21 November 2021

A chat with Richard Wiseman

From the November 16th Tweet by the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club:

 

From IBM Ring 17:

On November 13th we had the pleasure to hold a Q&A discussion with professor Richard Wiseman about David Copperfield's History of Magic book.



 

 

 

 

20 November 2021

A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer [2021]

A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer 


Learn more about Alex, in the fourth of a series of interviews leading up to the Champions of Magic World Wide Wonders Tour shows in Kitchener and Peterborough early next year.



Read our 2019 interview where we learn Alex's thoughts on:
 
- Canadian audiences,
- keeping his performance fresh,
- advice for touring magicians,
[Editor's note: there's some great advice here!]
- non-magic interests,
- pre-show rituals, and
- Broadway dream role!

And the 2018 piece in which we learn about his
- first memory of magic,
- non-mentalism magic,
- creating new effects
- non-magical inspirations,
- our fascination with magic,
- performing in different countries,
- memorable touring mis-adventures, and
- his connection to Canadian magic.
Champions of Magic performed in Canada in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020After a two year absence, what are you most looking forward to on your return to Canada in early 2022?
 

I’m looking forward to being in front of a Canadian crowd again, they always give good audience. And the food - I managed to find a vegan poutine last time we were there and I suddenly saw what all the fuss was about.

 

 
The Great Pause (COVID Lockdowns)
 
Did you experience any silver linings? 
 
Time with the family has been wonderful. My son turned 12 this year so frankly it was a great opportunity to have so much uninterrupted time with him at this age.

Also, for the past 3 years we’ve had hotel room Christmas mornings, and as fun as they are, it was great to be home with the family for Xmas 2020.


 
 
 
What was your comfort binge?
 
We’d never watched Downton Abbey so we watched it all - from episode 1 right up to the film. Great British Bake Off (it didn’t help the baking skills). X Files. The Simpsons… thank goodness Disney plus launched in the UK when it did. Also I found myself watching very niche things on YouTube… Documentaries about theme park rides, or Adam Savage from Mythbusters making an iron man helmet or a place to keep drill-bits.
 
Were you able to explore your personal passions (film, art, cooking, gym, laughing, and anthropomorphising)?
 
Those are all still very much at the top of the list.

I’ve done plenty of laughing.

I’ve cooked lots but baking still remains an absolute disaster.

I got to explore my passion for film by watching nearly everything on Netflix and Disney plus… turns out when you ‘complete’ Netflix, all the film titles bounce around the screen like when you win Solitaire on an old Windows PC.

[Editor's note:  Must keep watching Netflix to unlock this bonus!]

I also made a series of short films with my partner Daisy, combining her skills as a circus performer and writer.

I started running/jogging as the gyms were closed. Almost immediately gave myself shin splints but then I got some better shoes.
 
 

Did The Great Pause allow you to do anything that you wouldn't likely have been able to accomplish if you were touring?
 
Yes. For several years I’ve had a sideline in teaching and lecturing to other performers but The Great Pause allowed me to do more of that. I created a few online lectures discussing my work including a full course on stagecraft. I also launched a few niche products for fellow performers. The feedback has been great and I’ve made some new friends and connections along the way too.
 


Did you have to adjust anything in your set to incorporate COVID precautions?
 
This is something tha'ts still very much in a state of flux, I think. For example, throwing the Chimpion of Magic out into the audience… that might have to change. Essentially it’s all about keeping everyone safe and comfortable… anything people handle, such as a pen or a pack of cards, is cleaned before, during, and after shows.
 
 
 
Kelly and Dave help out Alex McAleer. 
Photo credit: William Balfour, Spectra Experiences. Oshawa 2019.


 
How did you keep your skills fresh and performance ready?

 
I’ve done a few smaller shows and events over the past 18 months or so, and it took me awhile to get the rhythm back. I felt a little rusty but the energy from an audience brings it all back.

 

What was it like travelling and performing with Champions of Magic in Mexico during the pandemic?
  
It was strange, mostly because the airport and trains were so quiet, security took no time at all! Also, on the plus side for me, because of the airlines social distancing measures I got upgraded to first class! Strange was absolutely livid.

The show was great, we performed a version for streaming plus some live shows. We had to change certain elements of the show not just because of COVID related restrictions but also because of the language barrier.

There was a panicked moment backstage when the venue staff were using this sort of disinfectant-fog-machine. It filled the whole dressing room area with fog. None of us knew it was going to happen and we thought the place was on fire!
Was there anything particularly memorable about your first live performance after The Great Pause?
 
I did a show in my hometown and I felt it didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, it wasn’t bad but not as good as it could have been. Speaking to people after the show however they thought it was great. It just reminded me that my perception of a performance has very little to do with the audiences enjoyment, and they are the ones the show is for!
 
 
Have audience reactions to live magic performances changed after Lockdown? 
 
They seem the same, but I think the thrill of seeing a live performance has added to their enjoyment.
 
 
 
In September, we learned that Hollie England will be joining the Champions of Magic family.
 
How will you welcome Hollie into the Champions family?

By showing her where we keep the kettle backstage.
 

What advice do you have for Hollie to help her thrive in the Champions family?
 
I don’t think I can really offer her any advice, Hollie has toured with other shows and performers many times before so I’m sure she’ll fit right in.
 
 

If you could go back in time to study (magic or otherwise) under anybody, who would you choose to be your mentor?
 
Hmm… a silent act of some kind. I’ve done some silent work on stage before and I enjoy the challenge. Probably comedy based, not magic… I guess I just want to be Buster Keaton (who is funnier than Chaplin, don’t @ me)
 
 
 
What’s your go-to Karaoke song?

4’33’’ by John Cage.

[Editor's note: Now there's a "pro-tip" I can implement immediately with excellent results!]
If you could only perform one effect for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Despite how egotistical this may come across, I think it would have to be my own routine, the first one I do in my first set in Champions. It’s a very simple and direct piece of mind reading.
 
 
If you could eliminate other performers performing an effect forever, what would it be?
 

That one where an audience member colours in a Lego Man.
 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 
Now please wash your hands.

 

Thank you Alex, for making the time to answer our questions!


Catch Champions of Magic in Kitchener and Peterborough early 2022! 
 





19 November 2021

Goodbye to Perfect Magic -- the end of an era in Montreal

On Monday November 1st, after 45 years in the business, Perfect Magic closed up shop for the very last time.*

Phil and Evelyn Matlin started Perfect Magic as a mail-order company in Montreal in 1976.  Later they opened retail space in Montreal.

In 1979, they collaborated with C.W. Vermeys to launch the very first Magie Montréal convention!  Magie Montréal ran annually until 1998.

From 1993 to 2002, their son Brian ran a satellite store in Burnaby, B.C.

You may recall that Evelyn passed in July 2020.

Did you know that Phil is also a professional ragtime piano player?  Browse through his YouTube channel! I enjoy both of his CD's,  Ragtime Daze, and Ragtime Magic.

Thank you to Evelyn and Phil, for the wonderful contributions you've made to my life.  Phil, we wish you all the very best as you begin this new chapter in yours!


--
* Backorders and presales will be honoured.

18 November 2021

Unconventional.Fun - back in time! [Nov 27-28]

From the November 10th Instagram post by Unconventional.Fun:

WE'RE BACK!

WAY BACK!

The world's most unconventional magic convention is going back in time for a weekend filled with lectures, shows, jamming - even dinosaurs!

Learn from the best magicians on the planet and make friends from around the globe.

It's all happening one weekend only - November 27th and 28th.

 

 

17 November 2021

Spencerville: The Diablo Manor an Evening of Enchantment [various]

From Ticketscene:

Gather your friends and loved ones and come out for an Experience you will NEVER Forget!

WE HAVE Re-Opened! And are Happy to Announce that we can welcome... 10 Lucky Souls again per Night!

Pick friends in your bubble and come on out to the Diablo Manor, we are going the extra mile to make your visit Safe and Exciting!

We are also advising anyone to stay home if they feel sick, and to self-quarantine if they or anyone close to them has recently travelled, or if they are considered high risk.

Indulge in an evening of Victorian decadence as you enter The Diablo Manor, home to world famous Sideshow owner and collector, Scott McClelland.

For the first time, Scott McClelland is opening up his home for a captivating evening of  Victorian hedonism and Bizarre performances of the Supernatural. Welcome to the Diablo Manor an evening of Enchantment filled with unique and phantasmagorical delights.

​The evening begins with a tour of the Diablo Manor and it’s strange artifacts and moves on to a sumptuous meal prepared by culinary wizard Gina Vacchio, once your appetite has been satiated the evening goes into full swing with a intimate Victorian production of mystifying wonders. And as a Grande Finale everyone gets to partake in a Victorian styled Seance!




 

 

16 November 2021

Toronto: Book signing with Ryan Murray [Nov 20]

From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:

We are pleased to announce that NEXT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH from 1PM-4PM Ryan Murray will be visiting the shop and have copies of his two fantastic card books for sale! Get the book signed while you're at it! Please note that in order to attend we will be requiring proof that you are double vaccinated.

For those that don't know him, a little background on Ryan. He's been interested in magic since he was a kid, but as a teenager he fell in love with sleight of hand with cards. He's been a Saturday regular, sitting at our table for many years. The 2016 recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award, it's clear that he's put in the work.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 November 2021

The 2021 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award

Reader's Choice logo 

NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED.

Updated November 29th to add:

  • Jean Deshaies has accepted his nomination by Magicien Méphisto who wrote:
    "I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.

    "A few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful & knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2 heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort. Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to criticize or get his point of view.

    "Furthermore, instead of getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across Canada.
    Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning, but happy to be a professional magician."



Updated November 27th to add:

Updated November 23rd at 4:20pm to add:

  • Paul Romhany has accepted his nomination by Mike Norden which reads:
    "
    I nominate Paul Romhany!

    "Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.

    "First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.

    "Second - he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!

    "Third - He runs Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists are local!!

    "Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the real deal!

    "He does so much for magic and does not seek the spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him please!"

Updated November 21st at 2:30pm to add:

  • Scott Baird has accepted his nomination by Anonymous which reads:
    "
    I would like to nominate Scott Baird for showcasing his love of magic and art with his detailed magic illustrations on Instagram, and also for deciding to start a new Canadian-made online magic magazine. His magic artwork is FANTASTIC so check it all out - @magicbaird @scottbaird @hermitmagicmag Wishing him the best of luck in all his magical endeavors. "
     

Updated November 21st at 2pm to add:

  • Chris Gowen has accepted his nomination by Anonymous which reads:
    "I nominate Chris Gowen as he is changing how magic looks in Edmonton. Completely selling out his Taste of Magic shows with the Canadian Brewhouse... seems about as Canadian as a show can get.
    Looks like he's fast on his way to no longer being one of "Edmonton's Best Kept Secrets" but more one of Edmonton's celebrated artists."



Updated November 20th at 10:34am to add:

  • Gwyn Auger has accepted her nomination by Anonymous which reads:
    "
    I'd like to nominate Gwyn Auger, the Magic Assistant (@magicassistant on Twitter and Instagram). Gwyn's petite frame can barely contain the enthusiasm and passion she has for magic and the magic community. She is great ambassador for magic locally in Calgary, in Canada and abroad."

Updated November 18th at 9:40am to add:

  • Graemazing and Ryan Joyce have accepted their nomination by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic, "for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!
  • Big thanks to L7W for submitting their nomination.  Unfortunately, the nominee is not eligible for the award.  They are, however, extraordinarily flattered by your lovely comments!  Thank you!


Updated at 12:24pm to add:
  • Team Big Trick Energy (Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer) have accepted their nomination by Unknown which reads:
    "Decisions decisions! For me this year I'd have to give it to the dudes at Big Trick Energy. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would have picked Eric. So maybe this is TWO nominations? I've never met such a carefree, loving and positive human in my life...well (except for maybe the delavegas-sweetpeas). Eric lives magic, epically. His insta stories motivate me to get off my butt.The other guys are also totally awesome as people and performers, and I hope their show propels them and to even bigger things ahead."

The sixth annual Canada's Magic "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award nominations are now open.

You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2021, in the comments below.  (Or you may email your nomination.)

Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM EST on Friday November the 26th.  We will contact the nominees via email and give them one week to accept or decline their nomination.  If we have not heard from them in that time, we will assume they have declined the nomination.  Submissions will not be published unless a nominee accepts their nomination.    The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence in December.  (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.) 

This is a "bragging rights" only contest.  There is no cash value for this award.

Individuals and groups can be nominated.

There is no shortage of Canadian magical inspiration in 2021. 

Some ideas to get you started:
  • The current board of the Canadian Association of Magicians (Renée-Claude Auclair, Greg Frewin, Ryan Joyce, Luc Langevin, Mark Pallin, Paul Romhany, Mike Segal, Jason Verners, and Kent Wong) for their efforts in CAM's recent relaunch and hosting FISM NA.
  • Team Big Trick Energy (Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Alex Boyer, and Wes Barker) for parlaying their tremendous YouTube engagement skills into a television series.
  • Matt Johnson for going big on America's Got Talent. 
  • Shawn Farquhar for launching his Lost in the Shuffle project with Jon Ornoy.
  • The Toronto Magic Company (Jonah Babins and Ben Train) for launching their brand of UnConventional.Fun.
  • The list goes on ...

(these are not official nominations,
but they can be if you submit their name(s) for nomination!)


We look forward to seeing your nominations!

In the spirit of celebrating all Canadian magicians, 2020's winners of the Readers' Choice award (Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee) or the Editor's Choice award (Alex Zander) are not eligible for nomination in 2021.  The list of previous winners can be found here.