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!
Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)
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
Editor's Choice
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
Readers' Choice
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!
