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.
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Close-Up-Magic...No boxes, Big Impact!
Monday, June 24, 2024
AI? Is it the Solution to a Powerful Website?
AI is beyond my scope of understanding for my personal use. Perhaps I’m too old to learn the intricacies…? Things are changing faster than I can process. I maintain my website. I wear all the hats. It’s not that I want to, but honestly, I work part-time. Having my website professionally maintained would cost more than I earn. That is something I do understand.
AI Photo Software
I have and continue to use AI Photo Software on all my pictures on my website. Simply put, all my photos come from video footage. Video to still image is far from perfect, but I compromise as I cannot bring a photographer to all my gigs. My wife occasionally shoots videos for me. I edit a video for my client's memories. I use short segments for my promos and take still clips for my photos.
To Deceive or Enhance…?
Here is the "slippery slope." It's no secret, that it is possible to generate videos or photos to serve less than honorable purposes. (Joe Biden tells voters in New Hampshire not to vote??? Not true AI generated.)
Can Instagram detect AI-generated images?
Boston Massachusetts Best Magician...Master Magician...Best Bloody Illusionist?
Friday, November 17, 2023
“Can Magic Sleights be Made Invisible? Using Words Wisely.”
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.
Happy Holidays from The Magic of Joe Ferranti
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Are These the Best Magicians? AGT Magic Line-Up 2023! part 4
Finally, The Last Article Covering the 2023 Magic Auditions, AGT
This is my final blog on magicians' auditions on season 18 of AGT. August 8th featured the last magic contestant.
Kevin Li took the stage with his act prepared for his audition. There was a chair with a corkboard on it, with pictures of the judges, Terry and himself. Briefly, he began speaking of "core memories", and introduced a small camera, as photos "help capture these memories." I advise you to watch the performance here. The audience gave their usual wild approval and four yeses came from the judges.
Of course, I checked out Kevin's background. Kevin appeared twice on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us”. His second performance was a "fooler." He is a working professional magician, which is most often the case in AGT.
In my first AGT blog, the acts came in no particular order. So now I return to week 6.
Not to be forgotten, and he Won't...Artem Shchukin, but first a little back history of my own
In 2005, I attended the SAM Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. I mention this not to tell you how much fun it was because, of course, it was. But to inform you, once you have attended a Magic convention, you will probably have seen enough "Card Manipulation" acts to last a lifetime.
My favorite Card Manipulator of all time will always be Cardini. I mentioned him in a previous blog. Cardini created a lovable character who we see caught in a web of uncontrolled productions of playing cards. He had all the skills, but the performance was a brief story of a somewhat "Tipsy" British gentleman.
We, in the business of magic, often consider "motivation". This may complicate things unnecessarily, but more often than not, it serves us well. In the arena of card manipulations and productions and vanishes, the question is, why do we do what we do? In Cardini's performance, the story he creates is the perfect motivation.
Artem Shchukin's Performance Brings Card Manipulation New Life.
When Artem took the stage, the audience went wild...I don't know why. Maybe it was his unassuming image, his smile. Who knows? He just said, "Wow...wow."
His routine began with the music from The Adam's Family, which he perfectly coordinated with his unique style of card manipulation. Four yeses, of course. I can't wait to see what he does next, although I have an idea.
See his full performance here.
What's Next For Artem
As always, I checked out Artem’s credentials, and as is often the case, AGT is not his first rodeo. See more here.
Artem has a full repertoire in his tank. His audition is only the tip of the iceberg of this multi talented magician. I expect he will proceed easily in the next round. Color me impressed!
Coming Up.
To those who have reached this point, completing this lengthy project posed a challenge in maintaining a positive outlook. Feedback on Facebook criticized AGT as the worst show on television. More importantly, I have been told of disappointing and unprofessional treatment of a performer. Everyone deserves respect and courteous treatment. More on this soon.
Joe Ferranti
Boston's Favorite Adult Birthday Magician
Thursday, August 3, 2023
AGT... The Best Variety Show Ever?
America’s Got Talent Returns 2023 with Amazing Magic! part two.
My personal view of AGT is that it is one of the best variety shows to ever grace our tv screens. Mind you, I go back as a viewer of the Ed Sullivan Show.
The most often complaint I hear from the general public of AGT is that “all the acts aren’t from “America”. Competing with that complaint is “These are professional performers.” and yes there are. Let’s put this to rest…it’s all O.K. and covered in the official rules.
Combine the available talent and the fact that AGT is the finest technically produced production in television history.
Mandy Muden:
No stranger to performing, see Mandy Muden Wikipedia.
Mandy is one funny lady, she should be. She has mega miles on her performing career. She immediately commanded the stage with the attention of the audience as well as the judges. Her combination of magic and comedy was perfect in my view. (There is a "school of magicians" who are not keen on combining comedy and magic. No time for this article...just saying.) Having previously been on BGT, Simon did a good job pretending he had not seen her before. She is unforgettable and hilarious.
Here's Mandy's performance. Of course, the audience gave her a standing ovation, and Howie shared their sentiment.
Anna DeGuzman
"A breath of fresh air" was my first thought as I watched this 24-year-old young lady. Heid Klum used that exact phrase.... coincidence? or magic?
Anna displayed a little nervousness, maybe just excitement, not criticism as I believe I would have a heart attack on that stage. She kindly asked permission to approach the judges' table. Where she removed a deck of cards and landed her first "joke" a little poke and a wink towards Simon. All in good taste and appreciated by all the judges, including Simon.
She began by displaying a little "Cardistry." Which many consider as "spice" and we know you've got to use just the right amount. Anna is a true chef using the exact amount of spice for her performance.
Anna has an innocence and charm that will win over any audience as she easily did on AGT. As her performance continued, any nervousness faded away as she found her footing, and astonished everyone in the theater, and apparently herself as well. See her performance here.
As always, I did a little research on Anna and found she had appeared on Penn and Teller Fool US and in 2022 was a contestant on Australia's Got Talent. One of the "tricks" every magician needs to learn is how to make every performance appear new to all of our audiences. Anna's got that in spades.
To Advertise or Magish, Magic Mike's Dilemma?
Magic Mike Jacobsen
Magic Mike's performance displayed his well-honed presentation skills along with his reinvention of an age-old classic in magic. For the magicians reading I don't have to tell you about The Invisible Deck. Mike's addition makes this impossible trick, even more impossible. In his introduction, he told the judges that he hoped his appearance on AGT would provide him the opportunity to leave his day job in advertising and pursue magic full-time. Simon said, "No more advertising jobs for you, this is what I think you were born to do."
Here's Magic Mike's AGT performance.
I don't think Magic Mike has to worry too much about his day job in advertising as it appears he is already well on his way to putting it in the rear-view mirror. He's obviously quite talented and is another magician who will/would do well without AGT. As I mentioned with Trigg Watson, what's wrong with a million dollars and a Vegas residency?
See you soon with my third article on AGT Magicians 2023.
Joe Ferranti
Boston Close-Up Magician.
www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Sensational Yet Haunting Revelation of a Family-Friendly Magician !
Family Friendly Magician Massachusetts 339-927-4710
Exclusively for Children:
On the other hand, there are entertainers who focus only on children's magic. Some of them are very good to excellent. Nevertheless, it would take a lot of hard work to compete with the specialists. So, why compete in a field where I knew I would be on the lowest rung on the ladder?
Events with Children in attendance:
I wasn't working very long when I understood that children would be in attendance at certain adult functions. Of course, I didn't ignore them. Imagine the reviews I would get if I spurned children, "I'm sorry, I only perform for adults! Move on, out of my way!"
I enjoy performing for children:
It is inevitable that you will be required to perform for children at weddings, or an adult birthday show, where they may be in attendnance. Often, no adjustments are needed, as they are old enough to understand the concepts of the entertainment. Somewhere in the age range of 8, 9, or 10, children get it and are capable of understanding an adult show. (Additionally, my adult shows are "clean" in content.)
If I am performing "Walk Around Magic" a little more attention to detail may be necessary. See the photos below as a description. Sponge ball magic is suitable for children or adults.
Most magicians perform the"Ambitious Card Routine." That's the one where a signed selection is continuously placed in the middle of the deck, only to return to the top, in increaingly impossible condititons. When children are involved I carry some blank face cards, and have the children sign them, draw a picture...whatever they choose. The concept is simplicty itself and the entertainment value is personal as the children appreciate the magic happening to a card they have made unique.
I am proud to say, I am a family friendly magician. I'll accept my award now.
Boston Magician
Joe Ferranti
Thursday, June 22, 2023
The Magic of Joe Ferranti
Boston Massachusetts Magician 339-927-4710 www.ferrantimagic.com
"The Fastest Hands in the World."
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.”
Joe Ferranti
Friday, May 5, 2023
Boston's Favorite Adult Birthday Magician....
Adult Birthday Magic
Friday, January 27, 2023
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of YouTube Education
My last blog focused on what is essential reading for magicians, or if that is becoming increasingly moot.
339-927-4710 |
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Wedding Magician Massachusetts
Boston Massachusetts Wedding Magician
339-927-4710
I've only been performing for 12 years, and 10 years exclusively as an Adult Magic entertainer. My first two years I dabbled with kids' magic.
When people hear you don't perform for children, many assume you are a "snob." This is not the case; all audiences deserve the best entertainment available. To present anything less is a disservice to your clients, magic and other magicians.
I had some great shows with kids and some were not so good. Being an entertainer has its challenges, but entertaining children compounds the challenges. It is not unusual to be booked for a five-year-old birthday, but the audience may comprise 7-year-olds, 8, 9, 10, 11...?
The intellectual and emotional capacity of a 4-year-old differs vastly from an 11-year-old child. I must assume that there are magicians who can entertain the spectrum of ages. I've not seen it as I do not have the opportunity to see magicians perform at children's birthday parties.
I have found my comfort zone performing for adults, which encompasses the ages of 17 to 99. (My personal definition for adult audiences.) I use the same material for this vast age range. Every performance varies slightly, as my shows are audience interactive, but I digress.
The point is, I don't advertise or seek work with children, but to think I will never have to have entertainment for children would be foolish.
If you haven't watched the 13 second video, please do so. In my 12 years of performing, I've had every reaction you might imagine.
Last weekend at a wedding, I performed for a couple of children, and the reaction was probably the cutest I've ever had.
Boston Wedding Magician
Joe Ferranti
After Dinner Magic at a Wedding at The Marriot, Quincy Ma. |
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
February 1st...Magic with the Mask
Boston's Best Adult Birthday Magician
Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710
ferrantimagic.com
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Boston Magic Show
The Parlor Show
The Very Best in Boston area Magic.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Entertaining for the Wine and Cuisine Society
ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710 |