Thank you to John Smithman, John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, and Ian Crawford for being Friends of Canada's Magic!
It's good to have friends like you.
10 January 2018
Thank you to our January 2018 sponsors!
Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.
This site would not be possible without their backing.
We're grateful to have the support of:
The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!
This site would not be possible without their backing.
We're grateful to have the support of:
- Clive Court - Get PR help from a Life Membership Award winner of the Canadian Public Relations Society,
- Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic,
- Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic, and
- Michael Close, author of the Workers series and other ebooks.
The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!
For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.
Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!
Donations of any size are always welcome.
Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year!
Donations of any size are always welcome.
09 January 2018
2017 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 seven votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest. This year there was an option to add a comment to your vote. My favourite comment? "I hope no one can see I voted for myself..." (Bonus points to you if you can guess who wrote that.)
Here are the results of our second annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Ryan Brown
Nominated by dmdlfyer.
It is clear from his multiple nominations that Ryan has worked hard to get this far in his career. He is an inspiration to the students at his alma mater. Ryan continues to stretch himself by seeking opportunities to learn with and from world class magicians.
Website: RyanBrownMagic.com
Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.
In 2017, Neil appeared on "Masters of Illusion" and performed across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka.
Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer. He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival." This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.
Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com
Caiden Finch (12 yo)
Nominated by Phil Matlin.
Caiden was the youngest nominee in 2017. It is clear to me that he is on a similar trajectory as the others nominated this year. He is a hard worker, who actively seeks out feedback, and implements advice received. I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016. I have no doubt we'll continue to hear wonderful things about him as the years progress!
Website:
Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.
The Hatfields had another amazing year! Murray and Teresa Hatfield starred in and produced their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen.
Additionally, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.
Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com
Julie Eng
Nominated by James Alan.
Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," in 2017 Julie was also a major driving force behind the publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson," Magic Live (as performer, presenter, and host), Magicana's Magic Collectors Weekend, Magicana's A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities (as publisher, project manager) and the CBC's show Magic and Science. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!
Somehow, while doing all of that, Julie still found time to be the Executive Director at Magicana.
Website: magicienne.com
Benzi Train
Nominated by Ari.
Congratulations to Benzi for winning the 2017 Readers' Choice award!
Keep up your great work with the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, Newest Trick in the Book and Toronto Magic Company!
One hundred and seven votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest. This year there was an option to add a comment to your vote. My favourite comment? "I hope no one can see I voted for myself..." (Bonus points to you if you can guess who wrote that.)
Here are the results of our second annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)
Nominated by dmdlfyer.
It is clear from his multiple nominations that Ryan has worked hard to get this far in his career. He is an inspiration to the students at his alma mater. Ryan continues to stretch himself by seeking opportunities to learn with and from world class magicians.
Website: RyanBrownMagic.com
Neil Croswell
Nominated by Anonymous.
In 2017, Neil appeared on "Masters of Illusion" and performed across Asia which helped raise money for charitable causes in Sri Lanka.
Neil's Asia appearances include the "Knights of Illusion" magic show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Michael Finney and Xavier Mortimer. He also performed 32 stage shows in Beijing, China at the annual "Happy Valley International Magic Festival." This year, Neil performed over 300 shows across five countries.
Website: NeilCroswellMagic.com
Nominated by Phil Matlin.
Caiden was the youngest nominee in 2017. It is clear to me that he is on a similar trajectory as the others nominated this year. He is a hard worker, who actively seeks out feedback, and implements advice received. I had the pleasure of meeting Caiden at Sorcerers Safari in 2016. I have no doubt we'll continue to hear wonderful things about him as the years progress!
Website:
- Read more about Caiden at the Perfect Magic Facebook page and the Perfect Magic blog.
Murray and Teresa Hatfield
Nominated by The Magic Demon.
The Hatfields had another amazing year! Murray and Teresa Hatfield starred in and produced their second ever extraordinary magic and illusions-filled phantasmagoria "Unbelievable" at this summer's PNE in Vancouver. It was again one of the the most inspiring and entertaining stadium-scale magical events Vancouver has ever seen.
Additionally, Murray and Teresa amazed on season 4 of Penn and Teller Fool Us this year where Penn said of their performance "I haven't seen a better version of Metamorphosis ever." Murray is also the President of the Canadian Association of Magicians.
Website: MurrayHatfieldMagic.com
Editor's Choice
Nominated by James Alan.
Along with running programs such as "Senior Sorcery" and "My Magic Hands," in 2017 Julie was also a major driving force behind the publication of "The Magic of Johnny Thompson," Magic Live (as performer, presenter, and host), Magicana's Magic Collectors Weekend, Magicana's A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities (as publisher, project manager) and the CBC's show Magic and Science. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!
Website: magicienne.com
Readers' Choice
Nominated by Ari.
Congratulations to Benzi for winning the 2017 Readers' Choice award!
Keep up your great work with the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club, Newest Trick in the Book and Toronto Magic Company!
08 January 2018
Fergus: Bringing magic to the Fergus Grand Theatre
From the January 5th, 2018 article "Ryan Joyce aims to bring world class magicians to Fergus" by Jaime Myslik in the Wellington Advertiser:
From Fergus Filming:
“I’m trying to find ways to stay more locally bound and still do what I love,” he said. “I think we might have found a unique way to do both.”
The first project he’s working on is called Magician’s Masterclass, which is an educational show for magicians hosted by a guest magic legend and will be filmed at the Fergus Grand Theatre.
The goal is to “see how they learn and teach and explore magic, all on camera,” Joyce said.
The first episode was released in December with host Michael Close, a magic consultant for Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
Read more.
From Fergus Filming:
I asked Michael (Close) to join us to film an exciting new project for the magic community that teaches some of magic’s most well-gaurded secrets. The project is turning out better than I expected and there is interested to bring other world-famous magicians and variety artists right here to our community.
While filming, it became very clear the opportunity that lay ahead. I am gearing up to bring some of the world’s greatest magicians, variety artists and visual entertainers right here to Fergus Grand Theatre and film shows for distribution.
These performances will be free* and we need to fill all 255 seats with an enthusiastic live studio audience. Sorry, I can’t mention too many juicy details yet. You’ll be the first to know by signing up for updates below! Don’t worry, I don’t have time to spam you– kinda busy working to make this happen (plus travelling like crazy for my job)
Read more and subscribe to newsletter.
Introducing "Magician's Masterclass"
Magician's Masterclass is brought to you by Ryan Joyce, Graeme Reed, Peter Mennie, and Matt DiSero.
From Magician's Masterclass:
From Magician's Masterclass:
A place where magicians help magicians.
Registration is free and you can join now. Behind these walls are videos, podcasts, ideas and trade secrets for serious magicians, enthusiasts and professionals. We’ll also offer incredible classes and resources from the minds of the world’s greatest magicians.
Read more and register.
07 January 2018
Montreal: Mahdi Gilbert lecture
From the Montreal Magic Jam:
Tuesday January 9th
Mahdi Gilbert is one of the hottest magicians in the world. His magic is incredible, his sleight of hand impeccable. Oh and he does all this without even having hands.
Mahdi has performed his magic all over the world and has been seen on TV by over 270 million people. Here’s your chance to see him live, performing and teaching some of his signature routines, talking about his thinking, as well as teaching some tricks that you haven’t seen before. Here’s your chance to sit down and spend an evening with one of the most inspirational magicians on the planet.
Read more and buy tickets.
Rounding the Western rings in January 2018
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - TBA |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - TBA |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - SYM - Mini-wands, Top Hats, workshop |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - Third Monday Magic. |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - Woody Aragon lecture and show - Ryan Pilling lecture - AGM |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - Ryan Pilling lecture |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - VMC dinner |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
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