WowFest news round-up!

Watch Ryan Pilling talk about WowFest on BT Calgary.

Ryan Pilling and Gwyn Auger interviewed by Swerve magazine.

http://t.co/k1EADluCxm Time to get your tickets for the first and possibly ONLY Garden Variety Show of 2014! #calgary #letsgetmagic
— James Jordan (@GVS_varietyshow) February 13, 2014

Review: Lee Asher's Catch 33

From Wayne Kawamoto:

Classic Monte with a Killer Ending

Lee Asher offers this amazing take on classic three-card monte that's taught via a downloadable pdf file that you can view on your computer or mobile device. Asher not only teaches the basics of the monte, he offers a stunning switch at the routine's end that may very well surpass the classic "bent corner" ploy. It's an entertaining routine at a great price.

Read more.

Toronto: Magic at the Winchester has moved

From Reality Based Magic:

I very much regret to report that due to circumstances beyond our control, The Winchester Stage and Bar is no longer available for our performances on Sunday evenings.

Fortunately, our Tuesday night venue, The Cage 292, has taken us in. Going forward we will continue to offer our shows ever Sunday night at The Crimson Lounge, located inside The Cage 292 (292 College Street @ Spadina). We will continue to honour all tickets and reservations from Magic at the Winchester at the new location.

Read more.

David Blaine a Ford fan

News reports about David Blaine's meeting with Toronto Mayor, Rob Ford:

From The Star:

Meanwhile, well over a dozen journalists, plus TV cameras and photographers, were camped outside Mayor Rob Ford’s office waiting for famed magician David Blaine to appear.

Blaine had apparently phoned Doug Ford Thursday night to see if he could pop over to city hall and meet Toronto’s notorious mayor.

Read more.

From Global Toronto:

The magician entered and exited the mayor’s office through the back door and was kept out of the gaze of Toronto’s media.

The impromptu meeting was apparently set up late Thursday night when Doug Ford said he received a call from the magician.

“He said ‘I’m a big fan of your brother, and I’d love to come by and do a few tricks,’” Ford claimed.

Read more.

From Sun News:

Mayor Rob Ford got a magical visit from David Blaine on Friday.

Blaine — clearly a master magician — managed to enter and leave the mayor’s office through the back door, avoiding media gathered out front.

“David Blaine was amazing,” Ford said after the private show for a collection of mayor’s office staffers, councillors and the city’s top bureaucrats. Ford’s staff did show off a bent quarter and a playing card — the five of hearts — as evidence of Blaine’s appearance.

Read more.

Celebrity divas react to Ryan Joyce

Full tution scholarship to Sorcerers Safari Magic and Peformance Camp

From the Society of American Magicians:

In addition, the Magic Endowment Fund Is Providing Scholarships to ... [snip] ... the Sorcerers Summer Safari located near Toronto in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada for the week of August 15 to August 20, 2014. The Magic Endowment Fund Is Proud to Offer the Scholarships Which It Has Done for the Past 21 years. Involvement in the magical arts not only makes a crucial difference in the lives of youngsters during their formative years, it has been proven to develop character and good traits and combat juvenile delinquency.

Read more and apply.

David Acer in the Montreal Gazette

David Acer, John Carney, Michel Huot and Rafael DiCaprio will perform Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Comedy Nest.


From the Montreal Gazette:

MONTREAL — In keeping with the spirit of Sochi, David Acer, ace close-up magician/standup comic, is demonstrating his Olympic card trick. It entails no skates or snowboards or moguls. It does entail, however, mittens as well as a deck of cards.

“It’s a sleight-of-mitten trick,” says Acer, co-owner of the Comedy Nest, where this demonstration is taking place. “Just to make sure I can’t do any digital trickery.” Phew. No worries about impromptu prostate exams, let alone much card trickery — not with those clunky mitts

Read more and watch video.

Michael James on APTN tonight

From Michael J Magic:

@TheCandyShow New episode featuring #Halifax #Magician @MichaelJMagic airing tonight on APTN 10pm EST/ 11pm AST @canadasmagic

— Michael James (@MichaelJMagic) February 12, 2014

Richard Forget on the cover of Vanish

Richard Forget is featured in the current issue (12) of Vanish International Magic Magazine.  You can read it as a live eMagazine here (requires Flash).

Grateful for our February sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.  We're pleased to have the support of:

• Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic and
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or, you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Broken wand: Brian Moynagh (Stage name: Brian Michaels)

Updated February 15th to add obituary information.  From Obits for Life:

Stage Name: Brian Michaels
Bravely at the Toronto General Hospital on Friday February 7, 2014. Brian Moynagh in his 40th year, beloved husband of Carrie Lamers, loved and devoted father of Sydney. Loving son of Jackie and Ray Moynagh and dear brother of Alison (Jay) Macmillan. Brian will be sadly missed by his grandmother, Audrey Wiecha, and his mother and father in law, Mary and John Lamers. Brian joins in heaven his grandparents, Bridget (Bea) and Ambrose Moynagh and Jack Wiecha. Brian will also be missed by many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Brian performed his magic and illusions from coast to coast in Canada and Internationally. He touched and wowed thousands of people with his talent, his personality, his wit and his values. A CELEBRATION OF BRIAN’S LIFE will take place on Sunday February 16, 2014 at 2 pm (doors open at 1:30) at the OE Banquet & Conference Centre, 2245 Speers Rd, Oakville ON. 

Read more.

Updated February 11th to add a link to an article about Brian from Inside Halton, "Illusionist recovering from dose of reality "Double lung transplant recipient Brian Michaels returning to the stage after nearly succumbing to cystic fibrosis."

Tweets of remembrance have been added to the bottom of this post.


From Owen Anderson:

Brian Moynagh (Stage name: Brian Michaels)
March 28, 1974 - February 7, 2014

Beloved Husband of Carrie, Father of Sydney, Son of Ray & Jackie, Brother of Alison
Forever in our hearts.....

Please join us on Sunday February 16, 2014 @ 2:00 pm
Doors open @ 1:30 pm
Reception to follow with light refreshments

OE Banquet & Conference Centre
2245 Speers Road
Oakville, Ontario L6L 6X8
http://www.oebanquet.com/contact-us.html

In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been set up in Sydney's name. Donations can be made at any RBC branch or via internet banking to account # 00712-5117429.

If you have photos or stories or would like to share at the memorial, please contact Carrie Lamers at memorialforbrian@gmail.com

From Peter Mennie:

@canadasmagic Magician Brian Michaels died Feb 7 Recep: Feb 16 @ 2pm Doors @ 1:30 http://t.co/Rpek4JmyM5 memorialforbrian@gmail.com
— Peter Mennie (@petermennie) February 10, 2014

R.I.P. magic friend since he was a kid Brian Moynagh (Stage name: Brian Michaels) March 28, 1974 - February 7, 2014. Too soon.
— Owen Anderson (@OwenTAnderson) February 10, 2014

So sad to hear of the passing of friend and fellow magician Brian Michaels. Definitely one of the good guys...
— Murray Hatfield (@MurrayHatfield) February 10, 2014

Toronto: Dan Trommater's Intimate Illusions

From Eventbrite:

Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th

Fresh from his appearance at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, magician Dan Trommater presents this exceptional performance on Valentine's Day weekend.

This will be an intimate evening of magic and mystery.  With only 40 tickets per show, you'll be close enough to see every moment.

Blending stunning magic, comedy and respectful audience interaction, Dan will create an experience perfect for Valentine's Day weekend.

Read more and buy tickets.

Gwyn Auger's live Q&A

Updated February 15th to add link to Full Circle Magic to watch Gwyn Auger's live video Q&A!

From Gwyn Auger's Facebook page:

Post by The Magic Assistant.

Watch James Alan on CP24

Watch James Alan on the CP 24 Breakfast Show tomorrow between 9:15am and 10am!

Michael Ammar March lectures

Michael Ammar will be lecturing in Canada in March.

The according to to the Can-Am Conjuring Lecture Series website Michael's lecture dates are:

• Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) on  March 11 
• Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle) on March 12
• The Magic Club of Winnipeg on March 13
• Misson, BC on March 14

He'll be wrapping up the lecture tour with dates in the US (Seattle, Eugene and Portland).

Please confirm details about dates, times and locations by contacting each club directly.

Broken wand: William (Bill) Eliason

From The Vancouver Sun:

William (Bill) Eliason February 19, 1932 - October 10,2013 Born in Saskatoon Sask, the youngest of 5 children, Bill grew up in Vancouver and graduated from King Edward High School. In his teen years, Bill took up the art of magic, performing as 'Eli the magician'. This led to other areas and friendships in show business. A natural entertainer and storyteller, Bill went on to excel at producing and promoting a wide variety of show. He was a member of the Backstage Club, the Vancouver Magic Circle and was inducted into the IBM's Order of Merlin.

Read more.

You can also read more about Bill on page 6 of the Vancouver Magic Circle January 2014 newsletter.

Rounding the Western rings in February

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.  

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- WOWFest Fundraising Show
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- n/a
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- n/a
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle)	- Competition for Originality in Magic. - Third Monday Magic with guest stars Jonathan Hamilton and Alex Seaman.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- 2014 installation banquet and show with Alan Sands - Alan Sands lecture - Woody Aragón lecture cancelled
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- n/a
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Woody Aragón lecture

 

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Ontario rings in February

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Coin, money and paper magic.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Family and friends night.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Impromptu tricks found around the house and in Dollarama.
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- n/a
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- n/a
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Mosquitoes Suck Tour lecture "Magic that Sucks": Bill Abbott, James Alan, Anthony Lindan, Bobby Motta, David Peck, Brian Roberts and Jay Sankey. Hosted by  Matt DiSero.

 

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Eastern rings in February

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- check out their new website - n/a
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- n/a

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Dave Attwood interviews Trevor and Lorena Watters

On January 22nd, Dave Attwood interviewed Trevor and Lorena Watters about their life in magic and a drunken night spent with a tower of food.

Listen to the interview at Dave Attwood's site.

Jay Sankey in the Magic Cafe's Creator's Spotlight

From Jay Sankey's Twitter feed:

I'm in the 'Creator's Spotlight' this week on the magic cafe! Please join me and post a cool question- thanks! http://t.co/03bfCbliz8
— Jay Sankey (@jay_sankey) January 29, 2014

New York: Paul Vigil and Ben Train lecture

From The Daily Deception:

February 16th

After Paul finishes his lecture, we will take a small break to walk around and practice. Then coming off of his European lecture tour we will have Ben Train who steps up and starts his own lecture.

A bit about Ben Train...

Since finishing sixth in a “Ben Train” look-alike contest, Ben Train has devoted over ten years to lecturing and performing across North America. Combining sophisticated sleight-of-hand, unique philosophical insight, and a wikipedic knowledge of the arts, Ben talks the talk, walks the walk, and rocks the flock.

Ben’s material has been featured in every major magic publication (including Genii, The Linking Ring, Magic Magazine, and MUM), and his critically acclaimed DVDs and books have been flying off magic stores shelves around the world. Magicians everywhere are trying to be more like Ben, and soon you will be, too – leaving him with no hope in next year’s look-alike event.

Read more.

Toronto: Magic club at the Den

From the Browser's Den Twitter feed:

THIS Sat, Feb 1, is our next magic club meeting! All interested to talk magic are welcome. At the Den from 2:30- 5:30. See you there!
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2014

Magic with Maple leaf goodness

Where the magic happens

Keep an eye out for a new web series, Where the Magic Happens, by Jordan Murciano and Garnett Schmidt.

I first met Garnett at Sorcerers Safari in the summer of 2011 and was impressed by his energy and enthusiasm.  It's going to be fun watching these two!

Watch the first episode on YouTube:

More Carney in Canada

From Julie Eng's Twitter feed:

Carney in Canada ... Vancouver, BC just added! March 25 (lecture only). See here for details and to regsiter: http://t.co/Kr2XBEppLK
— Julie Eng (@anjusan) January 25, 2014

Review: Reading Writing

From Wayne Kawamoto:

Reading Writing teaches an entire system of analyzing handwriting. It will take some memorization and you’ll have to sharpen your skills at recognizing the subtle differences, but there are single sleight of hand moves that take far longer to master.

What’s great about this book is that it offers a gateway into the possibilities of combining handwriting analysis with mentalism and magic. The book explains mentalism “experiments”  regarding: determining favorites, lie detection, a prediction, a book test, matching writing to a person and more. There are also angles on classics such as ambitious card.

I have studied books on the topic and I wish that Ariel Frailich’s “Reading Writing” had been around earlier. This is the book that I would have wanted as a start. I recommend this one and I’ll sign to it.

Read more.

Also at Magi-Fest ...

@canadasmagic im doing my book and DVD release through vanishing inc at magi-fest!! I'm actually on the Ted talk style talk line up!! :)
— Chris Westfall (@Westfall_magic) January 15, 2014

Farquhar and Sankey at Oceanside

From Oceanside Magic:

Welcome to a new Cape Cod convention! April 10-13, 2014 

Only 3 months until the most fantastic magic convention to hit Cape Cod in years!!  All are invited to the first Oceanside Magic Invitational-- enjoy lectures, dealers, auction, close-up show, two stage shows, grand banquet, and much more!  The beautiful, intimate Red Jacket Beach Resort in South Yarmouth, MA is our host venue...making this a truly oceanside magic event!

World-class magicians--Ice McDonald; Shawn Farquhar; Jay Scott Berry; Mickey Silver; Jay Sankey; and MANY MORE!!--congregate here to share their talents and skills, and the camaraderie that only a small convention can offer.  Our special Guest of Honor for this first-time event will be David Oliver.

Read more and register.

Dave Attwood interviews Gwyn Auger

In episode 49 from January 15th, Dave Attwood interviews Gwyn Auger.  "Dave also had a chance to sit down with Magic Assistant, Gwyn Auger, as she talks about her life as an entertainer, writer, and professional Magic Assistant.."

Listen to the interview at Dave Attwood's site.

WowFest Magic Arts Festival Brings Amazing Magic Shows to Calgary

From WowFest Magic:

Calgary, Alberta – Entering its second year WowFest Magic Arts Festival presents a wide variety of amazing magic shows and events in the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts. The festival expects over 800 magic fans to partake in over a dozen unique performances.

The intimate Motel venue, with seating for 50, ensures the audience a full experience with an excellent view of the magic. Many shows in the festival are highly interactive, mixing magic with comedy and audience participation.

The festival kicks off on the Family Day holiday offering a day filled with shows and activities that all ages can enjoy together. The “Family Fun Magic Show”, with a rotating cast of local magicians, will be presented multiple times throughout the weeks.

To prove that tricks are not just for kids, the festival includes many feature shows intended for older audiences. “A Brush With Death” is a popular Calgary-based macabre magic show perfect for fans of horror movies. As a regular performer at Hollywood’s world-famous Magic Castle festival headliner Jon Armstrong presents award-winning magic with his one-man show “I Do Card Tricks and I’m Funny”.

With a wide variety of shows, and affordable ticket prices ranging from $12 to $20, WowFest is proud to showcase the art of magic in Calgary with both evening shows and weekend matinees. The full schedule of events and tickets are available on the festival website at www.WowFestMagic.com

Event Dates: February 17th to March 1st, 2014, various showtimes
Event Location: “Motel”, Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts 

Read more.

Dodd Vickers and David Roth talk Dai Vernon

From Dodd Vickers Twitter feed:

Dai Vernon's Circumcision/Conversion - One of many fun topics discussed in our chat with @conjuringarts David Roth http://t.co/MMDv8aaGdB
— Dodd Vickers (@thewizard) January 13, 2014

Review: Rob Power lecture

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

We started off 2014 with a real big bang with the Rob Power lecture yesterday at the shop. 

I was so pleased by the wonderful turnout! Rob is not someone who is well known amongst hobbyists. Most professionals who do not put out products for the magic industry are never really well known unless they make it big.

During Mr. Power's lecture he showed why he has been so busy the past 30 years performing. His talents touch upon many areas of entertainment.
During the lecture attendees were given a treat of a magic buffet and instruction that included: Manipulation, Sleight of Hand, Miser's Dream, Puppetry, Comedy, Fire-Eating, Close-Up Magic and even some crazy fun balloon creations.

Read more.

Toronto and Montreal: John Carney

From Julie Eng's Twitter feed:

Carney in Canada ... Vancouver, BC just added! March 25 (lecture only). See here for details and to regsiter: http://t.co/Kr2XBEppLK
— Julie Eng (@anjusan) January 25, 2014

From Magicana:

John Carney is no ordinary magician.

His approach is smart, engaging and always surprising. He is widely acknowledged as one of the top sleight-of-hand magicians in the world with unique, and often hilarious, presentations. Hollywood’s Magic Castle has awarded Carney more awards than anyone in their history – the only performer to win in every category.

John is also an acclaimed instructor of magic. His books, Carneycopia and The Book of Secrets, are considered by many to be modern classics. Here is your opportunity to watch, engage and learn from one of magic’s favourite sons.

Only two dates in Canada
February 15 – Toronto
February 16 – Montreal

Read more and buy tickets.

Dave Attwood interviews Shoot Ogawa

In episode 48 from January 7th, Dave Attwood interviews Shoot Ogawa.

Listen to the interview at Dave Attwood's site.

Brampton: Matt DiSero

I'm performing in #brampton So come out Feb 15 myself and @incredibleboris on the bill #comedy #magic pic.twitter.com/XxCYVBIuz3
— Matthew DiSero (@MattDisero) January 7, 2014

James Alan on CP24

Watch James Alan perform for Jee Yun Lee and the CP24 Breakfast crew on Sunday December 19, 2013.

Ottawa: Chris Westfall's Calculated Chaos

From Chris Westfall's Twitter feed:

pic.twitter.com/2dTXs9Hro1
— Chris Westfall (@Westfall_magic) January 7, 2014

[via Magic Information Canada]

Ben Train in the UK and Amsterdam

From Ben Train's Facebook page:

Hey friends (and soon to be friends), 

I am about to embark on a 10 city lecture tour throughout the UK. If you're near ANY of these places I hope you come out and have an amazing time with us! 

If you're not, well shucks. Next time. Meanwhile, share this so that anyone else close by will know about it! 

See you soon,
Ben Train 

Thursday January 9th, 2014: The Surrey Society (Surrey)
January 10th-12th, 2014: The Session Convention (Cheltenham)
Monday January 13th, 2014: The Manchester Circle of Magicians (Manchester)
Tuesday January 14th, 2014: The Blackpool Magicians Club (Blackpool)
Wednesday January 15th, 2014: The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians (Wolverhampton)
Thursday January 16th, 2014: The Fritz Alkemade Club (Amsterdam)
Monday January 20th, 2014: The Leicester Magic Circle (Leicester)
Tuesday January 21st, 2014: The British Magical Society (Birmingham)
Wednesday January 22nd, 2014: The Nine of Diamonds Magic Group (Edinburgh)
Tuesday January 28th, 2014: The Aberdeen Magic Club (Aberdeen)

Read more.

Who is Shawn Farquhar's favourite living Canadian magician?

Find out Shawn Farquhar's favourite living Canadian magician, his 10 must-have books, who his unicorn was and more at his Reddit AMA!

Niagara Falls: Kevin and Caruso's "Magique"

From Fallsview Casino:

January 30 — February 5

A stage spectacular of epic proportions, Kevin & Caruso fascinate audiences with their award winning production “Magique” featuring the excitement of the grand art of illusion, glamorous costumes and special effects!

Read more.

[via Peter Mennie]

Rounding the Western rings in January

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.  

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- n/a
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- n/a
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- n/a
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle)	- competition for close-up magic - Third Monday Magic: Comedy magic with special guest star Chris Yuill
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- AGM - Past Presidents Night - One Trick Night
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- n/a
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Unopened Deck

 

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Ontario rings in January

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- n/a
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- New routine workshop night
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Dealer demo
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Something New - New Member Induction Presentation - Fritz Alkemade lecture
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- Talk about your magic resolutions for 2014 - Talk about why you already quit your new years resolutions!!!!
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Club auction

 

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Eastern rings in January

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- n/a
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- n/a

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Celeste Evans: Queen of Magic

Part 1 from iTricks:

Celeste Evans is a living legend in the world of magic. She describes herself as “a museum relic.”

One of the most successful women magicians in history, Celeste spent the 1960s touring around the world literally performing for royalty. Now retired, she was good enough to talk to iTricks in this two part interview.

Read more and watch video of Celeste on To Tell the Truth.

Part 2 from iTricks:

Last week iTricks spoke to her about breaking through the boys’ club of magic and finding success in New York and on television. This week she talks about her international stardom and even offers some advice to today’s magicians.

Born in a small town in British Columbia just north of the Washington State border, Celeste Evans was initially drawn to magic partially because she was told it was something girls simply could not do. Dedicating herself to practice, she studied magic on her own for years. As a young woman, she moved to Vancouver for a job and was finally able to acquire sleight of hand lessons from local magic store owner Jon Kirby, although the local magic club was for men only. Shows around town led to an Asian tour of Canadian military bases, more touring and eventually her first television show. By 1957, Celeste Evans was not only doing nationally televised American shows such as To Tell The Truth, she was featured in an important SAM show and even landed on the cover of Genii.

Read more.

Luc Langevin and David Blaine on television in the coming week

On Monday night, CBOFT shows it will be airing "Luc Langevin: aux limites de l'illusion 2."

On Wednesday night, catch David Blaine's "Real or Magic" on ABC.

Magic and rehab help transform kids with disabilities

From The Star:

Presto! Change-o! Magic is all about transformation.

We are mesmerized by what we cannot explain, enthralled when hands deceive our eyes.

So it was on a recent afternoon in a compact auditorium that’s part of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and was filled with an audience of 50 facility staff, clients, friends and family of the small performers who individually sat in front of the proverbial magician’s table with black cloth and fringe.

Read more.

Toronto: Kenton Knepper workshops

Some of you already know that Kenton Knepper will be lecturing at Ring 17 in April.  What you may not know is that Kenton will also be offering an "Introduction to Mentalism" workshop and a "Mentalism Intensive." 

From Ring 17:

Introduction to Mentalism

Friday, April 4, 2013

The 3 Hour Workshop will contain strong yet easy mentalism material anyone can do. Most of the effects use very basic props, such as business cards, playing cards, candy and other easily found objects. You need not be a mentalist to attend this workshop. You will leave doing memorable, sure-fire mentalism, that you can perform close-up, stand-up and in intimate situations.

Mentalism Intensive

Saturday, April 5, 2014

You need not be a mentalist to attend this workshop. You should be prepared to leave as one.

• Learn how to use personality and symbolic readings to connect to your audience and potential clients.
• Learn how Kenton Mind Reads personalities in performance and gives mini-readings before engaging a spectator in an effect. Then practice with Kenton as he helps you do it too.
• Learn how to make standard magic and mentalism effects connect with audiences deeply by adding in short impressions. Even your equivoque routine will seem to be real Mind Reading.
• Learn Kenton’s color and symbol reading cues and applications.
• Learn an unusual book test effect and method, which also allows you to connect more deeply with an audience.
• Learn how Suggestion and Mentalism must work together to make for realistic presentations.
• Plenty of experiential time to practice the methods taught and get Kenton’s personal help in perfecting these and other routines and methods.

More will be revealed, but only to those who attend.

Workshops are each limited to 20 participants. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first served basis.

Read more and buy tickets.

Canada at Magi-Fest 2014

Canada will be well represented at Magi-Fest 2014!  Both Chris Pilsworth and Ben Train are listed as performers.  In addition, a crew from Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp will be there including: Magic Mike Segal, Jen Segal, Steven Kline (event production and late night lecturer), and Eric Leclerc.

I hope one of you will be sending me a trip report!

Happy 2014!

Wishing you and yours a year filled with awe and wonder!