The first part of 2023

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 ...has been a good one, magically speaking.

January is usually the toughest month of the year for magicians. The Christmas rush is over, no one is booking corporate shows, and most people don't want to go out in the cold to watch magic shows anyway.

Of course there are exceptions.

I am a January baby and I always like to celebrate my birthday by doing a charity magic show. This year, we chose a local autism charity (my son is on the spectrum) and I am so happy that so many people in the small town where I live braved the frosty temperatures to come out and see some illusions. And how happy I was that the Fraternité donated the money I paid to rent their hall right back to the charity. 


About the only bad thing that happened that night was that I severely over-estimated how much birthday cake I would need to feed the masses. I ordered a FULL SLAB from the grocery store when a quarter slab would have absolutely been big enough. No matter. The family and my workmates got to feast on chocolate cake for the month, so there's always a silver lining.



 

In February, I had the wonderful privilege of traveling back to Sault Ste. Marie for the second time to perform my magic at the Bonsoo, which is Sault Ste. Marie's winter carnival. When I went the first time (before COVID) they had me do three stage shows at the city's famous bushplane museum. This time around, they had me do strolling magic at the family Snow Ball, but I also had an opportunity to do some stage stuff as well.

 

I know I look awfully green here. And I left my trademark hat at home.

 

Also in February, I attended my third convention of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, which is a great place for entertainers like me to talk to the organizers of various county fairs. There are about 200 county fairs in the province every year and I am so grateful that some of them bring me in to perform for their patrons.

Anyway, I enjoyed visiting my fellow performers


and doing close-up magic in the hospitality suites



Which brings us to March. I am so thankful that I was able to do a two-week school tour in my native Calgary. I do a number of mental health-themed magic shows and they have become quite popular over the years. Here is a nice note that the administration of a local school gave me after my performance.


I have been remiss in updating this blog. Sorry for that. I will try to do better.


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