Vote now for the 2019 Readers' Choice award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fourth annual 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name!  (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)

Voting will close on Monday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the PollJunkie link if the poll does not appear in your browsers.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Aaron.
"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!"

Editor's note:

• Gwyn performed solo in the May 13th Celebrities of Magic - Variety Show Spectacular #2

Website: Gwyn Auger

James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown.  The quote below is from Unknown.

"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."

Editor's note:

• The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
• The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October

Website: PickpocketMagic.com

Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."

Editor's note:

• In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
• In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
• Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
• Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).

Website: CarisaHendrix

Ryan Joyce
Nominated by Anonymous.
"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 Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."

Editor's note:

• In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival,  Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.

Website: RyanJoyce.com

Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."

Editor's note:

• Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge! 

Website: KenMcCreedy.com

Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.
"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 co-hosted 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."

Editor's note:

• This is a very complete nomination submission.  I've got nothing to add!

Website: MagicShows.ca

Ted and Marion Outerbridge
Nominated by Unknown.
"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!"

Editor's note:

• Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
• They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
• Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House."  They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.

 
Website: TedOuterbridge.com

The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)

Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances 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."

Editor's note:

• After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!

Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com

Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"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."

Edtitor's note:

• Anastasia has over 30 implants.
• You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
• Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."

 
Website: Synnister.com







Cast your vote now at Poll Junkie!

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.

Peter Mennie's advice based on "40 Years As A Kid's Performer"

From the September 16th article "40 Years As A Kid's Performer Helps" by Peter Mennie at LinkedIn:

I started my career on their stage while I was still in still high school. I had a full stage crew to set my props, run my music (on cassette!) and supply my mic (where I learned proper technique and went from handheld to headset) For the last ten years, I've done tech and this year and last, I was exclusively at the Kiddieland stage. Interestingly enough, the acts were the same both years (plus one additional Juno-nominated siging duo). It was a great opportunity to see how some acts grew (or not) why some acts stayed the same (because it works) and how an act that (according to them), never play these types of events, fit in (they didn't).

I was 'the old guy' in the group but with a unique perspective being both a performer and a technician. Everyone's goals were aligned - gather a crowd and entertain them - however as a performer, I know what the crew needs to make my show a success and as crew, I know what I need to support the stage acts.

Here are a few tips from both perspectives.


Read more.

Ramsay's (sub)Reddit

Chris Ramsay started a subreddit to talk magic, puzzles and cardistry.

Have a look for yourself over at r/ChrisRamsay52.

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Magic, Puzzles and stuff from r/ChrisRamsay52

From Chris Ramsay's Twitter feed:

I made a subreddit. A place where you can post about magic, puzzles and cardistry. I'll be reacting to some of the links you share and stuff that you post. come join!https://t.co/QRBI5i5Nsc

— Chris Ramsay (@chrisramsay52) September 9, 2019

Michael Close's September 2019 newsletter

A quick reminder that Michael will open the Toronto Magic Club's season as the first lecturer on September 30th. 

Just finished reading the September newsletter (vol 2; issue 9) from Michael Close.  You may be interested in:

• Michael Close has a podcast for subscribers, titled "Conversations with Close."   This month's guest is David Regal. 
• Some insights into Michael's new ebook "The T.O.M. Epiphany: Fourth Dimensional Strategies for Turning Magic Tricks into Miracles.”
• A review of David Regal's "Interpreting Magic."
• An effect by David Regal.
• All about Avner Eisenberg.
• A playing card patent article by Lee Asher.
• The Art of Conjuring by Mick Ayres.
• Technically Speaking by by Bruce Kalver.
• and many other newsworthy tidbits from the magic community!

Sign-up at MichaelClose.com to receive Michael's newsletters. 

Steffi's shoes stolen

Please keep an eye out for Steffi Kay's stolen shoes.  Would love to have them returned to their owner.


From Steffi Kay's Facebook post:

Someone broke into my car and took my bag of 1920s and 1930s shoes. There wasn’t much in my car for them to steal minus the shoes and my insurance and apparently whatever was in my compartments... but I was going to take all my 1920s and 1930’s shoes in for repair today... I am now missing all 8/9 pairs of my favourite shoes that I have collected for over 10 years and loved so dearly. These are all my favourites. They’re all in need of fixing and are literally trash to someone selling them. They’re truly just 80 - 90 year old shoes that would be very difficult to resell at pawn shops as they’re in disrepair. In the condition they’re in they are something most would throw away and not be able to resell. However they are valuable because of the size and styles. My worst fear is the most likely thing... that they’re ending up in the trash 😭 If anyone comes across them I can offer a reward and my eternal gratitude. These are not replaceable so I need to find them. If anyone has any leads please get back to me. They went missing between around 11:30 pm August 27 and 11 am August 28 on Queen west in Toronto near Roncesvalles. Please help me bring my babies home. 💔😭

Michael Close's August 2019 newsletter

Just finished reading the August newsletter from Michael Close.  You may be interested in:

• Michael Close has a podcast for subscribers, titled "Conversations with Close."   This month's guest is Paul Vigil. 
• Introduction to "Targeted Training with Michael Close.”
• An effect by Paul Vigil, from his performing repertoire!
• A playing card patent article by Lee Asher.
• The Art of Conjuring by Mick Ayres.
• Technically Speaking by by Bruce Kalver.
• and many other newsworthy tidbits from the magic community!

Sign-up at MichaelClose.com to receive Michael's newsletters. 

Nick Wallace on AGT 2019

We previously mentioned that The Sentimentalists were going to be on AGT 2019.  Here's another representative from the Canadian magic scene!

Keep an eye out for Nick Wallace!  The season starts May 28 on NBC.


From Nick Wallace's Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

The cat is out of the bag. You might see a familiar face auditioning for @agt ! Catch the season premier on May 28 at 8/7c on @nbc . #agt #agtauditions

A post shared by Nick Wallace (@nickwallacelive) on May 13, 2019 at 4:58pm PDT

Card throwing in the 2024 Olympics?

From the February 27th article "These Are the New Sports We May See at the 2024 Summer Olympics" by Jenny McCoy in Self:

As mentioned, three of the five proposed sports—skateboarding, surfing, and climbing—are already on the program for Tokyo, which means the IOC already has a solid understanding of the factors that would make the sports good Olympic contenders, like their global popularity, how competitions are run, venue requirements, and so on. Break dancing, though not on the list for Tokyo, was part of the 2018 youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, so it’s also already well-known to the IOC, explains McConnell. Card throwing, is well, the wild card of the 2024 games.

Read more.

Edmonton: Building Skills as Professional Artists - A Public Seminar

Sheldon Casavant will be speaking at "Building Skills as Professional Artists - A Public Seminar."


From Evenbrite:

As an artist, you are a person driven by passion. Whether you came across your art form by happenstance or by choice, you have given it careful thought and finally decided to go the distance! You have spent countless hours developing your craft, honing your skills and technique. Now that you feel ready, how do you bring your art into the world? Who needs the art, and how will they support me to make it? How do I get the most out of my craft, and how can I create for the rest of my life?

In other words, how does one start the path pursuing a career in the arts? At the surface these questions may seem straightforward, but the answers are a new way of thinking entirely. In the real world, we must put the same care and attention towards our professionalism just as much as our art.

Read more and buy tickets.

Chris Funk: Helping us all find success

Thanks Chris!


From Chris Funk's Twitter feed:
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Finally found it!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/4y8TtJfiUL pic.twitter.com/HQoWw9VYgc

— Chris Funk The Wonderist (@chrisfunkmagic) March 16, 2019

Also from Chris Funk's Twitter feed:

I’m feeling this strong urg to help others #findsuccess so here it is! It’s no longer a secret! #gladicouldhelp https://t.co/3pZFROJOIx pic.twitter.com/Iftg04lPjy

— Chris Funk The Wonderist (@chrisfunkmagic) March 17, 2019

Oshawa: Potted Potter

Catch Potted Potter in Oshawa March 22 - 24!


From the Potted Potter Twitter feed:
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Did someone say #oshawa
Did someone say @RegentUOIT
Did someone say #PottedPotter
Did someone say March 22 - 24?
If YES is the answer to all then..https://t.co/Bqnt6lEYbZ

— Potted Potter (@PottedPotter) March 16, 2019

AGT 2019 spoiler alert!

Do you see who I see?


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Carisa Hendrix nominated for Stage Magician of the Year by the AMA

Congratulations Carisa, on your nomination for Stage Magician of the Year by the Academy of the Magical Arts!


From Shezam's Facebook post:
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MagicTube

Canadians include Shawn Farquhar, Luc Langevin, and Shin Lim.

From MagicTube as translated through Google Translate:

Do you like magic? Looking for the video of a magician ? MagicTube gives you categorized access, by menu and keywords, to the best videos of professional magicians (conjurer, illusionist) published on the web via hosting sites such as YouTube, Dailymotion, etc ...

The site is for magic enthusiasts or anyone who wants to discover through magic videos of the best current or past numbers.

The site references more than 400 magicians' videos from 26 countries.
 
Read more. 

View untranslated site.

The Evasons $100,000 Pledge

From The Evasons' Twitter feed:
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$100,000 Pledge. #keepingitreal #oldschool #resist #mentalistduo #theevasons pic.twitter.com/kmlfhLWYBM

— The Evasons (@TheEvasons) December 28, 2018

Happy 2019!

Wishing you and yours a year filled with awe and wonder!

2018 Readers' Choice award results

Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:  a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.

Over 2380 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

Here are the results of our third annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

James Alan
Nominated by Ben Train.
Thank you for lecturing, coaching, and participating fully with organizations like Toronto Magic Company, Ring 17 Hat and Rabbit, and Magicana).


Website: JamesAlan.ca

Jonah Babins 
Nominated by James Alan.
One of two podcasters in this year's field, which has now enticed me into the realm of podcasts!  Keep up your great work with the Discourse In Magic Podcast, and The Newest Trick in the Book, Canada’s only open mic magic show.


Website: JonahBabins.com

Ryan Brown
Nominated by Taylor Martin.
Ryan is an inspiration to the students at his alma mater.  Ryan continues to stretch himself by seeking opportunities to learn with and from world class magicians.  Go Ryan, go!


Website: RyanBrownMagic.com

Greg Frewin
Nominated by Ryan Pilling.
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Greg! I've seen his show on a number of occasions and seen him donate his time to the kids at Sorcerers Safari, lending a hand to the magic community (remember the CAM-JAM and the Browser's Bash?), and supporting his local community too.  Thank you Greg!

And as Ryan stated,
"... what I got was a wonderful show with a performer who shared his passion for magic, and playing to a very full house! It was an inspiration to see one of Canada's best magicians still being amazing two decades after I first saw him, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of Greg and his team to have such a well running theatre."


Website: GregFrewinTheatre.com

Carisa Hendrix  (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by James Alan.
Carisa is an in demand, multifaceted performer.  In addition to magic, she does beautiful bubble, entertaining sideshow performances, and is a multiple Guinness World Record holder, while also running her own entertainment company.


Carisa is the other reason I've ventured into the world of podcasts.  She (with Kayla Drescher) is breaking ground with Shezam, "the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."  They are taking on some pretty big issues in the magic world and I look forward to hearing what else they've got to say.

How big a deal is this podcast?  "This podcast is now funded, in part, through support from the Endowment and Development Fund of the International Brotherhood of Magicians."   Well done Carisa!  That's a big deal!


Website: CarisaHendrix.com

Kent Wong
Nominated by Unknown.
I can't improve on the submitted nomination:

"I nominate KENT WONG from Edmonton. He is one of the most giving an talented magicians in Canada and his shows are extremely well written, rehearsed and thought out. His unbelievable attitude to help magicians and people in general is un heard of and he never asks for anything in return. His door is always open for anyone to use. He uses his magic to raise money for charities, feed the homeless, gloves and coffee for the homeless all through magic shows and when he is not doing that he is performing for children at the hospitals. Kent does this while having a family, and a very busy full time job. He knows all aspects of magic, psychology, timing, misdirection and history. I'm glad he is my friend in magic."

Keep up the great work Kent!

Website: KentWongMagic.com

Editor's Choice

Mike Segal   
Nominated by Sam.
That Mike, through Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp, runs the ONLY magical instructional program certified by the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Public Library is a source of inspiration all on it's own ... there are a lot of hoops to jump through to earn your certification!

But wait! There's more!

Through Sorcerers Safari, Mike has enriched the lives of so many magicians!  Camp alumni include: Nathaniel Rankin, Scott Hammel, Daniel Steep, Sheldon Casavant, Rosemary Reid, Keith Brown, Brad Bond, Ben Train, Alex Seaman, Mark Correia, Chad Juros and the list goes on.  Now think of all of the lives that those people have touched.  That's not counting the army of devoted volunteers he created whose lives were also deeply influenced from the camp experience!  Thank you Mike and keep on keeping on!

From his nomination:
"He inspired a generation of young magicians to turn their hobbies into careers. Magic Mike gave us a space, a special club and to some, a family where we could explore our creativity and expand our knowledge with like-minded people. Magic Mike is not only an amazing mentor but he is also a fantastic performer. Whether he’s teaching a class or performing in front of a huge crowd, he’s always giving 100%. He is known in the magic community for his positive attitude and he will stop at nothing to lend a helping hand. If that doesn’t deserve recognition, I don’t know what does!"


Website: Magic-Mike.com

Readers' Choice

Jeff Christensen
Nominated by Cyril May.

Congratulations to Jeff for winning the 2018 Readers' Choice award!

Keep up your great work with the Celebrate the Child foundation.


Website: MagicalEducator.com

Ottawa: Potted Potter

From the ACT Twitter feed:
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JUST ANNOUNCED: Bring your wands, #Potter fans! The Olivier Award-nominated @PottedPotter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff is making its way to #Ottawa Mar. 13th - 16th!

Tickets on sale Dec. 11th @ 10:00am! Details here: https://t.co/mX8xDt0VPa pic.twitter.com/qWvA05lXPj

— ACT (@ACT_Ottawa) December 7, 2018

Vote now for the 2018 Readers' Choice award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the 2018 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!  Voting will close on Sunday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll.  (Unfortunately, the poll does not appear in the mobile version of the site.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (in no particular order):

James Alan
Nominated by Ben Train.
"In the past year he's helped numerous performers make their acts better, has participated in leadership roles on several major magic projects (including Toronto Magic Company, Ring 17 Hat and Rabbit, Magicana, etc). He's lectured on his original magic, he's supported the community..."

"I could keep going on."


Website: JamesAlan.ca

Jonah Babins 
Nominated by James Alan.
"Magician, podcast host, and neologist. Cofounded the Discourse In Magic Podcast, now with over 130 episodes. Host of The Newest Trick in the Book, Canada’s only open mic magic show."


Website: JonahBabins.com

Ryan Brown
Nominated by Taylor Martin.
"Ryan Wonder Brown is a rising star of magic from the Toronto area. He should be considered for these bragging rites."


Website: RyanBrownMagic.com

Jeff Christensen
Nominated by Cyril May.
"I would like to nominate Vancouver magician Jeff Christensen for using his magic to conjure up a better world.  Jeff has faced loss in his life* but has turned the darkness into light for so many others through his magic and fundraising.  He has raised more than $100,000 for a variety of local and international causes.  He has done this in a variety of ways such as through the sold out charity show “”A Magical Evening” and his foundation, Celebrate the Child (CtC).  CtC has built a school in Kenya, and worked on freshwater in Ecuador. Jeff has gone further to raise money through performances for a health centre in India.  His heart is good and so is his magic.  He received an invitation to attend the very exclusive 4F Close-up Convention….a sort of “Willy Wonka” ticket that every magician would love to get.  Invitation is not random, however, and is generally given in recognition of expert magical skill.  I know Jeff from our learning and work at the McBride Magic & Mystery School.  Jeff received the title of Ambassador from the School this fall at our annual gathering in recognition of his work to further meaningful magic.  Please give him your fullest consideration!"

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* Jeff lost his six-year old sun, Jonah suddenly and unexpectedly.   In response to this tragedy he created the charity foundation Celebrate the Child and produces/performs an annual show A Magical Evening which has sold out for the past 10 years!  Through these charity shows he has raised more than $100,000 for a variety of local and international causes.

Jeff also also gives back to the magic community through his monthly column Magic is Education which can be found in Vanish Magazine.

In November Jeff was honoured by being invited to share his magical story for 20,000 people at Rogers Arena for WE Day Vancouver!

Website: MagicalEducator.com

Greg Frewin
Nominated by Ryan Pilling.
"In 2018 I was inspired when I saw Greg Frewin at his theatre in Niagara Falls. I was there on a cold day in the off-season. My first visit to Niagara and all I saw was empty streets and mostly closed attractions. On top of it all it was a Wednesday night. I had tickets to the show that night and was expecting the worst... an awkwardly empty house, and a lackluster performance."

"Instead, what I got was a wonderful show with a performer who shared his passion for magic, and playing to a very full house! It was an inspiration to see one of Canada's best magicians still being amazing two decades after I first saw him, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of Greg and his team to have such a well running theatre."

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Greg also provides support for his local community.  For example, last week he hosted the Good News Breakfast in his theatre.  From Facebook:

"Don't forget that this Friday is the Good News Breakfast. Join us at Greg Frewin Theatre from 7-10am. Come enjoy a free breakfast, world-class entertainment and good news from the community. Donations will be accepted. YourTV will be broadcasting live and streaming it online. Don't miss out on the fun!"

Website: GregFrewinTheatre.com

Carisa Hendrix  (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by James Alan.
"Multifaceted magic, bubble and sideshow performer. Co-founder in 2018 of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast* that hopes to make itself obsolete."

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* Announced on Facebook on November 26th, "This podcast is now funded, in part, through support from the Endowment and Development Fund of the International Brotherhood of Magicians."

Website: CarisaHendrix.com

Mike Segal 
Nominated by Sam.
"He inspired a generation of young magicians to turn their hobbies into careers. Magic Mike gave us a space, a special club and to some, a family where we could explore our creativity and expand our knowledge with like-minded people. Magic Mike is not only an amazing mentor but he is also a fantastic performer. Whether he’s teaching a class or performing in front of a huge crowd, he’s always giving 100%. He is known in the magic community for his positive attitude and he will stop at nothing to lend a helping hand. If that doesn’t deserve recognition, I don’t know what does!"

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Did you know that now in his post-magic camp days Mike runs the ONLY magical instructional program certified by the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Public Library?  From Facebook:

"Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp is NOW offering The ART of MAGIC in all school programs (After 4, Artist in Residence, Lunch and Team Building). Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp is THE ONLY magic instructional program certified by the TDSB and TPL. Bring a little MAGIC to your school."

Website: Magic-Mike.com

Kent Wong
Nominated by Unknown.
"I nominate KENT WONG from Edmonton. He is one of the most giving an talented magicians in Canada and his shows are extremely well written, rehearsed and thought out. His unbelievable attitude to help magicians and people in general is un heard of and he never asks for anything in return. His door is always open for anyone to use. He uses his magic to raise money for charities, feed the homeless, gloves and coffee for the homeless all through magic shows and when he is not doing that he is performing for children at the hospitals. Kent does this while having a family, and a very busy full time job. He knows all aspects of magic, psychology, timing, misdirection and history. Im glad he is my friend in magic."

and from another Unknown:
"I too nominate KENT WONG from Edmonton. Kent had a fundraiser for the non profit organization Adarius 4 Autism. He took the time to set it up, and spent the whole day doing shows and donated all the profits. The event raised $1300. All the attendees were very entertained."


Website: KentWongMagic.com


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