KIVALLIQ

Winnipeg magician Brian Glow's Kivalliq tour this past month was as magical for him as it was for the thousands who saw him perform.

Winnipeg magician Brian Glow wowed crowds across the Kivalliq with his captivating magic show this past month. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

Glow, whose tour was sponsored by Keewatin Air, said he received a grand reception and strong turnout in every community.

He said the shows were marked with a lot of yelling, cheering and screaming from the fans, which made them great fun for him.

"If the communities want me back, I'll be there with bells on," laughed Glow.

"It was my first trip to the Kivalliq and I truly had the time of my life.

"I went ice fishing for mussels, had my first dog-team ride in Rankin Inlet, where John Hickes and Page Burt treated me like a king at the Nanuq Lodge, and got to eat muktaaq in Baker Lake."

Glow, 54, has been performing magic since the age of eight.

A professional since 1973, he has amazed audiences around the world.

Glow said he's lived a lifetime of happiness by doing something he has such passion for.

He said actually getting paid for it rates as the biggest bonus he can think of.

"The kids up there were so full of life and excitement, and they all wanted to see just one more trick.

"In most of the communities, they hosted a workshop I produce and we actually taught kids how to do some magic tricks.

"So not only did they get to see my show, they got to spend a few hours learning how to do some magic tricks with cards, coins and other things.

"We used ordinary objects you can find around the house, and the response we got from them doing tricks with string, paper clips, a pencil or a piece of paper was one of the highlights of the trip."

Glow said he never knows what to expect at a show, but he was blown away by kids of all ages in the Kivalliq.

He said many people who came out had never seen a real magic show in their lives.

"I called it the cradle-to-grave show because we had kids, teenagers, adults and elders at them.

"Even people who don't speak English got it because magic is such a visual art form.

"It was just so cool to see so many different generations at the shows.

"I've been touring for four decades and my home country knocked it out of the ball park by giving me such an experience in the Kivalliq."

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