OWOW Recap by Ryan Joyce

From the December 7th article "Magic festival appears in Fergus Ontario" by Ryan Joyce:

We organized a three-day magicians convention, produced a four-day festival featuring five stage shows, two parlour shows, and first-ever Livestream Magic Special during the seven days.

The OWOW Festival scheduled magicians performing table-to-table at local restaurants, secret sessions for magicians, world-class gala magic shows at the Fergus Grand Theatre and exclusive private events around town. 

This year we featured twelve internationally acclaimed magicians, Stephen Bargatze, Michael Close, Greg Frewin, Carisa Hendrix, Rick Merrill, Paul Romhany, Jay Sankey, Nicholas Wallace, Owen Anderson, Ryan Joyce, Cody Moynihan, Peter Mennie, Graemazing Reed and Ed Stone.

Read more.

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!

Ontario Week of Wonder recap

With thanks to Joan Caesar for sending us updates and photos from the first Ontario Week of Wonder!

Congratulations to everyone involved.  It looked like a fabulous event.

Special congratulations to Joan, who received a special Lifetime Achievement Award at the Saturday night gala show.

View this post on Instagram

From @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks for sending Joan!): The OWOW Festival got off to a great start with sessions by @carisahendrix (Lucy Darling), @nickwallacelive and @therealjaysankey . At the end they gave Paul Romhany a birthday cake which we all shared. Tonight’s Gala show will be an outstanding all Canadian show with Lucy Darling, (winner of the comedy award in Melbourne Australia two years running), Jay Sankey, Nick Wallace and @gregfrewin .

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 25, 2019 at 4:09pm PDT

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More from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): The Gala Show and close up were wonderful, both full of excellent magic and humour. Quite the night! @carisahendrix @nickwallacelive @therealjaysankey @gregfrewin @promhany @mikeclosemagic @ryanjoycemagic @owowmagicfest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 26, 2019 at 7:09am PDT

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Saturday afternoon from @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): Lecture by @promhany , session with Renee-Claude Auclair, Joan Caesar, and @mikeclosemagic , public children’s show staring @petermennie and Owen Anderson, with stilt walker Doug Hunt. Afternoon lecture by Michael Close. @OWOWMagicFest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 26, 2019 at 5:05pm PDT

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Saturday gala photos from @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): [1/2] @ryanjoycemagic also presented Joan with an award last night. Congratulations Joan! @OWOWMagicFest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 27, 2019 at 8:48am PDT

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[2/2] Saturday gala photos from @joan.caesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!): @OWOWMagicFest #OWOWfestival #owow

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom) on Oct 27, 2019 at 8:49am PDT

(Click on each photo to see at full size)

[2/2] At the end they gave @paulromhany a birthday cake which we shared. Tonight’s Gala show will be an outstanding all Canadian show w/ Lucy Darling, (@CarisaHendrix is winner of comedy award in Melbourne Australia 2 yrs running) @jay_sankey @nickwallacelive & @GregFrewinMagic pic.twitter.com/kBY14CRIHf

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 25, 2019

[2/3] More from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):

The Gala Show and close up were wonderful, both full of excellent magic and humour. Quite the night!@jay_sankey@GregFrewinMagic@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/JP1j10BaGq

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 26, 2019

[3/3] More from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):

The Gala Show and close up were wonderful, both full of excellent magic and humour. Quite the night!@CarisaHendrix@paulromhany@MikeCloseMagic@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/9oMyXvUn8X

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 26, 2019

[2/3] Saturday afternoon from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):

... public children’s show staring Peter Mennie and Owen Anderson, @petermennie@OwenTAnderson@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/GJIuEKyhwU

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019

[3/3] Saturday afternoon from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):

... with stilt walker Doug Hunt. Afternoon lecture by Michael Close.@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/tMgBJyRMsc

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019

[2/4] Saturday gala photos from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/o4hNoVdHCY

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019

[4/4] Saturday gala photos from @JoanCaesar at the Ontario Week of Wonder (thanks Joan!):@paulromhany@OWOWMagicFest#OWOWfestival #owow pic.twitter.com/jBZz2GSVN3

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) October 27, 2019

Lucy Darling on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us"

Carisa Hendrix will appear as Lucy Darling on "Fool Us" later this month!

From Michael Close's Facebook post:

MONDAY 9/23 8PM “Magic Is Bad For Your Health”
Lucy Darling
Nestor Hato
Alfonso Rituerto
Keelan Leyser and Matt Daniel-Baker

From the September 6th article "Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of PENN & TELLER: FOOL US on THE CW - Monday, September 23, 2019" by TV Scoop on Broadway World:

BILLY THE MIME - Aspiring magicians are invited to perform their best trick to try and fool the world-famous team of Penn & Teller, who will get to see the trick only once and have to immediately try to work it out. Anyone who succeeds wins the right to perform with Penn & Teller in their celebrated show at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The live studio audience and the TV audience watch along with Penn & Teller as they try to figure out the secrets. THE MAGICIANS featured in the episode include Lucy Darling, Nestor Hato, Alfonso Rituerto and Keelan Leyser and Matt Daniel-Baker. Alyson Hannigan ("How I Met Your Mother") serves as host (#612). Original airdate 9/23/2019.

Read more.

Drescher and Hendrix at the Magic Castle

From Shezam's Facebook page:

As far as anyone can tell, this is the first time two solo women have performed in the Peller Theater at the Magic Castle outside of an all-women-themed week. Naturally, we’ve created a pretty epic show. It begins tomorrow.

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Review: Indulgence with Lucy Darling

From the July 2nd post "MMF 2019 Review: Indulgence with Lucy Darling" by  Tay Around Town:

We giggled and snorted with laughter, followed Lucy along in her games and marvelled at her wonderful magic. Each time I see Lucy Darling’s shows I become even more enchanted – as does her audience, I’m sure. She has a supreme stage presence and personality, which the audience just revel in. Despite a ‘larger than life’ personality, Lucy (Carisa) is careful to have this aspect not diminish the magic and storytelling. Everything in this show is within perfect harmony.

Read more.

Congratulations to the 2018 Canadian Rising Star

The winners of Magicana's Allan Slaight awards will be announced every day this week, starting yesterday. Special congratulations to Carisa Hendrix for winning the Canadian Rising Star award!


From the Magicana Twitter feed:

Here's 1 of 5 #AllanSlaightAwards celebrating #excellenceinmagic The Canadian Rising Star award, acknowledges outstanding work by an emerging artist & comes with an iPad, & $5,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation. ... AND, it's @CarisaHendrix WATCH: https://t.co/EBWbKTAG8J pic.twitter.com/n2PWVxeapx

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) June 24, 2019

Nashville: Carisa Hendrix at the House of Cards

Astounding performances by Lucy Darling at House of Cards April 8 - 14.


From the House of Cards Twitter feed:
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Spellbinding and spectacular. Join us April 8 - 14 for astounding performances by Lucy Darling at House of Cards! https://t.co/NtpY44e7nb
(📸: @CarisaHendrix ) pic.twitter.com/go2KG51CR5

— House of Cards (@hocnashville) March 27, 2019

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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Carisa Hendrix in the Calgary Herald

From the February 7th article "Who's that girl? Calgary magician Carisa Hendrix and the rise of Lucy Darling" by Eric Volmers in the Calgary Herald:

Lucy is as good an authority as anyone on the magic of new personas. She is actually the alter ego of Calgary magician, fire-eater, actress, model and “circus artist” Carisa Hendrix. Two years ago, Hendrix was a moderately successful act in Calgary, concentrating largely on corporate gigs and children’s festivals and generally “scraping by and living a little bit in magic obscurity,” she says. There had been notable highlights. She had developed a show for Las Vegas, was the subject of the documentary Girl on Fire and even broke the Guinness World Record for “longest duration fire-torch teething” in 2012. But her entry into the exclusive inner circle of international magicians eluded her.

Then Lucy came along.

Lucy Darling, decked out in an elegant evening gown and possessing a quick wit worthy of Dorothy Parker, debuted in Australia at the Melbourne Magic Festival in July of 2017.

Read more.

New York: Farquhar and Hendrix in Salute to Magic

From SAM Parent Assembly #1:

Asi Wind, Shawn Farquhar, Lucy Darling and Bobby Torkova Amaze Audiences March 30 in the Salute to Magic Show in Manhattan

Since its start in 1909 the Salute to Magic show has provided New York audiences the opportunity to enjoy the amazing talent of some of magic’s biggest names. This year’s show features a program of internationally renowned performers who are among today’s most innovative and accomplished conjurors. We will also honor magician David Kaye for his significant influence on the field of children’s magic and for his leadership of the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians.

Read more and register.

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Carisa Hendrix in Ozy

A reminder that you can see Carisa Hendrix perform in Calgary on February 9th.


From the January 30th article "IT'S NO TRICK: WOMEN ARE CRASHING THE MALE-DOMINATED WORLD OF MAGIC" by Tania Bhattacharya in Ozy:

You can tell a lot about a person by what they drink, declares Lucy Darling, the elegant, razor-sharp alter ego of 31-year-old Canadian magician Carisa Hendrix. She’s entertaining a giddy audience at the Magic Castle, the Academy of Magical Arts’ (AMA) private clubhouse in Los Angeles, with her Maker Martini routine. Tony and Jennifer — two spectators — select the strawberry martini and the gimlet as the cocktails they want. Darling goes behind her magical bar to shake up an empty shaker, then pours three different drinks in one go. She hands the strawberry martini to Tony and the gimlet to Jennifer, and they return to their seats, amazed.

A Guinness World Record holder for the longest duration of fire torch teething – a stunt where you hold a fire torch upright with your teeth – and winner of best comedy magic show at the 2017 Melbourne Magic Festival, Hendrix is among a growing number of female illusionists changing the world of magic. For decades, women have largely been relegated to the role of perky assistants who are sawed in half. Now, more and more women are joining the profession as magicians themselves. Top magic schools are recording a dramatic surge in female students. And audiences are embracing them like never before.

Read more.

Calgary: Carisa Hendrix at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino

From Ticketfly:

SAT, FEBRUARY 9

Carisa Hendrix is a magician, circus stunt girl and bubble performer featured in the Guinness Book of World Records (2014 Book, Page 86) and Ripley’s Believe it or Not. This 5-time award winning performer has been thrilling audiences all over Canada and internationally for the past 15 years with her signature blend of classy, cute comedy entertainment. Multi-talented, she has a huge vocabulary of Circus Skills, Sideshow Stunts and Magic effects under her belt as well as Balloon Sculpting, Stilt Walking, Fire Dance, Visual Art and Acting. As the Artistic Director of Ballyhoo Entertainment she is excited to be working with a variety of talented young artist to provide a wide range of fun & creative entertainment options for special events.

You might know her from her appearances in 2 popular Youtube projects Protector’s Chronicles (300000+ combined views) and The Art of Slow Motion Fire Eating (75000+ views). Or perhaps you recognize her for the expertise she displays in her best selling instructional DVD on Fire Eating as well as the 1000+ fire eating students who have learned from her first hand in classes all over Canada & the USA.

Read more and buy tickets.

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

Carisa Hendrix at the Magic Castle

From Carisa Hendrix's Twitter feed:
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See you at the castle, best NYE ever! thx Jeremy Yam for another amazing Lucy Image :) https://t.co/Nx53fKqGWh pic.twitter.com/nSuG2czfsH

— Carisa Hendrix (@CarisaHendrix) December 6, 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!"

--
* 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."

--
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


Cast your vote now at Poll Junkie!