The Sentimentalists - Canadian Rising Stars

Wanted to take a moment to congratulate The Sentimentalists, who were recently awarded The Allan Slaight Award for Canadian Rising Star(s). The awards recognize outstanding achievements in pursuit of the impossible, named for the Canadian media mogul and philanthropist (and magic nut) Allan Slaight.

Steffi Kay & Mysterion - The Sentimentalists (Photo by Ahmed Alexander)

In 2016, shortly after they began performing together, they appeared as guests on Magic Tonight. Earlier this year, I penned a profile of them which appeared as the cover story of Vanish Magazine.

I can’t buy them a drink at the present moment, so this post will have to do for now!

Magic Tonight at the Social Capital

Coming up September 14, we’re having a Magic Tonight revival!

For three years (2013-16) I had the pleasure of hosting a weekly show in downtown Toronto (and occasionally in Mississauga, Oakville and Pickering). It was a wonderful collaborative endeavour where each show featured a different guest and it gave me the ability to work with a wide variety of different performers; from magicians, to mentalists to unusual sideshow performers; from seasoned world travelling professionals to novices finding their footing on stage. While there are currently other opportunities we do sometimes get together to share some magic and mystery for old times’ sake.

This time we’re back, sponsored by the Soul City Social Club at the Social Capital Theatre (Danforth & DVP) for one night with two of my favourite guests from the show; both dear friends and wonderful performers.

Nicholas Wallace

A magician that conjures with the thoughts of his audience, he plays with luck, strange conspiracies and occasionally talking to the dead. Recently featured on America's Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Nick Wallace may seem sweet and innocent, but he is the devil; pure evil wrapped in Mr. Rogers' sweater. Come and see one of Ontario's foremost purveyors of astonishment.

Ben Train

Ben Train is like a magician, but for real... whatever that means. He has performed across Canada, the US and Europe. Locally he is a feature performer at Dave & Busters where he presents his show Weirdo, he is also the host and producer of the acclaimed Art of Magic.

So please come and join us for an amazing night of fun and magic. Tickets are available below.

 

A Secret Magic Party

Last night at NightOwl in downtown Toronto, a group of magicians hosted a super secret invitation only magic show... which they then blabbed about because magicians are far worse at keeping secrets than you might think. 

A newly minted magic company, aptly named Toronto Magic Company, helmed by Jonah Babbins and Ben Train (who has made many appearances on this blog) wants to carve out a space for young and aspiring performers to share their magic with a broader live audience. It's much in the same vein that Magic Tonight was for nearly three years and Friday Night Magic was before that.

I was asked if I would get really dressed up and do just one trick along with a group of eight magicians for a standing room only crowd. Here are some photos from the party provided by Eli Green. For discerning viewers: Yes, that is supposed to be Justin Bieber. For slightly more discerning viewers: Yes, that is a roasted chicken... Magicians are weird.

Magic Tonight Returns

After a very long hiatus, I'm delighted to announce a special instalment of Magic Tonight. 

What eventually, after more name changes than a reasonable human could be expected to keep track of, became known as James Alan's Magic Tonight was a show that ran in downtown Toronto for twenty-eight months. It was a variety show. A long list of friends and colleagues (and the occasional special guest from out of town) would perform with me, creating a show that was never quite exactly the same from one week to the next. And when magicians get together, we really have a lot of fun!

The show has been on hiatus for about a year. Our last performance was February, 2016 — almost exactly one year ago. During that break, I've been busy with other projects, including my new show, Magic & Martini. Now, by special arrangement with the Soul City Social Club and the Social Capital Theatre, we're back teaming up for one more night of magic, Saturday, June 17, 2017.

I'll be joined by James Harrison, Canada's foremost theatrical pickpocket, and the delightfully charming and indescribably zany Rob Testa (a man who possesses no setting between off and eleven.)

The Social Capital Theatre
154 Danforth (@ Broadview)

7:30 PM - Doors Open
8:00 PM - Showtime

Tickets $20

 

Powered by Eventbrite