01 May 2014

Rounding the Western rings in May

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



CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)Karl Hein lecture.
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- Abra-Kid-Abra show.
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of WinnipegKarl Hein lecture.
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle)-  Annual General Meeting.
- Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- Chris Randall lecture.
Chris Randall lecture has been cancelled.
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- n/a
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)   Karl Hein lecture.
- Mirth and Magic show
 
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Rounding the Ontario rings in May

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



Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) - No meeting this month.
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Movie themed magic.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- The Annual Auction.
- Robert Barna props and cases to be put up for auction.
- Other clubs are welcome to attend.
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) - Business Meeting.
- Open Night of Magic.
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- n/a
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) - Vincent Hedan lecture.
- Vincent Hedan workshop.
 

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in May

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



Halifax, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - n/a
St. John, NBMagic Circle of St. John- n/a


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

30 April 2014

Toronto: James Randi at An Honest Liar

CFI Canada is pleased to present James Randi, who will be in Toronto this week to promote the Hot Docs Canadian premiere of An Honest Liar, a documentary of Randi’s life.

http://vimeo.com/91847894 
CFI is hosting an exclusive, once in a life time, special event where CFI members will meet James "The Amazing" Randi, an 85-year-old magician and escape artist who’s been enchanted with illusions from a young age. Dedicating his life to learning the tricks of the trade, Randi became a sensation who toured the world, always honest about being a “liar, cheat and charlatan.”

Please join CFI at beautiful and trendy Screen Lounge at 20 College Street (Second Floor) this Friday, May 2, 2014. Time is short, and space is limited, so purchase your tickets now.
Filmmakers of An Honest Liar will also be joining us for the conversation. 
Read more and buy tickets.

[via James Alan

Top 5 posts in April 2014

 5. Toronto: Best Magician Contest 2014 - Winner to be posted soon!

4. Toronto: A Series of Unfortunate Effects - Who is going to send me a review to post?

3. Road Trip to see Jay Scott Berry

2.  Grateful for our April sponsors (It's true.  I really, really am.)

and the most viewed post in April is ...


1. Toronto: The Ghost Experience with Jamie Stam

29 April 2014

Toronto: Magic Class with Al Grose

From the Browser's Den of Magic:
This SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014 MAGICIAN AL GROSE will be coming to Browser's Den to give a FREE CLASS at our MONTHLY MAGIC CLUB!

Al will be performing and teaching (time permitting) two classic effects from Guy Hollingworth's book 'Drawing Room Deceptions', REFORMATION AND WAVING THE ACES. These two supremely magical effects are quite demanding to learn.  

We hope that many of you will come to the shop to learn how to perform these effects and spend some time with Al who wants to share his love of the art of magic with other serious hobbyists or professionals.

Read more.

28 April 2014

Aaron Fisher interviews Chris Mayhew: A Series of Unfortunate Effects

A reminder that this film has it's Toronto premiere tomorrow night!

From Aaron Fisher Magic:
We're just a week from the launch & premiere of the most fun to watch, entertaining magic DVD I've ever seen. It's a fascinating, laugh out loud story of two Toronto magicians who go to extraordinary lengths to uncover the secrets of magic. In the process, both they and you (the audience!) discover a lot of great tricks – and some serious laughter.

Last week I did an in-depth video interview with Chris [Mayhew] about his own journey in magic, how he made his new movie and what we can all discover about magic from Chris's story. I learned a great deal talking with Chris – I suspect you will too.

Read more and download / watch the interview.

27 April 2014

Toronto: Transgressive Magic at Luminato 2014

From Magicana:
Transgressive Magic: Magic that violates a law, command or moral code. Card Table Artifice and Bullet Catch do just that.

Card Table Artifice – puts the con into concert, combining techniques employed by professional card cheats with a sumptuous musical score. It is a window into the world of advantage players, and the machinations they employ when they place their livelihood, and sometimes their life, into their own hands.

Bullet Catch blurs the lines between conventional plays and magic shows, addressing an act that violates both civil and moral codes – the asking of a member of the audience to point a gun and pull the trigger that sends a bullet towards a performer quite confident he can defy death, all under the guise of entertainment.

Both productions challenge form and function, and place magic and the audience outside the traditionalist’s comfort zone of top hats, bunny rabbits and family-friendly fare.

Read more and buy tickets.


Card Table Artifice and Rob Zabrecky’s  TURN ON THE DARK!
WORLD PREMIERE: June 13 and June 14

Bullet Catch
CANADIAN PREMIERE: June 14 and June 15

26 April 2014

Fort Erie Times: IncrediBrent and Super Sarah

From the Fort Erie Times:
Behind the laughter and the magic tricks, Brent and Sarah Nicholls had an important message for Stevensville Public School students last Thursday morning.

“We teach students about the four secrets of magic: anything is possible, believe in yourself, you’re not alone and find your magic,” Brent Nicholls said.

The Fort Erie native, known to children as IncrediBrent, travels to schools across Ontario with his wife, Sarah, to entertain children and teach them about the effects of bullying.

“As much as the show is about anti-bullying, it’s about confidence,” Nicholls explained.

“Confidence and bullying go hand-in-hand. Kids who are self confident are less likely to be bullied and they are less likely to bully.”

Nichols said there is a difference between calling someone a name or hurting their feelings and bullying.

“Bullying is when it's repeated. The real issue is when someone is being repeatedly picked on. We make sure to define what bullying is, and not just anything is bullying,” he said.

The show is meant to empower students and give them the tools to deal with bullying.

Read more.

25 April 2014

Kitchener: Michael Dardant lecture

I had the pleasure of seeing Michael perform last Spring.  It's sure to be a great lecture!


From the Doug Henning Magic Wand Club:
Mark your calendars for next Wed. April 30th. No, it’s not Tax Filing Deadline (CRA  gave a 5 day extension).  It’s the Tri-City Lecture (London,Kitchener & Hamilton Clubs) hosted by Kitchener IBM Ring#235 at 7pm. at

St.Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,54 Queen St.North @ Weber Street, Kitchener N2H 2H2.

Originally our 3 clubs were having Mickael Chatelaine from France lecture, after his appearance at the 4F convention (this weekend in Batavia NY.) Unfortunately, Mickael broke his elbow a few weeks ago and will not be attending the 4F convention.  Our thanks to member Joan Caesar for arranging a substitute lecturer/performer/entertainer & multi award winner Michael Dardant, who coincidently was born in France, but calls his home in the “Big Easy” New Orlean

Read more.

24 April 2014

Happy (early) birthday Gordon!

From the Browser's Den of Magic:
You are invited to Gordon Precious' 90th Birthday Party!
Sunday, June 1, 2014 at Browser's Den
Dear Magic Friends,

You are invited to attend the party of one of the most special, unique and dear customers of our magic community. He has done so much to promote magic & has lived a magical life.

Gordon Precious will be turning 90 years YOUNG!!! That's right 90 years YOUNG!  Gordon has more energy than most people half of his age. In fact he just returned from a helicopter skiing trip!

On this day Gordon will be performing a few of his special effects including the Vanishing Birdcage...a tough trick to perform and one in which he does beautifully.

He will also be sharing some enchanting & unique stories of his magic travels and experiences.

You will be surprised by some of the special guests that will be attending...

Read more.

23 April 2014

Kingston: David Acer


Linking Ring (v94, 4) round-up

For those of you who haven't flipped through the April Linking Ring, here's some of the Canadiana inside this issue:
  • Cover and page 16, "Tony Econ An Icon in Card Magic" by Joan Caesar
  • Page 58, report of Ben Train Lecture (Ring 211)
  • Page 61, "Manitoba Magic Museum is Tribute to Young Magician" by Dennis Schick

21 April 2014

Vincent Hedan in North America

Remember to catch him in Toronto at Abracadabaret, Ring 17 and at his workshop or in Montreal at The Comedy Nest or Théâtre Mainline.



20 April 2014

Charlottetown: Neil Croswell

From Clive Court:
This illusion is a modern variation on the Broomstick suspension which actually dates back to Robert-Houdin, the founder of modern stage magic. and beyond. It has it's origins in Asian priestcraft and street magic. Last New Year's Eve Neil appeared on the world's leading TV variety show from Paris, Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. 
Read more.

Watch Neil Croswell perform the Microphone Stand Suspension in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island:




19 April 2014

Darcy Oake at Got Talent

Updated April 20th to add:





From Telly Mix:
Darcy Oake performs an impossible trick on Britain’s Got Talent 2014 tonight… winning over Simon Cowell.

The magician – from Canada – goes on stage with an impressive a sleight of hand illusion with doves, a bird cage and a finale at the end where a woman appears from nowhere. 
He leaves the audience, the judges and Ant and Dec speechless, with David Walliams gushing: “I think you’re the best magician I’ve seen on the show.”

Amanda Holden adds: “The most important thing about magic is making us believe the impossible is possible and you just did that.”

Finally, even Simon is won over as he says: “You are without question the best magician we’ve had on the show.”

Read more.

18 April 2014

Edmonton: Abra-Kid-Abra 2014

From Tix on the Square:
May 3, 2014 - 1 p.m.

MAGICALLY CREATING A BETTER TOMORROW! This is what Abra-Kid-Abra is all about. From full time professionals to magic enthusiasts, the members of the Edmonton Magic Club come together each year to produce a magic extravaganza, specifically designed to raise thousands of dollars for local charities and family-based organizations.

Read more and buy tickets!

17 April 2014

Mark Correia: Escaping Parkinson's




From Team Fox for Parkinson's Research:
Escaping Parkinson's

Stunt:
This July, to raise money for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Magician Mark Correia will spend two weeks completely strapped inside a straitjacket; no tricks, no freedom, and no escape - until the very last minute. Spending the longest amount of recorded time in a straitjacket. Mark will film daily video blogs of himself attempting to go about his everyday life during the project.


Goal:
Raise as much awareness, and money, for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research as possible, to help find a cure in this lifetime.

Read more and learn how you can be a part of this project.

16 April 2014

Vancouver: PCAM 2014

From PCAM 2014:
The PCAM (Pacific Coast Association of Magicians) 2014 convention will be held in Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) and will continue with the tradition of being the biggest and best annual convention on the West Coast. As usual, the convention will run on the August long weekend, beginning the afternoon/evening of Thursday July 31st and wrapping up the evening of Sunday August 3rd.

Hosted by Mike Norden and Gord Boyes (Norden & Gordon Productions) who are working hard to make this one of the best conventions you've attended.

Especially exciting is that Calgary's own Gwyn Auger, aka The Magic Assistant, will be lecturing!


15 April 2014

Broken wands: John Bierma and Donald McCulloch

Dear readers:

If any of you have any information on the passing of:
  • John Bierma, from Oshawa, Ontario
or
  • Donald McCulloch, from Victoria, B.C.

would you please let me know in the comments below or by e-mail.

Dennis Schick of the Linking Ring passed these names along to me.  However, neither of us have any information about them, including their date of passing.

Thank you, as always, for your attention.