339-927-4710

              Boston, MA – Magician

         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxKd6PIB8FQ

I’ve only been at this game for a little over seven years, but early on I realized that there would be a constant evolution in performing and a slow one with my repertoire.

When working for the only people that count, the search for the latest and the greatest gets placed on the back burner. If you don’t already have at least a handful of “Killer Material”, you won’t be working very long.

Two [tricks/effects] which have been with me, pretty much from the beginning are “51 Cards to Pocket” (David Williamson) and, “A Familiar Ring. (Paul Gertner) These two pieces are the focus of this blog.

Massachusetts Close-Up Magician

First, there are many variations on 51 cards to pocket. I learned one from Matthew Dowden’s DVDs, “Party Animal” This has served me well, and I only adjusted it within the last three months. You see, I ended the routine with a production of the card from my wallet. It always got great reactions, but I already have a few routines in my repertoire where a card is produced from my wallet. Suffice to say, it’s not wise to use them all with the same crowd. So, I’ve owned the Omni Deck for a long time, and I never found the routine that seemed right for me, even though there are many to choose from.

You know where this is going, of course. Instead of producing the deck, little by little from my pocket, I remove the Omni deck, with the selection on top. I have the spectator cover the “deck” and the cover card, which is the selection, and to my surprise, when I fished around inside the spectator’s hands and removed the selection, this got a big reaction, seriously…lots of applause. (I didn’t see this coming, as to me, it appeared obvious the selection was on the top of the “deck”. Not so! But wait! There’s still more…and of course, the spectator is unknowingly holding the “Omni Deck.” See the reactions in the video.

Magic Show Boston 339-927-4710

The other piece is Paul Gertner’s brilliant routine. What can I say; it plays so well, you’ve got the emotional hook of a borrowed ring. (Usually a man’s wedding ring.) There’s so much built-in humor, and as most of us know, we are not comedians, but magic brings out a lot of laughter.

So what’s the problem? Finding a ring to borrow…there is not always one available. I never use a woman’s ring with any type of stone or diamond. I’ve heard the nightmare stories, and I won’t be adding a story of my own.

So here’s the thing with men and their rings…some men have put on a few pounds since their wedding, and that ring is not going to come off without a saw. Other men will Never! Take their ring off…that’s O.K. I get it; they see it as a minor betrayal to their wife. So as you can see, sometimes I had to leave the coins to the spectator’s hands out of my repertoire, but I wanted to have one available.

One day, I was watching Craig Petty on YouTube, and he was performing a Three coin version for a crowd of people, and not only did the three coins “fly invisibly” to the spectator’s hand(s) they proceeded to vanish one at a time with a finale of “The Flurry” (David Roth) with the production of a Jumbo Coin. (Craig produces a second Jumbo Coin, even larger than the first).

Now, certain parts of this routine could be problematic, but Craig’s brilliant structuring solves any problems that could arise…see the results in the video. I’ve been using this lot…and every now and then, I perform something special for a couple who are willing to loan me a ring.

Jazz Magic?

Think of the Jazz musician… now think of the Jazz Magician, hmmm? That’s what I’d like to do!… maybe not?

I have many magic friends on social media. They kindly share their experiences in the performance arena. Just recently, a more than capable performer (Top Professional) told how he had improvised a performance with a borrowed deck of cards. He was not bragging, just telling what resulted in a non-prepped performance. Another well-respected pro commented that this is the only way he performs.

The Magic of Joe Ferranti Mass. Wedding Magician

The success of some of the best of the best, when they borrow a pack of cards, they don’t know what they are going to do, so they improvise, jazz it, make it up on the spot. And they kill their audience. I believe them; I have seen a few. But they didn’t just fall off the turnip truck!

Why does this bother me? Because I’ve seen the results of “Magicians” who fancy themselves capable of “Jazzing”, when they are clearly not. I wish those capable of Jazzing would give a warning, “this performance is by a trained professional, this is very dangerous… do not attempt this in your performances.”

Walk Around/Strolling Magic Massachusetts

My caution will fall upon deaf ears. The cocky magician does not want to put in the work; he just goes out and “astounds the masses”. (Yeah… right!) Not the ones I’ve seen! They stumble on their words; they do not know when the time is right to do the “Move/Sleight”.

Our routines/tricks need structure. It’s your choice if you remember every word, despite what the Lazy ones say. This can sound fresh during every performance. It damn well sounds better than not having a clue. At the very least, have a basic framework.

As I said, I have heard the success of Magicians I respect, who can succeed in this type of performance, but here’s what you should know before you go out on the High Wire.

These pros have spent uncountable hours practicing. They work uncountable hours in performance situations. They have encountered things you cannot even imagine.

I’m sure some will accuse me of being a robotic performer, no not at all. I consider myself well-rehearsed and even so, there are times we I have to go off script. It’s just the reality of Strolling Magic. Sometimes performing a “Think of a Card” trick, a suitable ending may vary… it just happens. So, maybe Mercury Fold??? Card under watch???… card in Altoid tin???… Please, just don’t be lazy.

Toibox Jonathan Kamm

Boston Walk around /Strolling Magician www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710

Fooling Kids…Fooling Adults… Who cares?

Boston Massachusetts Magician www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710

OMG… I’vebeen pulled into this conversation. What a waste of my time, Yet… Magicians continue to discuss/debate/argue, whether it is easier to fool adults or children. (BTW, the overwhelming consensus is that children are harder to fool.)

Why is this important? It is not! What is important is understanding of basic critical thinking in children and adults.

Now let’s get this out of the way… Being fooled is not about being made to seem foolish. Every Magician should know this, those who don’t… not my problem or my intent here.

Alright, so…. we will make no one feel foolish. Can we agree that to “fool” will mean to give a positive experience in which they will experience degrees of belief, disbelief, shock and awe? Good! So, for the moment, we agree that “being fooled” is about being entertained by tricks and illusions. 

Children Fooler # 1

If I were to tell a five-year-old that there is a creature that eats children living under their bed… well, this poor kid won’t be sleeping well for at least the near future. (BTW, this is the bad “fool.”) The reason is simple, children have little choice but to believe what an authoritative adult tells them.I’d prefer telling them there is a Santa Claus, but that’s just me.

Adult Fooler # 1

If a so called “medium to the Stars” tells people he/she can talk to their dead relatives… it is sad to say, an amazing amount of adults will buy in. (Bad Fool) Sometimes the belief can be quite costly to one’s pocketbook. Why does this work? This may be an oversimplification, but… who wouldn’t feel some comfort knowing their Mom is doing great, and further than that, she is eager to help you overcome a current obstacle in your life. (Feels good, huh?”)

This fooling stuff is simple… especially when used negatively.

More on Fooling Kids!

Let’s return to some entertainment. It’s hard to count the number of times I have “sawed a sponge ball into two” for five- and six-year-olds. If you’ve done it, you know they will take a single sponge ball and attempt to “saw” it into two, for what seems to be an eternity. This is an easy “good fool”. Not so hard, right?

How about the “See, don’t see” premise. Those less than critical thinkers will scream and scream louder each time you turn around and don’t see the spider on your back. Meanwhile, the adults find this amusing and happy to see their kids are having fun. (Remember, the Adults are not “fooled” here.)

BTW, this may border on making one look “foolish” but it won’t occur to any of them for at least ten years, and you’ll be long gone by then.

Additional note: I heard one “magician’s” explanation why kids are harder to fool… He explains they have good eyesight and also view card tricks from a lower level, therefore they can spot a Double lift. “O.K., I’ll give you a pass on this for one time. If it happens again, shame on you! Make a change.”

More on Adult “Foolers”

Back to the adults. I love the “think of a card” effect. The adult thinks of any card they see in a spread (fanned) deck of cards… the Magician removes one card and places it in his pocket. That’s right, the card in the pocket is the very one the spectator is only thinking of. (“Good fool”) Yup, good fool, because no one has ever asked how I did that, or even ventured a guess how I do this.

In fact, the only group who might “know” how I do this is an alien from who knows where, known as the teenager. OMG! (This is a period where they know everything. How long it lasts varies.)

For the best sources to learn to fool with integrity, I suggest Reading Darwin Ortiz’s works,

Strong Magic and Designing Miracles

Joe Ferranti  Close up Strolling Magician Boston ma.

No matter your budget, you have likely spent more money than you anticipated. It is difficult to compromise on a celebration as important as “your Wedding Day.”

Why do I suggest hiring a Close up/Strolling Magician for your special day, and why you won’t regret it.

First, this is a gift to your guests…yes; you will hear from your guests how much they enjoyed the entertainment. In fact, I sometimes tell this to your guests. Magic entertainers are “new” to most people…in their enthusiasm; some feel the need to tip the Magician. Although this is a kind and generous offer, I am always aware that other groups are always watching you, due to the excitement of professional level Magic. (Most Lay people have never seen a professional magician before.)Back to my point, if other people see you taking money from guests, they may mistakenly think that you are working for tips. I certainly do not want anyone to feel an obligation of feel I am soliciting donations. Of course, I know that I am well compensated for my services. Here is how I handle this situation: “Thank you very much, however, the entertainment is a gift from “Dick and Jane” to their guests…blah, blah…In this manner, they understand that you are compensated for your work…and they also understand the Bride and Groom were thinking of them at the cocktail hour…and they graciously accept the gift.

Speaking of the cocktail hour, it is often a little awkward with many people who have not met…the Close Up Magician introduces many new friends to each other, and the new bond is shared through their enthusiasm.

Your Wedding is not a cookie cutter wedding. Most weddings follow a formula, if you’ve been to several, many will seem much alike, and they blend in as a monotone memory.
Your Wedding will stand out…I borrow a phrase or two, “Your Event will be taken to a new level.”
I certainly think that is enough reason to invite me to your wedding. I will not disappoint you…that is a promise.

If you need more convincing, consider this blog from Magician Craig Petty (click here)

Joe Ferranti Magician

The details are not important; although the location was perfect…Near Boston, drive time about 15 minutes, the fee was acceptable. Why?

I always reach out to discuss anything and everything with all potential clients. I believe everyone providing any service should do this, not just Magicians.

My only requirement, before I go and provide my Close Up/Strolling Magic is…”Am I the right fit?” No amount of money should over rule this simple test. Granted, I probably would have done alright, and the client most likely would have been satisfied. I’m just not sure if they would have been thrilled. I never take chances when I am accepting money.

Whenever possible I will direct the client to someone who will likely be “just right”. I know several Magicians in Massachusetts who provide excellent entertainment. It’s a favor, and is returned if possible.

I only have one reputation…so far so good.
Joe Ferranti
Magician, Boston and Suburbs

I certainly don’t know how “catch words and phrases” get into our vocabulary, I’m just an observer. When performing Strolling Magic at events, I have the good fortune to meet lots of new people, young and old. So recently I have been hearing a lot “What!”…this is a good reaction. If you know who started it, drop me a line, I’m just a little curious.
Do you remember when people said, “in the future…from now on, from here on, henceforth.” These workhorse phrases have been replaced with, wait for it…”Going forward”. Who started this? “Going forward? As opposed to going backwards? I’m sticking with “in the future.”
I believe President Obama created, “A teachable moment.” Let me know if I am wrong. This is a great phrase to use every time somebody does something incredibly stupid. It’s not a bad thing if it’s a “teachable moment.”