Great article!

I stumbled across a great article by Mike Ferguson with interesting observations about magicians. You can check it out right now on his blog here.

Cheers,

KB

Abracadabaret Friday November 19th in Toronto

Are you located in Toronto? Join me along with my two friends Jeff Hinchliffe and James Alan for an evening of magic.

Abracadabaret (formerly Friday Night Magic) is returning to a new venue on Friday, November 19, 2010. Details and directions are available at www.abracadabaret.com. The young performers who are too clever for their own good include Jeff Hinchliffe (Past president of Ring 99), Keith Brown (from London, ON) and James Alan (organizer of Abracadabaret).

Date: Friday, November 19, 2010
Venue: Chalkers - 274 Marlee Ave, Toronto
Time: 8:00pm
Price: $10.00

Tickets available online or at the door.

Check out Chalker's menu, or click here for directions

Abracadabaret has been around Toronto under various names and locations for over 7 years and is organized by James Alan.

Jeff Hinchliffe is currently on lecture tour in the United States.

So grab and friend and join me Friday, November 19th at Chalkers for an evening filled with mystery. I hope to see you there.

- Keith

MAKE BELIEVE Premieres at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival

On Friday, September 17th, I met up with my Sorcerer's Safari family to see Make Believe's international premiere at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. Two of cast memebers, Bill Koch and Derek McKee have attended Sorcerer's Safari - it was great to see them again. Make Believe is a documentary that follows six of the world's best young magicians as they content for the title of World Magic Seminar's Teen World Champion, a Las Vegas based competition. This coming of age voyage submerges viewers into the subculture of magic; a placed filled with the imagination, dedication, persistence, sacrifice and dreams of oddballs. 

Check out the Make Believe Trailer:

Watch an interview with J. Clay Tweel and Steven Klein, the director and producer of Make Believe at the Los Angeles Film Festival:




Here's the Question and Answer session after the screening at the LightBox:



Hear what people are saying about Make Believe:



In order of appearance:

Michael Kras
Lee Asher
Steven Klein - Producer
J. Clay Tweel - Director


Afterwards, we headed down the street to the Elephant & Castle for the after party. We jammed, had food and drinks, told stories and just hung out. But I couldn't stay long because I had to head back to London for two shows the next day.

I really enjoyed the movie. The cinematography is exceptional. You are transported from the snow covered streets of Littleton, Colorado to the vast mountain vistas of Japan. The story is so compelling and engaging, to be able to see these artist attain their dreams is magic in itself. Make Believe resonated with me deeply because I could connect with ever single character. It wasn't just a movie, but an experience that left me motivated and inspired to continually become greater. If you're an aspiring, young magician - even if you're not - I highly recommend you see this film.

A busy month

The last month has been super busy. After producing four shows at the Arts Project, I decided to finish off the summer by producing my one man show Feats of Mystery at the Spriet Family Theatre.  Click here to read a review about the show.

An interesting prediction...

Some attendees after the show

Two days later, I was a guest, along with the Mayor of London - Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, on London Tonight with Jeff Leeson. This was my first ever appearance on television and overall it was a great experience. Warning: this footage is from a late night talk show intended for an adult audience. Viewers discretion is advised. Watch my segment right now http://bit.ly/9WP49t  It's episode 4, part 5.


After the filming, I headed straight for Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp - Canada's Premier Magic Camp. Yes, you did read that correctly - magic camp. Such a place exists, and not only is it the closest thing to Hogwarts, but this was my fifth year and I got to be a counsellor. Ever since my first year as a camper in 2006, I have always wanted to be a counsellor. I wanted to be able to give a similar opportunity to other young and aspiring magicians; an opportunity I was given my first year. It's somewhere where magicians of any age, gendre and ability can congregate in order to improve. Read more about camp in my interview with the Beat Magazine

Leave me a comment and tell me what YOU think.

Be sure to
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DISHing with Donald about Feats of Mystery!

The show is one week away! If you have yet to get your name on the guest list, contact the Fringe Box Office today: Call 519-434-0606.

Donald D'Haene is an established writer and the theatre editor for The Beat Magazine, and it was my pleasure to DISH with him. Click here read the interview or copy and paste the address in your browser:

http://beatmagazine.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=738:dishing-with-keith-brown&catid=36:article&Itemid=53

Leave a comment and let me know what you think. I look forward to seeing you at the show!

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FEATS OF MYSTERY - Friday, August 27th

After putting on my show four times at the beginning of July, I decided that before summer ends I would remount it ONE LAST TIME. So...

On Friday, August 27th you’re invited to an evening of magic and mind reading with Keith Brown. This is not your typical series of tricks but rather the fusion of mystery, wonder and imagination in an intimate and interactive theatre setting. Feats of Mystery begins at 8PM at the Spriet Family Theatre located at 130 King st, on the Mezzanine level of the Covent Garden Market. The Spriet seats 96 - so space is limited! Admission is $15 in advance, $18 at the door and available through the Fringe Box Office at 519-434-0606.

I will have two special guests to kick off the show. Justin Pak and Sahil Gopal will be playing wonderful acoustic tunes on the guitar. Both are students at Sir Frederick Banting SS and have mad chops!

Born and raised in London, Ontario Keith has shared his amazing magic with audiences in Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, the United States, Belgium, the Czech Republic and even on a boat sailing the Mediterranean. For the last six years, Keith has kept himself busy performing at private parties, bars, restaurants, weddings as well as charity and corporate functions. Prepare to be engaged in extraordinary feats of magic unlike anything you have ever experienced. Keith uses everyday objects to produce miracles up close and personal, which provides entertainment revolving around you – the audience.

“As a performer I strongly believe in participatory entertainment: magic, you as an audience help create, magic that happens to you rather than at you. What unfolds depends entirely on who is in the seats (that’s you!) and the choices you make, creating a different and unique experience at each performance. “ – Keith Brown

What does Beat Magazine think about the show? Click to enlarge photo:

To be a part of a unique, unbelievable and magical experience, reserve your spot on the guest list today by calling the Fringe Box Office at 519-434-0606.

Keith

Ps. Two days later, on Sunday August 29th, come to the Arts Project at 8PM for the LIVE TV TAPING of London Tonight with Jeff Leeson. For more information click here

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London Tonight with Jeff Leeson

What's going on everyone? I mentioned I had some news for you, so here it is:





On Sunday August 29th, I will be a guest along with the Mayor of London, Anne Marie DeCicco, on London Tonight with Jeff Lesson: London's ONLY Late Night Talk Show!

The LIVE TV TAPING is at the Arts Project (203 Dundas) Sunday August 29th at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.


For tickets call 519-777-8402 or email ezzfadel@live.ca


ONLY 100 people permitted in the studio audience. So gets your tickets while you can, come out and show the love.


The episode will air the following Sunday (September 5th) at 11pm on Rogers TV London - Channel 13.


Keith

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August

What up fam?

I have two things in the works for this August that I am very excited about. They aren't final yet, but when they are I will update you all know. Expect updates soon!

Keith

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Feats of Mystery - Photos and Review

Hey Everyone,

I would like to thank everyone who came out and caught the shows, without you there would be no show. I would also like to thank the Arts Project for being a great venue and their wonderful staff, Lars Classington from London Tonight with Jeff Leeson for emceeing, Ellen Denny & Rosemary Reid for running lights, my family who put in endless hours, and everyone who supported me and helped make this possible.

Check out the Feats of Mystery's review in Beat Magazine, click on the photo to enlarge:

Now, here are photos from Feats of Mystery at 7 PM on Saturday, July 3rd. Photos were taken by my good friend Dan McLean Jr, who came all the way from Toronto to catch the show.

Keith

Last chance...

Hey Everyone,

Thank you to everyone who came out last night and packed the house. Tonight will be your last chance to catch my one man show at the Arts Project. Performances are at 7 & 9 PM. http://www.artsproject.ca/theatre/keith_brown2010/keith_brown2010.shtml

Here's what people are saying about yesterday's performance, click the photo to see it full sized.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Keith

Mysterious Feats: THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY July 2nd & 3rd

Hey Everyone,

Just a reminder that the show is THIS Friday and Saturday, July 2nd & 3rd. You can catch the show at 7 or 9 PM. The show is highly interactive allowing you (yes YOU!) to help create your own entertainment. Please join me at The Arts Project, 203 Dundas - in between Richmond and Clarence, for an evening of mystery. For more info: http://www.artsproject.ca/theatre/keith_brown2010/keith_brown2010.shtml

Also check out 106.9's Bill Paul interview me for half on hour on Str

aight Talk about my upcoming show:

http://soundcloud.com/keith-brown-magic/keith-brown-on-straight-talk-with-bill-paul

I wanted to share with you the article in the London Free Press in the Today/Entertainment section about my upcoming show. Reserve your 'hot ticket' before they're gone.

Photo Credit: Leena Shoemaker

Magic and Mind Reading - July 2nd & 3rd

You’re invited to an evening of magic and mind reading with Keith Brown. This is not your typical series of tricks but rather the fusion of mystery, wonder and imagination in an intimate and interactive theatre setting.

Over July 2^nd & 3^rd, there will be four performances, two each day at 7 & 9 PM, at the Arts Project located at 203 Dundas St. London, Ontario. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The Arts Project only seats 100 people so get your tickets before they’re gone.

Born and raised in London, Ontario Keith has shared his amazing magic with audiences in Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, the United States, Belgium, the Czech Republic and even on a boat sailing the Mediterranean. For the last six years, Keith has kept himself busy performing at private parties, bars, restaurants, weddings as well as charity and corporate functions. Prepare to be engaged in extraordinary feats of magic unlike anything you have ever experienced. Keith uses everyday objects to produce miracles up close and personal, which provides entertainment revolving around you – the audience.

“As a performer I strongly believe in participatory entertainment: magic, you as an audience help create, magic that happens to you rather than at you. What unfolds depends entirely on who is in the seats (that’s you!) and the choices you make, creating a different and unique experience at each performance. “ – Keith Brown

To be a part of a unique, unbelievable and magical experience, call the Arts Project or contact Keith Brown directly.

The Arts Project

519-642-2767

www.artsproject.ca

Keith Brown

519-902-3527

keith@keithbrown.name

www.keithbrown.name

You're Invited...

Help Wes Laporte and SHOWCASE

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Help Wes Laporte and SHOWCASE

On March 26th, 2010 join me as I perform at a charity dinner to help Wes Laporte in his battle against Leukemia. Wes, an 18 year old from Belle River Ontario, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Wes' has a chance to receive a newly-developed treatment in the United States. With no out-of-country insurance and struggling to make ends meets, the Laporte family is reaching out to the community to help fund this essential treatment.

To help Wes with his battle against Leukemia, I will be performing at St. Simon and St. Jude Parish Hall March 26th, 2010 to help raise money. The event starts at 4:30 pm and runs until 8pm. I will be performing at 5pm and followed by a pasta dinner. St. Simon and St. Jude Parish Hall is located at 267 Meunier Street in Belle River, Ontario. Tickets are $15 per adult, $8 per youth (ages 6-12), and free for those under 6.

Bracelets to show that you support Wes Laporte are also being sold. Bracelets are sold for a minimum donation of $3 and available at the event.

Every little bit counts, so invite your friends, family, anyone and come join me on March 26th to help Wes Laporte.

For more information on Wes and to donate, please click here.

The same weekend, on March 28th, the University of Windsor's School of Dramatic Art is hosting SHOWCASE. Showcase is a variety show, put on and performed by students. Showcase will be held at the Studio Theatre in The Jackman Dramatic Art Building on the campus of the University of Windsor. Doors open at 6pm and tickets are only $2!

If you have any inquiries, or would like to purchase tickets please contact me at keith@keithbrown.name

I hope to see you there!

California!

On the 12th to the 20th I will in California in Santa Clarita and LA area. If anyone's in the area at the time, give me a shout. This is my second visit to California. Last year I went for 8 days in March. I was continually out doing things. I performed at a private dinner party for the organizers of the Duff Shaw Classic Golf Tournament, named in memory of a Los Angeles golf course superintendent who passed away in 1994 from a brain tumour.

I was fortunate enough to see John Carney perform his one man show Carney's Wonders and even speak with him after the show to sign his book 2 books: Carneycopedia and the Book of Secrets. John is an extraordinary and talented magician, winning more awards from Hollywood's world famous Magic Castle in their entire history. Sometimes he performs as his alter ego, Mr. Mysto. John studied under the greatest magician in the last century Dai Vernon.

I got to spend a day work shopping on my stand up show with Tony Clark. He trained under master magicians Slydini and Canadian, Doug Henning. Awarded World Class Stage Champion by the Society of American Magicians, Tony continues to perform and produce shows around the world. After working on my act for the day, we visited the prestigious Magic Castle to catch some shows and poke around. The castle was featuring Spanish performers that week and we saw a multitude of great acts, from quick-change artists to hilarious emcees. Hopefully I will get to make a second pilgrimage to the castle this trip.

Later in the week, I got to spend time with a dear friend and mentor, Aaron Fisher. Aaron is one of the world's contemporary contributor's to magic, with his book The Paper Engine: Tension, Focus and Design in Card Magic as well as through his lecture series. He got into magic in his teens and studied theatre at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. During that time Aaron was in the perfect breeding ground for magic and hung around magic legends including: Larry Jennings, Michael Skinner and Johnny Thompson, The Great Tomsoni. Aaron I got to hang out and catch up on each other as well as discuss magic. This is normally what magicians calling 'jamming' where we show each other what we've been working on. Each magician has different influences, reads different books and has their own style; in collaborating with each other new innovative magic can be created. I hope to see Aaron after his recent return from his lecture tour in Spain!

I met Aaron in 2006 at Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp, Canada's premier magic camp. I have been returning ever since and have been a counselor in training for the last two years in a row. Sorcercer's Safari's mission is to instill an appreciation for and promote the art of magic through professional instruction and diverse performances. Their mission also includes helping our young magicians hone their craft to achieve the next level while having fun. Sorcerers Safari provides participants with the opportunity to meet and work with people throughout the magic community, including notable magicians like Lee Asher, Daniel Garcia, Jason Dean, and Aaron Fisher among others. Going to camp every summer has been a monumental contributor to my magic. I wish to return every year to continue learning and with the hopes to give to another camper what was given to me.

I also got to sit in on a taping of NBC's animated TV series Curious George with its star Frank Welker, an American voice actor. Frank started his career with commercials when he was at college. It was during this time he created his stand up comedy act. Frank is better known as Santa's Little Helper from the Simpsons, Freddy and Scooby-do. I got to hang out with Frank for a day and talk about show business as he practiced noises and impressions all day.

Last year was an amazing trip and I am looking forward to this year being the same!

World Juniors!

Over the holidays I attended the 2010 World Juniors of Hockey held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This is the second time I've got to go to the tournament and it's always an amazing experience. The 50/50 at each game made it well over $100,000. The hockey was great and so was the immense amount of team spirit and pride for team Canada. During the tournament I had the opportunity to perform for former NHLer Jim Peplinski, co-captain of the Calgary Flames when they won the Stanley Cup in 1989. I also made it in the Windsor Star upon returning to Windsor after I performed for Taylor Hall, Ryan Ellis and Adam Henrique.