Women in magic: Julie Eng

Continuing the theme of influential Canadian women in magic, the next name that comes to my mind is  Julie Eng.

Sometime in the late 90s, during a chance encounter with David Ben, I learned that Julie would be moving from the west coast to Toronto.  David had great enthusiasm when he shared the news.  I now know why.

In addition to being a wonderful performer, Julie makes "giving back" (to the magic community and to the community at large) a part of her life mission.  Through Magicana, the creation of the Tony Eng Youth Fund, supports youths as they pursuing the art of magic.  Also, her Senior Sorcery program brings live theatre in the form of magic shows to isolated seniors. In addition, the My Magic Hands program touches the lives of children by using magic as a vehicle to build self confidence and skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving.  This program is brought to children with cancer and kids affected by childhood cancer by working with Camp Oochigeas as well as offering sessions at  Holland Bloorview (Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital) for more than six years. 

I have had the privilege of participating with children in the My Magic Hands at a local school.  I marvel at how consistently the program acts as a catalyst for personal growth in the participants.

Thank you Julie for your contributions to the community and to the Canadian magic scene!


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Related post:  CBC: Joan Caesar and Julie Eng talk about women in magic

New Westminster: Va”RIDE”ity show

From The Record:

Simon Jukes is up to his old tricks.

Jukes, a professional juggler and performer, and the B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer are presenting their second annual Va”RIDE”ity show featuring two-time world champion of magic Shawn Farqhuar (sic), comedy magicians Trevor Watters and Lorena (who will soon be seen on Canada’s Got talent), the eccentric juggler Simon English, international comedy performer The Checkerboard Guy, The Incredible Underground Circus, magician Brian Cooke, the ELEVATE dance crew, MC/comedian Donovan Dresher. The family-friendly fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Columbia.

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Reading between the lines, does that mean that Trevor and Lorena will be guest performers on this week's Got Talent finale?

Women in magic: Joan Caesar

You can't talk about influential Canadian women in magic without talking about Joan Caesar!

Joan was probably the very first female magician I ever saw perform live.  (She was a guest performer at one of IBM Ring exchanges back in the mid 90s.)

Joan founded CAM on March 15, 1997 to allow Canada the opportunity to apply for membership to FISM.  In the year 2000, CAM was accepted as a FISM member and Canadian magicians could, for the first time, compete under the Canadian banner at FISM's World Championship of Magic.

Since 1997, Joan has lead the charge for more than 6 national conventions, been International President of IBM (2008-9) and kept a watchful eye on the publication of over 100 issues of Northern Peeks and Northern Sleights.

Thank you Joan for your contributions to the Canadian magic scene!

Chris Mayhew: Scare tactics

Updated October 10, 2017 to update link to video.

This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I talked about honouring Canadian women in magic.

Watch as Ben Train sets up Chris Mayhew on Much Music's Scare Tactics.

From the Scare Tactics YouTube channel:





[h/t: @LeeAsherMagic]

Kitchener: Three ring auction!

From Ron Keller:

The Hamilton, Kitchener and London clubs decided that their ring auction while done every year could be better. Instead of the same old crowd being the same recycled magic every year, it was thought that a three ring auction would provide a better venue and give the auction some much needed freshness.

With that in mind we are having our first annual auction on Saturday, May 12th in Kitchener.  Magic to be auction will be accepted from anyone and with that in mind we are also extending an invitation for others to join this event to buy or sell magic.

We look forward to seeing you or your members for this event.

Auction sheets can be obtained by contacting me. 

Thanks, Ron

Women in magic week

This week at the Magic Castle is "women in magic" week!  What a fabulous idea!

Let's make this an international week to recognize the fantastic females out there!  Which Canadian women in magic deserve honourable recognition for their contributions to the magic community?


From NBC Los Angeles:

For women have long been master magicians in addition to playing the part of the able and quick-footed assistants. And while we're pretty sweet on vintage illusions like the box-disappearing trick, we're keen to see a magician directing the action from her place at centerstage. So when the Magic Castle hosts its first week fully devoted to women working in magic, it is time to take note.  

That week is happily upon us now. Dates? Monday, May 7 through Sunday, May 13. Stars of magic? Oh yes. The roster of top-notch prestidigitators includes Juliana Chen, who is a wizard with the cards, and the Duchess of Deception Joycee Beck. (We long for a cool title like that.) 

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[h/t: about.com]

St. Catharines: Don't tell mom!!

From Alex Kazam's Facebook page:

Alex Kazam has been featured on MTV, he has consulted for major productions across Canada, and has performed comedy magic around the world. If you haven't seen his show live, now's your chance... 

Don't tell mom!! (A night of burlesque, comedy, music, and magic. BETA V.1.0) ‎ 

12 May at 19:00 at Mahtay Café & Lounge
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