Broken wand: Roman Szydlowski (Romaine)

Updated March 29th to add:

• Link to Romaine's obituary at Dignity Memorial.
  
• Link to Luiz Castro's wonderful tribute to Romaine.
  

 

Updated at 9:35am EST to add some thoughts about Romaine from Jeff McBride (bottom of post).

 

Our sincere condolences to Romaine's family and friends.  

You can read a little about Romaine in our post from last December, "A lifetime of achievement: Romaine (Roman Szydlowski)."

 

From the March 21st Facebook post by Phil Matlin at Perfect Magic:

It's with a heavy heart I am informing you of the passing of Romaine Saturday March 20th. A long time friend for over 40 years and an unbroken 35 years of of spending Christmas and New Years with him and Joan. Originally in Montreal and it continued after they moved to Kitchener. Not only a close friend, but he was also my mentor in magic. His knowledge and willingness to share it with me was exceptional. Known world wide as Monarch of Manipulators, and wherever he went he got 5 star reviews. Romaine will be remembered and missed in the magic community. RIP my friend.

 

 

 

 

From the March 21st Facebook post by Phil Matlin at Perfect Magic:

To all those who have asked or will be asking, at this moment there are no additional details such funeral home, dates etc. As soon as I get any additional information, it will be posted here on the Perfect Magic [Facebook] site.

A lifetime of achievement: Romaine (Roman Szydlowski)

Prompted by Luiz Castro, we're here to remind you of the contributions of the wonderful talents of Romaine. 

From Luiz:

He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him.
 
One of the best Manipulators from Canada. 

In August of 2019, Jeff Pinsky hosted an event at The Browser's Den of Magic  to honour the life and magic of Romaine.  Jeff wrote:

Every once in a while we should remember that we have hidden treasures of magic in our own backyard, and we'd like to remind you of one now.

He performed for 17 years with Canadair (which is the Canadian equivalent of the U.S.O.) and has performed all over the world, including in Spain, France, Switzerland and Belgium. 

He's been featured in movies such as "Agency" (with Robert Mitchum and Lee Major) and he performed at the Bermuda Festival with Victor Borge.

In the world of magic, Romaine was a secret source of knowledge for many of the top acts in the world. Frank Garcia even published some of Romaine's close-up miracles in his (now hard to get) books.

In the April 2005 Genii magazine there was full feature article about Romaine written by David Acer. 

In the article, Acer reminds Romaine of something that took place at the CAM Convention in 2003. Romaine gave the introduction for Jeff McBride's lecture. McBride, who has long been a vocal fan of Romaine, dropped to his knees during the introduction and proclaimed "my guru, my guru!" 

Magicpedia has a wonderful article about Romaine which includes videos of his card and ball manipulation and his impossible card trick, Double Kicker.

Photos of the August 2019 event have been shared on Facebook by A FA Pika:

 

 

2020 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 190 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

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

 

Some general comments were submitted:

• "Regardless of who wins, I hope they are all considered for Allan Slaight awards."
   
  Excellent observation, I hope that our readers respond accordingly when Allan Slaight Award nominations open in the New Year!
    
  
• "They were all Fantastic," "Everyone is great!"
   
  
• "Thanks again for doing this... "
   
  You are very welcome!  Thank you for helping spread the word about Canada's wonderful talent!
  
  

 

 

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

• Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
  

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

 

Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
- Gwyn Rocks!

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

• In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
  
• Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
  
• Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
  
• Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown. 
  (Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)
  
• They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
  

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.

Comments from Ryan and Graeme's fans include:
- These guys are amazing. Entertaining and creative.
- Graeme is great, but that Ryan guy is ...
  [Editor's note:  Ryan, cut that out!]

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:

• The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
• They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  
• Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
  

 

Website:  Magicana.com

Comments from Magicana's fans include:
- The work this team puts together is essential to our magic community. They are truly keeping the spirit alive.
- that AGO thing was awesome for bringing magic to a multitude of muggles

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

• Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
  

Website: MagicInToronto.com

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."

Editor's note:

• To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
  

Comments from Romaine's fans include:
- Best Canadian manipulator of all times.
- While Romaine is not as active in magic these days, and in poor health, this man deserves credit for his longevity and talent.

Editor's Choice

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:

• Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  
• He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
  

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

Comments from Alex's fans include:
- Hope he wins! He’s worked so hard this whole year and has had many sleepless nights from working out all the tech issues and he deserves this!
- I have attended many of the IBM JAMs (lectured at one too) so I know the great value they've been in keeping the magic community connected when we can't connect in person. Alex even took time to virtually attend my magic club's first digital meeting back in April. He is a tireless worker for the greater good of magicians everywhere and I can't think of a more worthy recipient of the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
- He’s a kind a generous guy...helped me (a total stranger) get tix to the Magic Castle for my 50th for my best friend, mom and husband. It was so special. Thank you Alex!
- Amazing leadership at such a young age!
- A huge thank you for Alex organizing all the IBM JAMs!! Loved them, a great distraction from all the craziness.

 

Readers' Choice

Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)
 
Nominated by Anonymous.

Congratulations to Carisa, Miranda, and Richard for winning the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Keep up the great work!

Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.

 

Comments from Carisa, Miranda, and Richard's fans include:
- To go from regularly performing all over the world to a consistent string of high quality online shows (with some runs lasting for months) is a phenomenal effort in these unprecedented times.
- They are absolutely wonderful!!!!
- I am beyond inspired by how these three built an amazing remote show while quarantined together, including building pieces of their set. I'm grateful for their existence!
- Sparkle and joy were in short supply till Lucy did her online show
- All nominees sound outstanding, but the level of professionalism, innovation, dedication, and prestidigitation that Team Lucy Darling puts into their performances is outstanding to say the least. They are the clear winners of this competition and I'd award it to them, not just for the great country of Canada, but arguably for the world as well.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vote now for the 2020 Readers' Choice Award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fifth annual 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been an extraordinary year.  Many of you embraced new skills and a new performing landscape.  Some of you took on work outside of performing.  Some of you continue to struggle with the day-to-day.  No matter your situation, give yourself a pat on the back.  You've made it this far.  To paraphrase Tom Brady, you didn't come this far to only come this far.  You've got this!

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 Wednesday, 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 Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)

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

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

• Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
  

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)

Nominated by Anonymous.
"They took the lockdown by storm. In their isolation they created a unique virtual performance that was simultaneously witty, creative and magical with a wicked blend of technology and Lucy Darling sass. Surely that counts as inspiration."

Editor's note:

• Carisa wrapped up the second season (and is co-founder) of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that "hopes to make itself obsolete."
• In March, Miranda invited Carisa to stay with her and Richard for a couple of months.  They opened a window into their lives and their coping mechanisms (and entertaining antics) during the early days of The Big Pause, from The Star Ship Quarantine on Twitter. 
  
• Miranda did a fabulous escape on Fool Us (season 7, episode 4).
  
• Carisa was the recipient of the recipient of the 2019 AMA Stage Magician of the Year award and was featured on the May cover of Genii.
  
• Carisa also started up the Spark Creative Facebook group last spring in an effort to help keep people focused and creative.
  
• They offered free shows (May 15th live stream and Lucy Darling's Halloween Spooktacular Extravaganza), in addition to their widely acclaimed virtual shows. (Did I mentioned Neil Gaiman gave them a shout out on Twitter?)
  
  

Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

• In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
  
• Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
  
• Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
  
• Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown. 
  (Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)
  
• They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
  

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:

• The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
• They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  
• Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
  

 

Website:  Magicana.com

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

• Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
  

Website: MagicInToronto.com

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."

Editor's note:

• To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
  

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:

• Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  
• He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
  

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

 

 

Vote now!

In an effort to combat bots and spam, you are required to sign into a Google account before voting.  Your vote will not be shared.  Your email address will not be used for marketing.

 

 

  

 

 

Our sincere condolences to Roman Szydlowski and his family

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the recent passing of Romaine's wife, Joan.  Our sincere condolences go out to Romaine and to Joan's family and friends.  Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.

 

From the Echovita:

Joan Marilyn Oleskevich Obituary

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Joan Marilyn Oleskevich (Kitchener, Ontario), born in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario, who passed away on September 10, 2020. Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Joan Marilyn Oleskevich to show support.

She was loved and cherished by many people including : her parents, Veni Oleskevich and Marie Anne Barrette; her husband Roman Szydlowski; and her brother Dennis Oleskevich. She was also cherished by her many extended family, friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Innisfree House, 2375 Homer Watson Blvd., Kitchener, ON N2P 0E9.

[With thanks for Phil Matlin for letting us know.]

Toronto: Honouring the life and magic of Romaine

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

On August 11th, LUIZ CASTRO will be giving a FREE magic show here in our shop in honour of Romaine. AND SHOULD HE BE UP TO IT ROMAINE MAY PERFORM AS WELL!

Luiz who does not drive a car, has traveled many times over the years to Kitchener to visit and learn from this master.

In addition, Romaine will be available for a meet and greet, taking photos and signing autographs. We will have cake (who doesn't want cake?) and Romaine will be offering a Q&A segment, so please prepare questions to ask! Whether your question is about the ins and outs of the business (remember he performed regularly for over 4 decades, all over the world) or it's a question about a specific manipulation technique, Romaine will be here to answer any questions you have.

We look forward to seeing you all on the 11th!


Read more.

Montreal: Outerbridge, Romaine and Trudel

From the Comedy Nest Twitter feed:

You won't believe what's happening @ the Nest on Sunday. (literally!) @canadasmagic Info & tix http://t.co/I0jxIicgY8 pic.twitter.com/uRO6neKh3x
— Comedy Nest Montreal (@comedynest) March 27, 2015

Review: Magic at the Comedy Nest

From Perfect Magic:

Magicians had a real treat last Sunday evening, if they managed to get into the Comedy Nest. Although there were magicians who came to see the show, most of the audience was comprised of lay people. 

David Acer was the M.C. and was his usual funny self.

Loran, from Quebec City, had a beautiful act, serious, artistic and a pleasure to watch.

Vincent Pimpare did a comedy hynotism act. It was an unexpected break from the usual hypno act and had the audience laughing, so it fit right into the Comedy club setting.

Richard Sanders did a great bill to lime with a lot of hilarious detours along the way. He has a way of making the audience feel as if he is really one of us. He connects well.

Romaine. What can I say about Romaine.  Dressed in tails and a top hat, and slightly tipsy, (part of the routine, of course) he wowed the audience with his continuous production of cards, multiplying billiard balls, and the real magic of Vaudeville days, which mosts of the audience had never seen and they showed their appreciation.

Jonathan Burns did some very funny stuff. My favorite was Cards Across with cheese slices (you know the ones, wrapped in cellophane) instead of cards. Funny stuff. 

And then there was the audience.

Read more.

Montreal: Spectacular Sunday!

If you're not going to be at Gordon's birthday bash, you should definitely consider attending Spectacular Sunday!

From the Comedy Nest:

Sunday June 1st 

You won’t believe what’s happening here on June 1st… literally! Five world-class magicians take over the Nest for a hilarious and mind-boggling spectacle where so many laws of physics will be broken, Stephen Hawking might show up and give them a ticket! Catch JONATHAN BURNS (Late Show with David Letterman), RICHARD SANDERS (Just For Laughs), ROMAINE (The Magic Castle), ANGELO THE AMAZING FOOD MAGICIAN and more on this special night of awesome astonishment! Reserve your tickets now! 

Read more and buy tickets.

Links for 14-May-2011

• From the Browser's Den:
  - Chris Mayhew, one of the artists at Theory 11, special guest at June 11 club meeting
    
• From Perfect Magic:
  - Magicians Peforming For Magicians: memories from “A Little Nite Magic," the Sheraton Centre and a great quote by Frank Garcia
  - Things that go wrong in the night!:  memories of Phil Matlin and Romaine
   
• From Andrew Musgrave at Ye Olde Magick Blogge:
  - Andrew's focus for May is "specific magicians who’ve inspired me" and has already included entries on Dai Vernon and Jay Sankey.  Keep up the great work on your Project 365 Andrew!
    
• Lecleric Show episodes on YouTube (I haven't been able to keep up with viewing, but here are links to the last two week's videos):
  121. Static Rising Card Trick - DAY 121 of 365
  122. Levitating Voodoo Doll - DAY 122 of 365
  123. Mystery Box - DAY 123 of 365
  124. Illusion de la Spirale Hallucinante - Jour 124 de 365
  125. Balloon Playing - Day 125 of 365
  126. CD Manipulation - Day 126 of 365
  127. World's Most Popular Magic Trick - Day 127
  128. The Teleporting Ring Live! - Day 128 of 365
  129. Wicked Thunderbird Card Trick! - Day 129
  130. Changing Card Trick @ De La Salle - DAY 130 of 365
  131. Retro Eric Leclerc - Day 131 of 365
  132. Magician Penetrates Playboy Bunny...With His Mind. Day 132 of 365
  133. Cigarette Through Card Trick - Day 133