Tag Archives: magician Boston

Wedding Season in the Northeast

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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.)

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 at the end of the day, you find there’s not enough money to hire a Magician, that’s fine, I’m sure you will have a wonderful celebration.

If however you find a few hundred dollars, 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 should bring you to several web sites of competent Magicians. You can avoid the middle man altogether, and in the process you might save yourself 10 – 25 % of the cost. (Yeah, that’s what they get for introducing us.)

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.

Joe Ferranti Wedding and Party Magician, Boston, Ma.

Birthday Magician? Not just for Kids!

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Turning40, 50, 60…Happy birthday!

So your husband/Wife is turning??…congratulations.
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. Maybe you can 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.
There is no doubt that 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.
“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 of 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 life-long wonderful memory. “
That’s really nice; I couldn’t have put it better without sounding like I have a fat head.
“You were so professional, prompt, kind, and fun! We all truly enjoyed your show and you! Thank you for making our sons milestone birthday a great one!”
How about…
“Joe is by far one of the best magicians in this area.”
That was really sweet, anymore?
“We hired Joe for my husband’s 60th birthday party and we are so glad we did!”
OMG, this guy is great! But there is more…
“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!”
I’m starting to get tears in my eyes.
“Mr. Ferranti really made my best friend’s birthday unique, fun and really special. I would certainly recommend him to anyone.”
My goodness, now I see it…you take it to a different level.
Right, but how could I say that about myself?

Joe Ferranti Boston Magician for any event

Turning 60…Happy Birthday

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So your husband is turning 60…congratulations.

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. Maybe you can 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. There is no doubt that 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.

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 of 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 life-long wonderful memory. That’s really nice; I couldn’t have put it better without sounding like I have a fat head. You were so professional, prompt, kind, and fun! We all truly enjoyed your show and you! Thank you for making our sons milestone birthday a great one!

How about…
Joe is by far one of the best magicians in this area.
That was really sweet, anymore?
We hired Joe for my husband’s 60th birthday party and we are so glad we did!
OMG, this guy is great! But there is more…
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!
I’m starting to get tears in my eyes.
Mr. Ferranti really made my best friend’s birthday unique, fun and really special. I would certainly recommend him to anyone.
My goodness, now I see it…you take it to a different level.
Right, but how could I say that about myself?

Joe Ferranti “One of the Top Magicians in Boston.”

“Oh, I Know That One…”

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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 excited and eager to let their friends know they are “one step” ahead of everybody else.

My personal 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. For some reason it bothers me a little with adults. It has nothing to do with the interruption, as that is expected. Close Up is truly interactive, and perhaps the 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? Would you please take this pen and sign your name, real big all the way across the face.”

I don’t recall exactly when, but at some point between, pull one out and sign the face, her girlfriend shouts out “Oh, I know that one.” 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, run across…uh, yes that would be my chest. It then ran down my other sleeve and jumped into my 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, “uhh, no.” “Are you sure” I want to verify as some boyfriends do know everything. The reply remains the same. “Watch,” I take the card and rub it on my thigh…I lift my hand, and it is gone. For the suspicious ones I show the first few cards on top of the deck, in case they thought I snuck it back. “Do you know where it went?” I subtlety point to my pocket, the obviously 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 actually 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.”

Finally the entire deck is placed on my left thigh, there is a slight pause as the deck is squished into nothingness, leaving only one card. (The signed card) Finale time, the entire deck has jumped to my left coat pocket. No, I don’t ask her again. I politely shake her hand and end, “Thanks so much for being a good sport. Have a great evening!” I truly hope that will 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 Comedy Magician, Boston Ma.

Google Search

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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?
Very easy, 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.

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, I was hired and she was kind enough to write a review…here’s a bit of it. “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 good.

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.”

Appreciate the compliments, the applause, the laughter, the occasional scream, but the moment you start believing 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.

Connect, Connect, And Connect!

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Many people ask, what leads to a successful performance in the(Magical) close up arena…?
There are essentially two ingredients. If one is missing, the whole event falls flat, and it is YOUR FAULT.
While performing close up Magic you must connect with your audience. It is a two way street. They are actually part of the performance. Although you need to maintain some control or the effect will be lost. Your audience is there to participate. They will talk; they will touch and hold your props. They will at times interrupt. Every now and then I kiddingly tell them they are in my row boat, and I have control of the oars, so sit back and enjoy the ride. This is always said with a wink of the eye and will generate a laugh and get the attention you might need at the moment.

Use and remember their names…they will love you for it. Connect by always performing clean magic. Do not cross the line. They are allowed to respond with “blue material”, but you never perform it. I don’t mean to be stuffy, but this is where you let the reigns go, and let them have their laughs. You’ll get credit for the laughter, but not using inappropriate material or innuendos. Connect so they see you as a professional Magician. So many clients have big and generous hearts. They worry if you are not eating, others will want to give you a drink. If you do your part correctly, they will view you as the most interesting guest of the party. You will be a “guest” but please refrain from eating and drinking.

I did say there was a second ingredient. That is mastery of your craft. You would think this would go without saying. You must know everything you do inside and out. You must still practice, no matter how long you have been performing. It is an obligation to give your clients professionally performed magic. You cannot buy it at a Magic shop. Finally, never adopt a superior attitude. We are not performing organ transplants, or putting rockets into space. If an audience can “smell” an attitude, they will not like you. Now go out and get’em.

Joe Ferranti One of Boston’s Best Close Up Magicians

Repeat Business…The Best Referral

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This lingering question regurgitates in my mind. How do I inform new clients that I have the talent that they are looking for? I know what will happen if I entertain at most any venue. Why? Because I have repeatedly performed my services and I repeatedly get the same reactions. Yeah, it’s kind of like science.
How do I convey that I am one of the top professionals in my field without sounding like a fathead? BTW, I need a new hat…a little larger please.

I have numerous testimonials from satisfied clients. I don’t write them myself. Do people think I do?
I belong to several sites in which I compete with other entertainers. Most of my endorsements are on my own web site. ferrantimagic.com

I have fewer on alternative sites, which charge me fees in order to receive leads for jobs. To post a review on one of these sites, I need to ask my client to copy and paste, blah, blah, blah. These are nice people, but I can’t ask them to do secretarial work so I can look good. I’m a little off topic and its sounding like a rant. What I was saying is thank you to the many clients who return for more. You wouldn’t return to a restaurant if you didn’t like the food? So, to my many repeat clients, thank you. Tell your friends about me. Direct them to my web site, cut out the middleman and I’ll politely ask if you might leave a testimonial.
Joe Ferranti Boston Area Magician

A “Magical” Moment in Time

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After performing for numerous clients, I’ve reached a conclusion which is universal. We become “friends”. Now I don’t mean we’ll be having Thanksgiving dinner together. However, for that moment in time, they rely upon me to deliver the goods. As a friend would do, I don’t let them down.
As time goes by, perhaps the memory of me will fade. Unless they receive a souvenir they feel compelled to save. (Yes, it happens.)

I realize, I would not want to be on the “bad memory” side. That may last a lifetime. If you watch Judge Judy, you know what I mean. It’s usually in regard to a Wedding. It may be the florist, The Music provider, The Caterer etc. The one thing you will always here is “they ruined my entire Wedding.” OMG, yes, that feeling could last a lifetime.
For me, I’ll stay as a Good to Great memory. Even if I slowly fade away into the Sunset.

Joe Ferranti “One of the Best Strolling/Walk Around Magicians.”

It’s Show Time

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Today I’m going to a pool party (Burlington, ma.)…too bad it’s only going to be in the low seventies. I believe there may be a few kids in the pool. Temperature doesn’t matter much when you are young.
The adults, well I expect to see most them out of the pool. Which works for me, as I still haven’t figured out how Chriss Angel “walks on water”. I imagine a You Tube search might find an answer. Still not my style so I’ll avoid the search.
Well, I’m home from the Party, go figure…they wanted to see me walk on water. I’m fortunate to always see the good side of people. They open their homes to you. They want to feed you, give you a drink. People are generous; of course professional conduct is paramount. I never eat or drink alcohol. However, it is important to decline graciously.
Time to go sit in the sun while it’s still summer. Then I’m off to New Hampshire to entertain at an annual Blood Drive. Hard to believe but the lines are so long, I hope to help the time pass by.

Joe Ferranti Boston Magician

Bridal Shower in Boston

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I always say, “Magic for every Occasion”. I’ve yet to work every occasion, but I’m
getting there. I recently found myself in Hyde Park, MA. This is where I was, quote from Wikipedia: “The George Wright Golf Course, named for baseball Hall of Fame and Boston Red Stockings shortstop George Wright.”

I’ve yet to find a venue where Magic” was not the highlight of the event. I truly believe it never fails. (Of course the Magician must meet a high level of proficiency of skills and above all presentation.) How can you measure that or be assured of total satisfaction. My advice is to read as many reviews/testimonials as you can find. In this day there are also video testimonials from real clients. Look at the pictures. Not of the magician, see if the audience is having a good time. (I.e. smiling, spitting out a drink, yeah it happens.)

When I have a large event in which the fee is also very large, I will have a meeting to introduce myself. I want the client to feel comfortable with their decision. Frankly, they know when I walk in the door. I always go in my performing suit, polished shoes, combed hair, clean shave, clean hands etc. It is almost an “interview”, but I refer to it as a meeting. I might do a couple quick tricks so they know they are hiring a professional Magician. Advice: Look for that word in the reviews and testimonials. Many clients say, “he is a true Professional.” I take it as high praise, but wonder, what did they expect?

Joe Ferranti Magician/Entertainer: Boston and surrounding suburbs