(Blog post about my prior involvement here. Fun video of me from the event here.)
Well, after a 2 year Covid-19 hiatus, the OWOW returns with a schedule which again thoughtfully includes a family matinee. I’m not part of the line-up this time but that’s OK, it’s going to be a great show for families.
This matinee show will run about an hour; just about right length for families with kids. Afterwards it’ll still be daylight. Plenty of time to explore Fergus, Ontario, see the Elora Gorge and enjoy the fall colours.
A great autumn road trip possibility for the family. Ticket info here.
BTW, the OWOW Magic Festival activities are part of a larger Centre Wellington Township event called Monster Month which features ghost walks, a costume parade and other ♫ spooooky ♫ community events.
Always a delight when you learn the birthday mom has left a review. “Worth every penny…” — Google, you can share these any time you like! After a birthday party magic show this past weekend the birthday girl’s magical mom kindly did just that. It’s now part of my Google business listing but sharing here:
“We had Owen join us for my daughters 10th birthday party. He was amazing! The kids and adults had a blast. He was entertaining and patient, as some of the kids were late to the party and he accommodated. Worth every penny, the laughter and joy was priceless. Thank you for helping make special memories!“
S. Mendoza Hamilton, ON
Incidentally, this birthday party & magic show was held in the Churchill Park Clubhouse. It’s a lovely city owned rental space in the west end. You can find out more about this and other city owned recreation facility locations here.
Flipped through an old magic book the other night, The Phoenix, V. 1, a bound collection of newsletters produced by Walter B. Gibson and Bruce Elliott, and found this clipping stuck between pages. Magic legend Harry Blackstone, Sr., and Walter B. Gibson, visiting with the Hamilton Magic Club.
Meet-up was Oct. 1/47, Spectator page date noted as Oct. 8/47 on other side.
Harry Blackstone Sr., roughly speaking the David Copperfield of his time, was in Hamilton for a performance. Blackstone was likely performing at The Capitol Theatre (formerly known as Loews) or possibly The Palace Theatre (formerly known as Pantages) or, less probably, The Century Theatre (previously The Lyric) or maybe The Savoy Theatre (which was built on the site of the long gone Star Theatre way back when). OK, OK, just showing off a bit, don’t get me started on the smaller rooms!
Gibson was a prolific author, magician and most famously creator of The Shadow, a wildly popular radio crime drama from 1937-1954. Elliott was no slouch himself with several magic books to his credit; all with a place on my magic bookshelf.
I remember getting “The Bird” (as it was affectionately called in the biz) at a magic auction for not too many clams way-back-when. Guessing I’m its third owner over these many years.
Never met Elliott, Gibson or Blackstone but many many years ago I did meet Inez Blackstone, Harry’s first wife. Had a sweet chat with her at a magic convention. She would have been in her early 90s at the time.
And speaking of being in their 90s… The young man at left in the above photo, Gordon Precious, is as keen about magic today in his late 90s as he was at the time of this photo 75 years ago. Proof? Here’s a video I shot of him performing at his 90th birthday party hosted by the Toronto Magic Club. His exuberance obvious in every frame!
Proud to have him as magical friend and mentor since I was a kid magician myself.
The other night I received this lovely message through my website contact form:
“This is just a hello. I was tidying and came across your business card from 1995 (of course no website or email address) when you entertained our 6 year old daughter and her friends. We have a picture of her as a rabbit coming out of a hat and a slightly younger you holding the image. Fond memories, thank you”
J.V.
These random hellos are always a treat. I’ve had them at the mall or in restaurants but this one, from about 27 years ago, takes the time-travel gold medal! Performers often like to say their show will create memories that will last a lifetime. I don’t go in for such clichés but I’m always delighted to have helped a tiny bit.
Sent a quick reply back and next day J.V., the birthday kid’s dad, sent a photo. Still have that tie tucked away somewhere but the coat is looooong gone!
Still offer this fun photo opportunity at parties!
I managed to present a live birthday show, with proper social distancing, days before the latest lockdown began. Felt good to be in front of a live bunch of kids, challenges notwithstanding. Got this lovely email from mom shortly afterwards. A real ego boost and then, kindly, she added it to my Google reviews too. Sweet!
“Thank you for being so reliable and professional, the kids had so much fun and they will have amazing memories. Also thank you for bearing the cold so bravely, I wish we did not have all the guidelines according to the indoor/outdoor gathering, it would have been less challenging. I’ll highly recommend you!“
Owen Anderson Magician 