29 September 2017

Vancouver: Randy Charach

From Brown Paper Tickets:
Randy Charach October 14, 2017 (two shows)

Comedian, Magician, Mentalist & Hypnotist... Randy Charach.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness Randy performing live in Vancouver. It's a fast-paced, hilarious and amazing show like no other.

His comedic talents are blended with his unique brand of mind-blowing Mental Magic and Comedy Hypnosis. Lot's (sic) of audience interaction throughout the performance.

Read more and buy tickets.


[via The Magic Demon]

28 September 2017

Vancouver: Tom Stone Lecture

From IBM Ring 92:
Tom Stone will be lecturing for the Vancouver Magic Circle
2:30pm – Sunday, October 1, 2017
Sunrise Community Hall
1950 Windermere Street
Vancouver, BC

Direct from Sweden
Exclusive magic lecture in Canada

Here's some amazing and exciting news for our VMC membership! This coming Sunday, October 1st at 2:30 in the afternoon we will be hosting a lecture by Genii columnist Tom Stone.

He is best known for writing a series of articles and pamphlets about original magical techniques and plots. He co-wrote a book with magician Lennart Green, contributed material to a book by Jason Alford, and has self-published a series of pamphlets as well as an e-book. He is also editor and publisher of various Swedish magic journals such as "Trollkarlen", and "Dr. Faustus Journal".

Read more and buy tickets.

27 September 2017

Shin Lim in the Boston Globe

From the Boston Globe article by Dan Morrell:
Toward the end of magician Shin Lim’s “Dream Act” routine, his hands slowly rise to his head, palms up. Just as the accompanying dramatic orchestral music swells, he opens his mouth, expelling a cloud of smoke and revealing a folded playing card that had been inexplicably moving between both of his hands and his vest pocket.

Fellow magician Don Greenberg watched Lim, then 23, perform this act in July 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of a competition run by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Greenberg had helped organize similar events for the brotherhood in the past, but this time he was there as a spectator. He and his wife, Sharon, were part of a group of more than two dozen audience members and two contest judges gathered in a Hyatt conference room to watch Lim. Greenberg had seen Lim perform in national competitions for years and had always thought he had good hands. But he was struck by this routine — Lim’s precise movements, his intensity, the crescendos of the music. It was cinematic. At the moment that Lim put his hands to his head, released the smoke, and revealed the card, Greenberg looked over at his wife. Her eyes were welling up with tears. Oh, my God, he thought, she’s crying. How the hell did that happen? You don’t expect someone to make your wife tear up with a just deck of cards.

Read more.

26 September 2017

Toronto: Tricks in the Six (Sept 28)

From The Toronto Magic Company Facebook page:

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25 September 2017

Montreal: Soirée Magique au Lockhart Montreal

From the Soirée Magique au Lockhart Montreal Facebook event:

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24 September 2017

Toronto: The Sentimentalists will take mentalism to new heights

From The Sentimentalists' Facebook page:

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23 September 2017

Magical Qualicum Beach fundraiser in the BC Local News

From the BC Local News:
Three magician acts are hoping to make some magic for a new refugee family.

Paul Romhany (a recent arrival to Qualicum Beach) will be headlining a show also featuring Parksville double-act Sandra and Heather McNeill as The Magic of Zanthera, as well as Eric Bedard.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, the four magicians will be performing a 90-minute, all-ages show as a fundraiser for the 2017 Qualicum Refugee Sponsorship Group.

With volunteers having helped to resettle the Johdee refugee family in 2016, this new group aims to do the same for another refugee family.

The group will be required to support a family of up to four for its first year in Canada, meaning Qualicum RSG-17 needs to raise approximately $35,000.

Read more.

22 September 2017

Hamilton: Nicholas Wallace in "Strange and Unusual"

From the "Strange and Unusual" Facebook event:
We all share a common delusion. We believe our world view is based on truth and logic - but whether you admit it or not, we all believe in something strange and unusual.

In this 90 min show, Nick uses story telling and illusions to explore the world of conspiracy theories, superstitions, psychics and all things STRANGE AND UNUSUAL.

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21 September 2017

Toronto: Browser’s Den of Magic Shop 42nd Anniversary Party!

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:
Browser’s Den of Magic Shop
42nd Anniversary Party!

COST TO ATTEND-FREE
DATE: Sunday, November 12, 2017
TIME: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Browser’s Den of Magic

FREE PRIZES * DISCOUNT ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * SANDWICHES * COFFEE * SNACKS * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * BIRTHDAY CAKE
AUCTION BEGINS AT 11AM!

Read more.

20 September 2017

Langley: Murray Hatfield and Bizzaro

From the Facebook page of Norden the Magician:

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19 September 2017

What do you call a group of magicians?

An interesting question posed by James Alan while posting a photo of the attendees of Ring 17's first meeting of the season.

Seriously though, what term do you use to refer to a group of magicians?

I look forward to your answers in the comments below.  (Or email them to me and I'll add them to the comments for everyone's enjoyment!)

From James Alan's Facebook post:





18 September 2017

Calgary: Ryan Pilling's Magic Cabaret

Purchase your tickets at Snap Tix.


From Brent Smith's Facebook page:

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17 September 2017

Toronto: Browser's Bash 2018 ticket sale reminder

Browser's Bash logo 
From the Browser's Den of Magic:
Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept 18th, 2017 - 10 am Sharp!




Talent currently booked for 2018 include:
  • Dick Joiner as emcee,
  • Michael Close (author of the Workers series and other ebooks), and
  • Nicholas Wallace.

Read more and buy tickets!



16 September 2017

Montreal: "Masters of Spectacular: Back2School"

I had the good fortune of meeting young Mr. Caiden Finch at Sorcerers Safari last year.  He's sure to impress!

From Masters of Spectactular:
Cast for September 17th

Host: Mystery Host to be seen at the show
Armand Naftali - Singer
Cam Fleming - Juggler
Geoffrey Applebaum - Sounds & Voices
Leonard Yelle - Comedian
Mike Deslaurier - Magician
Plus special guest magicians Caiden Finch & Garrett Struthers

Read more and buy tickets.


From the Perfect Magic Facebook page:

15 September 2017

Wes Barker: Variety Act of 2017

Congratulations Wes!

From Wes Barker's Facebook page:

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14 September 2017

People of the train: Zach Wells

From the Twitter Feed of Zachary Wells:
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From the Facebook page of VIA Rail Canada:





13 September 2017

Medicine Hat: Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries

 From Tixx Central:
A professionally orchestrated theatrical production with over twenty custom-designed illusions and world-class lighting and set design, Outerbridge, Clockwork Mysteries is a high-energy magical adventure for both adult and family audiences. Recognized as one of the most creative and dynamic shows of its kind, critics have hailed Ted and Marion Outerbridge as “the most successful magicians in Canada” and “champions of magic”.

Outerbridge will be on the Esplanade Main Stage Friday December 8th, 2017
Tickets go on sale for the public on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM MST.


Read more and buy tickets.

12 September 2017

Toronto: Alfredo Marchese (Magic Alan) lecture

From IBM Ring 17:
To accommodate travel schedules, our October Lecture will be in the Last Week of September! (Because we ALL need more Spanish magic in our lives.)

Alfredo Marchese from Spain

When: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 7:00 PM

Where: Fairview Public Library (35 Fairview Mall Drive – map)

Admission: FREE for Members ($20 for guests – tickets at the door)

Travelling all the way from Spain, Alfredo Marchese, or as he is often known on stage, Magic Alan, will present “A Different Lecture” based on 35 years experience as a professional performer. Those familiar with the famous “Spanish School of Magic” know that they have a well-earned reputation for taking card tricks and turning them into deeply deceptive, emotionally powerful card miracles. Even better is the way in which they generously offer to explain all the thinking and obsessing over details that went into it.


Read more and buy tickets.

Montreal: Alfredo Marchese (Magic Alan) lecture

From Montreal Magic Jam:
Wed Sept 27 at 7pm

Argentinian magician Alfredo Marchese (known simply as Magic Alan) has been a professional for over 35 years, working all kinds of environments and traveling all over the world.

A student of the maestro Juan Tamariz, he performs in most of Tamariz’s theatre shows performing a wide variety of material from the spirit cabinet to the Chinese linking rings.

His lecture for us will focus on what he calls “Vertical Card Magic” that can be close-up, in parlour and on the stage, including other visual props and a wide variety of effects (not just your standard pick-a-card tricks).

Of course all this with a combination of clever modern methods. And of course as a student of Tamariz, it wouldn’t be complete with explanations of the psychology behind the tricks and magic performance in general based on his personal experience and of course the work of Tamariz and Ascanio, with am emphasis on these main points
-EFFECT
-EMOTION
-SURPRISE
-SITUATIONAL COMEDY
-VARIETY

Perhaps a relative unknown in our part of the world, he is well-respected throughout Spain and his native South America . Roberto Giobbi, Dani DaOrtiz and Juan Tamariz all sing his praises, and that’s enough to make any magician sit up and pay attention to what he has to say.

Read more and buy tickets.



11 September 2017

Vancouver: "SEASONS: A Magical Musical"

From Rod Chow's post in the Vancouver Magic Circle, IBM Ring #92 Facebook page:

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10 September 2017

Broken wand: Bruce Fricker

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  Bruce Fricker from Kitchener, Ontario.

From Life News:
FRICKER, Bruce Passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at St. Mary's General Hospital, Kitchener, at age 64. Beloved husband of Linda for 28 years. Loved father of Jordan and fiancée Tina, Alysia, Melissa, and Sidney. Dear son of Marion and the late R. Bruce Fricker; brother of Donelda Fricker. He is also fondly remembered by his mother-in-law Gilda Stante, in-laws Marie (Eldon) and Donald (Diane), nephews Matthew, Joseph, and Nicholas and many friends. Bruce was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He performed under the name "Magic by Zachary".

Read more.

08 September 2017

Toronto: Amazing Johnathan and Anastasia Synn

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:
We are very excited to let you know that Anastasia Synn and the Amazing Jonathan will be at 'Browser's Den of Magic' for a FREE Meet & Greet on: Saturday, September 16 from 2pm to about 4pm.

Whether you are a friend of Anastia & Jonathan or not, they want you to know that all are welcome to attend. You can bring photos to sign if you wish too.

Read more.


From The Amazing Johnathan's Facebook event:

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07 September 2017

The Magician James Randi on the Importance of Skepticism

From Holy Koolaid's YouTube channel:
James Randi, the legendary magician, skeptic, and paranormal debunker talks about the importance of scientific skepticism and how his work as a magician has shaped the way he views the world. James "The Amazing Randi" has spent decades in show business as a magician, but as a psychic investigator and debunker of the paranormal, Randi stresses the fact that it's all an artful deception and not supernatural at all - earning him the nickname "An Honest Liar." In this interview, James Randi discusses his work as a magician and the importance of being skeptical.








06 September 2017

Matt Johnson's UK tour

From Matt Johnson's Facebook page:

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05 September 2017

Toronto: The Newest Trick in the Book

From the Toronto Magic Company's Facebook page:

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Montreal: Jörg Alexander lecture

From the Montreal Magic Jam:
Tuesday Sept 5th

Jörg Alexander is one of Germany’s busiest magicians, and a member of the world famous Flicking Fingers. As a full-time professional since 1994, he has performed and lectured in Germany, England, Spain, Argentina, USA, France, Finland, Austria and Switzerland.

As a FISM competitor he won awards for his performances in the categories of close-up card magic, and mentalism.

He is the creator of Sympathetic Ten and Fantastic Aces, both commercially available, best-selling items from his working repertoire.

His lecture covers both parlor and close-up magic, and also delves into performance theory, discussing the topics of direction of attention, intrinsic actions, and routine construction and development.

Read more and buy tickets.

04 September 2017

Rounding the Western rings in September 2017

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


CityClubEvent(s)
Calgary, ABRing 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)- TBA.
Edmonton, ABEdmonton Magic Club- TBA.
Winnipeg, MBThe Magic Club of Winnipeg- TBA.
Fraser Valley, BCIBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)- Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BCRing 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)- TBA.
Vancouver, BCSAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)- TBA.
Victoria, BCRing 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)  - TBA.


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

Rounding the Central rings in September 2017

Updated September 11th to add:
  • Ring 17 (Toronto) will host a lecture by Alfredo Marchese in addition to the one by Jörg Alexander


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


Montreal, QCRing 62 (20th Century Ring)- Stage workers.
- Sunday brunch.
- Instagram Tuesday
Hamilton, ONRing 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club)- Current and past executive perform.
London, ONRing 265 (London Magician's Guild)- Easy but good.
Kitchener, ONRing 235 (The Caesar Hat & Wand Magic Circle)- Ryan Joyce lecture.
Ottawa, ONRing 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians)- TBA.
Ottawa, ONOttawa / Gatineau magicians- Jörg Alexander lecture.
Toronto, ONRing 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club)- Jörg Alexander lecture.
 (Note location change.)
- Alfredo Marchese lecture.


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

Rounding the Eastern rings in September 2017

Does anybody have current information to share about the Magic Circle of St. John?

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



Halifax, NSRing 316 (Conjourer's Court) - Jörg Alexander lecture.
- Visit their Facebook page
St. John, NBMagic Circle of St. John- TBA


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

[Guest post] The "Magicians Support Fund" by IBM

The following is from Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring:
 Hello fellow magicians:

    There likely will be magicians in the very-active world of magic in Houston, Texas and throughout the Gulf Coast, who will need all the help they can get in coming weeks and months. Since the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and the resulting floods was still taking place as the September issue of The Linking Ring was going to press, I had the idea of asking I.B.M. members — and other magicians — to give to the Magicians Support Fund, anticipating those needs. I was able to get a request for funds in that issue.

    The Magicians Support Fund was started almost exactly twelve years ago, in response to another natural disaster — Hurricane Katrina, in 2005. The late Phil Wilmarth, then editor of The Linking Ring; Past I.B.M. International President Michael Stratman (2002-03); and then-IBM President Roger Miller, got the idea of an independent fund to help fellow magicians in need.

    Indeed, the fund did help a number of magicians who suffered in various ways from Katrina, and has continued to help other magicians since then. The fund is not an official activity of the I.B.M., and magicians do not need to be an I.B.M. member to benefit from it. “This is a magicians-helping-magicians fund,” said Stratman, who continues as chairman of the committee.

    At this time the Fund is not tax-deductible (although it may become so if someone volunteers to take it over and do the paperwork). Requests for help can come directly from a magician, or can come from someone who knows of a need. The committee will consider every request.

    “Right now we need donations to build up the fund,” says Stratman. “We can’t give it away if we don’t have it. Magicians are a generous lot, and now is the time to show it.” Please send check donations — and requests for help — to:

Mike Stratman
Magicians Support Fund
126 Coyatee Circle, Louden, TN 37774.

    Contact Stratman at mikestrat4 @ aol . com for more information.




03 September 2017

McCord’s Camp ABRACADABRA

From Joe Culpepper:
It’s not the magician who teaches the children. It’s the children who teach the magician.

I had a great time working with the McCord Museum’s education team to teach over 100 different mini-Montrealers how to perform magic onstage this summer as part of their ABRACADABRA camps.* This series of week-long summer camps was inspired by the ILLUSIONS exhibition. The exhibition contains beautiful chromolithograph posters from the Allan Slaight collection acquired with help from the Emmanuelle Gattuso Foundation. Each week, the ABRACADABRA kids took a tour of this magnificent collection as part of their discovery of Montreal’s entertainment history. They then worked with me and their camp counselors (Skippy, Scala, Echo, Stein and Marc-André) to learn a new effect or two each day as preparation for their “Grand Spectacle” at the end of the week. As part of preparing for this big show for their friends and family, they learned fine motor skills, creative brainstorming techniques, performance vocabulary, public speaking skills and how to interact with audience members onstage.
Read more.

02 September 2017

Thank you to our September 2017 Friends!

Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, and The Outerbridges, for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.


You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

01 September 2017

Thank you to our September 2017 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!



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.



31 August 2017

Toronto: Save the date for 'Browser's Magic Bash 2018'

From the Browser's Den of Magic's Newsletter:
Dear Magic Friend,

We hope that you and family have had a happy and fun summer.

As we approach September we are very excited to tell you about two important dates.

The date of the 'Browser's Magic Bash 2018' is: SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018.

Tickets go on sale for the Bash on: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 at 10:00am.

As in past years you will be able to purchase tickets on the Bash website or if you prefer by phone with a Visa or MasterCard. The price of the tickets will be the same as Bash 2017.

As always everyone involved with the Bash thanks you for your wonderful support of this day.

Read more.


Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:
This upcoming Saturday, September 2nd will be our next Magic Club Meeting.

The club meets at Browser's Den from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. All are welcome.

Thank you-The Browser's Den Team.
Serving Magicians Since 1975

Top 5 posts in August 2017

Of all the posts at Canada's Magic this month, here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days:


5. Random thoughts from "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out." - If you get a chance to see Michael Close lecture, do it!
4. McCord Museum: Magic, music, and dance - Sounds like a wonderful day!
3. Broken wand: Eugene Burger - Another bright light gone dark too soon.
2. Canadians remember Eugene Burger - Keeping the memories vibrant.

and the most viewed post this month  ...





1. [Guest post] Random thoughts about "UNBELIEVABLE! A Magical Experience" - I've been fortunate to see both Murray and Shawn perform a number of times.  I'm not surprised the show is reported to be amazing!  With thanks to The Magic Demon.

30 August 2017

Champions of Magic: North American Tour dates

From Champions of Magic:
Direct from a hit season in London’s West End, the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions Of Magic team return for a spectacular night of mystery that’ll keep you guessing for a long time to come. With over 20 million online views between them, and sold out shows on their 2014, 2015 and 2016 tours, the cast includes international award winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen around the world, and on TV in the UK appearing on ITV’s ‘Next Great Magician’ and ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’.

With over 20 million online views between them, Champions Of Magic includes a cast of Britain’s top magicians. International award winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions, their skills have been seen around the world on TV with appearances on ITV’s ‘Next Great Magician’, ITV/The CW’s ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’, CNN’s ‘A Quest For Magic’ and NBC’s ‘Caught On Camera With Nick Cannon’.
Canadian dates include:
NOVEMBER 2017
  • Friday 3rd: REGINA, SK (Canada) - Casino Regina - Tel 1-800-555-3189
  • Saturday 4th: WINNIPEG, MB (Canada) - Pantages Playhouse - Tel (204)-989-2889
Read more and buy tickets.

29 August 2017

Qualicum Beach: Spectacular Magic Fundraiser

Sunday October 1st. Paul Romhany, Eric Bedard, and The Magic of Zanthera.  Now with silent auction.

From Eric Bedard's Facebook page:

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28 August 2017

Richmond: Murray SawChuck

Murray SawChuck, is coming to River Rock Show Theatre on Friday, October 27, 2017. 

From Ticketmaster:
Murray SawChuck, one of the most sought after viral magicians with over 500 million online views, is coming to River Rock Show Theatre on Friday, October 27, 2017. Hailing from Burnaby, BC, Murray is returning to his hometown for one show only. Murray made his mark as a household name when he exploded onto the entertainment scene after his successful run as a semi-finalist on NBC-TV’s “America’s Got Talent.” He impressed judges by producing a Ferrari car from thin air, transforming a girl locked in a cage into a 450 pound tiger and did the largest trick ever on the show by vanishing an entire steam train locomotive in mere seconds.

Read more and buy tickets.


26 August 2017

Jean-Pierre Parent in the Montreal Times

Congratulations to  Jean-Pierre Parent!

From the Montreal Times:
Montreal Magician Jean-Pierre Parent – In the spirits of Montreal’s 375th anniversary making waves for the metropolis within the four corners of the globe, we can be proud of our people of Quebec, especially those who stand out with art and/or entrepreneurship! Montreal’s very own Jean-Pierre Parent Magician Comedian is a 4th season winner of the prestigious Penn and Teller: Fool Us contest that aired last Thursday, August 17th.

Read more.


Watch on Jean-Pierre Parent's YouTube channel:








25 August 2017

[Guest post] Random thoughts about "UNBELIEVABLE! A Magical Experience"

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon. 

--
"UNBELIEVABLE! A Magical Experience"

Running nightly at 7:30 pm in the Pacific Coliseum at the PNE in Vancouver, BC until September 4th. Free with admission.  [The PNE is closed on Monday, Aug. 28th.]

Random Thoughts For Canada's Magic
by The Magic Demon



It's UNBELIEVABLE... that a whole year has gone by since the first edition of Unbelievable! debuted in 2016.

It's UNBELIEVABLE... how fast the 90 minute coliseum-size magical extravaganza whizzed by.

It's UNBELIEVABLE... again how good it was.

Performance viewed on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017.

Murray Hatfield and Teresa have returned to the annual summer PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) with their second incarnation of Unbelievable! - a  magical phantasmagoria of illusion, pyrotechnics, music and sheer wonder.

Joining them on stage are American magicians Chipper Lowell and Danny Cole and Canada's own Shawn Farquhar - all performing at the top of their games, combining unique energies to synthesize an evening's worth of spectacular visual entertainment.

I don't propose to review the show element by element  but I would like to refer to a few hastily scribbled notes and mention a few memorable highlights.

Murray and Teresa  - first and foremost and as always, magnificent performers, classy and compelling to watch. I love all their often fire-enhanced big box illusions. At one point they featured three big box illusions at once on stage (which must be some kind of world record!) Later they also did a show-stopping, breathtaking up to date version of "Metamorphosis." I've not seen it done in person since Doug Henning and his version for me was the one to beat. I think I can honestly say that they have finally done so. I was also truly impressed by Murray's innovative and suspense-filled variation of an effect familiar to some of us. I won't give away which one -- but when I saw it I marveled at his sheer brilliant audacity for turning such a classic close up effect into a coliseum-sized miracle. Murray, I salute you!



Chipper Lowell. What does one say about such a comedic phenomenon? He quickly won the audience over with his outrageous antics. We were soon laughing at all his seemingly spontaneous frenetic presentations. His very verbal style is ideally suited to such a massive forum (seating 10,000 at full capacity). It is hard to describe -- it's very "over the top" and somewhat "camp" but extremely focused even when it looks like he's made a mistake. (Hint: He doesn't.) It's hard to combine magic and outright comedy. To make it also look so easy and effortless as Lowell does is the mark of a real pro.

Another impressive talent is American Danny Cole. His silent act (done to the pounding beat of contemporary Latin dance music) assisted by his graceful wife, borders on the poetic. His suits change colour, his ties take on a life of their own, coat hangers behave most mysteriously, chairs defy gravity, CDs multiply, appear and disappear. Throughout these visual impossibilities appearing right before our eyes (and magnified by the two huge screens to each side of the stage) Cole remains the epitome of stylish, sophisticated elegance. This is a magician's magician.

For me, perhaps the most enjoyable moments of the evening were courtesy Canada's own Shawn Farquhar. His opening effects performed from the audience directly to the cameras were stunning card manipulations done to cleverly mirror the lyrics of an accompanying song. The audience loved it. But where he really excelled were his interactions with audience members. His version of "Topsy Turvy" bottles was a genuine delight because of his interaction with his audience volunteer. And it was his "Dancing Hankerchief" routine with a cute little five year old girl picked from the audience to assist him that so won everyone's hearts and unconditional appreciation. You could tell his volunteers really liked him and trusted him and the audience picked up on that. It was an invaluable lesson for all performers.

TIP: Bring earplugs unless you want to go partially deaf early in life. The music is loud.

I said it last year and I see no reason not to repeat myself again this year. Good advice is good advice!  If you are in or near Vancouver run (do not walk) to the PNE and see "Unbelievable! A Magical Experience." You will not regret it.

Congratulations to Murray and Teresa for masterminding another outstanding success.
 

 ~~~~


Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

24 August 2017

ET Canada: Property Brothers talk acting and magic

From ET Canada:
“I went to Vancouver to pursue that, and I was taking acting courses, networking and doing all the things I had to do to make sure that I was being seen,” he continues. “In the end, that experience was really important because it created the buzz for our first auditions, which got us on TV and made it worth it.”

Jonathan, on the other hand, was pursuing his dream of being a magician, but a miscreant crushed that hope. His props and equipment were stolen, effectively putting the twin out of business. Nevertheless, he learned an important lesson that day.

Read more and watch videos.

23 August 2017

For those of you going through magic camp withdrawal

Some of you out there may feel like there's someplace you should be, or should have been a week or so ago.  You may have an inexplicable need to find your way to Haliburton, Ontario.  Or you could just be experiencing the emptiness of Sorcerers Safari magic camp withdrawal.

For you, I present Camp TV 2.  The last of the Sorcerers Safari videos.  This one, created by Chris Mayhew, has highlights from last summer (2016) as well as previous years.


Watch Camp TV 2 on the Sorcerers Safari YouTube channel:

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I think there's something in my eye ...



22 August 2017

Penn Jillette apologizes to the people of Newfoundland

Penn Jillette's grandfather came from the Conception Bay North area of Newfoundland.


From the CBC:
"I apologize to people of my favorite place, Newfoundland, and my family for screwing up on Real Time," he tweeted. "May I apologize without apologizing or mitigating to the people of Newfoundland. I was wrong. Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong."
Read more.

21 August 2017

Magic at the 2017 CNE

See Majinx, from The Ex:
In the last century Canada has produced several award winning magicians including Doug Henning, The Amazing Randy, Dia Vernon and even Kreskin.   Master magicians Professor Wick and Beatrix Beckoncall aka, MAJINX, will reintroduce these icons of magic to a new generation of audience while showcasing some of the incredible feats of wonder that made them famous.  Spectacular illusions and thrilling escapes make for an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family.

Now come and watch the wonders of MAJINX as they dazzle your senses with impossible feats of illusion with their new show MAJINX's Tribute to the Magic of Canada!

Read more.



See Double Vision, from The Ex:
Identical twins and magicians, Double Vision will wow and amaze you with their one-of-a-kind magic show! For the past twenty seven years Double Vision has performed across North America with special appearances for the Prime Minister at his official residence in Ottawa, the Magic Castle, in the heart of Hollywood, California and at numerous corporate events.

Packed with comedy, magic, illusions and sleight of hand, Double Vision is sure to delight visitors at Busker's Corner Daily at the CNE. Come on out and become a part of Twinstory!
 
Read more.




20 August 2017

Murray Hatfield in The Georgia Straight

From The Georgia Straight:
Murray Hatfield’s career trajectory was set back at his childhood home in Calgary, when he saw a 13-year-old magician perform at his younger brother’s birthday party.

“Well, I’m in my 50s now, and I still haven’t had a real job,” the Victoria-based magician tells the Straight over the phone.

Starting this week, Hatfield is producing and performing in Unbelievable! A Magical Experience, with nightly shows at the PNE’s Pacific Coliseum. He’ll be joined on-stage by colleagues Chipper Lowell, Shawn Farquhar, and Danny Cole—as well as his wife, Teresa, Hatfield’s on-stage partner and creative collaborator.

Read more.

[via The Magic Demon]

19 August 2017

McCord Museum mentioned in Blouin Artinfo

From Blouin Artinfo:
“Illusions – The Art of Magic” an exhibition featuring the art of illusions is on view at McCord Museum, Québec.

The selection of works on display features magic show posters not exhibited before. These posters date back to the 1880s till 1930s. The exhibit consists of 71 chromolithographs and wood engravings few of them in large formats and highlights some of the most popular faces of the period such as Herrmann, Kellar, Chung Ling Soo, Thurston, and Houdini. The exhibit draws from the Allan Slaight Collection, acquired by the museum in 2015.  ‘Illusions – The Art of Magic’ looks at the Golden Age of Magic by creating an immersive and spell binding environment through sights, sounds, and colors.

Read more.

18 August 2017

Camilo Dominguez at the Edmonton Fringe Festival

From the CBC:
Magician Camilo Dominguez travelled from Vancouver to perform in his second Edmonton Fringe Festival.

His magic show debuts on Saturday in Venue 8, the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre. It's called "The Art of Magic."

He'll do card tricks with a camera and projector so that everyone in the audience can see, and then move on to bigger illusions like making things fly.

"It's a show where I do most of the old illusions that the magicians used to do. It's the kind of magic that I grew up watching so I'm going to pay a tribute to the old magicians in my show," said Dominguez.

Read more and watch video.

17 August 2017

Owen Sound: Now with Michael Weber

Earlier this summer, we shared the news about a workshop retreat Michael Close is hosting with special guest Jason England.  Those in attendance at "Magic Theory, or Magic Fact? Let's Find Out." earlier this week at the Browser's Den of Magic heard Michael hint that he was hoping to add another special guest to the roster.

It's official!


From Michael Close's Twitter feed:



From Michael Close:
You are cordially invited to join Michael Close and Jason England on October 17-20, 2017, for a unique workshop in the beautiful cottage country of northern Ontario (Owen Sound, ON). You’ll be away from the physical and mental noise of the city, but you won’t be roughing it; the accommodations are luxurious.

You’ll fly into Toronto on Monday, October 16, Tuesday morning you'll be bused to beautiful Owen Sound, ON where you will spend most of Tuesday, all day Wednesday, and all day Thursday talking magic and receiving personalized instruction from two of the most knowledgeable magicians on the planet. You'll return to your hotel in Toronto on Friday, and fly home on Saturday.

Read more and register!

16 August 2017

Winnipeg: Piff the Magic Dragon

Thursday Aug 17th - Sunday Aug 20th

From Piff the Magic Dragon's Facebook page:

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