2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase summary

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

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

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

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

   

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

• Derrick Chung  
• Doug Hunt
• Garnet Garven
• Ian Stewart 
• Lee Asher 
• Leif David
• Paul Romhany
• Ryan Pilling
• Matt DiSero 
• and a mystery magician!
  

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

 

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

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

Review the submissions for the
2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase:
 
 Alex Boyer
Chanelle Munroe
Julie Eng
Ken McCreedy
Lon Mandrake
Marc Trudel
Matt Johnson
Ryan Michael
Scott McClelland
Sean Watson
Steve Valentine
Tabraze Sheikh

 

Julie Eng: Inspirational Canadian Magician

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

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

Julie Eng: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

 

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

Submitted by Derrick Chung

Congratulations Julie!  Keep up the great work!

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

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

Thank you Derrick for your excellent submission!

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

2024 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Matt Johnson
Ken McCreedy
Marc Trudel
Ryan Michael
Tabraze Sheikh
Scott McClelland
Alex Boyer
Chanelle Munroe
Sean Watson
Steve Valentine
Lon Mandrake
Julie Eng
 

 

Julie Eng awarded the The Magic Circle’s 2024 John Nevil Maskelyne Award

Congratulations Julie!  Well deserved!

 

From the October 6th Facebook post by Julie Eng:

I am deeply, deeply honoured to be The Magic Circle’s 2024 John Nevil Maskelyne Award recipient for contributions to magic literature. Thank you to Magic Circle President Marvin Berglas and to the officers of the Magic Circle for this incredible acknowledgment and recognition—I am filled with profound joy and gratitude.

Magic has always been part of my life. My father, Tony Eng, involved me in his magic career when I was very young. I trailed after him throughout my childhood; and as I grew into magic, he naturally became my teacher, my mentor. I’ve always been surrounded and inspired by this magnificent art. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine such a diverse and exciting career in magic—one that has spanned performance to production and, indeed, to publishing.
 To join the ranks of past recipients, including so many of my dear friends—I am truly and completely overwhelmed! 

This award isn’t a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of our magical community. I’d also like to thank Magicana and its board of directors, and my friend and colleague David Ben for their support over all these years.

Specifically, with regards to The Rich Cabinet Collection, I would like to thank the wonderful Dawes family for inviting me into the inner sanctum of Dane Hill— I offer especial thanks to Adrian Dawes, who was a true and devoted collaborator in the Rich Cabinet journey with me!

Most of all, I want to take this moment to recognize and thank our beloved Eddie. From the moment we started this journey together to build a nine-volume set, which is now The Rich Cabinet Collection, he steered us to this final moment with his strong and steady resolve, in his very special warm and gentle way. I will always be forever grateful for his kindness, his friendship, his guiding light.

Now, as I move into my new role as executive director of Genii Enterprises, I am so excited to continue the work in sharing this art we love so very much in creative and dynamic ways!

Thank you so much to the Magic Circle for this incredible honour!

 

 

 

Julie Eng, Executive Director of Genii

Congratulations Julie!  Looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve!

 

From the July 20th Facebook post by Julie Eng:

Friends: Some exciting news to share!

After twenty years of working with Magicana, I will be leaving my role as executive director at the end of July. It’s been an incredible tenure: I’ve met so many fascinating characters; I’ve worked with devoted and passionate people; I’ve been privileged to be part of extraordinary projects. I am also very proud of the body of work that has become part of Magicana’s legacy. It has been an honour to work with such a visionary and unique charity driven by the mandate of elevating our art—and a charity that has been led by an exceptional board of directors and artistic director David Ben. We were a lean team, but we got things done!

But I’m not going far! I’m staying firmly within the magic world, joining Genii Enterprises as its new executive director! The owners of Genii—Randy and Kristy Pitchford—have set forth a new and exciting vision to expand the Genii universe, and it will be my job to steer Genii  to that new direction. There are so many new and exciting areas opening up, and I’ll be sharing more and more as we move toward 2025.

So, for now, that is what’s happening. It’s a lot. But it is so exciting to see this organic development unfold! Lots more to share! Soon!

Details about changes at Magicana can be found on the Sharing Wonder blog:
https://www.magicana.com/news/blog/remembering-future

 

 

From the July 20th post "Remembering the Future" by David Ben at Magicana:

I’ll start with a big one: On July 31, Julie Eng will be moving on from Magicana to take on a new role as the Executive Director of Genii. Given Randy and Kristy Pitchford’s vision and philanthropic nature, and Julie’s indefatigable energy and creative flair, I predict that wonders will never cease. Everyone involved with Magicana, and I in particular, are very proud of Julie. She has been part of Magicana since 2004; we are delighted to see her take on this new and exciting role as she continues her journey in magic.

Although I do not know exactly what they have up their sleeves, I do know one or two things. The primary one from our perspective is that Magicana will be migrating, among other things, its online content—including The Screening Room and all the current online exhibitions—to Genii!  This will take some time, and Magicana’s site will remain as is until the migration is completed. All of the resources that you have come to love and explore will remain available not just in the present, but also in the future. 

Read more.

 

[Guest post] February 2024 Genii Issue Features Canadians

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--

February 2024 Genii Issue Features Canadians


The current issue of Genii opens with a heart-felt tribute filling an entire page in their "In Memorium" section to the late Micky Hades written by Stephen Forrester.

"The Eye" section (featuring stories from around the world of magic) curated by Vanessa Armstrong has two Canadian references:

• A photo of Gabriella Lester illustrates a short piece linking to a longer New York Times article on diversity in magic, highlighting three women performing today including Lester. Armstrong refutes some of its broader generalizations.
  Link - https://myqrcode.mobi/70e1232e
  
  
• A second longer piece about the Magic of Tony Eng Exhibition opening in the Victoria BC Chinatown Museum includes several quotes from Tony's daughter (the Executive Director of Magicana Julie Eng) as well as a link to the CBC television report on the Exhibition's openinglast December.
  Link - cbc.ca/player/play/2290720323810

Finally, in Shawn McMaster's column "Knights at the Magic Castle" Murray Sawchuck is prominently reviewed for his December holidays appearance at The Magic Castle along with Lefty (Doug Leferovich.)

 

- The Magic Demon

 

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Eng interviewed by Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee

From the January 25th Instagram post by Julie Eng:

It was an honour to join the @ccmuseumbc at the opening of the new exhibition “The Magic of Tony Eng” at the Victoria location in collaboration with @victoriachinatownmuseum, back in December. At that time, I was invited to also participate in a podcast to talk more about my dad, Tony Eng.
Here’s the episode!

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Q6eLIyk2vR4z123WlsY4X?si=abd37475a68d4071

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsw-nuh8g6k

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Julie Eng (@magicienne)

 

 

 

 

 

CBC Radio: Jason Osler interviews Mel Jones and Julie Eng

Listen to Jason Osler interview Mel Jones and Julie Eng "Why aren't there many female magicians?" on the the January 10th episode of "Columnists from CBC Radio."

[via The Magic Demon]

 

 

 

 

Victoria: The Magic of Tony Eng at the Chinese Canadian Museum

From the December 6th article "New magician exhibit opening at Victoria’s Chinese museum in Fan Tan alley this week" by Curtis Blandy at Victoria Buzz:

Eng was born in 1948 and raised right here in Victoria. According to the museum, he had an affinity for the magical arts since he was a young boy. He received his first magic kit at the young age of 8-years-old and had started performing shows by age 12.

Onlookers would be able to see his show at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades.

He worked over the years to piece together a show that was interwoven with his Chinese Canadian heritage that he called ‘Mysteries of the Orient,’ in which he was adorned in an elegant, embroidered mandarin robe. 

Read more.

Listen to Gregor Craigie interview Julie Eng about her father on the December 4th segment at CBC's On The Island.

 

 

From the December 7th Facebook post by Julie Eng:

It’s official! The Magic of Tony Eng exhibition, at the Victoria Chinatown Museum in Fan Tan Alley is now open! It is wonderful to see my dear dad being honoured in this very special way. Throughout the curatorial process, I was very moving to hear just how many people were touched by Dad and his magic. Thanks to the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum for choosing to spotlight someone who dared to be different and to chase his dreams. I was very excited to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony today. A profound honour and one I will never forget. Dad, I think you really would have loved this exhibition. I know I do.

 

 

 

From the December 6th Facebook post by Charlayne Thornton-Joe:

The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum have worked closely with the Eng family to create the exhibition which celebrates the spellbinding magical career of Tony Eng, whose enchanting influence and legacy reached far corners of the world. The exhibition features Tony’s original mandarin robe and many items from his bag of tricks.

“The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society is delighted to work with the Chinese Canadian Museum on the installation of ‘The Magic of Tony Eng’,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, Board Chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and Co-Curator of The Magic of Tony Eng. “Tony was a mentor to youth in Victoria and around the world. His magic was more than a routine, it provided a space for us to dream beyond the ordinary. Stories of Victoria Chinese Canadians are important to share.” 

Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Tony’s fascination with magic began at the age of eight when he received his first magic kit, and then started performing magic shows at age 12. He became a fan favourite when he performed every Sunday at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades. 

Embracing his Chinese Canadian heritage, he created a distinctive show called “Mysteries of the Orient” which he performed in an embroidered mandarin’s robe. His skill and talent made him renowned in the Canadian magic circle where he was known as the “Ambassador of Magic.” His entrepreneurial skills enabled him to run a successful wholesale business and establish the Premier School of Bartending. He also started up his own Tony's Trick & Joke Shop in Victoria which was a fantasy emporium of wizardry and gadgetry where he inspired and mentored many young up-and-coming magicians for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan Joyce interviews Julie Eng and CAM October round-up

Updated at 9am to embed Instagram post from CAM at bottom of post.

As part of the Canadian Association of Magician's monthly interview series, Ryan Joyce interviewed Julie Eng, Executive Director of Magicana.

From the CAM website:

In this interview with Julie Eng, we discuss:

•     Importance of Learning from Magic’s History
•     Current State of Magic
•     How Magic Has Evolved
•     Magicana’s Initiatives, Awards & Publications
•     Advice for Magicians

Join CAM and watch the interview at https://www.cammagic.org/post/julie-eng-magicana

 

While you're logged into the CAM website, have a look at Ryan's October 2023 round-up which includes:

1.     October's Canadian Conjuror's Chat
2.     A Towering Achievement
3.     National Magic Week (October 25-31)
4.     Penn & Teller Fool Us Season 10
5.     Question of the Month 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CAM 2.0 (@cammagicorg)

 

 

 

Toronto Threads with David Peck [Saturdays]

Listen to Toronto Threads (including David's interview with Julie Eng) at the Toronto Threads website. 

 

From the October 13th Instagram post by Face 2 Face Live:

Exciting News! David Peck is back with a brand new venture: "Toronto Threads!" Tune in to 640 Toronto every Saturday at 10pm for an incredible radio experience that delves into the fascinating people that make up Toronto's diverse and vibrant culture.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Peck (@face2facelive)

 

 

 

 

Julie Eng received the Society of American Magician's Presidential Citation

Congratulations Julie!  Well deserved!

From the August 18th Instagram post by Julie Eng:

What an honour! I am so humbled to be recognized with the Society of American Magician's Presidential Citation issued by National President, Rod Chow, on July 23, 2023. I'm deeply touched by the acknowledgement, and thank both Rod and the SAM committee for the honour. I will always work toward furthering the art in the best way I can! Thank you for this wonderful recognition of work to date!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Julie Eng (@magicienne)

 

 

 

 

From the 1986 Vancouver "Weekend of Magic"

From the April 14th Facebook post at Magical Women with Connie Boyd:

✨This Blast from the Past vintage video clip features a young Julie Eng performing skilled magic in Vancouver at the "Weekend of Magic", Biltmore Hotel in Vancouver in 1986.  Hosts Shawn Farquhar  & David Wilson hosted the "Weekend of Magic". 💋
https://youtu.be/5DtucsQT4yw

 

From the April 14th upload "Julie Eng 1986 - Vancouver "Weekend of Magic" Blast from the Past" at the Magical Women with Connie Boyd YouTube channel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

SoMA Conversations: with Julie Eng, Kayla Drescher, and Mikayla Oz [Nov 28]

From the October 26th Facebook post by the Science of Magic Association:

Troubling gender and racial stereotypes persist in magic. What are they, what are their effects, and how are they perpetuated? How does the gender or race of a magician affect the reception of their performance? What can magicians do, both individually and collectively, to create a stronger, more inclusive magic community? 

A panel of experts, moderated by Alice Pailhès, will discuss these issues and take questions from a virtual audience. Panelists for this session will include:
- Kayla Drescher
- Julie Eng
- Mikayla Oz 

Register at https://forms.gle/EtsNNqHCwj1fPsXM6 to receive a link as the date approaches.
More details at https://scienceofmagicassoc.org/.

 

 

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

 

ICYMI - Julie Eng in CBC Life

From the July 8th article "Cool trick! We asked a magician how a beginner can get into card tricks" by Sebastian Yūe in CBC Life: 

"Magic has this power, you know. It has a gift of offering the performer the chance to do something that is different — that is against science or logic," said Julie Eng, a Toronto-based magician. "And that causes an attention to be switched on. And I think that's the lure for so many people in magic."

Magicians use card tricks in particular for seamless sleights of hand that wow audiences and entertain children and adults alike. And cards — which have gone hand in hand with magic for centuries and might be the quintessential magic trick — are some of the most accessible for novices.

To find out more about the magic of card tricks, we chatted with Eng, who's also the executive director of Magicana, an organization that promotes the art of magic. Naturally, she safeguards the mystique of her work, so her trick effects are not disclosed here. But she still has lots of tips for those who are coming into magic for the first time.

Read more.

 

From the July 12th Facebook post by Julie Eng:

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Eng interviewed on Behind the Page

From the June 14th post "EPISODE 111: JULIE ENG ON GROWING UP IN MAGIC … AND CHAPTER TEN OF “THE AMBITIOUS CARD.”" at EliMarksMysteries.com:

Magician Julie Eng recounts her early years in magic, working in her father Tony Eng’s Victoria magic store, Tony’s Trick and Joke Shop. And then we jump into Chapter Ten of “The Ambitious Card.” Then we discuss Wallace of Minneapolis and other magic store experiences. And John learns about Glorpy!

Read more and listen to the podcast.

Julie Eng interviewed by Connie Boyd and on the cover of Vanish Magazine

Julie's been busy!  Not only did she participate in the Asian panel (ep 78) of Shezam, she was also interviewed by Connie Boyd and appeared on the cover of Vanish Magazine!

Watch the March 3rd episode of Magical Women with Connie Boyd, "Julie Eng #1 | Helping others through Magicana: My Magic Hands & Senior Sorcery | Magical Women #36":

From the March 1st Facebook post by Paul Romhany:

 

 

Julie Eng in the Asian panel (ep 78) of Shezam and Sleightly Sketchy (Where are you from?)

Listen to episode 78 of Shezam where Kayla Drescher hosts a panel who talk about their experiences being performers of Asian descent.  Topics include cultural appropriation, micro-aggressions, and the use of "exotic" props.  The panelists who admirably navigate these complex and nuanced topics are:  Felice Ling, Makoto Halverson, Ed Kwon, Courtney Pong, and Julie Eng.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shezam Pod (@shezampod)

As the third generation in my family to be born in Canada, we're very familiar with the conversation that begins with the question, "Where are you from?"