A second season of Breaking Magic

From The Futon Critic:

(Silver Spring, MD)-Discovery Networks International (DNI) today announced the return of original series BREAKING MAGIC. Behind every trick is science, and this 14x30 series from Objective Productions brings back its international cast of magicians,  Ben Hanlin, Billy Kidd, Wayne Houchin, along with newcomer, Nate Staniforth, for even more mesmerizing stunts and street magic. BREAKING MAGIC will premiere on Discovery Channel in 224 countries across Europe, Middle-East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America beginning February 2014. 

Read more.

Review: Bobby Motta lecture

From the Browser's Den blog:

Such is his energy and enthusiasm and natural ability to entertain that the two hours flashed by in an instant. Trying to recapture Bobby's performance in print is no easy task - it is so relaxed and he is so genuinely funny that it would be easy to mistake it all for an impromptu session. But that it looks so effortless and natural is because of the years of hard work and dedication to his art that Bobby has undertaken. He admits to close to 3000 professional performances in his 13 year pro career. It shows. Interestingly, he actually started out as a hobbyist at the Den (at its old location on Eglinton).

Read more.

A different kind of magic: Eric Leclerc makes a stranger's day

Not magic, per se, but magical!

Watch Eric Leclerc make a stranger's day on YouTube:

Random thoughts from Sorcerers Safari 2013

• Mike and Jen Segal are totally awesome and inspiring people!
• It is tremendous that organizations such as Ellusionist support Sorcerers Safari. (Kids, did you remember to send a quick "thank you" e-mail to them for the generous gift you received?  Do it now!  -- Mom)
• Justin Flom is a super nice and super talented young man. (Read about his Toronto lecture at the Browser's Den blog)
• I learned of a disconcerting, non-standard use for Mod Podge.
• When asked to think of a famous painting, a LOT of people think of "Starry Night"
• There's more humidity in Haliburton than in Vegas.
• "Overnight successes" take a lot of work and planning.
• Lee Asher is such a great teacher even _I_ learned how to produce minor card miracles. #BeginnerCardClass
• Sometimes you get lucky and are the ONLY one in an elective. #PrivateClassesAreAwesome
• Steven Kline is the guy you want in the booth during your show!
• You never know when you might meet a fiction author! 
• The health and safety of the children is clearly a priority.
• Being levitated takes strong neck muscles.
• Non-magicians aren't always the best choice for volunteers during a show.
• Some Australians have incredible peripheral vision!
• Spotted in 24 hours: Mike and Jen Segal, Dan Weibe, Keith Brown, Eric Leclerc, Aaron Fisher, Dave Mitchell, Shawn Farquhar, Carey Lauder, Chad Juros, Lee Asher, Dick Joiner, Justin Flom, Steven Kline, Lisa and Michael Close, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Bobby Motta ... I'm sure there were more!
• Carey Lauder is an incredible photographer.  (See samples of his magic camp from two years back in Vanish magazine.)
• Chris Mayhew shot some fabulous footage – I can't wait to see this year's camp video!
• Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp gets better every year!
• Mike Segal and Mike Toal should be very proud of what they started together over 17 years ago.
• Sorcerers Safari is full of genuinely nice, caring, talented individuals!

Is it too soon to say 'I can't wait for next year!' ? #PostCampBlues #WeMissYou
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) September 10, 2013

Not at all.  I can't wait until the next time I'm there!

An update from Perfect Magic

Keep your eye on the Perfect Magic Facebook page and Twitter account.   They have some exciting news to announce this week!

As of now, we are offering you DOWNLOADS. http://t.co/1GEvRAp4Af. All on our email list will be receiving a detailed flyer shortly. #magic
— Philip Matlin (@Perfect_Magic) September 17, 2013

Toronto: Steve Reynolds workshop and show

From the Browser's Den Facebook group:

Ben Train has organized a STEVE REYNOLDS WORKSHOP ($100) on Friday, September 20. Full details below. (For Workshop Tickets please call Ben Train directly.)

PLUS... there will be a FREE One Hour Magic Show by Steve Reynolds at Browser’s Den on Saturday, September 21, 2013. You read that right…The show at Browser’s Den on the Saturday is FREE!

HERE ARE THE DETAILS FROM BEN TRAIN TO YOU….

Read more.

A bit about Sid Lorraine and Ring 17

From Reality Based Magic:

In just over two weeks, a new season of the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club will be starting. [Edit: after a weird scheduling snag which forced us to push our opening lecture back a week... sorry for that]

Sid Lorraine, was a prominent figure among Toronto magicians. The Club was half-renamed after him (It was always the Hat & Rabbit Club) after he passed away. I was four years old when he passed away, and had never met him, but I had the odd chance to get to know him as I had to transcribe his handwritten memoirs (assembled from taped interviews with another past-president, Peter Isaacs) for a memorial blog. The blog, or “ChatterBox” as it’s properly called, is a fun read and paints a fascinating picture from the early part of the Twentieth Century of magicians in particular and Canada and England in general.

Read more.

Erin Thomas at Sorcerers Safari

This summer I had the good fortune of meeting author Erin Thomas, while she was doing research for her book about a teenaged magician.  She blogged about her experience at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp:

For some time now, I’ve been working on a book about a teenaged magician. Magician as in sleight-of-hand, not as in Harry Potter. It’s slated for publication sometime in 2014, as part of Orca’s new performing arts-based series, Limelights.

And as I’ve been researching the book, I keep coming to the same conclusion:  I really like magicians. As it happens, they’re a lot like writers. For one thing, there’s an awful lot of work behind the scenes before anything ever reaches an audience.

I’ve had the chance to interview a lot of people, about a lot of different things, over the past few years. Being a writer sometimes feels like a get-out-of-jail-free card for nosiness. And people are generally happy to talk about what they do for a living, or what they care about. But magicians… they go beyond that.

Read more.

I'm eager to get a look at the book she's finishing up!

Toronto: Friendly reminders from the Browser's Den

From the Browser's Den Facebook group:

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22-Bobby Motta Lecture. Only $10.00. Please visit the homepage of our website for full details.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29-Jay Scott Berry Lecture. Only $15.00. Mr. Berry is from Australia and has not given a lecture in Toronto for more than ten years. Please visit the homepage of our website for full details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5-Special Guest Visit for our Magic Club-TYLER WILSON will be spending the afternoon at our shop from 2:30 until 4:30pm to talk magic and show some stuff.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17-Browser’s Den 38th Store Anniversary Party! All invited to attend (Mini Auction in Morning, Discounts, Prizes, Trivia Quiz, Len Cooper Memorial Award, Sandwiches, Birthday Cake AND…BERNICE COOPER THE WIFE AND PARTNER OF LEN COOPER WILL BE HANDING OUT FOR FREE A SPECIAL MOMENTO OF LEN COOPER FOR ALL WHO CAN ATTEND. Bernice will be at the shop in the middle of the afternoon).

Read more.

Kickstart the Can-eh-diana deck

The previously mentioned Can-eh-diana deck is now an official KickStarter project.

From KickStarter:

I have been a deck collector for quite a while now, and have yet to find a Canadian deck that isn't filled with stock photos of scenery (basically a souvenir deck).   So, having combined that fact and my passion for playing cards, I have designed a deck of playing cards with a Canadian theme.

The deck will feature maple leaves instead of the the typical spade suit.  The suit colours will be two shades of red (bright red, and maroon), instead of red & black like in a typical deck of cards.

The most customization for the deck can be found on the court cards.  I have featured nine world famous Canadian magicians.

Read more and pledge.

Rogers TV: Behind the Magic with James Harrison

From Rogers TV:

Using some of Barrie's well known facilities, James Harrison entertains us with his magic. You may even learn a trick or two.

Read more.

Ottawa: David Merry at the Canadian Comedy awards

I have it on good authority that David Merry [warning: sound] is part of the "and more" listed in the blurb below!

From Canadian Comedy:

October 4, 2013
Canadian Comedy All Stars Show

Hosted by Alan Thicke and featuring Harland Williams, Nikki Payne, Mark Forward, Sean Cullen and more! These Canadian comedians spin comedic gold right before your eyes! When else will you get to see these old favourites and rising stars all in one place? Here's a show not to miss!

Read more and buy tickets.

Vancouver: The Music, The Magic, and The Movement

From the Global Speakers Summit:

The evening of Monday, December 9, 2013 will be a CAPS Foundation Fundraising event that includes entertainment, fellowship, and auctions, all in a good cause. We invite our CAPS members and our GSF guests to actively participate in this Foundation Fundraising event.

Read more.

The magic will be provided by:

• Anders Boulanger
• Sheldon Casavant
• Shawn Farquhar
• Richard Tremblay and
• Etienne Vendette

 via:

Here's a great event where you can see five magicians from across Canada in one single night. Tickets will sell... http://t.co/Zh6WWTn4fJ
— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) September 8, 2013

Broken wand: Daniel McIlroy

From Obits for Life:

DANIEL ROBERT McILROY (Retired TTC Driver, Member of Bobcaygeon Baseball and Dunsford Food Bank volunteer) Entered into rest suddenly on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Dan was the beloved husband of the late Rose Ann (nee Carter). Loving father of Robbyn (Terry Moore), John (Dorothy), Donald (Nuala), Kimberly, and David. The loved uncle of Edgar "Eddie" Tonna. Dear companion of Shirley Read. Adored grandfather of Krystal Rose, Kati (Lauren Hassard), Devlin, Hilary, Shane, Monica, Michael, and Jack. Cherished great grandfather of Camdyn, Caleb, and Grace. Predeceased by his sister Irene. He was a chivalrous gentleman, a magician, a family man, who always had a fantastic story or joke to tell. He loved the theater, symphony, crosswords, old movies, sports and relaxing with his family at the cottage. He was notorious for showering his grandchildren with toys and cookies.

Read more.

[via The Linking Ring, Vol 93, #8, August 2013]

Once upon a time, Doug Henning hired a struggling comedian

Post by All About Magicians .com.

Toronto: Free magic club meeting

From the Browser's Den Facebook Group:

THIS SATURDAY/SEPTEMBER 7, AT 'BROWSER'S DEN' IS OUR NEXT...(free)MAGIC CLUB MEETING. All interested in talking/showing magic are welcome! .

Read more.

Toronto: Tyler Wilson and James Alan

Added a new show Oct 4 & 5 with @UnrealTyWilson & @james_alan "Illusions of Grandeur" http://t.co/AE5j4CUIKT
— Abracadabaret (@Abracadabaret) August 30, 2013

Thank you to our September sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.  We're pleased to have the support of:

• Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist,
• Ryan Pilling author of Finding The Funny, 
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic and
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic!

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.

 

Toronto: James Alan, Chris Mayhew, Jason Palter and Nick Wallace

From Abracadabaret:

September 29, 2013

Featuring: Jason Palter, Chris Mayhew and  Nick Wallace. 

Hosted by James Alan.

Read more and buy tickets.

Montreal: Steve Reynolds lecture

From Montreal Magic Jam:

Sunday September 15th

What do Bill Malone, Jon Racherbaumer, Allan Ackerman and Lance Pierce have in common?

They all agree about one thing: If you want to transform how you think about magic and how you can be the performer you were meant to be, you MUST spend quality time with Steve Reynolds.

Those magicians who do not consider themselves technical virtuosos choose Steve’s versions of their favorite effects because they are easy to do and fun to perform. Technicians also choose these same methods because they create the clearest effect on their audiences. However, Steve will not just be teaching his effects, he will be teaching The Monks Way: his philosophy on how to create great magic and how to become a great magician in order to truly entertain and fool your audiences.

Read more and buy tickets.

[via Perfect Magic]

Update to the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site

From the curator of the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site:

Just uncovered: a rare 1930s promotional postcard from Johnny Giordmaine, Canada's most beloved children's magician (1898 to 1974). It has not been seen by anyone for perhaps almost 80 years. Come check it out! The site continues to celebrate its fifth anniversary online with twelve new pages of material honouring the legacy of this late, great Canadian magician. Your memories of Johnny are also always most welcome.

The website is here: http://www.johngiordmaine.com

Edward Stone predicts Review headline

From Niagara Falls Review:

How is it possible for someone to know weeks in advance what a newspaper’s top headline will be?

Illusionist mentalist Edward Stone will prove it, so he says.

Stone, who has travelled throughout North America performing for thousands during his 90-minute Seeing is Believing show, has written his predictions for the front-page headlines on the Sept. 28 editions of the Niagara Falls Review and Buffalo News.

The two predictions have been sealed inside a locked chest hanging from the roof of the Trailside Bar and Grill on Ridge Rd. in Ridgeway.

Read more.

Rounding the Western rings in September

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)	- Cameron Francis lecture
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- n/a
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Cameron Francis lecture
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- n/a
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	-
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- n/a

 

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

Rounding the Ontario rings in September

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

Hamilton, ON	Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)	- n/a
London, ON	Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild)	- Anthony Lindan lecture:  "I’m So Old, I’m New Again"
Kitchener, ON	Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)	- Bizzare Night
Ottawa, ON	Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)	- n/a
Ottawa, ON	Ottawa / Gatineau magicians	- Steve Reynolds lecture
Toronto, ON	Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)	- Michael Close lecture

 

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

Rounding the Eastern rings in September

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

Halifax, NS	Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court)	- n/a
St. John, NB	Magic Circle of St. John	- n/a

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

Use it or lose it

Two Canadian magic institutions shuttered their stores on the very same weekend. It sends shivers down my spine.

Again I urge you to support our local brick and mortar magic shops. It's the first place many kids get bitten by the magic bug. It's a place they can go for encouragement and coaching, by people in the know. A nurturing community is formed in a local shop, which can't be duplicated through the internet.

Don't have brick and mortar shop in your area? Consider supporting one through their online shops. (I direct your attention to two of the wonderful sponsors of this blog, Perfect Magic and
The Browser's Den of Magic!)

If you don't use it, you'll lose it.

Goodbye to Morrissey Magic -- the end of an era in Toronto

On Saturday August 24th, after 54 years in the industry, Morrissey Magic closed its doors for the very last time.

Founded by Herb Morrissey in 1959, Morrissey Magic's niche product was his "Morrissey Cups."  His retail shop opened in 1964 with a second shop opening in Toronto in 1978.  Some time later, the entire operation settled in Toronto.

Morrissey Magic was the first real magic shop I'd ever experienced.  I can't tell you how many hours I've spent there.  Or how many pay cheques.  (The numbers are likely higher than I'd care to admit.)  Being in their store always felt like home to me -- no matter the location.  Their anniversary parties were the perfect combination of celebration, community and entertainment!  (I will never forget the impromptu performance by Richard Lyn a few years back!)  I feel fortunate that I was able to share my love of the store, and the people who ran it, with my family.

Thank you to Dan, Phoebe, Mike, Luiz, Richard and of course Herb, for the wonderful contributions you've made to my life.  Dan and Phoebe, I wish you all the very best as you begin a new chapter in yours!

Daniel Steep interviewed by Sean McGaughy

I interviewed @danielsteep after his #agrimagic show at #cne2013 @LetsGoToTheEX https://t.co/K1aiEuUdxY
— Sean McGaughey (@Sean_McGaughey) August 26, 2013

Toronto: Jay Scott Berry lecture

From the Browser's Den:

BONUS LECTURE - JAY SCOTT BERRY!
Date: Sunday, September 29

Dear Magic Friends,

We have arranged to squeeze in one more lecture for this September.  We agreed because JAY SCOTT BERRY is an exceptional magician from Australia that will be touring North America during this time. A true smooth as silk pro!

It has been ten years since he gave a lecture in Toronto.

Read more and buy ticktes.

Jay Sankey in Europe

Just booked for a magic convention in Germany! Been too long since I shook hands with my awesome German fans. http://t.co/DxxZ87UYsp
— Jay Sankey (@jay_sankey) August 15, 2013

From Magic-Convention:

Some of the best magicians from around the world have made the long trip to Lübeck to present to you their expertise. During the 4th Lübeck Magic-Days, which will be held 27th-28th September 2013, they will be teaching aprox. 250 magicians from all over the world.

You would like to attend our exclusive convention “Nordisch Nobel” as well as all the lectures? You’ve come to right place. Register as soon as possible as the number of participants is limited to 250! (register here)

Read more.

I was also just booked to perform + lecture at this FUN event in the Netherlands. Gonna be a fun trip! http://t.co/ln1xa1OQVj
— Jay Sankey (@jay_sankey) August 15, 2013

From Dynamite Day:

October 5

What can you expect on this day?

Lectures;
National and international magicians which we specially books have their favorite effects for you, and better yet, then they teach you every detail so that you yourself can learn these tricks

Competition;
A limited number of participants may participate in this stage and close-upwedstrijd which will be judged by a jury of professional magicians and "lay" or simply public. Thus we find that a fair idea can be given of how a magician really comes across public and we do not attach any value to techniques used. However, the combination of the two provides the highest possible performance!

Gala;
The gala which will take place in the evening you can see a selection of international artists / magicians that special one-time offer this complete show for you. This should not be missed!

Read more.

Vancouver: Paul Romhany's Murder by Magic

October 14th and 15th

My one man show is coming to town - if you live in Vancouver check out this poster with details: October 14th... http://t.co/HeygPK3Obn
— Paul Romhany (@paulromhany) August 19, 2013

Discovery channel: You Couldn’t Do This

From Canada.com:

You can retire from TV, but you can never get away from science — especially if you inculcated a lifelong interest in how things work from a young age. Jay Ingram, one of the original hosts of Discovery Canada’s Daily Planet newsmagazine, gets in touch with his inner child with his return-to-TV special You Couldn’t Do This.

Ingram explores the science behind magicians’ death-defying acts, showing how the most dangerous stunts can’t be explained away by illusion, misdirection and sleight-of-hand. Sometimes, what magicians do is real, aided and abetted by the old-fashioned laws of physics. Understanding science can make it possible for a human being to be fired from a cannonball or contort oneself into innumerable different positions and poses, all of them painful. Seeing is believing, they say, but one of the first laws of science is that you can’t always trust your eyesight alone to tell you what’s going on.

True, by taking a hard, science-based look at the world of illusion, Ingram risks playing the part of party-pooper. Ingram is more science nerd than spoilsport, though, and You Couldn’t Do This is worlds removed from Breaking the Magician’s Code.

Read more.

Lee Asher on The Magic Way

Will you be seeing Lee Asher at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp next week?  If so, be sure to congratulate him for his recent cover on The Magic Way!

Made the cover of the Chinese magic magazine THE MAGIC WAY! pic.twitter.com/akMffGXg8L
— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) August 18, 2013

Read the article they published last summer about his 2012 tour through China.  (Read in English via Google Translate.)

Festival de magie de Québec 2013

August 30th to September 2nd.

Performers include:

• Mathieu Bich
• Stéphane Bourgoin
• Simon Pérusse
• Bob Arseneau
• Simon Bernard
• Billy et Manu
• Jean Deshaies
• Ekaterina Dobrokhotova
• Jean-Pierre Dussault
• Fredo
• Nicolas Gignac
• Michel Huot
• Jack maître magicien
• Le magicien Jules
• Yannick Lacroix
• Sébastien Louis-XVI
• Martin le magicien
• Carl Pellerin
• Jacques Pétard
• Carol Rondeau
• Richard Tremblay
• Marc Trudel
• Général Patente

And from Doug at Magic Information Canada:

J'ai ajouté le conférence Mathieu Bich au Québec en Septembre à http://t.co/Q7MlBSmksb (with apologies for my shaky French).
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) August 18, 2013

Visit Festival de Magie de Québec for more information or to buy tickets.


Watch this year's interactive advertising for the event on YouTube:

Edmonton: Ryan Pilling and Gwyn Auger

When you go to see these two lecture, be sure to thank them from me, for being wonderful sponsors of this blog!


From Facebook:

Sunday, 25 August 2013 

Don't miss this double-feature lecture.

Gwyn Auger - The Magic Assistant - Columnist for VANISH magazine, and veteran of promotion and live marketing. In her role as social media coordinator she was instrumental in the success and sold out shows of WowFest Magic Festival in Calgary earlier this year. She will be sharing her tips and techniques on personal branding and promotional marketing that will get you recognized and booked. Make sense of your online marketing strategy and get the results you want!

Ryan Pilling - Comedy Magician and Improvisor - Author of "Finding The Funny", a guidebook for getting amazing reactions with your audience interaction. Ryan is going to break down the magic he does in his show. Not only share and teach real-world routines, but dive in to to work of creating, writing, and developing those acts. Tips for making the magic more powerful through connecting with your audience, and developing your own creative muscle.

Read more.

Nine years of My Magic Hands

Congratulations Julie, on the continued success of this fabulous project!

From Sharing Wonder:

It is hard to believe that My Magic Hands was originally launched nearly a decade ago.

Magicana applied for funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation(OTF) to develop a pilot program version of  ”Magic Hands”.  In 2004, the program was designed and tested during the year in four different at-risk communities around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Canada’s top children’s rehabilitation hospital, now known as Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. The response to the pilot program was excellent and Trillium agreed. Magicana was then awarded a multi-year grant to expand  My Magic Hands program (and, to simultaneously develop Senior Sorcery – a program designed specifically for the senior population). My Magic Hands continued to evolved and developed through funding from private foundations and donors. Today, this program is funded solely by the Slaight Family Foundation.

Read more.

Toronto: Jason Palter

From Pubaret:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
MAGICIAN JASON PALTER

Could it be time for another first at The Pubaret?  Yes it could cuz we've never had a magic show until now:  Magician Jason Palter.

Palter. Say the name PAUL, add a TER, and that’s how you pronounce Jason’s last name.

Like many magicians, the love of magic was born at an early age; Jason was just 9 years old when he received his first magic set. After that, it was only natural that his tendency to be class clown and overall goofball would one day merge with his love of magic. A comic magician was born!

Read more and buy tickets.

Goodbye to Murray’s Trick and Joke Shop -- the end of an era in Victoria

A reminder to us all to support our local brick and mortar magic shops while we still can.

Don't have brick and mortar shop in your area?  Consider supporting one through their online shops.   (I direct your attention to two of the wonderful sponsors of this blog, Perfect Magic and
 The Browser's Den of Magic!)

Read the comments on Murray's Facebook page.


From the Times Colonist:

There will be no large puff of smoke or silk curtain drawn as house lights fade to black. Instead, with the simple closing of a door and turning of a key, three decades of illusion and whimsy will end as Murray’s Trick and Joke Shop closes for the final time Aug. 25.

The store — the go-to destination for gear, tricks and effects for amateur and professional magicians, as well as a year-round costume source and a gold mine for would-be office pranksters and kids of all ages — is about to pull its own disappearing act.

“It’s sad because of the long history of this place, and my wife and I were thrilled to have been a part of that,” said current owner Murray Hatfield, who along with wife Teresa Midbo bought the store seven years ago from Tony and Ann Eng.

Read more.

Guelph: Laughing Matters

From River Run:

As Canada’s Premiere Comedian, Derek Edwards creates enchanting tales based on everyday subjects and delivers them with polished style and impeccable timing. With Jim McNally and Matt Disero warming up the crowd you are guaranteed to be left doubled over with laughter wanting more!

Laughing Matters is an event to raise awareness about poverty and support local at-risk communities. Proceeds from this event are going directly back into the community through Speroway’s work procuring and distributing food in Guelph.      

Read more and buy tickets.

Magic Information Canada has added features!

Earlier this summer, Doug Cuff over at Magic Information Canada, added some nifty new functionality to his awesome site!

In his own words:

Added "muggle events" check box to http://t.co/Q7MlBSmksb -- which allows magicians to include performances in their agenda of lectures etc.
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) June 2, 2013

I admit it: I added the "muggle" check box because I was irked that my site didn't offer an easy way to view all the @McBrideMagic events.
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) June 2, 2013

Added "closed" check box to http://t.co/aNhDze6sVE -- which allows you to include business that have closed and save time chasing dead ends.
— Doug C. (@magicinfo_ca) June 2, 2013

If you haven't already, click over and visit this great resource.

Thanks for your continued hard work Doug!

Toronto: Buskerfest!

The 2013 Scotiabank BuskerFest in support of Epilepsy Toronto will be held from August 22nd to August 25th.  Magical performers include:

• Charlie Caper (Sweden)
• Chris Capehart (USA)
• Diogo Alvares (Brazil)
• Max T. Oz (Canada) and
• Nathaniel Rankin (Canada)

Toronto: There's magic at the Ex!

There's magic at the CNE again this year!

At The Farm, Daniel Steep is back with Agri-Magic, an interactive magic show that educates audiences about Canadian Farming.

Only a few days until #CNE2013 ! Catch the #agrimagic show 4 times daily in the #cnefarm ! @LetsGoToTheEX
— Daniel Steep (@danielsteep) August 13, 2013

Majinx is back at Kids' World with Professor Wick's School of Magic and Illusion.

And Mike D'Urzo is at the Variety Stage, located on Princes' Boulevard at Ontario Drive, south of BMO Field.

Excited to announce I will be performing at the EX from Aug.16- Sept.2 daily at 12:30 & 3:00 pm on the Variety Stage! http://t.co/VnsjxVCEKI
— Mike D'Urzo (@MikeDurzo) August 14, 2013

This year the Ex runs from August 16th to September 2nd, 2013.  Please check the CNE's website for dates and showtimes.

Toronto: Mysterion in Twisted Thoughts

From Facebook:

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Ever wonder dreams really can come true? How about Nightmares?

Enter the impossible. Mysterion, Canada's celebrated mentalist returns to the stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY to bring you a selection of effects that dive into the twisted and bizarre.

This isn't a birthday magic show, its a sixty minute selection of his most terrifying and psychologically frightening effects from a carnal catalog of magic. Your way of thinking will never be the same.

With a screening after the show of Tod Browning's classic FREAKS included with admission.

Read more.

Toronto: Bobby Motta lecture - Thirteen

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Sunday, September 22

Just a few months ago at our shop Bobby Motta gave a free Dealer Show that was a HUGE hit with all in attendance!

Well, Bobby contacted us and told us that he has a lecture that contains material that 99% of which was not shown or discussed in the free dealer show a few months ago.

Here are the details…

Read more.

The Can-eh-diana deck

Have a look at the Facebook page for the Can-eh-diana deck!  It's a deck of cards "celebrating all things Canadian."  Naturally, it includes magicians!  So far, it's been revealed that Julie Eng, Jason Palter, Bill Abbott and Philip DaCosta are face cards.

Can't wait to get a look at the whole deck!

(If you haven't already, "like" their Facebook page. Tell them Canada's Magic sent you!)

Ottawa: Steve Reynolds lecture

From Magic Information Canada:

Tuesday, September 17

Steve Reynolds. Magic lecture. Royal Oak Laurier.

Read more.

Toronto: Ring 17 upcoming season

From the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club:

The 2013-2014 Calendar includes:

• Michael Close
• Tyler Wilson
• Dani DaOrtiz
• The Great Unknown
• Kenton Knepper
• Vincent Hedan
• the Gordon Precious 90th birthday bash featuring Bobby Motta

It looks like a great season ahead!

Gwyn Auger inteviews Lorena Watters

 Gwyn Auger interviews Lorena Watters in the 9th edition (Aug / Sept 2013) of Vanish International Magic Magazine.  The article starts at page 172. 

From Vanish Magizane:

What got you started in magic?

Well I always knew i was going to do some sort of entertainment. My parents enrolled me in dance classes at a young age and i was in all the plays and musicals in school. But Trevor got me started in Magic! We went to the same college, I was in the Theatre program and he was in the Stage craft program. During productions and rehearsals, our classes would work together a lot. Trevor and I started talking and hanging out more, then one day he asked if I could fit into a box and stick 12 swords in it and the rest is history!

Read more.

Rob Testa on Zoink'd

Watch Toronto magician  Rob Testa, on  YTV's show Zoink'd.


 

Toronto: Dani DaOrtiz

From Abracadabaret:

Saturday, 9 November 2013

An incredible evening of magic you don’t want to miss. Dani DaOrtiz is one of the most famous magicians in the Spanish speaking world and he’s in Toronto to deliver a one-night-only performance. He’s also hilariously funny and unpredictable. The show is never the same twice. 

    “When Dani performs, anything is possible. His magic is shockingly strong.”
    -Genii Magazine

Read more and buy tickets.