Conjuring for a Cure Virtual Fundraiser

Last night, I got to host Conjuring for a Cure, a virtual fundraiser put on by the Hat & Rabbit Club of Toronto raising money for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

In the end, twenty magicians from age two-and-a-half to age ninety-six teamed up to share magic virtually safely from home. While we were in the middle of planning earlier in the fall, they instituted stricter safety measures (ending indoor dining, limiting gathering size) and everything online is so different, so we didn’t know how things would go and we set a very modest goal of $500.

We ended the evening at over $5,500 and people to continue to see the archived broadcast and donate.

I want to thank all of the magicians who donated their time: Jonah Babins, David Ben, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, Shawn Farquhar, Gerry Frenette, Robert Herd, Lulu Lin, Patrick Nemeth, Marty Papernick, David Peck, Jeff Pinsky, Gordon Precious, Khanya Rubushe, Ari Soroka, Ben Train, Glenn West, “Brookalini” Westfall, Mark Wicken, Andrew Woo.

You can still watch the show for the next ten days here:

And of course donations are still being accepted.

Conjuring for a Cure

This Thursday, I’ll be hosting a an online show raising money for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Fifteen other magicians will be sharing magic virtually from home hoping to make cancer disappear.

We currently accepting donations and have already raised over $800. If you have a moment to make a donation — any amount you think is acceptable — it would be greatly appreciated.

You can bookmark the video below and watch live along with us, Thursday, December 3 at 8PM Eastern.

The show is being put on by the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, a secret club for magicians that’s been around since 1942. We have been meeting online on Zoom since the start of the pandemic and wanted to have a bit of fun this holiday season even though we can’t get together in person.

Bring Magic Home for Thanksgiving

It’s been a very stressful few months, and as we head into the fall, we’ve been hearing about new restrictions about gatherings and getting together. Thanksgiving weekend is coming up and I know that many people across the country will be unable to travel to be with family for the long weekend. So I thought I would do something nice in the virtual space for anyone who is feeling the strain of continued social distancing.

Need a break from cooking this Thanksgiving weekend? Grab a warm drink and get comfortable for a fully inteactive live magic performance on Zoom. 

James Alan is one of Canada's premiere sleight-of-hand magicians. For over three years he starred in the acclaimed show Magic & Martini with over two hundred sold out performances. Now his entire show has been reimagined for virtual, physically distanced world.

Note: Each ticket allows one device to log in to the show. You can purchase multiple tickets to invite family and friends to participate from anywhere in the world.

Sunday, October 11 & Monday October 12
1:00 PM (Eastern)

This year has been stressful for so many of us, being told it's not safe to travel get together with loved ones for the holidays. You can participate with family and friends together at home, or from multiple screens anywhere in the world.

The show is fully interactive. No need to mute your microphone or type in a text window. There is even magic that will happen through the screen at home in your own hands.

The Newest Trick in the MacBook

Last night, I got to participate in a live streamed show put on by the Toronto Magic Company. Since the two hosts of the show happen to be in my 10-person social circle, I was able to sneak over and appear in the show live:

The show is based on their live open-mic magic show, “The Newest Trick in the Book” which was held weekly in Toronto for several years. It offers people a chance to see virtual performances from various magicians ranging from enthusiastic hobbyists to full time professionals. This episode included performances from Denis Kim, Jacque Swan, David Sutherland, Gordon Precious, Wonderphil (Phil Pivnick) and Ryan Brown.

You can watch the full stream above for free!

Free Giveaway: Socially Distanced Magic

For the past several years, the highlight of just about each and every week has always been performing magic in front of a live audience and that’s been taken away. As we work to find creative ways to get together, particularly online, I’ve been getting used to performing for people virtually.

The last few months have been difficult for everyone and some people are feeling the stress from distancing more sharply than others. So with that in mind to give people a chance to connect with friends and family they can’t meet in person, get distracted and have fun, we’re doing a free giveaway. Every week from now until the end of October we’re giving away a free virtual magic show.

The Prize

A forty-five minute interactive magic show on Zoom for up to six households. This is a new format, close-up on camera with brand new material, totally different from the live shows I’ve done in the past.

One name will be selected at random at the end of each week on Sunday night from all of the entries received. (Meaning you do not need to enter again every week and the earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win.)

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Enter the contest:

The Fascinating Fine Print:

Limit of one entry per household. Scheduling subject to availability. Not recommended for children younger than twelve. Viewers who are not wearing pants need to be seated at a desk or table. You’ve spent too much time reading the fine print. Nobody reads the fine print. What’s wrong with you? Stop now before someone notices.

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For more information about a virtual magic performance for friends, family and workgroups, please feel free to contact us.

COVID19 Update

Photo by Tyler Sol Williams

For the moment it looks like we are taking a break from in person live entertainment. But that doesn’t mean the magic has to stop. For everyone who is isolating and social distancing at home, we have put together a virtual magic program using the free video chat software ZOOM to bring the magic to you.

Unlike most live-streamed entertainment, this is a personalized interactive experience just for you and the family and friends you want to invite. No leaving comments or muting your microphone. You get to be part of the magic all the way through.

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Or if you’d just like something to watch and enjoy, here is a full performance of my show, Magic & Martini, filmed with a live audience at Suite 114 in Toronto in November of 2018. We will leave the video up to enjoy as long as social distancing guidelines are in effect.

Produced by Chris Mayhew. Special thanks to Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling) for giving us the idea!