Murray Hatfield and Teresa at the Comedy & Magic Club

From the Twitter feed of Murray Hatfield:
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Very excited to get the confirmation that Teresa and I will be appearing at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA. Many of the greatest comedians (and magicians) have performed there. Look for us March 12-16, 2019

— Murray Hatfield (@MurrayHatfield) November 3, 2018

Richmond: A magical evening

See a show with Murray Hatfield, Eric Bedard, and Jeff Christensen on June 16.

From the Facebook page of A Magical Evening - "Celebrate the Child in All of Us":

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Rounding the Western rings in March 2018

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- Michael Ammar lecture - Make Magic
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Michael Ammar lecture.
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Michael Ammar lecture. - SYM close-up contest, mini-wands, top hats.
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Michael Ammar lecture. - Third Monday Magic.
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- "Love, Magic and Dinner" starring Chris Funk
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- TBA
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Michael Ammar lecture. - Wacky Wednesday (featuring Scott Ward, Jason Verners, Dave Attwood, Murray Hatfield)

Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Murray Hatfield at the Magic Castle

From the Magic Castle:

Feb 26 - Mar 4

PALACE OF MYSTERY
Murray Hatfield & Teresa

MAGICIAN LECTURE
Murray Hatfield

Read more.

2017 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 fabulous talent in our country.

One hundred and seven votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  This year there was an option to add a comment to your vote.  My favourite comment?  "I hope no one can see I voted for myself..."  (Bonus points to you if you can guess who wrote that.)

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

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Ryan Brown
Nominated by dmdlfyer.

It is clear from his multiple nominations that Ryan has worked hard to get this far in his career.  He 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.

Website: RyanBrownMagic.com

Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.

In 2017, Neil appeared on "Masters of Illusion" and performed across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka.

Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer.  He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival."  This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.


Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com

Caiden Finch (12 yo)
Nominated by Phil Matlin.

Caiden was the youngest nominee in 2017.  It is clear to me that he is on a similar trajectory as the others nominated this year.  He is a hard worker, who actively seeks out feedback, and implements advice received.  I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  I have no doubt we'll continue to hear wonderful things about him as the years progress!

Website:

• Read more about Caiden at the Perfect Magic Facebook page and the Perfect Magic blog.

Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.

The Hatfields had another amazing year! Murray and Teresa Hatfield starred in and produced their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen.

Additionally, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com

Editor's Choice

Julie Eng
Nominated by James Alan.

Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," in 2017 Julie was also a major driving force behind the publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson," Magic Live (as performer, presenter, and host), Magicana's Magic Collectors Weekend, Magicana's A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities (as publisher, project manager) and the CBC's show Magic and Science.  I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!

Somehow, while doing all of that, Julie still found time to be the Executive Director at Magicana.


Website: magicienne.com

Readers' Choice

Benzi Train
Nominated by Ari.

Congratulations to Benzi for winning the 2017 Readers' Choice award!

Keep up your great work with the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, Newest Trick in the Book and Toronto Magic Company!

Vote now for the 2017 Readers' Choice award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the 2017 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!  Voting will close on Saturday, 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):

Caiden Finch (12 yo)
Nominated by Phil Matlin.
"He has performed on stage for paying audience and I might say he was great. His magic was excellent. He was dressed for the occasion. He had a themed routine and what I really liked was that came in [to Perfect Magic] about week before the show and asked for some advice. I talked, he listened and implemented 95% of it in his show."

I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016.  He's a fine young man with a bright future ahead of him!

Website:

• Read more about Caiden at the Perfect Magic Facebook page.
• Read more about Caiden at the Perfect Magic blog.

Ryan Brown
Nominated by dmdlfyer.

"Ryan started performing magic very early in school. While he was in my class, he would bargain his work completion in order to go to the kindergarten class and perform his latest trick. He continued to perform and cam back several years to perform free at our school's fun fair. True school and community spirit. Ryan has inspired many of the students to believe in their dream and to work hard to achieve it. He continues to seek advancement in his craft by seeking peer help and taking classes taught by more experienced magicians. In 2017 Ryan performed at Screemers at Exhibition Place Toronto in October. Great show Ryan!!  Increased his knowledge of magic by taking classes in Las Vegas with the master of masks and magical knowledge, Jeff McBride earlier this year."

Supporting information from Patricia Silver:

"Ryan Brown is an example of a young man who knew what he wanted to accomplish, kept focused under difficult conditions, and has achieved it - a life in magic. Not only is he talented, he is a joy to work with, both personally and professionally. My agency had the pleasure of mentoring and booking Ryan from early in his career. He takes his magic very seriously, and is constantly working to raise the bar on his show and learn from others. He is worthy of an award."

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"The magic or Ryan Brown. I have known Ryan for many years and not only is he a close friend but amazing magician who is dedicating his life to magic and works extremely hard so he definitely deserves an award."

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"I'd like to nominate Ryan Brown ("The Magic of Ryan Brown"). I've known Ryan since he was a youth and was shown his first magic tricks. From that point on, Ryan became dedicated to learning the craft, and perfecting tricks and routines. He recently won a scholarship to an exclusive magic school in Las Vegas where he had opportunity to perfect his craft further. Ryan creates routines to amaze his audiences with thought to ages he he performing in front of. He continues to create illusions himself. Seeing a performance by Ryan is nothing short of amazing. "

Supporting information from Unknown:

"I second all these nominations of Ryan. I have worked with as his assistant. And he is always improving and raising the bar, trying and accomplishing new tricks and striving to be the best magician he can be. "

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"I nominate Ryan Brown because having known him since he was 15, I have seen him hold fast to his dream of being a professional magician in the face of having his mother suffer a devastating illness when Ryan was age 11.

As a result Ryan had to grow up in a blue collar single parent household in a low income area, having to overcome many obstacles in order to be where he is today."

Supporting information from Anonymous:

"Many years ago, I gave Ryan Brown his first opportunity to perform professionally. Seeing his accomplishments to date astounds me, just like his magic does.

Ryan continues to diversify his act. In 2017 he added new stage illusions and executed them flawlessly in his own style. As Ryan moves to the next phase of his career, I can't help but be inspired by his daily dedication to the craft of magic. New wardrobe, new card manipulation, new stage illusions, he's been hard at work this year.

On a personal level, 2017 was an extra challenging year for Ryan, with the passing of his father. Ryan's first performance on a Las Vegas stage this past September would have made him very proud.

It is for these reasons that I nominate Ryan Brown for "Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year"."


Website: RyanBrownMagic.com

Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.
"I would like to nominate Neil Croswell. I have watched Neil devote his life to magic from a young age and he has stuck to his vision from day one. His determination and work ethic over the years make him an inspiration as well as his countless awards and international TV appearances (Fool Us, etc.). In 2017, he appeared on "Masters of Illusion" , completed 250+ shows on a cruise in the Bahamas, and performed internationally across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka. To accomplish what he has at his age, I believe, is an inspiration to Canadian magicians with goals of a professional career. "

Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer.  He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival."  This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.


Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com



 

Julie Eng
Nominated by James Alan.

Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," this year Julie has had a few other things on the go!
 
"The Magic of Johnny Thompson": Julie has been project managing the production and publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson." Her roles include: photographer, photo editor, and editor.

Magic Live - performer, presenter, and host: Julie was invited back (for the third time since 2015!) to co-host all the general sessions with Jonathan Levit. Sometimes hosting meant interviewing interesting magic characters, like the one-and-only David Williamson, or being part of something like a “show and tell” with Levent (where he talked about 3D printing).

Magicana - Magic Collectors Weekend - producer, host, project manager:  As part of Magicana, Julie staged and produced a Magic History Conference called the Magic Collectors Weekend in Montreal (first time out of the USA).  It coincided with the opening of Illusions: The Art of Magic poster exhibition featuring some of the top-drawer posters from the newly acquired Allan Slaight Collection of posters.

Magicana - A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities -  publisher, project manager: This year, Julie also worked closely with Dr. Eddie Dawes and his family to start the process of publishing the historical series A Rich Cabinet of Curiosities (published in the Magic Circle’s organ the Magic Circular). Magicana will produce and release Dr Dawes's collected monthly series in an epic, multi-volume compendium spanning forty years, of over 450 articles. The first volume is now in the works and with hopes of getting an edition out by the late fall of 2018 or perhaps early 2019.

Magic and Science - performer, host, presenter: Julie was included as part of the Magic and Science special, one-hour documentary for CBC’s "The Nature of Things: which will air sometime in the early part of 2018. Julie acts as “host” and helps to link the segments together, performing a bit of magic along the way. This is Julie's first major television piece.

Somehow, while doing all of that, Julie still found time to be the Executive Director at Magicana.


Website: magicienne.com

Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.
"The Magic Demon nominates Murray and Teresa Hatfield for starring in and producing their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. For the second year in a row, it was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen."

In addition, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com



 

Benzi Train
Nominated by Ari.
"I nominate Benzi Train because of his tireless work over the years to promote the performance of live magic in Toronto and his efforts at the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club and bringing in of top quality lecturers to our community. His (and partner Jonah Babbins) show Newest Trick in the Book gives any magician a venue/opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. He has inspired many magicians to challenge themselves creatively or to even perform live."


Supporting information from Steven Lafond:
"I second the nomination for Ben Train for his incredible work with the Toronto Magic Company. He is an amazing performer and producer and has worked very hard to keep magic alive in the Toronto performing arts scene."


Supporting information from Natasha:
"I’m nominating Ben Train for all the work he’s done for the Toronto magic community. Besides becoming one of the most popular performers in the city, Ben also founded the Toronto Magic Company and produces different magic shows every week across the city. Whether working with aspiring young magicians to give them the confidence to go on stage, provide professionals with new opportunities to share their magic, or bringing the best magic in the world to Toronto for public shows and lectures, there isn’t anyone in the city doing more for magic than Ben."


Website: BenTrain.ca




Cast your vote now at Poll Junkie!

Langley: Murray Hatfield and Bizzaro

From the Facebook page of Norden the Magician:

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Welcoming Murray Hatfield as CAM President

On Thursday, at the PCAM / CAM 2017 convention, Joan Caesar swore in Murray Hatfield as President of the Canadian Association of Magicians!

Congratulations Murray, and thank you for taking on this important role!


Watch Brent Smith's video of the event on Facebook:




Here's a snapshot of Tweets from the convention:


#PCAM2017 Tweets

Canadians on "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" season 4

Updated November 24th at add Ekatarina, Matthew Johnson, Shin Lim, and Jean-Pierre Parent.

Updated on May 24th to add Richard Forget!

Updated on April 17 to add Yan Markson!

Updated at 1:55pm to add Patrik Kuffs!

Information is slowly leaking about about the contestants on season four of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us."  So far I've spotted Murray Hatfield, Sheldon Casavant, and Patrik Kuffs.  (And a teaser from Shawn Farquhar.)  Tell me, who am I missing from Canada?


From Murray Hatfield's Facebook page:




From Sheldon Casavant's Facebook page:






From Yan Markson's Instagram:

'Penn & Teller's Fool Us' Season 4 premieres this July, and you might find a firmiliar face this year. - stay tuned! ;) #magician #mentalist #torontoentertainment #torontoevents #eventplanner

A post shared by Yan Markson (@yanmarkson) on Apr 8, 2017 at 12:22pm PDT

From Richard Forget's Facebook page:

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From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

James Randi and Matt Dillahunty

From the Pangburn Philosophy YouTube channel:

Pangburn Philosophy ALL ACCESS presents "The Amazing James Randi TRICKS Matt Dillahunty." This moment occurred in a hotel, prior to the CONJURE THE NIGHT event which took place on April 2nd 2017 at the UBC Chan Centre in Vancouver BC Canada. James and Matt spoke together about conjuring, skepticism and the life of James Randi. James and Matt later performed some conjurations followed by illusionist Murray Hatfield and 2 time world champion of magic, Shawn Farquhar.

Murray Hatfield to become CAM President

Congratulations Murray!  Thanks for taking on this important role for the Canadian Association of Magcians!


From Brent Smith's Facebook page:

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Canadian magic school colours

Chris Randall put up a great post about The Canadian School of Magic Graduates (and the school colours:  blue and purple).

From Chris Randall's Facebook page:

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Victoria: 50th Anniversary Magic Spectacular!

The show is on May 29th and includes: Dave Morris, Shayne King, Eric Bedard, Dave Attwood, Jason Verners, Murray Hatfield & Teresa, and Shawn Farquhar.

From the Victoria Magic Circle:

The Victoria Magic Circle

50th Anniversary Magic Spectacular!

What do you get when you take some of BC’s finest practitioners of magic and mystery and put them all together into one incredible show? You get an unbelievable evening of family fun that will have you laughing, cheering and shaking your head in disbelief.

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary in the city, the Victoria Magic Circle invited 8 of the top magicians and magical entertainers in BC to be a part of this very special Magic Spectacular. Many different styles of magic and illusion will be on display from intimate sleight of hand to hilarious comedy magic to stunning large scale .

Read more and buy tickets.

Chilliwack: Cabaret of Wonders

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

... come check out the fourth edition of Cabaret of Wonders with Vitaly Beckman, Camilo Dominguez, Murray Hatfield and myself... yup it's going to be epic fun... and it's almost SOLD OUT

From the Chilliwack Cultural Centre:

Shawn Farquhar's Cabaret of Wonders - Four

February 12, 2016

Read more and buy tickets:

Murray Hatfield: Southern Lecture Tour

Updated January 7th to add:

• Regrettably, this tour has been cancelled.

Thanks for the update Julie!

From the Murray Hatfield - S. Carolina and Florida Lecture Tour Facebook event:

Coming all the way from Canada, one of the top touring stage performers, Murray Hatfield, comes south to present his lecture for a select group and only available for a limited time. In 2013 Murray Hatfield lectured across the U.S. for over 20 cities, all of whom proclaimed him one of their favorite lecturers. I am still using one of his marketed products in my regular show for corporate audiences.

Although Murray is best known throughout Canada as trouping with his illusion show, he was also the proprietor of a brick and mortar magic shop for many years. Not just a skilled professional stage magician, Murray also has the “chops” to perform close-up as he demonstrated to the registrants of the prestigious Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolic (F.F.F.F.), invitation only close-up convention.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 Greenville, SC - CONFIRMED
Friday, February 12, 2016 Columbia, SC
Saturday, February 13, 2016 Myrtle Beach, SC
Sunday, February 14, 2016 Charleston or Summerville, SC
Monday, February 15, 2016 Hilton Head, SC
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Pensacola, FL
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, February 18, 2016 Daytona Beach, FL
Friday, February 19, 2016 open, no lecture
Saturday, February 20, 2016 Tampa, FL
Sunday, February 21, 2016 Sarasota, FL
Monday, February 22, 2016 Fort Meyers, FL
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 Miami, FL
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 North Miami, FL
Thursday, February 25, 2016 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Friday, February 26, 2016 Boca Raton, FL
Saturday, February 27, 2016 West Palm Beach, FL
Sunday, February 28, 2016 Melbourne, FL
Monday, February 29, 2016 Cocoa Beach, FL
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Kissimmee, FL
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Orlando, FL

Read more to see an updated list of confirmed events.

Sidney: Murray Hatfield

From the Mary Winspear Centre:

Sunday, June 7th, 2015

Sidney Shriners Club Presents
Murray Hatfield Magic Show
Shriner's Variety Show
Tickets can be bought through the Shriners Ticket Office 250-384-4427.

Read more and buy tickets.

Rounding the Western rings in February 2015

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.

City	Club	Event(s)
Calgary, AB	Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring)	- Murray Hatfield Lecture
Edmonton, AB	Edmonton Magic Club	- Murray Hatfield lecture
Winnipeg, MB	The Magic Club of Winnipeg	- Murray Hatfield lecture
Fraser Valley, BC	IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring)	- Third Monday Magic - Murray Hatfield lecture
Vancouver, BC	Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle)	- Annual  Installation  Banquet - Bizzaro lecture
Vancouver, BC	SAM 95  (Carl Hemeon Assembly)	- John Kaplan lecture
Victoria, BC	Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle)	- Murray Hatfield lecture

 
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.

Victoria: Wacky Wednesday

From Murray Hatfield's Facebook page:

Post by Murray Hatfield.

Linking Ring (v94, 6) June 2014

There's a nice write-up of Murray Hatfield's lecture for Ring 352 in State College, Pennsylvania on page 54.

Victoria: Mirth and Magic Show

From the Victoria Magic Circle:

The Victoria Magic Circle presents Mirth & Magic - an evening of magic and comedy featuring the award winning magic of Steve Hignett, Zanthera, Murray Hatfield, and Jason Verners. Competing for the Wansborough Best Comedy Magic Trophy; Donald Dunphy, Craig McKee, Michael Macheck, Dave Morris.

May 24th, 2014.

Berwick Royal Oak

Read more and buy tickets.