HERE'S HOW YOU CAN SEE MAGIC!

BELLEVILLE • Marantha Church Auditorium • Wed, Oct 26, 2011 • 7:00pm BUY TICKETS

HAMILTON • Mohawk College Auditorium • Thurs, Oct 27, 2011 • 7:00pm BUY TICKETS

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HERE'S HOW YOU CAN LEARN MAGIC!

MAGIC SHOPS

Browsers Den of Magic (Toronto, ON)
Morrissey's Magic (Toronto, ON)
Kind of Magic (Kitchener, ON)

MAGIC ORGANIZATIONS

Canadian Association of Magicians
International Brotherhood of Magician
Society of American Magicians

MAGIC WEEK EXCLUSIVE!!!!
DOWNLOAD FREE TRICKS FROM RYAN JOYCE MAGIC ACTIVITY

MEDIA RELEASE

Halloween has treats; but it’s not the ‘trickiest’ holiday in October.

October is filled with celebrations.  It’s obvious that Thanksgiving is the celebration of eating too much, Oktoberfest is the celebration of drinking too much and Halloween is the celebration of, cavities.

But hiding in the wings is a holiday filled with such deception and secrets it’s awarded an entire week.

October 25 to 31 is National Magic Week inspired by the anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death on Halloween Day 1926.  The name Houdini is synonymous with magic; but one magician is pulling back the curtain on a little known secret.

“Houdini’s legacy remains the biggest misconception in entertainment history” says Ryan Joyce, an internationally acclaimed expert in illusion who has toured the world with his magic.  “Even 85 years after his death, Houdini is recognized as the most famous magician in the world, but there is one major problem.  Houdini didn’t perform magic.  Houdini escaped handcuffs and straight jackets.  He wasn’t a magician at all.”

While Houdini may not have been a magician; Joyce does recognize the similarity. “Magicians, escape artists and variety entertainers tend to get ‘chained’ in the same category.  Houdini may not have performed magic, but he’s done more for the art than anyone in history.”

The Society of American Magicians has been honouring the famed escape artist for over forty years by proclaiming the national holiday in Canada and USA.

So how does a professional magician celebrate National Magic Week?

“I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” Joyce jokes.  “We have scheduled live shows just for the occasion and for those looking to learn magic, I’ve posted some great resources on my website www.ryanjoyce.com.”

Joyce is bringing his show to Belleville on October 26 and Hamilton on October 27.  Both shows are proudly presented in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada and tickets and information are available on his website www.ryanjoyce.com

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Ryan Joyce is one of the most acclaimed illusionists in Canada.  During his career he has vanished a full sized firetruck, levitated a 3 tonne SUV, made over 100 politicians vanish into thin air and raised over 2 million dollars for Canadian charities.  In 2011 he predicted the winning act’s name to the anticipated 2012 premiere of Canada’s Got Talent.
Contact: Ryan Joyce email: ryan@theatrix.ca Website: www.ryanjoyce.com

HISTORY OF MAGIC WEEK
(From The Society of American Magicians)

"NATIONAL MAGIC WEEK" PROCLAIMED
BY SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS
October 25 to 31

New York- September 15, 2011 - Vinny Grosso, National President of the Society of American Magicians, proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31 as National Magic Week throughout the United States and Canada. For more than forty years the Society has recognized the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special "week" of events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout the year.

Magic Week History

Houdini died at 1:26 PM on October 31 in 1926 and was president of the Society for the previous nine years. His grave is
in New York City. Click the image at the left to view the gravesite.

During the year the members of the S.A.M. perform for Senior Citizens in nursing homes, plus in VA Hospitals and for schools and libraries for children who cannot afford the luxury of live entertainment. The free shows are part of the service programs by its members. Magic Week is when the magicians can take their bows. Public magic events and exhibits will be taking place all over the country.

Each year governors, mayors and other governing bodies throughout the country are requested to issue proclamations declaring the last week in October as National Magic Week, encouraging magicians throughout the country to participate in the activities.

The Society of American Magicians adopted the idea of National Magic Week as a way of promoting the Art of Magic by performing shows at orphanages, hospitals and nursing homes for those who would have difficulty getting to a theatre to see a live performance. The members of the Society of American Magicians that participate in these shows find it a rewarding activity. Many people enjoy magic shows during this week that otherwise would not be able to do so.

The roots of National Magic Week go back over 80 years. Before there was a National Magic Week there was a National Magic Day. It all started with a "Houdini Day" in the summer of 1927, less than one year from the death of Harry Houdini. A trophy in honor of Houdini, who served as the President of the Society of American Magicians for nine years until his death on October 31, 1926, was presented by Mrs. Harry Houdini in New York City.

Alaska's 2010 Proclamation of Magic Week. Click the image to enlarge.

There were many other "Houdini Days" following, but it was not until 1938 that Les Sholty, a Chicago member of the Society of American Magicians, sought official sanction for a "Houdini Day." A friend of the Houdini's requested and obtained permission from Mrs. Houdini to proclaim October 31 as National Magic Day in honor of Harry Houdini. The plan was formulated at that time to have free performances for shut-ins and handicapped people.

Many newspapers carried the story about National Magic Day and various magical societies kept the idea alive. It was not long when National Magic Day became National Magic Week.

The first radio broadcast about National Magic Day occurred over radio station KQW on July 20, 1938. Mrs. Harry Houdini participated in that broadcast.

Magic displays can be found at libraries, stores and malls throughout the country during National Magic Week.