30 November 2022

Top 5 posts in November 2022

There were 32 posts at Canada's Magic this month.  Here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days: 

5. Fergus: Ontario Week of Wonder (OWOW) Magic Festival [Oct 15 & 22] - Fantastic that this was in person this year!
4. A peek behind the curtain with Hollie England [2022] - Catch Hollie in the Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour shows in Markham [Nov 30 - Dec 1], Kitchener [Dec 2 - 3], and Peterborough [Dec 9].  Canadian tour to start April 2023!
3. Jonah Babins and Ben Train on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" - Excellent appearance!  Well done Jonah and Ben!
2. Remembering Max Maven - We feel lucky to have seen Max lecture when he came to Toronto.  Our sincere condolences to Max's family and friends.

and the most viewed post this month  ...





1.  The 2022 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award - Thank you to everyone for your excellent nominations!  Keep your eyes on the blog for voting instructions late next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

29 November 2022

Welcoming a new Friend: Noah Nogueira

Welcoming our newest Friend, Noah Nogueira

Based in Guelph, Noah is a 19 year-old upcoming performer who blends magic, juggling, and comedy.

He's a full-time Robotics & Automation student and a part-time entertainer.

Noah started juggling in grade four and magic in grade five.  He has performed professionally since the age of 14.

Among other pursuits, he enjoys board games, working out, live music, video games, animals, and cooking.  

We first met Noah at the 2016 Browser's Bash where he delighted us with his fantastic juggling skills!  He was back at the 2018 Bash where he had the opportunity to entertain Jay Sankey.

You can find Noah online at NoahPerformer.com

Thank you Noah, for befriending Canada's Magic!  

 

 

 

 

28 November 2022

Kickstarter: Leon Playing Cards Version 2

Learn more about Leon Playing Cards Version 2 at Kickstarter.

 

From the November 26th Facebook post by Chris Mayhew:

“Without our consciousness the universe is just matter that doesn’t matter. Our bodies exist to give us the ability to manifest our ideas in time, during our small window of existence in eternity.”

I’m so excited to share the new vertical loading tuck box with everyone for the Leon V2’s! This box will be printed with Expert Playing Card Company on the same cardboard stock as their Rainbow Superior Brand Playing Cards. The texture is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. Silky, soft, but also strong and sturdy, and oh so elegant. Silver foil outlines all sides of the tuck making it eye catching from every angle. Unlike most boxes, there is no fine print to interfere with the stunning minimal aesthetic, this tuck box is a pure beauty 💖 

The Kickstarter launches Dec 1, sign up to be notified by using the link. Follow @leonplayingcards on Instagram to keep up to date with the project ✌️



 

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)

 

 

 

 

27 November 2022

Savio Joseph: recipient of the 2022 Len Cooper Memorial Award

Congratulations to Savio Joseph, this year's recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award!  


With thanks to Ari Soroka for sharing his photo with Savio at the 47th anniversary party at The Browser's Den Of Magic!

 

26 November 2022

Victoria: Jason Verners at Victoria Royals game [Nov 26]

From the November 24th Instagram post by Jason Verners:

Bringing a brand new illusion to the big screens at the SOLD-OUT @victoriaroyals game this Saturday vs. @_connorbedard and the @reginapatshockey. 7000 hockey fans, and an intimate illusion on the jumbotron during intermission- I couldn't be more excited!

 

 

 

25 November 2022

It's the 12th blogiversary of Canada's Magic!

Dice 11 

 
 
Twelve years ago today this blog was born!

 


 

 

Thanks to you wonderful people who have supported this project!

For free, we've published over 5,130 posts, and served well over 1,261,000 page loads.  Six hundred and forty two of you follow us on Facebook, 1598 of you follow us on Twitter, 341 of you have found us on Instagram, we just set up shop at Mastodon, and a bunch of you have subscribed to this site's RSS feed.  The bulk of you are Canadian, and we're delighted to see visitors from United States, the United Kingdom, India, France, and the list goes on.

There are so many of you doing such a fabulous job of making magic a priority in this great country!

 

A special thanks to:


My continued thanks to all of you! 

 




23 November 2022

22 November 2022

Gabriella Lester on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us"

Well done Gabriella!  Congratulations!

 

From the November 18th upload "WILL 18-year-old FOOL Penn & Teller UPSIDE-DOWN?! Gabriella Lester on Fool Us Season 9" at
Gabriella Lester's YouTube channel:

Magician Gabriella Lester performs an act inspired by Penn and Teller’s performance of “Casey at the Bat”

This performance is from Penn & Teller: Fool Us - Season 9, episode 6: “Magic Socks Big Time”

Gabriella is only eighteen, but has already been performing on stages all across the continent. In the past few years, she has entertained hundreds of audiences and companies; including venues such as the world-famous "Magic Castle" in Hollywood and the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

 

 

 

21 November 2022

Toronto: Eric Woolfe in Requiem for a Gumshoe [Nov 24 - Dec 4]

From the November 14th Tweet by Edritch Theatre:

Meet our cast for Requiem for a Gumshoe: @ericwoolfe
 Eric Woolfe is an actor, playwright, puppeteer and magician, and our Artistic Director. He specializes in creating horror plays using puppetry, live actors, and parlour magic. http://EldritchTheatre.ca/Gumshoe #theaTO





 

 

 

19 November 2022

Gabriella Lester in the TriCity News and on Global News

From the November 3rd article "Port Moody's Gabriella Lester hopes to 'fool' world-class magicians on national TV" by Kyle Balzer in the TriCity News

Lester told the Tri-City News the experience has been a dream come true and it's an appearance she has pursued since she was 12 years old.

"This makes me so excited for the next few years," the Heritage Woods Secondary graduate said in notable disbelief and excitement.

"Performing is my greatest passion, and 'Fool Us' is just another reminder to set myself impossible goals. What may seem 15 years away, could only be five. And that I have to keep pushing myself to achieve remarkable things."

Read more.

 

 

From the November 18th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 November 2022

Parkinson's fundraiser and book launch [Nov 18]

Buy your tickets for the virtual launch at Eventbrite.   Buy the book at Indiegogo.

 

From the November 16th Instagram post by Mark Clearview:

IT'S HERE!
We're launching a book and doing magic with @katbarrell
@therealcatherinebell
And @sydneymeyer48

It's going to be a fun-filled virtual party to raise money for Parkinson's Research for The Michael J. Fox Foundation @teamfoxmjff

🎟️Ticket link in bio - IT'S PAY WHAT YOU WANT! Donate generously!

 

 

 

 

17 November 2022

Laval: HangOut! Monthly Magic Jam [Nov 26]

Featuring Jimmy Cao, Cedrick Burcena, Tiendinh Truong & Sami Tazi, with special guest Marc Trudel!


From the November 1st Instagram post by HangOut!:

We are proud to announce our very first Close-Up Magic Show:

UP CLOSE! An Intimate Magic Show For Grownups
featuring Jimmy Cao, Cedrick Burcena, Tiendinh Truong & Sami Tazi

Saturday November 26th


 

 

From the November 6th Instagram post by HangOut!:

As promised, we are very grateful and excited to present to you our special guest for the Up Close show:

🏆2 times Canadian Champion of Magic, First recipient of the Michel Cailloux Grand Prix🏆

@marctrudelmagic

WHO IS MARC TRUDEL⁉️

Two-time Canadian champion of magic and first recipient of the "Grand Prix de Magie Michel Cailloux", Marc Trudel is established not only as an experienced professional magician, but also as a creator, consultant and teacher respected by his peers. He has been presenting magic shows for over 15 years and was the official magician of the Just for Laughs Museum where he presented over 900 performances of the magic show at the Abracadabra! Exhibition.

In addition to his shows for his regular customers, he has worked for the Joyà show by Cirque du Soleil in Mexico, the Just For Laughs Festival , the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Montreal Festival in Light. He has also been seen on television on Salut Bonjour !, LCN, Pseudo-Radio, Libre-Service, Trucs & Cie and, on a few occasions, in the Just for Laughs Gags . He has been the headliner of the dinner show at Hotel 54 where he plays the character of Steranko, an irreverent scientist who reads minds.

 

 

16 November 2022

The 2022 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award


Reader's Choice logo 

Nominations are closed.

Updated November 26th to add:

  • Shawn Farquhar accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote:
    "There is no finer example of Canada’s most inspirational magician than our very own Canadian legend Shawn Farquhar.

    "This two-time world champion continues to be one of North America’s most dedicated and generous magicians today, singlehandedly responsible for countless new magicians every year through his work as Past International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, "Shawn has been instrumental in creating entire new Rings and magic clubs around the world - inspired by his radiant love of magic and genuine desire to help others achieve greatness.

    "Furthermore, through the Covid pandemic Shawn built his hit show “Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience” creating employment opportunities and support for his young magician hosts, and bringing world class magic to the community when families were ready to remember what live entertainment could and should really be. Now in its 2nd year at its hidden speakeasy location, these sold out shows having generated a buss throughout the Vancouver area, bringing it to the top 10% of TripAdvisor experiences and among the most distinguished tourism activities in the province. When magic succeeds, so do we all.

    "To all those who know him, Shawn is an ever-burning light of inspiration. Our magic communities, artistic achievements, and mental health are elevated by Shawn’s inspiring creativity and philanthropy. If you have ever had the joy of talking magic with Shawn, it is likely he already has your vote. It is impossible to miss his trademark energy and passion for the magical life that makes him one of the finest ambassadors of magic Canada could hope for."

Updated November 22nd to add:

  • Jason Verners accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote: 
    "For his monthly appearances on local news and his sold out run of shows with Ecologist."
  • Ryan Michael accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote: 
    "Because he kicked some major butt at PCAM - stage magician AND mentalist of the year!"

 

Updated November 19th to add:

  • Trevor and Lorena Watters accepted their nomination by Anonymous who wrote: 
    "For their sense of humor, but seriousness in the art and making the best of every situation. True performers."

  • Kelvin Ng accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote: 
    "For his incredible dedication and openness to learn, progress and drive himself every day. Great magician, even better friend."

  • Ryan Edwards accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote:
    "For changing the way people see mentalism in Canada. Putting on a variety of shows rather than one standard and really showcasing magic in a great light."


  • Ryan Pilling accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote:
    "For continuously creating quality magic and tricks. Giving out more golden magic tips and asking nothing in return."

 

Updated November 18th to add:

  • Scott Baird has accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote:
    "For his success with The Hermit Magic Magazine."

  • Chris Gowen has accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote:
    "For his monthly public shows at the Rec Room."

 
Updated November 17th to add:

  • Colin Geddes has accepted his nomination by L7W who wrote:
    "To have the ability to inspire others is an incredible gift. I nominate Colin Geddes as the inspirational magician of the year. Magic shows others that the impossible can be real; the challenge can be overcome.

    "Magic is meant to be inspirational, unlock challenges and make the problematic disappear. It's rare to find a magician willing to zoom out, remove their ego and give themselves to others out of passion and dedication."

    Colin is a magician who embraces those in the spotlight, educates the willing and uplifts the magicians who might have lost their way. As an observer of the Canadian magic industry, you cannot find a more authentic and passionate magician than Colin.

    -L7W

Updated at 4:35pm to add:

  • Dave Curran has accepted his nomination by Anonymous who wrote:
    "I hate voting against myself… but I’m going with Dave Curran! Jokers is an incredible new addition to the Canadian magic scene!"

 
The seventh annual Canada's Magic "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award nominations are now open.

You may nominate living Canadian Magician(s) of your choosing by leaving their name along with a short note about how they inspired you in 2022, in the comments below.  (Comments are subject to moderation and will not appear immediately.  You may email your nomination if you prefer.)

Nominations will be accepted up until 11:59PM EST on Friday November the 25th.  We will contact the nominees via email and give them one week to accept or decline their nomination.  If we have not heard from them in that time, we will assume they have declined the nomination.  Submissions will not be published unless a nominee accepts their nomination.    The full list of nominations will be published and voting will commence in December.  (Canada's Magic is not eligible for the award, nor will it be participating in the nomination or voting process.) 

This is a "bragging rights" only contest.  There is no cash value for this award.

Individuals and groups can be nominated.

There is no shortage of Canadian magical inspiration in 2022. 

Some ideas to get you started:

(these are not official nominations,
but they can be if you submit their name(s) for nomination!)


We look forward to seeing your nominations!

In the spirit of celebrating all Canadian magicians, 2021's winners of the Readers' Choice award (Gwyn Auger, tied with Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed) or the Editor's Choice award (Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer) are not eligible for nomination in 2022.  The list of previous winners can be found here.