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.
Showing posts with label Adult Birthday Magician Ma.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adult Birthday Magician Ma.. Show all posts
All reactions to magic performances vary for as many reasons
as you might imagine. From screams, people running away, even tears…yeah
sometimes you tug just right on the heartstrings.
Reactions to Magic
From NFW! or simply two words “amazing…amazing.” As you can
hear from the gentleman above. There was no screaming that day at Michael’s
Harborside (1 Tournament Wharf, Newburyport, MA 01950) I
was performing at a quiet 80th birthday party, with a “reserved” audience.
Those aren’t my words; they are the words my client used to describe her family
and friends. “Old Yankee” was her exact wording. Not being quite sure I checked
it out.
What’s an “Old Yankee?”
“In the 19th century Yankee was most often used to refer to
a New Englander (in which case it may suggest Puritanism and
thrifty values), but today refers to anyone coming from a northern state, with
a specific focus still on New England.” I think the guests were somewhere in
the middle. I do know they were nice people, and a joy to work with. It keeps
my ego in check when everyone’s not reacting with their jaws on the floor.
Check out my YouTube Channel,
and you’ll see the many videos with screaming and other over the top reactions.
The feeling is gratifying, but I’ve learned to keep “grounded”. Magic does not
need another magician with a fat head. The biggest compliment I hear is about
“being humble.” That’s something I work on each day, and to have it noticed is
reward in itself.
I always try to have a conversation with my clients. The
more I know, the better prepared I will be. Not prepared in the sense of “magic
preparation” I am always rehearsed. I mean prepared in the many little things
that can add up to a big difference at your event.
No matter what the event, The Magic of Joe Ferranti (Boston
Massachusetts Magician) will do our very best to bring your guests an
experience that will have the crowd screaming and laughing. Short of that, I
hope you’ll settle for, “Amazing… the very least you’ll hear someone saying
“amazing”. BTW, look at the eyes…they speak for themselves. One of Boston’s
Best Close-Up Magicians.
How many of us have strived to perform a "Perfect Pass?" I used to believe there were magicians who could perform an "invisible pass" while their hands were being "burned." (Burn means, the spectators are looking at your hands only, in hopes of catching the secret.)
I certainly don't demean the skill and hours of practice the best passers endure. It's not easy, some of us might never get it. However, if you listen to the experts of our day, you will learn intricacies that will assist you in your pursuit of an invisible pass. They'll discuss the use of words, (maybe asking a question.) attitude, eye contact, perhaps a gesture. A quick anecdote, some magicians will wait to execute the pass, knowing that people will grow tired of watching/burning you. They asked the legendary Magician Max Malini how long he would wait to execute the pass. His answer was, "I'll wait a week."
An Invisible Top Change
Trying to learn a "Top Change" from a book was impossible for me. "I assume others have done it, but not me. However, with the help of the many DVDs on card sleights, I finally understood the mechanics. "However, I didn't use it until I needed it for a routine I was incorporating into my repertoire."
Here's the effect: The magician spreads the deck in front of a spectator, instructing them to think of a card they see. After shuffling the cards, I remove one card and place it in my breast coat pocket. Asking the spectator to name the card that they saw. "I retrieve the card from my pocket, and it precisely matches the one they had in mind." (For our purposes let's say it's the King of Spades.) To carry the "magic" a bit further I dribble the cards and display a card for another spectator. The little secret is this: You bring the card to the top using a side steal. Now the Big secret for the top change.
A Combination of Words and a Gesture Guarantee Invisibility
"I already know one thing about your card...do you know what I know? As I reach for the King of Spades in my pocket..."I know it's not the King of spades, because Bob... (top change and gesture with the supposed King of Spades towards Bob) ... thought of the King of Spades."
The ending is not the purpose, the words and gesture cover the work. "As I mentioned previously, some individuals may be so adept that they don't find it necessary to put in the same level of thinking that I did. "For me without my "reasoning" I'd probably get caught 50% of the time.
I Thought I knew a Lot.
My ability with a deck of cards is intermediate and has served me well in the style in which I perform. however, I recently discovered Ben Earl's The Family. Just when I thought I had everything figured out I discovered a resource that has advanced my sleight of hand. It's not cheap, but it's a bargain. "He's forced me to think a little deeper, consequently improving my overall performances." I can't recommend his project highly enough. And you don't have to sign up forever. This is my busy working season, not having much time to study, I was able to put my subscription on pause. I'll rejoin when things slow down.
Honestly, few claim it. Many magicians frame it in a question…”Are these the fastest hands in the world?”
There is actually a terminology for this. Are you ready? “JAQing Off.” This is an often used technique by politicians, but it can work for magicians as well. It’s actually a clever way to put a thought in someone’s head. As time passes, the mind may forget the question and believe the words as a statement of truth..
As a magician, no actual harm is done. If we don’t hype ourselves, we have to pay someone else to do it for us.
Why Magicians "Hype" Their Sleight of Hand Talents:
We need to promote our “talent” to attract attention, which hopefully produces bookings. By making bold/false claims about having the fastest hands, we generate an intrigue among potential clients. These statements act as promotional tools, enticing people to witness our performances and experience the seemingly impossible first hand.
Magicians often use trickery to create illusions of skill. The formula is simple. The Magician makes a preposterous claim and then fulfills the claim.
This Magicians' Ludicrous Claim is Actually True:
I recall an exception. When Kostya Kimlat appeared on Penn and Teller Fool Us for the second time, he made a bold claim and then proceeded to demonstrate his claimed skill successfully.
Moreover, you can see him in the above link explain the trick in his own words. Surprisingly, it is hardly a trick. What he does requires great skill and pretty fast hands, although not faster than the eye.
Additionally, other magicians perform the same effect, although the method is different. It’s a trick! Confusing, isn’t it?
However, to really appreciate Kostya Kimlat, it is important to understand that it is not a “trick.”
Returning to The Fast Hands:
When I was a very young man back in the 20th century, there was a local magician who went on to great success.
One such magician was Steve Dacri:
Stephen “Steve” Robert Dacri (March 22, 1952 - February 11, 2011) was an American sleight-of-hand magician who worked nearly 30 years at his craft, earning him the moniker “The Fastest Hands in the World.”
Long before Steve, others have claimed the title of the “Fastest Hands in the World.” And I’m sure that, until the end of time, countless others will make the same claim.
Nevertheless, I’ll choose to remember Steve Dacri fondly as the man with “The Fastest Hands in the World.”
My interest in magic, especially card magic, goes back over 50 years. As a child, the only learning sources available to me were in the public library. The books were few, and the secrets I desired were not to be found, at least not in my library.
It was a world without the internet.TV had 3 channels and the phones... well, our first was a "party line." You can look that up, but the party had nothing to do with having a good time.
As my interest in magic grew, I knew I had to find more sources than my local library. Using the Yellow Pages, I found some Magic Shops in Boston. Who knew?… for a price, the magician’s closely guarded secrets were available to anyone. Individual tricks were available and books on Card Magic, which was my primary interest.
My first serious "teacher" through books was Dai Vernon. He was truly the most influential close-up magician of the 20th century. He lived and breathed magic. Young magicians flocked to the Magic Castle to learn from the master.
Vernon often referenced The Expert at the Card Table as essential reading.Every magician I know has a copy. If you are interested, you can find it as a free source as it is in the public domain. I found it difficult and sometimes impossible to learn through the written words and illustrations. We can learn only by clear descriptive text and enough illustrations to make everything crystal clear. I tried following along with the text and illustrations, step by step... repeatedly, often hitting a dead end. I heard no magicians share my frustrations. Was this a case of the "Emperor's New Clothes"? Was it just me?
I am not saying that The Expert at the Card Table is of no value. Vernon was a living credit to the book.
The Expert at The Card Table has the highest accolades from the top men in the magic world. Although I was unsuccessful in translating the descriptions and illustrations into my personal arsenal of sleights and "tricks" was not to say that it can't be done.
Allan Ackerman took on a project of presenting the entire book on a DVD series. Allan performs it all, expertly. Even the infamous "One Hand Shift."
Allan is certainly one of the foremost experts of sleight-of-hand card magic spanning the 20th and 21st century. His contributions to the magic community are many, including books, DVDs, and lecture notes.
I freely admit I am not the most intelligent amongst men. My personal limitations certainly played a part in my inability to learn from this book. Also consider what attracts our interests in magic books? For most, we are interested in the "tricks, " and there are tricks in this book. They present the book in two sections. The first focuses on gambling. Use it as you choose, as a protection from being cheated at the poker table or as a source of information to steal other people's money at the poker table.
The second section focuses on magic tricks with cards, which I hope is of more interest to most of us.
As most magicians know, many superb effects exist in print, waiting for discovery by an observant and creative individual.I think of Dai Vernon's famous effect, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind." The inspiration for Vernon's classic came from The Expert at the Card Table, under the title, "A Mind Reading Trick".
One of the often mentioned critiques of the book is the dated writing/text... but one young magician turned that around and used it to advantage in a entertaining presentation. See Ricky Jay's performance using to advantage the outdated language almost directly from the book. See The Exclusive Coterie.
I urge you to explore this work yourself. It costs you nothing... the best minds in magic will tell you to study carefully and read between the lines.
Your mileage may vary.
Boston Close Up Magician Joe Ferranti www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710
The Magic Entertainment of Massachusett's Magician Joe Ferranti
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Boston Magician Joe Ferranti's Magic Musings
" Do That Again."... hmmm?
Magicians get together to share and hopefully learn from each other. We discuss everything about magic. I remember several times when friends were talking about what to do when a spectator asks, "do that again."
The consensus was this was a compliment. If you are a working magician, you know this is a problem. In many tricks, a repeat is usually a "lesson."
A repeat performance is likely to give away the secret, and without the secret, we have no magic. The most common solution to this request is to repeat the trick with a different method.
Think of the "Ambitious Card." Its strength lies in its repetition, and if the methods continually cancel out any assumed solutions your audience may consider, the result can be an extraordinarily strong magic effect.
But I am not talking about this type of repetition. Let's say the ending of the trick involves finding a signed card in your wallet. The card in the wallet is the "punchline." You can't repeat this trick. (to the same audience.) Think of the spectator who brings you to his friends and says, "Do the trick where the card ends up in your wallet!" You see, the problem.
Perhaps you know a method to have a card end up in a spectator's wallet. (A slightly different trick, but a good follow up,and a complete surprise.)
When possible, I like to watch other magicians perform. Recently, observing a magician perform a trick, the spectator said those words, "Do that again." I heard a tone in her voice, the pitch rising, her eyes moving to the side, looking up. Suggesting she was assessing what she saw, and concluding in her mind, "I think I know how that was done. If you do it again, I can figure it out."
There is so much going wrong here, I don't know where to begin.
But, let's cut to the chase. She didn't wait for the magician to answer her request. She ended with, "Oh, never mind." (Ouch!)
Joe Ferranti
Boston Massachusetts Close-Up Magician
339-927-4710
The exclusive Birthday Card Trick of Joe Ferranti,
As we begin, we learn a magic trick because it fascinates us. Little do we know our family may not find the same fascination. However, if you are a parent or a grandparent you are familiar with “applauding” everything our children do. On the other hand, if you do not belong to the school of, “You can become anything you want.” You may reserve your applause not wanting to see your child face disappointment.
The good news, with magic is there are many levels of performing which can be satisfying to most hobbyists to professionals. Many of our respected magicians have other jobs and still find time to perform.
Professional Magicians with other jobs
If you are a magician, a few that come to mind are John Guastaferro , John Bannon and Marc DeSousa. These gentlemen aren’t exactly hobbyists, but you get the point.
The rest of us fall somewhere in between.
Realistically, we will not attain the stature of those I named, and there is a simple reason and I do not think I have to mention it. Still, there are opportunities to perform for all who wish to, there is only one rule…”First, do no harm.” (Fact…this is not a part of the Hippocratic oath, go ahead, look it up…I’ll wait.) Here is my advice, be the best you can be, within your skill set. (BTW, we practice for life, so our skills are not static.)
Putting Together Your Show
Second, put together a show, this means you need a beginning, a middle and an end. There are many sources to learn how to do this. Don’t expect to learn this for free or by trial and error, but here's some good advice for free.
There are many sources to learn how to structure your act. If you belong to a club, seek the advice of someone who is working. Be careful not to ask everyone in your club, I’ve found that everyone likes to give advice, even those who have never actually performed.
Some magicians gladly share their shows they have structured…feel free to use that as a starting point. Do I have to mention that you should integrate your personality into the show!
Finally, do not copy any one’s act. Yes, it happens, even on the highest levels. With so many professional magicians willing to share their creations you will eventually develop your own style and have a show that is unique to you.
Continuing from my last entry, I was at Diamond’s Magic getting to know the owner, Eddie Gardner. It pleasantly surprised me to learn that Eddie discounted all books at 20%. I believe it was the same with VHS Videos. (It was a long time ago.) Well, at this point in my life, I had some expendable income, so my library quickly filled in.
I hesitated, as I am a bit of a loner. Never joining clubs as a young boy. I think Eddie took my hesitation as a sign that I didn’t want to pay the fee for the lecture. So, he invited me to be his guest… no charge. That was nice, but money was not the issue, just my insecurity, so I took a leap of faith and joined the club. It was a great experience. I learned a lot from the lectures and had a place to perform without judgment.
Learning the Craft of Performing Magic
The members of the club were welcoming and encouraged me to perform. I made a few friends who remain friends to this day. I still was not performing for “real people.” which refers to laypeople. However, a few of us who wanted a little more than a monthly meeting began getting together once a week. It was an additional safe space to perform.
I learned several members performed professionally or semi-professionally, something I never considered, as I always thought I was not good enough to do so.
With all the information I had with my library and videotapes, I learned Strolling/Walk Around Magic. Even when I thought I was ready, I did not want to take anyone’s money until I was confident in my ability to entertain with magic.
A friend of mine knew a woman who was putting on a graduation party for her son and recommended me as entertainment. So, I had a job, well not an actual job, as I would not take any money. I insisted on working for free.
My first performance at the Graduation party went very well. It was obvious the graduates enjoyed the magic by their excited reactions. The success of that performance gave me the confidence to proceed performing as a semiprofessional magician.
I now felt ready to go to work, and at just the right time, another friend offered to set up a website for me, at no charge. This was a game changer. I had met Walter Osterman through the SAM. We shared an interest in magic and enjoyed each other’s company at the local club and attended a few local conventions. I didn’t realize it, but Walter ran his own business, Social Mavens a marketing and communications agency.
Walter did it all. He came to my house, took pictures and some promo video. He put together a professional website and ran it for me for ten years, simply out of kindness.
If not for Walter’s efforts, I would not be doing what I enjoy in my retirement years. All I can say is THANK YOU. (In capital letters.)
Over the last eleven years, I have had a great journey. I still perform much of the same material I used in my first performance. The material evolves with repeated performances. You get some of the best lines by listening to your audience. The more opportunities you have to perform improves every aspect of the material. I am still learning and working at being a better entertainer each time I perform.
Referring to being a semi professional is intentional to not ruffle the feathers of the “professionals”. I deliver professional caliber magic, but I don’t pay all my bills, health insurance, etc. from my magic income. (I pay taxes on it.)
As for the full-time professionals, I have the ultimate respect. A serious professional needs to work constantly, and earn enough to pay for their own health care, not to mention, setting up their own investments for their retirement. This requires serious self discipline, and few “pros” really commit strictly to this regiment.
Advice on becoming a Professional Magician
If you decide to take this path, I would recommend you seek the wisdom of Paul Gertner.
If you ask nicely, I know Paul will share the “secrets of success”. I’m talking about the business side requirements. Paul is one of the most successful trade show magicians of my time.
What he cannot share is his hard earned talent. His list of accomplishments is very long. You may have heard of him from his appearances on Penn and Teller Fool Us. Magicians know Paul for his Steel and Silver routine. Which is a cups and balls routine with steel ball bearings. The steel balls make the trick “impossible” to understand for magicians and laypeople. He has contributed magic to David Copperfield. Also contributing material to the fraternity. He put out a VHS/DVD series named after his book Steel and Silver. One of his most popular card tricks in his book and videos series, “Unshuffled” has found its way into the repertoire of many working magicians.
If you live in the Boston area and want a Parlor Show or Strolling Magician, please contact me. 339-927-4710 The Very Best in Close-Up Magic! (except for Paul Gertner and a couple others, call me and I’ll let you know who they are.)
Thanks for making it through 5 blogs of Magical Beginnings.
I first saw magic as a child on the Ed Sullivan Show and Mark Wilson’s, The Magic Land of Allakazam. To say I was fascinated was an understatement. At that time, when you saw a magician perform on TV, it happened once and there was no possibility to see it again and again, as the curious can do now. (The super curious can now examine a performance frame by frame!)
Living in a small town in Massachusetts, I visited the library to read every book available about magic and magicians. The reading was exciting to a young child, but the secrets I was hoping to find were not at The Public Library.
So, my life moved forward with interests in drawing, painting and studies in music. Magic took a back seat. In fact, it was out of my life, and I had no expectation of its return.
Life goes on and we get married, have kids, work, get divorced etc. During this period something changed dramatically in the World of Magic with the arrival of Doug Henning and his Broadway debut in “The Magic Show”.
Later Influences in Magic
Doug Henning
As a young man, Doug had brought magic to a new generation as the Beatles had done with music. Gone were the stereotypes of how a magician would perform or dress. It brought a renewed interest to me.
I was always on the lookout at bookstores for books on Magic, but the pickings were slim. Magic books could be found in the hobby section, but there were never many, and what was there was not very good. I had not yet discovered The Magic Shops in Boston.
My first discovery of a "Real" magic book, published for lay people was “The Complete Illustrated Book of Card Magic” by Walter Gibson. This brought me hours of delight, reading and practicing card magic. I also discovered some of the secrets I was searching for as a young child.
The Magic of Joe Ferranti Top Rated Magician in Massachusetts
January 2021, things were looking positive. Two vaccines had emergency use authorization and a third would be available in February. The only problem was getting an appointment for a shot. Surely we were on our way to ending the pandemic in our country and would move on to help others less fortunate.
On the business side, there was no demand for my Magicians services in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, where I receive 90% of my gigs. As many know, some magicians/entertainers had added virtual services for their clients. It seems to have worked well for some, I chose not to add virtual services for many reasons. Mainly, my knowledge of the technical aspects of providing a virtual show would likely fail to offer a satisfying experience for my clients.
Encouragement came in the spring, as I was contacted to perform for the graduating class at Billerica High School. The event would take place outside, the students and I would be masked. Not my preferred way to work/communicate. However, it worked well and to the complete satisfaction of my clients. (reviews available for ferrantimagic.com on Google.)
When June arrived, I was contacted by the graduating class of Newburyport High School. A client I had worked for previously. At this point, I was vaccinated and so were the students. This was my return to performing in the manner I was comfortable with. The style of magic I perform is called, "Close-Up Magic." further explanation is not necessary.
And so it continued with many more performances, as people had regained a comfort level to gather in intimate settings. All was going great, with an expectation of a busy holiday season, and it was a busy season for holiday parties, Christmas parties, and a few birthday parties. Until...Omicron.
The cancellations began, some due to actual cases of covid, and more due to uncertainty.
As of now, I am not technically closed down, but I have no idea when I will receive my next inquiry. So, realistically, I am "closed down."
And on it goes... as of today, fully vaccinated in the U.S. is at 62.2% or 74% for one vaccination.
When you think of a magician at a birthday party, what comes to mind? A top hat? A cape? Of course...a rabbit! Close your eyes and imagine the noise, can you hear it? Yes, children screaming, usually because they see something the magician "can't see." As soon as the magician turns around to see what the children are screaming about, "it" goes out of sight. When the magician turns back to the children, the "gremlin" returns and the screaming resumes. This continues ad nauseam, as children never tire of such "humor".
This is great, if you are a kid or if you are throwing a party for your own child.
Unfortunately, this is where most stop thinking, but what about adults? They wouldn't be interested in a magician at their birthday party? Of course, they would...remember not to stop thinking.
Boston Massachusetts' Best Adult Birthday Magician
Imagine again, a birthday show designed for adults. Mix a little magic with a little comedy and you've got the perfect combination for the adult birthday girl or boy. And, if you've hired the Magic of Joe Ferranti, the birthday recipient will be thrilled with Joe's exclusive Birthday Card Trick. Joe's signature effect leaves the guest of honor with a memento they are sure to keep and a birthday memory like no other.
Word of mouth has brought us many Birthday party jobs as friends tell friends of the "Birthday Card Trick." We are confident you will spread the word as well.
Hire Magician Boston Ma. 339-927-4710
Our mission is to bring magic entertainment to every type of adult function imaginable, and we can do that if you "don't stop thinking."
When performing for adult Birthday parties, I always begin with my Birthday Card Trick.
This sets the tone for the party, whether it be a Strolling Gig or a Parlor Show. The guests know immediately they are in for a good time with plenty of laughter.
Lay people don't care, but for magicians, I perform this trick in two different manners. As a magician, you have obviously had your audience react loudly with..." No Way...No Way!", as they anticipate the ending but clearly feel it is impossible. This is a powerful moment.
The Magic of Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710
However, as a personal challenge, I thought, how can I perform this effect, and hide that anticipatory moment. you can see that in the video.
It is not difficult to do, it is just a choice. I structure the effect, so the spectator feels they have seen the trick. In magician's terms, it's a Triumph Effect, at its climax they think the trick is done.
So, when I go to my wallet, they are remembering back to my introduction, when I told them I have brought them a Birthday Card.
When I bring out my wallet, unzip and remove the envelope, I do point out that it is entirely sealed. Next, I tear the end of the envelope and remove a card, which has a Happy birthday greeting on it with their name. You can see the only reaction is to say thank you. In this instance, the spectator said, "That's sweet."
Best Magician Boston Massachusetts
I eventually use a gag, to encourage them to turn the card over, and they are totally surprised to see their signature on the card they selected.
Which ending is better? I don't know, probably the one with everyone yelling "No Way!", but it is good to know I have control over the situation.
You are never too old to have a Magician at your birthday party.
Turning 60…Happy birthday
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.
.movie.JPG)
