2016 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 eighty five of you voted in this "bragging rights" only contest.  Here are the results of our first ever "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Beacons of Inspiration

Murray and Teresa Hatfield

The Hatfields outdid themselves last year with their production "Unbelievable."  Murray also stepped up to the Vice President position of CAM, in anticipation of becoming CAM President later this year.

Thanks for the inspiration Murray and Teresa!


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com

Matt DiSero

In 2016 Matt appeared on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us," which I think is inspiring all on it's own.  He also has a knack for keeping things light and making us laugh.

Thanks for the inspiration Matt!

Website: MattDiSero.com

Editor's Choice

Mahdi Gilbert

I found Mahdi's appearance on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" very powerful and inspirational.  I was also impressed that one of my readers from Germany chose to nominate Mahdi.  Apparently he has quite the fan base!

Website: MahdiGilbert.com

Readers' Choice

Steven Lafond

Congratulations to Steven for winning the 2016 Readers' Choice award!

Keep up the great work with 'Magic Mondays' in Ottawa and your ongoing support of the Canadian magic community!


Website: MagicStudioProductions

Vote now for the 2016 Readers' Choice award

Updated to add: 

• Voting has closed.  Results will be posted later this week.
• The Evasons have requested that they be withdrawn from consideration for this voting process.  We are unable to remove their names from the ballot at this time and ask that you respect the Evasons' wishes and not vote for them.

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the 2016 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!  Voting will close on Sunday, January the 22nd 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):

Matt DiSero

Matt's nominator stated that Matt is "a very sassy act."  In addition, in 2016 Matt also appeared on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us."

Website: MattDiSero.com

The Evasons

The Evasons have requested that they be withdrawn from consideration for this voting process.  We are unable to remove their names from the ballot at this time and ask that you respect the Evasons' wishes and not vote for them.

Mahdi Gilbert

Mahdi's nominator submitted the following: "He has inspired so many of us through his amazing sleight of hands without having any hands. The way he transformed his own life through magic is a role model for everyone who's searching for meaning, hope and inspiration."  Mahdi also appeared on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us."

Website: MahdiGilbert.com

 

Murray and Teresa Hatfield

The Hatfields were nominated for "starring in and (even more importantly) producing the extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria 'Unbelievable' at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was, without a doubt, the most inspirational, most wonderful, most entertaining stadium-scale magical event I have ever witnessed."


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com

Steven Lafond

Steven's nominators submitted the following, "Steven Lafond, producer and host of 'Magic Mondays' in Ottawa for his continued support of the magic community. Hosting over 30 different magicians from all over Canada in 2016 alone.  (Additional supporting comment: He has done a whole year's worth of monthly magic showcases featuring locals and big names alike. Chris Pilworth, Bill Abbott, Mysterion, Zach & Steve, Jonathan Gold, Eric Leclerc...all opened by local professional and up-and-coming magicians. A real community supporter.)

Website: MagicStudioProductions

[Guest post] "Unbelievable" Review

A reminder that the show runs at the PNE August 20 – September 5, 2016 (Closed Monday August 22 and 29).

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--

"Unbelievable: A magical experience"


A ninety minute large scale magical extravaganza, nightly at 7:30 pm, free with admission to the PNE, Vancouver.

In a word, "Wow".

This is big time illusion-based magic at its best.

Playing to capacity crowds, "Unbelievable" combines fast paced magic with modern rock concert visuals and music to create a memorable evening's entertainment well worth the cost of admission to the PNE.

I loved that they began with pre-show screenings of some of the greats from the past - Sorcar, Cardini, etc - all in glorious b&w - while the audience filed in.

How to review such an awesome celebration of magic and illusion? I can't. It was just too much to absorb. But here are a few thoughts I somehow managed to jot down:

• American Matt Marcy's understated humour and impressive close up magic (seen on the big screen) should earn him an honorary Canadian citizenship.
   
• Marty Putz - undoubtably the hardest working funny man in all of showbusiness. And the most beloved by children of all ages.
   
• Juliana Chen's performance - sheer visual poetry. Beautiful, enchanting, mysterious. This is Art.
   
• Scott Pepper - definitely the contemporary reincarnation of Houdini's daredevil anything-can-happen spirit.
   
• Murray Hatfield and Teresa - the most accomplished, most polished, most energetic all around magical performers.
  
  
  
  

If you are anywhere near Vancouver this summer run (do not walk) to the PNE and catch "Unbelievable" before it disappears forever as the PNE ends for another summer.

The Magic Demon


 ~~~~

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

Vancouver: "UNBELIEVABLE: A Magical Experience"

The show will run at the PNE August 20 – September 5, 2016 (Closed Monday August 22 and 29).

From the Pacific National Exhibition website:

A world-class magical showcase not to be missed! Watch in amazement and witness grand illusions. Come and be thrilled as we present champions of magic! UNBELIEVABLE magic, comedy and breathtaking illusions - get a front row seat to a magical experience you will simply describe as UNBELIEVABLE!

From the stages of Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Shanghai, Unbelievable brings together some of the world's champion Magicians:

• International Award Winning, Canada's Master Illusionists, Murray Hatfield and Teresa present unbelievable magic, interactive comedy and jaw dropping, state-of-the-art illusions.
• Get ready to jump into the world of Magic and comedy with American comedian magician Matt Marcy who will leave you laughing and gasping in astonishment.
• From the United States, Scott Pepper will amaze you with his unbelievable talent, as he pays tribute to Houdini by attempting a version of an escape that would have made Harry Houdini himself nervous.
• Then to the Weird & Slightly Dangerous, Marty Putz who will bring the arena to it's feet in his world of whacky magic.
• Then be amazed by The First Lady of Magic, Juliana Chen, leading master of manipulation. Chen known around the world, and perhaps the best-known female magician today, will blow your mind.

Collectively, these world champion magicians have performed around the world and have come together to take you on a magical journey that is Unbelievable!

Read more and buy tickets.

Video peeks behind the scenes of fundraising for Fort McMurray

Watch on Paul Romhany's YouTube channel, video highlights of the New Westminster edition of "Fundraising for Fort McMurray."

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Watch on Ryan Joyce's YouTube channel, video highlights of the Brantford edition of "Fundraising for Fort McMurray."

New Westminster: Fundraising for Fort McMurray

Featuring Shawn Farquhar, Murray and Teresa Hatfield, Paul Romhany, Gary Savard, John Kaplan, Clinton Gray, Trevor & Lorena Watters, Damien James and Mike Battie.

From Fundraising Magic:

WHO:  BC's top magicians and variety artists.

WHAT: One-time only family-friendly benefit show on behalf of those families in Fort McMurray that have lost their homes in this devastating tragedy.

WHEN: Monday, May 16th 2016

WHERE:
Massey Theatre
735 8th Ave, New Westminster 604-521-5050
www.ticketsnw.ca

WHY:  So many young families have been affected by this disaster. As family entertainers, many of us have performed multiple times in Fort McMurray, and have a longstanding and deep connection to this community. Pooling oiur talents to show our support and raise much needed funds is something we're all greatly motivated to do. Besides, helping our neighbours and fellow citizens during their time of need is the Canadian way.

Read more and buy tickets.

From Clinton Gray's Facebook page: