“The news of my retirement is greatly exaggerated,” says David Ben (UC 1983), a Toronto-born conjuror, historian of magic, writer and consultant.
Ben, a renowned expert in sleight-of-hand magic, is in the midst of creating a new show that will revisit some of his old tricks and add a selection of new ones. Each time he creates a show, he is a writer, director and set designer all in one, weaving together a story that incorporates each of his chosen tricks.
“I believe that to be an artist, you need great technique, a great understanding of the past and a vision for the future,” he says.
Read more and watch video.
17 February 2019
David Ben: U of T Featured Alumni
From the January 22nd article at the University of Toronto Alumni website:
16 February 2019
Oakville: Westfall's World
From Eventbrite:
The Toronto Magic Company and Chris Westfall have partnered with Dave and Buster's to bring you an ULTIMATE FUN package for Family Day, that's good for a FULL day of fun!
What's included:
- A ticket to Westfall's World: A high energy magic show jam packed with audience participation. It keeps its spectators laughing, gasping and screaming while on the edge of their seats the entire way through. (Drink and food service is available inside the theatre and throughout the show.)
- An UNLIMITED Powerplay Game Card, good for all the non-redemption games in the building until 2am!
- A bonus 60 credits to be used on the redemption games (to redeem for prizes)
Read more and buy tickets.
15 February 2019
Carisa Hendrix in the Calgary Herald
From the February 7th article "Who's that girl? Calgary magician Carisa Hendrix and the rise of Lucy Darling" by Eric Volmers in the Calgary Herald:
Lucy is as good an authority as anyone on the magic of new personas. She is actually the alter ego of Calgary magician, fire-eater, actress, model and “circus artist” Carisa Hendrix. Two years ago, Hendrix was a moderately successful act in Calgary, concentrating largely on corporate gigs and children’s festivals and generally “scraping by and living a little bit in magic obscurity,” she says. There had been notable highlights. She had developed a show for Las Vegas, was the subject of the documentary Girl on Fire and even broke the Guinness World Record for “longest duration fire-torch teething” in 2012. But her entry into the exclusive inner circle of international magicians eluded her.
Then Lucy came along.
Lucy Darling, decked out in an elegant evening gown and possessing a quick wit worthy of Dorothy Parker, debuted in Australia at the Melbourne Magic Festival in July of 2017.
Read more.
14 February 2019
New York: Farquhar and Hendrix in Salute to Magic
From SAM Parent Assembly #1:
From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
Asi Wind, Shawn Farquhar, Lucy Darling and Bobby Torkova Amaze Audiences March 30 in the Salute to Magic Show in Manhattan
Since its start in 1909 the Salute to Magic show has provided New York audiences the opportunity to enjoy the amazing talent of some of magic’s biggest names. This year’s show features a program of internationally renowned performers who are among today’s most innovative and accomplished conjurors. We will also honor magician David Kaye for his significant influence on the field of children’s magic and for his leadership of the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians.
Read more and register.
From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:
13 February 2019
Derek Selinger performs in Magic Tricks with Ian
From Derek Selinger's YouTube channel, Magic Inspired:
Video at the bottom of the post.
From Derek Selinger's Instagram:
From Derek Selinger's YouTube channel, Magic Inspired:
Many years ago I had a young man named Ian attend some of my live magic shows. He bought posters and I even had a picture taken with him. That picture has hung on my wall ever since as a reminder of why I do what I do.
Ian's mom reached out to me to buy a new poster as his old one was falling apart. We of course got him that and more. In the discussion with Ian's mom we learned that Ian has some significant health challenges. Being a young man with Down Syndrome he is not eligible for heart transplants and so he has a rather arduous routine.
We decided to visit Ian's home and perform a show with magic tricks, including a box illusion, in his kitchen for his friends where the magician... was Ian. This is that story, and this is that show.
I hope meeting Ian encourages you as you face the challenges and opportunities in your life. Ian is one of the greatest magicians I have ever met. While he may not have the technical skill I have developed... he changes peoples worlds by his smile, enthusiasm and kindness. Welcome to "The Magic of Ian".
Video at the bottom of the post.
From Derek Selinger's Instagram:
From Derek Selinger's YouTube channel, Magic Inspired:
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