Showing posts with label Lee Asher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lee Asher. Show all posts

08 January 2024

Lee Asher asks: Who was the first magician in Canada?

Lee shares his fascinating findings after exhaustively researching the question:  "Who was the first magician in Canada?"

 

From the article "Who was the first magician in Canada?" at Lee Asher's blog

It’s important to note that exploring this inquiry took me on an unexpected historical journey, revealing a crucial and overlooked detail. The magical practices of Indigenous shamans and medicine people, the original enchanters on Canadian soil, deserve credit and acknowledgement as the first magicians. A dedicated exploration of this topic in a future article is warranted. Yet, in this article's context, I emphasize the archetype of a Western-style conjuror, as initially envisioned.

Acknowledging that present-day Canada likely did not exist during this specific period, our focus adjusts to what was known as Upper and Lower Canada in the era of British North America.

Please allow me to introduce you to a handful of colonial conjurers without further ado.


Read more.

 

 

 

 

20 December 2023

2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase summary

This concludes the 2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the country.

A huge shout out to everyone who trusted us enough to submit names and supporting text last month, even though you didn't know exactly how it was going to be used.  

We couldn't have done this without the help of:


Thank you for the work involved in sending us your submission.

 



Congratulations again to everyone featured.  Keep up the great work!






13 December 2023

Lee Asher: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Tenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Lee Asher!

Lee Asher: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Lee Asher: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 



Lee constantly gives back to the community. He's a sounding board for me and others working to elevate magic, encourages talent and is an invaluable resource for anybody who wants to know anything about playing cards. He doesn't sit on his laurels, and continues to be an integral part of the magic community.

Submitted by Derrick Chung

 

 


Congratulations Lee!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Lee Asher visit his website at LeeAsher.com or follow him on Instagram.


 

Thank you Derrick, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Derrick Chung, visit his website at DerrickChung.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  








05 December 2023

Alexandra: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Second in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Alexandra!

Alexandra: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Alexandra: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 


Over the last fifteen years, Alexandra has been Greg Frewin's main assistant, the backbone of his show. But guess what? As of 2023, she's embarked on a fascinating new journey as a magician, and let me tell you, she is fantastic. Just last week, she pulled off an incredible feat
– she fooled none other than Penn & Teller.

This isn't just a career change; it's a captivating
transformation. From assistant extraordinaire to a magician who can leave even the masters of magic in awe. It's not every day you witness
such a remarkable shift, and I can't wait to see where Alex goes.

Submitted by Lee Asher


Watch Alexandra on Penn and Teller's Fool Us at the November 9th upload at the Greg Frewin Theatre YouTube channel:

 

 

Congratulations Alexandra!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Alexandra, visit the Greg Frewin Theatre and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.  

 

Thank you Lee, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Lee Asher, visit LeeAsher.com and follow him on Twitter, and Instagram.




2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Paul Romhany
  Alexandra 

 
 





25 October 2023

NYC: Asher, DeGuzman, and Ramsay at Cardtopia [Nov 4]

From the October 4th Instagram post by Cardtopia:   [emphasis added]

Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Moonlight Studios in New York City for unforgettable performances by the biggest names in the world of cards: Chris Ramsay, Anna DeGuzman, Chris Brown, Felipe Mojave Ramos, Bea Staack, Rick Smith Jr, Rokas Bernatonis, Lee Asher, Chris Chelko, Bill Kalush, Richard Turner, Laetitia Barbier, and the dynamic duo, Kristen & Alex! ๐ŸŽฉ๐Ÿƒ

But hold onto your seats, because that's just the stars you can witness on stage at the Studio! ๐ŸŒŸ Stay tuned for the list of performers on stage at the TED World Theater and the full program, including master classes, discussions, interactive games, and more, which we'll reveal this Wednesday. You won't want to miss it! ๐Ÿคฉ

There's still time to be part of this card lover's paradise! ๐ŸŽซ Grab your tickets now at www.cardtopia.com and let the magic unfold before your eyes. Don't miss out on the ultimate card experience! ๐ŸŽ‰

 

 

From the October 23rd Instagram reel by Chris Ramsay:

 

 

 

 

 

27 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 10

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts.  We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!  

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time.  The survey can be found here:  https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!


 

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

 

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari
<< part 9  |  part 11 >>

 

Part 10 features:  Luis Salas, Michael Penkul, and Lee Asher

 

  Luis Salas  
Insurance.

Attended camp in 2009 as a camper.


In his own words:

  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • Performing my own routine to Aaron Fisher as my audience on the boat dock.


  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • Experience.

 

Attending Sorcerers Safari was one of the most positive experiences I had as a teenager. From the friendships, the nature, the fun and the learning - everything was superb and I feel lucky to have attended even if it was just for the one year. I do wish I had gone again though.

 

 

  Michal Penkul  
Professional magician, Professional Wedding DJ & Magician, MichaelPenkul.com.

Attended as a camper in 2009 and 2010 (Daniel Garcia &  Dan and Dave Buck were the special guests).


Since his time at camp Michal has:

  • DJ'd and performed professionally full-time (DJ Magic Mike), and 
  • Produced music as an EDM artist.


In his own words:

  • Besides the amazing things I learned from all the lectures and special guests, it was the confidence to perform in front of larger crowds; getting to perform on the Sorcerers Safari Stage helped me overcome a lot of introverted shyness.


  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • Filming Aaron Fishers DVD Revolution! Daniel Garcia was also a huge idol of mine, he left me with a phrase that I've tried incorporating into all my magic to this day - 'keep magic sexy'


  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • Being with like-minded magicians, many friends that I keep in contact with to this day. It was my first time away from my family for that long which was a huge stepping stone for me, and helped me build a lot of confidence on and off stage.

 

I was a shy, quiet kid who felt unmemorable at the time, but camp was one of the most memorable experiences in my life!

 

 

  Lee Asher 
Professional magician, LeeAsher.com.

Attended camp in:

  • 2001 as Counsellor / Staff, 
  • 2002 as Special Guest, and 
  • 2003 until the end as Executive Staff.


Since his time at camp Lee has been:

  • The youngest, cutest [self-reported], and longest-running President of 52 Plus Joker (the world's most prestigious playing card collectors organization),
  • The Senior consultant for the world's most extensive and expensive magic television series, Amazing Magicians, filmed in Nanjing, China, 
  • The Director of the largest stunt ever filmed for Penn & Teller's 'Fool Us' television show, and
  • The recipient of the Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award for my extensive work in the playing card industry. 

 

In his own words:

  • Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp fostered a true sense of community. Collaborative activities and team-building exercises allowed me to forge deep bonds with fellow aspiring magicians. These friendships taught me the value of collaboration, cooperation, and mutual support—a vital lesson that continues to guide me long after the campfire's embers have faded.
  • Most importantly, meeting my wife at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp all those years ago was my greatest accomplishment. Through late-night conversations filled with laughter and shared dreams, Christina and I discovered a profound connection, and our hearts resonated in perfect harmony. We've been happily married for over twelve years.



  • Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
    • There are far too many to mention. Yet, spending time with campers who have now grown into adults is something I treasure.

  • Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
    • My biggest takeaway is that Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp harnessed the incredible power of shared experiences, collaboration, and encouragement to unlock hidden potential, all while building lasting connections.

 

Best Years Ever!

 

Thank you Luis, Michael, and Lee for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff!

 

 Previously featured 

 

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

part 1part 2  | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12

<< part 9  |  part 11 >>

 

 

28 November 2022

Kickstarter: Sisterhood Playing Cards

Learn more about The SISTERHOOD Deck of Playing Cards at Kickstarter.

 

From the November 3rd Instagram post by Rosemary Reid:

Sisterhood Playing Cards. Designed to Empower, Support and Educate, this deck helps you start essential conversations that can alter the course of history.

Our stunning hot-foiled and embossed tuck box draws everyone’s attention. The designer Ace and Jokers keep them looking, and once the dialogue shifts to the court cards, our opportunity for creating change becomes real.

You’ll see women of different sizes, shades, and shapes on each one. When viewed in sequence, these twelve court cards portray an archetypal journey through life. ✨

Yet, we maintain the J, Q, and K indices so this deck can be used for all card game and magic purposes. ♥️♠️♦️♣️

The SISTERHOOD Deck Launches Wednesday November 30th @ 2:00 PM EST on @Kickstarter.❣️Link in bio! (Hit ‘Notify Me’ & follow the prompts)

 

 

 

 

15 October 2022

2022 winner of the Lifetime Achievement Dawson Award: Lee Asher!

Congratulations Lee!  Well deserved!

 

From the October 13th Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

2022 Diamond Award Winners announced in Pittsburgh, PA!
.
Congratulations to our faithful club President @LeeAsherMagic for winning this year's coveted Lifetime Achievement Dawson Award (given to him by Judy Dawson @judith.dawson22 herself).
.
The winner of the 2022 Deck of the Year AND 2022 Artist of the Year went to @Stockholm17 (Lorenzo Gaggiotti). Outstanding!
.
Please send all the winners and this year's nominees your love. They deserve every bit of it.
.
Thank you, and see you next year for the 2023 Diamond Awards!

 

 

 

 

 

 

06 October 2022

52 Plus Joker FREE Zoom 2022 Red Carpet & Diamond Awards event [Oct 8]

From the October 4th Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

This Saturday, starting at 5:30 PM EST, join 52 Plus Joker FREE on Zoom as we present the 2022 Red Carpet & Diamond Awards event.
.
Spot all the #PlayingCard celebrities, hear crowd predictions, and get the inside scoop with your Red Carpet host @atouchofrosemary. Then at 7 PM, watch as club President @leeashermagic crowns the Diamond Award winners for 'Artist of The Year' and 'Deck of the Year.' You won't want to miss any of it.
.
Mark your calendar and join us for an evening of #playingcard bliss.
.
ZOOM LINK IN BIO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

06 May 2022

ICYMI: 52 Plus Joker Virtual Weekend replay

If you weren't able to attend the 52 Plus Joker Virtual Weekend last month, not to worry! 52 Plus Joker have kindly put the video event on a YouTube playlist "April 2022 Virtual Playing Card Weekend" for everyone to enjoy!

  • Intro - April 2022 Virtual Playing Card Weekend
  • Stacey Jay Kelly - Designer Talk [Churchill cards, Dr. Lister cards, Jon Pertwee cards, coronavirus cards!]
  • Stacey Jay Kelly - Live Q&A
  • Steve Bowling - 71 Lot
  • Show & Tell: Desert Island Edition
  • How the Yakuza helped sell Nintendo's first game - Here's A Thing
  • Eurogamer
  • Rosemary Reid - The Real Deal
  • Playing Card Game Show
  • Greg Loschen - Card Art
  • 2021 Diamond Awards Pre-Show Dinner
  • 2021 Diamond Awards


Watch the April 2022 Virtual Playing Card Weekend playlist below:

 

 





22 April 2022

52 Plus Joker Virtual Weekend [April 23 - 24]

From  52 Plus Joker:

Join us online for these FREE events. Attend informative lectures, bid on auction lots, participate in the member show & tell, win prizes at the game show, enjoy the pre-show awards dinner and attend the Diamond Awards ceremony. 52 Plus Joker has a great weekend in store for you. 

Read more. 

 

From the April 20th Instagram post by 52 Plus Jokers:

Important 52 Plus Joker 2022 Virtual Weekend Info:
.
A Few Words From Behind The Curtains!
.
Club President @leeashermagic says, "We're only days away from a virtual playing card weekend of grand celebration. The team is putting the finishing touches on all the different events. Wait until you see what's in store because you're in for a playing card experience like no other!"
.
Enjoy lectures, a mega auction, a playing card game show, a show & tell, a pre-show awards party and the 2021 Diamond Awards.

 

 

14 April 2022

ICYMI: Portfolio 52's 2021 Deck of the Year

Congratulations to @Stockholm17 and @52plusjoker⁠!  

Watch the video in the post below to see a message from 52 Plus Joker president Lee Asher.

 

From the February 27th Instagram post by Portfolio 52:

The one you’ve all been waiting for… The final ‘Deck of the Year’ category of which our awards are named after wraps up the 2021 DOTY week long ceremony. This award recognizes the best overall deck that voters thought were the most noteworthy of the past year. These decks must shine not just in a single category, but through all of them from outside tuck to inside courts and everything in between.⁠

This year’s winners are noteworthy not just in their excellence in their art of playing cards, but also because it brought up something we honestly didn’t even think about occurring, a tie! That’s right, through all the thousands of votes, the decks for third place were so close that literally one vote would have shifted the stance. It goes to show that your voice does matter in these awards. Going forward we may figure out a way to do tie breakers and are certainly open to suggestions on what you guys think to do in these extremely rare events (rock paper scissors tournament? ultimate death match?), but for this year we decided to celebrate them both in all its serendipity! So without further ado this year’s winners…⁠

๐Ÿ† 2021 DECK OF THE YEAR WINNERS๐Ÿ†⁠
1) 52 Plus Joker 2021 by @Stockholm17 and @52plusjoker
2) Alice in Wonderland by @kingswildproject
3) Royales by @kingsncrooks
3) The Tale of Tempest by @thegentlemanwake⁠ and @oathpcc

๐ŸŽDOTY GRAND PRIZES:⁠
First Place DOTY wins not only the title belt, but also several grand prizes from our amazing sponsors. @ShuffledInk is proud to offer 100 free printed decks. @CaratCaseCreations is thrilled to provide 2,500 custom printed DS1s. And finally, the biggest prize of all, coming from the internationally established @cartamundicards, the world’s largest playing card producer, comes an amazingly generous €5,000 print credit towards the winning team for their next project. We can’t wait to see the kind of awesomeness that comes from this new partnership!
Edited · 

Outstanding! Thank you to @stockholm17 & @expertpcc for their hard work and efforts. And on behalf of @52plusjoker -- THANK YOU ALL for voting! ๐Ÿ™❤๐Ÿ˜Š