Edmonton: Magic & Madness with Chris Gowen [Feb]

Tickets at Eventbrite. 

From the January 10th Instagram post by Chris Gowen:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Gowen (@chrisvsmagic)

 

 

 

 

 

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:

• Alex Zander
  
• Bill Wood
  
• Brent Smith 
  
• Carey Lauder  
  
• Chris Yuill 
  
• Derrick Chung  
  
• George (@kid_oldman_magic) 
• Graeme Reed
  
• Gwyn Auger
  
• Lee Asher  
• Matt DiSero 
  
• Peter Mennie
  
• Ryan Pilling and
  
• a mystery magician or three.
  

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

 

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
 

 

Edmonton: Magic & Madness with Chris Gowen [Feb 3, 10, 14, 17, & 24]

From To Do Canada:

The Rec Room Presents: Magic & Madness with Chris Gowen

• Fri. Feb 03
• Fri. Feb 10
• Tue. Feb 14
• Fri. Feb 17
• Fri. Feb 24

Chris Gowen is an award-winning Magician, Comedian & “Master of sleight-of-hand”

Don’t miss Alberta’s first intimate magic experience and be astounded by magic unlike anything you’ve seen or can imagine, inches and feet away from where you are sitting, in an intimate setting designed for only 40 people in The Library at The Rec Room South Common by one of Canada’s best Magicians.

Chris Gowen has been performing for the top companies, universities, foundations, and at private parties in Alberta for over a decade to the highest accolades and reviews. 

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

 

 

Edmonton: Magic and Madness [Aug 12 - 20]

From the August 10th Instagram post by Gowen Entertainment:

Catch my full 60 minute show @edmontonfringe starting Friday August 12th! Link to tickets in bio!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Gowen (@gowenentertainment)

 

 

 

 

Edmonton: Chris Gowen at Nerd Nite 66 [June 30]

Learn more and buy tickets at Nerd Nite Edmonton.

 

From the June 13th Instagram post by Nerd Nite:

Before we sell out, get your tickets for #NerdNite 66: Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Nerds on June 30 at @arcadiabrewingco! We've got talks by @stephaniechan and @gowenentertainment with music by DJ @thomasculture and gracious support from @edmontonfringe.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nerd Nite Edmonton (@nerdniteyeg)

 

 

 

Edmonton: Chris Gowen at Pure Casino Yellowhead [Mar 26]

From the February 18th Instagram post by GowenEntertainment:

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Gowen (@gowenentertainment)

 

Edmonton: Chris Gowen at Sherwood Park [Feb 14]

From the January 28th Instagram post by Gowen Entertainment:

Treat your partner this Valentines Day to some great food and mind blowing magic @buffetroyalecarvery in Sherwood Park!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Gowen (@gowenentertainment)

 

 

2021 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!

This was the tightest race in the history of these awards.  For the first time, we have a tie for first place!  Thank you to everyone who made the effort to vote.  Every vote absolutely mattered!

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

 

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Scott Baird (The Hermit Magazine)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote.
"I would like to nominate Scott Baird for showcasing his love of magic and art with his detailed magic illustrations on Instagram, and also for deciding to start a new Canadian-made online magic magazine. His magic artwork is FANTASTIC so check it all out - @magicbaird @scottbairdmagic @hermitmagicmag Wishing him the best of luck in all his magical endeavors."

Editor's note:

Visit the Kickstarter for The Hermit Magic Magazine.

Learn about The Hermit Magic Magazine.

 

Website:  HermitMagic.com

 

Jean Deshaies

Nominated by Magicien Méphisto who wrote: 

"I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.

"A few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful & knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2 heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort. Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to criticize or get his point of view.

"Furthermore, instead of getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across Canada.
Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning, but happy to be a professional magician."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
  

 

Website:  JeanDeshaies.com

Comments from Jean's fans include:
- THANKS

Chris Gowen

Nominated by by Anonymous who wrote:
"I nominate Chris Gowen as he is changing how magic looks in Edmonton. Completely selling out his Taste of Magic shows with the Canadian Brewhouse... seems about as Canadian as a show can get.

"Looks like he's fast on his way to no longer being one of 'Edmonton's Best Kept Secrets' but more one of Edmonton's celebrated artists."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!

 

Website:  ChrisGowen.ca

Paul Romhany

Nominated by Mike Norden who wrote:
"I nominate Paul Romhany!

"Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.

"First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.

"Second - he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!

"Third - He runs Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists are local!!

"Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the real deal!

"He does so much for magic and does not seek the spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him please!"

 

Editor's note:

• In addition to all of the above, Paul is also the booking agent for The Magical Mystery Show.  (Details in the November special edition of VANISH Magic Magazine about an opportunity to work overseas with your own own 70 minute parlour style show!)
  

 
Websites:  ChaplinMagic.com and VanishMagic.com

Comments from Paul's fans include:
- Paul is a phenomenal entertainer and all around awesome guy.
- Paul Romhany is an unsung hero.
- Merry Christmas!

Editor's Choice

Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer (aka Big Trick Energy)

Nominated by Unknown who wrote:
"Decisions decisions! For me this year I'd have to give it to the dudes at Big Trick Energy. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would have picked Eric. So maybe this is TWO nominations? I've never met such a carefree, loving and positive human in my life...well (except for maybe the delavegas-sweetpeas). Eric lives magic, epically. His insta stories motivate me to get off my butt.The other guys are also totally awesome as people and performers, and I hope their show propels them and to even bigger things ahead."

Editor's note:

• These newly minted "bad boys of magic" had quite the exciting year with the launch of their show "Big Trick Energy" (BTE) on truTV (and Netflix too).
  
• As part of the BTE excitement, they appeared on Ellen, earned a Guinness World Record, and most importantly, they did an interview for Canada's Magic.
  
• You may also be aware that Chris makes opportunities to give back to the magic community.  For example, a BTE episode features Quincy Li (owner of Clownin' Around), he's offering sponsorships through his 1STdotshop brand, and two years ago he offered to buy strangers anything they wanted from Magie Spectram!
  

Websites:  Chris-Ramsay.com, EricLeclerc.com, WesBarker.ca, AlexBoyer.com, TruTv.com/shows/big-trick-energy.

 

Readers' Choice (A first ever tie! Listed in alphabetical order by surname.)

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"I'd like to nominate Gwyn Auger, the Magic Assistant (@magicassistant on Twitter and Instagram). Gwyn's petite frame can barely contain the enthusiasm and passion she has for magic and the magic community. She is great ambassador for magic locally in Calgary, in Canada and abroad."

Editor's note:

• Watch Gwyn's was recent interview with David Krychowski.
  
• Read Gwyn's marketing tips in The Hermit Magazine.
  

 
Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

.

 

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing) (aka Magicians Talking Magic)

Nominated by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic who wrote:
"for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!"

Editor's note:

• In 2021, Ryan and Graeme produced 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including their two year anniversary, topical topics such as returning to live shows, news coverage about FISM, and plethora of guests which included Joshua Jay, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin Spidey, Boris Wild, Paul Royter, and Joe Diamond.
  
• Ryan and Graeme consistently demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.  We're lucky to have them as part of our community. 

Websites:  RyanJoyce.com, GraemeReedMagic.com, and Magicians Talking Magic.

 

Comments from Magicians Talking Magic's fans include:
- Thank you!
- Talking Magic got me through Covid and maintained my interest in Magic when I hit the "burnout" wall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcoming a new Friend: Chris Gowen

Welcoming our newest Friend, Chris Gowen!

Based in Edmonton, Chris is a former President (and former VP) of the Edmonton Magic Club.  His 2019 Fringe Show “I sold my soul for magic tricks and Adderall” received Fringe Favourite from the Edmonton Journal.  At one time, Chris worked in 12 different restaurants and bars!  (Could this be a record in Canada of most restaurants being worked at during the same period by a single Magician?)  Additionally, he was named "Children's Entertainer of The Year" by the Pacific Coasts Association of Magicians in 2017.

Eagle-eyed readers will know that this year Chris is nominated for a Readers' Choice Award!

You can learn more about Chris at his website, or follow him on Facebook   and Instagram.

Thank you Chris, for befriending Canada's Magic!

Vote now for the 2021 Readers' Choice Award

 

Nominations are closed and voting is now open for the sixth annual 2021 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been another 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! 
(Also, wear your mask and get vaccinated. --Mom)

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 Thursday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.  Votes submitted after this time will not be counted.  One vote per person. 

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 Anonymous who wrote:
"I'd like to nominate Gwyn Auger, the Magic Assistant (@magicassistant on Twitter and Instagram). Gwyn's petite frame can barely contain the enthusiasm and passion she has for magic and the magic community. She is great ambassador for magic locally in Calgary, in Canada and abroad."

Editor's note:

• Watch Gwyn's was recent interview with David Krychowski.
  
• Read Gwyn's marketing tips in The Hermit Magazine.
  

 
Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

Scott Baird (The Hermit Magazine)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote.
"I would like to nominate Scott Baird for showcasing his love of magic and art with his detailed magic illustrations on Instagram, and also for deciding to start a new Canadian-made online magic magazine. His magic artwork is FANTASTIC so check it all out - @magicbaird @scottbairdmagic @hermitmagicmag Wishing him the best of luck in all his magical endeavors."

Editor's note:

• Visit the Kickstarter for The Hermit Magic Magazine.
• Learn about The Hermit Magic Magazine.
  

 

Website:  HermitMagic.com

Jean Deshaies

Nominated by Magicien Méphisto who wrote: 

"I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.

"A few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful & knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2 heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort. Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to criticize or get his point of view.

"Furthermore, instead of getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across Canada.
Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning, but happy to be a professional magician."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
  

 

Website:  JeanDeshaies.com

Chris Gowen
Nominated by by Anonymous who wrote:
"I nominate Chris Gowen as he is changing how magic looks in Edmonton. Completely selling out his Taste of Magic shows with the Canadian Brewhouse... seems about as Canadian as a show can get.

"Looks like he's fast on his way to no longer being one of 'Edmonton's Best Kept Secrets' but more one of Edmonton's celebrated artists."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!

 

Website:  ChrisGowen.ca

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing) (aka Magicians Talking Magic)
Nominated by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic who wrote:
"for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!"

Editor's note:

• In 2021, Ryan and Graeme produced 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including their two year anniversary, topical topics such as returning to live shows, news coverage about FISM, and plethora of guests which included Joshua Jay, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin Spidey, Boris Wild, Paul Royter, and Joe Diamond.
  
• Ryan and Graeme consistently demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.  We're lucky to have them as part of our community. 

Websites:  RyanJoyce.com, GraemeReedMagic.com, and Magicians Talking Magic.

Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer (aka Big Trick Energy)

Nominated by Unknown who wrote:
"Decisions decisions! For me this year I'd have to give it to the dudes at Big Trick Energy. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would have picked Eric. So maybe this is TWO nominations? I've never met such a carefree, loving and positive human in my life...well (except for maybe the delavegas-sweetpeas). Eric lives magic, epically. His insta stories motivate me to get off my butt.The other guys are also totally awesome as people and performers, and I hope their show propels them and to even bigger things ahead."

Editor's note:

• These newly minted "bad boys of magic" had quite the exciting year with the launch of their show "Big Trick Energy" (BTE) on truTV (and Netflix too).
  
• As part of the BTE excitement, they appeared on Ellen, earned a Guinness World Record, and most importantly, they did an interview for Canada's Magic.
  
• You may also be aware that Chris makes opportunities to give back to the magic community.  For example, a BTE episode features Quincy Li (owner of Clownin' Around), he's offering sponsorships through his 1STdotshop brand, and two years ago he offered to buy strangers anything they wanted from Magie Spectram!
  

Websites:  Chris-Ramsay.com, EricLeclerc.com, WesBarker.ca, AlexBoyer.com, TruTv.com/shows/big-trick-energy.

Paul Romhany

Nominated by Mike Norden who wrote:
"I nominate Paul Romhany!

"Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.

"First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.

"Second - he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!

"Third - He runs Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists are local!!

"Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the real deal!

"He does so much for magic and does not seek the spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him please!"

 

Editor's note:

• In addition to all of the above, Paul is also the booking agent for The Magical Mystery Show.  (Details in the November special edition of VANISH Magic Magazine about an opportunity to work overseas with your own own 70 minute parlour style show!)
  

 
Websites:  ChaplinMagic.com and VanishMagic.com

 

 

Vote now!

In an effort to combat bots and spam, you are required to sign into a Google account before voting.  Your vote will not be shared.  Your email address will not be used for marketing.
 
(Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)

 

 

  

 

 

Edmonton: A Taste of Magic with Chris Gowen

From November 3rd Instagram post by Gowen Entertainment:

The best date night in Edmonton is at the Canadian Brewhouse! Only 36 tickets available per seating! Includes a steak dinner and one of the best parlour magic shows in the world that has a 5 star rating. 

Available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-taste-of-magic-with-chris-gowen-tickets-203423092947?ref=eios

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Gowen (@gowenentertainment)

Magic at the 2019 Edmonton Fringe

There's lots of magic at this year's Edmonton Fringe!  The 38th Annual Edmonton International Fringe™ Theatre Festival August 15 – 25.

• Keith Brown and the Art of Astonishment
• Crazy for Dick Tricks:  A Dirk Darrow Investigation
• I sold my soul for magic tricks and Adderall by Chris Gowen
• Mind Games: Brain-Bending Magic by Jeff Newman
• Newman and Price: Bar Magic by Jeff Newman and Ben Price
• Rabbit Stew: Uncensored by Ben Price
• Minerva - Queen of the Handcuffs