Broken wand: Dicky Dean

Our thoughts go out to Dicky's family and friends.


From Your Life Moments:

DEAN, Dick - “Dicky Dean the Magician” After a life adventurously lived and fulfilled, Dicky Dean passed away at the Village of Glendale Crossing L.T.C., on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Forever loved and remembered by his wife, Marg (Randall) of 51 years. Lovingly remembered by his son, Bruce (Andrea) and his dear grandchildren, Elliot and Miles. Fondly remembered by his brother, Tom (Ruth) and their family, Rob (Melissa), Jim (Michelle), Beth (Drew). Predeceased by his parents, George and Cathie Dean. Also remembered by his students whom he inspired while teaching for the London Board of Education and the many audiences throughout Canada that he enthralled with his professional and unique magic shows.

Read more.

With thanks to Peter Mennie for letting us know.

Bullock, Mayhew, and Eng in the CBC!

From the January 23rd article "Escape the headlines, find the magic: Why we need the oldest tricks in the book more than ever" by Conor Sweetman in the CBC:

In the 1900s, the silver screen provided some distraction from the news of the World Wars, but it also served as a conduit for propaganda. These days, we similarly struggle to find escapism that isn't tinged with politics. Only now, partisan tension seems to follow us everywhere, beyond the movie theatre and into comedy clubs, sports arenas and  every content-producing corner of the internet.

It's hard to hide from it — all of our open tabs beckon us to dip one more time into what will inevitably put a damper on the day. But what if there were a way to momentarily hush the noise and avoid getting swept away by the deluge of headlines? What if, just for an evening, instead of going into a tailspin of reading, arguing and frantically fact-checking...you allowed yourself to be fooled?

Read more.

Orange County: It's Magic!

From the January 16th article, "It’s Magic! returns to cast a spell over Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts" from the Orange Country Breeze:

The award-winning It’s Magic! showcase enthralls and entrances fans at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) on Sunday, March 10, 3:00 PM. Purchase tickets, which start from $55, at the CCPA Ticket Office, cerritoscenter.com, or by calling (562) 916-8500.

The longest-running magic production in the country, IT’S MAGIC! brings to the stage the biggest stars in magic and variety. With a cast of award-winning performers from around the world – including Hollywood’s Magic Castle and Las Vegas – the extravaganza leaves audiences speechless and spellbound with sleight-of-hand illusions, stage tricks, and comedy and variety acts. The CCPA lineup features acclaimed illusionists Murray Hatfield and Teresa, quick-change artists David & Dania, satire illusionists Les Arnold & Dazzle, the duo Yonkany & Anabel, host Chris Blackmore, and comedy-magician Eric Buss.

Read more.

Outerbridge Magic tour dates

From the website of Ted Outerbridge:

• February 2, 2019   The Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
• February 3, 2019   Flato Markham Theatre, Markham, ON
• February 12, 2019   Luseland Homecoming Hall, Luseland, SK
• February 13, 2019   Watrous Civic Centre, Watrous, SK
• February 14, 2019   Hudson Bay Allied Arts Council, Hudson Bay, SK
• February 15, 2019   CJVR Performing Arts Theatre, Melfort, SK
• February 16, 2019   Maurice Taylor Performing Arts Theatre, Tisdale, SK
• February 23, 2019   Morinville Community Cultural Centre, Morinville, AB

Read more.

Toronto: Chris Pilsworth, Jason Palter, Jonah Babins, and Ben Train

From Eventbrite:

Thu, 31 January 2019

In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 75 tickets are available for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!

Now, without further ado, let’s meet the performers.

Chris Pilsworth
Chris Pilsworth knows how to entertain. Since becoming a professional magician over 30 years ago, Chris has performed thousands of shows all over the world, including headlining at the Magic Castle in Hollywood and performing for millions of people on live TV. New York Times Best Selling Author Stephen Dubner says that "Chris Pilsworth is better than advertised: a great illusionist, yes, but with a heart and mind that match it." We couldn't agree more.


Jason Palter
Jason is a comedian, an award winning magician and one of Toronto’s top professional speakers. He has spent the last 20 years performing his original magic and illusions all over the world, including hundreds of live shows as well as numerous television and corporate video appearances. He is an "Entertainer of The Year" recipient, as presented by the Canadian Event Industry Awards, and just appeared on last month's season finale of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us". With Jason one thing is for sure - you’re going to laugh and be fooled at the same time!


Jonah Babins
Jonah is one of the founders of the Toronto Magic Company as well as the host of Discourse in Magic, the #1 rated podcasts for magicians on the planet. He has performed all over Toronto, L.A, and New York for celebrites, influencers, and private events - not to mention the 100+ show summer tour every summer. Jonah is a rising star in the world of magic and is not to be missed!


Ben Train
The host of The Art of Magic and one of the founders of the Toronto Magic Company, Ben is one of Toronto’s busiest entertainers. He has performed all over the world, including Canada, the United States, as well all across Europe, and he has a weekly show at Dave and Busters Oakville. When Ben isn’t on stage he’s busy creating magic for other magicians with 2 books and 3 DVDs of original magic for sale all over the world.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Ben Train's Facebook page:

Chris Yuill: Mandrake award recipient

Congratulations to Chris Yuill, recipient of the Mandrake award for Excellence in Showmanship and Creativity!


From Chris Yuill's Twitter feed:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

So honored to have been chosen to receive the Mandrake award for Excellence in Showmanship and Creativity at the S.A.M. Annual Banquet #royalbluemagicsuit #magic #corporatemagician #magicalentertainer #hardrockcasino #mandrake https://t.co/M2N9i1mhob pic.twitter.com/HD49FgUKH5

— Chris Yuill (@ChrisYuill1) January 18, 2019

Anastasia Synn at Blackpool

Anastasia Synn will be joining Bill Abbott at the Blackpool Convention Feb 15-17, 2019!



From Anastasia Synn's Twitter feed:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

Excited to be lecturing at the legendary Blackpool convention in February! Bringing some things to the table that you've likely never seen before...#blackpool2019 @ Blackpool https://t.co/whvrN7BM6q

— Anastasia Synn (@SiaSynn) January 11, 2019

Michael Close Webinar: The Truth about Lying

From Michael Close:

Magic depends on disseminating misinformation – in other words, lying. Learn to use this important tool with rapier-like precision in this informative and fun webinar.

Michael's live webinar will run 60-90 minutes long, you will be able to ask questions, geared for all skill levels, and you can add some tricks to your repertoire right away!

What you will learn:

• The whole truth and nothing but the truth
• Conditional (transitional) truth
• Verbal vs. non-verbal lies
• Sleight of hand as a non-verbal lie
• Sustaining a non-verbal lie
• Lies of omission
• Lying to distort memory
• Strategic placement of big lies

Read more and register.

Sign-up at MichaelClose.com to receive Michael's newsletters.  I've got it on good authority that there's an interview with Matt DiSero in the January newsletter!

Edmonton: Minerva – Queen of the Handcuffs

From Theatre Network:

Ghost Writer Theatre presents
The World Premiere of
Minerva – Queen of the Handcuffs
By Ron Pearson

No binds can hold her! No box can contain her! She can escape from anything… anything but the clutches of the master himself! Minerva – Queen of the Handcuffs is the true story of the world’s most famous female escape artist and her rivalry with Harry Houdini. This world premiere production features Edmonton’s own master escape artist, Miranda Allen.

Read more and buy tickets.

Roger Boucher in the CBC

From the January 15th article "Magician prepares for icy escape from Emma Lake in chains and handcuffs" by CBC News.

It's hard to make a polar bear plunge into a freezing Saskatchewan lake more difficult, but Prince Albert-based magician and hypnotist Roger Boucher wants to up the ante by escaping chains and handcuffs while beneath the icy waters of Emma Lake.

"It's going to be very challenging, and I like to challenge myself," he explained to CBC Saskatchewan's Afternoon Edition.

His planned escape is part of a Feb. 16 fundraiser for the Lakeland fire department. Boucher suggested the challenge as a publicity stunt. He'll jump in handcuffed past three feet of ice with a weedy lake surface below him.


Read more.

Canadians in Masters of Illusion 2019

I spy Greg Frewin, Chris Funk, The Evasons, and Murray SawChuck.  Who am I missing?

Wikipedia suggests the 2019 season is season 9, but the performers are all referring to it as season 6 as it is the 6th season with the CW.


From Greg Frewin's Instagram:

A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

View this post on Instagram

Just a little water escape in LA filming for mastersnof illusion season 6 #MOI #magiclife #magic #roadtrip #backstage

A post shared by Greg Frewin (@gregfrewin) on Jan 13, 2019 at 8:10pm PST

From Chris Funk's Twitter feed:

That’s a wrap! #mastersofillusion #season6 & the #christmasspecial shot and complete! Now some dinner, rest and a flight home! #lifeontheroad #thewonderist #internationalmanofwonder https://t.co/dy7dRgk64J pic.twitter.com/9VOmgaIhga

— Chris Funk (@chrisfunkmagic) January 14, 2019

From The Evason's Twitter feed:

So much fun yesterday working with many talented friends taping the upcoming season of Masters Of Illusion TV show. @cw_illusion #Magic #mentalistduo #theevasons #mentalist #mentalism #tv pic.twitter.com/98t5czOv9M

— The Evasons (@TheEvasons) January 11, 2019

From Murray SawChuck's Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Back at #delfinostudios shooting #season6 of #mastersofillusion @thecw @chrisfunkmagic @charityfunkcoaching @jeffwess47

A post shared by Murray SawChuck (@murraysawchuck) on Jan 12, 2019 at 1:58pm PST

Guelph: Ray Chance and Mike D'Urzo

From the River Run Centre:

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Mesmerizing magicians Mike D’Urzo and Ray Chance have entertained audiences around the world with memorable mental demonstrations and incredible illusions. The pair is bringing their unique performance styles together, joining forces in a dueling magic show that’s sure to inspire awe.

“Be amazed as renowned magicians Mike D’Urzo and Ray Chance square off in a magic show designed to challenge each other and mystify audiences.” – Inside Halton


Read more and buy tickets.

Random thoughts from the Kayla Drescher lecture

I should start with congratulations to Kayla for keeping her energy up through the evening after having just completed a grueling 41 show run with the recent Champions of Magic tour!

• Hurray for Loblaws, Roots, and Canada Canadian Tire!
• And beer, ginger beer, and Brio!
• Colour changing bottle caps are very cool.
• How do you define magic, art, and craft?  (Definitely not the same way I used the term "arts and crafts" in my earlier report of the show!)
• Because ... science!
• And bar towels!
• Kayla gave Rosemary Reid a shout out for her video:
  (You may remember that Rosemary delighted us all with the first iteration of this speech which she shared at the 2017 Browser's Bash.)

• Chris Westfall made a memorable entrance.  (How many elastic bands do you wear on your wrists?)
• There was a mini Sorcerers Safari reunion with Rosemary Reid, Lee Asher, Chris Mayhew, Chris Westfall, and Jonah Babins!  (Which made Kidlet doubly regret the decision to not attend.)

  @MagicinHeelsKD Toronto lecture with @LeeAsherMagic @chrismayhews @jonahbabins & more! pic.twitter.com/S0b08IBkes

  — Rosemary Reid (@RosemaryReid) January 8, 2019

• Staff appreciation and lessons from street performers.
• Described a fabulous pseudo-controlled study on colours that increase tips! (Also pseudo-controlled for gender with surprising results.)
• Demonstrated a fabulous tip for bar magicians to increase probability of receiving a big tip.  (I wonder how one could design a study to see if that methodology gives the same % tip increase for a man using the technique as for a woman using the technique?)
• Something spontaneously happened at the 1 hour 15 minute mark that Kayla was totally expecting.  (I'm not entirely convinced that it wasn't just a case of a poorly worded question.)
• If you aren't already, subscribe to Shezam, the feminist podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete.  The podcast has great tips and strategies for young women starting out in magic (No pockets? No problems!)  Carisa Hendrix and Kayla also share entertaining anecdotes about performing and lots of pro-tips too!
• After the break, Kayla gave a fabulous hands-on lesson for colour changing bottle caps using a technique even I can master!
• Good times, good fun, good magic.
• Thank you Kayla!

Great turnout for a great lecture at the first @IBMring17 meeting of 2019! Thank you @MagicinHeelsKD

I hope you can finally get some well deserved rest! pic.twitter.com/g7keN6Dxlk

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) January 8, 2019

View this post on Instagram

The Champions of Magic did 41 shows in 17 days in Toronto this holiday season! Well done!

A post shared by @ starvoxent on Jan 6, 2019 at 6:10pm PST

Bill Abbott at the Chicago Magic Lounge and Blackpool

Catch Bill at the Chicago Magic Lounge Jan. 17-19 or at the Blackpool Convention Feb 15-17, 2019!


From Bill's Twitter feed:
A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

Next LIVE public appearances will be at the stunningly beautiful https://t.co/IH3rwiYJL7

I'm headlining 5 shows Jan. 17-19 and I have just been informed that the January 19th shows are already SOLD OUT! So act now to grab a seat and join me at this truly amazing venue. pic.twitter.com/DexuLP1XTz

— Bill Abbott (@billabbottlive) January 3, 2019

Having heard about the world's largest magic convention for many years - I'm excited to be a feature lecturer and performer at this years Blackpool Magic Convention!

Bringing a brand new lecture and show package to all my UK friends ;) #blackpoolmagicconvention pic.twitter.com/dERpfAPQSF

— Bill Abbott (@billabbottlive) January 10, 2019

Quebec City: Loran at the Galerie de la Capitale

From the Facebook post of Loran Magie:

-I am very pleased to announce that I will be performing on January 18-19-20 at the official opening of the New Mega Park "Steampunk Theme" at the Galerie de la Capitale in Quebec City. I will be there to presents close-up magic performances everywhere on the site. Several members of Steampunk groups from Quebec, Montreal, Beauce and Ottawa will also participate to the event with their original costumes. Set your watches for this Retro-Futuristic event !

-J’ai le grand plaisir de vous annoncer que je serai présent les 18-19-20 janvier prochain lors de l’ouverture officiel du Nouveau Méga-Parc « Thématique Steampunk » des Galerie de la Capitale à Québec. J’offrirai des performances partout sur le site en magie rapprochée. Plusieurs représentants des groupes Steampunk de Québec, Montréal, Beauce et Ottawa participeront aussi à l’événement avec leurs super costumes. Réglez vos montres pour cet événement Rétro-Futuriste !

Greg Frewin's "Imagine tour"

From Imagine Tour:

Check this page often as additional dates may be added in the coming year!

IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN SIMCOE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019
SIMCOE COMPOSITE SCHOOL 40 Wilson Ave, Simcoe



IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN WINDSOR
MON, FEBRUARY 11, 2019
CAPITOL THEATRE Pentastar Playhouse
121 University Ave W, Windsor



IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN BRANTFORD
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2019
BRANTFORD'S SANDERSON CENTRE 88 Dalhousie St, Brantford


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN HAMILTON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019
MCINTYRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Mohawk College - Fennell Campus
West 5th St & Fennell Ave, Hamilton


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN NORTH BAY
THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019
CAPITOL CENTRE 150 Main St E, North Bay


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN SUDBURY
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019
Laurentian University Fraser Auditorium
935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury


IMAGINE TOUR LIVE IN SAULT STE MARIE
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019
KORAH COLLEGIATE & VOCATIONAL SCHOOL 636 GOULAIS AVE, SAULT STE. MARIE

Read more and buy tickets.

From the January 3rd article "Greg Frewin brings magic show to Mohawk College in support of Diabetes Canada" by Hamilton Mountain News at The Spec:

Internationally renowned magician Greg Frewin is performing at Mohawk College Feb. 13 in support of Diabetes Canada.

The Hamilton-born entertainer is a former International Brotherhood of Magicians Grand Champion and was named 2009 Magician of the Year at the World Magic Awards.

Frewin can be seen regularly at the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls.

Read more.

Port Alberni: Murray Hatfield and Teresa fundraiser

From Brown Paper Tickets:

FUNDRAISER - FOR ROLLIN ART CENTRE

CANADAS MASTER ILLUSIONIST
Help us to raise funds for the gardens and grounds of the Rollin Art Centre, with this Family FRIENDLY fundraiser, Jan. 12, 2019. Canadas Master Illusionists, MURRAY HATFIELD & TERESA.

They don't just do magic, they are magic! Combining breath-taking magic, interactive comedy and some of the newest, most exciting and most up-to-date stage illusions. An evening of exceptional entertainment that is completely unique and world-class.

Sat. Jan. 12, 2019 at the Capitol Theatre.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Chris Yuill's Twitter feed:

Hey Port Alberni. Murray Hatfield, illusionist and good friend is coming to perform on January 12th - to raise money for the gardens and grounds at the Rollin Art Centre. It's a show for the whole family and tickets are available at; https://t.co/koAYXmhSq1

— Chris Yuill (@ChrisYuill1) January 7, 2019

Thank you to our January 2019 friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Owen Anderson, Ryan Pilling, and Matt DiSero 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 January 2019 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,
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others, and
• Daniel Sugar, author of Salem Burning.*

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.

--
* This book is intended for mature audiences.

Hamilton: Two Penn & Teller Foolers!

Catch The Sentimentalists and Nicholas Wallace in Hamilton on May 11th.


From The Foolers Facebook Event:

A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.