
The Magic of Joe Ferranti has entertained numerous audiences for over a decade. He has gained a reputation as one of the best in Close Up/Comedy Magic in the Greater Boston area. Joe Ferranti presents two styles of Close-Up Magic. Strolling/Walk Around Magic and his very popular Intimate Parlor Show. We would love to have a conversation with you about your event. Please call 339-927-4710 for a no pressure consultation.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Is this the Best Adult Birthday Magician in Massachusetts?
Monday, December 23, 2024
The Magician at a Cocktail Hour
Strolling Magic at a Wedding Cocktail Hour
I've performed "Strolling Magic" in Massachusetts during many cocktail hours for more than 13 years, so I have a little mileage in this arena. Let me just say it is easy, except when it is not. What does this mean? It simply means that a cocktail hour is a "living, breathing event." Nothing is cookie cutter, although I think they can be broken down into a few different categories. You can see samples of "easy" in videos.
Note: If you have looked at the highlighted video, notice that the audience is enjoying cocktails, however, no one is eating. Yes, there is food, but it is at a central location where guests can take a plate and enjoy various Hors d'oeuvres.
Food trumps everything except...I shouldn't have to tell you.
I find it surprising when people often request that I perform "magic" during a formal dinner. Never, I mean never interrupt people while they are eating. (This rule extends to dogs as well.) Although I believe my entertainment is "great". It's not of greater value than a dinner served at the right temperature. Entertainment during dessert and coffee is usually totally appropriate.
The Blunt Truth About Strolling Magic...From Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti.
Of course, as a Walk Around magic entertainer my job is to provide top quality commercial magic. However, I do not have anyone introducing me, telling people to put down their phones etc. It's kind of a free for all..."the old west", if you will. It is my job to introduce myself and gather attention and "Knock 'em dead" with my magical skills. Understand, the way I get attention is by interrupting conversations and convincing strangers that what I offer is of imminent importance. Stop what you're doing and watch me. I have no idea why, but this essentially works. I am that important...well not quite.
The More Important Interrupter
Picture this, me strolling around, merrily interrupting people and apparently, they enjoy this somewhat rude behavior. (Yes, I am that good.) Just as I couldn't be doing better along comes a rude waiter or waitress who "interrupts" me with some bacon wrapped scallops...OMG! I must say, I'm tempted myself. (Being a consummate professional, I never eat or drink while I am working.) This inconvenient interruption is simply another person doing their job. I really do understand. Our jobs are quite similar, except they are more important because they are armed with shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops...I even get beat out by cocktail "weenies."
A Well-Hidden Secret of Close-Up Magic
Close-Up Magic is more than a well-rehearsed performance. It is a conversation or an unrehearsed dance between the "Magic guy" and the audience. In its casual appearance, the guests are tacitly invited to take part... yes, their quips and interruptions add to the entertainment. That's why they have so much fun...they are involved. My job is to have secret control over the chaos. Occasionally I have to pull in the reins to maintain attention to ensure the resulting impact of the magic effect.
"The Magical "Punch Line"
Just as in comedy, the flow and delivery of our presentation is essential in its success. In this arena there are no guarantees. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches and never take offense, just because somebody else is doing their best to bring a good time to our mutual clients.
Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710
Friday, December 13, 2024
The Best in Magic...Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti
A little over three years ago I received an inquiry from a Recovery/Detox center. They were looking for a "Magic Show" for their clients as entertainment. It happens that the location is less than a mile from my home. Getting gigs in the town where you live is rare, so this was a pleasant surprise. We corresponded via email, so I responded with interest, gave a price, and waited. The response was unexpected. Yes, they wanted my show, and the fee was not a problem...but they asked if I could do a show once a month.
Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti
I wrote back and told them I couldn't prepare a new show each month but would be happy to set a date for one show. I was informed that they had new clients each month and they would like a show every month. Of course, I was not opposed to that idea, so I suggested an introductory performance of my magic parlor show, and if it was well received, I'd be happy to come each month. As I expected, it was well received. After all, I am writing this three years later.
The "Stage" in Close-Up Magic is different.
The room where I perform is an all-purpose room, with about fifty chairs. I rearrange the chairs into a semi-circle for the best viewing and as close as possible to see the "magic." I remember my first performance, the clients walking in, not knowing what to expect...many people taking seats in the back row. (It reminded me of being in high school...nobody wants to sit in the front.) I encouraged people to fill in the front seats, these are the best for viewing...After all, it is "Close-Up Magic."
A few staff members are also present, in addition to the clients. Some have since used my entertainment at their events. Now I no longer have to encourage the audience to move to the front seats. The staff began telling the clients about the show before my performance. —they "sold" the show before I even began. The expectations are positive, all I have to do is deliver an entertaining one-hour of "Magic."
Stereotypes and Magicians
On the other hand, magicians deal with stereotypes, despite popular exposure to magic on TV, many feel that magic is for "kids". (Of course, it is, but it is also extremely entertaining for adults.) Magicians are further hampered by expectations that they will be embarrassed. Unfortunately, this is a practice used by far too many magicians. Somehow, they believe this makes them appear clever and witty.
Any reservations expressed by adults will immediately be overcome with a quick "trick" that "knocks them for six." All competent magicians open this way, as it immediately breaks down any barriers and we're off to the races with the simple task of performing "The Best in Magic Entertainment."
Joe Ferranti - Boston Magician 339-927-4710
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Mind Reading in the 21st Century
Mind Reading or Magic
Mind Reading in the 21st Century... Expectations are high, and there’s also some healthy skepticism. As a mentalist, you had better deliver a strong, visceral experience. I’m not saying you have to claim supernatural powers, but your performance should leave your audience questioning what they’ve witnessed. You simply know things you couldn’t possibly know. In the same vein, good (or great) magic works the same way. Your audience must feel there is no way you could know what you do. Good "great" magic works the same way. Your audience must feel there is NFW!
Although I don’t advertise myself as a mentalist or mind reader, as that’s not my primary focus, I do have a few pieces in my repertoire that create an experience where I seem to know things I can’t possibly know. Interestingly, the reactions to these “tricks” demonstrate why so many magicians transition from traditional magic to mentalism and mind reading. It’s almost like an automatic upgrade in terms of respect. After all, when people hear "magician," they often picture someone performing at a children's birthday party. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) Let’s be honest, we’re all concerned about our status… at least a little bit.
In the above photo I am revealing the name of the young lady's grandfather.
Derren Brown-Mentalist-Illusionist
Many people know the name Derren Brown, especially those in the U.K. but his reputation goes well beyond his homeland. His reputation is truly worldwide.
Derren Brown is an English mentalist, illusionist, and writer. He is a self-described "psychological illusionist" whose acts are often designed to expose the methods of those who claim to possess supernatural powers, such as faith healers and mediums. Wikipedia
My first introduction to the work of Derek came from his videos, which were heavily magic, manipulation based...with a touch of psychological based "mentalism". His sleight of hand abilities were/are top notch. He could have been a successful magician, but his passion led him to become...Well, Derren Brown.
If any of you are readers of my blog, you know how I emphasize the inclusion of video on our websites. It's our greatest asset to show potential clients a demonstration of our skills. Videos will add credibility to our 5-Star reviews. Some reviews appear to be over the top...the proof is in our live performances.
I sometimes visit other magician's websites, it's good to see what others have to offer. Truly some well-done professional presentations...however, I recently visited a "mind reader's" website and was searching for a video which would demonstrate his credibility of mind reading skills. There was none. The only videos were some short clips of quick "eye candy" which laypeople find impressive, but they had no relevance to mind reading.
To wrap things up I'll leave you with a final thought...If you were a mind reader, why not leave a fragment of evidence.
Joe Ferranti
Massachusetts Magician 339-927-4710
www.ferrantimagic.com
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Curious about the Secrets of Magic? What you need to know.
My interest (curiosity) in magic goes back around 40+ years. There was no internet to access magic secrets. Those serious about the craft would visit magic shops. If there was one or more in your vicinity, you were fortunate.
Upon entering a magic shop, you would feel you have arrived at a magical wonderland. You would find shelves stacked with colorful apparatus and books. So many books, a virtual “magic library” that covered every form of magic, from close-up to stage magic. Magic with balls, candles, even cigarettes and cigars. Books with secrets of mentalism and the standard “card tricks,” everything you might find of interest, were available in a book.
The Magic Catalog
Tannen's Catalog of Magic
One
of my fondest memories was the Magic Catalog, which represented the entire
stock of the magic inventory. If you didn’t have a retail location near you,
the Catalogue was your only way to find what you “think” you needed.
Sometimes Deceptive Descriptions
Descriptions of magic effects can sometimes be misleading. It’s common to hear about what a “trick” doesn’t use. “No magnets, no rough and smooth, no thread”. You’ll understand the jargon if you are a magician. It seemed the only solution could be “real magic.” Which, of course, was never the case. When receiving the secret, disappointment would sometimes set in.
Without
getting into the weeds on this topic, I spent many hours fantasizing as I
perused a magic catalog. A little “Magic Pornography” if you will.
A Hard Lesson to Learn
Today's Magic Retail business
To end on a positive
note… Creativity is endless in magic. Sleight-of-hand techniques continue to
advance. New effects and handlings of the classics never cease to amaze me.
Magic is more popular than ever, and when audiences approve of the end result.
Listen to the applause!
Joe Ferranti
www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710
Friday, August 30, 2024
Close-Up Magic is CLOSE! But It’s More Than Just the Distance!
Boston Magician Joe Ferranti |
The title says it all—Close-Up Magic is obviously performed up close, but
there's more to it than just proximity. The key element is personal connection.
"Personal" means creating a genuine connection between the
magician and the audience. We connect through our eyes, our touch, and our
words. These connections are as important as the magic itself.
I strive to forge the strongest connections to move my audience on an
emotional level. But with this connection comes a responsibility—respect for
our spectators. A touch should never leave room for misunderstanding. We, as
performers, are responsible for ensuring the comfort of our spectators. Any
misinterpreted word or touch is on us.
A glance into someone's eyes might cause a brief moment of discomfort, followed by a quick release of tension as we resolve the moment in the presentation. But any look or touch that could be misinterpreted is off-limits. Don’t be a creep!
I might ask a spectator to touch my finger—think "ET." I may ask one or more spectators to "hold my wrist" or "place your hand on top of mine." If there's any chance of misunderstanding, I always use the phrase, "May I…?" and I listen carefully to the response.
I once witnessed a famous magician ask for a kiss on the cheek after a volunteer assisted him. She declined for personal reasons. It should have ended there, but he, knowing his intentions were innocent, asked again. She declined again.
This magician wasn’t a creep, and no harm was intended, but if he had just listened...
I perform an effect where I stare into the eyes of a volunteer, and they stare back. The situational humor is over the top. I perform this with young and older women, as well as young and older men. The presentation includes the statement, "This might seem a little creepy. Are you on board?" So far, no one has objected. Everyone plays along, leading to laughter from the audience—laughter that never mocks my assistant.
We can sum up our close interactions with our guests by simply using common sense.
Many times, people have asked me, “Can I give you a hug?” My reply is, “Of course.”
As a “senior” male magician, father, and grandfather of two beautiful girls, I live by the rule of respect for all my guests.
www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710