From Keith's Twitter feed:
so apparently part of my @LondonFringe show made it onto @CTVLondon starts at 9:00 minute mark. crazy. http://t.co/YwKvUSyU3k
— Keith Brown (@KeithHBrown) June 17, 2013
20 June 2013
Keith Brown on CTV News
The clip of Keith was on the CTV London/Windsor: News at 6, June 16.
From Keith's Twitter feed:
From Keith's Twitter feed:
Broken Wand: William Anderson
Recently we were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of the passing of William Anderson. Dennis is graciously allowing me to pass this on to you.
Dennis also pointed out that the more ALL of us share news and information about magic with the REST of us, the better off the entire magic community will be.
I take this opportunity to ask you to not just ASSUME that we already know about some magic news that YOU hear about. Please tell us about it. We would always rather hear some news SEVERAL times rather than not at all!
WILLIAM J. ANDERSON
The I.B.M. Headquarters recently learned that William J. (Bill) Anderson, 83, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, died July 29, 2012 of cancer. His member number was 63254, and he had been a member since 2002. He became interested in magic as a teenager, and it became a life-long hobby. He was literally a jack of all trades, from a master plumber and welder, to a carpenter and furniture and antique restorer, He and his wife lived and traveled throughout Canada and the United States over their almost sixty-four years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; children Richard, Heather (Alex) Chiong, and Judith (Mike) Meyer; and grandchildren, Nora, Mark and Tina.
-----
WILLIAM J. ANDERSON
The I.B.M. Headquarters recently learned that William J. (Bill) Anderson, 83, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, died July 29, 2012 of cancer. His member number was 63254, and he had been a member since 2002. He became interested in magic as a teenager, and it became a life-long hobby. He was literally a jack of all trades, from a master plumber and welder, to a carpenter and furniture and antique restorer, He and his wife lived and traveled throughout Canada and the United States over their almost sixty-four years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; children Richard, Heather (Alex) Chiong, and Judith (Mike) Meyer; and grandchildren, Nora, Mark and Tina.
19 June 2013
[Guest post] Steve Cohen Performs at Luminato
The following is a guest post from Ian Crawford.
--
For years I have wondered what it would be like to attend one of Robert-Houdins' Soirée Fantastic. Steve Cohen brought the essence of Robert-Houdin to life last night at his Luminato performance in historic George Brown House in Toronto. First you must understand the setting. George Brown House is a national historic site, the home of a father of confederation and founder of the Globe newspaper. The Edwardian house has been perfectly restored to its former glory and is the ideal setting for a performance that celebrates parlour magic. And Steve Cohen is one of the few magicians with the presence, experience and passion to bring the parlour magic experience to near perfection.
Steve performed a mix of classic magic and mentalism that honoured past masters while acknowledging a twenty first century sensibility. A lifetime of study, 16 years of performances combined with an engaging intelligence and perfect diction makes Cohens' performances ideal for the Luminato audience. He expected an intelligent audience, and the tickets even suggested that suitable dress was "cocktail attire". In return Cohen performed 90 minutes of witty, engaging magic. He was also suitably attired in a modern morning suit with yellow waistcoat and aqua tie.
Cohen's magic was direct, simple, elegant and completely fried many of the magicians and all of the rest of the audience of more than 60. Beginning with a multiple card selection, he immediately engaged his audience. He invited the back rows to stand and others to come and surround him while he performed some coin vanishes culminating in a solid, real brick appearing under his hat. Appropriately, it was a reclaimed brick. He performed a classic linking finger rings with style and grace and engaged the audience with some predictions about the inscriptions inside the rings.
One of Cohen's trademark tricks is based on Hoffman's Think a Drink. While performed part way through the show, this could have easily been the closer. Five different drinks were predicted, poured and enjoyed by audience members, the last being poured by a volunteer. Cohen went out of his way to acknowledge and thank the volunteer for dressing appropriately, nice touch. His message was clear that an evening out should be an experience for all, in keeping with the setting.
Cohen finished his set with a map prediction and then went into some mentalism using billets and an unusually large journal. The mix of magic and mentalism was clearly a salute to Robert-Houdin, and Cohan engaged his audience constantly.
For his finalé, Cohen asked the audience to come closer and gather round to watch as he performed what I can only describe as a a two deck Triumph.
If you missed Cohen, you can always catch him in New York at the Waldorf Astoria in Chamber Magic.
Toronto is blessed to have a magic benefactor in the Slaight family who sponsored the evening. And David Ben and Julie Eng of Magicana should be thanked for bringing some of the best magic to Luminato year after year. Together they have elevated magic to a respectable place. Robert-Houdin would have been proud.
Ian Crawford
--
Thank you Ian for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
--
For years I have wondered what it would be like to attend one of Robert-Houdins' Soirée Fantastic. Steve Cohen brought the essence of Robert-Houdin to life last night at his Luminato performance in historic George Brown House in Toronto. First you must understand the setting. George Brown House is a national historic site, the home of a father of confederation and founder of the Globe newspaper. The Edwardian house has been perfectly restored to its former glory and is the ideal setting for a performance that celebrates parlour magic. And Steve Cohen is one of the few magicians with the presence, experience and passion to bring the parlour magic experience to near perfection.
Steve performed a mix of classic magic and mentalism that honoured past masters while acknowledging a twenty first century sensibility. A lifetime of study, 16 years of performances combined with an engaging intelligence and perfect diction makes Cohens' performances ideal for the Luminato audience. He expected an intelligent audience, and the tickets even suggested that suitable dress was "cocktail attire". In return Cohen performed 90 minutes of witty, engaging magic. He was also suitably attired in a modern morning suit with yellow waistcoat and aqua tie.
Cohen's magic was direct, simple, elegant and completely fried many of the magicians and all of the rest of the audience of more than 60. Beginning with a multiple card selection, he immediately engaged his audience. He invited the back rows to stand and others to come and surround him while he performed some coin vanishes culminating in a solid, real brick appearing under his hat. Appropriately, it was a reclaimed brick. He performed a classic linking finger rings with style and grace and engaged the audience with some predictions about the inscriptions inside the rings.
One of Cohen's trademark tricks is based on Hoffman's Think a Drink. While performed part way through the show, this could have easily been the closer. Five different drinks were predicted, poured and enjoyed by audience members, the last being poured by a volunteer. Cohen went out of his way to acknowledge and thank the volunteer for dressing appropriately, nice touch. His message was clear that an evening out should be an experience for all, in keeping with the setting.
Cohen finished his set with a map prediction and then went into some mentalism using billets and an unusually large journal. The mix of magic and mentalism was clearly a salute to Robert-Houdin, and Cohan engaged his audience constantly.
For his finalé, Cohen asked the audience to come closer and gather round to watch as he performed what I can only describe as a a two deck Triumph.
If you missed Cohen, you can always catch him in New York at the Waldorf Astoria in Chamber Magic.
Toronto is blessed to have a magic benefactor in the Slaight family who sponsored the evening. And David Ben and Julie Eng of Magicana should be thanked for bringing some of the best magic to Luminato year after year. Together they have elevated magic to a respectable place. Robert-Houdin would have been proud.
Ian Crawford
--
Thank you Ian for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Toronto: Buster Canfield and His Amazing Fleas
Playing various dates in July and August.
From Brown Paper Tickets:
From Brown Paper Tickets:
Ladies & Gentlemen Boys and Girls of all ages!
Step right up and behold the most miraculous manifestation of mite-sized marvelosity ever to appear on any stage!
Buster Canfield's Circus of Industrious Fleas!
Come one, come all!
Be stunned!
Be astounded!
Scratch your skin with delight at our microscopic, entomic entertainment!
"Little creatures can do Marvelous Things."
Buster Canfield & His Industrious Fleas is a TYA play for solo actor, puppets, masks, parlour magic, and the Greatest Humbug Flea Circus ever seen on any stage!
Buster is a small boy, growing up in Port Hope, Ontario in the late 1800s. He is small for his age, shy, bullied, and feels overwhelmed by the world around him. His life changes when meets a mysterious old man from Europe by the name of Louis Bertolotto.
Read more and purchase tickets.
18 June 2013
Welcoming a new patron: Perfect Magic!
Welcome to our newest sponsor, Evelyn and Phil Matlin from Perfect Magic!
In Montreal in 1976, Perfect Magic was founded as a mail-order company run out of a basement, selling their own original products. In short time, they grew out of their basement and into a retail property of their own. They expanded their catalogue with more original products. In 1979, they collaborated wtih C.W. Vermeys to launch the very first Magie Montréal convention! Magie Montréal ran annually until 1998.
In the words of David Acer, "Today, Perfect Magic continues to be a highly respected manufacturer, distributor and retail outlet, supplying tricks and accessories to magicians around the world."
If you haven't already, check out their blog, Perfect Magic Then and Now, where Evelyn shares wonderful stories from her 30+ years of experience in the magic business. If you keep tabs on their Facebook page or Twitter feed, you will be notified when new blog posts are up.
Did you know that Phil is also a professional ragtime piano player? Browse through his YouTube channel! I enjoy both of his CD's, Ragtime Daze and Ragtime Magic.
I had the pleasure of meeting both Evelyn and Phil at this year's Spring CAM-JAM. They are warm, and wonderful people!
Thank you Evelyn and Phil, for your constant support of the Canadian magic scene and your sponsorship of this website!
In Montreal in 1976, Perfect Magic was founded as a mail-order company run out of a basement, selling their own original products. In short time, they grew out of their basement and into a retail property of their own. They expanded their catalogue with more original products. In 1979, they collaborated wtih C.W. Vermeys to launch the very first Magie Montréal convention! Magie Montréal ran annually until 1998.
In the words of David Acer, "Today, Perfect Magic continues to be a highly respected manufacturer, distributor and retail outlet, supplying tricks and accessories to magicians around the world."
If you haven't already, check out their blog, Perfect Magic Then and Now, where Evelyn shares wonderful stories from her 30+ years of experience in the magic business. If you keep tabs on their Facebook page or Twitter feed, you will be notified when new blog posts are up.
Did you know that Phil is also a professional ragtime piano player? Browse through his YouTube channel! I enjoy both of his CD's, Ragtime Daze and Ragtime Magic.
I had the pleasure of meeting both Evelyn and Phil at this year's Spring CAM-JAM. They are warm, and wonderful people!
Thank you Evelyn and Phil, for your constant support of the Canadian magic scene and your sponsorship of this website!
17 June 2013
Toronto: Mark Lewis Hypnosis Show
From Ticketwise:
Date: Saturday - July 6, 2013
Location: The LOT - Toronto - Cabaret
Mark Lewis in his new show displays the incredible hypnotic powers of the mind in ways often hilarious... sometimes spine-chilling...but always fascinating.
The show consists of volunteers being hypnotized on stage and participating in various comedy situations.
Read more and buy tickets.
16 June 2013
Reviews: Luminato 2013
From Musical Toronto:
From Torontoist:
From The Star:
[via Sharing Wonder]
Luminato failed to show its hand with the first of its magic-themed shows, which opened at Mazzoleni Hall on Friday night. The title is Concerto for Piano and Pasteboards. It’s a fine show. But it has almost nothing to do with pianos and everything to do with card tricks.
It’s a short, sweet magic show where the assistant doesn’t mutely stand at the magician’s side in a sequined suit but plays a grand piano instead.
Read more.
From Torontoist:
When Miguel Puga first spoke after performing a couple of introductory card tricks, it was in part to apologize for his broken English. The Spaniard, known also as MagoMigue (yes, that’s pretty much Spanish for Magic Mike), may not have the greatest command of the language, but he then proceeded to prove his assertion, as trite as it may sound, that magic possesses a universal power that can transcend ordinary communication. Blessed with a naturally funny presence and an undeniable gift for showmanship, Puga’s expert card manipulations were every bit as impressive as the apparent telepathic abilities he put to good effect on more than one occasion.
Read more.
From The Star:
By Miguel Puga & Miguel Aparicio. Presented by Luminato. To June 16. Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. 416-368-4849 (luminatofestival.com)
The piano gets equal billing in Miguel Puga and Miguel Aparicio’s show Concerto for Piano & Pasteboards, being presented in the opening days of Luminato. But this is really all about 90 minutes of Puga’s magic tricks, not the art of the keyboard.
Read more.
[via Sharing Wonder]
The secret's out!
From the Sorcerers Safari Facebook page:
The article in Vanish Magazine has some awesome photos taken by Carey Lauder that summer, which really add to the text that you may have previously seen.
Many parents & friends who do not attend camp are left wondering just how/why/what makes camp so awesome that their kids actually get a job so they can come back the next year. Here is a GREAT article written by Nicole Lee that outlines just what we do in the woods of Ontario for a week every summer and why it works!
Get it FREE at www.vanishmagazine.com
You'll want to click on 'Edition 8' and head to page 98 for the goods.
The article in Vanish Magazine has some awesome photos taken by Carey Lauder that summer, which really add to the text that you may have previously seen.
15 June 2013
Murray Sawchuck on Hallmark and TLC in June
From iTricks:
Murray Sawchuck will be popping up on your television a few times in the next few weeks. As you see above, he will be cooking and doing magic for Marie Osmond on her Hallmark Channel talk show June 17th.
Read more.
14 June 2013
The Dave Attwood Show
Check out the Dave Attwood Show, where Dave interviews folks like Murray Hatfield, Jason Verners, Rafael Benetar, Michael Machek, Shawn Farquhar, Dirk Losander, JC Sum, Richard Turner and Matthew Johnson.
13 June 2013
Mike Segal on The Magic Broadcast tonight!
That's 9:30 Eastern Standard Time!
Ep.2 of @aaronfishercard's radio show Card Man tonight @ 6:30pmPST w/ special guest @MagicMikeSegal ! #CampStories http://t.co/YvPnX7ehEb
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) June 13, 2013
[Guest post] Keith Brown - Exchange
The following is a guest post from James Alan.
Keith Brown - Exchange
June 7 - 16, 2013, various times
The London Fringe Festival
@The ARTS Project, 203 Dundas St (map)
There are two things that will get me to drive 200km to London and one of them is Keith Brown. (I won't tell you what the other one is, because whatever you're imagining right now is probably much cooler.)
Full Disclosure: Keith is a friend, we recently participated in a magic competition together where he beat me by two percentage points. He's also performed for Abracadabaret in the past and will be joining us again at the end of the month.
I have also done magic shows at the Fringe and I know they can be very stressful. Your entire show has to be set up, on stage, ready to go, usually in about fifteen minutes, and you have to clear the stage completely after every show and start from scratch every time.
I went to see the show with Nick Wallace, who's created three distinct shows for the Fringe over the years. As the doors closed, we looked around us and couldn't see a single empty seat. I leaned over and whispered, "Have you ever seen anyone sell out a late Monday night Fringe show?" "No, have you?" "No." Awkward silence.
I've seen Keith's show twice before, once at the Fringe and once as a self mounted production. Half of the show was new, which is not saying much because the 45 minute show only contains five pieces. It's all mentalism except for Houdini's Needle Swallowing trick.
Still, at that relaxed pace, there's no sense that anything drags. There's an innocent youthful charm that pervades everything. And even though he's swallowing needles, everything is in good taste, even the fart joke.
The title of the show, "Exchange", is apt because the audience participation makes the show and most of the applause goes to those who are chosen and volunteer. There are also several gentle nudges for participants to push their comfort zone, including one audience member drinking pure white vinegar.
While the show itself is fun and moves along at a good pace, it's not much to look at. Keith is wearing a charcoal suit on a stage with black chairs, a table with a black cloth on a black floor in a room with black curtains and black walls. The only colour in the show come from his tie, the blue latex gloves and the the carrot (it's not what you think.) But I realize the bare bones blank box feel is part of Fringe. If you want bright and colour full, The ARTS Project is also a cool little gallery which you can wander around before and after the show.
If London's not too far out of your way, go see this. Although, if Monday night is any indication, it looks like tickets for the last three shows will be hard to come by.
Three shows left:
June 14 - 5:00 PM
June 15 - 9:30 PM
June 16 - 3:00 PM
Tickets $15 ($10 if you have a London Fringe Backer Button)
Note that the Fringe operates under very strict rules and latecomers will not be admitted.
-James Alan
--
Thank you James for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
--
Keith Brown - Exchange
June 7 - 16, 2013, various times
The London Fringe Festival
@The ARTS Project, 203 Dundas St (map)
There are two things that will get me to drive 200km to London and one of them is Keith Brown. (I won't tell you what the other one is, because whatever you're imagining right now is probably much cooler.)
Full Disclosure: Keith is a friend, we recently participated in a magic competition together where he beat me by two percentage points. He's also performed for Abracadabaret in the past and will be joining us again at the end of the month.
I have also done magic shows at the Fringe and I know they can be very stressful. Your entire show has to be set up, on stage, ready to go, usually in about fifteen minutes, and you have to clear the stage completely after every show and start from scratch every time.
I went to see the show with Nick Wallace, who's created three distinct shows for the Fringe over the years. As the doors closed, we looked around us and couldn't see a single empty seat. I leaned over and whispered, "Have you ever seen anyone sell out a late Monday night Fringe show?" "No, have you?" "No." Awkward silence.
I've seen Keith's show twice before, once at the Fringe and once as a self mounted production. Half of the show was new, which is not saying much because the 45 minute show only contains five pieces. It's all mentalism except for Houdini's Needle Swallowing trick.
Still, at that relaxed pace, there's no sense that anything drags. There's an innocent youthful charm that pervades everything. And even though he's swallowing needles, everything is in good taste, even the fart joke.
The title of the show, "Exchange", is apt because the audience participation makes the show and most of the applause goes to those who are chosen and volunteer. There are also several gentle nudges for participants to push their comfort zone, including one audience member drinking pure white vinegar.
While the show itself is fun and moves along at a good pace, it's not much to look at. Keith is wearing a charcoal suit on a stage with black chairs, a table with a black cloth on a black floor in a room with black curtains and black walls. The only colour in the show come from his tie, the blue latex gloves and the the carrot (it's not what you think.) But I realize the bare bones blank box feel is part of Fringe. If you want bright and colour full, The ARTS Project is also a cool little gallery which you can wander around before and after the show.
If London's not too far out of your way, go see this. Although, if Monday night is any indication, it looks like tickets for the last three shows will be hard to come by.
Three shows left:
June 14 - 5:00 PM
June 15 - 9:30 PM
June 16 - 3:00 PM
Tickets $15 ($10 if you have a London Fringe Backer Button)
Note that the Fringe operates under very strict rules and latecomers will not be admitted.
-James Alan
--
Thank you James for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Broken wand: Andrew Philip
Recently
we were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the
International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of
the passing of Andrew Philip.
Dennis is graciously allowing me to pass this on to you.
Dennis also pointed out that the more ALL of us share news and
information about magic with the REST of us, the better off the entire
magic community will be.
I take this opportunity to ask you to not just ASSUME that we already
know about some magic news that YOU hear about. Please tell us about it.
We would always rather hear some news SEVERAL times rather than not
at all!
-----
Andrew Philip
Andrew
(Andy) William Philip, 50, of Unionville, Ontario, Canada, died
February 16, 2013. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (1986-2000). A
high school math teacher introduced him to magic, and they became
life-long friends. Although diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease as a
teenager, he was never without cards and coins everywhere he went. He
was a finance manager at I.B.M. Canada for seventeen years until his
health prevented him from working any longer. With magic he was obsessed
with presentation and crafting scripts, and he loved performing for
children, especially at the family cottage in Port Elgin. Survivors
include his wife of twenty-four years, Kim, and their children David and
Danielle.
12 June 2013
Sheldon Casavant explored the impossible
For those keeping track, Sheldon is also Sorcerers Safari alumni!
From Art Starts:
From Art Starts:
On Sunday, the New Westminster Quay was filled with anticipation and excitement as ArtStarts launched its very first event at River Market. It was a full house, with magician Sheldon Casavant who delighted audiences with two 45-minute magical performances/workshops titled Exploring the Impossible.
Read more.
11 June 2013
In the news: Holden Lumbard and Brett Chrest
Sorcerers Safari campers in the news!
From the Brandon Sun:
From the Brandon Sun:
If it wasn’t for their youthful faces, you would think Holden Lumbard and Brett Chrest were seasoned magicians performing in a large amphitheatre to hundreds of stunned and astounded audience members.
Evolution Entertainer magicians and business partners, 14-year-old Lumbard and 15-year-old Chrest started their magic act up at the end of the year and are now the latest and the greatest on the event entertainment list, doing everything from birthday parties to corporate get-togethers.
Read more.
10 June 2013
Phoenix: Simply Magical
July 17-20
From the IBM:
And don't forget about the Lance Burton Teen Seminar, July 15-17:
From the IBM:
Congratulations to Shawn Farquhar, Talent Chairman of the Eighty-fifth Annual Phoenix I.B.M. Convention, for putting together an outstanding lineup. You won’t want to miss being part of this magical event.
Read more.
And don't forget about the Lance Burton Teen Seminar, July 15-17:
A special pre-convention event for our young magicians ages 13-19. This event will begin at 7:00pm on Monday , July 15 and run through lunch on Wednesday, July 17. This unique event featuring Lance Burton, Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger will also have guest lectures and sessions from Shawn Farquhar, Oscar Munoz, Larry Haas and Bryce Kuhlman. The best news – there is NO EXTRA CHARGE for this event if you are registered for the convention.
09 June 2013
Broken wand: Raymond Massecar
From Your Life Moments:
[With thanks to Dennis Schick for passing this information along.]
Raymond Massecar
MASSECAR, Raymond Earl of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully, surrounded in his final hours by his loving family on Monday, February 4th, 2013, at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, in his 88th year. Beloved husband and best friend of 57 years of Marion (Robinson) Massecar and dearly loved father of Leo and his wife Wendy Massecar of St. Thomas, Ed Massecar of Mississauga, Mary Lou Weber and her husband Chuck of St. Thomas and Brian Massecar of St. Thomas. Much loved grandfather of Shawn (Natalie) and Lindsey Hardy (Rich). Predeceased by a grandson Robbie. Loved great grandfather of Liam and Lincoln. Predeceased by 3 brothers Gordon, Howard and Donald Massecar. Sadly missed by a number of nieces and nephews. Ray was born in Waterford on June 20th, 1925, the son of the late Earl and Grace (Warwick) Massecar. He was retired from Magna (1985). Ray served overseas with the army during W.W.II. He was a member of Grace United Church and a former member of the Kinsmen Club and the Knights of Pythias and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Read more.
[With thanks to Dennis Schick for passing this information along.]
08 June 2013
Mississauga: James Alan at Walk to Cure Diabetes
From Abracadabaret:
This Sunday, I will be performing at the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes. As an extra treat for those participating in this important fundraiser, you will have a chance to see some magic before the walk begins.
I’ll be there at 8:30 AM, a most unnatural time to see a magician performing, but it’s worth it for a good cause.
Read more.
07 June 2013
Toronto: Michael Weber workshop
On June 30th, Micheal Weber will be in Toronto offering one of his fabulous workshops! The details are sketchy at best. Contact James Alan to see if he has more pieces to the puzzle than I do!
Toronto: Lunchtime Illumination - Steve Cohen
From Light News:
Prestidigitation on the plate
By Steve Cohen, The Millionaire's Magician
(Appearing at Luminato Festival on June 19, as part of the Lunchtime Illumination series)
Meals, like live performances, have a beginning, a middle, and an end. A well-trained wait staff can treat each diner's meal as a performance and aim for the idea of "no dead time" as the evening unfolds - each moment something interesting should be happening, without the wait staff appearing overbearing or intrusive.
Read more.
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