2017 "Holiday Magic"

Dick Joiner is once again presenting "Holiday Magic" with performances in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Ontario.  This is a family style variety show raising much needed funds for the Shriners and their work for children's charities.

If you would like to attend one of the shows, please call 1-877-948-6626 for ticket availability and information.

The East Coast Tour features:

• Dick Joiner as host and M.C.
• MAJINX, performing magic and illusions.
• Greg Tarlin, juggler.
• Sasha Arestov, acro.

The Ontario Tour features:

• Dick Joiner as host and M.C.
• Ted and Marion Outerbridge, performing magic and illusions. (Note: Neil Croswell and Ashley will appear on December 8th and 16th)
• Greg Tarlin, juggler. (Note: Craig Douglas will appear on December 8th and 16th)
• Sasha Arestov, acro.

Scroll down to see the show dates (or download the PDF from Philae-Shriners.com):

East Coast:

• Nov 4th 1pm show. Gwendolyn Kent Auditorium. Bathurst N.B.
• Nov 5th 1pm show. Bernard Poirier Theatre. Fredericton. N.B.
• Nov 6th 7pm show. Capitol Theatre. Moncton. N.B.
• Nov 7th 7pm show. Horton High Theatre. Wolfville. N.S.
• Nov 8th. 7pm show. Th'Yark Playhouse Theatre. Yarmouth. N.S.
• Nov 9th. 5pm and 7.15pm shows. Bella Rose Theatre. Halifax. N.S.
• Nov 10th. 7pm show Savoy Theatre. Glace Bay. N.S.
• Nov 11th. 1pm and 4pm shows.Glasgow Square Theatre New Glasgow. N.S.
• Nov12th. 1pm and 4pm shows.  I'Isle-Saint-Jean Theatre. Charlottetown . P.E.I.
• Nov 13th 7pm show. Cobequid Ed Centre. Truro N.S.
• Nov 14th 7pm show. Imperial Theatre. Saint John N.B.

Ontario:

• Nov 18th 1pm show. Catherine Street Auditorium. St. Catharines.
• Nov 20th 7pm show. Capital Theatre. Windsor.
• Nov 21st 7pm show. Kiwanis Theatre. Chatham.
• Nov 22nd. 7pm show. Library Theatre. Sarnia.
• Nov 24th. 7pm show Forest City. London.
• Nov 28th 7pm show. Empire Theatre. Belleville.
• Nov 30th. 7pm show. Rose Theatre. Brampton.
• Dec 1st. 7pm show. Sanderson Theatre. Brantford
• Dec 2nd. 1pm show. Humanities Theatre. Waterloo
• Dec 8th. 7pm show Seneca Queen Theatre, Niagara Falls
• Dec 16th. 1pm and 4pm shows. Meadowvale Theatre. Mississauga

FOR TICKETS call: 1-877-948-6626. 

[with thanks to Dick Joiner for sending this information along]

Random thoughts from "The Newest Trick in the Book"

The Newest Trick in the Book is back Tuesday October 3rd, at 8:30pm, for a FREE Halloween themed show, with Benzi Train, James Alan, James Harrison, and Shamus Mac Gregor!

Last month, I attended the September 5th edition of "The Newest Trick in the Book," billed as "Toronto's ONLY magic open-mic."

I had no idea what to expect from a magic open-mic.  I thought it might be a slightly more dressed up version of watching folks jam at the club or the magic shop.  As it turns out I'd previously seen most of the performers on this program both jamming casually and performing professionally.  Would the evening be a repeat of stuff I'd already seen?

The verdict:  no.  Well, sometimes yes.  But not really.

Let me explain.

The event takes place at  See-Scape Toronto, a sci-fi bar and gaming café.  It's a cozy space filled with wonderful people.  (And lots of games.)

Great venue for "The Newest Trick in the Book"

Photo from Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/BhlotVQsDT

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Everything about the place is interesting.

Do they use this during the show?

From "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/qdMgnAVJ5F

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

You were probably wondering about the show.

The evening was a TONNE of fun.  The performances were elevated well beyond a typical jam.  Each of the performers had an energy that was different from what I expected of them.  Perhaps it was the buzz of doing something in front of an audience for the first time? 

It was also clear to me, that the performers were having more fun than usual too!  I witnessed the child-like excitement of bringing a new idea to life, the brilliance of turning the tables on an old standard, freshening up a classic, and the general enjoyment of working things out in front of a safe crowd.  (I've heard more than one professional espouse the importance of having a "safe place" to try things out in front of an audience.  I better appreciate the wisdom now.)

If you're in the Toronto area, I encourage you to both attend and perform at "The Newest Trick in the Book."



Trivia questions: who said what?

1) Iä! Iä! Cthulhu fhtagn!	a) Sammy Jakubowicz
2) Mr. Harrison, it's time for your medication.	b) Chris Westfall
3) That's what I would do if I were in your position. But I'm a jerk.	c) James Harrison
4) I'm not a thief, I'm a magician.	d) James Alan

With thanks to the wonderful performers!

.@jonahbabins emcee, at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/WPjS0YyV2I

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

.@PickpocketJames schooling us at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/Jd7s3tDW0m

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

The super fast hands of @SurrealMayhew at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Oct 3rdhttps://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/mIgiNCmSRv

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

.@Doc_Sammy entertains at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/wQsWnBb7fe

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Reminder to floss from @westfallmagic
at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Oct 3rdhttps://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/wO8OqRvVz0

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Great show at by everyone at "The Newest Trick in the Book" Sept 5. Next show Tues Oct 3rd.https://t.co/S6ZKXBXhHB@TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/c8xrrgsh7k

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 1, 2017

Rounding the Western rings in October 2017

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)	- An evening with David Parr - Monthly meeting
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- TBA.
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- TBA.
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Third Monday Magic. - General meeting
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- Tom Stone lecture
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- Hosted by Tony Chris
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- 3 of Clubs Convention

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

Rounding the Central rings in October 2017

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Executive meeting. - Free form first Fridaze - Houdini séance supper - Second Saturday night special - Open house - KW Ring 235 meetup - Houdini séance year 90 - Sunday brunch - Houdini Halloween supper - Instagram Tuesday
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Paul Pacific lecture.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- TBA
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- TBA.
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- TBA
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Alfredo Marchese lecture (happened in September).

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in October 2017

Does anybody have current information to share about the Magic Circle of St. John?

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

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- Visit their Facebook page.
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- TBA

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

Top 5 posts in September 2017

Of the 33 posts at Canada's Magic this month, here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days:

5. Toronto: Amazing Johnathan and Anastasia Synn - Did you attend?  How was it?

4. Langley: Murray Hatfield and Bizzaro - Sure to be a great show!

3. Vancouver: "SEASONS: A Magical Musical" - The magic scene is alive and well in BC.

2. Top 5 posts in August 2017 - Keeping it meta.

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. [Guest post] Random thoughts about "UNBELIEVABLE! A Magical Experience" - The most read post two months running!  With thanks to The Magic Demon.

Vancouver: Randy Charach

From Brown Paper Tickets:

Randy Charach October 14, 2017 (two shows)

Comedian, Magician, Mentalist & Hypnotist... Randy Charach.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness Randy performing live in Vancouver. It's a fast-paced, hilarious and amazing show like no other.

His comedic talents are blended with his unique brand of mind-blowing Mental Magic and Comedy Hypnosis. Lot's (sic) of audience interaction throughout the performance.

Read more and buy tickets.

[via The Magic Demon]

Vancouver: Tom Stone Lecture

From IBM Ring 92:

Tom Stone will be lecturing for the Vancouver Magic Circle
2:30pm – Sunday, October 1, 2017
Sunrise Community Hall
1950 Windermere Street
Vancouver, BC

Direct from Sweden
Exclusive magic lecture in Canada

Here's some amazing and exciting news for our VMC membership! This coming Sunday, October 1st at 2:30 in the afternoon we will be hosting a lecture by Genii columnist Tom Stone.

He is best known for writing a series of articles and pamphlets about original magical techniques and plots. He co-wrote a book with magician Lennart Green, contributed material to a book by Jason Alford, and has self-published a series of pamphlets as well as an e-book. He is also editor and publisher of various Swedish magic journals such as "Trollkarlen", and "Dr. Faustus Journal".

Read more and buy tickets.

Shin Lim in the Boston Globe

From the Boston Globe article by Dan Morrell:

Toward the end of magician Shin Lim’s “Dream Act” routine, his hands slowly rise to his head, palms up. Just as the accompanying dramatic orchestral music swells, he opens his mouth, expelling a cloud of smoke and revealing a folded playing card that had been inexplicably moving between both of his hands and his vest pocket.

Fellow magician Don Greenberg watched Lim, then 23, perform this act in July 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of a competition run by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Greenberg had helped organize similar events for the brotherhood in the past, but this time he was there as a spectator. He and his wife, Sharon, were part of a group of more than two dozen audience members and two contest judges gathered in a Hyatt conference room to watch Lim. Greenberg had seen Lim perform in national competitions for years and had always thought he had good hands. But he was struck by this routine — Lim’s precise movements, his intensity, the crescendos of the music. It was cinematic. At the moment that Lim put his hands to his head, released the smoke, and revealed the card, Greenberg looked over at his wife. Her eyes were welling up with tears. Oh, my God, he thought, she’s crying. How the hell did that happen? You don’t expect someone to make your wife tear up with a just deck of cards.

Read more.

Toronto: Tricks in the Six (Sept 28)

From The Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

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Montreal: Soirée Magique au Lockhart Montreal

From the Soirée Magique au Lockhart Montreal Facebook event:

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Toronto: The Sentimentalists will take mentalism to new heights

From The Sentimentalists' Facebook page:

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Magical Qualicum Beach fundraiser in the BC Local News

From the BC Local News:

Three magician acts are hoping to make some magic for a new refugee family.

Paul Romhany (a recent arrival to Qualicum Beach) will be headlining a show also featuring Parksville double-act Sandra and Heather McNeill as The Magic of Zanthera, as well as Eric Bedard.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, the four magicians will be performing a 90-minute, all-ages show as a fundraiser for the 2017 Qualicum Refugee Sponsorship Group.

With volunteers having helped to resettle the Johdee refugee family in 2016, this new group aims to do the same for another refugee family.

The group will be required to support a family of up to four for its first year in Canada, meaning Qualicum RSG-17 needs to raise approximately $35,000.

Read more.

Hamilton: Nicholas Wallace in "Strange and Unusual"

From the "Strange and Unusual" Facebook event:

We all share a common delusion. We believe our world view is based on truth and logic - but whether you admit it or not, we all believe in something strange and unusual.
​
In this 90 min show, Nick uses story telling and illusions to explore the world of conspiracy theories, superstitions, psychics and all things STRANGE AND UNUSUAL.

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Toronto: Browser’s Den of Magic Shop 42nd Anniversary Party!

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Browser’s Den of Magic Shop
42nd Anniversary Party!

COST TO ATTEND-FREE
DATE: Sunday, November 12, 2017
TIME: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Browser’s Den of Magic

FREE PRIZES * DISCOUNT ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * SANDWICHES * COFFEE * SNACKS * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * BIRTHDAY CAKE
AUCTION BEGINS AT 11AM!

Read more.

Langley: Murray Hatfield and Bizzaro

From the Facebook page of Norden the Magician:

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What do you call a group of magicians?

An interesting question posed by James Alan while posting a photo of the attendees of Ring 17's first meeting of the season.

Seriously though, what term do you use to refer to a group of magicians?

I look forward to your answers in the comments below.  (Or email them to me and I'll add them to the comments for everyone's enjoyment!)

From James Alan's Facebook post:

Calgary: Ryan Pilling's Magic Cabaret

Purchase your tickets at Snap Tix.


From Brent Smith's Facebook page:

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Toronto: Browser's Bash 2018 ticket sale reminder

 

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept 18th, 2017 - 10 am Sharp!

Talent currently booked for 2018 include:

• Dick Joiner as emcee,
• Michael Close (author of the Workers series and other ebooks), and
• Nicholas Wallace.

Read more and buy tickets!

Montreal: "Masters of Spectacular: Back2School"

I had the good fortune of meeting young Mr. Caiden Finch at Sorcerers Safari last year.  He's sure to impress!

From Masters of Spectactular:

Cast for September 17th

Host: Mystery Host to be seen at the show
Armand Naftali - Singer
Cam Fleming - Juggler
Geoffrey Applebaum - Sounds & Voices
Leonard Yelle - Comedian
Mike Deslaurier - Magician
Plus special guest magicians Caiden Finch & Garrett Struthers

Read more and buy tickets.

From the Perfect Magic Facebook page: