52 Plus Joker's FREE 2025 Virtual Playing Card Weekend [Apr 26 - 27]

For more information visit 52 Plus Joker.

 

From the March 3rd Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

We have some very exciting guests lined up for this year's online event.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 52 Plus Joker (@52plusjoker)

 

 

 

 

52 Plus Joker presents: A Life In Cards With Judy Dawson

Found at the January 3rd Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker.  (Video embedded at bottom of post.) 

The Niagara Falls may have the Maid of the Mist but we have the Queen of the Club!

The 52 Plus Joker 2023 convention graced us with one final visit from our wonderful matriach @judith.dawson22

Grab yourself some snacks and a box of tissues and get ready to go on an emotional rollercoaster - check out her interview, now available on YouTube

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 52 Plus Joker (@52plusjoker)

 

 

 

From the January 2nd upload "A Life In Cards With Judy Dawson Interview - 52 Plus Joker Niagara Falls, New York 2024" at Lee Asher's YouTube channel:

October 4th, 2024 @ 2:00pm EDT | (Judy Dawson interview). A Life In Cards With Judy Dawson. A Playing Card Legend Takes Her Final Bow.

Judy Dawson has been a cornerstone of our playing card-collecting community for decades. Her passion, dedication, and enthusiasm have enriched our club and inspired countless collectors worldwide.  Listen to her share her extraordinary journey in card collecting with her beloved partner, Tom. More than just a presentation, her words celebrate a legacy shaping our playing card community.

Be captivated by Judy's tales of discovery, rare finds, editing Clear The Decks, and the evolution of the Dawson's remarkable collection. Thank you for being part of our community and celebrating Judy Dawson's amazing journey with us.

NOTE: The interview has been edited for time. 

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Doug Conn interviews Lee Asher

Found at the December 5th post at X by Lee Asher.

 

From the December 4th upload "Live with Lee Asher! Playing Card Magic, History, Collecting and a sweet Giveaway!!" at Doug Conn's YouTube channel: 

Join us for an exciting livestream with the incredible Lee Asher! Lee is a world-renowned magician, creator of the iconic Asher Twist, and president of the 52 Plus Joker Playing Card Collectors Association. We’ll dive into his latest project, "The Card Magic & Playing Card History Timeline" and hear a few stories from his lifetime of magical adventures. Don’t miss this chance to learn, laugh, and get inspired by one of the top names in magic and playing card collecting!

 

 

 

 

 

Alex Boyer: Inspirational Canadian Magician

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

Next up in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Alex Boyer!

 

Alex Boyer: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

Alex Boyer has been putting in the work this year, bringing his fun, stylish brand of magic to audiences everywhere, including social media. He's got this natural flair that makes every performance a blast to watch. And besides all that talent, he’s just a genuinely awesome guy. Alex Boyer is warm, funny, and always brings good vibes wherever he goes.

Submitted by Lee Asher

Congratulations Alex!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Alex Boyer, visit his website at AlexBoyer.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you Lee, for your excellent submission!

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

 

Judy Dawson awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by 52 Plus Joker

From the October 25th Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

🥰Judy Dawson shares heartfelt reflections as she accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award for her and Tom, presented by Craig Townsend, President of the United States Playing Card Company. Join us in celebrating Judy’s incredible journey at her final convention, Niagara Falls 2024. Don’t miss this memorable tribute to a lifetime of collecting!

🗣️ Join 52 Plus Joker! We’re the world’s largest playing card collectors club, fostering a community for antique, vintage, and modern collectible playing cards & ephemera. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a curious beginner, 52 Plus Joker welcomes you. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 52 Plus Joker (@52plusjoker)

 

 

From the October 25th Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

Watch till the end 😭😭😭! Our 2024 Niagara Falls convention truly showcased the best of our community.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to the best club members in the world! 🙏 It’s a big deal to make the time and space in your life to participate in our convention, and we appreciate you. You all are the reason our volunteers feel inspired to help create beautiful moments and memories.

🗣️To our convention volunteers: none of this would be possible without your hours of work behind and in front of the scenes! 🙏Thank you Chris Mayhew, Alain Benoit, Steve Bowling, Larry Herold Judy Dawson, Jennifer Dawson, Harry Wastrack, Doug Rickenback, Paul Miller, Tony Mach, Dave Hoffmeister, Rosemary Reid, Keith Brown, Christina Asher, and the Diamond Awards Committee.
@thesurrealmayhew @cartomancercards @magicwithrosemary @sisterhoodplayingcards @keithhbrown @christinagalonska @judith.dawson22

And if you haven’t yet, take reading this entire post as a sign to DM/Email/Owlpost a message of appreciation 💌 to the person responsible for our biggest and BEST 52 Plus Joker convention ever: ⭐️Lee Asher, @leeashermagic.⭐️ Internationally recognized for his work in playing cards and playing card history, we get to call him our faithful Club President. Aren’t we lucky? 🤩

🔔THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC 2024 NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION! 🔔

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 52 Plus Joker (@52plusjoker)

 

 

 

Lee Asher asks: Who was the first magician in Canada?

Lee shares his fascinating findings after exhaustively researching the question:  "Who was the first magician in Canada?"

 

From the article "Who was the first magician in Canada?" at Lee Asher's blog: 

It’s important to note that exploring this inquiry took me on an unexpected historical journey, revealing a crucial and overlooked detail. The magical practices of Indigenous shamans and medicine people, the original enchanters on Canadian soil, deserve credit and acknowledgement as the first magicians. A dedicated exploration of this topic in a future article is warranted. Yet, in this article's context, I emphasize the archetype of a Western-style conjuror, as initially envisioned.

Acknowledging that present-day Canada likely did not exist during this specific period, our focus adjusts to what was known as Upper and Lower Canada in the era of British North America.

Please allow me to introduce you to a handful of colonial conjurers without further ado.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Lee Asher: Inspirational Canadian Magician

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

Lee Asher: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

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

Submitted by Derrick Chung

 

 

Congratulations Lee!  Keep up the great work!

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

 

Thank you Derrick, for your excellent submission!

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

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

Paul Romhany
  Alexandra 
 Derrick Chung
 Doug Hunt
 Chris Gowen
 Yannick Lacroix
 Scott Baird  
  Leif David 
  Garnet Garven 
  Lee Asher
   

 

Alexandra: Inspirational Canadian Magician

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

Alexandra: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 

 

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

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

Submitted by Lee Asher

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

 

 

Congratulations Alexandra!  Keep up the great work!

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

 

Thank you Lee, for your excellent submission!

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

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

Paul Romhany
  Alexandra 
 

 

NYC: Asher, DeGuzman, and Ramsay at Cardtopia [Nov 4]

From the October 4th Instagram post by Cardtopia:   [emphasis added]

Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Moonlight Studios in New York City for unforgettable performances by the biggest names in the world of cards: Chris Ramsay, Anna DeGuzman, Chris Brown, Felipe Mojave Ramos, Bea Staack, Rick Smith Jr, Rokas Bernatonis, Lee Asher, Chris Chelko, Bill Kalush, Richard Turner, Laetitia Barbier, and the dynamic duo, Kristen & Alex! 🎩🃏

But hold onto your seats, because that's just the stars you can witness on stage at the Studio! 🌟 Stay tuned for the list of performers on stage at the TED World Theater and the full program, including master classes, discussions, interactive games, and more, which we'll reveal this Wednesday. You won't want to miss it! 🤩

There's still time to be part of this card lover's paradise! 🎫 Grab your tickets now at www.cardtopia.com and let the magic unfold before your eyes. Don't miss out on the ultimate card experience! 🎉

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cardtopia (@cardtopiaworld)

 

 

From the October 23rd Instagram reel by Chris Ramsay:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Ramsay 🇨🇦 (@chrisramsay52)

 

 

 

 

 

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 10

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 9  |  part 11 >>

 

Part 10 features:  Luis Salas, Michael Penkul, and Lee Asher. 

 

  Luis Salas  

Insurance.

Attended camp in 2009 as a camper.

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Performing my own routine to Aaron Fisher as my audience on the boat dock.
  
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Experience.

 

Attending Sorcerers Safari was one of the most positive experiences I had as a teenager. From the friendships, the nature, the fun and the learning - everything was superb and I feel lucky to have attended even if it was just for the one year. I do wish I had gone again though.

 

 

  Michal Penkul  

Professional magician, Professional Wedding DJ & Magician, MichaelPenkul.com.

Attended as a camper in 2009 and 2010 (Daniel Garcia &  Dan and Dave Buck were the special guests).

Since his time at camp Michal has:

• DJ'd and performed professionally full-time (DJ Magic Mike), and 
• Produced music as an EDM artist.
  
  

In his own words:

• Besides the amazing things I learned from all the lectures and special guests, it was the confidence to perform in front of larger crowds; getting to perform on the Sorcerers Safari Stage helped me overcome a lot of introverted shyness.
  
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Filming Aaron Fishers DVD Revolution! Daniel Garcia was also a huge idol of mine, he left me with a phrase that I've tried incorporating into all my magic to this day - 'keep magic sexy'
  
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Being with like-minded magicians, many friends that I keep in contact with to this day. It was my first time away from my family for that long which was a huge stepping stone for me, and helped me build a lot of confidence on and off stage.

 

I was a shy, quiet kid who felt unmemorable at the time, but camp was one of the most memorable experiences in my life!

 

 

  Lee Asher 

Professional magician, LeeAsher.com.

Attended camp in:

• 2001 as Counsellor / Staff, 
• 2002 as Special Guest, and 
• 2003 until the end as Executive Staff.

Since his time at camp Lee has been:

• The youngest, cutest [self-reported], and longest-running President of 52 Plus Joker (the world's most prestigious playing card collectors organization),
• The Senior consultant for the world's most extensive and expensive magic television series, Amazing Magicians, filmed in Nanjing, China, 
  
• The Director of the largest stunt ever filmed for Penn & Teller's 'Fool Us' television show, and
  
• The recipient of the Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award for my extensive work in the playing card industry. 

 

In his own words:

• Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp fostered a true sense of community. Collaborative activities and team-building exercises allowed me to forge deep bonds with fellow aspiring magicians. These friendships taught me the value of collaboration, cooperation, and mutual support—a vital lesson that continues to guide me long after the campfire's embers have faded.
• Most importantly, meeting my wife at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp all those years ago was my greatest accomplishment. Through late-night conversations filled with laughter and shared dreams, Christina and I discovered a profound connection, and our hearts resonated in perfect harmony. We've been happily married for over twelve years.
  
  
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• There are far too many to mention. Yet, spending time with campers who have now grown into adults is something I treasure.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• My biggest takeaway is that Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp harnessed the incredible power of shared experiences, collaboration, and encouragement to unlock hidden potential, all while building lasting connections.

 

Best Years Ever!

 

Thank you Luis, Michael, and Lee for sharing your memories!

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

 

 Previously featured 

• Alex Zander - part 7 
• Ben Train - part 1 
• Bill Wells - part 9
  
• Brad Bond - part 2  
• Brett Chrest - part 3
  
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
• Chris Pilsworth - part 6 
• Dan McLean Jr - part 8
  
• Dennis Gorya - part 5
• Dick Joiner - part 3 
• James Carey Lauder - part 2 
• Jeff Hinchliffe - part 9 
• Jennifer Antonio - part 6 
• Jesse Arndt - part 8
  
• Jonah Babins - part 6
• Jonathan Santiago - part 7 
• Keith Brown - part 4 
• Lauren Proctor - part 9 
• Loran - part 5
  
• Mark Clearview - part 5
• Marc Hache - part 9 
• Matt DiSero - part 3 
• Rosemary Reid - part 8 
• Sam Pearce - part 1
• Shawn Farquhar - part 7 

 

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 9  |  part 11 >>

 

 

Kickstarter: Sisterhood Playing Cards

Learn more about The SISTERHOOD Deck of Playing Cards at Kickstarter.

 

From the November 3rd Instagram post by Rosemary Reid:

Sisterhood Playing Cards. Designed to Empower, Support and Educate, this deck helps you start essential conversations that can alter the course of history.

Our stunning hot-foiled and embossed tuck box draws everyone’s attention. The designer Ace and Jokers keep them looking, and once the dialogue shifts to the court cards, our opportunity for creating change becomes real.

You’ll see women of different sizes, shades, and shapes on each one. When viewed in sequence, these twelve court cards portray an archetypal journey through life. ✨

Yet, we maintain the J, Q, and K indices so this deck can be used for all card game and magic purposes. ♥️♠️♦️♣️

The SISTERHOOD Deck Launches Wednesday November 30th @ 2:00 PM EST on @Kickstarter.❣️Link in bio! (Hit ‘Notify Me’ & follow the prompts)

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rosemary Reid ♥️♠️♦️♣️ (@atouchofrosemary)