Toronto: Magic auction

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013
At ‘Browser’s Den of Magic’
Cost to Attend: Free!

This is the time of the year when you our customers get to bid on magic equipment, tricks, books and dvd’s at fantastically low prices.

For those of you who would like to bring in items to be auctioned off…Please bring in those items to the shop anytime between April 11 until April 18.

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The Garden Variety Show in the Calgary Herald

From the Calgary Herald:

Five Facts About The Garden Variety Show
But Can You Do This? Founded by local vaudevillian James Jordan, the monthly Garden Variety Show is always the same—and always different: Jordan and his co-host Ryan Pilling kick off each show with a new magic trick (Jordan) and original song accompanied by banjo (Pilling), followed by a fresh cast of guests every month, including jugglers and local singer-songwriters.

Read more.
 

You can catch the next Garden Variety Show on February the 28th.

Le Grand Gervais

Recently, John Cox from Wild About Houdini posted:

French Canadian escape artist Le Grand Gervais, who made a name for himself in the late 80s performing Houdini's Overboard Box escape and Water Torture Cell, is still going strong. He recently revived the Water Torture Cell to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the famous escape. You can check out photos, film, and posters of Gervais' USD at www.houdinithelastescape.com.

Read more.

Toronto: Breakfast with Houdini

From the Casa Loma website:

Breakfast with Houdini

Delight in an exciting breakfast with the incredible Houdini in the Casa Loma Conservatory. Children will enjoy Performers Pancakes, Ringmaster Sausages, Stage of Syrup and Butter, Circus of Fruit. Price also includes self-guided touring and Casa Loma Carnival.

Dates: March 13, 14, 15, & 16

Read more.
 

[via Deborah Fallick]

Review: Shane Cobalt lecture

From The Browser's Den blog:

Shane Cobalt is a dedicated "student" of magic in the very best, truest sense of the word.

During his two hours-plus lecture given to a full room at The Browser's Den he demonstrated it repeatedly through his passion for magic, his commitment to advancing the Art and his encouragement of those less experienced than himself.

Shane promised that "everyone will be able to walk away with something you can do" and that his lecture would contain "no crap". He fulfilled those promises admirably while presenting a mixture of his favourite easy and more demanding card effects as well as a couple outstanding coin moves for good measure.

Read more.

Murray Sawchuck on Top Gear

From iTricks:

Murray Sawchuck consistently proves adept at at appearing on television. That dude should write a book about networking and casting in the reality television age. Aside from his reoccurring role on Pawn Stars, Murray will turn the key on a cameo for the American version of Top Gear this coming Tuesday on History Channel.

Read more.

Toronto: The Paranormal Show

From The Paranormal Show Facebook page:

22 March at 20:00 until 23 March at 22:00

Scott McClelland is BACK with a limited engagement at the Paper Mill Theatre! After 3 years of touring Canada, Scott McClelland proudly brings his special blend of the Phantasmagorical and Supernatural back to Toronto!

The Paranormal Show is a Spectacular assortment of Supernatural feats that will make you question everything you thought you understood about REALITY. Created by Scott McClelland the man behind Canada's Premiere Sideshow 'Carnival Diablo' , The Paranormal Show takes the Strange and Bizarre to new heights. Read more.

Montreal: Magic Jam

From the Canadian Association of Magicians:

Excited to announce the 2013 Montreal Magic Jam will take place May 4! The day will feature lectures from Denis Behr and Eric Roumestan, with more announcements to come.

Read more.

Warren Toaze on Zoink'd!

Watch Toronto magician Warren Toaze, recently on YTV's show Zoink'd.  His set starts at about 5:40.

Gregory Bracco reports from Korea

Read Gregory Bracco's latest report from Korea at the Canadian Association of Magicians website:

Here in Korea the Lunar New Year celebrations have just passed and so has one of my favorite events in magic. During the first week in February the Magic Union Korea (M.U.K.) held a three day magic seminar in the southern city of Busan. This was the fifth year for this annual seminar and although the attendance was down this year from previous years, about 50 participants, it still was bustling with energy and excitement. The following are some of the highlights of the event.

Read more.

Broken wand: Lucien "Stephano" Boucher

From Le Survol de la Rive-Nord:

À Saint-Eustache, le 24 novembre 2012 à l’âge de 89 ans, est décédé Lucien Boucher, époux d’Huguette Beaudoin. Outre son épouse, il laisse dans le deuil ses fils Pierre et Stéphane (Diane); ses petits-enfants : Alyssa, Aaron, Frankie et Missy; de nombreux frères et sœurs ainsi que plusieurs autres parents et amis.

Lucien Boucher a fait sa marque, sous le nom de Stéphano, dans le milieu des variétés en tant que magicien, humoriste et photographe.

Read more.

Read in english via Google Translate.


[With thanks to Phil Matlin.]

In which Mark Lewis reads my mind

Well, he did a pretty good job of reading my mind.  Though the question was not quite as general in my head as what he asked, and I may have had a few different words in mind to express the thought.

I'm back to othe question I asked earlier this week, Does Magician of the year mean the same thing as Perfomer of the year? (The comments to the post have started to sway my orginal stance.  I am also astonished that 93% of you that voted in the poll so far, have voted that amateurs should be eligible for the award -- I was sure there would be hundreds of "no" votes by now!)

But back to Mark Lewis.

On the Canadian Association of Magicians website post, Nominations for Magician of the Year, Mark asked:

The “proficient magician” part of things may cut possible nominees down quite drastically. Is it possible to nominate someone who is utterly useless as a performer (as most are) but has contributed in some other way ?

Go to the CAM post to read Shawn's answer.

And an update from Shawn in his latest e-mail to remind CAM members that time is running out to nominate someone for the award:

We have over 40 nominees and there is a clear first place and three very close contenders for the final spots on the actual ballot.

So there you go.  I can't wait to see who makes it to the voting round!

Dorval: Blair Marshall

From Montreal Families:

Feb 24, 2013
Magical Purim Party

Featuring Dorval's Master Illusionist Blair Marshall with the fastest hands in the West!
    Megillah reading at 3:30
    Hamantashen & Tempting Purim Spread
    Balloon Sculptures & Pinata
    Photo Booth
    Come dressed in Costume
Read more.

[via Perfect Magic]

Toronto: Roy Kueppers' Day at The Den

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

When: Sunday, March 10th
Where: The Browser's Den of Magic, 3220 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON
Cost to attend day: FREE!

Mr. Roy Kueppers, the man who personally manufactures all of the specially gimmicked canadian coins will be here at the shop for a full day of activities. Roy also makes non-canadian trick coins.  Plus a host of other gorgeous props including 'okito boxes', 'hand-crafted magic wands' and more!

Read more.

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

ALSO APPEARING: MICHAEL FRANCIS CURRENT GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF:
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls in one minute - 2 hands = 92 (previous record was 78)
Most Multiple Coin Rolls in one minute - 1 hand = 29
(previous record was 26)
Most Coin Rolls in one minute - 1 hand = 49
(previous record was 45)
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls (no time limit) - 1 hand = 986
(previous record was 72)
Most Consecutive Coin Rolls (no time limit) - 2 hands = 211
(previous record was 102)

Read more.

Ryan Pilling on Breakfast Television Calgary

Watch Ryan Pilling's appearance on Breakfast Television Calgary, promoting WowFest - Calgary's First Magic Festival, happening this Saturday, February the 23rd.


The appearance is also on YouTube:

Toronto: Music, Magic, Muggles...and some other M word.

Updated March 25th: 
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

From the Music, Magic, Muggles...and some other M word Facebook page:

Where: C'est What, Toronto.
When: Sunday March 31

Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Camp has been opening up the world of magic and performance to talented and creative youths aged 8-18 for more than 15 years! We combine the fun and exciting experience of summer camp (swimming, bonfires, canoeing) with instruction on the history and practice of magic (street, stage, parlour, etc.) and help kids learn how to get up in front of a crowd and perform. Fun-loving counselors and professional magicians come together with the campers to build friendships, make connections, and create a memorable experience that campers will hold on to for a lifetime. This fundraiser is designed to help keep this program going...and growing! 

Performers:

• Rosemary Reid
• Dan McLean Jr.

Read more.

Michael Francis: World record holder!

From Mississauga.com:

Since 2005, the Guinness World Record for most one-handed coin rolls in a minute has been 45, until Sunday (Feb. 10) when Clarkson resident Michael Francis passed a U.S. half dollar  between his fingers 49 times in one minute.

"It means a lot," said Francis. "In the magic of field, most coin rolls a minute has been the most highly regarded one … all of the biggest magicians have tried for it."

Well, move over Houdini because the 28-year-old broke an additional four coin rolling records Sunday: most consecutive coin rolls in one minute with two hands, 92 (previous record 78); most multiple coin rolls in a minute with one hand, 29 (previous record 26); most one-handed coin rolls with no time limit, 986 (previous record 72) and most consecutive coin rolls with two hands, no time limit, 211 (previous record 102).

Read more.
 

The article goes on to say that Michael is going to attempt to break an additional 25 Guinness World Records this year!  Good luck Michael!

By my count, that puts the total of Canadian Guinness World Record holding magicians to four! 

• Doug The Great:  Heaviest Stilts Mastered.
• Scott Hammell:  Highest Suspension Straight Jacket Escape.
• Lucas Wilson:  Fastest Suspension Straight Jacket Escape.

Murray Hatfield: US lectures

Murray Hatfield will be lecturing in the United States in March and April.  Visit his Facebook page for an up to date listing of dates and cities.

The list below is current as of February 14:

Mar. 5 Tulsa, OH
Mar. 6 Kansas City, MO
Mar. 7 Pigeon Forge, TN
Mar. 8 Pigeon Forge, TN
Mar. 9 Pigeon Forge, TN
Mar. 10 Huntsville, AL
Mar. 12 Jacksonville, FL
Mar. 13 Memphis, TN
Mar. 14 Murfreesboro, TN
Mar. 16 New Orleans, LA
Mar. 18 St. Louis, MO
Mar. 19 Peoria, IL
Mar. 20 Chicago, IL - Midwest Magic
Mar. 21 Chicago, IL - Tinley Park
Mar. 24 Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
Mar. 25 Lake Charles, LA
Mar. 26 Houston, TX
Mar. 27 San Antonio, TX
Mar. 28 McAllen, TX
Mar. 30 Albuquerque, NM
Apr. 1 Tucson, AZ
Apr. 3 Las Vegas, NV

Broken wand: Leonard Miedzianowski

From the Montreal Gazette:

1951-2013 Leonard Miedzianowski, aka Nemo Turner son of the late Peter Miedzianowski and Wanda Lorek, survived by his brother John and sister Regina, and numerous friends. Leonard was a well known Montreal magician.

Read more.

[via Perfect Magic]


From "Remebering Nemo" over at the Rotary Club of Montreal.

Nemo Turner, born Leonard Miedzianowski, age 61, died early Friday morning, February 8, 2013.

Nemo (the name he took when he began to perform magic) was a well known Montrealer having frequently appeared in the media.
After attending Concordia University (Loyola campus) and receiving a Bachelor’s degree in psychology he carried on with his career as a magician and llusionist, his loyal assistant, Melvin Rabbit at his side. A sense of whimsy and an ability to generate publicity on Nemo’s part led to Melvin, a small white rabbit, gaining his own measure of fame, resulting in a lifestyle that included his own bank account and dining at the Mount Stephen Club. Nemo went on to blend his entertainment skills with education and also was involved in real estate ventures.

Read more.

John Cox writes about Houdini Never Died

Over at Wild About Harry, John Cox writes about Houdini Never Died:

Here is the entire 1979 documentary Houdini Never Died. This was produced by John Watson and Pen Densham who later wrote and directed TNTs Houdini. It intercuts Houdini's story with footage of contemporary magicians including Doug Henning. It also has nice footage of James Randi performing a suspended straitjacket escape over Niagara Falls and the 50th Anniversary Official Houdini seance held at the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame. Definitely a product of its time, but that's what makes this great.

Read more.