David Ben and Mahdi Gilbert at MagiFest 2025

From Vanishing Inc:

David Ben

Our Guest Of Honour this year is none other than David Ben. We admire his philanthropic work with the charity he founded, Magicana, which helps disadvantaged children and isolated seniors. As a historian, David has written the definitive biography on Dai Vernon and conducted research critical to the history of magic. As a performer, David has an illustrious career of award-winning, genre-bending shows. He was most recently awarded The Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour. We are truly thrilled to welcome David Ben to our stage.

 

Mahdi Gilbert

Canada’s Mahdi Gilbert has travelled the world with his completely unique approach to magic. Born without hands or feet, Mahdi has created his own moves, sleights and inspirational approach to magic. He’ll be sharing that with us all. He will prove this time, as he did last time he performed on our stage, that nothing is impossible.

Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

 

Michael Kras in Intermission Magazine

From the March 1st article "Invisibility cloaks, cardboard rockets, and flying orbs of light: Here’s how Canadian theatre uses the art of magic" by Michael Kras at Intermission Magazine:

Cursed Child is hardly an isolated case for this hefty use of theatre magic. Plenty of prominent productions utilize magic design in considerable ways, including the current West End hit Stranger Things: The First Shadow (also featuring illusion design by Cursed Child’s Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher), which is already planning to hit more stages internationally, with little doubt that Canada will eventually be in the mix. Hit musical adaptations from the West End and Broadway like Back to the Future (illusions by Chris Fisher) and Beetlejuice (illusions by Michael Weber) are both slated for the forthcoming Mirvish subscription season.

Of course, a common thread here is that these are all imported, big-budget commercial properties. But the beautiful thing about magic is that a relentless spirit of ingenuity and creative problem-solving is far more important than a price tag. The entire job description is about making the impossible possible onstage, and the greatest magic is achieved by earthy, organic means rather than high-tech gadgets.

One such homegrown example is Young People’s Theatre’s Dora-winning The Darkest Dark, adapted by Jim Millan and Ian MacIntyre from Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion’s book of the same name. Canadian conjuror David Ben – who also staged the effects in the Stratford Festival’s Grand Magic last season — was tasked with crafting magic that had a childlike spirit of play and imagination, with sophisticated, memorable illusions built from humble cardboard boxes. On a smaller-scale indie level, Eric Woolfe’s Eldritch Theatre is also known to regularly feature sleight of hand in their spooky seasons of plays. 

Read more.

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David Ben teases the magic in Grand Magic at Stratford

Updated August 11:

• to include full YouTube video at bottom of post.

 

Tickets at Stratford Festival.ca.

 

From the July 23rd Instagram post by StratFest:

So what we're hearing is David Ben, #Magic Consultant, of #SFGrandMagic finds our creative teams.... magical? ✨

Yeah, that checks out!

 

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From the July 20th upload at the Stratford Festival YouTube channel: 

 

 

Checking in with Matt DiSero and The Fog Machine of War

We had the opportunity to check in with Matt DiSero and learn more about his recently released book, The Fog Machine of War: Observations, Stories and Advice from the Showbiz Trenches.

As many of you are aware, Matt is a show biz veteran who has accumulated over 30 years of experience and stories about both the entertainment industry and life on the road.

 

 

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

First memory was of my great uncle doing magic. I couldn't have been more than 5. He worked in the side show occasionally and played piano at private gigs. Black sheep of the family. Naturally I was drawn to the dude who was doing card tricks for me. Better than being drawn to Uncle Jimmy the pot dealer. The real thing that got me hooked on magic happened at Morrissey Magic, and that story is in the book, so you'll have to read the story of the crack that got me hooked on magic.
 

Who inspires you that isn't a magician?

Fran Lebowitz, Peter Hujar, William Gibson, John Wing, William Burroughs, Edward R Murrow, Hunter Thompson and a zillion others.  Worthy of note, I don't see much of their influence in my own work. Ironic. I can be a lazy arse about work sometimes. By that metric I suppose another influence is Garfield. Also I noticed just now that I'm influenced by a lot of older or deceased artists. That's troubling. 

Who from the magic community inspires you?

A lot of people inspire me for a lot of different reasons. Jay Sankey for his ability to create, Steve Valentine for being an obsessive student of the history of magic and one of its greatest performers, David Ben for many of the same reasons and for treating this like an art, though I'm not sure it can be. (Let's start the fight! It's in the book too.) Mostly though, I'm inspired by any magician doing the type of work they want to do, that's OF them and who are still excited to be in this. The juice is performing live. For me, that's where the respect is at.
 

What prompted you to write this book?

I had no real desire to write a book because WOW I'm lazy... but magicians are often asking me to write one. They seem to like my Facebook posts and think I have something to say. Well, I'll prove them wrong, just you watch. Not sure I have anything to say, but when I thought about it, the idea of putting out a book would silence the constant ask. At the same time donating profits to a magic school in Bolivia absolves me of any guilt from asking for cash for the work. See the goal here is to straddle the constant self loathing while equally promoting this thing. Apathy, it's my sword and shield. Hey, lets also not forget that the published author tag also sure helps on the green card application, which I'm currently in the middle of getting through. Not long until I'm outta this frozen hell hole of Hoth we call Ontario.

 

 

 

 

What is your favourite anecdote from the book? 

I'm fond of the Magic Castle story, because the first time performing there is super special and I think people ought to read how it feels if they've never been. Mostly though, it's the Monkey story. The whole thing screams show business. If nothing else I was hoping to show people just how crazy this business can be, and that's the coolest thing about it. Even when the money wasn't great, the stories were. It was the best way to grow up. Oh... there's also a ton of swearing in it. Apologies, but I swear a lot. It's a personal failure. Take it up with the editor of this thing.

You're not making a profit from this book.  All proceeds are going to charity.  Tell us about the charity you're supporting.
 

As charities go, this is a good one. It's a magic school for kids in Bolivia. If you've ever been anywhere in South America you'll notice they have it pretty rough compared to here. It's a good place to try and raise some cash for. To be fair it was Shawn Farquhar who put me on to that school. I always wanted to do something to help kids in magic and Shawn had a connection to the school, so it was a great fit. Magic has given us all so very much and so many crazy adventures. I like the idea of helping out a kid who loves magic who might one day have their own crazy stories. Maybe because we bought some props and helped them along.... hey I'm just a steel town girl on a Saturday night, looking for the fight of her life. In the real time world no one sees me at all, they all say I'm CRAAAAZZYYY... she's a maniac....maniac on the floor.....

[Editor's note:  Great.  Now that Michael Sembello song is stuck in my head.]

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about you or The Fog Machine of War with our readers?
 

I always say this is bathroom reading for magicians. It's not a long book, really not long. I'm saving trees. Short stories, often less than a page at a time. I'm not trying to put out a Ken Weber style work. It's light reading, hopefully, to make you laugh and think about the industry. There's a few pieces in there specifically designed to start some debates, maybe even fights. I was always a fan of Metropolitan Life by Fran Lebowitz, so I sort of patterned the book after that. Naturally my book is nowhere near as good as Fran's. That said, maybe I can build an empire off publishing a single book. Hey, worked for her.

 

 

Thank you Matt, for making the time to answer our questions! 

To learn more about The Fog Machine of War and to purchase the book, visit MattDiSero.com/book/

Learn more about Matt at his website MattDiSero.com and follow him on Instagram.

 

 

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FISM Quebec 2022: Talent

It was recently announced that Lee Asher, Philippe Beau, David Ben, Max Maven, Lisa Menna, Pierric, Ta Na Manga, Topas will be in Québec City for FISM WCM 2022! They will join Michael Ammar, Mike Caveney, Alexandra Duvivier, Dani DaOrtiz, Shawn Farquhar, Paul Gertner, Luc Langevin, Xavier Mortimer, Walter Rolfo, Jay Sankey, R. Paul Wilson and Zabrecky! 

Even more recently released talent includes Tobias Beckwith, Stéphane Bourgoin, Will Bradshaw, Marc DeSouza, Julie Eng, Larry Hass, Jeff McBride, Miguel Muñoz, Giancarlo Scalia, Bernardo Sedlacek, Scott Steelfyre and Jeki Yoo!  Oh my!

Do you ❤ #playingcards? Me too! And I'll be discussing them at the upcoming @FISMmagic this summer in Québec City 🇨🇦! Join me, and I guarantee you'll leave knowing more about playing cards than ever before! pic.twitter.com/oIHAP8V83v

— Lee Asher (@LeeAsherMagic) March 2, 2022

David Ben @theconjuror will present a never-to-be-repeated lecture at FISM on the life and magic of #DaiVernon Discover why Vernon was, as @RealMaxMaven has described, like James Joyce—a person who comes along once a century and change everything. MORE: https://t.co/xieYsSZG58 pic.twitter.com/tXnUctfMsl

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) February 28, 2022

I hope to see you at FISM convention in Quebec! https://t.co/j47DpK1VBD pic.twitter.com/uSwzrUwfk2

— Jay Sankey (@jay_sankey) March 7, 2022

We are delighted to announce that our executive director, Julie Eng @anjusan, will be in Quebec this July for #FISM2022 to talk more about Magicana and sharing wonder. MORE: https://t.co/t1LTb1cc0X pic.twitter.com/HeWzbiZ01E

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) March 7, 2022

Magicana recipient of the 2021 Founders Award

Congratulations to Julie Eng and David Ben!

 

From the November 8th Tweet by Magicana:

Magicana is the 2021 Founders Award recipient  for “long-standing and exemplary accomplishments in the disciplines of magic collecting & magic history that ... reflect the mission & ideas of the New England Magic Collectors Association.”  Thank you for this tremendous honour!

Magicana is the 2021 Founders Award recipient for “long-standing and exemplary accomplishments in the disciplines of magic collecting & magic history that ... reflect the mission & ideas of the New England Magic Collectors Association.” Thank you for this tremendous honour! pic.twitter.com/ddNMylJMKu

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) November 8, 2021

 

Julie Eng and David Ben chat with Assembly V1.1

From the July 2nd Facebook post by Julie Eng:

Looking forward to this forthcoming chat with Assembly V1.1... if you can, join us on July 18 at 7:30 EDT, 4:30 PDT.

 

 

 

 

 

Discourse in Magic with Jonah Babins

Carisa, Kalya, Ryan and Graeme haven't been the only ones busy releasing podcasts over the past quarter.  Have a look and a listen to the episodes of the Discourse in Magic podcasts (including an interview with Chris Pilsworth!) Jonah has released since March:

• Follow Your Bliss with Mike Pisciotta
• Releasing Magic with Luke Dancy
• We’re In This Together.
• Refining Your Magic with Michael Ammar
• Aesthetics in Magic with David Ben
• Defining a Character with Morgan & West
• Writing Comedy Magic with Nick Diffatte
• Magician Appetizer #11: Virtual Magic
• Discovering, Scripting & Rehearsing Material with Nathan Coe Marsh
• Be Human with Derren Brown
• Unique Creativity with Francis Menotti
• Magician Appetizer #12: The Best Investment During a Recession
• Knowing Your Show with Tim Hannig
• The Versatility of Magic Apps with Greg Rostami
• A Message From the Team: Black Voices Matter
• Exploring Creativity with Chris Pilsworth
• Magician Appetizer #13: Testing Virtual Material

David Ben and Julie Eng in "College Of Magic's Anniversary Show" (June 27)

From the June 11 article "Taylor, Koch And Moosa To Host Magicians From Around The World For College Of Magic's 40th Anniversary Show" by BWW News Desk in Broadway World:

South Africa's top comedians and proud graduates of the College of Magic, Stuart Taylor, Conrad Koch and Riaad Moosa will host the Stars of Magic show, presented in association with Web Shows (PTY) Ltd and featuring a star studded line-up of international and local magicians.

Audiences will be able to experience the magic virtually via a special streaming link. All proceeds raised from the Stars of Magic show will be used for the College of Magic's various outreach programmes.

Taylor, Koch and Moosa will be hosting live from the College of Magic in Cape Town, South Africa with special guests streaming in from around the globe, including:

• David Ben
• Julie Eng
• Chris Capehart
• Olwethu Dyantyi
• Guy Hollingworth
• Larry Soffer
• Ran'D Shine and
• R. Paul Wilson

Read more.

David Ben, Julie Eng, and James Alan promoting #IllusionsAGO

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Merci beaucoup à @HDPTORONTO pour l'invitationhttps://t.co/CLQymWqdkr@AGOtoronto @TorontoMagicCO pic.twitter.com/IWnNfqeDJ6

— James Alan (@james_alan) March 5, 2020

From the @agotoronto INSIDER team “We are often curious about the career paths of unique and extraordinary professions. For Julie Eng life as a professional magician has taken shape through rich life experience, adversity and family support.” READ & WATCH: https://t.co/3x3n4zB26H pic.twitter.com/nW1O3ZDMge

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) March 3, 2020

Via TORONTO SUN @LizBraunSun "Dazzling new magic exhibit casts a spell at the AGO. The touring superstars of 100 years ago were magicians.The Art Gallery of Ontario celebrates the Golden Age of Magic" READ: https://t.co/Oe8DpMh4NM pic.twitter.com/qrtjrIDYXB

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) March 2, 2020

Great to speak with the Smithsonian to talk about #illusionsAGO "The show explores the fantastic feats and sensational showmanship of performers during magic’s “Golden Age”... magicians soared to unprecedented heights of international celebrity." READ: https://t.co/soAVtI0VSF pic.twitter.com/Iax3ACWrIF

— David Ben (@theconjuror) March 4, 2020

Julie Eng in the Toronto Star

From the February 24th article "More than 120 years after the ‘Queen of Magic’ was catching bullets, women magicians are still scarce" by Sue Carter in the Toronto Star:

“Adelaide had a career as a woman, which was a rare thing to see,” says Eng. “She was smart and obviously talented. She competed and she was respected because she could do it.”

Herrmann is one of several women performers on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s new exhibition “Illusions: The Art of Magic.” Co-curated by Toronto magician and historian David Ben, the show features more than 55 promotional posters from the Allan Slaight Collection from the McCord Museum in Montreal, alongside other late 19th- and early 20th-century props and materials, including one of Harry Houdini’s famous straitjackets.

David Ben and Jonah Babins are also mentioned in the article.


Additional media coverage for “Illusions: The Art of Magic:”

Did you catch her? Julie Eng was in studio with Tom Power on CBC q yesterday. She & Tom discuss Golden Age magic posters at @agotoronto (opens this weekend) and the role of women in magic. There's even a trick or two for Tom! LISTEN: https://t.co/Hs1b8tW4mD PHOTO V. Rashotte/CBC pic.twitter.com/3gWj53A8oF

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) February 19, 2020

The art of magic! @theconjuror joins @JennValentyne to show off some tricks of illusion, and give a preview of the @agotoronto's thrilling new exhibit. pic.twitter.com/skZp0f1pcE

— Global News Toronto (@globalnewsto) February 20, 2020

So fun to meet @MWigmore and to chat on The New Classical FM about @agotoronto Illusions: The Art of Magic, which opens this Saturday. A bonus to find out Mark saw Dad “Mysteries of the Orient” back in the day! There’s a story about that very costume in the exhibition, too! pic.twitter.com/klnu1GMbP8

— Julie Eng (@anjusan) February 20, 2020

Did you miss @theconjuror on CBC Metro Morning when he was talking about magic and the Golden Age magic poster exhibition now on @agotoronto #illusionsago LISTEN HERE: https://t.co/AqTOMDwAjZ pic.twitter.com/0L4y94EFvf

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) February 27, 2020

David Ben in the Globe and Mail

A reminder that David will be speaking about The Golden Age of Magic at the AGO later this week.



From the February 22nd opinion piece "Magicians are the original purveyors of ‘fake news.’ They can’t help it" by David Ben in the Globe and Mail:

Magicians were masters of cultural appropriation. There are many examples in the exhibition, particularly of Western magicians portraying themselves as Asian – both onstage and off – capitalizing on the then-burgeoning interest in all things exotic. My favourite: Fu Manchu, the onstage persona of David Bamberg, an eighth-generation Dutch-Jewish magician who was raised in the United States and educated in England and found fame in South America performing as a Chinese magician who spoke Spanish. (Not to be confused with the villainous Dr. Fu Manchu of Sax Rohmer’s novels and the films starring Christopher Lee.)

Read more.

Random thoughts about "Illusions: The Art of Magic"

Visit "Illusions: The Art of Magic" February 22nd to May 18, in the AGO’s Sam & Ayala Zacks Pavillion.

The exhibition is free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 years and under.

I participated in the recent media preview of the upcoming AGO exhibition, "Illusions: The Art of Magic," which features more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection.*  The collection is guest curated by Magicana’s artistic director and historian David Ben.

Adolph Friedländer, Comedians de Mephisto Co. Allied with Le Roy-Talma-Bosco, 1905. 186.5 × 266.5 cm. M2014.128.318. ©McCord Museum

The exhibition is a journey back to the Golden Age of Magic.  During this time magicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were among the first artists to embark on international tours.  Promotional posters portrayed magician's magical powers through illustrated advertisements ranging in size from postcards to wall-sized posters.

“These posters tell us so much about that time – the public’s fascination with Asia, with spiritualism, the occult and the changing role of women in society,” says Julian Cox, the AGO’s Deputy Director and Chief Curator. “Toronto was a popular stop on the international touring circuit for magicians, and Houdini performed here numerous times over his career. These works and the stories behind them remain as captivating today as they were one hundred years ago.”

The Metropolitan Printing Company, Adelaide Herrmann and Company, About 1905, 20th century, 76.7 x 50.2 cm. Purchase, funds graciously donated by La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. M2014.128.207. © McCord Museum

Listen to the February 18th interview with Julie Eng in the CBC q studio where she talks about the exhibit, cultural appropriation, the role of women in magic, and how many of their stories have been overshadowed and forgotten.

There are many focal points within the exhibition, such as: women in magic, spiritualism, cultural appropriation, and the symbolism of devils, skulls, & demons.



More than posters.

In addition to the beautiful posters, there are wonderful video clips too.  For example:

A still shot from video of Harry Blackstone and his dancing handkerchief

A still shot from an interview with Julie Eng talking about her life in magic.

A still shot from video of Houdini's variation of a forearm riffle.

Keep an eye open for these "hole in the wall" viewing portals to catch a peek of more video!

Make your own magic poster
There's a station where you can digitally create your own magic poster!  (Complete with a legend that explains what all the animals and other objects on the posters represent.)

The exhibition also features other magcially historical items such as:

• wonderful selections from David Ben's collection, including Hofzinser cards and items particular to magic in Toronto (including a vistors' book from Arcade Magic!)
• handcuffs used by Houdini, and
• Houdini's straitjacket

Hofzinser cards from David Ben's collection

Visitor book from Arcade Magic.  From David Ben's collection.

Houdini's straitjacket.

Av Yaga, Alexander, the Man Who Knows, 1915, 20th century
207.9 x 107.7 cm. Purchase, funds graciously donated by La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. M2014.128.3. © McCord Museum

But wait!  There's more!

There will be daily live performances at the exhibition provided by the Toronto Magic Company.  Confirmed performers include:

- James Alan (Classics of Magic)
- Jonah  Babins (Interactive Impossibilities)
- Harry Zimmerman and Chris Mayhew (Close-Up Magic)
- Toronto Magic Showcase
- Toronto Magic Company (Making Magic)
- Ben Train (Mental Mysteries)

Check the Toronto Magic Company website for the performance schedule.






Visit "Illusions: The Art of Magic" February 22nd to May 18, in the AGO’s Sam & Ayala Zacks Pavillion.   The exhibition is free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 years and under.


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* ABOUT THE ALLAN SLAIGHT COLLECTION
Acquired by the McCord Museum thanks to La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso, the Allan Slaight Collection is one of the world’s largest collections of rare magic posters comprising more than 600 posters and more 1,000 documents and rare books. The collection was named in honour of the Canadian businessman and magic enthusiast Allan Slaight.

Toronto: The Golden Age of Magic with David Ben

From the AGO:

Wednesday February 26

Illusions: The Art of Magic transports you back in time to the Golden Age of Magic when grand illusion, daring escapes and showmanship turned performers like Alexander Herrmann and Harry Houdini into world-famous celebrities. Join David Ben – a conjuror, historian of magic and guest-curator of Illusions, for a fascinating talk exploring the golden age of magic through the lens of the exhibition.

Read more and buy tickets.

Toronto: Golden Age of Magic

From Magicana:

In February 2020, the Golden Age of Magic will once again emerge—this time in Toronto—in the forthcoming exhibition, Illusions: The Art of Magic at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).

Originally curated by Christian Vachon of the McCord Museum in Montreal, and guest curated by Magicana’s artistic director and historian David Ben, the exhibition will showcase fifty-five gorgeous, vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection of the McCord Museum. The exhibition celebrates magic’s greatest luminaries, including the one and only Harry Houdini, highlighting photographs, films, documents, autographs and objects once belonging to Houdini.

Read more.

From the Sharing Wonder Twitter feed:

The Golden Age of Magic comes to Toronto in Feb 2020 in "Illusions: The Art of Magic" at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The exhibition will showcase fifty-five gorgeous, vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection at the McCord. MORE: https://t.co/g6ZcifGAOJ pic.twitter.com/i5oqIZ8Wf5

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) July 31, 2019

Magicana recipient of AMA Literary and Media Fellowship

Congratulations to David Ben, Julie Eng, and everyone else who has poured their energy into Magicana, the 2018 recipient of the Academy of Magical Arts Literary and Media Fellowship!


From the Magicana Twitter feed:
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Magicana is the 2018 recipient of the Academy of Magical Arts Literary and Media Fellowship. It is a true gift and honour to be given such an important and prestigious award. It’s inspiring that the AMA sees our work—our effort—as progressive, and worthy of such recognition. pic.twitter.com/4AqPrLv3eq

— Magicana (@sharingwonder) May 5, 2019

David Ben: U of T Featured Alumni

From the January 22nd article at the University of Toronto Alumni website:

“The news of my retirement is greatly exaggerated,” says David Ben (UC 1983), a Toronto-born conjuror, historian of magic, writer and consultant.

Ben, a renowned expert in sleight-of-hand magic, is in the midst of creating a new show that will revisit some of his old tricks and add a selection of new ones. Each time he creates a show, he is a writer, director and set designer all in one, weaving together a story that incorporates each of his chosen tricks.

“I believe that to be an artist, you need great technique, a great understanding of the past and a vision for the future,” he says.


Read more and watch video.

Toronto: David Ben is part of "The Walrus LIVE"

Make sure you go to the bottom of the post on Magicana's website to take advantage of the generous coupon code!


From the May 22nd post "The Walrus LIVE" by David Ben at Magicana:

What is The Walrus LIVE? Here's more:

A showcase of leading voices on the future of social innovation, city-building, data, tech, and more - The Walrus Live will also give you the opportunity to be part of these important conversations. Attendees will connect with an influential community of thought-leaders through multiple programmed spaces, including keynote speeches, hands-on workshops, and in-depth panels, as well as a special edition of The Walrus Talks and a cocktail reception celebrating the 15th anniversary of The Walrus magazine.

Read more and register with coupon code.

From David Ben's Twitter feed:

I am delighted to be part of @walrusmagazine #TheWalrusLIVE this year (June 14,15) in Toronto—and I may even share a secret or two. I am also able to share Friends & Family rate with you! See this post for discount and details: https://t.co/iog1MwOsYh pic.twitter.com/20R3IQ2W1I

— David Ben (@theconjuror) May 22, 2018

Who are the top 10 Canadian magicians of all time?

Updated April 3rd at 6pm to add the following nominations:

• Celeste Evans and Reveen The Impossiblist (Reveen Sr.)

Updated March 31st at 9pm to add the following nominations:

• Greg Frewin and Mahdi Gilbert

Updated March 29 at 7am to add the following nominations:

• Billy Kidd, Carisa Hendrix, Joan Caesar, and Julie Eng

Updated March 24 at 10am to add the following nominations:

• Alain Choquette, David Drake, Mickey Hades, and Shin Lim

Updated March 23 at 9am add the following nominations:

• Bob Farmer, Carl Coultier, Francis Martineau, Gary Ouelette, Howard P. Lions, Mel Stover, Romaine, Roy Cotte, Tom Ransom, Tony Eng, Willis Kinney

Updated March 23 at 7am add the following overnight nominations:

• Additional submissions:  Bedros "Spidey" Akkelian, Bill Abbott, Bobby Motta, Dale Harney, Eric Leclerc, Johnny  Giordmaine, Juliana Chen, Leon Mandrake, Sid Lorraine, Stewart James, Ron Leonard, and Vincent C

Updated at 12:15pm to add:

• Additional submissions: Darcy Oake, Luc Langevin, Murray Hatfield, Ross Bertram, Tom Auburn

Updated at 10:15am to add:

• The following names have been submitted for consideration:  Chris Ramsay, Dai Vernon, David Acer, David Ben, Doug Henning, Gary Kurtz, James Randi, Jay Sankey, Martin Nash, Richard Sanders, Shawn Farquhar

Complete list of nominations received (alphabetical by first name):

1. Alain Choquette
2. Bedros "Spidey" Akkelian
3. Bill Abbott
4. Billy Kidd
5. Bob Farmer
6. Bobby Motta
7. Carisa Hendrix
8. Carl Coultier
9. Celeste Evans
10. Chris Ramsay
11. Dai Vernon
12. Dale Harney
    
13. Darcy Oake
14. David Acer 
15. David Ben
16. David Drake
17. Doug Henning
18. Francis Martineau
19. Eric Leclerc
    
20. Gary Kurtz
21. Gary Ouelette
22. Greg Frewin
23. Howard P. Lions
24. James Randi
25. Jay Sankey
26. Joan Caesar
27. Joel Machtinger
28. Johnny Giordmaine
29. Juliana Chen
30. Julie Eng
31. Leon Mandrake
    
32. Luc Langevin
33. Mahdi Gilbert
34. Martin Nash
35. Mel Stover
36. Mickey Hades
37. Murray Hatfield
38. Reveen The Impossiblist (Reveen Sr.)
39. Richard Sanders
40. Romaine
41. Ron Leonard
    
42. Ross Bertram
43. Roy Cotte
44. Shawn Farquhar 
45. Shin Lim
46. Sid Lorraine
47. Stewart James
48. Tom Auburn
49. Tom Ransom
50. Tony Eng
51. Vincent C
52. Willis Kinney

Devon Murphy recently posted the article, "Top Canadian Magicians and the Tricks That Made Them Famous," at the CBC website.  Devon lists seven outstanding magicians (Julie Eng, Dai Vernon,  Doug Henning, Billy Kidd, Mahdi Gilbert, Greg Frewin, and David Ben).  (Of note, two of the seven on that list are recipients of the "Editor's Choice Award" in the Canada's Magic "Readers' Choice Award" festivities.)

Devon's list got me wondering.

Who do you, dear readers, consider to be the top 10 Canadian magicians of all time?

For those of you who don't like to be influenced by the decisions of others, we're going to start with a clean slate and let you choose all ten!

Submit your nominations in the comment form below,* by 11:59PM EDT on Friday April 6th.  You may nominate as many Canadian magicians as you like.  (Number of nominations don't influence the vote.  If you see your choice(s) listed, please refrain from submitting duplicates.)  Voting will open shortly thereafter.  

What say you?  Who are your top (living or dead) Canadian magicians of all time?


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* or email me.  I'll send a confirmation back to let you know I received your email.

The Canadians: Stewart James

If you missed this project by Daniel Zuckerbrot on television back in 2012, Historica Canada has published it's episode "The Canadians: Stewart James" on YouTube:

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