Granville Island: Really Definitely True Tour [Sep 5 - 15]

From the September 4th article "Coquitlam showman wants you to question Granville Island tour" by Janis Cleugh in Vancouver is Awesome:

With Mike Norden, an award-winning children’s magician from Mission who is also with the Fraser Magic Company, of which Teszka is president, Teszka scripted a narrative that takes visitors around Granville Island — home to the annual Vancouver Fringe Festival.

Titled the Really Definitely True Tour, the 90-minute walking excursion combines fake storytelling with magic that’s suitable for all ages; the capacity is 20 people per show, which opens Thursday, Sept. 5 and runs for the full length of the VFF with 14 iterations at various times, starting at the Alder Bay Dock.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

Big news from CAM

From the September 27th Instagram post by the Canadian Association of Magicians:

This has been a busy month for magic in Canada!! Let's dive into the top 5 updates for the Canadian Association of Magicians in September 2023.

Here are 5 Important Updates for September 2023
- We say a heartfelt thank you to Renee-Claude Auclair as she steps down as CAM's President, and we reveal the new CAM board
- Pictures from this month's CAMaraderie Convention and Le Festival De Magie!
- Insightful interview with Doug Hunt about how magicians can earn media attention.
- Canadian Magic Club? We need to chat.
- PLUS, the magic question of the month

Visit: https://cammagic.org/post/sept-2023

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CAM 2.0 (@cammagicorg)

 

 

Thank you to the past CAM board!

The 2023-2024 CAM Board of Directors:

PRESIDENT: RYAN JOYCE

SECRETARY: CHRIS YUILL

TREASURER: CONNIE BOYD

PAST PRESIDENT: Renee-Claude Auclair

BOARD MEMBERS: Mike Segal, Kent Wong, Paul Romhany, Mike Norden, Greg Frewin, Renee-Claude Auclair, Peter Mennie

 

 

 

 

Maple Ridge: Norden and Gordon at Family Fest [May 5 - 7]

From the April 28th article "Award-winning magician hosts Family Fest for 10th year
Norden the Magician will be performing with his pal, the Great Gordini" by Colleen Flanagan at Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows News:

Norden will be performing one solo show at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, and then he will be teaming up with another local magician, the Great Gordini. The pair will be performing in two separate shows, one at 7 p.m. on Friday May 5, and the other at 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 – the Norden and Gorden Show.

“Like Pen and Teller, they go back and forth,” explained home show assistant event coordinator, Jhammi Gunnarsen.

The Great Gordini will also be doing a solo show at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 6.

“So, four magic shows and I think we have 16 hours of foam in the fun zone,” said Norden.

 Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mission: Barrel "O" Laughs Comedy Show [Nov 10]

From the October 30th Facebook post by Gord Boyes:

Hello friends, comedy fans, magicians and Fraser Valley residents!

HUGE news - a star packed comedy show is coming to Mission on Thursday Nov 10th at 7pm at the Best Western Plus Mission City Lodge!

It stars Wes Barker -  stunt Magician and YouTube sensation, Trevor & Lorena - Comedy Magic Show, and Comedians Gavin Clarkson and Simon King!

ONLY $35 for adults and $15 for kids!

But wait, talk to me about bulk ticket sales. Do you have a group, maybe a business who wants to treat their employees? Get five tickets for $100 if you contact me directly.

Otherwise, tickets can be bought at Abstract Auto & Window Glass Ltd. in Mission or online at:
www.ComedyShowTickets.ca

Please support local live entertainment and come have some fun! ❤️🤪

 

 

 

PCAM in the Mission City Record

Form the October 18th article "Huge magician convention coming to Mission" by Chris Campbell in the Mission City Record:

The 89th Annual Pacific Coast Association of Magicians will be holding its convention in Mission from Nov. 10 to 13.

The conference covers the entire Pacific coast, along with countries including Canada, U.S., Australia, Japan and thousands of members across the Pacific Rim.

The conference is organized by two prolific kids entertainers, as Norden the Magician and the Great Gordini, who combined have over 40 international awards for their acts and contributions to the magic community.

Norden wanted to bring the conference to his home town of Mission this year and put in a bid to the committee.

“I’m very excited about this event,” said Mike Norden.

A comedy show will kick off the event on Nov 10, starring YouTube comedian Wes Barker. This show will take place in the ballroom at the Best Western.

Then on Nov 12 is the big show, called Hocus Pocus, at the Clarke Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Starring international magic celebrities that have appeared on Penn & Teller Fool Us, Ellen, Comedy Central, Big Trick Energy and more.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maple Ridge: The Great Gordini and Norden the Magician [April 30]

From the April 19th article "Serving up magic, laughs, and family fun at home show in Maple Ridge --
The Great Gordini will be performing at this year’s Ridge Meadows Home Show" by Colleen Flanagan in the Maple Ridge News:

Visitors to the Ridge Meadows Home Show Family Fest are in for a weekend of magic, comedy, and ventriloquism.

One of those magicians will be The Great Gordini, known off stage at Gord Boyes, who will be taking to the stage at the show with his favourite skunky-monkey Otto.

Boyes describes his show as interactive, full of comedy, and fun for every age.


Although he has been practising magic for decades, he has been performing across the Lower Mainland for about 15 years. Every show is different for the illusionist, who loves performing for children.

“It helps keep me young. I just love being around the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces,” he said.

Read more.

 

 

 

2019 Readers' Choice award results

Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:

a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.

Over 500 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

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

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Aaron.
"I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton."

"Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!"

Website: Gwyn Auger
 

Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
- Gwyn totally deserves this she has been instrumental in the Calgary magic community as well as many larger circles globally.
- Talented and skilled people, one and all, but only Gwyn has the magic presence that makes those around her shine.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Frank Loesser / Hoagy Carmichael, Queen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown.  The quote below is from Unknown.

"James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it."

Editor's note:

• The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
• The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October

Website: PickpocketMagic.com

Comments from James' fans include:
- Stole my watch while I 'watched' and I still missed it...AMAZING.
- I've seen him perform multiple times and can't tell you how great he is! Charismatic, talented and just a decent guy. Good for any event.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Bach, Peter Gabriel, and Green Day.

Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."

Editor's note:

• In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
• In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
• Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
• Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).

Website: CarisaHendrix

Comments from Carisa's fans include:
- Phenomenal entertainer and lecturer. Goes out of her way to give of herself to anyone who asks.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, and Elton John.

Ryan Joyce
Nominated by Anonymous.
"Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."

Editor's note:

• In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival,  Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.

Website: RyanJoyce.com

Comments from Ryan's fans include:
- His work and efforts speak volumes and he is all about bringing the magic community together.

Voters' musical tastes include:  The Beatles, Pitbull, and Ed Sheeran.

Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."

Editor's note:

• Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge! 

Website: KenMcCreedy.com

Comments from Ken's fans include:
- Always entertaining and full of surprises.  He is a kind and patient teacher.  It is an Honour to be his assistant.

Musical tastes include:  Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, and  Deep Purple.

The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)

Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller."

Editor's note:

• After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!

Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com

Comments from The Sentimentalists' fans include:
- These two are AMAAAAAAAAAZING. Been in the business nearly half a century, at this point, and I've never seen a live mentalism act to top theirs. Just a stunning act. Stunning.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Steve Miller, Queen, and Harry S. Miller.

Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants."

Edtitor's note:

• Anastasia has over 30 implants.
• You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
• Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."

 
Website: Synnister.com

Anastasia's fans were people of few words.

Musical tastes include:  Radiohead, Crystal Eyes, and Rag'n'Bone Man.

Editor's Choice

Ted and Marion Outerbridge

Nominated by Unknown.
"I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!"

Editor's note:

• Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
• They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
• Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House."  They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.

 
Website: TedOuterbridge.com

The Outerbridge's fans were also people of few words.

Voters' musical tastes include:  Smash Mouth, Brockhampton, and Frank Sinatra.

Readers' Choice

Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.

Congratulations to Mike for winning the 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!


Keep up the great work!


Website: MagicShows.ca

Mike's fans were most likely to not follow instructions, and also most likely to get the date wrong.

Musical tastes include:  A wide assortment of Christmas music.

Vote now for the 2019 Readers' Choice award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fourth annual 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

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 Monday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

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

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

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Aaron.
"I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton."

"Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!"

Editor's note:

• Gwyn performed solo in the May 13th Celebrities of Magic - Variety Show Spectacular #2

Website: Gwyn Auger

James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown.  The quote below is from Unknown.

"James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it."

Editor's note:

• The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
• The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October

Website: PickpocketMagic.com

Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."

Editor's note:

• In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
• In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
• Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
• Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).

Website: CarisaHendrix

Ryan Joyce
Nominated by Anonymous.
"Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."

Editor's note:

• In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival,  Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.

Website: RyanJoyce.com

Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."

Editor's note:

• Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge! 

Website: KenMcCreedy.com

Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.
"It gives me great pleasure to nominate Mike Norden for Canadian Magician of the Year. Mike has worked tirelessly for the magic community over the last 15 years. He has organized and co-hosted at least 8 local conventions, and several weekends of magic. He has held the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Sergeant at Arms in several local magic organizations, including the Vancouver Magic Circle, the Fraser Valley Magic Circle, & the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians. He was instrumental in creating the local KIDabra Chapter, as well as one of the newest rings in Canada, IBM Ring 387, aka FVMC. He spearheaded the creation of 3rd Monday Magic, a monthly magic show held in his hometown, and has performed in and produced countless of those shows. He hosted all lectures at his house for more than 8 years, and continues to host all local meetings of the FVMC. He has, and continues to donate untold hours to the art of magic, through the clubs he belongs to, the conventions he runs, the shows he produces, and the youth he mentors. Mike truly embodies all that is magic, and exemplifies what it is to be an ambassador of one's art."

Editor's note:

• This is a very complete nomination submission.  I've got nothing to add!

Website: MagicShows.ca

Ted and Marion Outerbridge
Nominated by Unknown.
"I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!"

Editor's note:

• Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
• They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
• Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House."  They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.

 
Website: TedOuterbridge.com

The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)

Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller."

Editor's note:

• After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!

Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com

Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants."

Edtitor's note:

• Anastasia has over 30 implants.
• You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
• Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."

 
Website: Synnister.com







Cast your vote now at Poll Junkie!

FVMC: Awards and 2018-2020 executive

Congratulations to John Walls, Chris Yuill, Wes Barker, Caroline Elise, Gary Savard, Gord Boyes, Mike Nordon, David Wilson and Dave Watters!

From the Fraser Valley Magic Circle Facebook post:

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Langley: Murray Hatfield and Bizzaro

From the Facebook page of Norden the Magician:

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More names announced for PCAM/CAM convention, April 20-23, 2017

More names announced!

From Mike Norden's Facebook post:

We just announced Jeff Christensen and Annie Banannie to the line up at CAM 2017.

So far we have announced:
Shawn Farquhar
Keith Fields
Axel Hecklau
Christopher Cool
Tamar Louise Kimmons
John Kimmons
Gary Dunn
Buster Balloon
and more to come!

PLUS the first Canadian Children's Magician of the Year award with a $500 prize!!

Register at www.CAM2017.com today!

Chilliwack: PCAM/CAM convention, April 20-23, 2017

The December 9th early bird draw offer is coming up fast!


From the Facebook page of Norden the Magician:

BIG announcement! If you have not heard the 2017 PCAM will be a joint convention with CAM. It will be held in Chilliwack, BC on April 20-23, 2017. We will be announcing the talent every Friday for the next 4 weeks. To help us get the registration up we are having some 'early bird deadlines' to give you an incentive.

You can register and buy preferred seating, dealer tables, and t-shirts - all which are very limited.

What we are talking about here are HUGE prizes you can win - check it out:

1 - Register by Dec 9th and you are entered to win a FULL 2018 PCAM registration. Yep - you read that correct. Value: $200-$300

2 - Register by Dec 16th and you are entered to win a FREE HOTEL STAY at PCAM 2018. What?! Value: $300-$400

3 - Register by Dec 23rd and you are entered to win a FVMC Annual Lecture pass for 2017. We can't say whose coming yet (pssst...Ted Outerbridge, Jon Allen, SiIly Billy, Jorg Alexander, Ice McDonald and one more..) Value: $180

4 - Register by Dec 30th and you are entered to win one of 10 tickets to Ted Outerbridge's lecture hosted by the FVMC on Feb 20th. Value: $30

5 - Register by Jan 6th and you are entered to win a pass to Jon Allen's lecture hosted by the FVMC in May. Value: $30

6 - Register by Jan 13th and you are entered to win a limited edition PCAM/CAM 2017 t-shirt. Value: $25
Why wait? Register today and you are entered to win ALL of them!

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