Thank you to those who participated 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!
Thank you to everyone who made the effort to nominate and to
vote.
A special thank you to those who left comments articulating how the nominees inspire others within the magic community. Peer recognition is a tremendous gift.
This year brought out some of the best in the community. We won't name names because we weren't organized enough to ask for permission, but here are some of the heart-warming and fabulous behaviours we saw:
- Upon accepting their nomination, at least one nominee immediately made
a nomination of their own.
- At least one of the nominees, when spreading the word about the
voting, focused on the fact that this event was set up with the intent
of recognizing those who inspire others in the magic community.
And then they encouraged their followers to read about all of the
nominees.
- At least three of the nominees showed their
support for nominees other than themselves on social media.
Bravo! This type of behaviour is at the heart of what makes the Canadian magic community wonderful!
Paraphrasing one of our readers,
The real
award is the friends we made along the way.
Indeed!
Some general comments that were left included:
- "Nice to see you supporting the Canadian scene."
- Thank you very much for noticing!
- "Everyone is a winner" and
"So many truly deserving of recognition. Thanks for shining a light
on all of them!"
- Excellent observations! We hope that our readers respond accordingly when the Allan Slaight Award nominations open in the New Year.
- "Thank
you, as always, for being a hub of the Canadian magic community!"
- Awww. Thank YOU for being such an awesome part of the the community!
Congratulations again to all of the fabulous nominees!
Keep up the great work!
Here are the results of our seventh annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)
Scott Baird
Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"For his success with The Hermit Magic Magazine."
Website: HermitMagic.com
- His monthly magazine is wonderful! Quantity is easy, but quality is really difficult. He did great job.
Dave Curran
Nominated 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!"
Website: Jokers.ca, DaveCurranLive.com
- Opening Jokers has done tons for magic.
- His the best ever seen
- And we love JOKERS
- There are a lot of people who have had great PERSONAL years - but Dave creates a space that provides ALL OF US with a place to see and share magic. In January alone he has MULTIPLE magic shows happening with different artists. I can’t wait to see how our scene changes now that jokers exists!
And favourite gifts to give?
- Time
- Donation for the charity
- Hugs
Colin Geddes
Nominated 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."
Websites: Ultra8.ca,
learn more about Colin in his brief bio at Canada's Magic.
- I choose Colin because I think it's important to sometimes recognize those who contribute to the history and traditions of magic in areas other than the classical, i.e. the stage, or the club, or even the large auditoriums where the biggest stars perform.
And favourite gifts to give?
- For the magician in my life? A gift certificate to Browser’s Den!
- Books.
- the gift of astonishment
Chris Gowen
Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"For his monthly public shows at the Rec Room."
Website: ChrisGowen.ca
Ryan Michael
Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"Because he kicked some major butt at PCAM - stage magician AND
mentalist of the year!"
Websites: RyanMichaelMagic.com
Kelvin Ng
Nominated by Anonymous who wrote.
"For his incredible dedication and openness to learn, progress and drive
himself every day. Great magician, even better friend."
Website: KelModernMagic.com
Ryan Pilling
Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"For continuously creating quality magic and tricks. Giving out more
golden magic tips and asking nothing in return."
Websites: MagicTipsAndTricks.com,
WowRyan.com, learn more about Ryan
in his brief bio at Canada's Magic.
- Ryan is so creative and very helpful to everybody regardless of whether they are a new magician or a long time Magician.
- Ryan is so willing to share ideas, and sometimes, just enough to get you thinking to make any such effect your own.
- He tirelessly works to assist others with tech with shows and/or lectures.
And favourite gifts to give?
- My favorite gift to Magician is a book
- Knowledge
- an experience. memories over things i think
- Time
Jason Verners
Nominated by by Anonymous who wrote:
"For his monthly appearances on local news and his sold out run of shows
with Ecologist."
Website: JasonVerners.com
- amazing young magician, best in the world even!
- Jason has unbelievable Charisma
- Amazing talent, so personable and respectful. Children and adults beam when they watch him perform.
And favourite gifts to give?
- Exotic Animals
Trevor and Lorena Watters
Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"For their sense of humour, but seriousness in the art and making the best
of every situation. True performers."
Website: TrevorAndLorenaShow.com
- Awesome people and amazing act!!
Editor's Choice
Shawn Farquhar
Nominated by 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 buzz 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."
Website: MagiChampion.com, HiddenWonders.show
- Shawn has touched so many lives with his magic. There are a number of great nominees here but no one here has done more for Canadians (both magicians and the general public) than Shawn Farquhar.
- True Canadian Legend, I'm honoured to know him.
- One of my favorite magicians of all time!
- Well-deserved!
- Shawn’s just the very best
- I have been a magician for 48 years. Shawn has been one of the most inspirational friends in magic. I met Shawn when I was a young magician in Las Vegas. I deeply admire his tenacity in the field of magic.
- An amazing contributor to the magic community!
- Farquhar should be an ambassador for Canada.
And favourite gifts to give?
- A balloon or a magic trick to a complete stranger.
- This year I am gifting custom decks of cards from Hidden Wonders along with a beginner (almost self working) card trick for the kids.
- LEGO
- Time
- chocolate!
- The gift of Magic
- A memorable experience
- Smiles
- Knowledge
- Hidden Wonders tickets
Readers' Choice
Ryan Edwards
Nominated 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."
Website: Mentalism.ca
- Not only is he an amazing performer but cares a great deal about others around him in business and connections who turn into dear life long friends! His consistent genuine personality, professionalism, ambition, doing right by others, and follow through is a refreshing quality lost in many performers today. We couldn’t be more humbled to have him included in our business and personal lives as a forever friend.
- Ryan is really making strides in the magic/mentalism community - from creating new shows to consulting for other magicians he is always pushing what a mentalist can do!
- Ryan's podcast, shows and work are always exceptional.
- I've performed magic aside him, watched him perform on stage and have gotten to know him personally. I have to say, both a well rounded human being and a very entertaining performer.
10/10 in my books 🌟
- Ryan has always been so generous, even when he was up and coming, he did shows for our church youth group Christmas banquet!
And favourite gifts to give?
- Thank You cards
- Experiences! Like a gift card to a fancy restaurant that your friend wouldn’t go to on their own or a spa day!
- A sense of wonder
- Time
- Encouraging vibes of love and happiness
- Ugly Christmas sweaters
- Love
- Starbucks gc’s… everyone loves coffee!
- Deck of matte Black Cards
- Scratch ticket.
- Happiness
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