How the Magic was Born
Eric Bedard began his magic career at the age of 7 (Like many he says he wasted the first 7 years of his life) assisting his father Ray Bedard, who performed as the ‘Great Gilbini’. After graduating from assistant to magician, Eric performed his first solo stage show for an audience of 300 at the age of 14. During the next several years, Eric incorporated magic into his career as a corporate sales manager and eventually as a highly sought after motivational speaker.
In September of 1993, Eric became a full time professional magician accepting the coveted position of Ship Magician on the S.S. Beaver Steamship, a fine dining cruise line operating out of Victoria, BC, Canada. For the next 4 ½ years, Eric was able to hone his magical skills performing close-up magic for international audiences on the high seas.
Next came the Trade show years, where Eric performed for International Corporations at convention centres throughout North America. Leaving the Trade show field, Eric introduced us to ‘The Cool Magic Dude’, Eric’s new performing persona who rocked the high seas as C.M.D. toured as a Headline performer with Princess Cruise Lines for almost a decade. The very original and hilarious Cool Magic Dude show garnered many standing ovations.
Magicians gather every year to recognize their peers, much the same as actors hold the Academy Awards to honour their own. Eric has been fortunate to win multiple awards in every major category, including Stage/Comedy Magic, Close-Up Sleight of Hand magic, Most Novel and Innovative New Routine, and is also the recipient of the coveted Farquhar Magician of the Year Award (three times) and The Tony Eng Award (three times).
In the late 1990’s Eric partnered with Michael Ravenhill, Agent and CEO of the David Foster Foundation whereupon Eric & Mike shared magic internationally & continue to work together to this day: “Whenever I need to pull out all the stops I can always count on Eric Bedard to blow our clients away. Whether in Canada, the US, or Paris to New York, Eric has performed at some of the most luxurious venues, Red Carpet Galas and Hollywood Celebrity events on the planet. We have relied on Eric to entertain some of our biggest Corporate Clients and many of the top Celebrities in the world. Thanks Eric for over 30 years of jaw dropping world class magic!” Mike Ravenhill, CEO – David Foster Foundation.
Eric continues to perform at Corporate functions internationally as well as work closely with Mike Ravenhill & the David Foster Foundation having recently shared his innovative magic in December 2023 on the ‘Simply Spectacular’ Tour in Mexico; in September 2024 at David Foster’s family reunion in Victoria. BC; and Nov 2024 at the David Foster 75th Birthday Gala held at the Hollywood Bowl, in LA.