It’s been a couple of months since my last performance. I miss the live interactions with clients.
Honestly…it seems I may never return to my “work.” I may never shake another hand, or experience the mere casual touches which make up respectful human interactions.
I have cancelled accounts which help with contacting potential clients. (Gig this or Gig that…) Their fees cost a substantial amount of money, but there was a return for having listings beyond my website. No one is contacting me for events that can’t take place.
If I ever return, I hope you shop locally. That means, take the time to search out magicians and visit our web sites. Of course, price shop, compare experience, check the reviews…see some videos. (The videos tell the actual story)
As I write this, I see a wedding my wife and I were to attend in July. They have postponed their wedding … I guess the Bride and groom want “real” guests present, not virtual ones.
When you feel safe, call me or contact ferrantimagic.com
Hoping we meet soon.
All Best Wishes,
Joe Ferranti
Close Up Strolling Magician
It is easy to relay stories of our successful, over-the-top “shows” … everything goes right, the reactions, applause, shouts of NFW tell the story. But…now and then I don’t quite get my footing. I never quite reach my comfort zone. Searching for a reason requires honest reflection.
Please understand, I am not talking about a “failed” performance. In fact, my audience was not aware that I was not on my “A-game”. (See review at the end.)
What went wrong? Well, I will go over the evening in my head, over and over… it’s not what went wrong. Maybe it comes down to the personal connection or, in this case, the slightly off-target personal connection. I feel I missed the Bull’s eye. Everything is a maybe?
Boston’s Best Strolling Magician
So, I reflect, what’s going on in my personal life…hmmm? I am working on some family matters that require a lot of my attention. (Don’t worry, my marriage is fine…I’m on a solid foundation.) Maybe, just maybe, this is a small part. There are so many pieces that make up a puzzle, I might never quite figure this out. However, I owe it to myself, and future audiences… to analyze everything to ensure I give my very best every time I entertain.
Reflecting and analyzing to bring The Very Best in Strolling/Walk Around Magic to all my clients.
Here’s the review…
“Joe entertained at our company party and was wonderful! He arrived early, left late, and our guests really enjoyed his magic! The CEO of our company actually just came into my office, saying how great Joe was. He was professional and fun – he worked the room like a champ. I definitely recommend Joe for your gathering.”
Some magicians worry about how much “time” they get out of a routine. I suggest we worry about the impact each routine will have on our audience, not on how to fill time as goal-to complete be a task.
Perhaps you’ve seen the ads, Five Minutes with a… (rope, pocket handkerchief, etc.) The ads focus on the time you will get out of a routine. I understand the need to structure our act to fill different time slots. I think we are starting at the end, instead of the beginning. If our primary focus is on building a 45 minute act, we may miss the mark of 45 minutes of top-notch entertainment.
I’ve learned a few things, thinking back to my time in school. Certainly not my glory days, and not directly pertinent to this topic. What applies was my attitude. I wasn’t enjoying the journey, and my goal was to find the quickest way to finish an assignment.
As a child, “being done” meant reclaiming time to do what I wanted… playing with friends, watching TV… all important to an adolescent, but came at a cost of other things I had yet to realize were also important.
Magic is entertainment.
As an adult, I have learned to invest time for reasons other than satisfying my desire to avoid work.
I am referring to those magic tricks that fill up time with not enough regard for entertainment. I won’t name the “tricks”, but I am talking about the ones which are promoted as “time consumers”.
Time is important when putting together an act, even vital in competitions. Time is not important, in fact, it is detrimental when viewed from a perspective as “filler”.
The length of a routine is important information, because we have timelines which affect our client’s needs. Not to fill a program with fluff! There’s just no room for filler… we are making entertainment, not pillows.
When searching for a Magician to entertain at an adult function, please do not search for “Birthday Magician”… oh go ahead… are you back? See what I mean? Yeah, nothing but children’s magicians. That’s fine, but is not what you are looking for.
You will need to revise your search, try putting in Adult Birthday Magicians near me. I hope you see my name. Of course you do.
For the best in adult entertainment, the results come down to a handful of qualified candidates. Find several qualified candidates and then choose from the Best.
One way to make that determination is a perusal of testimonials from past clients, and I just put some together. Here are a few of my reviews.
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful and unforgettable birthday night! You were more than I could have wished for… I will recommend and send along your information to anyone looking to elevate their parties as you were absolutely fantastic.
Thanks Again,”
Krista N. Boston, Ma.
60th Birthday Party review:
“Thank you, Joe, for your spectacular performance for my husband’s 60th surprise birthday party. You gave our friends and family such an awesome evening that they are still talking about it weeks later! It would have just been a nice dinner without you, but you took it up to the highest level of fun, with your showmanship and professionalism (not to mention, great sense of humor). You made all the age groups at the party enjoy our very special evening, by giving every guest special attention. Again, thanks so much for the lifelong wonderful memory. With respect and gratitude.” Valerie K. from West Roxbury.
PS: My guests are still asking (me as well), “Now how did Joe do that?”
Five Star Reviews
Private Birthday Party review”
“Joe is by far one of the best magicians in this area. He performed for a party for my father and had myself and all the guests laughing and entertained all night. His close up tricks blew everyone away. It was a great time! Thank you, Joe!”
Samantha B.
60th Birthday review:
“We hired Joe for my husband’s 60th birthday party and we are so glad we did! First, he was very good at communicating with me before the party and making sure that we were all set. It was so nice not to worry. When he arrived, he was so easy to work with. He entertained everyone (adults and kids) and left several people scratching their heads, wondering how he did his magic. His humor and banter were very entertaining—even converting some non-believers!!! Our guests loved him. We would hire him back in a minute! Thanks Joe!”
Linda B.
25th Birthday review
So glad I booked Joe for my girlfriend’s surprise 25th birthday party. We love magic and Joe EXCEEDED our expectations. He worked for a room of 50 guests for 2 hours and kept everyone entertained.
Update 9-24-2021
A lot has changed since I first wrote this blog. My intentions were to give potential customers information from previous engagements. I appreciate all the positive reviews I have received over the years. You can see even more with a Google search, but here is the change…
Every body has a video camera.
Not only does everyone have a video camera, the cameras produce high-quality video and pictures. I now suggest you see some video footage and combine that with reviews to make your best informed decision.
Wine & Cuisine Society, a Student Club at Harvard Business School
Joe was a fantastic addition to our event. He mingled for 3 hours with over 250 guests at a black-tie gala and kept everyone entertained. We had so many people ask for his card or contact information, really the star of the show. Very professional and courteous, great communication before the event, and extremely conscientious and punctual. He was even doing impromptu magic for the catering staff during the event setup, which they loved, and set the perfect mood for the evening. Will definitely use again and highly recommend. Will F.
Tatnuck Country Club
We hired Joe for our annual “I survived the holidays party” for our employees. We are an exclusive country club and have continuous holiday parties and get to celebrate ours after the fact. I was looking for something fun and interactive and found Joe. He used his mix and mingle magic skills to wow every one of my coworkers.
His sleight of hand is immaculate and left everyone wondering for weeks after on how he did it. (Magician Joe Ferranti) He is a friendly and personable professional and you can see the air of enthusiasm that surrounds him. He had everyone laughing and many following him around, not wanting to miss anything. He was very humble and able to ‘go with the flow.
The Magic of Joe Ferranti Satisfaction Guaranteed
We were very unorganized as to the actual flow of events with in the fiesta but his ability to shift gears at a moment’s notice amazed me. Many entertainers can get frustrated or offended if they are in the middle of something and then you make announcements, but he could foresee and prepare to start again without notice. He came early and stayed later than expected. Very nice and magical guy. Highly recommended for any event and his prices are unbeatable. Kyla H. Tatnuck Country Club–Worcester, MA.
My Company had a national conference in Boston over the Halloween weekend and the theme was a “magical” theme. Joseph Ferranti was our professional magician, and he was absolutely perfect with an impressive combination of magic, comedy, engaging our employees and weaving our theme into his presentation. I would recommend Joe Ferranti as he will work with you to customize your event.
Gayle Williams, President, Apollo Professional Solutions, Inc.
I would like to thank you for the fun and wonderful performance you put on for the clients at the Adult Day Center at Blair House in Tewksbury Ma. this past Tuesday. I know they enjoyed it as much as I did! It was a pleasure doing business with you, starting with my finding your services on the internet, contacting and communicating with you was always very prompt and professional. I would definitely recommend your service to anybody looking for a magician or entertainer for any occasion. Tracey Tobin, Senior Whole Health.
“Our students were very impressed, and I heard great things, also, from your dinner shows.” Stephanie W., Student Activities Coordinator, Phillips Academy, Andover, Ma.
Elderhostel, Inc. (Road Scholar)
Hi Joe! Thank you so much for your performance par excellence! It thrilled all the Folks at Road Scholar to see (some for the first time) a real, live professional magician. Best, Dave H.
Dear Joe, Thank you so much for helping us make Breast Cancer disappear! You were fabulous! So nice of you to donate your time. It was a special evening to benefit Mass. General. Jeanne Hennessey (Lorraine Roy Designer Collections and Friends),
Edgewood Church of Christ
From initial inquiry all the way through performance, Mr. Ferranti was extremely professional & courteous. He arrived early to set up and was flexible & accommodating when our late arriving guests pushed back the start time. The show was entertaining & appropriate and the many audience participants loved being part of the show. We will look for opportunities to hire Mr. Ferranti again in the future! Matt Welch, Youth Minister, Edgewood Church of Christ, Mansfield, MA
We were very pleased with Joe Ferranti and the magic he performed for our group. He arrived early, prepared, and was very accommodating for our location & group of people. He performed in a friendly, professional manner & everyone enjoyed his show. Thank you for all your help. Maryann D. Top of the Hill Gang, Inc.
AIM entertainment and enrichment coordinators
Hi Joe, Thank you so much for performing at AIM (Angels in Motion (A.I.M.), on Tuesday, Jan 8th. The members loved the show. You were so entertaining and we loved the stories you told while engaging in their interests. We look forward to having you back in the spring and would love to book you again for next year too! Thanks again, Noreen Curdo & Pam Almeida (AIM entertainment and enrichment coordinators)
For a moment, think in terms of emojis… imagine a clown, got it? How about a Dr.? Now a magician?
Do you see a Top Hat? A Rabbit? A Magic wand? It’s your conception, so I need to redefine. Maybe you see a man twisting balloon doggies and swords. Somebody at a Children’s Birthday Party. All of the above are correct and legitimate symbols that may come to mind. But, and it’s a “but” with capital letters! That is not what I do. It is a constant problem in this field to define what I do and reach those who are interested in my services.
I provide “adult entertainment. ” You can see how that may be problematic. Is there an emoji for adult entertainment? That is not what I do.
What can I do for you? If you have a stereotype in mind, I want to get you an accurate perception of my services. To be sure, I advise a conversation. You can reach me at 339-927-4710.
What you get.
When you hire The Magic of Joe Ferranti, you receive professional entertainment with Magic as its basic theme, with the right amount of comedy to complement my style of Close-Up Magic.
Don’t Choose Me.
Recently, on opening my Parlor Show, I asked a spectator to assist me. There was a hesitation. I knew it was the fear of being embarrassed. The first assistant is at the mercy of the entertainer.They are pioneers paving the way for volunteers to come. I hurried on and got another assistant, as I have to keep the flow of my show on course.
Everything went well, and later in my show I returned to the nervous spectator and they gladly joined me and had a great time.
I embarrass no one
It is not my style to embarrass my audience volunteers. It is unfortunate that some do.
I assure you of one thing, all your guests will let you know they had the best time, ever!
Isn’t that nice? I think so.
Joe Ferranti Magician Boston
A magical day calls for a little extra magic. Wedding magician Joe Ferranti
I know people are getting married throughout the year, but so many are booked for June, It’s a Wedding Planners Dream.
So many decisions, too many decisions, so much stress, relax and breathe deep.
In our own little worlds, the globe revolves around each of us, even though we know it’s not true. I am one of many Wedding Magicians in Boston and Ma. I’m not here to tell you I’m the best. (Just one of the best.)
Priorities for your special day
As you go through your list of priorities, the Magician may come after the Photo Booth. I know we are near the bottom… and that’s O.K. every event has a budget, and there is a point where the money shuts down. I totally understand, I live on a budget myself. If you find there’s not enough money to hire a Magician, that’s fine, I’m sure you will have a wonderful celebration.
Your Magica will be the smallest part of your budget
However, if your budget allows, a magician may be your best bargain for entertainment. You can take your event to an entirely different level for your guests. You can give them a gift of the most unique form of entertainment available.
My only Advice is to shop with knowledge. Insure that your Magician is a specialist in the Close Up/ Walk Around style of Magic. If you leave it in the hands of an agency, don’t just allow them to send over someone who is available on your day. In fact, if you can make the time, a google search for wedding magicians in your area should bring you to several web sites of competent Magicians.
I’ll leave you with one tip, find out if the Magician will be performing a “Special Effect” for the Bride and Groom. If they hesitate for a second, hang up. We all do, and anyone of us could tell you which one it is. Trust me. I only lie when I am working.
You have many ways to celebrate. You might have a quiet dinner together. Maybe you will throw a party with your friends, either at home or a restaurant. Perhaps you might add a little music? I’ve got an idea, how about a Professional Magician? That would make for an unforgettable event.
I know what you are thinking; you are a Magician. You’re just trying to sell your services. Well, yes, I’m not so much selling as suggesting a consideration of what I can provide. Any of the above suggestions would be a good time. Nobody would even suggest that something was missing, because nothing was. So why bring Joe Ferranti, one of the top Magicians in Boston, to your celebration? Gee, I want to remain humble. Of course, it would be wrong for me to tell you I can make a difference. So I won’t...just listen to my clients.
Client Reviews
“It would have just been a nice dinner without you, but you took it up to the highest level of fun, with your showmanship and professionalism (not to mention, great sense of humor). You made all the age groups at the party enjoy our very special evening, by giving each and every guest special attention. Again, thanks so much for the lifelong wonderful memory.”
” You were so professional, prompt, kind, and fun! We all truly enjoyed your show and you! Thank you for making our son’s milestone birthday a great one!”
More Reviews
“Joe is by far one of the best magicians in this area.”
“We hired Joe for my husband’s 60th birthday party and we are so glad we did!”
“Thank you so very much for working your magic at my husband’s party. Everyone, and I mean everyone, loved watching you do your craft! You added that something special to the event!”
“Mr. Ferranti really made my best friend’s birthday unique, fun and really special. I would certainly recommend him to anyone.”
Joe Ferranti
One reason, (of many) for not doing shows for children, is tiring of hearing, “Oh, I know that one.” Although, that is perfectly acceptable and a predictable outcry with children. They are easily eager to let their friends know they are “one step” ahead of everybody else.
My choice of entertainment is close up magic for adults. It’s a communicative dialogue with the ending result being an “astonished “group of people. (Which is most often accompanied by applause, laughter and an occasional benign vulgarity. NFW!)
So, I’ve been working several years, and I never hear, “Oh, I know that one” anymore, until…
Yes, it happened twice in the last year! I don’t know exactly why. If I did, I suppose I’d be a psychic, not a magician. It bothers me a little with adults. It has nothing to do with the interruption. I expect that. Close-Up magic is interactive, and one reason I enjoy it so much. (I can’t help it; a grown adult bursting out, “I know that one” bothers me, just a little.)
So, I’m spreading some cards towards a female spectator. My head’s turned away so I can’t see anything. “Just pull one out, anyone. It doesn’t matter. You got one? Please take this pen and sign your name, real big all the way across the face.”
“I know that one.”
It is difficult to recall exactly when her friend shouts out,” Oh, I know that one.” Somewhere between, pull one out and sign the face. I replied, “You do?”…” Yes, my boyfriend showed me” I reply, “Oh… that’s nice.” I continue with having the card replaced, followed by my hand smacking the pack. “Do you know where your card is? Well, it has gone up this sleeve, goes across… uh, what used to be a chest. It then ran down my other sleeve and jumped into my pocket.”
Repeat Card To Pocket
My rather obvious empty hand goes into the pocket and removes a card, turns it over to verify the signature… it really is her card. I turn to her friend, “Is that the card trick your boyfriend showed you?” The answer is, “uh, no.” “Are you sure” The reply remains the same. “Watch,” I take the card and rub it on my thigh… The card vanishes as I lift my hand. “Do you know where it went?” I subtlety point to my pocket. The empty hand goes in again and brings out the “signed” selected card.
I can’t help myself, “Is that the one your boyfriend showed you?” The answer remains the same.
However, the trick continues. The spectator pushes the signed card into the deck. After a slight pause, I point to my left breast pocket. The card is now there, in full view for everyone to see. Yeah, you know, “Is that the one your boyfriend showed you?” Her head shakes back and forth in the universal sign language, which means “no.”
The Deck Vanishes
The entire deck is now between my palms. One spectator covers my hands on top, another underneath. “Slowly squeeze my hands together…you can let go now”. I open my hands to reveal the entire deck has vanished except for the spectator’s signed card. The spectators gasp.
There is more, but I am sure you get the picture.
“Are you sure that’s not the one your boyfriend showed you?” She smiles, I shake her hand. “Thanks so much for being a good sport. Have a great evening!” The friendly ending should take away any “sting” she may have felt during the trick… I am not hired to embarrass any of the clients. I would never dream of it.
Joe Ferranti
I just did a Google search for the best magician in Boston. Have no fear, I stopped counting after 50. There is no shortage of the “Best”. How can you go wrong?
Easily, you may hire the wrong “Best Magician”.
You should have done a further search… Best Magicians that Suck. Just kidding!
Sadly, this is a business. It’s like picking out a Salad Dressing… Salad dressing is relatively cheap, so you can try a few and decide for yourself. Magicians? Not so cheap and you are having only one 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Universal desire for the best
I was talking with a potential client, and I told her, “Truly, I am one of the best close up magicians in this area.” Well, she hired me and she was kind enough to write a review… here’s an excerpt. “Joe was one of the Best Magicians…” I’m not sure why she used the past tense. I also ask a few questions, it helps because I’m not a marketing specialist.
Also, believe it or not, I am humble and don’t like to brag. I’d rather have my work speak for itself. But I have competition with essentially the same claims. If I say I’m the second best, it doesn’t turn out so well. This puts the burden on you to make your best informed decision.
Perceptions of our services
Actually, I’m in the ballpark with everyone else, but here is a little truth for you. Whoever you hire, when you say good night and walk out the door, they better think you were the Best Magician they ever saw. That’s the part each of us must fulfill. It’s probably not true, but the perception better be there.
Now here is the caveat to all us Magicians. This advice comes from many of the “Real Best Magicians around the globe.”
Your guests will love The Magic of Joe Ferranti
Appreciate the compliments, the applause, the laughter, the occasional scream, but the moment you believe, you are the best. You’ve let your ego get the “Best” of you. There are so many entertainers out there. Plenty are better in many aspects, some in all aspects. Keep yourself grounded. The moment you develop an “attitude” you’re done. Let’s face it; we’re not performing brain surgery. (Just doing a few tricks.)
Humbly,
Joe Ferranti “The Best Magician in Boston” well, you know.
