Toronto: Jon Armstrong lecture

A quick reminder that all are welcome this Saturday, January 6th at Browser's Free Magic Club.

The club meets at Browser's from 2:30pm to about 5:30pm.


From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Dear Denizens,

We hope that you've been enjoying the holidays. Here at the Browser's Den we've been working on our first lecture of 2018, and we think you'll be as excited as we are.

Jon Armstrong is a multiple award-winning magician, including Close-up Magician of the Year at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. He was the resident magician at Disney World's Epcot Centre, as well as one of the house magicians at Caesar's Magical Empire.

He's been a top consultant to the film and television industry. He was featured on the Netflix documentary Magicians: Life in the Impossible. He's been on Masters of Illusion and Penn and Teller's Fool Us, and now he's bringing all his talents to the Browser's Den.

Join us on Sunday January 21st as Jon takes us on a journey through his magic, teaching not only the how but the why. And don't worry, the Tiny Plunger will be there!

Thank you for your kind support-Old Jeff, Young Jeff & The Browser's Den Team

Read more and buy tickets.

A new year. A new CAM.

It's time for me to renew my membership with the Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM) and I encourage you to do the same.

I recently received an email from Joan Caesar, which said in part:

Our January magazine (Northern Peeks) will be larger than in the previous few years, and there’s a drive to become more modern in every way.

Our CAMaraderie convention will be held in conjunction with the Québec Festival of Magic in the historic Quebec City May 3-6. The performers they have booked are outstanding.

We’re always looking for people to help, especially with Northern Peeks. We’d love to receive articles, big or small, from all regions of Canada, and we’d be honoured to hear from you. We can’t survive without our members and their help.

To become a member, renew your membership, or learn more about CAM, visit their website at cammagic.org

Toronto: The newest hat and rabbit trick in the book

Tonight's performers (January 2nd) are mentioned at the bottom of the post.

From The Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

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Also from The Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

Happy 2018!

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

In memoriam 2017

• Evans, Celeste (1931 - 2017) 
• Fattah, Suley ( - 2017)
• Foy, Vincent ( - 2017)
• Fricker, Bruce ( - 2017)
• Khan, Arshan ( - 2017) 
• Sacco, Nick (1947 - 2017)

Please e-mail additions or corrections to "canadasmagic at gmail dot com"

Top 5 posts in December 2017

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

5. London: Michael Close at The Session 2018 - Sounds like a great way to start the new year!

4. Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries in The Medicine Hat News - Ted and Marion put on a fabulous show!

3. A very Canadian optical illusion - Owen Anderson illustrates an effect I first saw David Acer demonstrate.

2. Phil Matlin's 2017 Ragtime Tour - Magicians, they are a multi-talented bunch!

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1. Vote now for the 2017 Readers' Choice award - 107 votes were cast.  I hope to get the results posted soon!

Thank you for a great 2017!

We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters (Dennis Schick and The Magic Demon), those who sent news our way, and last but not least, thank you to all of this year's friends (John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges and Ian Crawford) and sponsors (be sure to support them!):

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.

London: Michael Close at The Session 2018

From The Session:

The Session & The Event – January 12th – 14th 2018

Now based just two minutes from Heathrow airport (making it very easy to get to!), you’ll learn the true secrets of performing amazing close-up magic and mentalism from some of the best in the industry.

With a variety of workshops, lectures, parties and plenty of time to session (of course), it’s no wonder that The Session has sold out every single year. With one-off events and lectures designed specifically for this event, The Session is not just a conference; it is a learning experience like no other in magic.

The Session 2018 promises to be the best yet! In previous years our guests were sharing magic with the likes of Derren Brown, David Blaine, Dynamo, Rune Klan, Troy, Ben Hanlin, Guy Hollingworth, Pit Hartling, Denis Behr, Daniel Madison, Roberto Giobbi, Juan Tamariz, and more. You would be CRAZY to skip The Session 2017. We’ll be announcing more info soon!

Read more and register.

From the Facebook page of Michael Close:

Hamilton: Michael Kras' "The Year and Two of Us Back Here"

From the Twitter feed of Michael Kras:
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Also, my new play The Year and Two of Us Back Here is officially premiering at the @HamOntFringe in 2018 at @TheStaircase. It's really personal and also has the longest title at the Fringe this year probably. I can't wait to share it with you. pic.twitter.com/srieQJfaSu

— Michael Kras (@KrasMagic) December 12, 2017

Carleton establishing Chair for the Study of the Conjuring Arts

Speaking of picking a post-secondary school, Carleton is adding a new magical incentive!

(There's a nice mention of Johnny Giordmaine in the post too.)


From the December 20th post at the Carleton Newsroom:

Carleton University is pleased to announce the creation of the Allan Slaight Chair for the Study of the Conjuring Arts, thanks to a $2-million leadership gift from The Slaight Family Foundation that has been matched by the university. The Chair will work with students on various topics in many disciplines and will join the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

“We are honoured to be the recipient of The Slaight Family Foundation’s generosity and excited for the learning opportunities this Chair will create,” says Carleton’s Interim President Alastair Summerlee. “As a society, it’s imperative that we understand when we are being deceived. It’s also important to remember that magicians are among some of history’s greatest performers and influencers.”

Read more.

Isn't this how everyone picks a post-secondary school?

From the December 19 article "The Things We Do For Love (of Magic)" by Evelyn Matlin at the Perfect Magic blog:

So here’s the story. Before Christmas Stephane came to our shop for  supplies. He was talking to Phil at this point, as I was with another customer so I don’t know how the topic came up,  but I caught a bit of the conversation and later got the whole story. Stephane told us when he graduated from CEGEP, he was accepted by four Universities. He told his father he wanted to go to the Polytechnique  Montréal. His father said, “Why do you want to go there? You can go to any University, you can go to McGill!” and Stephane said he made up some excuse that he told his father and that’s where he went.

He said “Very few people know this but I chose it because ...

Read more.

A magical Diversion to start the New Year

From the December 12th article "Entertainment Diversion Opposes The Great Illusion Friday, January 5th!" by Pascal at le blog TV news (translated by Google):

A program presented by Arthur and proposed by Satisfaction, The Television Agency, broadcast Friday, January 5 at 21 hours on TF1.

For one evening, forget everything you think you know about magic and let yourself be immersed in the incredible universe of "DIVERSION"!

" For this second issue, six magicians specializing in illusion or mentalism will take control of your TV!" Caroline Marx "The Sorcerer", Enzo Wayne "The Elusive", Luc Langevin "The Scientist", Gus " The manipulator ", Antonio" the expert "and Viktor Vincent" The mentalist "have given themselves the mission to make you spend an amazing evening that mixes magic and humor On the set, they will surprise anonymous and celebrities with blows many more bluffing turns than the others! "

Read more.

Read original article "Le divertissement Diversion opposé à La grande illusion vendredi 5 janvier !" in French.


From the MT1 Twitter feed:

@Diversion revient sur @TF1 vendredi 5 janvier 2018 à 21:00 présenté par @Arthur_Officiel accompagné de @LucLangevin, #ViktorVincent, @GusIllusionnist, @Caroline_Marx_, @EnzoIllusion, & #Antonio ! #Diversion pic.twitter.com/Ho51X6s8wb

— MT1 🎄 (@MT1_Off) December 12, 2017

Jeff Hobson steals from Toronto police

Catch The Illusionists at The Princess of Wales Theatre until January 7th.


From the December 15th article, "Performer ‘robs’ police chief Saunders of watch" by Alina Bykova  in the Toronto Star:

Saunders, who was in the audience with his wife and son, was picked as Hobson’s “first victim” for a trick that involved a set of cards and ended with him removing a chewed card from Hobson’s mouth.

At the same time, Hobson skilfully removed the chief’s Apple watch from his wrist without him noticing.

“Of course, not being from Toronto, Jeff had no idea who this gentleman in a suit was — and the chief never revealed his identity,” wrote John Karastamatis of Mirvish Entertainment in an email to the Star.

Saunders said he was shocked and amused by the trick.

“What happened is I got duped; buddy removed my watch, but he was kind enough to return it,” Saunders said in a phone interview. “It’s shocking how good he is, he did it without anyone knowing. It was very funny.”

Read more.

Steve Harmer in the Mayerthorpe Freelancer

From the December 4 article "Peter Shokeir" by in the Mayerthorpe Freelancer:

Motivational Magic helps children understand abstract concepts through a magical performance. It offers 10 different shows, which teach subjects ranging from leadership to bully prevention.

"Kids love magic. It captures their imagination," Harmer said. "The message enters in the backdoor."

For Elmer Elson, Harmer did his "Brilliant and Resilient" show that teaches children how to bounce back after difficulties and problems. Some concepts he taught include the importance of interpersonal connections and believing in one's own abilities.

"I love capturing the children's attention," Harmer said. "It's just a fun way to teach. I have more fun than the kids."

Read more.

Ottawa: Ben Train at Magic Monday

From Ben Train's Facebook feed:

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Videos of Canadians on "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" season 4

Earlier this year I was excited to announce the upcoming appearances by Canadian magicians on season four of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us."   Here are some of their performances!


From Murray Hatfield's YouTube channel:

From Vorgan Moren's YouTube channel:






From Matt Johnson's YouTube channel:






From Ekaterina's YouTube channel:






From Shin Lim's YouTube channel:






From Jean-Pierre Parent's YouTube channel:






From Richard Forget's YouTube channel:





From MagieComik.TV's YouTube channel:

Billy Kidd in GeniiOnline

From the article "Canadian Magician Billy Kidd wants her work to speak for itself" by Chloe Olewitz on Dec 1 from GeniiOnline:

To Kidd, the question of women in magic is a source of frustration. She’s not convinced that the lay audience is even aware that there are fewer female magicians out there, and she’s not sure she cares. “It’s never affected my career, it’s never affected me getting gigs, it’s never affected my audience,” Kidd said. Meanwhile, she does take issue with the push to turn non-magical pretty women into magicians for nothing more than the money-making novelty of putting a female on the bill. “I sometimes think I’m sexist against my own sex,” she admits.

Kidd doesn’t promote herself as a female magician—she is a magician, what else is there to talk about? “Take anyone who’s not a performer and make them famous because of that one little gimmick, their ego will completely explode. And it hurts the people who do put all that time and effort in, because they deserve it. They deserve the spotlight more in that regard,” Kidd says. She believes that sexism is more a fabric of our society today than it is specific affliction in the magic community, and she’d rather not draw so much attention to the topic. “The whole topic just segregates us even more. If your magic is strong enough, your magic should speak for itself.”

Read more.

Toronto: Jay Sankey added to Browser's Bash line up

  

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Dear Magic Friend,

We are so pleased to announce that Jay Sankey will be joining us for the 2018 Browser's Magic Bash!

Now might be the perfect time to request a Bash ticket for Christmas...or maybe to get a gift for yourself!

Jay Sankey is widely considered to be one of the most original thinkers and finest magic teachers alive today. He is also one of the most prolific magic creators on the planet.

Jay has created over 700 original magic effects; many of which have been performed by some of the most famous magicians alive including David Copperfield, David Blaine and Criss Angel.

A bit of Browser's Den history....Some of you may not know that Jay Sankey used to hang out at the Browser's Den shop table in the 1970's. Founder of Browser's Den, Len Cooper was the very first person to show Jay a magic trick.

We are very proud of all the young magicians who have started their career at Browser's Den. But truth be told no magician who started his journey at Browser's has had a bigger impact on the world of magic than Jay Sankey.

The list of tricks and instructional videos that Jay has released is truly stunning. But just to jog our dusty magic memories here are a few of the titles of Jay's creations: Paperclipped, Revolutionary Card Magic, Revolutionary Coin Magic, Anytime Anywhere, Holy Moly, In a Flash, Wrap it Up, Airtight, etc. etc. and etc.

Let's face it... Jay has put a lot of smiles on our faces and brought astonishment into our lives. And no doubt his performance and lecture at the Bash 2018 will do likewise.

Jay Sankey will join Dick Joiner, Pop Haydn, Michael Close, Chris Pilsworth, James Alan, Nicholas Wallace and many others to help make Browser’s Magic Bash 4 the best Bash yet!

If you have not yet purchased a ticket please take a moment to click on the link for full details:

http://www.browsersden.com/bash

Thank you for your kind support
 Old Jeff, Young Jeff, John Talbot & The Browser's Den Team

Phil Matlin's 2017 Ragtime Tour

Phil Matlin - owner of Montréal's magic shop Perfect Magic, will be playing ragtime and touring through Ontario (Cambridge, Elmira, Kitchener, and Waterloo) at the end of December.

If you missed our previous post about the many talents of Phil, have a look at him playing Carolina in the Morning.

Phil Matlin's 2017 Ragtime Tour 

Tuesday December 26th
2 PM Hilltop Manor
42 Elliot St. Cambridge ON Tel. 519-621-3067

Thursday December 28th
2 PM Chateau Gardens
11 Herbert St. Elmira ON Tel.519-669-2921

Friday December 29th
4 PM Waterloo Heights
170 Erb St. Waterloo ON Tel. 519-886-3410

Saturday December 30th
1:30 PM Cambridge Country Manor
3680 Speedsville RD
Cambridge ON Tel. 519-650-0100

Sunday December 31st - New Year’s Eve
1:30 PM Bankside Terrace
71 Bankside Dr.
Kitchener ON Tel. 519-749-9999

Shawn Farquhar on why the world needs magic

At the end of the post, check out the "What's So Funny?" podcast with Shawn.

Watch the 2015 video on The Society of American Magicians YouTube channel:

Shawn Farquhar has been entertaining audiences around the globe for over two decades. His magic has been seen on Television shows like the X-Files and Highlander, in Motion Pictures like Spooky House and the Fly II, for corporate clients like IBM and Konica, and on the most luxurious cruise vessels such as Norwegian Star and Radiance of the Seas.

Shawn is a Life Member of The Society of American Magicians and the Dean of the largest Assembly in Canada and is the 2014-2015 International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and immediate Past President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.

From What's So Funny?:

Everyone knows Shawn Farquhar is a master magician. One of the absolute best. He's fooled Penn & Teller twice. He's a 2-time world champion of magic. He's the former president of IBM! No, not that IBM; the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He travels the globe most of the year but he dreams of one day being able to open up a little magic theatre here in his home province. Hey, but did you know this: Shawn started out performing comedy magic with comedians like Brent Butt and Ian Boothby and Ian Bagg in comedy rooms around BC. He tells us about the time he tried his act without the magic part. And he's got tons of other great stories, too. Plus we play a round of Talk About, a game show he and his wife were contestants on way back when. We could have gone on for another hour easily.

Read more and listen to podcast.