Broken wand: Randy Burtis

Our thoughts go out to Randy's family and friends at this difficult time.


From Yeatland Wong:

On Dec 16, 2019, Calgary Magician and Past President of the Calgary Magic Circle Ring 66, Randy Burtis passed away after a year long battle with cancer. Randy had performed magic for over 25 years, and had a passion for gospel magic. He is the author of "Gospel Illusions: Object Lessons you can do!". Randy enjoyed working with kids and families, both in magic and as a pastor. Randy is survived by his wife and two daughters. His family will be hosting a celebration of life at 11am on Dec 20 at the Centre Street Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Randy to Samaritan's Purse.

From Piersons:

Randy was born on September 2, 1969. He passed away peacefully at his home in Calgary on December 17, 2019. Randy was a loving, nurturing father and husband with a deep, abiding faith is Jesus Christ. He was a children's pastor at Centre Street Church, a published author and a talented magician.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cara; their daughters, Katie and Julia; his mother, Heather and cousin, Mitch Bell and all of Cara's family.

Read more.

From Gwyn Auger:

Randy wrote a book earlier this year, I’ve been encouraging people to consider purchasing even if it’s not their type of magic.
https://www.amazon.ca/Gospel-Illusions-Randy-Burtis/dp/1628628162

Philadelphia: The Sentimentalists at Smoke and Mirrors

From The Sentimentalists Facebook page:

10 Jan 2020 at 20:00 – 11 Jan 2020 at 23:00
They are back... for real this time.

Fresh off this Season of Americas Got Talent (Quarter finalists) and last season on Penn and Tellers Fool Us (Foolers), The Sentimentalists. 

World renowned mentalist Mysterion teams with The first lady of mentalism Steffi Kay creating a two person mind reading experience that is truly breathtaking. Steffi brings back classic couture. Her vintage look  will transport you back to the golden age of magic. Mysterion has appeared on stages around the globe and on countless TV appearances. Together they showcase their incredibly special way of communicating, with a touch of humor and most importantly class. 

Toronto: James Harrison lecture

In case you missed it, here are links to two recent highly viewed videos featuring James:

• The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
• The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

James Harrison Lecture
Saturday, January 11, 2020

Whether you are a hobbyist looking to learn a new skill, or a professional looking for a proven trick, don’t miss this rare opportunity to add pickpocketing to your repertoire!

After 20 years of performing close up, strolling magic, James Harrison has established himself as a pickpocket specialist.  He has shared his knowledge as an author for Street Magic Magazine, as well as at conferences and conventions across North America and Europe. His television show, Behind the Magic, aired on Rogers TV and his recent appearance on Modern Rogue has been trending on YouTube.

James will teach you how to interrupt and entertain any audience with the opening series from his strolling magic repertoire that lets everyone know that he is worth their time!

Tricks and topics include:

Repeat Card to Pen
A great repeat card to impossible location and Why it’s important to have more than just a Sharpie pen.

Wallet Pen
Wow a table with just a coin and pen with this series based off of Rune Klan, David Stone and Harrison’s own ideas.

Necro Tagged
A thought of word book test with a great scary story, still safe for corporate.

Card CollectionA great segue for handing out business cards – it is a card trick without playing cards!

Grift SenseA con man’s prediction of a spectator’s series of choices.

Ring to WatchIf you like Garret Thomas’ Ring Thing, you will love this perfect segue into pickpocketing.

PickPocketingWatch? Wallet? Cell phone? Anything that is not nailed down! How to deal with change in clothing styles. Who to choose, and more importantly, who NOT to choose!

"It's been a pleasure to work with James at one of the largest hackers convention in Vegas. I watched him explain the how to’s of pickpocketing to a packed room, and still steal off them mere moments later. Watch and learn from him now, while you still can, because soon the whole world will be booking him up.”
Brian Brushwood - host of Modern Rogue and Scam Nation

“I will highly recommend James Harrison’s knowledge and skills… an opportunity not to be missed out on” James Brown, Professional Opportunist

We look forward to you joining us on the 11th!


Read more and buy tickets.

Steve Valentine in the MD Theatre Guide

A reminder that the "The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays" plays at Meridian Hall from January 1 to January 5, 2020.  Get your tickets at through Tickemaster.

From the December 4th article "Theatre Review: ‘The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays’ at National Theater" by Michael Garvey in the MD Theatre Guide:

Steve stole the show and had a shining moment with his personal story of how he told and showed his daughter all about snow, as they were moving from California to Canada. He got a girl of 9 to join him on stage as he made it snow from his hands from water and literally nothing and then the snow engulfed the entire stage to create a shining, spectacular white Christmas illusion.  If you are in town, this show is a must, and well worth the price of admission.   The performances will leave you inspired and feeling all the magic of the holidays.

Read more.

OWOW Recap by Ryan Joyce

From the December 7th article "Magic festival appears in Fergus Ontario" by Ryan Joyce:

We organized a three-day magicians convention, produced a four-day festival featuring five stage shows, two parlour shows, and first-ever Livestream Magic Special during the seven days.

The OWOW Festival scheduled magicians performing table-to-table at local restaurants, secret sessions for magicians, world-class gala magic shows at the Fergus Grand Theatre and exclusive private events around town. 

This year we featured twelve internationally acclaimed magicians, Stephen Bargatze, Michael Close, Greg Frewin, Carisa Hendrix, Rick Merrill, Paul Romhany, Jay Sankey, Nicholas Wallace, Owen Anderson, Ryan Joyce, Cody Moynihan, Peter Mennie, Graemazing Reed and Ed Stone.

Read more.