Young magician astonishes audiences
By Jennifer McDougall, Calgary Herald
His favourite card is the Ace of Hearts: ace for perfection, hearts for love.
Matthew Antolin loves this form of performing arts, connecting to people in this way, and as his stage name, "Acetrife" implies, he strives for perfection.
It's been an exciting three years for the Mount Royal University student as his career as a close-up magician has skyrocketed.
Antolin has learned to create effects faster than veterans twice his age and the talent is paying off.
Already, Antolin books corporate events regularly and has even performed for Flames Captain Jarome Iginla.
Inspired by American illusionist and endurance artist David Blaine, Antolin's performance is not a stage show; rather, he connects with an individual or a small group of people and uses everyday objects such as coins, rings, forks, and cards to create mysterious results.
"Everyone's reaction is different . . . some are skeptical, others think it's a spiritual thing."
Antolin doesn't subscribe to the belief that magicians have spiritual powers, he says magic is one part psychology, one part sleight of hand, and one part misdirection. The most important part of magic and mentalism for him is inspiring astonishment among his audience members.
"Magic is what the audience perceives, rather than what I do," says Matthew.
"It's not about fooling someone, it's about building a relationship with another person and showing them that sometimes the impossible is possible."
Matthew is an open minded young man who recognizes that he has learned "a little bit from everything" he has done.
Playing piano for 10 years helped develop smooth finger movements necessary for slight of hand effects, achieving his second degree black belt taught him discipline and to respect his elders.
"I want to perform magic for the rest of my life . . . I believe in using talents and everyday objects to get a smile."
Matthew is willing to put in the time to perfect his art. In addition to his marketing studies, Matthew practices in front of impromptu audiences at least an hour a day and performs up to eight hours a week.
His favourite age group to perform for are people his own age, those in their early twenties, for private events.
He regularly performs at Halo Restaurant in south Calgary.
Please see his website for upcoming performances http://www.acetrife.com/.
Yeats Wong, co-ordinator of the Calgary Junior Magic Club, attributes the recent increase in popularity of magic to "TV magicians like Criss Angel and YouTube clips of street magic circulating on the Internet.
"(Young people) also get inspired by their exposure to Calgary's thriving live magic culture, from street magicians at Eau Claire Market to the live performances at local venues."
He says, "The sense of empowerment in being able to accomplish the impossible is something that no other hobby can offer."
But for Antolin, magic is more than a hobby. He says, "You don't get into it, it gets into you."
The club welcomes young people between eight and sixteen and meets the second Saturday of every month. http://www.calgarymagic.com/junior.html
AVENIDA VILLAGE MALL H1N1 VACCINE CALGARY CLINIC PERFORMANCES
Thank You for Your Support!
Quicksilver would like to thank Cort Delano, Lindsay Ell, Carmen Goss, Eric Fairlie, Alberta Health Services, The Strategic Group, The Metro News, Calgary Herald, Global TV Calgary, and everyone who helped or supported our H1N1 Outreach Response. Your generous and kind words are remembered and have motivated us to do much more! The confusion and panic at H1N1 clinics is now under control and our help in entertainment children in lineups is no longer needed. We will continue to monitor the situation. We are prepared to step in once again to offer entertainment at clinic lineups if the situation deteriorates. Thank you to all Calgarians for your smiles & encouragement! Please see www.quicksilverentertainment.com/news to stay updated on other news.
-Eric Fairlie & Quicksilver Team
Smiles in the Clinic Line
KRISTA SYLVESTER
METRO CALGARY
November 06, 2009 5:57 a.m.
Eric Fairlie kept kids waiting in line for flu shots in Avenida amused with magic tricks yesterday.
Turning a line of frowns into smiles isn’t an easy task — especially when it’s young kids — but one Calgary performer is taking on the task.
Eric Fairlie of Quicksilver Entertainment said he decided to surprise kids and parents in line at the Avenida H1N1 immunization clinic yesterday morning with balloons and tricks to lighten the mood.
“The parents were so relieved, and the kids were being patient, waiting for their balloons and everyone seemed happy I was there,” he said. “I just thought this was a good opportunity to be able to give back and help out.”
Alberta Health Services spokesperson Bruce Conway said as long as Fairlie had permission from the property owners, they were okay with it.
“We think it’s a nice thing he is doing to help lighten the mood,” he added.
Laurie Prosser was waiting at the Avenida location with her young daughter when they caught a performance. “I think it’s a great idea because it entertains the kids while we wait,” she said.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Internet RSS Feed version available at www.quicksilvershow.com/news
Electronic PDF version available at http://www.quicksilverentertainment.com/uploads/file/h1n1entertainment_mediarelease.pdf
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Calgary Live Entertainers Liven Up Line-ups at H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
(Calgary. November 5, 2009). How do you ease a tense situation? Make someone smile! That’s what Quicksilver Entertainment has in mind to reduce the stress of waiting in line-ups for the H1N1 vaccine. Starting at 7:30 am Thursday, November 5, 2009 the crowd outside of the Avenida Village Mall Clinic will be wowed and dazzled with complimentary live entertainment.
Quicksilver founder, Eric Fairlie will be on site until 9:30 am Thursday, November 5, 2009 to put smiles on the crowds face with balloon sculptures. It is expected that Calgary youthful magician Acetrife (pronounced ‘Ace-strife’) aka. Matthew Antolin will join him Friday.
“There’s a lot of turmoil going on in Calgary,” states Acetrife, “the right thing to do is to find some way to help.” The 19 year old magician is a quickly rising star. Since starting performing magic only 3 years ago he has had the opportunity to travel around the country, sharing his passion for close-up illusions. His talents have caught the eyes of some of Canada’s top magicians.
Fairlie adds, “It seems that the public is very tense over the H1N1 situation. What we would like to do is ease the tension of the situation by reaching out to our fellow Calgarians with our talents. We can’t solve the problem but can make it more bearable. Laughter is the best medicine, isn’t it? So we hope to improve people’s health creating as positive an attitude as possible.”
Quicksilver plans to assemble a troupe of entertainers before Saturday to provide entertainment at clinics around the city. “I’d like to challenge all of Calgary’s live entertainers to strengthen our sense of community by joining us and sharing their talents in this desperate situation.”
Exact times for Vaccine Clinic performances will be posted on at www.quicksilvershow.com as performers are available. Further details will be released as they develop. Quicksilver performers will be taking precautions to reduce contracting or spreading any illness. Volunteer performers should do the same by using medical gloves, hand-antiseptic, avoiding physical contact with crowd members, etc.
Quicksilver Entertainment was founded in 2007 to be a leading provider of quality, high-energy, and astounding live entertainment. It specializes in offering magic and variety entertainment.
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For more information, please contact:
Eric Fairlie, BBE
Founder & Entertainment Consultant Quicksilver Entertainment
C# (403) 608-3492
eric@quicksilverentertainment.com
www.quicksilvershow.com
Interviews and photo shoots with Acetrife, Eric and other Quicksilver performers are available upon request and availability.
UNexpected Halloween 2009 @ Halo Restaurant!
COME DISCOVER THE MYSTERIOUS!
Are you waiting for the UNexpected this Halloween 2009! Come visit the Heavenly Lounge @ Halo Restaurant Oct 31, 09 between 8-11 pm to discover a little secret.... Jarome Iginla has stated "that is wild!" regarding this surprise guest (who you probably can guess at already). You will be left amazed!
Bring friends and skeptics alike for an UNforgettable experience. Halloween food and drink specials too! Book your table in advance by calling (403) 271-4199 or going to http://halorestaurant.com/index.php?page=reservation.
Heavenly Lounge Upstairs @ Halo Seafood Steak & Wine Bar
13226 Macleod Trail SE
Located One Block from Canyon Meadows LRT Station
Across parking lot from Canyon Meadows Movie Theatre
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Internationally Acclaimed Mime Shows his World Skills in Calgary September 4-5!
(Calgary. August 31, 2009) Quicksilver Entertainment, a Calgary based live entertainment provider brings the one and only Max-I-Mime to Calgary September 4-5, 2009! If an imaginary glass box comes to mind when you think, ‘Mime’, you would be very wrong! Max-I-Mime (Maxim Fomitchev) is known for stretching the bounds of miming past all stereotypes. Best known for his “Rainman” piece, Max unravels the journey of a downtrodden character who recreates a dance with his lost love.
“I’m very eager to see Max showcase his act to Calgary. It has been a privilege to work with an innovative professional of his calibre. I can’t wait to see how calgarians receive his performances!” notes Quicksilver Founder, Eric Fairlie.
Quicksilver is organizing the Max-I-Mime Calgary theatre show in the revamped East Village’s Downtown Friendship Centre Theatre Hall (610 – 8th Ave SE) on Friday, September 4, 2009. Doors open at 6:45pm with the show to start at 7:00pm. Tickets are selling for $14 each or $10 each with a non-perishable food donation. Full details can be found at http://www.quicksilvershow.com/news.
Quicksilver is also working in conjunction with the City of Calgary and World Skills 2009 Inc. to have Max-I-Mime at the Coca-Cola stage Saturday, September 5 on the Stampede Grounds. The show is slated to run between 12:15 pm to 1:00pm and included with gate admission. Full details available at http://www.quicksilvershow.com/news.
Max has encountered many obstacles to become a professional mime, physical comedian and actor. From the way he dances on stage you would never guess that he is deaf! Getting a young start at age 13 in his birthplace Moscow, Russia he is an amazing and well-studied Mime Artist.
After earning his MFA in Drama, Max went on to tour around the world with the Zakutok Players. In 1991 he defected from Russia to live in Vancouver, Canada. He has worked hard to land roles in TV series, commercials, and a feature film starring Jack Black.
Quicksilver Entertainment was founded in 2007 to be a leading provider of quality, high-energy, and astounding live entertainment. It specializes in offering magic and variety entertainment. For more information on Max-I-Mime and Quicksilver Entertainment visit our website at www.quicksilvershow.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Eric Fairlie, BBE
Founder & Entertainment Consultant
Quicksilver Entertainment
C# (403) 608-3492
eric@quicksilverentertainment.com
www.quicksilvershow.com
Interviews and photo shoots with either Max or Eric are available upon request and availability.
Quicksilver Brings Internationally Acclaimed Mime to Calgary!
Description:
Quicksilver Entertainment is proud to announce Max-I-Mime coming to Calgary Friday, September 4, 2009! Max-I-Mime is an internationally acclaimed mime and physical comedian with groundbreaking performances. Incorporating his groundbreaking style of miming and physical comedy, Max will leave you clutching your sides one moment and crying the next! To make it more amazing, Max has overcome his deafness to be one of the best in his field. He has also made many movie appearances with known actors like Jack Black. His show is unlike anything you've ever seen on stage! This is sure to be Calgary's most unique theatre event in September 2009! Show rated for ages 3+! Tickets only $10 or 4 for $35 with non-perishable food donation to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank.
When:
Doors Open at 6:45 pm.
Show starts at 7:00 pm.
Show expected to last 90 minutes. 5 minute intermission.
Show will feature surprise special guest.
Location:
The Downtown Friendship Centre Theatre Hall
Located 3 blocks east of City Hall in the renewed East Village!
610 8 Avenue SE
FREE Downtown Parking Available on the street and at Back of Building!
Admission Price
• Friendship Centre Members: FREE when Membership Card displayed at door
• Regular: $14 or $10 with non-perishable food donation to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank
• Student: $10 with valid ID and non-perishable food donation.
• Family Pack: 4 Tickets for $35 with non-perishable food donation
Please call (403) 608-3492 or e-mail events@quicksilverentertainment.com to reserve your tickets today! Limited number available!
You are cordially invited to MS Charity BBQ Quicksilver Entertainment is partaking in this Friday, August 14! Its happening at the Shawnessy Farmer's Market near Bishop O'Byrne High School as is sponsored by LKR Events. The event starts at 2 pm. We will be sponsoring the event by providing sound and music! I'll also be on hand to make some custom balloon animals! 50% of balloon sculpture sales will be going to charity!
Balloons Sculptures are:
$ 2.50 for 1
1.25 extra for every extra balloon (2-100 quantity!)
This may make an excellent staff appreciation gift, so let me know if you would like 20+ balloons. I would be happy to consider having them shipped to your office if you can't make it down for orders of 20+ balloons! Assortment includes hearts, swans, flowers, dogs, swords, hats, and lots more! Call 403-608-3492 to place your order ahead of time!
Summer BBQ Event Details
Summer BBQ sponsored by SFCFM & LKR Events
Location: South Fish Creek Farmers Market at far end of Shawnessy Shopping Mall.
Date: Friday August 14, 2:00 to 6:00
Cost: $5 donation
Fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. Meet and greet hopeful 2010 Olympian, Speed Skater Jamie Ivey from Calgary. Menu will be smokies on a bun or beef on a bun, salads, pop/ice tea/water. Come join us!
Illusionist Michael Berends Set to Dazzle at Hootenanny in Heritage Park August 22, 2009!
Quicksilver will be partnering with 88.9 Shine FM & Calgary’s Child Magazine to bring Illusionist & Escape Artist Michael Berends to the 2009 Hootenanny Family event!
Gates open at 10 am. Come early to catch all the action! Show time is set for 1:30 pm under the Big Top! Expect to be wowed and amazed!
Click for Discount Gate Admission
Celebration Stage Schedule –
- Join us under the ‘Big Top’
- 10:30am . . . Mad Science
- 11:30am . . . Youth Singers of Calgary
- 12:15pm. . . Dots and Dashers Square Dance Demonstration
- 12:45pm. . . Dots and Dashers Square Dance Workshop
- 1:30pm. . . . Michael Berends – Illusionist
- 2:15pm. . . . Prairie Mountain Fiddlers
- 3pm . . . . . . Stampede City Gymnastics
- And LOTS more!
See Hootenanny Poster for Full Details
North America`s Leading Mime & Physical Comedian Comes to 2009 World Skills Competition!
Quicksilver and the City of Calgary are bringing the one and only Max-I-mime, (Max Fomitchev) to the Coca-Cola stage at the 2009 World Skills Competition! Max is one of North America's leading mimes and physical comedy ( via expression of gestures and body movements) performers. His work is innovative and unique. Just seeing him dance is worth coming to the show!
There will be no stereotyped "Mime trapped in glass box" performances. Much more story telling, drama and emotion involved here!
We welcome you to come see Max live on Saturday, September 5, 2009 starting at 12:15 pm. You may never see a show like his again in your life. It would be sad to see you miss this one!
Cost
Admission to show included with Park Gate Admission
Bring your family to enjoy a wonderful outdoor community fair on June 13th, 2009. With lots of activities and live entertainment its sure to be a hit.
Entertainment Lineup:
1. Acetrife Street Illusionist (1-3 pm)
2. Ventriloquist Val Hilliker ( Tentatively1-3 pm)
3. Eric Fairlie and Cris Morais as the Balloon Sculptors (Noon to 3 pm)
Please bring your whole family to the beautiful South Glenmore Park on June 14 to enjoy a morning of fun and support ALS research. No RSVP Required. Quicksilver will be supplying Acetrife as the strolling magician for the 2009 Betty's Run in South Glenmore Park
Please also contact Quicksilver Entertainment if you wish to make a donation or pledge in advance. Tax receipts are available. Your support for this cause is appreciated!
Acetrife will be performing in Blackfalds, Alberta throughout the day on June 6, 2009. Beginning in the morning at 8:30 to 9:30 am at the Blackfalds Multi-Plex be prepared to see laughter coming from the normal drearily long line for pancakes. Acetrife will reappear later between 1-3 pm following the parade to entertain inside the Multi-Plex and Carnival Grounds.
The event is open to the public and a delightful drive (located 20 km north of Red Deer). If you are free, you should come and bring the whole family.
There will be lots of other activities and entertainment going on too!
Quicksilver is trying out a new feature that's in its infancy. We're trying to figure the best places for Street Illusionist Acetrife to tour using an online web tool call Demand It! If you would like Acetrife in your city please click on the link below! Thanks!
View the complete Acetrife tour schedule
Why should you do business with Quicksilver? We follow best business practice and are BBB accredited!
Christmas 2008 is coming soon and its our busiest time of year. Here are a few of our upcoming shows. At this time we don't have any public ones :( but we'll let you know if any come up!
-École St. Michael School Harvest Fest
-RBC Crowfoot Christmas Party
-WestJet Training Event
-The Bridal Centre
-Ramatek Inc
-And more!
We still have slots open, expecially on week days, so please call us if you are putitng together a party last minute. (403) 608-3492 or info@quicksilverentertainment.com. We look forward to firing up your Christmas and New Year's Party!
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Quicksilver invites you to join our YouTube video channel. Be the first to know about new, and exciting videos! We hope to have a few new ones ready for release by January 2008. They include more extra ordinary magic, psychodelic yo-yos and lots more! Please go to:
http://www.youtube.com/user/QuicksilverEnt. Enjoy!
Quicksilver's Street Illusionist has recently made two TV apparances in Edmonton and Calgary. We invite you to check out the video links (found below) to find out more about this rising star.
Breakfast Television Edmonton. August 2008. Acetrife takes magic to Edmonton streets!
Breakfast Television Calgary. July 2008. Host Dave Kelly falls out of his seat!
Like the artists that you see? Well stay connected with all that Quicksilver is up to by joining our Facebook Fan Page. Click here for more!
Riverbend residents are being treated to some real tricks this Halloween...
(Calgary. October 31, 2007) Quicksilver Entertainment, a Calgary magic entertainment company, is providing Riverbend residents with some real magic this Halloween. They are collaborating with the Inter-Faith Food Bank and local magicians to present the “A Tricks A Treat” food drive. Magicians and volunteers will collect donations for the Food Bank by canvassing Riverbend from 5-8 pm on the evening of October 31. The concept is that residents will donate a non-perishable food item in exchange to see tricks performed by local magicians. Quicksilver is involved in several community initiatives including an ongoing partnership with the ALS Society of Alberta.
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