price to $15 would have helped shift them, but it did very little for sales overall. It’s the worst business idea we have ever had. Please can your readers buy them when attending a show? After a lot of trial and error (and critically the right room humidity) the Young & Strange logo CAN be scratched off with a box cutter.

The shot glasses are versatile and I’ve provided some ideas for their use below:

- Candle holders.
- A Crockery Smash stall at a local fundraising event.
- A Glass Walking routine you are working on.
- A lecture for a business studies group on 'Loss Leaders'.   

Young and Strange "One More!" shot glasses
📸 : Kidlet, Kitchener, 2022

Thank you Sam, for making the time to answer our questions!

 

Learn more about Sam at SamStrangeMagic.co.uk and follow Young & Strange on Facebook, and Instagram. 

 

  Champions of Magic  

Catch Sam in Champions of Magic touring across Canada in 2023 - 2024:

• Toronto, Ticketmaster  [Dec 27 - 30] 
• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7] 
• Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8]

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

 

Read our 2023 interviews with:

• Alex McAleer
• Michelle Mazzarella
• Hollie England 
  

Read our 2022 interviews with the cast:

• Hollie England
• Alex McAleer
• Sam Strange
• Fernando Velasco
• Richard Young 

 
Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagic.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

 

 

 

Tribute to Herbert Lewis Morrissey

Back in August, I posted about Morrissey Magic closing after 54 years in magic. When the store closed, their website went dark and with it their tribute to Herb Morrissey. I'm pleased to republish Dan's tribute to his father.

Reprinted from MorrisseyMagic.com (archived on Dec 18, 2010), with permission from Dan and Phoebe:

Herbert Lewis Morrissey
February 6, 1938 to August 13, 2003

On Wednesday September 17, 2003  Many people from far and wide gathered together to celebrate the life of our founder Herb Morrissey. It was a beautiful evening and many great stories where shared by in my opinion 5 people who really new Herb, David Peck, Jeff Pinsky, David Ben, Obie O'Brien and Herb's partner Richard Olsen. I can't express  my gratitude to you all for sharing your memories of my father with us all.  We had a lot of laugh's and shed a few tears. 

On behalf of my family and Morrissey Magic, thank you to all our speakers and to all that attended the memorial.

Sandy Hobson deserves a big thank you for taking pictures of  the evening. Please follow the link below to see the picture gallery.

Picture Gallery

Dan Morrissey

Our founder and my dad Herb Morrissey after many struggles with many high points and a few very low points, over a span of about 3 years or so. Herb had many serious health issues but always held his head up and made the next hurdle.  There were many hospital stays over the last 3 years, twelve I believe. Nurses that cared for him number in the hundreds and there where many doctors.  Initially he had a heart attack among other problems, and it was decided that he would need a heart transplant. The transplant was a success and 2 months later he was out of the hospital and recuperating at home. Shortly after he was back at the shop doing what he liked best, demonstrating magic. He came to the shop 2 or 3 days a week for a few  months. Then another blow, cancer was found in one of his lungs and would have to be removed. The operation went well and it was believed that all the cancer was removed, again he headed home to rest and even made it back to the shop for a visit.  Herb's health started failing him again. He had not been comfortable for quite some time and was almost always in constant pain. Ultimately Herb was diagnosed with cancer throughout most of his body and had even started chemotherapy treatments. I often thought how brave he was and wondered how he could face another appointment or hospital stay. He put up one hell of a fight. On Wednesday afternoon August 13, 2003 Herb passed away at the Toronto General Hospital peacefully. 

My dad got his start in magic as a young boy when he was given a magic kit,  his interest quickly grew and was soon doing shows. At the age of ten he was chosen to be part of an all kids variety show, which included a juggler, singer, ventriloquist and Herb as the Magician. The group was so professional that they where once flown into northern Quebec and  Labrador to perform for the troops at Canadian forces bases.  Herb performed many shows all the way thru his teen years. 

He met the love of his life Shirley Anne Howes, my mom. They dated for a while and were married shortly after. My mother has shared many memories of my dad with me that I didn't know, some of which I can share with you. She recalled when they first met, my father was playing a club and he invited my mom to come see his act. When he walked out on stage my mother asked a friend, who is that man on stage, the friend replied that's Herb. She couldn't believe this was the same guy. My father off stage was quite shy and mother said he transformed into a totally different  person when he hit the stage.  She also told me that my sister Kim and I, where the most popular kids in the neighborhood, at our birthday parties all the kids wanted to come to our birthdays, because there would always be a magic show.  Kim and I could have cared less. I don't recall this but thought it was quite funny. 

At the age of 23 Herb turned professional and quickly became one of the busiest performers on the Montreal club scene and throughout the province of Quebec. As a kid I was snuck into a club or two to watch my father, and that's where my father was most comfortable, on stage. He had style and grace on stage that I have seen only a handful of times. He worked the clubs and eventually started the first business Herb Morrissey Products  in 1959 a very small business indeed. So small in fact that he only had one product. Morrissey Cups, soon other products were introduced Chop Cups, the dove pan line, zombie and lota bowl just to name a few. Richard Olsen, Herb's partner for over 30 years,  Richard started coming to the shop when he was a kid and spent a lot of his free time learning and looking after the shop when the boys would head to the bar for a beer. Richard is a huge piece of this thing we call Morrissey's and is also a big part of the company's success. Another Part of my fathers success comes down to a person that has probably never been mentioned. Our original metal spinner Leo Lambert, he was not a magician but had an understanding of magic that came thru in his work. Leo is now deceased and deserves along over due thank you. Herb eventually got out of the showbiz end of magic to focus all his attention on the business end of magic. 

This story starts back for me about 38 years ago. The path that I have been led down has been an interesting one. Because of my father I met many of the greats in the magic world as I grew up, not knowing that my life would some what follow the same path as my father. Magic has been a constant for my whole life, when I was a kid I dabbled in magic but never quite caught the magic bug until much later.  I really had very little interest in magic but I went to many magic conventions and saw pretty well everyone who is anyone perform or lecturer. In the seventies in Montreal, Morrissey Magic had many lecturers the likes of  Vernon, Derek Dingle, Buckingham, Paul Harris, Goshman just to name a few. I was not a magician but I always watched every lecturer. One memory that keeps popping into my head is when Dia Vernon Lectured, as Vernon Lectured his chauffeur was going over the fine details of the faro shuffle with me at the back of the room, I believe the chauffeurs name was Joe.  I was maybe seven years old but I practiced the faro and became quite good at it, but it wasn't until I was 18 that I would actually use the faro in a trick  There was always a magician staying at our house as I grew up, it was definitely interesting.  Little did I know that I was in actual fact learning many lessons on magic, the performance and my dad's favorite the demonstrating and the selling. I had been signed up for magic 101, but never knew.  

A few years back now my father was asked to perform for a large group with a special request, this group was having a hard time finding a magician who could work silent. The entire audience was hearing impaired. The act I say that night was incredible he did his cigarette act, misers dream (ungimmicked), card manipulations, linking rings and ended with The guillotine. He did about a 40 minute act and never spoke a word, when he finished the audience rouse, no jumped to there feet in a spontaneous standing ovation. I had seen my father work before but this was a special night. All the classic's of stage magic performed flawlessly and in total control of the audience. Again I was young and did not realize at the time this was another lesson.

As the cards and emails came I thought that many of the memories that people have of my father would be appropriate to share with you all. The condolences, notes and people visiting the shop and talking about their memories of dad have really helped the healing process for me.   

Our friend Jeff Pinsky of the Browsers Den of Magic here in Toronto wrote something that really hit me and said so much about Herb in just a few words, here they are.
"I have vivid memories of Herb and here are some of the titles to the memories that only we who spent time with Herb can fill in: The Stories, The Chop Cup, The Zombie Ball, The Cups and Balls, Copper/Brass/Silver, Fire Magic, His Cigarettes, His Cokes,  His Sports Jacket."

Mike Olender long time friend shared these thoughts.
Dan;
My deepest condolences on your father's passing.
When I first met your dad in 1986 he took an interest in what I purchased and gladly demonstrated any effects asked and gave me tips and insights for various sleights.
And although he knew a huge number of magicians in his life, many of them famous worldwide, he never forgot the everyday ordinary guys. Whenever I came to the store or he came to our ring he always said "Hi Mike", never forgot my name or countless others names and that impressed me.
Your following along in his footsteps and he's up there with the rest of the magic fraternity smiling down.
Gone but definitely not forgotten.
Mike Olender

Dan,
My name is Kevin Rusli, you probably don't know me but that's kind of the point of this email; to let you know that Herb has touched and affected the lives of others like myself who would have remained anonymous to you except by this email. I 'm only 23 years old, and started magic around 10 - 12 years ago at the shop. I even worked with you guys a long time ago for the annual 'take your kid to work day' which they do for schools. Herb had me in the basement making one way decks! Being as nice as he was, he gave me a free 'torch to rose' at the end of the day for my hard work!  

I also remember him making a comment to me at the age of 15 or 16, when he said I was old enough to leave home and start show business! I never knew if he was joking, but thinking about it brings a smile to my face.  

I saw him demonstrate  many tricks; some of my favorites that he did and I ended up buying were immaculate connection, beggar coins, and Tenyo's Eclipse. I just wanted you to know, that although I've not remained as close to Herb as I was as his customer, I would continue to consider him one of my early mentors and friends.
I'll miss him dearly,
Kevin Rusli 

The underlined section above is classic Herb.  As I read Kevin's email it immediately brought a smile to my face also, when I really needed it.

Dear Dan,
Our sincerest regrets go to you and your family for the recent loss of your father. Herb was a great man, and he will be missed by all.  

Your father was a magic Icon, and was definitely an influence on my magic and the continued success of my career. I still remember the very first time I ever walked into the shop and met him, he showed me the Chinese sticks, that was 20 years ago.  

He was also a great salesman, I know because my shelves are chalk full of magical gadgets, that I will probably never use. 

I know that there isn't much I can say except that I am truly sympathetic, and at least one good thing has come,...you and I have become friends. A friendship I hope we can continue for years to come. Although Lyndsy had never met your Dad, she has heard all about him since we first met, and she too sends her warmest thoughts and prayers to all of you. 

With our thoughts and prayers....
Peter & Lyndsy
Peter Loughran-Master of Illusions 

Peter's email made me realize all the friendships I have made because of my father and this is a blessing.

David Peck has been a friend of my dad for many years and a friend of mine for almost as many. They spent many hours at the shop together and David has a incite that not many have of  Herb, including me.  Below is the obituary David wrote for Linking Ring Magazine and The Canadian Association of Magicians Magazine CAMaraderie. I have included it here in its entirety. As I read it, it made me laugh and it brought a tear to my eye at the same time. 

 Thank you David. 

“Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.”
Rumi 

Herb Morrissey was a magician with a keen sense for all things magical. And it was this sensibility that allowed him to create and develop Morrissey Magic Ltd - a forty four year old company that I was to grow deeply fond of. It would be here that Herb and I would become good friends. It would be here where I would be privy to Herb’s skills as performer, salesman and entrepreneur. It would be here where I would here tales of performing for the mafia, Expo 67 and the subtleties of a nightclub act. It would be here that I would meet and develop relationships with some of my closest friends.  

Herb was the quintessential salesman. Some might say on a good day that he could sell anything. He had a gift. A wonderful tacit skill that could take something simple and turn it into a wonderful piece of magic. No used cars for sale here, only distinctive and sometimes expensive magical miracles. Yes, Herb could sell a beachfront property to a poor, thirsty man, crawling naked through the Sahara desert. It was fun to watch. An education in small business and in the techniques of persuasion. Herb’s love for performing as a magician was a delightful compliment to his ability to develop such a successful and unique business in Toronto and Montreal. It was an ability that allowed him to expand Morrissey Magic into an international name.  

Herb was a practical joker. He really enjoyed putting people into a vulnerable, comedic spot. No one was safe from Morrissey’s antics. It took me several years to joke proof myself. I have been sprayed with ink and electrocuted with specially charged pens. I have had things explode in and around me. I have been the brunt of many an inside joke. And so have many others, including the closest members of his family.

The Blue Bagoona is perhaps one of the most ghastly magical props I have ever seen. An Ickle Pickle product I believe. For those in the know, it is a dysfunctional square circle on wheels. Designed in the shape of an oh so dramatic and ill conceived bright blue garbage truck. I believe in the mid eighties it sold for the absurd and outrageous price of about sixty five dollars. I openly ridiculed this product to any one who would listen. Herb and I often joked about what type of act might actually employ such a garage sale item. The prop stood on the shelves for many years. It was covered in layers of embarrassing dust. It’s a wonder to me now that we never incorporated it into some sort of magical ceremony. Perhaps it could have been A Hideous Prop Burning or something like that. A magical rite of passage. We would have worn capes and funny looking hats and chanted strange melodic mantras. It could have become a yearly revenue producing ritual. My birthday was around the corner and a friend who had access to the store presented me with a rather large and poorly wrapped birthday gift. I reached my hand inside and felt the wretched and familiar wooden wheels. It was the Bagoona. Who knew? I believed in that moment that my friend had been truly had. This was a sophisticated practical joke. I mean Herb wouldn’t have, would he? Here was my friend trying to impress me with this magical purchase and I had to react in an appropriate way. I mean how could one possibly ever be grateful for a gift like this? The Bagoona didn’t deserve appreciation of any kind. This was no gift of grace. It was for all practical purposes a piece of magical junk. And yet I reacted as kindly and graciously as might be expected. It was an uncomfortable moment. It wasn’t until a day or two later that I was brought up to speed on the nature of the situation. It was I who had been had. Herb was able to notch another slot into his practical joke bedpost.

Herb was the kind of guy who didn’t hold back. He was extreme in every way. On one end of his emotional spectrum was his quiet and introverted nature that he so often displayed. He was no grandstander and yet to see him perform within the confines of his shop was to witness the simplicity and the pure pleasure of a magician working the room for applause. I’ve seen him explode in anger at unsuspecting and ungracious customers and I’ve seen him take the youngest performer under his wing and work them gently through the necessary steps towards magical knowledge. I was one of those youngsters.

The first time I saw Herb perform anything magical was inside his store. I had traveled a long distance to see what this Morrissey Magic was all about. A one mile walk and several buses later I had arrived. This was a place I would visit often. And it would be here that I would spend hours in conversation with many of the magical greats in the city of Toronto. But the moments I really looked forward to were those when I would find myself alone with Herb in the store. I would run out of the shop with a crumpled twenty dollar bill gripped tightly in my fist, that Herb had handed to me, and would quickly order a couple of subs and cokes to go. And would then proceed back to the shop to eat together, listen and learn. Those were good times. Formative years as many might say definitive memories. Fond recollections are never simply pictures that are worth a thousand words. It is the memory itself, imbued with all its emotional investment that is worth a thousand words and so much more. 

On August 13th at 3:00 pm Herb Morrissey passed away from complications involving a cancer related disease that was in turn associated with a three year new heart transplant. He was 65 years old. Herb was lucid and chatty up until his gradual decline. And for that the family is thankful.

Herb Morrissey was a dear friend of mine. So it was with great respect and admiration I accepted the request to write some thoughts regarding Herb and my recent friendly loss. This will be a personal account and my words will be few as I believe Herb would have wanted it this way.

About three months ago I paid a surprise visit to Herb at his home in Toronto. Shirley his wife greeted me at the door and led me downstairs where Herb was sitting in the usual place with coins, harnesses, cards, books and handkerchiefs scattered around the room. After chatting briefly for a minute or two I had to ask what the magical display was all about. Herb stood up and showed me a manipulative card move he had been working on and claimed that he was considering getting his act back together. Here was my recovering and still quite sickly friend working on new magical routines. He still had the desire to perform. I felt a tingle up my spine as I considered the possibility of seeing him on stage again sometime soon. I was excited for him at his new found interest. I must tell you however, with much regret, that Herb eventually put away the props as his illness began to bear down on him again soon after this surprise visit. I was thrilled and then deeply disappointed.

I already miss Herb. I know that many will. He was loved by some, respected by many and played a significant role in the lives of those he came in contact with. His wry and often odd sense of humor perplexed some and provoked others. And yet he had the ability to make most people smile. Herb was a character that demanded further enquiry and it was this, and the comfort of our twenty five year relationship, that prompted me to recently ask if he would be willing to develop notes and audio tapes regarding the writing of a personal biography. It was a biography that I would love to have written. I would ask the questions, and Herb would provide the stories. It would be an experience and privilege that I did not want to take too lightly. The potential for friendly connection and comedy was great. Herb and I chatted about this new project, and the thought of us working together and filing through the stories, the people and the places had a fascinating appeal for both of us. We laughed at all that would have to remain untold - the inner secrets forever sealed. We were moving ahead with our goal in mind and yet the project never formally started. Disappointing for anyone who knew Herb, for they would understand the intriguing nature of some of the more colorful aspects of his life. He was a great storyteller and a spinner of a sophisticated yarn as some might say. Like most of us he was a walking story. No cliché bits of business here. Herb had a difficult, colorful and unique past. His was a biography that had the ability to teach much. Oscar Wilde said that, “Experience is the name that men give to their mistakes. It seems to me that Herb would concur.

Herb was full of stories. He was an historical cup half full. Never half empty. These were magical tales that often grew with each new telling. Wonderful little oral ditties about this and that with respect to his experience in the world of magic. The people he met, the places he worked and some of the crazier aspects of a life lived as a post vaudevillian performer on the New York and Montreal club circuit. Having been a performer, manufacturer, creator and lecturer on magic for most of his life, he was a multi-layered library of information - a textured text.

Morrissey Magic was started many years ago in a small basement in a village just outside of Montreal. Herb was a magician that appealed to other magicians, but also to the lay public that entered his Toronto and Montreal stores. It is amusing to think of the number of people, both children and adults, that have had the privilege of purchasing a book, a video or a simple prop that was in some was related to Herb and his magic. For a moment consider the number of children entertained, the number of adults who smiled at their ability to make a handkerchief vanish, and the collective amount of applause generated as a direct or indirect result of Morrissey Magic. The implicit and explicit relational effects are exponential. Herb had a profound influence on many people, young and old.

Herb enjoyed working and he was usually wrapped up in a project related to the store and his magic. He always needed to be doing something. So it is no surprise that his illness and his inability to do as much as he had in the past was a continual source of frustration for him. And yet he found an active way of keeping his thoughtful and mindful mechanism well oiled. Up until a few weeks ago Herb was creating. Even with the physiological effects from his illness surrounding him, Herb still managed to find a way to work. I remember during the last phone call I had with him he spoke of, how easy it was to create new effects. I think I created six new tricks today, he said in a casual and proud manner. The creative juices were flowing. He had been working diligently on new card routines that I’m afraid that only he is now privy to. As sad as this may seem on one level I find it encouraging to know that even through the illness, the medications and the disease Herb found the strength within himself, and acknowledged that he still had the ability to draw pleasure from that which he so dearly loved sleight of hand magic.

When a death occurs I cannot help but be angry, disappointed and frustrated with that which seems so cosmologically unfair. However, I must also take time to revel in the courage and the joy that was the person. As Paul the Apostle, a New Testament writer has so poignantly asked, O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? These are questions that can’t be ignored. And they are questions that we must somehow be at ease with. We need to find a way to rest in that which we cannot truly know. What we can be certain about however is that a life lived has ended. And yet this same life was wholly lived - a man that loved his family, that loved his craft and who was loved by those around him. Coming to terms with this type of loss can never be easy. I for one will always claim that there was never quite enough time. One thing that I am certain of is that with a friend like Herb one can safely say that when it arrives, death never comes too late the knock at the door comes early. And again I am reminded of how much I will miss him.

Herb was a fighter as those who knew him would be willing to tell. His heart transplant by all medical accounts was a success. And he did fight until his eyes peacefully closed. Death is a final step. Or at least it would so appear. And yet there is life to be found in his work, his magic and in his family. May they find the strength to support and encourage one another in the difficult days ahead. And may they be reminded often of the sweeter moments with Herb.

As a friend of mine I trust that I will meet with him again someday. And if not, for the time being, I am able to remember him fondly, respectfully and with much joy.

Herb - Thank you for the stories, for your friendship and for everything else.

Love David
August 18, 2003

I have a lot to be thankful for and much of it is because of my father. There is no other person that has affected me and made me the person that I am today than my dad. Now that Herb has passed I have come to realize how many peoples lives have also been affected by crossing my fathers path. Dad thank you and I love you. There is a place where we will all meet again, where we never have to say good bye. 

Thank you to you all. 

Dan Morrissey