In memoriam 2024

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.

 

• Buitendyk, Johannes (John)  (1943.05.07 - 2024.06.25) 
• Harding, Richard "Ted" (1939.07.04 - 2024.07.10) 
• Johnson, David (1976.08.24 - 2024.05.24) 
• Kreskin (1935.01.12 - 2024.12.10) 
• McLachlan, John ( - 2024.01.06) 
• Millard,  (James) Garnett (1931.05.08 - 2024.08.14)
• van Oorschot, Edward ( - 2024)
• Wicken, Mark (1944.10.24 - 2024.11.05)

 

 Please notify us about additions or corrections in the comments. 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 (er, 3) posts in December 2024

There were 48 posts at Canada's Magic this month.  The 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase (ICMS) swept the top 10 board!  Consolidating the ICMS posts into one entry, the top 3 posts in the previous 30 days were:

3. [Guest post] Remembering The Amazing Kreskin - Thank you The Magic Demon for your sharing your memories with us.

2. Mayhew Productions presents: Two Die - Congratulations Chris, Ahmed, et al on a fantastic entry for the 48 hour film contest!

 

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1.  2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase - review this year's submissions:

• Alex Boyer
• Chanelle Munroe
• Julie Eng
  
• Ken McCreedy
  
• Lon Mandrake
  
• Marc Trudel
  
• Matt Johnson
  
• Ryan Michael
• Scott McClelland
  
• Sean Watson
  
• Steve Valentine
• Tabraze Sheikh
  

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your support in 2024!

 

We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters, 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, Robin Dawes, Loran, Peter Mennie, Colin Geddes, Cam Dix, George Blott, and Noah Nogueira, Ryan Edwards, Aaron Matthews, Ian Batterbury, and Eric Bedard as well as all of our 2024 sponsors (be sure to support them!):

 

MagicTipsAndTricks.com

Magicians Talking Magic

Toronto's IBM Ring 17, the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club

 

 

 

 Canadian Association of Magicians

 

 

 

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.

 

UNO Reverse: Eric Leclerc interviews Jonah Babins on Discourse in Magic

Listen to the December 12th podcast "UNO REVERSE: Jonah Babins gets interviewed by Eric Leclerc" at Discourse in Magic.

 

From the December 29th Instagram post by Discourse in Magic:

I did an UNO REVERSE episode with @magic4yourbrain where he interviewed me. And it’s shaping up to be the most popular episode of the year.

We talked about performing, coaching, what magician need, podcast highlights, and he even pre interviewed my parents to learn about my upbringing and how this all came to be.

Probably the most popular episode of the year. Link in bio to hear it! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🎩 Discourse in Magic Podcast | Magic Biz Coach (@discourseinmagic)

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: David Merry -- Best First Time Director of Best Comedy

You may remember that in 2023, David Merry released his first feature length film, Switched at Death.  

We are delighted to (belatedly) share the news that David was presented the Best First Time Director (Feature) Award at the Los Angeles Film Awards back in January. Additionally, Switched at Death won Best Comedy!  (It's worth noting that the film's Director of Photography is the talented Jason d'Souza, who some of you may know from his Noodle Boys days.)

Congratulations David et al!

 

From the February 2nd Facebook post by David Merry:

 

  

From the February 12th Facebook post by David Merry:

Here's the Official Trailer for Switched at Death!

 

Read our thoughts about Switched at Death.

 

 

 

 

Help Ring 17 reach their donation goal in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank

Updated December 29 to add:

• Embedded December 27th uploaded YouTube video of show at the bottom of the post.
   

 

Donate through the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club's link at the Daily Bread Food Bank.

 

From the December 28th Instagram post by David Peck:

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the @hatandrabbitclub fundraising magic show for the @dailybreadto

Your energy, generosity, and love for magic helped make the night unforgettable. 🪄💛

We’re so close to reaching our goal of $3,000 to support families in need this holiday season. If you couldn’t make it to the show or want to help push us over the top, there’s still time to give!

💻 Donate now: Link in Bio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Peck (@davidpecklive)

 

 

From the December 27th upload "Daily Bread FoodBank Fundraiser 2024" at the Ring 17 YouTube channel:

 

 

 

Orangeville: Scoop McCoy [Dec 28, 31, & Jan 2]

From the December 23rd Facebook post by Scoop McCoy Magic:

Excited to announce that I will be performing three shows this holiday season at Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville, ON.
Saturday December 28 - 7 PM family magic show
Tuesday December 31 - strolling magic for NYE family dinner event
Thursday January 2 -7 PM family magic show

 

 

 

 

 

Burlington: Outerbridge Magic -- Mysteries of the Keyhole House [Mar 9 & 10]

From The Burlington Performing Arts Centre:

Perfect for the whole family, this world-class performance combines grand illusions, comedy-magic, and mind-bending mentalism. Based on a true story about a historic Ottawa Valley home lovingly restored and named The Keyhole House by the Outerbridges, it serves as the backdrop to this magical journey through time, filled with historic relics and tales of its former residents. Ted and Marion’s compelling social media videos, boasting over 30 million views, and appearances across CTV National News, a TVO documentary, and NBC’s The Golf Channel (Brooke Henderson’s grandparents had a 54-year connection to the house), have turned the Keyhole House into a global phenomenon. Join them for an evening of enthralling illusions, theatre, and dance, as they share the fascinating stories (including friendly hauntings), making Mysteries of the Keyhole House a unique and unforgettable magical experience that bridges reality and illusion, past and present, and the rhythmic cadence of time.

Read more and buy tickets.

 

From the December 17th Instagram post by the Burlington Performing Arts Centre: 

“Masters of Illusion” (CBC-Radio, Ottawa) 🤩

Based on a true story about a historic Ottawa Valley home, this world-class performance combines grand illusions, comedy-magic, and mind-bending mentalism! A perfect show for the whole family!

Don’t miss this unique and unforgettable magical experience with performances on Sunday March 9th at 7:00pm, and Monday March 10th at 1:00pm.

🚨 March Break Special Offer: $10 tickets for children 12 and under to the March 10th 1:00pm performance

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burlington Performing Arts Centre (@burlington_pac)

 

 

 

 

 

Burlington: Lucy Darling [Apr 23]

From The Burlington Performing Arts Centre:

The reigning stage magician of the year Lucy Darling has won the world over for her wit, her charm, and her exceptionally good hair. Lucy is a lady magician who brings together a potent mix of playful improvisational comedy, witty writing, and impossible magical feats. Evoking comparisons to everyone from Dame Edna to Pee Wee Herman, this edgy, postmodern character is a double shot of magical mischief, with a splash of old Hollywood and a dash of Dorothy Parker.

Her history is shrouded in mystery, several ex-husbands and wives. International traveler, major style and culture icon with desire to share her magical life and gifts with select audiences in high and low places. She loves you all but her disarming wit reveals truthful and delightful insights. A one of a kind entertainer, a throwback who is on the cutting edge. You are about to fall in love with Lucy Darling.

Read more and buy tickets.

 

[with thanks to our readers for letting us know]

 

From the November 3rd Instagram post by the Burlington Performing Arts Centre:

"Lucy Darling is a true original – both hilarious and delightful. An exceptional new talent in magic.” – David Copperfield

Lucy is a one of a kind entertainer who brings together a potent mix of playful improvisational comedy and impossible magical feats 🍸🪄

Make sure to grab a seat for her spectacular performance on April 23rd at 7:30pm! @lucydarlingmagic 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burlington Performing Arts Centre (@burlington_pac)

 

 

 

 

Burlington: Tomáš Kubínek -- Miracle Man [Apr 1]

From The Burlington Performing Arts Centre:

London’s Time Out calls him “Hilarious and enormously talented.”

Billed as a Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible, Tomáš Kubínek (Toh-mawsh Koo-bee-neck) is a comic genius, virtuoso vaudevillian, and all-round charmer who gives audiences an utterly joyous experience they’ll remember for a lifetime. With appearances in over 30 countries, Mr. Kubínek has won the hearts of thousands in theaters, opera houses, television specials, and in communities large and small.

His latest creation; Tomáš Kubínek – Miracle Man, is a rip-roaring revival of strong-man stunts, couples counseling, snake healings, and mass hypnosis that leaves audiences dazed, beaming, and in love with life once again…

Read more and buy tickets.

[with thanks to our readers for letting us know]

 

From the November 2nd Instagram post by the Burlington Performing Arts Centre: 

Billed as a Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible, Tomáš Kubínek is bringing his latest creation to BPAC on April 1st at 7:00pm!

Tomáš Kubínek – Miracle Man, is a rip-roaring revival of strong-man stunts, couples counseling, snake healings, and mass hypnosis that leaves audiences dazed, beaming, and in love with life once again 💪😱 This performance is a perfectly silly April Fools' day outing for the whole family!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burlington Performing Arts Centre (@burlington_pac)

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Doug Conn interviews Lee Asher

Found at the December 5th post at X by Lee Asher.

 

From the December 4th upload "Live with Lee Asher! Playing Card Magic, History, Collecting and a sweet Giveaway!!" at Doug Conn's YouTube channel: 

Join us for an exciting livestream with the incredible Lee Asher! Lee is a world-renowned magician, creator of the iconic Asher Twist, and president of the 52 Plus Joker Playing Card Collectors Association. We’ll dive into his latest project, "The Card Magic & Playing Card History Timeline" and hear a few stories from his lifetime of magical adventures. Don’t miss this chance to learn, laugh, and get inspired by one of the top names in magic and playing card collecting!

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: David Acer hosts the Happy Pawlidays Virtual Show

This has come to be a holiday tradition at the blog.   Enjoy!

 

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."

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Happy Holidays from Lucy Darling, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee

From the December 21, 2020 Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Written and performed by
Carisa HendrixCo-staring Miranda Allen and Richard Lee
Special thanks to Jim Millan
Dedicated to the memory of Martin Gardner
Custom Music by Esin Aydingoz & Adam Traister

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Wes Barker's Backwards Hallmark Movie

Nothing says Christmas like a good old fashioned Hallmark Christmas Movie!

From the December 4th Facebook post by Wes Barker:

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: A new magical tradition from Tips & Tricks for Magicians

From the December 4th Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:

 

There's also this one from the December 22, 2022 Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:

 

 

 

And last but not least, our favourite from the December 22, 2022 Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A magical song to get you into the holiday spirit!

As performed by by Bernard & Elizabeth at the December 13th Magic Circle of Saint John Christmas party.   
Reprinted with permission.

Magical Bells
(To the tune of “Jingle Bells”)

🎵 Chorus:
Magic spells, magic spells, tricks are on display,
Oh, what fun it is to cast illusions all the way, hey!
Magic spells, magic spells, rabbits jump away,
Abracadabra! Cards appear, the crowd shouts out, “Hooray!” 🎵

Verse 1:
Dashing through the stage,
With wands held high in hand,
Conjuring amaze,
A show that’s truly grand!
Top hats full of cheer,
With scarves that never end,
The crowd is full of wonder here,
And laughter we will send!

🎵 Chorus

Verse 2:
Pulling coins from air,
And flowers from a hat,
Rings that float and fly,
Imagine all of that!
The deck begins to move,
Your card is guessed just right,
A little wave, a little smile,
And magic fills the night!

🎵 Chorus

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Say the magic word -- a short film by Chris Ramsay

Found at the September 9th post on X by Chris Ramsay.

 

Watch the September 9th upload "Say the magic word" on Chris Ramsay's YouTube channel:

A short film that features magic.

 

Calgary: Ben Cannon special guest at Wit & Wizardry [Dec 28]

Tickets at Magic Tickets.

 

From the December 22nd Facebook post by Ryan Pilling:

This Saturday, Dec 28th in Calgary! Comedian Ben Cannon joins me as the special guest star at Wit & Wizardry - Comedy Magic Cabaret.

A performer with a knack for blending self-deprecating wit with keen observational humor, Ben has graced stages at prestigious events like the YYComedy Festival. He also produces Ducking Comedy at Ducky’s, a local favorite that showcases some of Calgary’s top comedic talent. Whether he’s headlining shows or producing his own, Ben’s commitment to uplifting the local comedy scene is undeniable.

Ben’s material often reflects his Métis heritage, Calgary roots, and the hilarious awkwardness of navigating life’s twists and turns. With an easygoing charm and a genuine connection to his audience, he’s a comedian who leaves every crowd both entertained and wanting more.

It will truly be an evening featuring both Wit annnnd Wizardry, as I'll be hosting the show and bringing a few minor miracles to warm your winter. See you there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayhew Productions presents: Two Die

You may also notice a magician in the cast, in addition to the one behind the camera.  Well done Chris and Ahmed!

If the Instagram or Facebook embeds below don't work, click through to watch Two Die on Facebook or Instagram [@mayhewproductions].

 

From the December 20th Facebook post by Chris Mayhew:

I’m excited to share my entry for this year’s 48 hour film project! Huge thanks to the entire team of talented artists who helped bring this vision to life 💖 Turn the volume up or wear headphones for maximum enjoyment!

Please read this quick lil blurb about the short before you watch. The organizers of the 48hr film project give every team that participates these 3 elements that they must implement into their script somehow. We were also given a random genre and our team got Dark Comedy!

The elements we had to implement:
Character - Belfast York Treasure Hunter
Object - Two Dice
Line of dialogue - “I bet you’re fun at parties”

With those elements, the writers, myself, and my team of cast and crew came up with this short film in the span of 48 hours.

Enjoy the watch folks!! 😃🎬

 

 

From the December 20th Instagram post by Mayhew Productions:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Mayhew (@thesurrealmayhew)

 

 

 

 

Brantford: Ryan Edwards in Limitless [Feb 21]

Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

From the December 20th Facebook post by Ryan Edwards:  

Can’t figure out what to buy for that person that has everything? Look no further! Give them an experience they’ll never forget! February 21st I’ll be performing my new show LIMITLESS at 8pm. This is the first local show I’ve done in a long time! So don’t miss out and grab your tickets now!

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Magic Monday at Teddy Beer [Dec 23]

Tickets at DGS Productions.

 

From the December 20th Facebook post by Ian Batterbury:

Last public show of 2024! Don’t miss this collection of Toronto comedy magicians! 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mikey Valladares (@eyedoomagk)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan's Magic Shopping Advice for the last minute shoppers

From the December 20, 2023 Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calgary: Family Fun Magic Show with Miss Cynthia, James Jordan, and Ryan Pilling [Dec 28]

Tickets at Magic Tickets.  

 

From the December 19th Instagram post by Ryan Pilling:

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Pilling (@wowryanmagic)