31 December 2021

In memoriam 2021

Remembering those who have passed this year.  Through your passion and spirit you have helped shape the magic community in Canada and around the world.  Thank you.

 

 








Please email additions or corrections to "canadasmagic at gmail dot com"  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 posts in December 2021

There were 35+ posts at Canada's Magic this month.  Here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days: 

5. Carisa Hendrix in the Greensboro News & Record and a Doug Henning Easter Egg - Carisa's up to some fantastic things!
4. Gordon Precious in The Globe and Mail - Go Gordon!
3. Luc Langevin winner of the Innovation Award | PME - Favorite - Félicitations Luc!
2. 2021 Readers' Choice award results - Congratulations to this year's winners, and thank you to everyone who participated!

and the most viewed post this month  ...





1.  David Krychowski interviews Gwyn Auger, Billy Kidd, and Trevor & Lorena Watters - Lots of Canadian talent being interviewed!

 

Thank you for your support in 2021!

Thank you for your suppport! 
We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters, Michael Close and The Browser's Den of Magic who offered up prizes for contests, those who sent news our way, and last but not least, thank you to all of this year's friends (John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, Doug Hunt, John Smithman, Richard Hough, Robin Dawes, Eric Bedard, Loran, Peter Mennie, David Johnson,  Gordon Precious, Colin Geddes, Graeme Reed, Gwyn Auger, Chris Gowen, and Cam Dix, as well as all of our 2021 sponsors (be sure to support them!):





 





For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.





30 December 2021

29 December 2021

2021 Readers' Choice award results

Reader's Choice logo 

 
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!


This was the tightest race in the history of these awards.  For the first time, we have a tie for first place!  Thank you to everyone who made the effort to vote.  Every vote absolutely mattered!

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

 

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)


2021 Beacon of Inspiration: Scott Baird

Scott Baird
(The Hermit Magazine)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote.
"I would like to nominate Scott Baird for showcasing his love of magic and art with his detailed magic illustrations on Instagram, and also for deciding to start a new Canadian-made online magic magazine. His magic artwork is FANTASTIC so check it all out - @magicbaird @scottbairdmagic @hermitmagicmag Wishing him the best of luck in all his magical endeavors."

Editor's note:

Website:  HermitMagic.com

 




2021 Beacon of Inspiration: Jean Deshaies

Jean Deshaies

Nominated by Magicien Méphisto who wrote: 

"I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.

"A few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful & knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2 heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort. Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to criticize or get his point of view.

"Furthermore, instead of getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across Canada.
Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning, but happy to be a professional magician."

Editor's note:
  • We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!

 

Website:  JeanDeshaies.com


Comments from Jean's fans include:
-
THANKS





2021 Beacon of Inspiration: Chris Gowen

Chris Gowen

Nominated by by Anonymous who wrote:
"I nominate Chris Gowen as he is changing how magic looks in Edmonton. Completely selling out his Taste of Magic shows with the Canadian Brewhouse... seems about as Canadian as a show can get.

"Looks like he's fast on his way to no longer being one of 'Edmonton's Best Kept Secrets' but more one of Edmonton's celebrated artists."

Editor's note:
  • We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!

 

Website:  ChrisGowen.ca






2021 Beacon of Inspiration: Paul Romhany

Paul Romhany

Nominated by Mike Norden who wrote:
"I nominate Paul Romhany!

"Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.

"First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.

"Second - he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!

"Third - He runs Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists are local!!

"Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the real deal!

"He does so much for magic and does not seek the spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him please!"

 

Editor's note:
 
Websites:  ChaplinMagic.com and VanishMagic.com


Comments from Paul's fans include:
- Paul is a phenomenal entertainer and all around awesome guy.
- Paul Romhany is an unsung hero.
- Merry Christmas!





Editor's Choice


2021 Editor's Choice: Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer

Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer (aka Big Trick Energy)

Nominated by Unknown who wrote:
"Decisions decisions! For me this year I'd have to give it to the dudes at Big Trick Energy. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would have picked Eric. So maybe this is TWO nominations? I've never met such a carefree, loving and positive human in my life...well (except for maybe the delavegas-sweetpeas). Eric lives magic, epically. His insta stories motivate me to get off my butt.The other guys are also totally awesome as people and performers, and I hope their show propels them and to even bigger things ahead."

Editor's note:



Websites:  Chris-Ramsay.com, EricLeclerc.com, WesBarker.ca, AlexBoyer.com, TruTv.com/shows/big-trick-energy.



 

Readers' Choice (A first ever tie! Listed in alphabetical order by surname.)

2021 Readers' Choice: Gwyn Auger


Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"I'd like to nominate Gwyn Auger, the Magic Assistant (@magicassistant on Twitter and Instagram). Gwyn's petite frame can barely contain the enthusiasm and passion she has for magic and the magic community. She is great ambassador for magic locally in Calgary, in Canada and abroad."

Editor's note:
 
Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

.

 


2021 Readers' Choice: Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed


Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed
(aka Graemazing) (aka Magicians Talking Magic)

Nominated by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic who wrote:
"for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!"

Editor's note:
  • In 2021, Ryan and Graeme produced 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including their two year anniversary, topical topics such as returning to live shows, news coverage about FISM, and plethora of guests which included Joshua Jay, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin Spidey, Boris Wild, Paul Royter, and Joe Diamond.
  • Ryan and Graeme consistently demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.  We're lucky to have them as part of our community. 

Websites:  RyanJoyce.com, GraemeReedMagic.com, and Magicians Talking Magic.

 

Comments from Magicians Talking Magic's fans include:
- Thank you!
- Talking Magic got me through Covid and maintained my interest in Magic when I hit the "burnout" wall.

 

 

 

 


 

 

28 December 2021

Aaron Matthews Virtual Magic Show [Dec 28]

From the December 26th Facebook post by Aaron Farberman:

FREE VIRTUAL MAGIC SHOW! The only thing I ask from you if you attend, no frowns allowed!

I want to close out the year with a little positivity and laughs! This show will be super casual, just having some fun performing some of my favorite virtual magic ✨ We should have a fun, small group so everyone will have a chance to join in on the magic 🤯

This is my only FREE virtual show since last year and my only one for the foreseeable future! Please join the link early and I’ll see you all soon!!

Topic: AaronMatthewsVirtualMagicShow
Time: Dec 28, 2021 07:00 PM America/Toronto
Join Zoom Meeting
https://infiniteeventservices.zoom.us/j/96491025040
Meeting ID: 964 9102 5040

 

 

27 December 2021

Jason Palter on Wes Iseli’s Magiclife Podcast S2E24

From the December 22nd Tweet by Wes Iseli:

Check out this week’s episode of Wes Iseli’s Magiclife Podcast S2E24 (Jason Palter)

https://anchor.fm/wesiselismagiclife/episodes/Jason-Palter---S2E24-e1bvs9g

 

 


 

26 December 2021

Watch for Anastasia Synn on season 2 of the Go-Big Show

From the October 21st Tweet by Anastasia Synn:


25 December 2021

ICYMI: David Acer hosts the Happy Pawlidays Virtual Show

From the December 22nd Instagram post by David Acer

I tried to kick off this virtual holiday show for the @officialsuperdogs with some decorum but no such luck...

Writing the show was INCREDIBLY fun and SO MANY SUPERDOGS joined in from across the country!


 

From the December 19, 2020 upload on the Official SuperDogs YouTube channel:

Join The President's Choice SuperDogs for their magical, musical holiday celebration, "Happy Pawlidays."

 

 



24 December 2021

More on The Magical Mystery Show

More information about The Magical Mystery Show mentioned here on November 25th.

 

From the December 21 posting "Hotel Magic LLC, Hawaii Firm, Launches Global Hotel Magic Program Starting in Oahu, Maui, USA and London, England" at Newswires:

As a result of the origins of their relationships, a portion of every ticket gross sale is donated to “worthy and well-qualified” charities. Currently a portion of each ticket sale goes to support The Maui Shrine Club, Aloha Shriners, and The Academy of Magical Arts (The famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. Parties with charity needs in Hawaii and London should reach out via the contact form at the website www.Hotel-Magic.com and make a suggestion.

Chief Operating Officer is Marty Alexander. VP of Hotel Operations is Brian Lynx. Chief Financial Officer is Timothy Jaworski. Production and Design hail from London England and is managed by Ruth O’Keefe, a higher degree holder of the British Institute of Interior Design. Our talent agency is currently located in British Columbia, Canada, and our Exclusive Agent is Paul Romhany. Chief Technology Officer handling surveillance and security is Nirvana Jet Dillingham, owner of Maui Alarm Services. Senior Venue Producer is Jerry Eiting providing more than three decades of theatrical and production experience.

The first contracted performers include superstars Nathan Coe Marsh, Shoot Ogawa (from Japan), TC Tahoe, and Hawaiian Curtis Kam. Professional magicians with world-class credentials not already signed to this project should reach out provided they have at least 10 years of cruise line work and have appeared as a resident magician at the Magic Castle at least 10 weeks -- or have won America's Got Talent, appeared on Masters of Illusion, or have won Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 

Read more.





 

23 December 2021

Online World Record for Aaron Farberman and Christopher Campbell

From the December 19th Instagram post by Christopher Campbell:

Congratulations The Magic of Aaron Matthews and myself FenyxFyre. And a special thank you to Caroline Sauve for all the work behind the scenes.

 

 

 


From the December 18th Instagram post by Aaron Matthews Magic:

Always a blast performing with my brother @thefenyxfyre 🔥 We just finished the first ever magic/escapology/showside performance inside the metaverse! I had the pleasure of helping FenyxFyre add even more world records to his massive list and make one together! Thanks to @carolinesauve_ for all the important behind the scenes work 🙏Best part is, we’re just getting warmed up! More to come inside @theaquariumcasino 👀




--

Which puts the total of Canadian World Record holding magicians to fifteen! 

  • Doug The Great:  Heaviest Stilts Mastered.  [Guinness World Record]
  • Scott Hammell:  Highest Suspension Straitjacket Escape. [Guinness World Record]
  • Lucas Wilson:  Fastest Suspension Straitjacket Escape. [Guinness World Record - 2011]
  • Carisa Hendrix:  Longest duration fire torch teething. [Guinness World Record - 2012]
  • Michael Francis:  Most one-handed coin rolls in a minute. [Guinness World Record - 2013]
  • Mark Correia:  Longest Amount of Time Wearing a Straitjacket. [World Record - 2014] 
  • The Sentimentalists:  (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay) Most items transferred from one mentalist to another.  [World Record - 2017] 
  • Gordon Precious:  Oldest heli-skier [World Record - 2019]
  • Big Trick Energy: (Led by Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer) The largest online video chain of people performing a magic trick.  [Guinness World Record - 2021]
  • Rod Chow:  Owner of the World's Narrowest Commercial Building  [Guinness World Record - 2021]
  • Aaron Matthews and Christoper Campbell: First Danger and Thrill Show performed within the Metaverse.  [Online World Record - 2021]


21 December 2021

Edmonton: Sheldon Casavant at The Westin [NYE]

Tickets through Eventbrite:

 

From the December 13th Instagram post by Sheldon Casavant:

Looking for a magical way to ring in the new year? Join me on NYE at The Westin Edmonton! Great food, drinks, DJ, and a magic show by yours truly.

Tickets on sale now!
Call: 780-493-8909 / link in bio

7:00 PM - Welcome cocktail
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM - 5 course dinner
9:30 PM to 10:30 PM - Magic show
10:30 PM - Dancing
12:00 AM - Ring in the new year / champagne / sweet table
1:00 AM - Last call

Adult only event. Visit Eventbrite for details:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nye-black-tie-affair-magic-show-at-the-westin-edmonton-tickets-226312997267

 

 

 



19 December 2021

The Evasons consulted for 'Nightmare Alley'

Michael Close isn't the only one who consulted for 'Nightmare Alley.'   

 

From the December 16th Instagram post by The Evasons:

Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley is finally out! We chatted about our involvement with the film recently with our friend Michael Jons. Check out the video interview…

 

 

From the December 16th article "Oscar-Winning director Guillermo del Toro Calls on The Evasons for Advice for his Latest film 'Nightmare Alley'" by Glenda Fordham at Fordham PR:

Without giving anything away, what did the Oscar-winning director ask of you?  

Guillermo said that he was a huge fan of magic, and a member of the Magic Castle (private club in Hollywood, which we are also members of). He felt it was important that he remain true to the original story, and to also be respectful of magic history. Our task was to read the script (and every revision that followed) to provide notes about any scenes that pertained to methods, psychology and the performance of mentalism. On the first phone call, Guillermo  told us about his love and respect for magic. He was sensitive about exposure of secret methods, and he didn’t want to reveal any more than necessary in his movie, while keeping the storyline as authentic as possible. He wanted our perspective, as experts in the field of two-person mentalism, to advise and give insight line by line, scene by scene. Anyone who hasn’t studied what we have studied, to the depth and degree that we have studied and performed, has no idea what is possible with two-person telepathy. Some things in his original script sounded great and made for an interesting story, but just weren’t practical for a mentalism team to actually perform on stage during the era when the story takes place. Nightmare Alley was originally a novel by William Lindsay Gresham published in 1946. It has always had a degree of controversy among magicians and mentalists, yet it’s a film that we all love because we can relate to it in so many ways.

Read more.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



18 December 2021

Live with Spidey [Dec 18]

From the December 16th Instagram post by SpideyHypnosis:

BE A GUEST ON MY HOLIDAY LIVE STREAM THIS SATURDAY in YouTube!!!!! Guys! I need 4 of you to participate in my live stream this Saturday! 3:30 pm EST (New York time). If you want to be on the show tell me in the comments 1) your country 2) your age 3) how long have you been doing magic? 4) what trick would you show up on the show?

Keep an eye on your comment! Choosing guests tomorrow!!!!