Canada's Magic

02 February 2018

Ryan Joyce interviews Joan Caesar

Video profile and podcast with Joan Caesar, a retired teacher, magician and internationally recognized influencer in the world of magic.

In the podcast we talk about:

As a judge for the largest magic conventions in the world, Joan shares her perspective on what makes a great magic act.

We talk about her life as a magician.

We talk about women in magic and why it’s hard to be a woman in magic.

Why Joan founded the Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM)

Which world-famous magician was Joan’s motivation to put Canada on the international stage for FISM (the Olympic’s of Magic)

Read more and listen to interview.

01 February 2018

Thank you to our February 2018 friends!

Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, and Ian Crawford for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our February 2018 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:

Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic, and
Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others.

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.

31 January 2018

30 January 2018

Mayce Galoni on "What's so funny?"

The following was sent to me by a reader who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

Hamilton-born, Vancouver-based 23 year old stand up comic Mayce Galoni was recently the featured guest on Vancouver Co-op Radio's (CFRO) "What's So Funny"? (Live broadcast: Sunday, January 21st, 2018). The very funny and very likable Galoni got his start performing as a strolling restaurant magician while still a very young teenager. A graduate of the Sorcerer's Safari, he transitioned to comedy when he started writing jokes for his magic act.

The podcast of the hour long broadcast will soon be available here:
www.wsf1027fm.blogspot.com and/or at www.coopradio.org. Check it out!

From What's So Funny?:

Our first guest of 2018 makes his semi-debut tonight. It's the New Faces edition of What's So Funny? tonight. Well, Newish Faces. Standup comic Mayce Galoni isn't even 25 but he's making quite a name for himself, even before he moved here last year from Hamilton. He's actually from a place called "Binbrook" that I don't even think is a real place, so we'll just say Hamilton because that's where he started out.

Read more and listen to podcast.

29 January 2018

New release: The Paradigm Shift ebooks

From Michael Close:

After more than a decade, Michael Close has finally released his long-awaited ebooks, The Paradigm Shift Volumes One and Two.
They are being released now at an introductory price.

The Paradigm Shift Volume One features groundbreaking essays that will change the way you think about your magic, beautiful sleights that will deceive both laymen and magicians, and commercial, devious routines you will enjoy performing. Included are ideas and routines from Ariel Frailich, John Carney, Simon Aronson, Bob Farmer, and Michael Weber. As with our previous ebooks, we have used text, photos, and video to provide an optimal learning experience.

The Paradigm Shift Volume Two features groundbreaking essays that will change the way you think about your magic, beautiful sleights that will deceive both laymen and magicians, and commercial, devious routines you will enjoy performing. Included are ideas and routines from Mick Ayres, Roy Walton, Harry Riser, Norman Beck, Michael Weber, Jason England, Aaron Fisher, Joshua Jay, and Ton Onosaka. As with our previous ebooks, we have used text, photos, and video to provide an optimal learning experience.

Read more and buy ebooks!

Sleightly Sketchy: I AM

Welcome to "Sleightly Sketchy!" This is the first post of a series of sketchy thoughts. Enjoy!

Sleightly Sketchy: I AM

London: Mahdi Gilbert at "The Vault"

From the Vault Festival:

31 Jan — 04 Feb

MAHDI THE MAGICIAN
AN UTTERLY UNIQUE SLEIGHT OF (NO) HANDS CARD MAGICIAN.
Born without hands or feet, Mahdi Gilbert has struggled through bullying, loneliness and depression to recognition from the greatest magicians of our time.

Throughout his childhood in Toronto, Mahdi was tormented for his physical differences and constantly wondered what would become of his life. Captivated by sleight of hand and card magic, he dreamt of becoming a professional magician – but as he began to study he came across a seemingly insurmountable obstacle: every magic book ever published has been written for performers with two hands.

Read more and buy tickets.

28 January 2018

Calgary: "Make Magic" produced by Carisa Hendrix

From Make Magic:

Let’s make some magic together every Tuesday!
This intimate, close-up magic show
features a new magician every week.
You and your guests will experience miracles at your fingertips.

Let us charm you with the very best magic Calgary has to offer.

Make Magic with Benton Price - February 6
Make Magic with Yeats - February 13
Make Magic with Ryan Pilling - February 20
Make Magic with Chris Visser - February 27

Read more and buy tickets.

Murray Hatfield at the Magic Castle

From the Magic Castle:

Feb 26 - Mar 4

PALACE OF MYSTERY
Murray Hatfield & Teresa

MAGICIAN LECTURE
Murray Hatfield

Read more.

Montreal: Caleb Wiles

From Montreal Magic Jam:

Tuesday Feb 6th

The Knockout Magic of Caleb Wiles

Get ready to step into the ring with one of magic’s heavy hitters. Caleb’s new lecture is full of incredible close-up routines designed for the real world. You won’t find any pipe dreams here. Every effect has been highly acclaimed by the most important critics in magic… real live audiences!

Caleb’s original tricks are performed by magicians all over the world, including on international television specials. In fact, he was a featured performer on the popular network show Penn & Teller’s Fool Us.

What you’ll learn…

– A brand-new, never-before-taught staple of Caleb’s close-up show. Jack Carpenter calls this routine “a masterpiece!”

– A self-working miracle that DESTROYS magicians! So powerful, it was used on an international television special!

– A practical, birthday-themed card effect for the working pro.

– Every detail of the blockbuster, self-working trick Caleb performed on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us!

– New plots, new presentations, and new principles.

This lecture is jam-packed with more than a dozen effects. Plus, stick around after the lecture to session into the night. It’s going to be a magic super party!

What others are saying…

“You are so [expletive] good!”
– Penn Jillette

“Caleb Wiles is the real deal. His methods are devious, his presentations are clever and fun, and he’s got loads of natural ability.”
– David Williamson

“I unreservedly urge any group out there to book him. You will be very happy.”
– Steve Bryant

“Caleb Wiles is a clever, logical creator of magic effects. His approach is fresh yet practical. I’m a huge fan!”
– Joshua Jay

“Caleb Wiles is a new star on the magic horizon!”
– Paul Lelekis (Linking Ring Magazine)

Read more and buy tickets.

Rounding the Western rings in February 2018

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)	- TBA - Make Magic (Benton Price, Yeatland Wong, Ryan Pilling, Chris Visser)
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 )	- General meeting - Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- "Love, Magic and Dinner" starring Chris Funk
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- TBA
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- TBA

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

Rounding the Central rings in February 2018

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

Montreal, QC	Ring 62 (20th Century Ring)	- Free form first Fridaze - Executive meeting - Second Saturday night special - Meetup Mensuel - Sunday brunch - Instagram Tuesday
Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- TBA.
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- TBA.
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Ken McCreedy lecture.
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)	- Caleb Wiles lecture.

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in February 2018

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.

27 January 2018

Canadians on AGT 2018

The next season of America's Got Talent is right around the corner. How many Canadians will we be seeing this season?

From Alex Kazam's blog:

In due time, for now, let me begin at the beginning. It was December 7th, 2017. I was performing at my usual Thursday night spot, St.Louis Bar and Grill in St. Catharines, Ontario. It was one of the first really cold nights, the evening was just starting up. The restaurant was still fairly quiet, and slowly starting to fill with patrons anticipating dinner service. I moved to my usual spot in the back corner of the space, hung up my coat, and prepared what I needed to perform. I noticed my client Jim Reaman (the owner) standing near the bar chatting with some staff.

Since I had a few minutes to spare, and genuinely enjoy catching up with Jim, checking-in and so forth, I headed towards him. We quickly moved from talking about personal affairs, to talking about what I’d been working on, my aspirations, and so on. I mentioned an idea that had been floating around my head, like an annoying little balloon. Sometimes it was filled with helium, sometimes with Sulfur Hexaflouride. The idea was light, in that it was clever, fun, inspiring, educational and full of potential for awesome. It was heavy in that it was terrifying, risky, draining, and full of potential for embarrassment, failure and rejection.

Read more.

From Eric Leclerc's Facebook page:

26 January 2018

Toronto: Scott Hammell's "Don't Look Down"

From Scott Hammell:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
THURSDAY, MARCH 1
FRIDAY, MARCH 2

Scott explores his motivations, inspirations and many MANY setbacks performing some of the most dangerous stunts in the world. Hanging upside down from a hot air balloon while locked in a straitjacket, performing a card trick while skydiving, skydiving while blindfolded and handcuffed, juggling live explosives and the bullet catch. So where does one go from there? How about an intimate theatrical experience with never before told stories and brand new magic!

Read more and buy tickets.

From Scott Hammell's YouTube channel:

25 January 2018

Toronto: Garrett Thomas announced for Browser's Bash 2018

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Dear Denizens,

We are very happy to announce that Garrett Thomas will be joining us at this year's Browser's Bash.

You read that right! Magician Garrett Thomas Thomas will be at this year's 'Browser's Magic Bash'.

Mr. Thomas is known for being an innovator as well as one of the top card, coin, and ring sleight of hand men in the world. His numerous releases include Imagination Coins, Banded, Stand-Up Monte, Speedreader Deck and Ring Thing.

His original effects, extreme technical skills and keen understanding of human psychology culminate in highly visual, entertaining and enlightening routines. Garrett was a stand-out artist in the close-up show at the last Magic Live!

Garrett's dedication to the art of magic manifests not only in his performances but also in his strong commitment to teaching the science and psychology of magic to other magicians.

Garrett Thomas is joining Jay Sankey, 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!

Hard to believe, but The 'Browser's 2018 Magic Bash' is now only three months away.

Tickets are still available. And we would love to have you join us for the day.

For full details on Browser's Magic Bash 2018 or to Buy Tickets please visit http://www.browsersden.com/bash/

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

Read more and buy tickets.

24 January 2018

Niagara Falls: "Magique" starring Kevin & Caruso featuring Madame Houdini

From Niagara Falls Tourism:

A stage spectacular of epic proportions, at Fallsview Casino Resort. Kevin & Caruso joined by Madame Houdini fascinate audiences with their award winning production “Magique” featuring the excitement of the grand art of illusion, glamorous costumes and special effects!

MARCH 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18 - 3:00 PM
MARCH 11, 18 - 7:00 PM
MARCH 8, 15 - 8:30 PM
MARCH 9, 10, 16, 17 - 9:00 PM

Read more and buy tickets.

23 January 2018

Toronto: John Carney Lecture and Workshop

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

LECTURE: Sunday, February 18, 2018
WORKSHOP: Monday, February 19, 2018

Dear Denizens,

Please, please do not miss this rare opportunity to learn from a true living master of magic.

Master of Magic is used far too much in our current digital age where there are no filters. But make no mistake about it Mr. John Carney is a master. A living master of sleight of hand who makes everything look like magic!

It has been about fifteen years since John Carney last lectured and gave a workshop at our store.

Many of you know that we do not usually sell tickets to workshop. But John Carney is exceptional.

For some of you who may be new to 'magic' here is a little bit about John Carney:

* Has won Hollywood’s Magic Castle award for Magician of the Year seven times
* Two -Time Award Winner World FISM magic championships
* Last true and real student of Dai Vernon
* Many TV performances
* The author of books including: Carneycopia, Book of Secrets *

In both his lecture and workshop Mr. Carney explains the how and the why of everything he does, which serves to teach much more than a few secrets or stratagems. If you pay close attention he will teach you the real secrets of how to grow in magic and to grow yourself through magic.

Read more and buy tickets.

22 January 2018

Toronto: Caleb Wiles - Super Nerd

From Eventbrite:

Wed, 7 February 2018

Caleb Wiles is a modern day wizard who performs magic designed for intelligent audiences. Instead of rabbits or wands he uses ordinary objects such as cards, Rubik’s cubes, and dollar bills… and you won’t believe what he can do with them.

Even fellow magicians recognize Caleb as a leader in the field. He is a highly respected creator of new magic effects and his work has been featured in leading magic magazines, books, and DVDs around the world. That’s why we’re bringing him to Toronto to be part of the International Mystery Series - we want to share his incredible magic with you.

You may have seen him perform on Penn and Teller’s Fool Us or on FOX TV, but now you can witness the impossible live and in person at this one-night-only special show.

Get your tickets now before they disappear forever!

Read more and buy tickets.

21 January 2018

In Memory of Henry Muller

Recently we were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of the passing of Henry Muller. Dennis is graciously allowing me to pass this on to you.

~~~

Henry Muller

MULLER, Henry - Born July 12, 1930 in Hlohovec, Czechoslovakia, died at 1:45 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bella (Zucker) Muller, by his four children, Jerry (Sharon), Alice (Ben Zion), David (Joyce) and Michael (Adrienne), by his grandchildren, Elisha (Laura), Sara (Alan), Joseph (Keren), Tali (Jesse), Liat, Matan, Jacob (Aviva), Rachel, Rebecca, Isaac and Abraham, and by his great-grandchildren Nadia, Julia, Maya, Hannah, Daniel, Benjamin and Lily. Mr. Muller was the founder of Muller's Meats, Houdini Magical Hall of Fame, Cavalier Motel and the Niagara Industrial Mall, a respected businessman and entrepreneur and a lover of Niagara Falls, Canada. Funeral Thursday, March 2 at 1:00 pm at the Adas Israel Synagogue in Hamilton, Ontario followed by interment at Lundy's Lane Cemetery in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Henry Muller, cofounder of the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame, a public museum and tourist attraction operated in Niagara Falls, Canada, from 1968 to 1995, died on Feb. 28 in Hamilton, Ontario. He was 86 years old.

Muller, with Dr. Harold A. Stein, opened the Hall of Fame in May 1968 at 5019 Centre Street. The attraction housed many significant items from Houdini’s personal collection, including some of his childhood props, posters, a multitude of handcuffs and leg irons, a wooden packing crate he used for underwater escapes, and the famed Water Torture Cell.

Four years after opening, the Hall of Fame moved a half block southeast to 4983 Clifton Hill, into the old Victoria Park Railway Station, where it remained until it burned down 23 years later, on April 30, 1995. While some of the collection, including the Water Torture Cell, was destroyed in the fire, a lot of the paraphernalia survived and exists in many private collections.

Heartfelt condolences to Henry’s wife, Bella, and the rest of the family.

20 January 2018

Highlights from CAM / PCAM 2017

Watch the video put together by Leif David showing some of the highlights from CAM / PCAM 2017.

From Leif David's Facebook post:

19 January 2018

Magicana accepting nominations for the 2017 Allan Slaight awards

I'm still hoping they are going to create a category for "Best Blog Focused on Canadian Magicians Run by a Member of IBM Ring 17."

From Magicana:

Magicana is pleased to announce on behalf of the Slaight Family Foundation the creation of the Allan Slaight Awards to recognize outstanding achievement in the pursuit of the impossible.

Initiated by the Slaight Family Foundation to honour Canadian media mogul and philanthropist Allan Slaight, and his lifelong passion for and contribution to magic, Magicana will distribute, on behalf of the Slaight Family Foundation $250,000 over five years - $50,000 per year - to recognize excellence in magic.