Canada's Magic: # ICMS

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20 December 2023

2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase summary

This concludes the 2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase!

We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the country.

A huge shout out to everyone who trusted us enough to submit names and supporting text last month, even though you didn't know exactly how it was going to be used.

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

Thank you for the work involved in sending us your submission.

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


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase: Alexandra Chris Gowen Colin Geddes Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Garnet Garven Ian Stewart Lee Asher Leif David Paul Romhany Rob Teszka Ryan Pilling Scott Baird SYM Manitoba Wes Barker Yannick Lacroix

19 December 2023

Wes Barker: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Sixteenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Wes Barker!


Wes Barker: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Wes is by far the most dedicated magician we have working in Canada, his work ethic is unparalleled. Add to that the volume of creative output -- a new live show, taped a TV show, produces and tours shows, wrote a book and put it out to audio book, hosts podcasts and creates viral videos. I rarely leave a meeting with Wes not inspired. Every time I hang out with that dude he's always making me want to try new things and see what else I can push for. I rarely do them, that's on me.

Submitted by Matt DiSero

The show Wes Barker: Live on Tour dropped on Wes Barker's YouTube channel this morning:

Congratulations Wes! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Wes Barker visit his website WesBarker.ca, visit his store 2nd to none, listen to his podcast Bottom of the Barrel (with Chris Ramsay) and follow him on Facebook, YouTube, 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.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven Lee Asher Rob Teszka Ian Stewart Colin Geddes SYM Manitoba Ryan Pilling Wes Barker

18 December 2023

Ryan Pilling: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fifteenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ryan Pilling!


Ryan Pilling: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

For years, Ryan has shared his creativity and time with magicians across Canada. Always ready to help a fellow magician, Ryan raises the bar for Canadian magic and encourages us to think differently about our show and audience.

Through his “Tips & Tricks for Magicians” newsletter, his own wildly creative magic, his willingness to share his skills with those around him and his continued work with the I.B.M. in supporting our global magic community, Ryan Pilling embodies what it means to be an inspirational magician. If I MUST ever grow up, I want to be like Ryan.

Submitted by Alex Zander

Ryan has been creating and opening sharing great Tips and Tricks for magicians. His website and emails are so informative and the tricks are almost always FANTASTIC and easy to follow and understand. I can't believe he's giving it all away for free!

Submitted by Mystery Magician 2

Congratulations Ryan! Keep up the great work!

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

Thank you to the Alex and Mystery Magician 2 for your excellent submissions!

To learn more about Alex Zander, visit his website AlexSeaman.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven Lee Asher Rob Teszka Ian Stewart Colin Geddes SYM Manitoba Ryan Pilling

17 December 2023

SYM Manitoba: Inspirational Canadian Magicians

Fourteenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is the Society of Young Magicians (SYM) Manitoba!


SYM Manitoba: Inspirational Canadian Magicians.

It was been a very strange busy year and the main magic I have been involved in is our local Society of Young Magicians. Because of that I feel inspired by the 20 or so young magicians in our group that continue to expand their skills both in class and out.

The biggest thing they do is their inventiveness. We will teach a trick or sleight and it is so refreshing to see them put their own style and spin on it and bring a pretty basic trick to a show stopper which for pre-teens is very nice!

Submitted by Carey Lauder

Congratulations to the membership of the SYM Manitoba! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about SYM Manitoba, visit their website at SYMManitoba.com.

Thank you to the Carey for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Carey Lauder, visit his website LauderPhotography.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven Lee Asher Rob Teszka Ian Stewart Colin Geddes SYM Manitoba

16 December 2023

Colin Geddes: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Thirteenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Colin Geddes!


Colin Geddes: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

The Secret Cabal of Anonymous Magicians would like to nominate Colin Geddes of Toronto fame. Through his many hats worn as a board member of the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, he has helped to grow the membership of the club and created new opportunities for members to share magic, including a separate monthly get together which, unlike most magic lectures, features the consumption of alcohol and chicken wings at a nearby eatery. He has also chaired the talent committee which has brought many remarkable lecturers to the club including the legendary Paul Romhany, Bernardo Sedlacek, and John Bannon.

Submitted by the Secret Cabal of Anonymous Magicians

Congratulations Colin! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Colin Geddes visit his company's website Ultra 8 Pictures, or follow him Twitter, and Instagram.

Thank you to the Secret Cabal of Anonymous Magicians for your excellent submission!

If you could learn more about them online, they'd hardly be secret, eh?


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven Lee Asher Rob Teszka Ian Stewart Colin Geddes

15 December 2023

Ian Stewart: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Twelfth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ian Stewart!


Ian Stewart: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Ian has been contributing the the Halifax Magic Club for over 25 years. He links our small community to the wider world of magic because he is a professional performing at the international level. But despite all his very real street cred he is a humble, knowledgeable artistic goofball happy to sit with magicians of every stripe and share what he knows and learn from everyone.

Submitted by Bill Wood

You may recall that earlier this year Ian claimed the Guinness World Record for Most Magic Tricks Performed in a Minute.

Congratulations Ian! Keep up the great work!

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

Thank you Bill, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Bill Wood follow him on Facebook.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven Lee Asher Rob Teszka Ian Stewart

14 December 2023

Rob Teszka: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Eleventh in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Rob Teszka!


Rob Teszka: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

As host and organizer of The Parlour Magic Show, a monthly cabaret in the Vancouver area, Rob creates a space for magicians to be artists. He does this not for financial gain (and has the bar tabs to prove it!) but to showcase magic and magicians in the best light for real, live audiences. His organizational effort calls forth the tide which floats all boats creating better performances, lifting magicians, and fostering a public appetite for the good of magic.

Submitted by Ryan Pilling

Congratulations Rob! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Rob Teszka visit his website at RobTeszkaMagic.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (Rob Tezska) | Instagram (Parlour Magic Show).

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, Twitter, and Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven Lee Asher Rob Teszka

13 December 2023

Lee Asher: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Tenth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Lee Asher!


Lee Asher: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Lee constantly gives back to the community. He's a sounding board for me and others working to elevate magic, encourages talent and is an invaluable resource for anybody who wants to know anything about playing cards. He doesn't sit on his laurels, and continues to be an integral part of the magic community.

Submitted by Derrick Chung

Congratulations Lee! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Lee Asher visit his website at LeeAsher.com or follow him on Instagram.

Thank you Derrick, for your excellent submission!

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


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven Lee Asher

12 December 2023

Garnet Garven: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Ninth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Garnet Garven!


Garnet Garven: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Living in Saskatchewan gives you time to think. Like many Canadian magicians, being far from any hub of magic activity breeds an independent creativity. In February 2023 Garnet contributed his first solo Parade for The Linking Ring magazine which earned him an Award of Excellence. He quickly followed up with a second solo Parade in August 2023, and has nearly completed his third to appear very soon. I'm inspired both by his creative knack for finding new presentations, and his willingness to share the results with his fellow magicians.

Submitted by Ryan Pilling

Congratulations Garnet! Keep up the great work!

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

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, Twitter, and Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David Garnet Garven

11 December 2023

Leif David: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Eighth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Leif David!


Leif David: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

I have been watching Leif David for a while now. He’s sickly talented and a great performer. He makes his own custom themed magic shows, He’s a spectacular graphic artist, website designer, knows how to use social media and most of all not scared to share parts of his show online to get feedback from other magicians.

Submitted by Brent Smith

Congratulations Leif! Keep up the great work!

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

Thank you Brent, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Brent Smith visit his website at BrentSmithMagician.com and follow him on Facebook.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird Leif David

10 December 2023

Scott Baird: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Seventh in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Scott Baird!


Scott Baird: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Scott has been super successful and yet remains somewhat under the radar - a Hermit if you will. His online magic magazine is fabulous and has had a successful printer run too and Scott has been gaining traction as a magic illustrator as well - providing illustrations for a few big named magic books of 2023!

Submitted by Gwyn Auger

Congratulations Scott! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Scott Baird and Hermit Magazine visit HermitMagic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram (Scott) / Instagram (Hermit).

Thank you Gwyn, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Gwyn Auger follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix Scott Baird

09 December 2023

Yannick Lacroix: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Sixth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Yannick Lacroix!


Yannick Lacroix: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

After the unfortunate closing of both magic shops in Montreal during the Pandemic, Yannick decided to keep his magic school open and opened a new location in Montreal. Not only is he teaching magic almost every single day over there but he made sure that his location could be used for the magic club meetings and the lecture organised by the Montreal Magic Jam. He is really helping to keep the magic alive in Montreal.

Submitted by Mystery Magician

Watch Yannick perform with Marc Trudel and Michel Huot on the November 30th upload on the France's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Listen to Michael Dardant interview Yannick and the rest of The Montreal Trio on the August 15th, 2023 edition of Something Up My Sleeve S02E8.

Congratulations Yannick! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Yannick Lacroix, visit his website at MagieStrale.com.

Thank you to our anonymous Mystery Magician, for your excellent submission!


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen Yannick Lacroix

08 December 2023

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fifth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Chris Gowen!


Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

I have been watching Chris Gowen since he had a job that he didn’t like, and watch as magic slowly took over his life. From doing shows locally, to creating shows for Fringe Festivals across Canada, to now doing cruise ships. He’s sickly talented and a great performer. I admire this young creative hard working magician.

Submitted by Brent Smith

Congratulations Chris! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Chris Gowen, visit his website at ChrisGowen.ca and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you Brent, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Brent Smith visit his website at BrentSmithMagician.com and follow him on Facebook.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt Chris Gowen

07 December 2023

Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fourth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Doug Hunt!


Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Doug had two people submit his name!

In spite of the personal and professional challenges Doug Hunt has endured through the nearly 40 years I have had the privilege of calling him my friend, I have never seen him without a desire to give back from his heart. He will tell you that he may not be the most talented magician you know, but I'm here to tell you that he is the most HUMAN magician you will ever meet.

Submitted by Peter Mennie

At age 67, Doug Hunt walked 16 steps at 55 ft high in the air, breaking a Guinness World Record. While most might break a record for their own ego; Doug does these amazing stunts to put a spotlight on his local community and raising awareness for local charities. Doug shows how we as entertainers can take our gift and make an incredible impact.

Submitted by Graeme Reed

ICYMI, have a read of Graeme's guest post about Doug's recent Guinness World Record breaking stilt walk!

Congratulations Doug! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Doug, visit his website at DougTheGreat.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you Peter and Graeme, for your excellent submissions!

To learn more about Peter Mennie visit his website at PeterMennie.ca and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.

To learn more about Graeme Reed visit his website at GraemeReedMagic.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung Doug Hunt

06 December 2023

Derrick Chung: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Third in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Derrick Chung!


Derrick Chung: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Derrick inspired me by being open and available to many of my long-winded questions, queries and inquisitions. He has a vast knowledge of card magic, a memory like a steel trap, and great taste in effects. His book, The Nacho Card Notes, has a few of my favourite treats in there, including a delicious recipe for Queso to go with the aforementioned nachos. As one of the organizers for The Montreal Magic Club, as well as for Shane Cobalt's Patreon group, I've been leveling up my magic through many lectures and Zooms he has helped bring about.

Submitted by George (@kid_oldman_magic)

Congratulations Derrick! Keep up the great work!

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

Thank you George, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about George (@kid_oldman_magic) follow him on Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra Derrick Chung

05 December 2023

Alexandra: Inspirational Canadian Magician

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


Alexandra: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

Over the last fifteen years, Alexandra has been Greg Frewin's main assistant, the backbone of his show. But guess what? As of 2023, she's embarked on a fascinating new journey as a magician, and let me tell you, she is fantastic. Just last week, she pulled off an incredible feat
– she fooled none other than Penn & Teller.

This isn't just a career change; it's a captivating
transformation. From assistant extraordinaire to a magician who can leave even the masters of magic in awe. It's not every day you witness
such a remarkable shift, and I can't wait to see where Alex goes.

Submitted by Lee Asher

Watch Alexandra on Penn and Teller's Fool Us at the November 9th upload at the Greg Frewin Theatre YouTube channel:

Congratulations Alexandra! Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Alexandra, visit the Greg Frewin Theatre and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

Thank you Lee, for your excellent submission!

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


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication): Paul Romhany Alexandra

04 December 2023

Paul Romhany: Inspirational Canadian Magician

First up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Paul Romhany!


Paul Romhany: Inspirational Canadian Magician.

I would love to nominate Paul Romhany.

He is the editor and owner of VANISH Magic Magazine which is the largest Magic magazine today, with the largest readership and support. He also writes and publishes Northern Peeks magazine for the Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM). He is also on the CAM Executive.

I have performed with him and his Chaplin act on a few occasions, and he is a superb entertainer.

Submitted by Chris Yuill

We were fortunate to catch Paul's show and lecture in the spring and agree that he is an excellent entertainer.

Congratulations Paul! Keep up the great work!

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

To learn more about VANISH Magazine, visit VanishMagic.com.

To learn more about the Canadian Associations of Magicians and their publication Northern Peeks, visit CAMmagic.org.

Thank you Chris, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Chris Yuill, visit CYMagic.ca and follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.


2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

Introducing the inaugural Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase!

Last month, we reached out to over a dozen magicians across Canada and asked them to write two to four sentences about someone in the Canadian magic community who inspired them in 2023.

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

We hope you enjoy!


2023 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.