Welcoming a new patron: Michael Close

Welcome to our newest sponsor, Michael Close!

Michael was born in Cleveland, raised in Indiana, lived and worked in Las Vegas for twelve years, and now lives in Toronto.

He is the author of the Workers series and other ebooks and is regarded as one of the top close-up magicians in the world. Additionally, he is the editor of M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians.

Be sure to check out the once-in-a-lifetime weekend workshop with Johnny Thompson that Michael is offering this spring.

Thank you Michael, for your sponsorship of this website!

Broken wand: Suley Fattah

Updated January 31st to add:

•  Details about the Celebration of Life for Suley can be found at Magicana.

Updated on January 26th to add:

•  Details about the memorial service are posted at Magicana.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the recent passing of Suley Fattah, Julie Eng's husband.

I first met Suley at the 2001 CAM convention (though I first saw him years earlier, on stage at the Shaw Festival).  I'll remember Suley as always having a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. 

Our sincere condolences go out to Julie.  Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.


From James Alan's post in the Magic Cafe:

With great sadness, we report the passing of Suley Fattah, beloved husband of Julie Eng. Suley passed away earlier today due to complications from a heart attack. He died peacefully at Toronto General Hospital surrounded by his family.

Suley was a long-time associate of David Ben and Magicana where he worked largely behind the curtain contributing significantly to our stage productions, publications and community outreach programs. More information about Suley is available in the December 2016 issue of Genii in the cover story about Julie. His friendship will be greatly missed.

We will share more information about his memorial when we are able to.

Richard Kaufman also has a post up at the Genii forums.


From Julie's Facebook page:

2016 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 fabulous talent in our country.

One hundred and eighty five of you voted in this "bragging rights" only contest.  Here are the results of our first ever "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Beacons of Inspiration

Murray and Teresa Hatfield

The Hatfields outdid themselves last year with their production "Unbelievable."  Murray also stepped up to the Vice President position of CAM, in anticipation of becoming CAM President later this year.

Thanks for the inspiration Murray and Teresa!


Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com

Matt DiSero

In 2016 Matt appeared on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us," which I think is inspiring all on it's own.  He also has a knack for keeping things light and making us laugh.

Thanks for the inspiration Matt!

Website: MattDiSero.com

Editor's Choice

Mahdi Gilbert

I found Mahdi's appearance on season 3 of Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" very powerful and inspirational.  I was also impressed that one of my readers from Germany chose to nominate Mahdi.  Apparently he has quite the fan base!

Website: MahdiGilbert.com

Readers' Choice

Steven Lafond

Congratulations to Steven for winning the 2016 Readers' Choice award!

Keep up the great work with 'Magic Mondays' in Ottawa and your ongoing support of the Canadian magic community!


Website: MagicStudioProductions

Toronto: Spare Change for Social Change Lecture

From the Browser's Den of Magic website:

BRIAN ROBERTS & DAVE PECK - Spare Change for Social Change Lecture

Sunday, February 26

Two lecturers for the price of one!

Who are those guys you may ask? Well, Brian and David's combined years of performing, studying and lecturing magic is more than 50 years! And their work shows it.

This may end up being the bargain lecture of the year as Brian and David have a vast array of routines, ideas, concepts that they will share. Plus, it's for a good cause.

Both have lectured in the past at Browser's Den and we can tell you that the magic was excellent and there were lots of laughs along the way.

You will gain many tips and advice as you watch and listen to their magic covering: Cards, Coins, Misdirection, Stage Manipulation, Miser's Dream, etc.

Read more and buy tickets.

Voting ends tonight!

Voting ends tonight for the "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Who inspired you in 2016?

Breaking news from Michael Close

From Michael Close's website:

Close/Thompson Magic Workshop - May 5-7, 2017 ***LIMITED TIME OFFER***

You are cordially invited to join Michael Close and Johnny Thompson on May 5-7, 2017, for a once-in-a-lifetime weekend workshop in the beautiful cottage country of northern Ontario (Owen Sound, ON). You’ll be away from the physical and mental noise of the city, but you won’t be roughing it; the accommodations are luxurious. Registration opens Monday, January 23, 2017 at noon (EST).

You’ll spend Friday afternoon/evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning talking magic and receiving personalized instruction from two of the most knowledgeable magicians on the planet. Because of the informal nature of this gathering, you’ll have unprecedented access to two of magic’s living legends – access and interaction you would only find with private instruction and consultation, but at a fraction of the cost. Be aware, however, that reservations are extremely limited; only ten spots are available.

Read more and register tomorrow.

Colin Holt, 2016 recipient of the Farquhar Award

Congratulations Colin!

From Colin Holt's Facebook page:

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