Vancouver: Science of Sleight [Sep 2]

Tickets at ScienceWorld.ca/visit-us 

 

From the July 30th Instagram post by Science World Canada:

You'll be questioning reality at After Dark: Science of Sleight – Magic Edition on September 2! 

Read more. 

 

 

 

 

Shawn Farquhar and Friends at TED2026 in Conjurly

From the May 6th article "Shawn Farquhar and Friends Bring Wonder to TED2026" by James Lauffer at Conjurly: 

Attendees at the TED2026 conference had a unique opportunity beyond the signature talks that share paradigm-shifting ideas and the chance to interact with some of the world’s brightest and most influential thinkers. Thanks to Shawn Farquhar and a select group of five additional magicians, they were able to experience wonder even beyond the typical awe-inspiring experience TED is known for. 

Read more. 

 

Found at the May 6th Facebook post by Alyx Hilshey.

Previously shared on Facebook May 6. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IBM Members: Legal benefit and video library

We recently learned that IBM Members are able to receive free legal advice (regarding performance Visas for entry to the US).  Learn more about it at the April 8th Facebook post by the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

We were also recently reminded that IBM Members have access to the IBM's video library which includes:

• Virtual Lecture Series, including
  - John Carrey
  - David Corsaro
  - Mike Breggar
  - Ryan Pilling 
  
  
• JAM Videos, including
  - Anastasia Synn
  - Ben Train 
  - Carisa Hendrix
  - Jonah Babins
  - Ryan Pilling
  - Shawn Farquhar
  - Max Maven, and many more!
  
  
• Something Up My Sleeve interviews, including
  - Eric Leclerc 
  - Billy Hseuh 
  - Hidden Wonders Tour
  - Marc Trudel 
  - Lost in the Shuffle
  - Wes Barker
  - Luc Langevin, and many, many more!
  
  
• "Who Books That?" with Harrison Greenbaum, including 
  - The Evasons
  - Steve Valentine
  - Julie Eng
  - Shin Lim, and many more!
  
  
• Special Contributions, including 
  - Luic Carreon
  - Ryan Pilling
  - Keith Fields
  
  
• Magic Mondays, including
  - Alex Zander
  - Shawn Farquhar
  - Lucy Darling (Carisa Hendrix), and more!
  
  
•  Historical Videos, including
  - Darcy Oake
  - James Cielen

 

If you're looking to consume some magic videos, this should keep you busy for some time! 

 

 

 

 

New Westminster: The Magic Festival [Mar 23 – 29] and PCAM 2026 [Mar 23 – 29]

From MagicFestival.com:

• Monday, March 23rd
   - Magic Max, 
   - 52 & You
  
  
• Tuesday, March 24th
   - Magic Max,
   - Cabaret of Wonders,
   - An Evening of Magic 
  
  
• Wednesday, March 25th
   - Mystery, Magic & Dinner featuring Ryan Pilling and friends
  
  
• Thursday, March 26th
   - Benjamin Barnes (PCAM & Cabaret of Wonders joint event)
  
  
• Friday, March 27th
   - Rachel Wax (PCAM & Cabaret of Wonders joint event)
  
  
• Saturday, March 28th 
   - Children's Magician of the Year Competition (Vancouver Magic Circle & The Magic Fesitval joint event)
   - Erik Tait (PCAM & Cabaret of Wonders joint event)
   - Bizzaro (PCAM & Cabaret of Wonders joint event)
  
  
• Thursday to Sunday March 26th- 29th 
   - Hidden Wonders with Shawn Farquhar  [SOLD OUT]
  
  
  Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

For more information about the 2026 PCAM Convention, visit PCAMmagic.com/convention

Previously shared on Facebook January 31st. 

 

For more information about the The Magic Festival visit MagicFestival.com

Previously shared on Facebook February 1st. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Westminster: Ryan Pilling at the Cabaret of Wonders [Sep 30]

Tickets and more information at CabaretOfWonders.com  

 

From the Cabaret of Wonders Facebook event:

September Special Guest: Ryan Pilling
Ryan Pilling is known for his creativity, quick wit, and original approach to magic. His hit show Wit & Wizardry has been a crowd favourite in Calgary AB, earning praise for its clever mix of comedy and illusion. Now he brings that same inventive energy to Cabaret of Wonders— Ryan is a longtime favourite of the Cabaret of Wonders and now you can find out why! 

 

 

 

 

New Westminster: Ryan Michael at the Cabaret of Wonders [Aug 26]

Tickets and more information at CabaretOfWonders.com 

 

From the July 31st Facebook post by Alex Zander:

 

 

 

 

 

New Westminster: Joe Turner at Cabaret of Wonders [Jul 29]

Tickets at CabaretOfWonders.com⁠ 

 

From the June 25th Facebook post by the Cabaret of Wonders:

 

 

 

 

Vancouver: The Magic Max Show [May 31]

From the April 22nd Facebook post by Alex Zander:

 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook April 22.

 

 

 

 

 

New Westminster: Kelvin Ng, Alex Zander, & Billy Hsueh [Feb 25]

Tickets at CabaretOfWonders.com⁠

 

From the February 17th Instagram post by Kelvin Ng:

I'm so pumped to join @zandershow and @billyhmagic at the @thecabaretofwonders!⁠
⁠
See you all on Feb 25, 2025, doors open at 6:30 PM but tickets are NOW available for only $35!⁠
⁠
Click here to purchase 👉🏻: CabaretOfWonders.com⁠

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kel - Modern Magic - Corporate event magician (@kelvinngmagic)

 

 

 

New Westminster: Cabaret of Wonders with special guest Leon Mandrake [Jan 28]

Tickets at Cabaret of Wonders.

 

From the January 9th Facebook post by Alex Zander:

Join Billy and I for this month’s Cabaret of Wonders featuring Leon Mandrake!!
Magic Untested, Uncensored, and Unbelievable!
Limited seats available.

 

 

 

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
   

 

New Westminster: Cabaret of Wonders [Nov 28]

Tickets at Cabaret Of Wonders.

 

From the November 17th Facebook post by Cabaret of Wonders:

Returning this week from their double-Gold Medal wins, Alex Zander & Billy Hsueh bring their award winning magic to the Cabaret of Wonders

November 28, 2023
Tickets while they last, @ CabaretOfWonders.com

 

 

 

Bakersfield: Gabriella Lester and Alex Zander in Celebrities of Magic [Nov 13]

Tickets at the Melodrama.

 

From the October 16th Facebook post by Ron Saylor:

"Celebrities Of Magic" presents GABRIELLA LESTER and ALEX ZANDER, Live in Bakersfield, Monday, November 13th, at The Gaslight Melodrama.

GABRIELLA LESTER is an internet sensation. With 50 thousand followers and over a million views, her fans flock to keep up with what she is going to do next.

Originally from South Africa, GABRIELLA LESTER, before the age of 20, has already appeared on some of the Largest stages in Las Vegas, The Magic Castle and even Penn & Teller’s FOOL US.

GABRIELLA LESTER is fascinated by Escapology Magic and, as a Junior Member of The Academy of Magical Arts, she is officially one of the youngest magicians to master Houdini’s Upside-Down Strait-Jacket Escape.

Also on the bill, ALEX ZANDER just completed a 500-Show Tour across America.

ALEX ZANDER’s Magic will tug at your heart-strings with childhood nostalgia and modern miracles.

It’s no wonder that ALEX ZANDER has already been elected as the President of the World’s Premier Magical Organization, The International Brotherhood of Magicians.

THIS SHOW WILL SELL-OUT so Do Not Wait to Reserve your Seats.

 

 

 

 

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 7

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts.  We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!  

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time.  The survey can be found here:  https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!

 

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

 

 

Part 7 features:  Jonathan Santiago, Shawn Farquhar, and Alex Zander. 

 

  Jonathan Santiago  

Professional magician, Casino Pit Manager.

Attended camp from 2001 to 2003 as staff.

Since his time at camp Jonathan has:

• Improved his leadership abilities.

In his own words:

• My leadership abilities were enhanced by my time at Sorcerers Safari.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• The Jam sessions after hours.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Made friendships that still exist today.
  
  
  

Please resurrect the Sorcerers Safari!!

 

 

  Shawn Farquhar  

Professional magician, magiChampion.com
Theatre Owner, HiddenWonders.ca
Film maker, LostInTheShuffle.film

Attended camp from 2008 - 2016 as staff.  (Excluding 2014)

Since his time at camp Shawn has:

• Opened his own theatre and has continued to help young magicians become better.
• Completed principal filming on his documentary Lost in the Shuffle.
  
  

In his own words:

• Sorcerers Safari made me see things differently and has had a lasting impact in life.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Having all my personal belongings duct taped to the walls and ceiling of my room and having to wander the entire camp as "Farquharfish" trying to discover where my laptop was hidden. Oh, and watching Eric Buss conduct an Improv Workshop.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• To this day I run into campers and love that we made a bond of friendship that will last my lifetime. 
• Best Camp ever.
  
  

I hope you'll reach out to Michael Ammar to talk about his "Card on Sky" routine, and the Buck Twins about the joy of eating pie without hands.  I miss camp.

[Editor's note:  We LOVE hearing campers tell us about their Card on Sky memories.  It comes up often!  We've reached out to Michael Ammar and the Buck Twins.  Hopefully they'll write back to us with their perspective of those fabulous memories!]

 

 

  Alex Zander 

Professional magician, AlexZander.ca

Attended camp in 2013 and 2014 as a counsellor.

 

Since his time at camp Alex has been:

• The youngest elected President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, 
• A full time magician, solo income since that 1st year at camp,
• The lead artist in 9-month performance tour across North America, and 
• The organizer of local, regional, and international magic conventions.
  
  

In his own words:

• I met lifelong friends and mentors at Sorcerers Safari who continue to motivate me every year.
• Camp played a huge role in unlocking my skills of community building in the world of magic.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• “Trolling for the Farquharfish”  if you know, you know!!
• As the youngest counsellor on staff, I was assigned to the youngest cabin of campers. Spending time working on their new magic, introducing them to routine-building, and watching as their eyes were opened to a whole new world of the craft was truly magical. To this day, it is always a joy to see when camp kids (now all graduated) excitedly find us to reconnect at magic conventions or while travelling. They’re all so much taller….
  
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• The world of magic is like a social club. You get out what you put in (and many times more!).
• Taking the time to volunteer in your local, regional, or global magic community creates social bonds and professional rapport that will outlast whatever project you are working on.
  
  

Sorcerers Safari alumni were fortunate to experience a small slice of magical nirvana. Away from the distractions of everyday life, Camp Directors Magic Mike & Jen created not just an experience but a family of magic lovers from all walks of life.

Some campers have remained in the magical arts, some found new passions and success,  though all campers have one thing we can agree on. No matter what year you attended, it was the BEST SUMMER EVER… and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

 

Thank you Jonathan, Shawn, and Alex for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff!

 

 Previously featured 

• Ben Train - part 1
• Brad Bond - part 2  
• Brett Chrest - part 3
  
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
• Chris Pilsworth - part 6
• Dennis Gorya - part 5
• Dick Joiner - part 3 
• James Carey Lauder - part 2
• Jennifer Antonio - part 6
• Jonah Babins - part 6
• Keith Brown - part 4
• Loran - part 5
  
• Mark Clearview - part 5
• Matt DiSero - part 3
  
• Sam Pearce - part 1
  

 

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

part 1 | part 2  | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12

<< part 6  |  part 8 >>

 

 

Vancouver: There's magic at the 2023 PNE [Aug 19 - Sep 4]

Learn more at the PNE Fair.

• Alex Zander will be performing “The Magic Bean” everyday of the PNE at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30
  
  
• SuperDogs are at the PNE as well.  David Acer and Leonard Chase (SuperDogs co-owner) will be the emcees for this run.

 

 

 

 

Alex Zander: Vancouver Magic Circle's 2021 Stage Magician of the Year

Congratulations IBM Ring 92 competitors!

• 1st Place: Junior Stage winner Gabriella Lester
• 2nd Place: Rod Chow
• 1st Place: Alex Zander
  

 

From the November 26th Facebook post by Alex Zander:

What an honour to be named “2021 Stage Magician of the Year” by the Vancouver Magic Circle, IBM Ring #92, one of Canada’s oldest and largest magic clubs.

After a multi-year hiatus from competing while producing conventions and lectures for our global IBM magic community, it feels great to showcase some of my own original creations.

Congratulations to all my fellow competitors for a great evening of strong magic, and honourable mentions to 2nd Place Rod Chow (soon to be at the helm of the The Society of American Magicians!) and 1st Place Junior Stage winner Gabriella Lester

IBM convention online July 8th-10th, 2021

I spy Jay the Juggling Magician and Alex Zander from Canada! 

From the April 28th Facebook post by Shawn Farquhar:

The talent line up for the first ever online IBM magic convention is super cool. Lots of new faces and old friends.

If you are a proud member of the IBM please SHARE this on your Facebook timeline. Heck, tag people you think might not know that should be attending the convention. We want to make certain everyone is aware that registration to this year convention INCLUDES a one year MEMBERSHIP to the IBM. It's the best deal of 2021...

Keep Calm and Perform Magic
www.IBMCONVENTION.com

 

 

 

 

Game Night with Alex Zander

From the January 18th Facebook post by Alex Zander:

11 days until the premiere of "Game Night"

Join me next Friday Jan 29, 2021 @ 6pm Pacific for an evening of laughter, chaos, and incredible magic. 

Tickets are limited - $20 per Household

GameNightMagic.eventbrite.com 

 

 

2020 Readers' Choice award results

 Thank you all for participating 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.

Over 190 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

Here are the results of our fifth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

 

Some general comments were submitted:

• "Regardless of who wins, I hope they are all considered for Allan Slaight awards."
   
  Excellent observation, I hope that our readers respond accordingly when Allan Slaight Award nominations open in the New Year!
    
  
• "They were all Fantastic," "Everyone is great!"
   
  
• "Thanks again for doing this... "
   
  You are very welcome!  Thank you for helping spread the word about Canada's wonderful talent!
  
  

 

 

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

• Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
  

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

 

Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
- Gwyn Rocks!

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

• In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
  
• Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
  
• Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
  
• Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown. 
  (Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)
  
• They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
  

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.

Comments from Ryan and Graeme's fans include:
- These guys are amazing. Entertaining and creative.
- Graeme is great, but that Ryan guy is ...
  [Editor's note:  Ryan, cut that out!]

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:

• The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
• They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  
• Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
  

 

Website:  Magicana.com

Comments from Magicana's fans include:
- The work this team puts together is essential to our magic community. They are truly keeping the spirit alive.
- that AGO thing was awesome for bringing magic to a multitude of muggles

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

• Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
  

Website: MagicInToronto.com

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."

Editor's note:

• To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
  

Comments from Romaine's fans include:
- Best Canadian manipulator of all times.
- While Romaine is not as active in magic these days, and in poor health, this man deserves credit for his longevity and talent.

Editor's Choice

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:

• Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  
• He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
  

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

Comments from Alex's fans include:
- Hope he wins! He’s worked so hard this whole year and has had many sleepless nights from working out all the tech issues and he deserves this!
- I have attended many of the IBM JAMs (lectured at one too) so I know the great value they've been in keeping the magic community connected when we can't connect in person. Alex even took time to virtually attend my magic club's first digital meeting back in April. He is a tireless worker for the greater good of magicians everywhere and I can't think of a more worthy recipient of the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
- He’s a kind a generous guy...helped me (a total stranger) get tix to the Magic Castle for my 50th for my best friend, mom and husband. It was so special. Thank you Alex!
- Amazing leadership at such a young age!
- A huge thank you for Alex organizing all the IBM JAMs!! Loved them, a great distraction from all the craziness.

 

Readers' Choice

Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)
 
Nominated by Anonymous.

Congratulations to Carisa, Miranda, and Richard for winning the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Keep up the great work!

Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.

 

Comments from Carisa, Miranda, and Richard's fans include:
- To go from regularly performing all over the world to a consistent string of high quality online shows (with some runs lasting for months) is a phenomenal effort in these unprecedented times.
- They are absolutely wonderful!!!!
- I am beyond inspired by how these three built an amazing remote show while quarantined together, including building pieces of their set. I'm grateful for their existence!
- Sparkle and joy were in short supply till Lucy did her online show
- All nominees sound outstanding, but the level of professionalism, innovation, dedication, and prestidigitation that Team Lucy Darling puts into their performances is outstanding to say the least. They are the clear winners of this competition and I'd award it to them, not just for the great country of Canada, but arguably for the world as well.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vote now for the 2020 Readers' Choice Award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fifth annual 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been an extraordinary year.  Many of you embraced new skills and a new performing landscape.  Some of you took on work outside of performing.  Some of you continue to struggle with the day-to-day.  No matter your situation, give yourself a pat on the back.  You've made it this far.  To paraphrase Tom Brady, you didn't come this far to only come this far.  You've got this!

Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name!  (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)

Voting will close on Wednesday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

• Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
  

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)

Nominated by Anonymous.
"They took the lockdown by storm. In their isolation they created a unique virtual performance that was simultaneously witty, creative and magical with a wicked blend of technology and Lucy Darling sass. Surely that counts as inspiration."

Editor's note:

• Carisa wrapped up the second season (and is co-founder) of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that "hopes to make itself obsolete."
• In March, Miranda invited Carisa to stay with her and Richard for a couple of months.  They opened a window into their lives and their coping mechanisms (and entertaining antics) during the early days of The Big Pause, from The Star Ship Quarantine on Twitter. 
  
• Miranda did a fabulous escape on Fool Us (season 7, episode 4).
  
• Carisa was the recipient of the recipient of the 2019 AMA Stage Magician of the Year award and was featured on the May cover of Genii.
  
• Carisa also started up the Spark Creative Facebook group last spring in an effort to help keep people focused and creative.
  
• They offered free shows (May 15th live stream and Lucy Darling's Halloween Spooktacular Extravaganza), in addition to their widely acclaimed virtual shows. (Did I mentioned Neil Gaiman gave them a shout out on Twitter?)
  
  

Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

• In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
  
• Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
  
• Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
  
• Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown. 
  (Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)
  
• They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
  

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:

• The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
• They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  
• Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
  

 

Website:  Magicana.com

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

• Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
  

Website: MagicInToronto.com

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."

Editor's note:

• To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
  

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:

• Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  
• He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
  

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

 

 

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