From the IBM Facebook page:
03 December 2014
02 December 2014
James Alan on Rogers TV
Watch James Alan talking about "Magic Tonight" on Rogers TV Toronto with Val Cole, tomorrow (Wed) at 10am, 3pm and midnight. Watch for James at the 10-minute mark.
A reminder that readers of Canada's Magic receive a 20% discount* by using the coupon code cmagic
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
A reminder that readers of Canada's Magic receive a 20% discount* by using the coupon code cmagic
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
A question from the floor
Updated at 16:00 the consensus so far:
What is Canada's oldest magic institution?
From Lee Asher's Twitter feed:
- The Browser's Den of Magic: oldest existing magic shop
- Perfect Magic: oldest existing magic shop under single owner (the people that opened it are still running it)
- IBM Ring 17 - since 1941
- IBM - co-founded by a Canadian in 1923
What is Canada's oldest magic institution?
From Lee Asher's Twitter feed:
@canadasmagic I think @theBrowsersDen is Canada's oldest magic institution. Maybe @jay_sankey @SorcerersSafari or someone else can confirm?!
— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) November 11, 2014
@canadasmagic @theBrowsersDen I should preface by saying oldest Canadian magic institution "still open".
— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) December 2, 2014
01 December 2014
David Merry on "Too Much Information"
My first episode of Too Much Information @TooMuchInfo_TV is this Tuesday @ 11pm on @SuperChannel Topic: Marriage
— David Merry (@davidmerry) November 20, 2014
@davidmerry hey david! The marriage episode is actually airing next week :)
— Too Much Information (@TooMuchInfo_TV) November 24, 2014
From Toronto is Awesome:
Too Much Information pits two panels of… well, panelists I guess… against each other. Riffing on the topic of the day – Politics. Sex. Religion. You know, the classic non-starters. Each team of panelists waxes on the subject at hand, vying to outwit, out-banter, out-shock and generally out-clever their foes across the isle. Moderated by the affable Norm Sousa (Discovery Channel’s Never Do This at Home) who at times looks like a mischievous kid who stole his Dad’s suit and set out to host a late show. His boyish face lights up when someone says something truly off-key and really lays into an opposing panelist. After all, that’s the beauty of a show that airs at night and the majority of your guests are comedians – there will be some sh*t said.
Sousa kicks things off with a monologue of sorts, testing the electricity in the water. He does a few setups on the theme of the show, to get the crowd warm & loose. It’s definitely not the daytime audience they’re looking to draw. The crowd in these seats comes ready for comedy. Familiar faces saying very naughty things, almost as if the camera isn’t even there
Read more.
Grateful for our December sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support. This site would not be possible without their backing.
We're grateful to have the support of:
The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!
We're grateful to have the support of:
- Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist,
- 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.
Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!
Donations of any size are always welcome.
Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!
Donations of any size are always welcome.
Who's where December 2014
Leave a comment on this post to let us know where you're going to be this month!
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
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From the Amazing Corbin's Twitter feed:
@canadasmagic I'm at the Schomberg winter festival on Sat DEC 6 with 3 evening performances. pic.twitter.com/ulTfhwSGAA
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From the Abracadabaret Facebook page:
Post by Abracadabaret.
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From Keith Brown's Facebook page: |
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What's that? The Nerdtacular needs some more magic?
@ErdnaseinTO is bringing it!
@Tranzac Thursday, 7:30 $10. Be there and be magical!
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From Chris Mayhew's Facebook page (reminder receive a 20% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic):
Post by Chris Mayhew.
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Post by Canada's Magic.
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From the Amazing Corbin's Twitter feed:
Dec 18 in St. Thomas ON ~ Tickets are $5 each. The Charming Cheat - a very entertaining show. pic.twitter.com/Aaeg8Gy6nP
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From Oakville Kids Twitter feed:
See #Magic by @MikeDurzo at @OakvilleCentre; http://t.co/CLqFNleVhs
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| 21 | Receive a 20% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic From James Alan's Facebook page:
Post by James Alan.
From Falls Avenue Resort Twitter feed:
@MikeDurzo See you on Sunday Dec. 21st for your 1st Magic Show at Falls Avenue Resort http://t.co/Vq6UMBtSOJ pic.twitter.com/4AGx614u2b
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#Montreal if you're thinking about considering seeing a show Dec 27/28 think about considering seeing this one I'm on http://t.co/7iONPJNnIm
@courtconjuring
Sat 27th dec
TWO SHOWS!
@JohnKimmons @Billykiddshow @ScottDPenrose, Gazzo
http://t.co/fUV0Lrgj83 pic.twitter.com/BQEyS2lIDG
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| 28 | Receive a 20% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic
Post by Abracadabaret.
#Montreal if you're thinking about considering seeing a show Dec 27/28 think about considering seeing this one I'm on http://t.co/7iONPJNnIm
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Tix on sale today http://t.co/YmtNmLpnNp for The Conjuror @Soulpepper Limited time run Dec 30-Jan 3 pic.twitter.com/OG9thQ8LMn
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| 31 | From Incredibrent's Facebook page: From Bill Abbott's Twitter feed:
Looking for a New Years party in Toronto? Join @bobbymotta & myself at @DnB_Toronto Dec. 31st for a magical party! pic.twitter.com/ALNJjEZtjU
From the Amazing Corbin's Twitter feed:
@canadasmagic Ahoy! I be sailing my ship to the Americana Resort in Niagara Falls ON for a Grand family friendly show on New Years Eve!
From David Merry's Twitter feed:
Performing on NYE at Shenkman Arts Centre in Ottawa @shenkmanarts with two very funny pals @judycroonsays & @EvanCarterCmedy
From Peter Mennie's Twitter feed:
The show is free but you have to be a @DeerhurstResort guest to go! http://t.co/VJ72V0tp7B pic.twitter.com/guJt7hnisB
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
30 November 2014
Rounding the Western rings in December
From Carey Lauder's Facebook page:
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
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) | - No meeting. |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - n/a |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - n/a |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - Third Monday Magic |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - n/a |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - n/a |
| 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 December
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
| Hamilton, ON | Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) | - n/a |
| London, ON | Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild) | - n/a |
| Kitchener, ON | Ring 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle) | - Christmas Dinner. |
| Ottawa, ON | Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) | - Michael Close lecture - Christmas Party Pot-luck dinner |
| Ottawa, ON | Ottawa / Gatineau magicians | - n/a |
| Toronto, ON | Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) | - David Regal workshop - David Regal lecture |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
Rounding the Eastern rings in December
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
| Halifax, NS | Ring 316 (Conjourer's Court) | - n/a - Visit their Facebook page. |
| St. John, NB | Magic Circle of St. John | - n/a |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
Top 5 posts in November 2014
It's been a busy month for news with 50 posts! Here are the most viewed posts at Canada's Magic this month:
and the most viewed post this month ...
5. Who's where November 2014 - Don't forget to add your appearance to our December "Who's where" post!
4. [Guest post] Watching the Magic Unfold - Thank you Erin for your guest post!
3. Keith Brown at TEDx University of Windsor - This young man is making great strides.
2. A Q&A with Erin Thomas - It's not often I get to ask questions of an author.
and the most viewed post this month ...
1. Win a copy of Forcing the Ace - Thanks to everyone who played! A special thanks to Amy Collins from Orca Book Publishers for generously making this book available to you!
29 November 2014
Toronto: Kainoa Harbottle lecture
From the Browser's Den of Magic:
Sunday, December 21
Currently known by most magicians as the coin guru for Reel Magic Magazine and Sleight School, Kainoa just wowed the audiences at the Magic Castle with his all coin close-up act. You may have seen him on Curtis Kam's Palms of Steel series, on the New York Coin Magic DVDs, or even read his many publications on close-up magic. Seeing him live is an entirely different experience.
Kainoa’s lecture will feature magic designed with visual impact, cleanliness of method, and modular climaxes. The material and techniques were developed in the strolling and table-hopping environments of Waikiki. He will also be discussing how to transform your close-up pieces into stand-up material using before and after examples from his repertoire.
Read more and buy tickets.
Montreal: Michael Close and Kainoa Harbottle
From Montreal Magic Jam:
We are excited to announce that we have two amazing magicians coming to Montreal in December. Michael Close, author of the Workers series and one of the top close-up magicians in the world, will be presenting both classic and brand new material in his Dec 10 lecture. The next week, Kainoa Harbottle, one of the most skilled and innovative coin magicians around, will present both a lecture and a workshop. As a thank you for making this an incredible year for the Montreal Magic Jam, we have an ealry Christmas present for you. While individual tickets will be available at the usual price, we’re offering the following specials:
Read more and buy tickets.
[via Magic Information Canada]
28 November 2014
11/2014 update to the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site
From the curator of the Johnny Giordmaine tribute site:
John Giordmaine tribute news.
JohnGiordmaine.com, the online tribute to Canada's most beloved children's magician (1898-1974), has posted an interim update to welcome new visitors from the Society of American Magicians who have read the featured article about Johnny in MUM's December 2014 issue.
All other visitors are also very welcome!
This update features Doug Henning's 1989 "retirement from magic " letter published in GENII. Visitors may be surprised to read that Doug thanked "the late John Giordmaine" first and foremost for helping him "so much over the years" - even before Dai Vernon, Slydini or Jay Marshall!
There are now over 50 pages about Johnny and his inspiring legacy in magic. Remembrances are always very welcome; contact information is on the site, which is:
http://www.johngiordmaine.com
Murray SawChuck on "Extreme Escapes”
Updated at 6:45am to include the link to the Las Vegas Sun article which mentions his recently received Career Achievement Award in the Magic Arts and his Best Comedy Variety Act of 2014 award. Congratulations Murray!
From Vegas News:
More on "Extreme Escapes" from the Las Vegas Sun:
[via iTricks]
From Vegas News:
“Extreme Escapes” is a new original reality series with death-defying stunts premiering on REELZ, Saturday, November 29
Each one-hour episode of “Extreme Escapes” brings the shock, wonder and danger of escapology to television with astonishing performances by artists including Las Vegas headlining comic magician Murray SawChuck, America’s Got Talent contestant Spencer Horsman, Masters of Illusion LIVE! performer Farrell Dillon, Las Vegas Illusionist Jan Rouven and Hungarian escape artist David Merlini.
Read more.
More on "Extreme Escapes" from the Las Vegas Sun:
There’s no denying that magician Murray Sawchuck is on a roll as he gets ready to take on a new run at Sin City Theater in Planet Hollywood after nearly three years at the Tropicana’s Laugh Factory.
He’s just completed four months of filming “Extreme Escapes,” which starts broadcasting on Reelz for 26 weeks as of this Saturday. He was asked to do the “Blind Drive” illusion and wound up being invited to do more than 21 “escapes” for the series.
Read more.
[via iTricks]
27 November 2014
Phil Matlin's ragtime tour 2014
Phil Matlin, owner of Perfect Magic, will be playing ragtime and touring through Ontario (Elmira, Kitchener, New Hamburg, and Waterloo) at the end of December.
- Dec. 26 - Lanark Place 44 Lanark Place, Kitchener
- Dec. 29 - Chateau Gardens 11 Herbert St., Elmira
- Dec. 30 - Nithview Home 200 Boullee, New Hamburg
- Dec. 31 - Parkwood Mennonite Homes, 726 New Hampshire, Waterloo
- Dec. 31 - Bankside Terrace 71 Bankside Drive, Kitchener
Watch Phil play Carolina in the Morning below:
26 November 2014
Toronto: Bill Abbott at "Magic Tonight"
This week on the show we have Canadian Magician of the Year Bill Abbott. He’s been on the show many times (as evidenced below). Normally you have to go all the way up to Vaughan to see his show Every Trick in the Book at Dave & Busters. But he’s here downtown Sunday, November 30!
Read more and buy tickets.
Receive a 20% discount* at Magic Tonight with coupon code cmagic
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
Mark Correia: World record holder
From Mark Correia's Twitter feed:
From the Record Setter Twitter feed:
By my count, that puts the total of Canadian World Record holding magicians to five!
As a fun little thing to celebrate the record set, I'd love if people could tweet something they liked about the stunt, or a question!
— Mark Correia (@Mark_Correia) November 26, 2014
From the Record Setter Twitter feed:
Canadian magician @Mark_Correia wears a straitjacket for a #worldrecord 14 DAYS, raises $ for @MichaelJFoxOrg: http://t.co/G1hNx14ABs
— RecordSetter (@RecordSetter) November 25, 2014
By my count, that puts the total of Canadian World Record holding magicians to five!
- Doug The Great: Heaviest Stilts Mastered. [Guinness World Record]
- Scott Hammell: Highest Suspension Straitjacket Escape. [Guinness World Record]
- Lucas Wilson: Fastest Suspension Straitjacket Escape. [Guinness World Record]
- Michael Francis: Most one-handed coin rolls in a minute. [Guinness World Record]
Toronto: David Regal workshop
From the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club Facebook page:
The day before his lecture (Wednesday, December 3) David Regal is doing a performance workshop at the Browser's Den Of Magic. It's limited to a very small group - you get the chance to perform a piece you're working on and get feedback and help. An extremely rare opportunity for that kind of one-on-one attention. Information and tickets are on the club page www.ibmring17.com
25 November 2014
Happy fourth blogiversary to me!
Four years ago today, this blog was born!
Thanks to you wonderful people who have supported this project! More than 1,770 posts have been published, and well over 67,000 page loads have been served. Ninety-two of you have given us your thumbs-up on Facebook, more than 680 of you are following along on Twitter (8800 tweets and counting!), and approximately 80 of you have subscribed to this site's feed. The bulk of you are Canadian, and I'm delighted to see visitors from United States, Ireland,United Kingdom, France, Japan, Germany, and the list goes on.
There are so many of you doing such a fabulous job of making magic a priority in this great country!
A special thanks to:
My continued thanks to all of you!
Thanks to you wonderful people who have supported this project! More than 1,770 posts have been published, and well over 67,000 page loads have been served. Ninety-two of you have given us your thumbs-up on Facebook, more than 680 of you are following along on Twitter (8800 tweets and counting!), and approximately 80 of you have subscribed to this site's feed. The bulk of you are Canadian, and I'm delighted to see visitors from United States, Ireland,United Kingdom, France, Japan, Germany, and the list goes on.
There are so many of you doing such a fabulous job of making magic a priority in this great country!
A special thanks to:
- All of my early supporters. Special shout outs to Ariel, Doug, James, and John for your continued encouragement.
- All of you readers, Likers, RTers, submitters, guest posters, contest prize providers and all other manners of promoters of this site.
- All of my sponsors, past and present. That means you: Magic Information Canada, Ryan Pilling, Clive Court, Perfect Magic, and The Browser's Den of Magic!
- My family for their support of this bloggy experiment.
My continued thanks to all of you!
24 November 2014
Watch Keith Brown's TEDx lecture
Missed Keith's talk at the TEDx University of Windsor earlier this month? Not to worry, you can watch it online.
From Keith Brown's Facebook page:
From Keith Brown's Facebook page:
Post by Keith Brown - The Official Fan Page.
Watch the video on the TEDxUniversityofWindsor YouTube channel:
Watch the video on the TEDxUniversityofWindsor YouTube channel:
23 November 2014
Broken wand: Kevin George
We were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of the passing of Kevin George.
From Legacy:
From the Edmonton Journal:
The following will run in the December issue of the Linking Ring:
From Legacy:
GEORGE, Kevin William
1946 ~ 2014
1946 ~ 2014
GEORGE, Kevin William
GEORGE, Kevin William
1946 ~ 2014
It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin George announce his passing on May 4, 2014. Leaving behind is his mother Henrietta, son Ryan and his family, brother Kerry and his family.
Read more.
From the Edmonton Journal:
EDMONTON - Wanda Karstens met Kevin George when she was a mall rat at Bonnie Doon and he, the head of security and the object of Karstens’ teenage crush.
George was a compassionate man, even at age 23, Karstens said: hard on shoplifters and drug dealers, but fair and friendly to mall rats like herself, arranging for an empty store front to become a teen centre.
George remained in the security world, eventually opening his own security firm and training guards, correctional officers and jail riot squads, but also training dogs to track criminals, and to find missing people as part of Alberta’s first Search and Rescue team.
Read more.
The following will run in the December issue of the Linking Ring:
KEVIN W. GEORGE
Recently the I.B.M. headquarters learned that Kevin William George, 67, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, died May 4, 2014 from a massive stroke, after several heart attacks and problems with diabetes. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (1994-2013). He was a member of Ring 28 (Edmonton). He developed a love for dogs and helping other people in his youth, which led to his life’s work. He opened his own security firm, training guards, correctional officers, and jail riot squads, as well as training dogs to track criminals and search and rescue dogs to find missing persons in storm-damaged sites. His animal-training skills even led him to train the elephant at the Edmonton Zoo. He used magic throughout his life, both to teach and to lighten tense situations. In addition to magic, other interests and skills included ju-jitsu (including teaching self-defense classes for women), conga drums (in bands), and rodeo clowning. Survivors include his mother, Henrietta; brother, Kerry; son, Ryan and his family; and granddaughter, Carmen.
22 November 2014
Luc Langevin: spokesperson for la fondation sur les leucodystrophies
Congratulations Luc on the fundraising success!
From Luc Langevin's Twitter feed:
Watch the video Luc made with St. Hubert to raise awareness:
From Luc Langevin's Twitter feed:
Un immense merci du fond du coeur à la Fondation @sthubert pour son don à la Fondation sur les Leucodystrophies ! pic.twitter.com/Vj4iMjda9R
— Luc Langevin (@LucLangevin) November 12, 2014
Watch the video Luc made with St. Hubert to raise awareness:
21 November 2014
Fundraising for Breath is Alive
I know I'm not the only one in this community who has had the pleasure of instruction from David Smukler ....
From Equity Showcase Theatre:
This documentary project chronicles the important work of Canadian theatre artist and master voice practitioner David Smukler. It is intended as a moving archive of the voice and David’s remarkable ability to see into the soul of the artist. The film follows him into the studio where humanity is revealed through the process of voice work, a process to which the audience is rarely privy. Studio scenes are woven together with intimate interviews with David, artists and colleagues from across the country and framed within a natural environment. External shots of trees, water and sky contrast the subjective internal world or the artist with a more objective, natural environment. The natural world fuels David’s practice and reflects the organic process of the work emphasizing David’s connection to earth, breath, heartbeat and light. Too often we allow the contribution of our senior artists in Canada to go undocumented. The directors Laurel Paetz and LJ Nelles, both trained as voice teachers with David and offer this film as a legacy to his enormous and lasting contribution to the artistic community in Canada.
Read more and donate.
20 November 2014
Peter Marucci wins second Howard Bamman trophy
Congratulations Peter!
From the Wellington Advertiser:
FERGUS - Retired Fergus “magicomedian” Peter Marucci has been awarded the Howard Bamman trophy for the second time by the International Brotherhood of Magicians, in recognition of his 28-year contribution to the organization’s magazine The Linking Ring.
The Fergus resident is the only Canadian ever to receive the award and the only magician to receive it twice.
In his Showtime column, Marucci would outline a new illusion every month and give detailed instructions on incorporating “patter” into performances - his trademark.
Read more.
Greg Frewin et al vs the NHL Alumni Stars!
From the Greg Frewin Theatre Twitter feed:
It'll be a spectacle on ice tonight! Come out and support #HelpAChildSmile and watch #Celebrities vs #NHL alumni. pic.twitter.com/rbkb0eSGw8
— Greg Frewin Theatre (@FrewinTheatre) November 20, 2014
Toronto: "Magic Tonight" with Keith Brown, Jason Palter, and James Alan
From Keith Brown's Twitter feed:
This Sunday I will be opening for Jason Palter at #magictonight ! We have a new location near College & Spadina.... http://t.co/0itXSYq83a
— Keith Brown (@KeithHBrown) November 19, 2014
From the Abracadabaret Twitter feed:
This Sunday on #magictonight @paltergeist & @james_alan Advance tickets online at http://t.co/Y6UJWzgeN3 #toronto
— Abracadabaret (@Abracadabaret) November 17, 2014
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* Offer is subject to change without notice. Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.
SOULO Theatre: Best small theatre company
Congratulations to James Alan, General Manager of the SOULO Theatre company!
From Reality Based Magic:
SOULO Theatre – where I plot and scheme away, largely behind the scenes as the general manager – has just won Best Small Theatre Company from NOW Magazine’s Best of Toronto Reader’s Choice! Massive credit goes to the team that helped organize the 2014 SOULO Theatre Festival and massive thanks to everyone who voted over the past few months. It’s a tremendous honour.
Read more.
19 November 2014
Winner of Forcing the Ace
The contest to win a copy of "Forcing the Ace" from the Orca Limelights series closed last night at midnight.
We had some great advice for performing youngsters suggested: practice, work on one thing at a time when you are just starting out, be willing to take a risk and try, "Prepare. Practice. Perform. Perfect. Repeat." and READ MORE BOOKS!
Here's the list of entrants:
Random draw results:
We had some great advice for performing youngsters suggested: practice, work on one thing at a time when you are just starting out, be willing to take a risk and try, "Prepare. Practice. Perform. Perfect. Repeat." and READ MORE BOOKS!
Here's the list of entrants:
- Lee Asher
- Roger Boucher
- Tara Hutchinson
- Robert Lamar
- Jay
Random draw results:
Congratulations to Tara Hutchinson!
I'll be contacting you with instructions about how to claim your prize. I hope you (or a young reader) enjoys the book as much as I did. (And don't forget to let me know how you like it.)
Thank you all for playing! A special thanks to Amy Collins from Orca Book Publishers for generously making this book available to you!
Murray Sawchuk's at at Planet Hollywood’s Sin City Theater
From the Las Vegas Sun:
[via iTricks]
In the end, Murray Sawchuck had to be more than a poser.
Not that it wasn’t a great deal of fun following Sawchuck canvas the valley mugging for photos in front of hotel-casino marquees with such self-written captions as, “Wild Wild West is a nice place!” But it had to come to an end, as Sawchuck sought to resume his stage show at a Las Vegas venue after leaving Laugh Factory at Tropicana on Oct. 30.
Sawchuck’s new venue is Sin City Theater at Planet Hollywood, where he sets up Dec. 20 for what is to be a yearlong run of shows at 2 and 4 p.m. daily (dark Fridays).
Read more.
[via iTricks]
18 November 2014
[Guest post] Watching the Magic Unfold
The following is a guest post from Erin Thomas, author of "Forcing the Ace,"
Erin talks about Sorcerers Safari, early memories of magic, magic at Canada's Wonderland (Paul Pacific or Jeff Pinsky, perhaps?) and more.
Today's the last day to enter to win your copy of Forcing the Ace!
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Having already written a few times about the awesomeness that is Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp in Ontario, and rejoiced in the similarities between magicians and writers (introverts unite!), I think it’s time to try a different tack. Today I want to share some of my memories of watching magic and enjoying it. Because really, that’s what it’s all about.
As it turns out, magic is probably one of the first things I ever saw clearly. I was eight or nine years old when my parents took my brother and I to see David Copperfield in Toronto. We sat up in the balcony, looking down on a big, brightly lit stage. I kept squinting and turning away, complaining that my eyes hurt. Acting on a hunch, Dad handed me his glasses. Wow! Whaddya know… there was a person down on that big stage! And he was doing really cool stuff.
Sadly, I remember the fact of the show more than the details, although there was one memorable moment when he walked through a giant wall onstage. Wikipedia tells me that his Great Wall of China effect was in 1986, a couple years later, so I might be confused, but this is how I remember it. That, and him reaching into a tiny bottle and pulling out a rainbow-coloured scarf that seemed to go on forever.
I do remember the sharp, sudden realization that the world was a place with edges, and that details existed more than an arms’ length away. My world got bigger that night. And if you could pick one thing to be your first sight through corrective lenses, a magic show is a pretty decent option.
I know I saw other magicians over the years. There would have been shows at day camps and birthday parties, magicians on stages at town carnivals, Canada’s Wonderland, the Mediaeval Faire. And I would have watched and clapped, laughed and been astonished. These are all vague impressions, though.
There was that “Circus” in the McQuay family’s backyard—a show put on by the neighbourhood kids for parents lined up in lawn chairs. I remember Piper’s acrobatics, and I think some kind of “lion act” featuring Katie the Airedale. The tightrope was a skipping rope stretched across the grass, and we took turns balancing across it. Of course there was a magic act, courtesy of one of those boxed kids with plastic cup-and-balls pieces and a disappearing chamber as tall as a Barbie doll. None of us ended up pursuing magic as a calling, so I suspect it might have been the sort of act that comes from reading the directions five minutes before the show, but watching, I still thought it was cool. Even the possibility of things disappearing and reappearing was enough for me.
I watched magic shows when I was researching the book. My favourite, of course, was the final performance at Magic Camp. I brought my husband and my daughter along, to see the kids I had talked with earlier in the week perform. I LOVED that. It wasn’t always the most polished magic, but it was sincere.
Unfortunately, my husband and daughter haven’t been bitten by the magic bug the way I was. They don’t always want to go see the shows. But I dragged them along to a Christopher Tracy’s family magic show at a resort in Florida last winter, and we had a great time. My daughter was chosen as the first audience volunteer. He broke the rules in a fun way, instructing her to close her eyes while he made things “disappear” by tossing them behind a counter. He invited the whole audience in on his secret—this isn’t really magic, we’re here to have a good time—so that when he started in on the tricks that baffled us, we enjoyed it even more. We laughed, and my daughter felt special for having been part of the show.
We’re not done with magic, my family and I. I’m not done with it. I have no plans to become a magician (becoming a writer is more than enough work, thanks very much), but I sure do like being in the audience.
Sometime soon, maybe I’ll see you there.
Erin talks about Sorcerers Safari, early memories of magic, magic at Canada's Wonderland (Paul Pacific or Jeff Pinsky, perhaps?) and more.
--
Having already written a few times about the awesomeness that is Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp in Ontario, and rejoiced in the similarities between magicians and writers (introverts unite!), I think it’s time to try a different tack. Today I want to share some of my memories of watching magic and enjoying it. Because really, that’s what it’s all about.
As it turns out, magic is probably one of the first things I ever saw clearly. I was eight or nine years old when my parents took my brother and I to see David Copperfield in Toronto. We sat up in the balcony, looking down on a big, brightly lit stage. I kept squinting and turning away, complaining that my eyes hurt. Acting on a hunch, Dad handed me his glasses. Wow! Whaddya know… there was a person down on that big stage! And he was doing really cool stuff.
Sadly, I remember the fact of the show more than the details, although there was one memorable moment when he walked through a giant wall onstage. Wikipedia tells me that his Great Wall of China effect was in 1986, a couple years later, so I might be confused, but this is how I remember it. That, and him reaching into a tiny bottle and pulling out a rainbow-coloured scarf that seemed to go on forever.
I do remember the sharp, sudden realization that the world was a place with edges, and that details existed more than an arms’ length away. My world got bigger that night. And if you could pick one thing to be your first sight through corrective lenses, a magic show is a pretty decent option.
I know I saw other magicians over the years. There would have been shows at day camps and birthday parties, magicians on stages at town carnivals, Canada’s Wonderland, the Mediaeval Faire. And I would have watched and clapped, laughed and been astonished. These are all vague impressions, though.
There was that “Circus” in the McQuay family’s backyard—a show put on by the neighbourhood kids for parents lined up in lawn chairs. I remember Piper’s acrobatics, and I think some kind of “lion act” featuring Katie the Airedale. The tightrope was a skipping rope stretched across the grass, and we took turns balancing across it. Of course there was a magic act, courtesy of one of those boxed kids with plastic cup-and-balls pieces and a disappearing chamber as tall as a Barbie doll. None of us ended up pursuing magic as a calling, so I suspect it might have been the sort of act that comes from reading the directions five minutes before the show, but watching, I still thought it was cool. Even the possibility of things disappearing and reappearing was enough for me.
I watched magic shows when I was researching the book. My favourite, of course, was the final performance at Magic Camp. I brought my husband and my daughter along, to see the kids I had talked with earlier in the week perform. I LOVED that. It wasn’t always the most polished magic, but it was sincere.
Unfortunately, my husband and daughter haven’t been bitten by the magic bug the way I was. They don’t always want to go see the shows. But I dragged them along to a Christopher Tracy’s family magic show at a resort in Florida last winter, and we had a great time. My daughter was chosen as the first audience volunteer. He broke the rules in a fun way, instructing her to close her eyes while he made things “disappear” by tossing them behind a counter. He invited the whole audience in on his secret—this isn’t really magic, we’re here to have a good time—so that when he started in on the tricks that baffled us, we enjoyed it even more. We laughed, and my daughter felt special for having been part of the show.
We’re not done with magic, my family and I. I’m not done with it. I have no plans to become a magician (becoming a writer is more than enough work, thanks very much), but I sure do like being in the audience.
Sometime soon, maybe I’ll see you there.
~~~~
Thank you Erin, for guest posting at Canada's Magic! Today's the last day to enter to win your copy of Forcing the Ace!
17 November 2014
Appreciating the Certificate of Appreciation
I had the good fortune of attending the Browser's Den 39th anniversary party yesterday. Unfortunately, I arrived late in the day and missed much of the merriment. Bernice Cooper was there which is always wonderful. I did enjoy a very lively trivia quiz, some lovely refreshments, catching up with good friends, making new acquaintances, and of course adding to my magic inventory!
Congratulations to Ryan Brown, this year's recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award. Ryan received a full set of eight Tarbell Course in Magic books in Len's memory. (You may recall that Ryan won the Best Magician Contest in 2012).
The highlight of the day, for me, was receiving this Certificate of Appreciation from Jeff.
The fine print:
It means a tremendous amount to me that Jeff, who does so much good for the magic community at large, thinks that I am enriching the community as well.
Thank you Jeff!
Congratulations to Ryan Brown, this year's recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award. Ryan received a full set of eight Tarbell Course in Magic books in Len's memory. (You may recall that Ryan won the Best Magician Contest in 2012).
The highlight of the day, for me, was receiving this Certificate of Appreciation from Jeff.
The fine print:
It means a tremendous amount to me that Jeff, who does so much good for the magic community at large, thinks that I am enriching the community as well.
Thank you Jeff!
Vancouver: Hidden camera magic show
There's a hidden camera magic show being filmed in Vancouver.
From Eric Leclerc's Facebook page:
From Eric Leclerc's Facebook page:
Post by Eric Leclerc.
16 November 2014
Calgary: Magical Beauty and the Beast
Visit the Loose Moose website for the complete schedule or to buy tickets.
From Gwyn Auger's Twitter feed:
From Michael Roik's Twitter feed:
From Gwyn Auger's Twitter feed:
@canadasmagic awesome!!! Did you get the info on Beauty and The Beast at @LooseMooser there's magic there too!
— Gwyn Auger (@magicassistant) November 5, 2014
From Michael Roik's Twitter feed:
@magicassistant @canadasmagic @LooseMooser Saturdays at 1:00, Sundays at 1:00 and 3:00 until November 23. See you there!
— MichaelRoik (@MichaelRoik) November 5, 2014
15 November 2014
Markham: David Merry at STEVO fundraiser
What Facebook says about STEVO:
From David Merry's Twitter feed:
The STEVO Foundation is a registered charity in the Province of Ontario whose sole mission is to offer Comfort and Hope to families and individuals that have been affected by cancer.
From David Merry's Twitter feed:
"Performing for STEVO Foundation fundraiser Nov 15 @ 10pm in Markham, for tickets call 289-923-7614"
— David Merry (@davidmerry) November 14, 2014
Niagara Falls: Mega Magic
From Mike D'Urzo's Facebook page:
Super excited to announce that Mega Magic will be returning to Falls Avenue Resort in Casino Niagara from December 21- January 3 with shows at 8:00 pm nightly! Can't wait!
Read more.
14 November 2014
Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries
From Ted Outerbridge's websiste:
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
November 14, 2014 Lawrence O'Brien Arts Centre, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
November 16, 2014 Labrador West Arts and Culture Centre, Labrador City, NL
February 3, 2015 Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, YT
February 4, 2015 Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, YT
February 7, 2015 North Peace Cultural Centre, Fort St. John, BC
February 15, 2015 Lester Centre of the Arts, Prince Rupert, BC
February 21, 2015 The Port Theatre, Nanaimo, BC
February 25, 2015 Roxy Theatre, Neepawa, MB
February 28, 2015 Griffin Park Theatre, Brooks, AB
Randi in the NY Times
A reminder that Randi is scheduled to appear at the Calgary Undergraound Film Festival later this month.
From the New York Times:
The Unbelievable Skepticism of the Amazing Randi
A few minutes before 8 o’clock one Sunday evening last July, around 600 people crowded into the main conference hall of the South Point casino in Las Vegas. After taking their seats on red-velvet upholstered chairs, they chattered noisily as they awaited the start of the Million Dollar Challenge. When Fei Wang, a 32-year-old Chinese salesman, stepped onto the stage, they fell silent. Wang had a shaved head and steel-framed glasses. He wore a polo shirt, denim shorts and socks. He claimed to have a peculiar talent: from his right hand, he could transmit a mysterious force a distance of three feet, unhindered by wood, metal, plastic or cardboard. The energy, he said, could be felt by others as heat, pressure, magnetism or simply “an indescribable change.” Tonight, if he could demonstrate the existence of his ability under scientific test conditions, he stood to win $1 million.
Read more.
13 November 2014
A Q&A with Erin Thomas
Author Erin Thomas kindly agreed to a brief Q&A about her latest book for the 11-14 set, "Forcing the Ace." Read what Erin has to say about The Den, Magic Mike, Justin Flom, Sorcerers Safari and more!
1. Your book portrays magic very authentically. How much time did you spend researching the magic community?
2. How does the performance art of magic differ from any of the other performance arts that you know about? How is it the same?
3. What were the three biggest surprises to you, about the magic community?
4. How did you learn about magic being used for physical rehabilitation? Did you know there's a Toronto based organization, Magicana, that runs a program like that at a children's rehabilitation hospital?
5. Currently, magic is strongly male dominated. I was surprised to see so many magical females represented in your book. Was that a conscious decision? If so, why?
6. Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know? (About you, your research, your books, the limelight series, as examples.)
Thank you Erin for your candid insight into the writing process!
A reminder to enter today to win your copy of Forcing the Ace!
1. Your book portrays magic very authentically. How much time did you spend researching the magic community?
First of all, thank you for the compliment! Of all the books I’ve written, this is probably the one I enjoyed researching the most. That’s lucky, because I had originally pitched a few different ideas to Sarah Harvey, the editor of the Limelights series at Orca. Most of them were for areas of the performing arts where I had at least a little bit of knowledge or experience. And then there was the magic idea. When that one turned out to be her favourite, I knew I was going to be doing a lot of research.
I spent months learning about magic. Many months. I initially met with a friend’s son, who happens to be a magician. He sent me to Browser’s Den magic shop in Toronto, and suggested that I get in touch with “Magic” Mike Segal, who runs a week-long summer camp for young magicians. Both of those turned out to be incredible leads.
I read instructional books about magic and watched a ton of videos and television specials, including those “magic’s secrets revealed” types of shows. I learned how a lot of magic effects are created, but I don’t kid myself that it’s the same thing as being able to actually create the effects—that would take hours upon hours upon hours of practice. I did fumble around with cards a little bit… enough to gain a healthy respect for how hard it is. I also attended a workshop that Justin Flom presented at Browser’s Den and met some of the magicians there.
The best research opportunity was the visit to camp when you and I met, Nicole. It was incredible to have the opportunity to speak to so many young magicians in person and learn what they feel is most important about the art. That was relatively late in my writing timeline, and I remember wishing I could re-imagine the whole book after that. I made some adjustments to the storyline I had, and decided that I’m probably not done writing about magicians—there are so many more stories to tell.
2. How does the performance art of magic differ from any of the other performance arts that you know about? How is it the same?
I think one thing that makes magic special is that it rewards a certain kind of suspension of disbelief. When you see a play or a ballet, you know that you are watching a show unfold… you’re conscious of the artifice. With magic, that’s still the case—we all know that chairs can’t float and cards don’t change colour—but I think there’s a tiny voice inside saying, “Maybe.” The magician and the viewer agree together to pretend that the laws of physics can be suspended, just for a little while. At least, that’s how I prefer to watch magic performed.
Another thing that makes magic special is that it can be enjoyed on so many levels. There’s the element of wonder and the feeling that the world might have possibilities in it beyond the everyday—that’s the first level. On the second level, it’s a puzzle to be solved, if you enjoy that sort of thing. I don’t think I’d want to try too hard to solve it, but sometimes that can be fun. And even when you know how an effect is performed, the third level of enjoyment kicks in, which is just the pure pleasure of watching someone do something well.
Of course, all the performance arts have some things in common. What strikes me most is the extreme amount of dedication and focus required. Even a short performance requires countless hours of learning and practice, whether you’re playing the piano or making one disappear.
3. What were the three biggest surprises to you, about the magic community?
I was most surprised by how welcoming and forthcoming everyone was. There were magicians I reached out to via email, and some I met in person. Nearly without fail, they were all warm, polite, supportive and extremely helpful. Seriously, falling-over-backwards helpful. I wasn’t kidding about wanting to write more about magicians; there just wasn’t room in one small book to use all the story possibilities that people opened up for me, or to do credit to the amount of help they offered. Maybe because of the secrecy associated with the craft, I had expected to meet with more resistance, but that wasn’t the case at all.
One thing I found interesting was the overlap between magic and other crafts. I hadn’t thought of it, but a magician needs to master stagecraft the way an actor does—voice projection, bearing, even character creation. It’s funny, but I never thought about a magician putting on a “persona” for an act. To me as an audience member, they simply were the way they were. It’s silly in retrospect. And then, of course, there’s the storytelling aspect—a performance can be like a short story, in a lot of ways. Some of the best short stories show a character in a moment of change, and create that change for the reader. A magician creates that change moment in the audience. That takes planning, and a rigorous editing process. I got a glimpse at that editing process when I sat in on a performance workshop at the Sorcerers Safari camp.
The third surprise reveals more about my ignorance going into this, I think. I really had no idea that some of the people I met were “big deals” in the magic community until after the fact. They didn’t act like it—they were just these lovely, friendly, down-to-earth people, happy to talk about magic. It was kind of like meeting Margaret Atwood in a bookstore and asking her for reading recommendations without having any idea who she is. I hope I didn’t annoy anybody too much.
4. How did you learn about magic being used for physical rehabilitation? Did you know there's a Toronto based organization, Magicana, that runs a program like that at a children's rehabilitation hospital?
Oh, yikes. I don’t remember who told me about that initially, and I don’t see it in my project notebook right now. I do remember that as soon as I heard about magic being used this way, I loved the idea, and wanted to include it in the book somehow—I thought it was absolutely the perfect thing for someone struggling to re-learn motor skills. I’ve known some people involved in terrible accidents, and so I know how long the road back can be. This just struck me as a wonderful, positive aspect of the magic community, and I wanted to make it part of the story.
I didn’t know about Magicana, but I researched other organizations that run similar programs. It’s wonderful that there’s one right in Toronto.
5. Currently, magic is strongly male dominated. I was surprised to see so many magical females represented in your book. Was that a conscious decision? If so, why?
It was a conscious decision. I wanted to admit in the book that magic is male dominated, but still present some female magicians as characters, to show that to readers as a possibility. I didn’t have room for a huge cast, so the balance probably comes out more female because of that. Partly, it was in response to the fact that Zoe’s backstory, the way she comes to magic, is a bit tragic and atypical. Because of that, I didn’t want hers to be the only ‘female’ story in the book. I gave Donna a more conventional magic backstory—her father was a magician. “Magic families” were something else I learned about by talking to magicians, and I love the idea of the craft being something shared between a parent and a child. Jack and Donna end up on rocky ground later in life, but magic remains their connection point.
6. Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know? (About you, your research, your books, the limelight series, as examples.)
Mostly just that I enjoyed learning more about the magical community, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped, especially the Sorcerers Safari group. Magicians are a fascinating bunch.
Overall, I think the Limelights books do a great job of providing a behind-the-scenes look at the different arts, so I’d recommend them to anyone who’s curious about what goes on backstage.
Thank you Erin for your candid insight into the writing process!
A reminder to enter today to win your copy of Forcing the Ace!
Greg Frewin went Over the Edge!
From Niagara This Week:
From Greg Frewin's Facebook page:
Two Niagara-based organizations are taking fundraising to new heights with the upcoming Over the Edge event.
Set to take place Oct. 17, prominent community members — including Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati, former Olympian Mike Strange and CKTB host Kevin Jack — will rappel 23 storeys down the side of the Marriott Gateway on the Falls.
Read more.
From Greg Frewin's Facebook page:
12 November 2014
An Honest Liar at CUFF
From the Calgary Undergraound Film Festival:
[via Gwyn Auger]
November 21
A biopic of renowned magician James “The Amazing” Randi, AN HONEST LIAR chronicles the magician’s 50-year career, from performing jaw-dropping feats to exposing the simple tricks that have been co-opted by con artists. Featuring interviews with Penn Jillette, Bill Nye, Allice Cooper, “Mythbuster” Adam Savage and more, AN HONEST LIAR reveals Randi’s classic debunkings and explores his rivalry with Uri Geller, famed spoon-bender and psychic.
James “The Amazing” Randi in attendance!
Read more and buy tickets.
[via Gwyn Auger]
11 November 2014
[Guest post] Report on Forcing the Ace
I previously mentioned that I enjoyed Erin Thomas new novel, "Forcing the Ace," from the Orca Limelights series. However, I'm not the target audience (the book is intended for children ages 11 to 14). With that in mind, I found a young reader who agreed to read and give me their feedback on the book.
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as Kidlet.
--
My thoughts on "Forcing the Ace" by Erin Thomas:
What I learned:
In conclusion:
Enter today to win your copy of Forcing the Ace!
Thank you Kidlet for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
--
My thoughts on "Forcing the Ace" by Erin Thomas:
- It was a really good book!
- The synopsis at the back of the book really makes you want to read the book.
- I wish it was longer.
- Some chapters made me want to stop reading and practise magic or learn card tricks.
Favourite things:
- Everyone (boys and girls) can relate to the characters.
- Kids know what it's like to try and get their parents' permission to do things they want to do while trying to keep up with school.
- The accident wasn't as bad as it could have been.
- Injuries were common ground for the two main characters.
- The girl at the hospital with the shaved teddy bear.
- The boy and the girl have to figure out how to work together.
- The book teaches the reader how to deal with difficult people.
- How the main characters ended their routine.
- The line about the advantage of being a female magician.
What I learned:
- Magic can help with physiotherapy.
- Being in a hospital can be boring.
- When you're performing and you make a mistake, it may be hard but you can recover.
- Having fun and connecting with an audience (including things like stage presence and showmanship) can be just as important as technique.
In conclusion:
- It was a really good book!
- I want to read the rest of the Orca Limelights series!
~~~~
Enter today to win your copy of Forcing the Ace!
Thank you Kidlet for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Win a copy of Forcing the Ace
The contest is now closed. The winner was announced at "Winner of Forcing the Ace."
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that a Canadian book had recently been published with a dedication that read, in part, "To the kids at magic camp".
You may remember that a little over a year ago, writer Erin Thomas visited Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Camp. She was doing research for her recently published novel, "Forcing the Ace."
I was generously provided a copy of the book to read. Read it I did -- all in one night! Although the book is intended for children ages 11 to 14, I really enjoyed it. (Say what you will about my smarts or reading ability!)
Here's the teaser from the back cover:
I am impressed with the ease with which Erin writes about the technical aspects of performing. She mentions Tarbell and Erdnase. There's a nicely placed Vernon quote. References to Copperfield, Blaine and Neil Patrick Harris made me smile. The idea that magic can be used to help with physical rehabilitation (much like Magicana's My Magic Hands program at Holland Bloorview), is a nice addition to the story. Some adult magicians could stand to learn one of the performance lessons realized in the novel.
It's not all hard work and sleights for the characters either. There's plenty of pre-teen and teenage drama to keep readers entertained. The bits that are specific to magic, are fairly accurate.
My favourite line in the book is one in which I'm paraphrased. Five hundred points* to the first person who can identify that line.
If there's a young reader in your life who likes magic, this would make a nice gift. (Or perhaps a giveaway to audience members or birthday children.)
Pick-up a copy to see what magic shop influenced Erin, or to see the fictional novel helped along by so many Canadian magicians. On the Acknowledgments page Erin mentions, among others: Tom Ogden, Dana M, Jeff Pinsky, Jen and "Magic" Mike Segal, Lee Asher, Shawn Farquhar, Aaron Fisher, Justin Flom, Bobby Motta, Dan Wiebe, Ali Shelley, Alex Seaman, Chris Mayhew, Rosemary Reid, Quinton, Phil, C.J., Griffin, Charles, Ben, Tyler, Mike, Johnah and Phil H.
CONTEST:
I have been offered a copy of the book, "Forcing the Ace," from the Orca Limelights series (an ongoing series of performing arts novels), to give away to my readers. The winner will receive a hard copy or an e-version of the book (winner's choice).
I will be holding a random draw to determine the winner. (There will be one winner.) The draw results will be posted Wednesday, November the 19th, 2014.
To enter:
The fine print:
With thanks to Amy Collins from Orca Book Publishers for generously making this book available to you!
--
* To borrow a phrase from Drew Carey in "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", the points don't matter.
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that a Canadian book had recently been published with a dedication that read, in part, "To the kids at magic camp".
You may remember that a little over a year ago, writer Erin Thomas visited Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Camp. She was doing research for her recently published novel, "Forcing the Ace."
I was generously provided a copy of the book to read. Read it I did -- all in one night! Although the book is intended for children ages 11 to 14, I really enjoyed it. (Say what you will about my smarts or reading ability!)
Here's the teaser from the back cover:
Sometimes the real magic happens offstage.
Alex wants to enter the Silver Stage magic competition, but he needs a sponsor. Jack, a veteran card wizard, is willing to take on the role, but only if Alex agrees to team up with Zoe, another young magician—and Alex’s rival. Working with Jack and sharing the spotlight with Zoe, Alex comes to see that there are other ways to be a magician besides competing—and that magic is about entertaining people, not fooling them.
I am impressed with the ease with which Erin writes about the technical aspects of performing. She mentions Tarbell and Erdnase. There's a nicely placed Vernon quote. References to Copperfield, Blaine and Neil Patrick Harris made me smile. The idea that magic can be used to help with physical rehabilitation (much like Magicana's My Magic Hands program at Holland Bloorview), is a nice addition to the story. Some adult magicians could stand to learn one of the performance lessons realized in the novel.
It's not all hard work and sleights for the characters either. There's plenty of pre-teen and teenage drama to keep readers entertained. The bits that are specific to magic, are fairly accurate.
My favourite line in the book is one in which I'm paraphrased. Five hundred points* to the first person who can identify that line.
If there's a young reader in your life who likes magic, this would make a nice gift. (Or perhaps a giveaway to audience members or birthday children.)
Pick-up a copy to see what magic shop influenced Erin, or to see the fictional novel helped along by so many Canadian magicians. On the Acknowledgments page Erin mentions, among others: Tom Ogden, Dana M, Jeff Pinsky, Jen and "Magic" Mike Segal, Lee Asher, Shawn Farquhar, Aaron Fisher, Justin Flom, Bobby Motta, Dan Wiebe, Ali Shelley, Alex Seaman, Chris Mayhew, Rosemary Reid, Quinton, Phil, C.J., Griffin, Charles, Ben, Tyler, Mike, Johnah and Phil H.
CONTEST:
I have been offered a copy of the book, "Forcing the Ace," from the Orca Limelights series (an ongoing series of performing arts novels), to give away to my readers. The winner will receive a hard copy or an e-version of the book (winner's choice).
I will be holding a random draw to determine the winner. (There will be one winner.) The draw results will be posted Wednesday, November the 19th, 2014.
To enter:
- Leave a comment on this post, with a piece of advice you'd give to a a young person starting out in a performance art. (You do not need to be a magician to enter the contest.)(Your piece of advice could simply be, "don't stop!")
- Leave your name, along with a way that I may contact you (e-mail address, phone number, website, Twitter handle etc.) so that I can notify you if you win.
- If you win, you must be willing to provide your full name and contact information for me to share with Orca Book publishers.
The fine print:
- To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.
- One entry per person.
- This giveaway is open to Canadian residents. (This contest adheres to the Quebec Sweepstakes Laws dated Nov-01-2014.)
- This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
- If you experience difficulties leaving a comment, you may e-mail it to me for posting. (I am not responsible if your e-mail is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder.)
- You must be able to use the book as offered. (No cash value will be offered.)
- The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.
- Contest closes Tuesday, November the 18th at 11:59pm EST.
With thanks to Amy Collins from Orca Book Publishers for generously making this book available to you!
--
* To borrow a phrase from Drew Carey in "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", the points don't matter.
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