10 December 2023

Scott Baird: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Seventh in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Scott Baird!

Scott Baird: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Scott Baird: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 



Scott has been super successful and yet remains somewhat under the radar - a Hermit if you will. His online magic magazine is fabulous and has had a successful printer run too and Scott has been gaining traction as a magic illustrator as well - providing illustrations for a few big named magic books of 2023!

Submitted by Gwyn Auger

 

 


Congratulations Scott!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Scott Baird and Hermit Magazine visit HermitMagic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram (Scott) / Instagram (Hermit).


 

Thank you Gwyn, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Gwyn Auger follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.








Toronto: Win tickets to see "Potted Potter" [Dec 21 - Jan 14]

Great news folks! We have been offered tickets to give away to our readers, for Potted Potter in Toronto, Canada.


Potted Potter in Toronto


Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff is flying back to Toronto!

Seen by over a million muggles around the world Potted Potter has fans flying off their seats (or broomsticks) with laughter and for the first time in North America the Toronto production will feature an all-female cast. Lottie Bell and Josephine Starte will lead the run with Hanna Berrigan swooping in as Associate Director. The cleverly curated show features perfect Potter props complete with wand and sorting hat, appearances from your favourite characters, and a live Quidditch match!



The show runs from December 21, 2023 - January 14, 2024.  If you don't want to leave your tickets to chance, you can purchase them directly at Live Nation.


There will be a random draw for 5 pairs of tickets for a date of your choice.  

  • There will be five (5) winners.  
  • Each winner receives two (2) tickets.  (Approximate retail value is $100 for the pair.)  
  • The draw results will be posted by Wednesday, December 20th.



To enter:

  1. Log into the RaffleCopter widget at the bottom of this post, using a valid email address.
     
  2. Mandatory: Leave a comment in the widget telling us what spell from the Harry Potter books you wish was real.
     
  3. If you win, you must be willing to provide your name, email address, and phone number, to a representative from Potted Potter so they can coordinate the prize with the Bluma Appel Theatre box office.
     
  4. Winners will be notified by email.  You will have 24 hours to claim your prize.  If we have not heard back from you within 24 hours, your entry will be disqualified and we will draw an additional name.



The fine print:
  • To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.

  • One entry per person.

  • This giveaway is open to Canadian residents, excluding residents of Quebec. (Je m'excuse!)

  • This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.

  • This giveaway may be terminated or withdrawn at any time.

  • Entries may be disqualified at any time (reasons for disqualification include but are not limited to the provision of information that is untruthful, inaccurate, incomplete, or suspected fraudulent behaviour).

  • You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)

  • Transportation to/from Toronto will not be provided.

  • Accommodations will not be provided.

  • Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets at the the Bluma Appel Theatre box office prior to the show on your way into the theatre.

  • The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.

  • Contest closes on Sunday December the 17th, 2023 at 11:59pm ET. Entries received after this time will be disqualified.


 

With thanks to Starvox Entertainment for generously making these tickets available to you!




a Rafflecopter giveaway




09 December 2023

Yannick Lacroix: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Sixth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Yannick Lacroix!

Yannick Lacroix: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Yannick Lacroix: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 



After the unfortunate closing of both magic shops in Montreal during the Pandemic, Yannick decided to keep his magic school open and opened a new location in Montreal. Not only is he teaching magic almost every single day over there but he made sure that his location could be used for the magic club meetings and the lecture organised by the Montreal Magic Jam. He is really helping to keep the magic alive in Montreal.

Submitted by Mystery Magician



Watch Yannick perform with Marc Trudel and Michel Huot on the November 30th upload on the  France's Got Talent YouTube channel:



Listen to Michael Dardant interview Yannick and the rest of The Montreal Trio on the August 15th, 2023 edition of Something Up My Sleeve S02E8.

 

Congratulations Yannick!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Yannick Lacroix, visit his website at MagieStrale.com.  

 

Thank you to our anonymous Mystery Magician, for your excellent submission!








Victoria: The Magic of Tony Eng at the Chinese Canadian Museum

From the December 6th article "New magician exhibit opening at Victoria’s Chinese museum in Fan Tan alley this week" by Curtis Blandy at Victoria Buzz:

Eng was born in 1948 and raised right here in Victoria. According to the museum, he had an affinity for the magical arts since he was a young boy. He received his first magic kit at the young age of 8-years-old and had started performing shows by age 12.

Onlookers would be able to see his show at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades.

He worked over the years to piece together a show that was interwoven with his Chinese Canadian heritage that he called ‘Mysteries of the Orient,’ in which he was adorned in an elegant, embroidered mandarin robe. 

Read more.



Listen to Gregor Craigie interview Julie Eng about her father on the December 4th segment at CBC's On The Island.

 

 

From the December 7th Facebook post by Julie Eng:

It’s official! The Magic of Tony Eng exhibition, at the Victoria Chinatown Museum in Fan Tan Alley is now open! It is wonderful to see my dear dad being honoured in this very special way. Throughout the curatorial process, I was very moving to hear just how many people were touched by Dad and his magic. Thanks to the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum for choosing to spotlight someone who dared to be different and to chase his dreams. I was very excited to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony today. A profound honour and one I will never forget. Dad, I think you really would have loved this exhibition. I know I do.

 

 

 

From the December 6th Facebook post by Charlayne Thornton-Joe:

The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum have worked closely with the Eng family to create the exhibition which celebrates the spellbinding magical career of Tony Eng, whose enchanting influence and legacy reached far corners of the world. The exhibition features Tony’s original mandarin robe and many items from his bag of tricks.

“The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society is delighted to work with the Chinese Canadian Museum on the installation of ‘The Magic of Tony Eng’,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, Board Chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and Co-Curator of The Magic of Tony Eng. “Tony was a mentor to youth in Victoria and around the world. His magic was more than a routine, it provided a space for us to dream beyond the ordinary. Stories of Victoria Chinese Canadians are important to share.” 

Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Tony’s fascination with magic began at the age of eight when he received his first magic kit, and then started performing magic shows at age 12. He became a fan favourite when he performed every Sunday at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades. 

Embracing his Chinese Canadian heritage, he created a distinctive show called “Mysteries of the Orient” which he performed in an embroidered mandarin’s robe. His skill and talent made him renowned in the Canadian magic circle where he was known as the “Ambassador of Magic.” His entrepreneurial skills enabled him to run a successful wholesale business and establish the Premier School of Bartending. He also started up his own Tony's Trick & Joke Shop in Victoria which was a fantasy emporium of wizardry and gadgetry where he inspired and mentored many young up-and-coming magicians for years to come.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

08 December 2023

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fifth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Chris Gowen!

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 



I have been watching Chris Gowen since he had a job that he didn’t like, and watch as magic slowly took over his life. From doing shows locally, to creating shows for Fringe Festivals across Canada, to now doing cruise ships. He’s sickly talented and a great performer. I admire this young creative hard working magician.

Submitted by Brent Smith


 

 

Congratulations Chris!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Chris Gowen, visit his website at ChrisGowen.ca and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.  

 

Thank you Brent, for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Brent Smith visit his website at BrentSmithMagician.com and follow him on Facebook.




2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Paul Romhany
  Alexandra 
 Derrick Chung
 Doug Hunt
 Chris Gowen

 
 





Richard Forget's Advent Calendar adventure!

Here are the first three days!  Follow along with Rich for the next couple of weeks on Instagram or Facebook!

 

From the December 2nd Instagram post by Richard Forget:

You got to love advent calendars. They’re usually filled with chocolate, but I found one that is filled with… Magic! I’m going to open one every day in December.  Then when it is finished, I’m going to give it to somebody as a gift in between Christmas and New Year’s day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

07 December 2023

Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fourth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Doug Hunt!

Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Doug Hunt: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Doug had two people submit his name!


In spite of the personal and professional challenges Doug Hunt has endured through the nearly 40 years I have had the privilege of calling him my friend, I have never seen him without a desire to give back from his heart. He will tell you that he may not be the most talented magician you know, but I'm here to tell you that he is the most HUMAN magician you will ever meet.

Submitted by Peter Mennie



At age 67, Doug Hunt walked 16 steps at 55 ft high in the air, breaking a Guinness World Record. While most might break a record for their own ego; Doug does these amazing stunts to put a spotlight on his local community and raising awareness for local charities. Doug shows how we as entertainers can take our gift and make an incredible impact.

Submitted by Graeme Reed


 

ICYMI, have a read of Graeme's guest post about Doug's recent Guinness World Record breaking stilt walk!

 

Congratulations Doug!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Doug, visit his website at DougTheGreat.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.  

 

Thank you Peter and Graeme, for your excellent submissions!

To learn more about Peter Mennie visit his website at PeterMennie.ca and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.

To learn more about Graeme Reed visit his website at GraemeReedMagic.com and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.



2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase

2023 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase featuring (in order of publication):

Paul Romhany
  Alexandra 
 Derrick Chung
 Doug Hunt