Today is ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’ – so here goes… “Now where is my burned copy of Harry Potter? Oh there it is – right next to my ipod full of stolen music!” … gee .. that was fun …
Today is ‘International Talk Like a Pir
September 19, 2011
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Norden wins 2011 Children’s Magician of the year!
September 17, 2011Norden has done it again! On July 30th Norden was awarded the title of Children’s Magician of the Year for 2011 while doing a public performance at Lougheed Town Centre in Coquitlam, BC. While attending the Canadian Association of Magician’s annual convention, he performed with 10 other talented magician from all over – including the world renowed Silly Billy from New York City!
After the judges scores came in, Norden was the winner. This make it six (6) titles in a row from 2006 – 2011 for Children’s Entertainment. Three from the Pacific Coast Assocaition of Magician and 3 from the Vancouver Magic Circle.
We are very honored to recieve this title and we will continue to bring the best in children’s magic to YOUR party and keep improving the show for years to come! We thank all our clients and friends who came out to watch and look forward to brining the award winning act to your event soon!
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Magic Kingdom – Mike Norden in the news!
April 10, 2010Reporter Amy Steele looks at life as a professional
Norden the Magician
magician.
Amy Steele, The Times
Published: Friday, April 09, 2010
Mike Norden’s two Chihuahuas are named after famous magicians, Carter the Great and Alexander the Man Who Knows, and he got married on Houdini’s birthday. Those are just a couple indications of how central magic is to Norden’s life. The Maple Ridge resident has been making a living at it for the past five years, predominantly as a children’s magician.
He describes himself as a “late bloomer” who didn’t get into magic until he was 24. During a trip to Disneyland he decided to spend a day in a magic shop. At the end of the day he’d bought a magic kit and was hooked.
He started doing magic for his nieces and nephews and one of them told a teacher they had an uncle who was a magician. He was invited to come to the school to perform some tricks. Norden didn’t know anything but card tricks at that time so he had to go and buy some props for children.
After that his career was launched through word of mouth.
“It just spiraled. It just went crazy,” said Norden. “Everybody’s always put children’s entertainment at the low end of the magic rung but it consistently gives me work throughout the year and it’s what I love to do.” He knows he could make more money doing magic for adults on stage or at corporate events but he loves working with kids.
“They’re there to believe. They believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny so when I do a trick they believe,” he said. However, he also acknowledges that some bratty kids can sometimes be challenging to work with. He’s been kicked and had things thrown at him. The worst situation was when a kid knocked all of his props into a pool.
“That made the rest of the show difficult and of course what do you want to do? You want to take the kid and throw him into the pool too. You can’t do that mind you,” joked Norden.
“Usually when you have a party you have 20 kids and I’d say eight out of 10 times I perform at a party and everything is beautiful and wonderful,” he said. There are memorable moments when he really connects with a kid.
His favourite story is how he bonded with a kid with a stutter. One of the shticks in his shows is that he can’t pronounce the word balloon. The kid with the stutter approached him afterwards and taught him how to say it properly. His mother then came up in tears because she told Norden that her son didn’t usually participate or communicate in public because he was embarrassed by his stutter.
Norden’s work week tends to be busiest on the weekends when he does children’s parties. He also performs at schools and daycares during the week. He runs an anti-bullying program in schools and a literary program at libraries, which he incorporates magic into. Norden also does magic at weddings and does a gospel magic show at churches with a friend.
He has several websites, including his own (www.magicshows.ca) and the Vancouver Magic Circle’s (www.vancouvermagiccircle.com) . He estimates he spends a couple hours on weeknights working on marketing.
Magic is wound into most aspects of his life, including vacations. He and his wife usually go on working vacations such as magic conventions in places like Vegas or an upcoming PCAM cruise to Mexico.
He admits there can be slow months when there’s not much money coming in but says making a living as a magician is entirely feasible.
“It’s the greatest job in the world,” said Norden.
Norden dreams of being the inspiration for even one kid to become a professional magician in the future. Norden has won numerous awards for his magic! he can be reached at 604-916-9879 or visit his website at www.magicshows.ca
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Happy Holidays Everyone!
December 24, 2009From all of us here at Magicshows Entertainment, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We are going to have a Boxing Day sale here as well – mention this blog and you will save $10 off any quote you receive until January 30th – Merry Christmas!
Here are a few fun facts about Christmas! Did you know?:
- Christmas caroling began as an old English custom called Wassailing–wishing neighbors a long and healthy life.
- The first United States President to decorate the White House Christmas tree was Franklin Pierce.
- Santa Clause gets his origins from St. Nicholas a generous man from the 4th Century A.D. who helped children and the poor and often threw gifts threw children’s windows to make them happy. The story was brought to America by Dutch immigrants who called the man “Sinter Klaas.”
- Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
- Charles Dickens’ famous work, “A Christmas Carol” was written in just six weeks.
- During the Christmas buying season, Visa Cards alone are used an average of 5, 340 times every minute in the U.S.
- Even though many believe the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year, the Friday and Saturday before Christmas are actually the two busiest shopping days of the year.
- In Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word “X-mas” comes from, contrary to the idea that people wanted to take the “Christ” out of Christmas.
- “Rudolph” was created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930′s for a holiday promotion.
- A traditional Christmas dinner in early England was the head of a pig prepared with mustard. Considering changing to this English classic?
- Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa Clause for a winter promotion.
- If you received all of the gifts listed in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song, you would receive 364 presents.
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” appears on television more than any other holigay film.
- The U.S.’s official national Christmas Tree is located in King’s Canyon National Park in California– a giant sequoia over 300 feet high nicknamed the “General Grant Tree.”
- Christmas became a national U.S. holiday in 1870.
- Charles Dickens’ original choice for Scrooge’s statement “Bah Humbug” was “Bah Christmas.” Doesn’t quite have the same ring.
- “Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving but later became one of the most popular Christmas songs.
- At lavish Christmas feasts in the middle ages, swans and peacocks were sometimes served “endored.” This meant that the flesh was painted and the birds were served wrapped in their skin and feathers which had been removed an set aside prior to roasting. Care for some roast peacock?
- Christmas trees are edible. The needles on pines, spruces and firs are actually a good source of Vitamin C and the pine cones are a good source of nutrition. So forget about the orange juice and go munch on your Christmas tree.
- In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring new love in the upcoming year. So don’t forget your red underwear this holiday season and if you don’t have any, now you have something to put on your Christmas list.
Ever wonder where Boxing Day came from? So did we! Here is the history:
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a day the higher classes gave gifts to the lower classes. Before or on December 25th people of similar class would exchange gifts to celebrate the Christmas season. Gifts were not exchanged with the lower class until the next day called Boxing Day. It is also known as St. Stephen’s Day.
Why is the holiday named Boxing Day?
The holiday is named Boxing Day because the tradition of giving gifts of cash, food, clothing and other goods to the less fortunate were placed into boxes for easier transportation. The goods were distributed based on the family needs and their services to the giver.
Who celebrates Boxing Day?
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and other Commonwealth Countries celebrate Boxing Day on December 26th.
History of Boxing Day
Boxing Day officially began in England in the middle of the 19 century under the rule of Queen Victoria. However, many adults and children do not know the true meaning of Boxing Day and its reasons for celebrating. It was a day to thank the community for all their effort throughout the years. The maids, drivers and other service workers were thanked with gifts of food, money, clothing, and other goods. It is important to teach students how they can contribute to society and to understand not all families are able to provide for their families all of the time.
So Happy Boxing Day too!
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Holiday Magic shows around Vancouver!
December 6, 2009Merry Christmas!
It truly is a ‘magical’ season! Not only with all the private shows I, and many other magicians, are doing locally – but there is also a good amount of public shows that are happening in the Vancouver Lower Mainland this month. I thought I would post some of the shows so you could take advantage of these popular events!
Every year for the past decade the SAM (Society of American Magicians) has put on a week long magic theme at the TELUS World Of Science. This year they are doing something different. They will be hosting a ‘Winter Magic’ program produced FISM champion Shawn Farquhar! Here are the details:
White Rock, BC - Canada
Tickets $14 Students/Seniors/Child – $16 Adults
591-5839 or (604) 538-6635
Produced by Shawn Farquhar.
Sunday December 27th, 2009
Matinee Kid’s Show 2 PM
Starring:
Master of Ceremonies: David Wilson
Juan Garcia
Jens Henriksen
Neale Bacon
Rick Mearns
David Wilson
Dennis Hewson
Ray Roch
Sunday December 27th, 2009
Family Magic Show 7 PM
Starring:
Master of Ceremonies: Shawn Farquhar
Henry Tom
Ray Roch
Andrew Yeo
Lon Mandrake
Rod Chow
Trevor Watters
Shawn Farquhar
Monday December 28th, 2009
Family Magic Show 7 PM
Starring:
Master of Ceremonies: James Hanson
Reg Donnelly
Ray Roch
Steve Dickson
Dave Watters
Shawn Farquhar
James Hanson
Ray Medway
Tuesday December 29th, 2009
Family Magic Show 7 PM
Starring:
Master of Ceremonies: Neale Bacon
Reg Donnelly
Andrew Yeo
Henry Tom
Lon Mandrake
Rod Chow
Ray Medway
Trevor Watters
Whew!! What a line up – I have seen all these guys perform and I can say that you will be impressed (my wife still thinks I am better…except for Shawn – she thinks he’s better…ha!)
And on TOP of that – Murray Hatfield is coming to town for his tour! This year, as well as supporting the Firefighters Burn unit, the tour will be supporting Breast Cancer in BC! And the tickets are a charity tax write off – how can you go wrong!
Murray’s Hatfield’s “Magic ‘n Miracles” is once again getting
ready to tour Canada with a new show and some incredible guest
stars. The show this year will feature Internationally
Award-Winning Magicians – Dan Sperry (USA) and Timo Marc
(Germany) plus comedian Marty Putz (Canada), as well the hosts of
the show – Canadian Illusionists Murray Hatfield & Teresa and
their company of Wonder Workers.
This year the cast and crew will perform a total of 69 shows in
28 cities in 5 weeks and 2 days as follows:
The 2009/2010 Illusions Tour
Coming to a Canadian city near you!
For tickets call
1-800-268-7371
January 2, 2010 Kelowna, BC Kelowna Community Theatre
January 3, 2010 Abbotsford, BC Abbey Arts Centre
January 4, 2010 Victoria, BC Royal Theatre
January 5, 2010 Nanaimo, BC Port Theatre
January 7, 2010 New Westminster, BC Massey Theatre
January 8, 2010 Burnaby, BC Michael J. Fox Theatre
January 9, 2010 Surrey, BC Bell Centre
I have my tickets! Call now as many of the shows sell out!
Have a Merry Christmas everyone!
Mike Norden
www.magicshows.ca
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Christmas Party Ideas!
December 2, 2009Welcome to December 1st!
It’s that time of year again – the crazy holiday shopping, the line-ups, the stress, the HUGE bills coming your way! Take a breath – it’s all worth it right?
Most people enjoy the holiday and spending time with their families. Even more people enjoy the time off work (that’s why we call them Holidays!), but as an employer – have you given any thought on how to reward your employees for a great year?
Yes – there are bonuses, and the fact they gets some paid stat holidays. Perhaps you throw in a Christmas card and some kind words. Lots of companies take the extra step and put on a nice Christmas party for the staff and families! What a great way to spread the holiday cheer and celebrate the season festivities!
Always plan AHEAD for these parties. A few things to keep in mind when deciding on these functions (if you have not planned one already then be prepared for what I have to say next!) If you want to book a private party at a hall / restaurant / hotel / banquet room style function for a Friday or Saturday night in December…well, you are probably out of luck already.
Don’t despair – there are options! You can hold the function at your place of work (if this is an option) or at the bosses house (if you are a small firm) or look at having the party on a weeknight…yes, a weeknight! The venues usually have a lower rate for these days, so you might even save money. Also, you hear about all the ‘Office Party’ jokes and rumours each year from all your friends – well, if you have a weeknight party, your staff and guests are LESS likely to overindulge in the alcohol and other naughty stuff!
Be a great boss and tell everything to come in 2 hours late the next morning – with PAY! You will get more out of your employees in the 6 hours than you would if you dragged them in at 8am and made them work 8 hours. Plus the appreciation from the staff does not even have a price on it!
So – there you go! Call some places now and book a fun holiday party for your staff and families. Oh – and don’t forget to book some entertainment (my wife is still suggesting me…) as you want the party to be talked about for months (in the good way!) If you have a party booked already and you DON’T have entertainment – well, you don’t want to hear about the competitions party and how much BETTER theirs was over yours, now do you? I can make you the talk of the town – call me at 604-916-9879 and I can make it happen!
Mike Norden
Comedy Magician of the Year
www.magicshows.ca
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What will you do about H1N1?
December 1, 2009
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H1N1
December 1, 2009What to do about your child’s Birthday party!
With all the craze out there about the flu, and the Swine Flu (H1N1), everyone is taking extra precautions. Are you prepared to have 20 kids around your family and possibly infect your child if the parents have not told you they were sick? Statistics show that you are more likely to catch the flu from someone else either before they know they are sick, or right at the tail end of it, (when they think they are better) as opposed to when they have the full blown flu!
Do you want to risk that? Perhaps you should just cancel little Billy’s birthday party this year and seal him in a glass bubble, right? Of course not! There are some simple steps that you can take to minimize the risk.
First – do you have the party at your house, or do you take them out? (like to a movie, indoor playground like Jungle Jacks, go-karts, amusement centres etc.) Well, if you take them out in the public you not only increase the risk, as you cannot control all the other kids that are at the location and what THEY touch or have touched before, but you also increase the costs (or have to limit the # of kids due to a budget – hey, $20 a head to take them to the movies / food is not cheap for 20 kids!)
It is a better economic choice to have the party in your house – and you can control the children and who you invite. It is NOT impolite to address the Flu concern with the invitee’s parents and ask them if their child has been ill with the flu or H1N1 of recent. Most will appreciate you have taken this step to protect ALL the children at the party!
When the kids do arrive – make sure they wash their hands as they ENTER your house. This will help eliminate outside germs. Have some hand sanitizer available for the quick germ kill, and make a fun game of teaching the kids to cough and sneeze into their sleeve (it looks like Count Dracula when you do it!)
But wait – what are you going to do with all these healthy rambunctious kids in your house for 2 hours??!!
Hire some entertainment, like a magician (my wife suggests me, but she is biased) and your problem is solved! But do you hire just any magician? No. Check around. Price and quality are all factors in no matter what product or service you buy. The $125 magician is going to be worth just that – $125. The $400 magician might not be any better than the $275 magician – you can figure this out. Budget and other factors play into this as well.
Look for someone who has experience (at least 5 years) and has many TRUE testimonials that are on their website or can be provided. Check references and if they have awards, make sure they are legit. In Vancouver, where I am located – the Vancouver Magic Circle, PCAM, the Society of American Magicians, and KIDabra are the four organizations that are recognized here.
So – they have references, awards, experience – and the price is right! They even sound professional and are available. Now – back to the topic! Are they vaccinated? Not a bad question to ask….
Here is what I have done to protect myself and the kids I perform for.
1 – I have the seasonal flu shot AND the H1N1 shot
2 – I wipe and spray down ALL my props after every show (with natural cleaners)
3 – I minimize items that children touch and then PASS around
4 – I have NO live animals in my act – petting a rabbit by everyone spreads germs. (Hey we have Bird Flu, Swine Flu – what’s next – Rabbit Flu?)
5 – I keep the kids controlled in a safe environment and not exposed to the public!
6 – You can invite as MANY kids as you want - my price stays the same!
So, if you are worried about your child’s party and the scary possibility of spreading the flu around – follow some steps and have a great worry free party!
Email me or call 604-916-9879 and see how I can help!
Mike Norden
Norden the Magician
www.magicshows.ca
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