Mike D'Urzo in Tandem

From Tandem:

When you think about the different career paths to choose from, being a magician is probably not on most people’s list. Enter Mike D’Urzo, Member of the Canadian Association of Magicians and International Brotherhood of Magicians. Mike’s passion for magic started at a young age. Like many other kids growing up, he had a magic kit. While most would toss it aside once bored, for Mike it sparked his initial interest.

Read more.

Alex Kazam: The truth behind the lies

Watch Alex Kazam's October 27th lecture at York University.
 

Toronto: Third helping of "A Slice of Magic"

On November 28th, enjoy a night of magic and  food at "A 3rd Slice of Magic" at Boston Pizza (40 Eglinton Ave. E, (Yonge & Eglinton) Toronto).
From their Facebook page:

Performers include:

• CHRIS WESTFALL- comedy magic
• JAMES ALAN- Is known in the city for perfecting the classics of magic
• JASON PALTER (headliner) HILARIOUS AND AMAZING!

Please visit PickAnyCard.com for more details about this event.

Mike D'Urzo: Notable Young Professional

Toronto's  Mike D'Urzo has been nominated for a Notable.ca Young Professional award.  To vote for Mike, or to find out more about this award, visit Notable.ca.

National Magic Week: October 25 to October 31

What are you doing for National Magic Week?

From MagicSam:

"NATIONAL MAGIC WEEK" PROCLAIMED
BY SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS
October 25 to 31

New York- September 15, 2011 - Vinny Grosso, National President of the Society of American Magicians, proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31 as National Magic Week throughout the United States and Canada. For more than forty years the Society has recognized the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special "week" of events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout the year.

Read more.

[h/t: Ryan Joyce]

Greg Frewin: The trick to a good magic show

From the Ottawa Citizen:

Magic show preview: The trick to a good magic show
Master magician Greg Frewin says it’s all about theatre, illusion and good old-fashioned entertainment

Greg Frewin got his first magic kit when he was seven years old. It was nothing fancy, just a bunch of simple magic tricks, a magic hat and other paraphernalia to instruct budding magicians about the art of magic. His parents ordered the kit after he saw it advertised on television. Frewin spent hours entertaining his friends in his hometown of Hamilton.

But it wasn’t until he was 12 and his grandfather took him to Toronto to see Canadian magician Doug Henning that Frewin truly became spellbound.

Read more.

Changes to RSS feed

It was brought to our attention that a website is taking the content of Canada's Magic, via our RSS feed, and republishing everything under their umbrella.  They neglected to ask for permission to do so.

Until a better solution becomes apparent, the feed for this blog will only show a snippet of the post. Those reading the feed will have to click through to read the rest.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sheldon Casavant: Nothing up my sleeve

From the Lloydminster Meridian Booster:

A man of magic, mystery and illusions will take over the stage at the Vic Juba Community theatre next week in an interactive show sure to have audience members paying very close attention.

Sheldon Casavant will perform in Lloydminster on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

As a magician and a comedian Casavant's interactive stage show will involve audience members.

"Everyone will get to experience the magic in the audience. It is just as entertaining for the kids as the adults or seniors," said Casavant.

Read more.

John Kaplan's Stage Fright

From the Airdrie Echo:

When it comes to putting on a crowd pleasing, one-of-a-kind magic show, illusionist and magician John Kaplan knows exactly how to do it.

Honing his magic skills for the last thirty years, Kaplan has been wowing audiences all over Canada with performances that blend his own quirky humour with some of the most spectacular live magic.

On Wednesday, Airdrie residents were treated to Kaplan's Halloween themed "StageFright" at RJ Hawkey School.

Read more.

Montréal: Night of the Living Standups

From Perfect Magic:

NIGHT  OF  THE  LIVING  STANDUPS

David "Axe-Wielding" Acer headlines halloween weekend at THE COMEDY NEST with special guests Mike “Barely Undead” Paterson and DeAnne “Your Brain Looks Delicious” Smith.

Also:

• World-renowned mentalist Patrik "Don’t Mind Me I’m Just Sucking Your Blood" Kuffs (Oct. 27th)
• Interdimensionally acclaimed magician Michel "The Soft-Handed Strangler" Huot (Oct 28th)
• Sleight-of-hand superstar Richard "I Ate His Liver with Some Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti" Sanders (Oct 29th). 

Read more.

[h/t: Perfect Magic]

Paul Wildbaum: Movement Comedy Workshop

From Paul Wildbaum:

This class focuses on developing physical comedy. You will discover the natural comedic impulses within you by working through commedia, mime and clown style improvisational exercises. (All the “Mime” you'll ever need to know.)

The workshop helps you explore spontaneity, timing and the basic fundamentals of physical comedy. Drawing from the traditions of LeCoq, Pochinko, Polivka, Carlos Climente and other masters, I have created a 1 day 8 hour developmental intensive. You will find that this workshop is beneficial to performers and teachers of all levels of experience.

The workshop will be held at:

Studio G at the Centre of Gravity
1300 Gerrard St E., Toronto
Sun. 23 Oct 9:30-6:30

Contact Paul directly for questions about the workshop.

Eric Leclerc Day 292: Craig Ferguson Archery Stunt

Watch Eric Leclerc's nail biting stunt as he tries to catch the attention of Craig Ferguson, friend to magicians (and all things Doctor Who)!

Toronto: Show and Tell Alexander Bell

From the Facebook page:

October 20th, 21st, 22nd , 8 pm, $10
October 23rd 2pm PWYC

SHOW AND TELL ALEXANDER BELL
(postdramatic performance)

Created by Vojin Vasovic, Natalie Mathieson, Sasha Kovacs, Myrto Koumarianos and Joe Culpepper

A surreal exploration of the famous inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Living with a mother and wife who both lost their sense of hearing at an early age, this Canadian star creates a device to fulfill his dreams of communication with the ones he loves.

Read more.

Marc Demontigny auditioned for Got Talent!

From the Standard Freeholder:

CORNWALL — A local magician is hoping for a place in the national spotlight through a new television show.

Marc Demontigny took his act to Toronto recently to audition for Canada's Got Talent, a live vote-based contest for $100,000.

"I've been a magician for 30 years," said Demontigny. "I did a few other contests throughout the years. I've done thousands of shows around the Cornwall area."

Read more.

Orillia: Penn and Teller

Penn and Teller will be at Casino Rama on Friday November the 4th.

Visit Ticket Master to confirm details or to purchase tickets.

Toronto: Browser's Den anniversary party

From the Browser's Den Facebook page:

All of us at Browser’s Den of Magic would like to invite you and any of your friends and family to attend our 36TH STORE ANNIVERSARY PARTY on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 at 10:30am.

This will be the first anniversary party at our brand new location (3220 Dufferin St. Toronto, On. M6A 2T3).

Bernice Cooper, wife of the late Len Cooper and co-founder of Browser’s Den will be attending the party. It will be her first visit to the new shop. Of course we will also be giving out a Tarbell Course of Magic to a young deserving magician in honor of Len Cooper.

Bernice will not be the only SPECIAL GUEST. Read more.

Lee Asher on The Magic Broadcast

From The Magic Broadcast:

New recordings from globe-trotting, Card Star Lee Asher on his current trip to Shanghai, China.  Lee visits friends, takes shots and eats bugs.

Read more and listen to the recordings and watch the videos.

Keep up to date with Lee's adventures by following him on Twitter #AsherInAsia.

Montreal: Lance Pierce lecture

From Perfect Magic's Facebook page:

 Lance Pierce Lecture, taking place Oct 14, 7pm at 1088 Clark St. in Chinatown in Montreal. Also a workshop on Saturday Oct. 15at 1:00pm

Read more.

Toronto: Doc Eason lecture and workshop

From The Browser's Den website:

Date & Time-Sunday, October 23 at 2pm at Browser’s Den of Magic

Two and a half hours from one of the best Magic Bartenders of all time! For over 30 years Doc Eason has been performing a Bar Magic Show in Aspen. Nobody alive has as much experience at entertaining people with magic and knocking their socks off with commercial magic than Doc Eason.

Read more to confirm details.

Toronto: Lance Pierce lecture

From The Browser's Den:

Date & Time-Sunday, October 16 at 2pm at Browser’s Den of Magic
Tickets-$20.00 (In Advance) $25.00 (At the Door)-Sorry no refunds

Who is Lance Pierce? Why should you attend? Good questions. About a year ago we hosted the Asi Wind Lecture through recommendation by Ben Train. And that time the same questions were asked about Asi Wind. Many of you attended that lecture and were blown-away by Mr. Wind; the same will happen should you attend the Lance Pierce Lecture.

Read more.

Toronto: Abracadabaret turns 10!

From the Abracadabaret newsletter:

It's been ten years since the launch of Friday Night Magic / The Magical Arts Festival and we're throwing a party. Though we've changed our name and venue several times over the years, the dream of bringing live magic to Toronto audiences continues.

On Friday, October 14, 2011 at 8:00 PM  we're returning to one of our old haunts, The Charlotte Room, for an amazing event. We've had dozens of magicians on our stage in ten years and we're bringing back our favourites for a fantastic evening of conjuring and cocktails.

Proceeds from the evening go to support War Child Canada - specifically a youth program in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Tickets are already available on our site.

I had the pleasure of helping out for the first few seasons of the Magical Arts Festival, under the guidance of James Biss, over 10 years ago.  I remember rubbing shoulders with Richard Forget, Derek Selinger, Jason Palter, Alain Nu, Loran, Anthony Lindan, Chris Pilsworth and so many more!  How fabulous is it that this vision continues under the care of James Alan.

Shawn Farquhar on The Mooney Show

From Irish Magic News:

The afternoon after his full house lecture at the SIM Shawn Farquhar was a guest on The Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio 1. Joining host Aonghus McAnally and Shawn were SIM President Nevin Cody and my good self Brendan Byrne. Shawn held court admirably as we all chipped in with our thoughts on magic, Psychic Sally and a host of other stuff.

Read more and listen to the interview.

New St. Catharines club

If anyone in the St. Catharines, Ontario area is looking for a magic club to call home, check out the Facebook page for the Brock Magicians Society.


[h/t: @wittymagic]

The Browser's Den on The Magic Broadcast

From The Magic Broadcast:

In this episode, Joe visits The Browser’s Den magic shop in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and has an opportunity to talk with the owner/operator, Jeff Pinsky.

Read more and listen to the interview.

Morrissey Magic's redesigned website

If you haven't already, check out Morrissey Magic's new website at morrisseymagic.com . Learn about their Morrissey Money loyalty program.  Facebook tells us the site is now optimized for use by iPhones or Android devices.

Of course, if you're in Toronto, you could always drop by and give them a visit in person!

Jay Sankey: November lectures

Jay Sankey will be lecturing in Canada this November.

The according to to the X-elent Lecture Series website Sankey's lecture dates are:

• Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) on November 7th
• Ring 28 (Edmonton Magic Guild) on November 8th [contact e-mal can be found at magicinfo.ca]
• Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle) on November 9th
• The Magic Club of Winnipeg on November 10th
• Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) on November 11th

He'll be wrapping up the lecture tour with dates in the US (Seattle, Eugene and Portland).

Please confirm details about dates, times and locations by contacting each club directly.

Calgary: A Brush With Death is back!

"A Brush With Death" is Calgary’s first nightclub magic act exclusively for adults.  Self-described as "an intimage evening of morbid comedy and macabre magic" October's incarnation is hosted by Yeats Wong, headlines Trixtan and features by Gwyn Auger.
Visit BrushWithDeath.ca for more information or to purchase tickets.

Lee Asher on The Magic Broadcast

From The Magic Broadcast:

Steve get’s a chance to speak with Lee about his upcoming trip to China, his broadcasting live from the convention there and the trials and joys of travel.

Read more or listen to the interview.

Rounding the Western rings in October

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)	- A Brush with Death is back!
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- N/A
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- N/A
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- N/A
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- “Teach a Trick” with Doug Poruchny

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

Rounding the Ontario rings in October

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

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- Keith Fields lecture
London, ON	London Magician's Guild	- Keith Fields lecture
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Hallowe'en themed routines
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- Keith Fields lecture - Bob Fitch workshop - pub night
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Joshua Jay lecture
Woodstock, ON	CAM 1 (Friendly City Mystics)	- N/A

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in October

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

Halifax, NS

Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)

- Hallowe'en Magic

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

Scott Dietrich at the City Parent Family Show

From Inside Halton:

 The City Parent Family Show will be held at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington on Sunday, Oct. 2.
Read more.

Enjoy entertainment, games, prizes, performers and special guests such as entertainer and magician Scott Dietrich. He was recently named Showman of the Year at the Millennium Magic Convention in Limerick, Ireland and is widely recognized as one of Canada’s premier children’s performers.

Nova Scotia: The Amazing Raven

From the Chronicale Herald:

Archie Fisher, known as Scotland’s troubadour, teams up with James Keelaghan, Juno Award-winning Canadian folk singer, for a show on Oct. 7 while the Amazing Raven, a mind magician, will be onstage Oct. 8.

Read more.

Keith Brown: Magic Wednesday

From the Magic Wednesday Facebook page:

You’re invited to an evening of magic and mind reading with Keith Brown. This is not your typical series of tricks but rather the fusion of mystery, wonder and imagination in an intimate and interactive theatre setting.

Where: Communications building, Hj-Aulan
When: October 5th @ 5pm (17:00)

Read more.

Canada’s Got Talent: Live Theatre Audition Tour Schedule

From TV-eh.com:

Canada’s Got Talent: Live Theatre Audition Tour Schedule*

• Calgary, October 18 & 19, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
• Vancouver, November 9 & 10, The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
• Toronto, December 3, 4 & 5, John W. H. Bassett Theatre (Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
• Winnipeg, December 13 & 14, Pantages Playhouse Theatre
• Halifax, January 5 & 6, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium (Dalhousie University Arts Centre)
• Montreal, January 11 & 12, Théâtre Outremont
  *all venues are subject to change

Read more.
Keep an eye out for your favourite Canadian magician!  If you auditioned or know of someone who auditioned, please add them to the list on our Facebook page.

Dai Vernon's quest for the "center deal"

From the Magic News Wire:

Dai Vernon, considered among the most influential magicians of the 20th century, could do just about any trick that called for sleight of hand. He was obsessed with learning the secrets of crooked card dealers. But there was one move he couldn't master.

Read more.

Vernon was on the cover of Genii in May 1989.

Murray Hatfield and Teresa: Magic 'n' Miracles tour

The schedule is up for Murray Hatfield's Magic 'n Miracles tour!  Looks like they're starting in Etobicoke, Ontario in November.
Not only will you get to see some amazing magic, you'll be supporting some deserving charities.  Also on the Hatfield tour are Darcy Oake, Eric Buss and Mickey O'Connor.

Schedule and ticket information at the Magic 'n Miracles website.

Review: Browser's Den auction

From ChasingDoveTails.com:

Yesterday (Sunday) was a hell of a day! Magicians poured into the new location of The Browser’s Den of Magic for an unexpected and unbelievable 5 hour long auction of magic props, DVDs, tricks, and my favorite, BOOKS!

When you put so many magicians or I suppose any group of people with a similar passion in the same room sparks are bound to fly. The most interesting thing about this whole ordeal was not the bidding wars, but the apparent abundance or lack of information about the items up for bids.

Read more of Shane's review.

Review of the Nathan Kranzo lecture at Browser's Den

Go on over to Magic by Merlin to read about the Nathan Kranzo lecture at Browser's Den earlier this month.

Nathan Kranzo is arguably one of the finest young magicians around today.  His magic is high impact, his presentations are hilarious and entertaining, and his personality is both charming and engaging.  To see him perform is a real treat, and even when you know how he does it, you are still fooled and amazed.

Read more.

[h/t: @ErdnaseinTO]

Niagara College Welland Campus: Alex Kazam

From the Facebook Page "ComicaZi" "DrinK, LaugH & PlaY!" *ALL AGES!*:

Hey guys, there is going to be an AMAZING show going on in the niagara college welland campus pub! Its called Comicazi and its going to feature some awesome local stand up talent, an amazing headliner and an improv show! The show is absolutely free and its going on from 7-9pm on Tuesday October 4th!

Headliner is ALEX KAZAM a hilariously refreshing modern comedic magician! His act is as mesmerizing as it is hilarious.

Read more.

For more information, visit "ComicaZi" "DrinK, LaugH & PlaY!" *ALL AGES!*

Sheldon Casavant and Peter Mennie on Daytime London

Daytime London has recently aired segments with Sheldon Casavant and Peter Mennie.

Watch Sheldon at the Western Fair or Peter with Sabrina Pierson & Steve Stax.

Sheldon Casavant: Edmonton's sizzling 20 Under 30

Read about Sheldon Casavant in Edmontonians Fall 2011. He was selected as one of their 2011 Sizzling 20 Under 30!

Well done Sheldon!

Captain Corbin on Inside Elgin

Captian Corbin appears in this video on Inside Elgin for International Talk Like A Pirate Day (Sept 19).

Alex Kazam on ThatChannel

From ThatChannel show listings:

Hugh Reilly and Stu Hay speak with: Jason Quitt from thecrystalsun.com on sacred geometry, biogeometry, the Egyptian Postures of Power - an ancient system of personal energy healing used by the Pharoahs; witty magician Alex Kazam tells us of his unicycle trip to NYC, Letterman, and performs several funny illusions; Amos Tayts, founder of ResumeTarget.ca discusses the new approaches everyone needs to find a job or find leverage in your current job.

Watch video below:

Paul Wildbaum: Movement Comedy Workshop

From the Facebook Page:

This class focuses on developing physical comedy. You will discover the natural comedic impulses within you by working through commedia, mime and clown style improvisational exercises. (All the “Mime” you'll ever need to know.)

The workshop helps you explore spontaneity, timing and the basic fundamentals of physical comedy. Drawing from the traditions of LeCoq, Pochinko, Polivka, Carlos Climente and other masters, I have created a 1 day 8 hour developmental intensive. You will find that this workshop is beneficial to performers and teachers of all levels of experience.

Read more.

The workshop will be held at:

Studio G at the Centre of Gravity
133 Gerrard St E., Toronto
10am-6:30pm Sunday September 25th.

Visit the Facebook page to for prices, registration information or to confirm details.


[h/t: Deborah Fallick]

Shawn Farquhar interviewed by Rick Star

On the Rick Star Magic Experience:

(Shawn Farquhar starts at about 4:30)

Toronto: Mind Kontrol with Mike D'Urzo

From the Facebook page "Z103.5 presents Mind Kontrol- Mike D'Urzo's Live Show!":

After last year’s sold out show, Mind Kontrol is returning with an exclusive 5 SHOWS from OCT 20-23! An evening of Magic and Mentalism with International Award Winning Magician Mike D'Urzo! Mike was nominated for 2011 "Entertainer of the Year" by the Canadian Event Industry Awards!

The shows will be held at the Al Green Theatre in Toronto at 750 Spadina Ave (Corner of Bloor & Spadina). Here are the dates & show times…

Thursday October 20 @ 8:00 pm (Mike's Birthday!)
Friday October 21 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday October 22 @ 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday October 23 @ 2:00 pm

Visit the page to find out which night David Merry and Magic Mike Segal will be appearing as special guests!

For more information or to purchase tickets, go online at http://www.megamagic.ca/ or call TicketWeb at 1-888-222-6608.

Watch the trailer on YouTube:
 

Magical billboard

Have a look at the video of this creative, dynamic billboard advertising the Festival de magie de Québec!



[h/t: @theory11]

CAM convention photo

From the CAM website:

The photo from the CAM combined convention with the PCAM is now available for free download and printing!

That's right, you can have a wonderful souvenir of this event for FREE!

Go to the post "FREE convention photo" to download your copy of the photo.

Don't forget Shawn's membership challenge of increasing CAM membership by 100 members over the next three years. Visit CAMmagic.org to learn more about the association or for information about membership rates.

Hull: Greg Frewin's Beyond Belief

Greg Frewin will be bringing his show "Beyond Belief Magic" to Hull, Québec on October 28th and 29th.

From Casinos du Québec:

World Class Magician and Illusionist Greg Frewin will be featured in his live Las Vegas Style Magic Revue at the Lac -Leamy. Greg invites his audience to experience the mystery and art of illusion in this live friendly show, which includes rare and majestic tigers, exotic birds, beautiful showgirls and incredible illusions that continue to amaze audiences.

Read more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Casinos du Québec.


[h/t: @Johnferrara00]