Thank you to our December 2019 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, John Smithman, and Richard Hough for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our December 2019 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others,
• Ty Reveen - catch him on his Fall tour, and 
• Brent Smith, owner of The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Toronto: Mahdi Gilbert lecture

Updated November 28th:

• This event has been cancelled.  Apologies for any inconvenience.

Happy ninth blogiversary to me!

Nine years ago this blog was born!

 

Thanks to you wonderful people who have supported this project!

For free, we've published over 4,075 posts, and served well over 816,000 page loads.  Three hundred and thirty of you have given us your thumbs-up on Facebook, more than 1346 of you are following along on Twitter, 88 of you have found us on Instagram, and approximately 74 of you have subscribed to this site's RSS feed.  The bulk of you are Canadian, and we're delighted to see visitors from United States, the United Kingdom, India, France, and the list goes on.

There are so many of you doing such a fabulous job of making magic a priority in this great country!

A special thanks to:

• All of my early supporters.  Special shout outs to Ariel, Doug, James, and John for your continued encouragement.
   
• All of you readers, Likers, RTers, submitters, guest posters, contest prize providers and all other manner of promoters of this site.
   
• All of my sponsors, past and present.  That means you: Magic Information Canada, Ryan Pilling, Clive Court, Perfect Magic, The Browser's Den of Magic, The Amazing Corbin,  Michael Close, Daniel Sugar, Ty Reveen, and The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop!
   
• All of the blog's official friends, past and present.  That's you:  John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ted & Marion Outerbridge, Ian Crawford, Owen Anderson,  Ryan Pilling, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, and Richard Hough.
   
• All of the fabulous people that have offered up contest prizes for our readers through the years: James Alan, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Orca Book Publishers, The Bloor Cinema, Chris Westfall, Gwyn Auger, Sheldon Casavant, The Outerbridges,  Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Champions of Magic, the Toronto Magic Company, and the EldritchTheatre.
    
• The wonderful wordsmiths that have guest posted here including: Ariel Frailich, The Magic Demon, Kidlet, Clive Court, James Alan, Killarney Sheffield, Ian Crawford, Erin Thomas, Ring 99, Dennis Schick, and Phil Matlin.
   
• And especially, my family for their support of this bloggy experiment.

My continued thanks to all of you!

The 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award

 

Updated December 3rd to add: 
- Nominations are now closed.  Stay tuned for voting information!

Updated December 1st to add a nominee submitted on November 29th:
- Mike Norden has accepted his nomination by an anonymous reader who wrote:
It gives me great pleasure to nominate Mike Norden for Canadian Magician of the Year. Mike has worked tirelessly for the magic community over the last 15 years. He has organized and cohosted at least 8 local conventions, and several weekends of magic. He has held the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Sergeant at Arms in several local magic organizations, including the Vancouver Magic Circle, the Fraser Valley Magic Circle, & the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians. He was instrumental in creating the local KIDabra Chapter, as well as one of the newest rings in Canada, IBM Ring 387, aka FVMC. He spearheaded the creation of 3rd Monday Magic, a monthly magic show held in his hometown, and has performed in and produced countless of those shows. He hosted all lectures at his house for more than 8 years, and continues to host all local meetings of the FVMC. He has, and continues to donate untold hours to the art of magic, through the clubs he belongs to, the conventions he runs, the shows he produces, and the youth he mentors. Mike truly embodies all that is magic, and exemplifies what it is to be an ambassador of one's art.

Updated November 29th to add:
- Gwyn Auger has accepted her nomination by Aaron who wrote:
I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton.
Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!

Updated November 28 to add:
- James Harrison has accepted his nomination by multiple readers who wrote:
James Harrison, for being such an amazing ambassador of magic pretty much every time I see, as well all the awesome youtube video he has been part of explaining and showing off his skill.

James Harrison, The Pickpocket magician , out of Barrie, On., is a favourite of mine. There are many videos on YouTube, and as a human being he is so warm and excellent with working an audience. He absolutely needs to be in the running, as his work is so impressive!

James Harrison is a thoroughly entertaining and incredibly talented magician!! His slight of hand is so fluid you'll never know what he might have walked off with lol

I would like to nominate Pickpocket James Harrison! He has an amazing array of skills, and he's a master of sleight of hand. He's been featured in programs throughout North America. Off stage, he's extremely friendly, creative, funny, and always seems to work hard at encouraging those around him. On stage, he's very much the same, but with an extra aire of mystery and amazement! You can absolutely tell that he's a man doing what he loves, and he does it extremely well. He wears his passion on his sleeve with such a drive that he does more than entertain - he inspires!

I would like to nominate James Harrison for his passion to entertain people with his amazing magical skills and showmanship. I’ve had the pleasure to see him preform numerous times and it’s always an enjoyable time. 

James Harrison , also known as Canada’s Pickpocket Magician is astounding - he has done many acts over the world and his art of picking pockets and close up magic as gained him notoriety - he is a true inspiration and fantastic performer.

James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it.


Updated November 27 to add:
- Ryan Joyce has accepted his nomination by an anonymous reader who wrote:
Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magcians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art.

Updated November 25 to add:
- Ted & Marion Outerbridge have accepted their nomination by an anonymous reader who wrote:
I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!


Updated November 23 to add:
- Ken McCreedy has accepted his nomination by JM who wrote: Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts.  
  
Updated November 21 to add:
- Anastasia Synn has accepted her nomination by KL who wrote: She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants. 


Updated November 19th to add: 
 - The Sentimentalists, Mysterion and Steffi Kay, have accepted their nomination by Ross who wrote:
I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV apperances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller.

The Canada's Magic 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award nominations are now open.

You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2019, in the comments below.  (Or you may email your nomination.)

Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM EST on Friday November the 29th.  We will contact the nominees via email and give them one week to accept or decline their nomination.  The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence in December.  (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.) 

This is a "bragging rights" only contest.  There is no cash value for this award.

Individuals and groups can be nominated.

We look forward to seeing your nominations!

In the spirit of celebrating all Canadian magicians, last year's winners of the Readers' Choice award (Jeff Christensen) or the Editor's Choice award (Mike Segal) are not eligible for nomination in 2019.

Thank you to our November 2019 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, John Smithman, and Richard Hough for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our November 2019 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others,
• Ty Reveen - catch him on his Fall tour, and 
• Brent Smith, owner of The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Welcoming a new Friend: Richard Hough

Please join me in welcoming our newest Friend, Richard Hough!

Based out of Vancouver, Richard appreciates that magic performances bring wonder and mystery into our lives.

You can follow him on Twitter @DourHighArch.

Thank you Richard, for becoming an official Friend of Canada's Magic!

October 2019 sale: 30% off yearly sponsorship rates!

 

Canada's Magic is offering, for the rest of October, a 30% discount on the listed price of any one year advertising package.  Qualifying packages include the Platinum, Gold, and Silver annual rates. (This offer does not include Sponsored Posts or being Our Friend.)

Join the company of patrons Clive Court (The Fun-da-Mentalist), Evelyn & Phil Matlin (owners of Perfect Magic), Jeff Pinsky (owner of The Browser's Den of Magic), Michael Close (author of the Workers series and other ebooks), Ty Reveen (catch him on his Fall tour), and Brent Smith, owner of The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop!
and sponsor us (or be our friend) today!

Our patrons make this site possible. 

For more information, please visit the "Sponsor" tab, leave your question in a comment below or send an e-mail.

Thank you for your continued support!

Thank you to our October 2019 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, and John Smithman for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our October 2019 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others,
• Ty Reveen - catch him on his Fall tour, and 
• Brent Smith, owner of The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our September 2019 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, and David Johnson for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our September 2019 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others,
• Ty Reveen - catch him on his Fall tour, and 
• Brent Smith, owner of The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our August 2019 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, and David Johnson for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our August 2019 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic, and
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others.

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Welcoming a new Friend: David Johnson

Please join me in welcoming our newest Friend, David Johnson!  If you happen to find yourself in Kingston please stop by the Kingston Magic Theatre and say hello.


Thank you David, for befriending Canada's Magic!

Thank you to our July 2019 Friends!

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, and Doug Hunt for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our July 2019 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others, and
• Kray Mitchell, owner of Tricky Fingers.

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Thank you to our June 2019 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.

This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic,
• Michael Close, author of the new Paradigm Shift ebooks, the Workers series and others, and
• Kray Mitchell, owner of Tricky Fingers.

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.