05 February 2015
04 February 2015
Jason Palter, Brian Roberts and Keith Brown at "Magic Tonight"
Pickering (Fri): Brian Roberts
Toronto (Sun):
From Keith Brown's Facebook page:
Post by Keith Brown.
Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
Toronto: David Merry at Out of the Cold
From David Merry's Twitter feed:
Also from David Merry's Twitter feed:
Donating my time and would love to see as many people come out as possible for this special cause and event tomorrow!
— David Merry (@davidmerry) February 3, 2015
Also from David Merry's Twitter feed:
http://t.co/uM4grGQbOP pic.twitter.com/DXPXs473Sl
— David Merry (@davidmerry) February 3, 2015
03 February 2015
Thirty seconds with Lisa Close
This is the third in a series of "Thirty
seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the
interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I
would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.
Former professional magician Lisa Close is a Toronto, Ontario native who thinks about family when she thinks about Canada. She has a fondness for both camping and magic, so when she heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp (from chatting with Magic Mike Segal at The Browser's Den of Magic), she knew she had to try it out. Lisa has been a part of Sorcerers Safari for three years.
Her first memory of magic was when she was nine years old and her dad showed her a silk vanish. She hopes that the young magic enthusiasts won't forget the importance of reading about magic and learning from books. Her advice for aspiring magical youth: "Come to Sorcerers Safari!"
Lisa loves watching movies, especially comedies, when taking a break from magic.
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Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:
From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:
Former professional magician Lisa Close is a Toronto, Ontario native who thinks about family when she thinks about Canada. She has a fondness for both camping and magic, so when she heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp (from chatting with Magic Mike Segal at The Browser's Den of Magic), she knew she had to try it out. Lisa has been a part of Sorcerers Safari for three years.
FUN FACT:
Lisa prefers "Harry Potter" to "The Lord of the Rings" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" to "Star Wars."
DID YOU KNOW?
- Lisa is the graphic designer for M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians.
- Lisa also loves to crochet. You can purchase some of her creations at her Etsy shop.
Lisa loves the whole experience of magic camp. Especially the cooperation, camaraderie and fun had by everyone. The "back to nature" setting is a big plus. Lisa really enjoys watching campers see a magic trick they can't explain. To her, magic camp means reuniting with old friends, eating together and watching kids take to the whole experience.Lisa prefers "Harry Potter" to "The Lord of the Rings" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" to "Star Wars."
DID YOU KNOW?
- Lisa is the graphic designer for M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians.
- Lisa also loves to crochet. You can purchase some of her creations at her Etsy shop.
Her first memory of magic was when she was nine years old and her dad showed her a silk vanish. She hopes that the young magic enthusiasts won't forget the importance of reading about magic and learning from books. Her advice for aspiring magical youth: "Come to Sorcerers Safari!"
Lisa loves watching movies, especially comedies, when taking a break from magic.
From The Browser's Den Twitter feed:
Hey hey @magikgal, guess who just #GotCooped? YOU!! It's all in celebration of the #BrowsersBash2015 on 4.12.2015! pic.twitter.com/UzzaCiWtPa
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2015
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Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:
From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:
Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014
02 February 2015
Thank you to our February 2015 sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support. This site would not be possible without their backing.
We're grateful to have the support of:
The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!
We're grateful 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.
Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!
Donations of any size are always welcome.
01 February 2015
Rounding the Western rings in February 2015
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - Murray Hatfield Lecture |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - Murray Hatfield lecture |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - Murray Hatfield lecture |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - Third Monday Magic - Murray Hatfield lecture |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - Annual Installation Banquet - Bizzaro lecture |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - John Kaplan lecture |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - Murray Hatfield lecture |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
Rounding the Central rings in February 2015
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
| Montreal, QC | Ring 62 (20th Century Ring) | - Stage workers |
| Hamilton, ON | Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) | - TBA |
| London, ON | Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild) | - Sponge ball magic. |
| 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) | - Member’s Night: Jean-Luc’s Theme Night “Everything Book Magic” - Literacy Magic - Initiation Shows - Charity Show: Rehabilitation Hospital Show (Adults) |
| Ottawa, ON | Ottawa / Gatineau magicians | - n/a |
| Toronto, ON | Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) | - Pre-meeting Jam with Rob Powers: "jam session from 6 till 7 before the meeting. Bring whatever you'd like
to jam with but if you use linking rings, ill be jamming with rings so
bring them along and we can trade some cool moves" - Members' night - lecture/panel discussion featuring the cast of the movie "A series of unfortunate effects." |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
Rounding the Eastern rings in February 2015
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
| Halifax, NS | Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court) | - n/a - Visit their Facebook page. |
| St. John, NB | Magic Circle of St. John | - n/a |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
Who's where February 2015
Leave a comment on this post to let us know where you're going to be this month!
- Magic Mondays with James Jordan in Calgary
- From Ben Train's Twitter feed :
Every Fri & Sat at @DnB_Toronto, come see @bobbymotta and @billabbottlive! 2 shows a night, 8 & 10:15- $20 per show (includes game cards)!
— Ben Train (@ErdnaseinTO) February 22, 2015
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From David Merry's Twitter feed:
http://t.co/uM4grGQbOP pic.twitter.com/DXPXs473Sl
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| 5 | Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) |
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| 6 | Brian Roberts at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) |
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50% discount at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic From Keith Brown's Facebook page:
Post by Keith Brown.
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I'll be debating our obsession with bacon at a live taping of @cbcdebaters on Feb. 10th. Here's an excerpt from my opening arguments: "the"
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Post by Keith Brown.
Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:
Post by Perfect Magic.
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| 13 | Wes Zaharuk at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) | ||
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From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:
Post by Perfect Magic.
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| 15 | Chris Mayhew at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) | ||
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From Bill Abbott's Twitter feed:
CHICO IS BACK!!! 2 shows only. This Monday 2pm and 4pm @DnB_Toronto $20 Tix at the door includes unlimited game card! pic.twitter.com/F9AkMxTlo0
From Ben Train's Facebook page:
Post by Benzi Train.
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| 19 | From Richard Forget's Facebook page: |
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From James Jordan Twitter feed:
http://t.co/QPrtz3lUyz Excited to return to #Calgary's only #Magical #arts #festival WowFest. Get tickets at http://t.co/763xbiY3ot #yyc
Phil Pivnick at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) |
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| 22 | Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) |
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| 26 | Ken Margoe at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) |
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| 28 | Chris Westfall at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) |
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
31 January 2015
Broken wand: Joseph Ward
From Legacy:
Joseph Andrew Ward April 4, 1932 - January 9, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Andrew Ward aka "Santa Joe". Joe was predeceased by his wife Oma, daughters Donna Lacey and Joanne Ward. He is survived by son Brent Ward (Nancy), daughter Bev Ward Young (Randy) and grandchildren Miles and Clint Lacey, Tara and Jaz Young and Hayley and Sami Ward. Joe was a Jack of all Trades, inventor and adventurer. At an early age he moved to Churchhill Manitoba where he became a fisherman and the proud owner of a dog sled team. Joe was a man of many talents; machinist, volunteer fireman, square dance caller, carpenter, prospector, magician and Santa to name a few.
Read more.
Top 5 posts in January 2015
It's been another busy month for news close to 50 posts! Here are the most viewed posts at Canada's Magic this month:
and the most viewed post this month ...
5. Thirty seconds with Eric Leclerc - Eric's a fun interview!
4. Erin Thomas writes about a Performance Critique Workshop - It's always interesting learn an "outsider's" point of view.
3. Breaking news! Toronto: Browser's Den Bash! - SOLD OUT in 8 days! Amazing! (You can still put yourself on the waiting list.)
2. Who's Where January 2015 - Does anybody out there find these valuable?
and the most viewed post this month ...
1. Chris Westfall published in Genii - Congratulations again Chris!
30 January 2015
David Merry in the Toronto Star
From the Toronto Star:
To that end, Foster has recruited what he says is an A-list team of about a dozen equally mature headliners to form his squadron of aces: peers whom he shared stages with in Toronto during those comedy boom days of the mid-’80s.
“When we started we were still kind of building it,” explains Foster recruit David Merry, about that era when seemingly overnight the country was dotted with comedy clubs and one-nighters.
Merry, who blends deft magic and clever props with an original, international, well-crafted standup routine, is also one the most universally beloved amongst his brethren — no small feat in an industry that’s fraught with oversized egos and infighting.
Read more.
29 January 2015
Ron Guttman at "Magic Tonight"
From the Abracadabaret Facebook page:
James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"
Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.
From the Abracadabaret Facebook page:
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
Post by Abracadabaret.
Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.
From the Abracadabaret Facebook page:
Unfortunately, we're having serious problems with our online ticketing for the show. If you're having any issues at all, just reach out to us by email (reservations@abracadabaret.com) or by phone (416.995.1736) and we'll look after your reservation personally.
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
James Jordan: GigMasters' Best of 2014
Congratulations James!
From James Jordan's Twitter feed:
From James Jordan's Twitter feed:
I won GigMasters' Best of 2014 http://t.co/1tx4ujW9rp #blessed #gigmasters #yyc #magic #comedy #entertainers
— James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) January 15, 2015
28 January 2015
Browser's Bash special guest: Nathan Kranzo!
From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:
It's time to announce the 1st mystery guest of the Browser's Magic Bash.
All the way from Flint, Michigan...
Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for the King of Koins, NATHAN KRANZO!
We're excited to have him sharing his magic and partying with us, all day long.
Once again, if 10+ magicians, a close up show, a stage show, lectures, mini-sessions, 12 hours of magic overload, free lunch & dinner, and surprises that will make your jaw drop sounds like your kind of fun, the Browser's Magic Bash is for you. Register now before it's too late.
Read more.
Check it out ... I've been Coope'd!
From The Browser's Den Twitter feed:
Hey @canadasmagic, you've been Coope'd in celebration of the #BrowsersBash2015! pic.twitter.com/uDRgkuTawa
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2015
To get Coope'd, have a look at this Tweet from The Browser's Den of Magic:
Want to be Coope'd? Tweet a photo over to @TheBrowsersDen right now! #BrowsersBash2015 #GotCooped
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) January 28, 2015
WowFest is back!
Ryan Pilling is bringing WowFest back on February 21st and February 28th.
From WowFest:
WowFest Magic Arts Festival first appeared in Calgary in February of 2013 with a day full of amazing fun magic shows set in the community of Westgate. The festival was launched with the support of the “Cultural Capital of Canada” arts funding from the Calgary 2012 program.
With a successful, sold-out day full of shows, and positive audience feedback, the festival was set to become a recurring event.
Read more and buy tickets.
27 January 2015
Thirty seconds with Eric Leclerc
This is the second in a series of "Thirty
seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the
interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I
would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.
Eric Leclerc is a professional magician from Ottawa, Ontario. He loves the beautiful scenery of Canada and especially the friendly people. Eric first saw information about Sorcerers Safari at a convention and decided to investigate further. He thinks magic camp is fabulous because it's about guiding and mentoring. "Most importantly," Eric said, "it's about showing that magic isn't all about the tricks; it's about soft people skills like how to approach people."* He comes back to camp every year to see the kids progress year over year. He loves that there's a place where a "group of geeks / people just like us" can get together. Eric's attended camp for six years as a counsellor.
From Fireside Productions Facebook page, Eric entertaining a volunteer:
From the Brain Games Facebook page, Eric and some chicks:
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* I've had the pleasure of seeing Eric perform his "Rocky Raccoon" routine a number of times. Enough times that I have a good feel for his script, rhythm, and pacing. One day I saw a young child, six or seven years of age, watch with rapt attention as Eric worked with Rocky. Eric began to focus the presentation to the child, much to their delight! This time, however, Eric left out the part of his routine that generally gets the biggest laughs. I asked Eric about the script change, and he said it was his opinion that the child may not have reacted favourably to the missing bit. I also chatted with the child's father, who agreed with Eric's assessment that including the left out bit would likely have led to tears. Knowing "how to approach people" is a big deal indeed!
Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:
From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:
Eric Leclerc is a professional magician from Ottawa, Ontario. He loves the beautiful scenery of Canada and especially the friendly people. Eric first saw information about Sorcerers Safari at a convention and decided to investigate further. He thinks magic camp is fabulous because it's about guiding and mentoring. "Most importantly," Eric said, "it's about showing that magic isn't all about the tricks; it's about soft people skills like how to approach people."* He comes back to camp every year to see the kids progress year over year. He loves that there's a place where a "group of geeks / people just like us" can get together. Eric's attended camp for six years as a counsellor.
FUN FACT:
While a fan of Superman, Eric prefers the Marvel world to DC comics.
DID YOU KNOW?
- You can see Eric on the National Geographic show Brain Games which has over 100 million viewers in 45 languages. The opportunity came about because of Eric's YouTube video project 365 interactive card trick.
- Some of his project 365 episodes are also appearing on BBC One's "Now you see it!"
- Keep an eye out for Eric on YTV in September. He's got his own 20 episode show of hidden camera magic!
Eric's first memory of magic was a hat tear performed at the annual Veterans' Christmas party he'd traditionally attend with his grandfather. He thinks that the instant access of so many magic effects today is a double-edged sword. On one hand there's greater variety and ease of access. On the other hand, there isn't the "gate keeper" of a magic store owner to help filter things for kids based on appropriateness and/or skill level. When asked for advice he'd give aspiring magicians, Eric offers up some tips he was given when he was starting out: "Work on your people skills, not just the technical side of the effects. Take marketing and business classes. Learn about promotion and book keeping and everything else you can learn."While a fan of Superman, Eric prefers the Marvel world to DC comics.
DID YOU KNOW?
- You can see Eric on the National Geographic show Brain Games which has over 100 million viewers in 45 languages. The opportunity came about because of Eric's YouTube video project 365 interactive card trick.
- Some of his project 365 episodes are also appearing on BBC One's "Now you see it!"
- Keep an eye out for Eric on YTV in September. He's got his own 20 episode show of hidden camera magic!
When not honing
his magic skills, Eric enjoys video editing.
Visit Eric's
website at EricLeclerc.com
From Fireside Productions Facebook page, Eric entertaining a volunteer:
From the Brain Games Facebook page, Eric and some chicks:
Post by Brain Games.
--
* I've had the pleasure of seeing Eric perform his "Rocky Raccoon" routine a number of times. Enough times that I have a good feel for his script, rhythm, and pacing. One day I saw a young child, six or seven years of age, watch with rapt attention as Eric worked with Rocky. Eric began to focus the presentation to the child, much to their delight! This time, however, Eric left out the part of his routine that generally gets the biggest laughs. I asked Eric about the script change, and he said it was his opinion that the child may not have reacted favourably to the missing bit. I also chatted with the child's father, who agreed with Eric's assessment that including the left out bit would likely have led to tears. Knowing "how to approach people" is a big deal indeed!
Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:
From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:
Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014
26 January 2015
25 January 2015
Wizard Wars returns
Congratulations Billy and Bedros!
Wizard Wars returns to Space on February 3rd.
From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:
From Triple A Media:
From Ellen Fox's Twitter feed:
From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:
From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:
Wizard Wars returns to Space on February 3rd.
From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:
#wizardwars returns jan 29 on #syfy #space channels. #boomshakalaka http://t.co/kQWA3oCB8r
— Billy Kidd (@Billykiddshow) December 30, 2014
From Triple A Media:
Wizard Wars with Billy Kidd returns for its second series! After the huge success of series one Syfy channel brings back with wizarding magic with Canadian magician Billy Kidd. Wizard Wars sees Billy creating jaw-dropping illusions using random objects and transforming them into eye popping miracles! The show is judged by magic legends Penn & Teller and Billy was the only magician last series to receive a standing ovation from the duo.
Read more.
From Ellen Fox's Twitter feed:
Y'all seen the trailer for new eps of #WizardWars right? Is it ok to announce that @Billykiddshow is our new wizard? http://t.co/9FEnRdezUG
— Ellen Fox (@EllenFox) January 13, 2015
From Billy Kidd's Twitter feed:
Ok the rumours are true. I was lucky enough to be upgraded to Wizard Status. New episodes Jan 29 on Syfy/Space in... http://t.co/QwrRDxQSsB
— Billy Kidd (@Billykiddshow) January 12, 2015
From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:
Post by Perfect Magic.
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