Showing posts with label # CM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label # CM. Show all posts

16 December 2024

2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase summary

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.

This concludes the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase (ICMS)! 

We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the country.  Thank you for joining us on the journey.

A huge shout out to everyone who submitted names and supporting text to us last month.  Thank you for generously making the time to celebrate your peers!

   

We couldn't have done this without the help of:


Thank you for the thought and time involved in sending us your submissions.

 



Congratulations again to everyone featured.  Keep up the great work!

Be sure to click on the links below to find out what makes each magician inspirational in their own right.  The story isn't just about who was selected.  Of equal, or perhaps greater importance, is why they were selected!






Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:02 AM 0 comments
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13 December 2024

Julie Eng: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.

Last, but certainly not least in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Julie Eng!

Julie Eng: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Julie Eng: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 

 

Julie was the director of Magicana for eighteen years and how much she's done there can't be overstated. Among other things, she played a huge part in the production and release of the Johnny Thompson books as well as the more recently monumental tomes of Eddie Dawes, both projects being of tantamount importance to magic's legacy. This year, she's taken the big leap to the executive director position at Genii Enterprises and now has the reins of MagicCol. I'm so excited to see what else she's got up her sleeve for the future..

Submitted by Derrick Chung



Congratulations Julie!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Julie Eng, visit her website at Magicienne.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram. 

To learn more about Magicana, visit Magicana.com.  To learn more about Genii, visit GeniiMagazine.com.



Thank you Derrick for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Derrick Chung, visit his website at DerrickChung.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.  







Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:05 PM 0 comments
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12 December 2024

Lon Mandrake: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.

We're coming near the end of this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.  Today we present Lon Mandrake!

Lon Mandrake: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Lon Mandrake: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 

 

Lon Mandrake has been a leader in the magic community as the former Regional Vice-President for Canada of the Society of American Magicians. Under this leadership, the Society expanded its membership and Assemblies. While some may think he had to live in the shadow of his famous parents - Leon (and Velvet) Mandrake the Magician, Lon carved his own path. A now retired educator, an award-winning science teacher and past President of the British Columbia Science Teachers’ Association. Lon is internationally recognized for his mentalism and magic but he is most appreciated as a generous and supportive colleague.

Submitted by Garnet Garven



Congratulations Lon!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Lon Mandrake, visit his website at LeonMandrake.com, and follow him on Facebook.



Thank Garnet for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Garnet Garven visit his IBM Member profile.







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11 December 2024

Steve Valentine: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Steve Valentine!

Steve Valentine: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Steve Valentine: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 

 

For Steve's work at MagicOnTheGo. Really inspiring to see someone put up 900+ videos of magic instruction. Deep dives into the work from a real working pro is very rare to get access to. A lot of the material is also obscure and people may not even have known it existed, which aids in cataloguing material that may otherwise have been lost to history.

Submitted by Matt DiSero



Congratulations Steve!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Steve Valentine's project, visit his website at MagicOnTheGo.vhx.tv, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.



Thank Matt for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Matt DiSero, visit his website MattDiSero.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.







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10 December 2024

Chanelle Munroe and Sean Watson: Inspirational Canadian Magicians

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, are Chanelle Munroe and Sean Watson!

Chanelle Munroe: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Chanelle Munroe: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 

 

Chanelle’s work with the Indigenous community in Canada is inspiring as she  brings magic to remote communities and inspires young people with her performances and message of hope. She has gone where no other Canadian magician has gone before, and deserves to be recognized for her inspirational use of magic. 

Chanelle appeared on September 2024 cover of VANISH Magic Magazine. Her full story is there. It’s remarkable.

Submitted by Paul Romhany



Congratulations Chanelle!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Chanelle Munroe, visit her website at ChanelleMunroe.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you Paul, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Paul Romhany, visit ChaplinMagic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.



 

Sean Watson: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Sean Watson: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


I am inspired by Sean Watson and Chanelle Munroe for their ability to captivate audiences across North America with their unique style of magic. I’ve had the privilege of seeing them perform at an elementary school, where their show left both students and staff in awe. With a recent rebranding, they have successfully toured festivals, community events, and elementary schools throughout Canada and the USA, continuing to amaze and inspire audiences of all ages.

Submitted by Leif David



Congratulations Sean!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Sean Watson, visit his website at SeanWatsonMagician.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you Leif, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Leif David visit BCMagician.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.








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09 December 2024

Alex Boyer: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Alex Boyer!

 

Alex Boyer: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Alex Boyer: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


Alex Boyer has been putting in the work this year, bringing his fun, stylish brand of magic to audiences everywhere, including social media. He's got this natural flair that makes every performance a blast to watch. And besides all that talent, he’s just a genuinely awesome guy. Alex Boyer is warm, funny, and always brings good vibes wherever he goes.

Submitted by Lee Asher



Congratulations Alex!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Alex Boyer, visit his website at AlexBoyer.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you Lee, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Lee Asher, visit LeeAsher.com and follow him on Instagram.







Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:05 PM 0 comments
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07 December 2024

Scott McClelland: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Scott McClelland!

 

Scott McClelland: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Scott McClelland: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


Scott works tirelessly to create a fully immersive world for his audiences to step into a unique theatrical experience. He applies his artistic talent crafting one-of-a-kind props, puppets, and set pieces to build a show which looks and feels like nothing else on earth. His deep commitment to character and aesthetic is an inspiring example of making the world more magical.

Submitted by Ryan Pilling



Congratulations Scott!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Scott McClelland, visit his website at DiabloManor.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you Ryan, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Ryan Pilling visit his website WOWRyan.com, sign up for his newsletter at MagicTipsAndTricks.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.







Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:01 AM 3 comments
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06 December 2024

Tabraze Sheikh: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Tabraze Sheikh!

 

Tabraze Sheikh: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Tabraze Sheikh: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


Tabraze has been heavily involved in the Maritime magic scene for over a decade.  Although his specialty is mind reading, he is well versed in all areas of magic and particularly enjoys discussing and practicing script writing.  He’s the president of the Saint John Magic Circle, and as such not only takes a strong interest in performing, but also does much to bring together local magicians whenever possible.

Submitted by Ian Stewart



Congratulations Tabraze!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Tabraze Sheikh, follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

Thank you Ian, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Ian Stewart visit his website at IanAmazing.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.







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05 December 2024

Ryan Michael: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ryan Michael!

 

Ryan Michael: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Ryan Michael: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


Ryan Michael has inspired through continuing to sell out his residency at Crown & Thieves in Kelowna, BC, as well as being one of the busiest and most booked entertainers in Canada.

Submitted by Mystery Magician



Congratulations Ryan!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ryan Michael, visit RyanMichaelMagic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Thank you Mystery Magician for your excellent submission!







Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:08 PM 0 comments
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04 December 2024

Marc Trudel: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Third up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Marc Trudel!

 

Marc Trudel: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Marc Trudel: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


He's a full-time pro and on top of doing every type of magic there is (and winning two Canadian Championships in his spare time), he also runs the Club de Magie de Montréal.  He's also been one of my partners in the Montreal Magic Jam, running events from lectures and shows to full conventions for the past two decades. Oh and did I mention along with his wife Sophie-Anne Vachon, he publishes Conundrum Magazine. The man is insanely busy but somehow his love of magic never waivers, and he is a big reason why the magic community in Montreal continues to thrive.

Submitted by Derrick Chung


We were fortunate to see Marc both lecture and perform at this year's Browser's Bash and agree that the Canadian magic community is very lucky to benefit from Marc's talent and energies!


Congratulations Marc!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Marc Trudel, visit MarcTrudelMagicien.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

To learn more about the Montreal Magic Jam visit MontrealMagicJam.com and to learn more about Conundrum magazine visit ConundrumMagazine.com.

 

Thank you Derrick for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Derrick Chung, visit his website at DerrickChung.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.  







Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:07 PM 0 comments
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03 December 2024

Ken McCreedy: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Second in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ken McCreedy!

 

Ken McCreedy: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Ken McCreedy: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


Ken needs no introduction; his magical skills are well known throughout Canada and internationally.  A professional magician since the 1970s,  Ken has proven over the years to be Canada’s premier award-winning performer.

From stage to close-up performance to creating quality stage illusions and teaching his brand of creative magic, Ken does it all!
 
I find most inspirational about Ken is his ongoing effort and commitment to bring attention and recognition to many of our late great Canadian
Magicians.

I am honoured to know Ken.  He is a good person and wonderful friend.

Ken McCreedy is certainly an Inspirational Magician!

Submitted by Doug Hunt



Congratulations Ken!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ken McCreedy, visit KenMcCreedy.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Thank you Doug, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Doug, visit his website at DougTheGreat.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram. ICYMI, read Graeme Reed's guest post about Doug's 2023 Guinness World Record breaking stilt walk, for which Doug was honoured by the The City of Brantford which officially opened a new Guinness World Record Stilt Display at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Monday December 2nd, 2024.







Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:04 PM 0 comments
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02 December 2024

Matt Johnson: Inspirational Canadian Magician

CanadasMagic.com is proud to present the 2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

First up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Matt Johnson! 

 

Matt Johnson: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Matt Johnson: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
  		 


Based in Vancouver, Matt Johnson performs around the world on cruise ships, captivating international audiences with his breathtaking magic and escape acts. What inspires me most about Matt is his relentless pursuit of pushing magic and escapes to their physical limits. His grand-scale illusions set him apart, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. The fact that he’s consistently rebooked years in advance speaks volumes about the impact and success of his shows.

Submitted by Leif David



Congratulations Matt!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Matt, visit LikeMattJohnson.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Thank you Leif, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Leif David visit BCMagician.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.







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2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

It's time for our second annual Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase (ICMS)!

Last month, we reached out to the magicians featured in last year's ICMS and asked them to write two to four sentences about someone in the Canadian magic community who inspired them in 2024.  (They were given the caveat that the magicians in last year's showcase were ineligible to be named in this year's showcase.)

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be hosting a showcase of the submissions, in no particular order. 

We hope you enjoy!


2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase.
  		 



Note:  This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the inspirational things magicians are doing across Canada.  Instead, think of it as highlighting a random sample of excellence at a single point in time.


Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:05 AM 2 comments
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28 September 2024

Random thoughts about "This Book Will Read Your Mind"

You may know Alex McAleer from his performances in Champions of Magic, or from listening to his podcast his weekly podcast Through the Magic of Television (also available on Apple Podcasts).

Earlier this year, we were gifted a copy of his book, This Book Will Read Your Mind.  In this book, there are 10 interactive experiments to try.  Each one is a clever self-working mind-reading journey.  The exercises will appreciated by those who enjoy puzzles or magic!


 

While not a treatise on "how to be a mentalist," the collection is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

As an added bonus, there are a few Easter eggs in the book for those who have seen Alex in Champions of Magic, and for listeners of Through the Magic of Television.

Designed and written by Alex McAleer, This Book Will Read Your Mind is 60 pages long and measures just shy of 15cm square.


Purchase This Book Will Read Your Mind directly from Alex at
https://alexmcaleer.bigcartel.com/product/this-book-will-read-your-mind-by-alex-mcaleer
or ask your local brick and mortar magic shop to order it in from Murphy's Magic.



Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by Canada's Magic at 11:53 AM 0 comments
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23 July 2024

Random thoughts about Graemazing Level 7 Wizard at the Hamilton Fringe

Graemazing Level 7 Wizard is playing at the Hamilton Fringe daily until July 28th.

 

Based on our previous travel experience to Niagara Falls, KOP and I again added an hour to the Google projected travel time, with the hopes we could wander around Hamilton prior to the show.  The traffic gods, however, had other plans.  Luckily, we arrived with plenty of time to find parking, a rest room, and get checked in at a leisurely pace.

  • This was our first time at the Hamilton Fringe!
  • Graeme's show is at the Elaine Mae Theatre adjacent to The Staircase.  (Check their website for instructions on where to find alternate parking if their lot is full.)

  • The Elaine Mae Theatre is a cozy theatre space which comfortably seats approximately 40 people.
  • The venue has air conditioning.
  • There is a flight of stairs up to the venue.  Contact the theatre directly to see if they offer accommodations.
  • If you require a rest room, they will send you over to The Staircase.  (Which has a good number of stairs to get from the sidewalk to the main floor.)

  • Each Fringe attendee is required to purchase (and wear) $4 Hamilton Fringe button.  (We confused the volunteer staff outside the venue by trying to pay for the button with cash.  We apparently broke some generally known (except to us) norm.  We're still not sure what payment methods they prefer, as eventually they let us trade our sheet of plastic and our coins for two buttons.)
  • Fringe volunteers also have tip buckets and Fringe fund raising buckets, into which they request you donate cash in support of the Fringe.  (So apparently cash isn't taboo for everything.)
  • All ticket sale proceeds go to the performers.

 

On with the show...

  • The performance space is intimate, capable of seating approximately 40 people.
  • It is general admission seating.  If sitting at the front is important to you, arrive early.
  • Unless you are short and there's a tall person sitting in front of you, there are no bad seats in the house.  (The seating is NOT raked.  All the chairs are on the same level.  The stage is raised.)
  • The show is highly interactive.  There were more than a dozen volunteers and a segment which required the whole audience to participate.
  • Only a handful of the volunteers were required to get on stage.
  • Volunteers were treated with dignity and respect. 
  • While not crafted as a "children's magic show," the (guardian accompanied) children in the audience were very engrossed and entertained!
  • The show is targeted as "Parental Guidance (ages 13+)."  We feel this has less to do with the content of the show and more to do with young children's abilities to follow instructions and to sit still for the duration of the show (approximately one hour).
  • Graeme could have very easily created an entertaining show, performing his selection of magical effects as documented (and performed by countless other magicians).
  • With a delightful impact, however, he highly personalizes his conjuring, adding to the entertainment value of each of the sequences by making them unique to his "Graemazing Level 7 Wizard" persona.
  • The description for the show "Graemazing is a Level 7 Wizard with a black belt in card magic and a starfish badge in mind reading, totally real" tells you upfront that the show isn't going to take itself overly seriously! 
  • If you're looking for a show that invokes super heroes, comic books, trading cards, breakfast cereals, John Cena, and movies from the 90s, look no further! 
  • BONUS POINTS for a wonderful shout out to The Browser's Den of Magic.
  • There were many very strong, almost visceral, audience reactions to his well-crafted performance.
  • Graeme's improvisation expertise, combined with his re-imagining of classic effects, elevates his more than capable wizardry, and creates an engaging show unique to every audience!

 

The experience was unquestionably, Graemazing!

 

 

Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

 

  2024 Hamilton Fringe     
Other magical Hamilton Fringe experiences:

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:03 AM 0 comments
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17 July 2024

Random thoughts about Piff the Magic Dragon in Niagara Falls


Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop.


We're playing a little bit of catch-up at the blog.  These random thoughts are from the show we saw on Mother's Day weekend.  (Is there a better way to celebrate Mother's Day than going to see a magic dragon?)

Based on our previous travel experience to Niagara Falls, after consulting Google we added an hour to the longest estimated time in an attempt to get us to the theatre by 3pm.  Surely leaving at noon would give us a chance to wander around and take in The Falls prior to the show!

Wouldn't you know there were phantom traffic jams aplenty.  KOP and I rolled into town at 2:40pm, scrambled for parking, and made our way to the theatre.  Sadly there was no time to see The Falls.

Thankfully, we made it to the Avalon Theatre (at Fallsview Casino Resort) with a few minutes to spare! 

  • This was our first experience at this venue.
  • The box office staff and lobby staff were super friendly and helpful!
  • It's a nice sized theatre with a capacity of about 1500.  
  • The theatre website states "You are never more than 100 feet away [30.48 m] from an amazing performance by your favourite artist."


On with the show...

  • The show is highly interactive.  (There were at least a dozen volunteers in addition to a whole audience game of HoT with a kicker ending!)
  • Francis is a squire of many talents!  Including (but not limited to) playing the tin whistle, videography, rapping, dancing, and urm, choreography.
  • Jade is just as charming and wonderful as you'd expect from listening to her on The Piff Pod back in the day, or seeing her on Piff's television appearances.
  • We loved that Jade spent some time in the audience chatting up the littles while the adults were being told the rules for the HoT experience.
  • As expected, Mr. Piffles was an absolute crowd favourite!  He is a very accommodating and adorable magic dog.
  • As a companion to the expertly executed comedy magic, there was a significant amount of legit stand-up comedy.  Delivered in a way that only Piff can!  (As with a regular stand-up comedy show, don't sit up front if you don't want to be part of the show!)
  • There was much amazement in the audience.  And laughter.  So much laughter!
  • For us, the pièce de résistance was the sandwich effect Piff showcased on the 2024 AGT Fantasy League.  Complete with a callback to audience volunteer Princess Kat from earlier in the show.  
  • In the stage show, Piff explained how certain AGT edits detracted from the entertainment value of the routine.
  • He was right.  The effect was super strong live, in person, and without edits!

  • After the show there was a Meet and Greet in the lobby with Jade, Mr. Piffles, and the magic dragon himself, Piff.  They were very friendly, signed autographs, and didn't rush.  (We were the last in line from our show, and even though we knew we were the last thing standing in the way from them being able to change / eat / relax, they were very friendly and sociable!)

 

Definitely the funniest and most magical dragon you'll ever see!


Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop. 

When he's not on tour, you can see Piff in Las Vegas at the Flamingo!

 

Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

 

 

Posted by Canada's Magic at 12:07 AM 0 comments
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