Canada's Magic

ICYMI: Dean Gunnarson presented with FISM Lifetime Achievement Award

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:06:00 +0000

Congratulations Dean!

From the November 7th Facebook post by Dean Gunnarson:

Last night at the opening Gala of the Magic Festival I am performing at in China , I was presented with a life time achievement Award , “The World’s Greatest Living Escape Artist “. It was presented by the President of FISM Domenico Dante .
Read more.

Toronto: Savio Joseph in residency at Room 56 [Nov 20 - 21]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 05:08:00 +0000

ICYMI, Lawrence Badanai interviewed Savio in this October 15th article "In a world of instant answers, Savio Joseph makes room for wonder" at YourThunderbay.ca. From the article:

Joseph is now thinking about another change in how people encounter magic: the growing ability to ask AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for explanations.

He expects AI systems could make methods more accessible by drawing on information already available online. But he also believes that pressure could encourage performers to innovate, much as televised exposure of illusions has challenged magicians in the past.

Some creators, he suggested, may respond by sharing new material through private groups or in-person teaching, keeping it out of widely accessible digital collections.

That possibility echoes an older way of passing on the craft.
Read more.

From the November 4th Instagram post by Savio Joseph:

Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 at Hotel X Toronto. Two shows a night, 7:00 and 9:30.
Read more.

For more information and tickets, visit TheRoom56.com.

Broken wand: Clive Court

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 05:02:00 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Clive Court earlier this year.

Clive's impressive career took him from England to Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and lucky for us, Canada! Some notable professional highlights include:

Performed in London's West End as a teenager.
"One of the best known magicians on Australian television." -- TV Week
Wrote and cast "A History of Mystery," the first hour-long TV magic special produced in Australasia.
Produced the TV magic special, "The Vanishing Art," shown on PBS.
Approached by Gene Gordon, to give his first lecture in Buffalo.
Developed the concept of the Canadian Telefilm Broadcast Fund.
Helped to develop Canada's first degree program in Public Relations. In 2014 he was inducted as a Life Member of the Canadian Public Relations Society.

Clive was a strong supporter of magic in Canada. Back in 2007, Clive acted as a media liaison to help get the news out about the Vancouver Magic Circle's Nicholas Chow. You may remember seeing his full page ads in "Northern Peeks," the publication by our friends at the Canadian Association of Magicians. Clive was also one of the earliest sponsors of this blog.

Read more about Clive's fascinating history at The Way Back Machine's archives of his "Funslinger" website. It covers his time in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada.

Our sincere condolences to Clive's family and friends.

Scanterbury: Magician & the Muse [Nov 6]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 05:04:00 +0000

From Eventbrite:

Get ready for an unforgettable night at South Beach Casino with the amazing duo, Sean Watson and Chanelle Munroe! Experience the magic and mystery live as these two amazing performers bring their unique blend of illusion and charm to the stage.
Read more and buy tickets.

Found at the October 30th Instagram post by Magician and the Muse.

Thank you to our November 2026 sponsors!

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:08:00 +0000

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:

Clive Court - Life Member, Canadian Public Relations Society,
Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others, and
Toronto's IBM Ring 17, the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club

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.

Vernon: Leif David [Nov 14]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 05:08:00 +0000

From the November 2nd Facebook post by Leif David:

Nov 14 at 2:00pm 🪄 $18
🪄 Vernon District Performing Arts Centre
Read more and buy tickets.

AbraCanada 2027 registration is OPEN!

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 05:05:00 +0000

From the October 31st Instagram post by AbraCanadaMagic:

Magically Hip
Read more and watch the most Canadian and possibly the best magic convention announcement ever.

Chicago: Billy Hsueh at The Hand & The Eye [Nov 3 - 8]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:02:00 +0000

From the October 9th Instagram post by Billy Hsueh:

I’m coming back and am excited to be performing at @thehandandtheeye next week!
Read more.

Breaking news: Dean Gunnarson plans escape to honour 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death [Oct 31]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 20:16:24 +0000

From the October 30th Facebook post by Dean Gunnarson:

World’s Most Daring Escape Artist Dean Gunnarson to Attempt Death-Defying Escape on 100th Anniversary of Harry Houdini’s Death

WINNIPEG, MB — October 30, 2026 — At exactly 1:26 p.m. on October 31, 2026—the
precise minute world-famous escape artist Harry Houdini passed away 100 years
prior—world-renowned escape artist Dean Gunnarson will attempt a sensational escape
in honour of the legendary magician's legacy.
Read more.

Calgary: Wit & Wizardry presents The Suitcase of Wonders [Nov 20 - 21]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 04:04:00 +0000

Tickets, with early bird pricing before Nov 7, at WitAndWizardry.com

From the Wit & Wizardry presents The Suitcase of Wonders Facebook event:

Wit & Wizardry puts magic in the spotlight. Now in its fourth season creating unique shows, the wonders never cease! Our next show is a cozy cabaret experience, presenting a big show in a small theatre where every guest can keep a close eye on the show and still not believe any of it.
Read more.

Previously shared on Facebook October 28.

Niagara Falls: Darcy Oake [Feb 27 - 28, 2027]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 04:01:00 +0000

From FallsviewCasinoResort.com:

Blending precision sleight of hand with large-scale illusions, Darcy creates performances that feel less like traditional magic and more like immersive theatre. His work is rooted in classical technique but elevated through modern staging, storytelling, and striking visual design.
Read more and buy tickets.

Previously shared on Instagram October 27.

Saint John: Nathaniel Rankin – ASTONISHMENT [Nov 7]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 04:09:00 +0000

From Eventbrite:

The magic that has captivated audiences around the world is coming home! Experience Canadian Champion Nathaniel Rankin live.

Experience ASTONISHMENT with Nathaniel Rankin!
On Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM, Canadian Champion of Magic Nathaniel Rankin brings his acclaimed show ASTONISHMENT to Lily Lake Pavilion for an unforgettable night of magic, mind reading, comedy and extraordinary circus artistry.
Read more and buy tickets.

Found at the October 27 Facebook post by Bernard Cormier.

ICYMI: Gabriella Lester on Jeopardy

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:09:00 +0000

From the October 24th Facebook post by Gabriella Lester:

Check out the magic category… featuring my favorite clue about Shawn Farquhar🙂
Read more.

Previously shared on Facebook October 23.

Toronto: Dan Harlan show, lecture, and workshop [Nov 17 - 19]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 04:03:00 +0000

From the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club (Ring 17) website:

Dan Harlan show - Nov 17

An Evening with Dan Harlan

First, experience Dan where his magic is meant to be seen. In front of a live audience.

This will be an intimate evening of astonishing, inventive and wonderfully entertaining magic from a performer who has spent a lifetime turning ordinary objects and everyday moments into something impossible.

Open to the public

Read more and buy tickets.
Dan Harlan lecture - Nov 18
Lecture for Magicians

On Wednesday evening, Dan shifts from performer to teacher.

Known as one of the most creative minds in modern magic, Dan brings an enormous depth of experience to both the creation and performance of magic. Expect strong practical material, clever methods and, perhaps most importantly, the thinking behind what makes an effect connect with an audience.

Read more.
Dan Harlan workshop - Nov 19

Director’s Cut: Take Your Magic to the Next Level

What if you could have one of magic's most creative minds take a fresh look at your favourite routine and help make it even better?

In this unique, highly interactive workshop, legendary magician, creator and teacher Dan Harlan invites each participant to bring one prepared piece of magic to perform for him.

Drawing on more than four decades of experience, Dan will offer personalized feedback, creative insights and practical suggestions to help refine everything from technique and timing to presentation, structure and audience engagement.

Think of it as having your own personal magic director — someone who can help you see new possibilities in a routine you thought you already knew inside and out.

Read more and buy tickets.

Victoria: Abraca-Dinner Fundraiser [Nov 13]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:02:00 +0000

From the October 22nd Instagram post by Murray Hatfield:

Don't miss a night of good food, great magic and a ton of fun - with AbracaDinner - A Magical Dinner Show for an Adult Audience. Featuring some of Vancouver Island's finest comedy magicians.
Read more and buy tickets.

Calgary's Masters of Magic in the Calgary Herald

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 04:02:00 +0000

Back in September, we posted about the show "Houdini's Legacy -- Calgary's Masters of Magic." On Tuesday, it was covered in the Calgary Herald!

From the October 20th article "Calgary magicians to honour one of the greatest" by Louis B. Hobson at the Calgary Herald:

[Dayle] Krall is the only woman in the world currently performing Houdini’s Water Cell Escape in the original upside-down position. Her repertoire also includes the Milk Can, the canvas straightjacket and The Cube.

Krall is joined in this Houdini tribute by such Calgary magicians as Paul Alberstat, Michael Berends, James Jordan, Ryan Pilling, Malcolm Russell, Richard Sherry, Yeats Wong and Amilee Hagon.
Read more.

For tickets and more information visit TheGrandYYC.ca/houdini.

With thanks to Yeatland Wong and Ryan Pilling for letting us know!

Calgary: REGALIA -- A Magic & Variety Show [Nov 22 & Dec 20]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:09:00 +0000

Updated October 31st, submitted by Chris Wonder:

Regalia is Calgary's first true magic and variety show in over a decade at the historic Bank and Baron PUB, Calgary's old vaulted bank.
The show is produced by the Royal Canadian Entertainment Company, created by Chris Wonder - The Prince of Entertainment - and showcases Calgary's biggest upcoming talents, including Circus and Comedy juggler Jason Circus, and Magician Lok Holmes!
As a special little gift, use code EARLYANDROYAL from November 1-10 to get an early bird discount and save up to 30 dollars on our best seats!

A new monthly show in Calgary!

Tickets for the Nov 22nd show at Eventbrite.

From The Royal Canadian Entertainment Company website:

REGALIA
Monthly at the Bank and Baron P.U.B.

With:
Chris Wonder - The Prince of Entertainment,
Lok Holmes - The Count of Chaos, and
Jason Circus - Alberta Juggling King of Comedy

Read more and buy tickets.

With thanks to Gwyn Auger for letting us know!

Port Perry: Phenomina -- Uncorked [Oct 23]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:05:00 +0000

Tickets at Eventbrite.

From the October 19th Instagram post by Ian Batterbury:

This Friday, October 23rd! Come to the beautiful Ocala Winery to experience this hit comedy mentalism show that’s been touring Ontario for the last year.
Read more.

Previously shared on Facebook October 19.

Quebec City: Sherlock, Dracula, & la Séance [Oct 24, 30 - 31, & Nov 14]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:08:00 +0000

For more information and to buy tickets to Sherlock, Dracula, & la Séance, visit Pierre Hamon's site at mentaliste.ca.

You can also see Pierre at The Magic Table.

Found at the October 16th Facebook post by Renne-Claude Auclair.

Previously shared on Facebook October 16.

Wainwright: Le Grand Cirque [Oct 24]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:03:00 +0000

From the October 14th Instagram post by Chris Gowen:

We're bringing something extraordinary to the stage at Le Grand Cirque on October 24! Magician Chris Gowen will be joining us for an evening of incredible illusions, clever tricks, and plenty of "How did he DO that?!" moments.
Read more and buy tickets.

Vancouver: Magic Show Fundraiser for Ta-Da! Magic Learning Experience [Nov 14]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 04:02:00 +0000

From Eventbrite:

The show will be emceed by Rob Teszka, President of the Fraser Valley Magic Company, who will perform his trademark charming and irreverent magic. When he’s not on tour, Rob produces and hosts the Parlour Magic Show, Vancouver’s very own long-running magic variety show.
Rob will be joined by magicians Jeff Christensen, Christopher Taylor, David Moses, and Mark (Marco) Scivier.
Read more and buy tickets.

Thank you to our personal sponsors for October 2026!

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:07:00 +0000

40% off yearly sponsorship rates
for a limited time only!
click for details

A quick reminder of our earlier Mail as Medicine request for Katie Hunt. If you have the time, Katie and Doug would both benefit from hearing from their friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Joan Caesar, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, Doug Hunt, John Smithman, Peter Mennie, Noah Nogueira, Cam Dix, Ian Batterbury, Eric Bedard, Sonny Patel, and the Toronto Magic Company 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.

Regina: Tricks and Treats [Oct 25]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 04:07:00 +0000

From Government House - SK:

🦸 Dress up in your Halloween costumes and head to Government House for an afternoon of free, family fun!
🍬 Trick or treat throughout the many rooms within the former home of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, restored to its 1905 charm.
🪄 Enjoy a family friendly Halloween magic show featuring one of Saskatchewan’s best family magic acts, Danny Kazam!
Read more.

Found at the September 29th Facebook post by Government House - Saskatchewan.

Kelowna: Family Brunch & Magic Show with Leif David at The Grand [Oct 18]

noreply@blogger.com (Canada's Magic) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 04:05:00 +0000

From Eventbrite:

Join us for a magical brunch filled with fun, laughter, and delicious food! Leif David, an internationally award-winning magician with over 30 years of experience, will dazzle you with his incredible close-up and stage magic. Known for his family-friendly performances, Leif's show is packed with clean comedy and tons of audience participation, making volunteers the stars of the show!

Read more and buy tickets.

Canada's Magic

ICYMI: Dean Gunnarson presented with FISM Lifetime Achievement Award

Toronto: Savio Joseph in residency at Room 56 [Nov 20 - 21]

Broken wand: Clive Court

Scanterbury: Magician & the Muse [Nov 6]

Thank you to our November 2026 sponsors!

Vernon: Leif David [Nov 14]

AbraCanada 2027 registration is OPEN!

Chicago: Billy Hsueh at The Hand & The Eye [Nov 3 - 8]

Top 5 posts in October 2026

Breaking news: Dean Gunnarson plans escape to honour 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death [Oct 31]

Calgary: Wit & Wizardry presents The Suitcase of Wonders [Nov 20 - 21]

Niagara Falls: Darcy Oake [Feb 27 - 28, 2027]

Saint John: Nathaniel Rankin – ASTONISHMENT [Nov 7]

ICYMI: Gabriella Lester on Jeopardy

Toronto: Dan Harlan show, lecture, and workshop [Nov 17 - 19]

Victoria: Abraca-Dinner Fundraiser [Nov 13]

Calgary's Masters of Magic in the Calgary Herald

Calgary: REGALIA -- A Magic & Variety Show [Nov 22 & Dec 20]

Port Perry: Phenomina -- Uncorked [Oct 23]

Quebec City: Sherlock, Dracula, & la Séance [Oct 24, 30 - 31, & Nov 14]

Wainwright: Le Grand Cirque [Oct 24]

Vancouver: Magic Show Fundraiser for Ta-Da! Magic Learning Experience [Nov 14]

Thank you to our personal sponsors for October 2026!

Regina: Tricks and Treats [Oct 25]

Kelowna: Family Brunch & Magic Show with Leif David at The Grand [Oct 18]