Wishing you and yours a year filled with health, joy, and wonder!
01 January 2020
31 December 2019
In memoriam 2019
Remembering those who have passed this year. Through your passion and spirit you have helped shape the magic community in Canada and around the world. Thank you.
- Burke-McMullen, Gail Elsie ( - 2019.12.08)
- Burtis, Randy (1969.09.02 -2019.12.17)
- Dean, Dicky ( - 2019)
- Quan, Louis (1937 - 2019)
- Yang, John ( - 2019)
Please email additions or corrections to "canadasmagic at gmail dot com"
Top 5 posts in December 2019
There were 30+ posts at Canada's Magic last month. Here are the 5 most viewed posts in the past 30 days:
and the most viewed post this month ...
5. Shin Lim takes on Bohemian Rhapsody - A very creative and magical take on this classic!
4. ICYMI: Darcy Oake and Chris Ramsay in "A Series of Impossible Events!" - Super fun video!
3. The 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award - Thank you all for helping us celebrate the great talent in this country.
2. Random thoughts: "Champions of Magic" 2019 - Quick recap: so. much. FUN! (Remaining Canadian dates: Saskatoon (January 16), Regina (January 17), Prince George (January 26), and Rama (February 29).)
and the most viewed post this month ...
1. Vote now for the 2019 Readers' Choice award - And vote you did! Congratulations again to the winners and to all of the nominees!
Thank you for a great 2019!
We couldn't have done it without you!
Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters, The Toronto Magic Company and Eldritch Theatre who offered up prizes for contests, those who sent news our way, and last but not least, thank you to all of this year's friends (John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Owen Anderson, Ryan Pilling, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, John Smithman, and Richard Hough and all of our 2019 sponsors (be sure to support them!):
Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters, The Toronto Magic Company and Eldritch Theatre who offered up prizes for contests, those who sent news our way, and last but not least, thank you to all of this year's friends (John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, The Outerbridges, Ian Crawford, Owen Anderson, Ryan Pilling, Matt DiSero, James Renoire, Gwyn Auger, Jason Maiuri, Doug Hunt, David Johnson, John Smithman, and Richard Hough and all of our 2019 sponsors (be sure to support them!):
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.
30 December 2019
Murray's magical mittens
Watch Murray's Christmas give-back this year as he distributes mittens knitted by his mom to homeless people in Las Vegas.
From Murray Sawchuck's Youtube channel:
From Murray Sawchuck's Youtube channel:
Surprising The Homeless with MAGIC! (Try Not To Cry)
29 December 2019
2019 Readers' Choice award results
Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were
intended:
Over 500 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest. You all have a lot of devoted fans!
Here are the results of our fourth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)
Nominated by Aaron.
"I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton."
"Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!"
Website: Gwyn Auger
James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown. The quote below is from Unknown.
"James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it."
Website: PickpocketMagic.com
Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."
Website: CarisaHendrix
Ryan Joyce
Nominated by Anonymous.
"Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."
Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."
Website: KenMcCreedy.com
The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)
Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller."
Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com
Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants."
Website: Synnister.com
Ted and Marion Outerbridge
Nominated by Unknown.
"I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!"
Website: TedOuterbridge.com
Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.
Congratulations to Mike for winning the 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Keep up the great work!
Website: MagicShows.ca
a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.
Over 500 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest. You all have a lot of devoted fans!
Here are the results of our fourth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)
Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)
Nominated by Aaron.
"I would like to nominate Gwyn Auger the Magic Assistant. Gwyn’s endless enthusiasm and passion for magic and the magic community is an inspiration, whether it is helping support young local magicians in Calgary, promoting the value of the assistant in the industry and her eagerness to help others at conventions or shows at the drop of a hat. Gwyn is one of the most professional, kindest, freelance magician assistants in the business who also recently branched out to perform her own act as part of the Celebrities of Magic in Bakersfield, CA. This year Gwyn was also the first assistant to perform at the new Magic Castle Cabaret in Santa Barbara, CA with Lance Burton."
"Gwyn is truly an amazing ambassador for the business!"
Website: Gwyn Auger
Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
- Gwyn totally deserves this she has been instrumental in the Calgary magic community as well as many larger circles globally.
- Talented and skilled people, one and all, but only Gwyn has the magic presence that makes those around her shine.
Voters' musical tastes include: Frank Loesser / Hoagy Carmichael, Queen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- Gwyn totally deserves this she has been instrumental in the Calgary magic community as well as many larger circles globally.
- Talented and skilled people, one and all, but only Gwyn has the magic presence that makes those around her shine.
Voters' musical tastes include: Frank Loesser / Hoagy Carmichael, Queen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
James Harrison (aka Pickpocket James)
Nominated by Unknown, Amy Thibodeau, Missa Deadlove, Rex P., Mike Weiland, Anonymouos, and Unknown. The quote below is from Unknown.
"James Harrison. He's the pickpocketing MASTER, he's got a YouTube video that is going viral like crazy right now with 2 million views and counting and he works like crazy, at home and internationally. So all of that is amazing, but here's why I think James REALLY deserves a nomination: He's the kindest, most giving magician I've met in years. When he's not on stage, he's off stage sharing his knowledge to apply what he's learned in the trenches to help others. So in short, I think James is inspirational because he covers both bases. He's one hell of a performer with incredible original creations and he's one hell of a good person to go with it."
Editor's note:
- The September 26th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Watches" with James Harrison has over 1.8 million views.
- The September 30th Modern Rogue episode "How Pickpockets Steal Wallets" with James Harrison trended on YouTube in early October
Website: PickpocketMagic.com
Comments from James' fans include:
- Stole my watch while I 'watched' and I still missed it...AMAZING.
- I've seen him perform multiple times and can't tell you how great he is! Charismatic, talented and just a decent guy. Good for any event.
Voters' musical tastes include: Bach, Peter Gabriel, and Green Day.
- Stole my watch while I 'watched' and I still missed it...AMAZING.
- I've seen him perform multiple times and can't tell you how great he is! Charismatic, talented and just a decent guy. Good for any event.
Voters' musical tastes include: Bach, Peter Gabriel, and Green Day.
Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling)
Nominated by Lukas Stark.
"I would like to nominate Carisa Hendrix not only is her public work charming and incredible, her success in a primarily male dominated industry (and world), and her humble Canadian beginnings, but her penguin lecture is the best 5 hours I've spent thinking about my magic for years and the best work I've ever heard about bringing character to your magic."
Editor's note:
- In case you missed it, Carisa is the co-founder of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that hopes to make itself obsolete."
- In June of this year, she received the Magicana's Allan Slaight award for Canadian Rising Star.
- Carisa lectured and performed at the first OWOW Magic Festival this year.
- Carisa Hendrix LIVE ACTS (Penguin Live).
Website: CarisaHendrix
Comments from Carisa's fans include:
- Phenomenal entertainer and lecturer. Goes out of her way to give of herself to anyone who asks.
Voters' musical tastes include: Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, and Elton John.
- Phenomenal entertainer and lecturer. Goes out of her way to give of herself to anyone who asks.
Voters' musical tastes include: Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, and Elton John.
Nominated by Anonymous.
"Ryan Joyce for creating Canada's most unique magic festival. The OWOW Magic Festival brought more than a dozen of the top magicians to the most magical place in Canada - Fergus, ON to perform for the public this past Halloween. For magicians, Ryan has created a fun-space where they can gather and further their own careers - Wondertown - which includes Magicians Masterclass and the new podcast Magicians Talking Magic. We should all be so dedicated in furthering the art and the perception of our art."
Editor's note:Website: RyanJoyce.com
- In addition to launching the first ever OWOW Magic Festival, Ryan co-hosts the podcast "Magcians Talking Magic," and does a lot of travelling for shows.
Comments from Ryan's fans include:
- His work and efforts speak volumes and he is all about bringing the magic community together.
Voters' musical tastes include: The Beatles, Pitbull, and Ed Sheeran.
- His work and efforts speak volumes and he is all about bringing the magic community together.
Voters' musical tastes include: The Beatles, Pitbull, and Ed Sheeran.
Ken McCreedy
Nominated by Jason Maiuri.
"Ken McCreedy for his vast knowledge of Canadian magic as well as being a mentor to so many great acts."
Editor's note:
- Ken has an extensive knowledge of Canadian magic history and is very generous with sharing his knowledge!
Website: KenMcCreedy.com
Comments from Ken's fans include:
- Always entertaining and full of surprises. He is a kind and patient teacher. It is an Honour to be his assistant.
Musical tastes include: Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, and Deep Purple.
- Always entertaining and full of surprises. He is a kind and patient teacher. It is an Honour to be his assistant.
Musical tastes include: Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, and Deep Purple.
The Sentimentalists (Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay)
Nominated by Ross.
"I always felt the Toronto fixtures known as "The Sentimentalists" would shine on a bigger international stage. Their numerous TV appearances this year solidified this. They are an inspiration as a fellow Toronto based Canadian performer. Especially Steffi being the first woman Mentalist to fool Penn and Teller."
Editor's note:
- After being eliminated from America's Got Talent Season 14 during the Judge Cuts, they returned as the wildcard in the quarterfinals!
Website: TheSentimentalistsMagic.com
Comments from The Sentimentalists' fans include:
- These two are AMAAAAAAAAAZING. Been in the business nearly half a century, at this point, and I've never seen a live mentalism act to top theirs. Just a stunning act. Stunning.
Voters' musical tastes include: Steve Miller, Queen, and Harry S. Miller.
- These two are AMAAAAAAAAAZING. Been in the business nearly half a century, at this point, and I've never seen a live mentalism act to top theirs. Just a stunning act. Stunning.
Voters' musical tastes include: Steve Miller, Queen, and Harry S. Miller.
Anastasia Synn (aka Sia Synn)
Nominated by Krystal Lawrence.
"She's a freakin cyborg pioneering a new brand of magic! It's been getting worldwide attention, she's been on international news with her crazy implants."
Edtitor's note:
- Anastasia has over 30 implants.
- You can read more about her biohacking in the September 6th article "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and magnets in her body" by Rebecca Robbins in Stat News.
- Jonah Babins interviews Anastasia in the September 19th episode of Discourse in Magic, "Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn."
Website: Synnister.com
Anastasia's fans were people of few words.
Musical tastes include: Radiohead, Crystal Eyes, and Rag'n'Bone Man.
Musical tastes include: Radiohead, Crystal Eyes, and Rag'n'Bone Man.
Editor's Choice
Nominated by Unknown.
"I would like to nominate Ted & Marion Outerbridge as being truly inspirational entertainers in the world of magic. What you see on the stage is exactly what you get off the stage. They are soft spoken, humble and sincere - but extremely passionate and talented in everything they do. From costuming to scripting, choreography and illusion, they do it all!"
Editor's note:
- Ted and Marion lectured and performed at The Browser's Bash this year.
- They moved to Smith Falls, ON earlier this year and created an opportunity for themselves to have a very well received standing show at their local theatre!
- Ted and Marion are in the process of restoring their new home, the "Keyhole House." They've found a note dated 1892 and signatures that date back to the year the house was built, 1897.
Website: TedOuterbridge.com
The Outerbridge's fans were also people of few words.
Voters' musical tastes include: Smash Mouth, Brockhampton, and Frank Sinatra.
Voters' musical tastes include: Smash Mouth, Brockhampton, and Frank Sinatra.
Readers' Choice
Mike Norden
Nominated by Anonymous.
Congratulations to Mike for winning the 2019 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
Keep up the great work!
Website: MagicShows.ca
Mike's fans were most likely to not follow instructions, and also most likely to get the date wrong.
Musical tastes include: A wide assortment of Christmas music.
Musical tastes include: A wide assortment of Christmas music.
28 December 2019
Shin Lim takes on Bohemian Rhapsody
From Shin Lim's YouTube channel:
This was extremely challenging making this video!
Absolutely no CGI was used on the card tricks in this routine.
One of my all time favorite songs, I hope you like this tribute to it.
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