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 Massachusetts Magician. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Massachusetts Magician. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Joe Ferranti: Massachusetts’ Close-Up Magician
Live entertainment doesn’t get more exciting than watching magic happen right in front of you. Joe Ferranti, a top magician from Boston, Massachusetts, has wowed audiences for over ten years. His mix of close-up magic and comedy turns any event into something special. Whether you're planning a wedding, party, or business event, Joe brings fun, surprise, and laughter to every show.
Joe performs two main types of magic shows. Each one brings something unique to your event:
Walk-Around/Strolling Magic During cocktail hours or social gatherings, Joe moves through the crowd, performing tricks right in front of your guests. As a result, everyone gets a personal and unforgettable experience.
Parlor Magic/Comedy Show For seated groups, this show blends sleight of hand, humor, and audience interaction. Consequently, it creates a fun and engaging atmosphere that keeps everyone entertained.
Both styles are designed for adult audiences. Therefore, they’re perfect for professional and upscale events.
Joe’s magic doesn’t just entertain—it leaves a lasting impression. Here’s what people are saying:
Weddings
“Joe was our favorite vendor. His magic was fun and different. He made our day even more special!” — Nick M.
“You absolutely CRUSHED it! Everyone was amazed. Your talent is incredible.” — Andy and Laura
“You were a huge hit. People are still talking about it. You made our wedding magical!” — Pat
Corporate Events
“Joe brought energy and passion. His show was unforgettable. Highly recommended!” — Colette H.
“Our holiday party with Joe was amazing! Everyone loved it. We give him 5 stars plus!” — Paula Leed, Royal Jewelers
“Joe was fantastic at our company party. He arrived early, stayed late, and wowed the crowd.” — Jennifer T.
Birthday Parties
“We hired Joe for my stepdad’s 60th birthday. He kept everyone laughing and amazed!”
“Joe was great! He was funny, professional, and his magic was flawless. My guests were thrilled.” — L.R., Norwood, MA
Why Choose Joe Ferranti
Joe does more than perform tricks. In fact, he connects with people. He listens, adapts, and makes sure every show fits the moment. His magic is about timing, storytelling, and creating real joy. As a result, guests walk away with memories they’ll never forget.
Book Joe Ferranti Today
If you want to make your event unforgettable, Joe Ferranti is the entertainer to call. He delivers five-star performances that your guests will love. To book your show, visit FerrantiMagic.com or call 339-927-4710 today.
Have you ever heard, “The hand is quicker than the eye?” Well, this “myth” was most likely started by a magician for “misdirection.” Which is another term that is misunderstood by laymen, and many magicians as well.
Some magicians still promote their skills with hype such as, “The fastest hands in magic.” Good and great magicians will fool you because everything they do appears natural. Speed plays no part.
The late, Rene Lavand was famous for a trick he called, “It can't be done any slower.” Although, magicians generally don’t challenge their audience... repeating a trick will get your audience to pay closer attention to “catch you.”
Renee would repeat the same trick several times. Each time performing the trick slower, emphasizing the fairness of every motion. There was nothing to see, just “magic.” BTW, Renee performed with only one hand. He lost his right hand in a car accident at nine years old.
BTW, repeating a trick or challenging an audience to “catch you” breaks proper magicians' conduct. As a seasoned performer you know when and how you may ignore the gospel.
You must be a great magician if you can fool an engineer
Sounds like another “magician’s myth.” One might assume that the more intelligent a person is, the less likely they are to be deceived by a magician’s tricks.
However, we’ve all had a lifetime of learning/understanding how the world works. We are conditioned mentally, especially through vision and sound, of what is real. Our brain fills in gaps based on experience and expectation. These are core beliefs that are no different if you are a rocket scientist or a janitor. (I was a janitor who studied magic. Go figure?)
In one of the tricks I perform, I explain how when we focus on a small detail, we miss the bigger picture. On the other hand, when we look at the bigger picture, we are missing the details. We simply can’t do both at the same time. “Multitasking another myth.
Sleight of Hand
(the following is AI generated)
AI“Hours of practice go into mastering the subtle movements that deceive the eye and the mind. These moves are executed with such precision and naturalness that even attentive viewers, including those with high IQs or scientific backgrounds, are deceived. There is simply nothing to see. AI
While it is true that unimaginable hours of practice are required, no one will be looking with scrutiny when a “move” occurs. ‘There is simply nothing to see.” Trust me, I know more than AI
As a magician, you will know when you reach this level when spectators will tell you they were watching but didn’t see anything.
To Fool or not to fool
OK, let’s get this out of the way...there are two dirty words I’ve been using. It’s time to address them. They are “fool” and “tricks.” As magicians, we use these terms with other magicians to discuss our craft. But who really feels good about being fooled or tricked?
Many magicians refer to themselves as “illusionists.” Think in your mind's eye of both. When you picture a magician, you most likely envision a man in a top hat holding a rabbit. I’m not sure what you imagine when you think of an illusionist...but it’s likely more dignified than a man in a tuxedo with a bunny.
Who cannot be fooled?
As humans, we have an innate curiosity to understand our world. Of course, this is not an easy task if we are truly sincere in our search. There are those who “need to know” and often the shortest route is to invent solutions that quickly satisfy our ego.
True Story:
I was once performing for an individual who told me that she was very smart and proceeded to tell me how I performed my “illusion.” (See what I did...?)
Her explanation couldn’t have been more wrong, but I didn’t tell her she was wrong. I merely praised her intellect and moved on to other people waiting for a little magic.
Why didn’t I tell her she was wrong? Simple, I had nothing to gain by proving her wrong. She had missed the opportunity for a “nice feeling.” At this point, I couldn’t deliver that. You cannot fool someone who “knows the secret”, so don’t beat yourself up.
The Simple Truth
Any audience that comes to “play the game” or “dance the dance” will be delighted to interact with a good or great magician. The laughter comes naturally as they enjoy the surprises. (The surprise is the “fooling” part...it’s fun!)
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.”
In 1973, NBC aired a new show called The Magician, starring Bill Bixby. The show only ran one season. I enjoyed the short cameos of professional magicians. One show had a very short clip of Dai Vernon performing his Cups and Balls routine. It began with a sequence of the vanish of three balls. I had a basic knowledge of sleight of hand and easily understood the vanish of the first two balls. What fooled me badly was the vanish of the third ball. This is what I saw. Dai placed the third ball in his hand. He merely closed his hand, and when he opened it, the ball was gone. Wow!, With my understanding of magic methods, this was not possible. Now I would attempt to find out how this was done.
I have lived the major part of my life without the internet, and such was the case back in the 1970s. By this time, I had discovered the Joke/Magic Shops in Boston. My wife at that time worked in Boston and would stop at Little Jack Horner's Joke and Magic Shop on Tremont Street and would pick me up books and various pocket tricks.
In 1975 Boston got its first Magic Shop. Hank Lee's Magic Shop. Just magic, no jokes, no backroom of "magazines", no smoke products or marijuana paraphernalia. Just magic, from pocket tricks to large illusions. Professional magic by professional magicians. A very special time, Magic Lectures, I.B.M. meetings.
Now I knew where to get the secrets I wanted. I tracked down a booklet on Dai Vernon's Cups and Balls routine for $5. (A bargain for the best Cups and Balls routine.) I learned it and performed it at every opportunity I could find, which was few. (More on this next time.)
When clients are looking for a magician, most often they go to Google and enter a search for what they are looking for. As a magician, there are two basic ways to attract clients.
If you want to pay for an ad, it will get you instant results of top page exposure.
Most of us choose to use SEO to rank high on the results page. As a general rule, anything short of the first page is useless. It takes some knowledge and patience, but most of us can find a spot legitimately.
Boston Magician Joe Ferranti struggles for Google results!
I work in the Boston area for most of my jobs, but actually where I work matters little. What does matter is what potential clients search for. One of the most coveted search rankings is Boston Magician. Go ahead, check it out. You can see its importance by the number of paid ads in this category.
I have worked carefully with SEO to break this barrier...with no success. The result is I get less recognition. Less recognition equals less work, less work equals less $$$, and that's just the way it is.
Boston Area Magician Discovers Secret!
I finally realized why I was missing the Google Three Pack...I don't know how it evaded me for so long.
The top results for Boston Magician all "lived" in Boston. I live right outside the city, but useless for SERP. Having a Boston address was the missing piece of the puzzle.
Now, I won't mention any names, but on further investigation, I discovered a couple of magicians had more than one address. I've got a little secret for you. Some magicians make some serious money, but just a handful make enough to own two houses or a residence and an office in Boston.
Google Frowns on Fake addresses...
Google has pretty clear-cut rules on Black Hat and White Hat practices using their service. Using a false address is clearly forbidden by Google and the penalty is pretty severe. I don't imagine Google has the time or inclination to investigate on its own. Surely there are far more serious infractions on their rules that attract their attention.
Best Wishes,
Magician serving Boston area...but don't live there...so I'll see you on page 2 of Google...what's that? You never go past the first page? Hmm, what does it cost to fabricate an address? ;)
Early in September, Samantha Taylor contacted me about performing my strolling magic at the Grow off. I knew little about the Grow Off, but understood what it was about. It sounded interesting and likely would be a good time. So I sent her a quote, and she got back to me. She asked if I would have any problem performing for their group. I told her I was young once and saw no reason I could not do a good job.
I realize why she must have asked me that question. People must have strong views on the legal use of cannabis. Perhaps,like politics, it must be a heated division. I have no personal problem, so I was happy to take the job. The awards party was taking place at The Summit Lounge on Water St. in Worcester Ma.
The Summit Lounge
The event took place on September 25th. As I always do, I arrived about 30 minuted before show time. Pulling on the door, I found it locked. There is a "buzzer" I needed to press to gain entrance. I felt like it was 1920, and I was entering a "speakeasy." Not exactly, it's a private club... but it's fun to pretend.
The young woman who opened the door said, "You must be the magician." I suppose my suit gave me away. Her name is Elysha and is the general manager. In order to enter, you need to become a member. Elysha explained the conditions. I signed, and am now a member of The Summit Lounge for life.
Samantha made her way out to greet me. After we exchanged pleasantries she told me the turnout was way below what they expected and wondered if I could perform a "show" in place of walk around? "Sure..." I replied. I have a well-received parlor show which will easily fill the bill.
This made her happy. She couldn't know that I come prepared to perform parlor or strolling magic. It seemed we were ready to proceed. Their food would arrive shortly and after they had eaten, I would go on followed by the awards ceremony. Should be smooth sailing...but the food is late, Samantha is on the phone, and there is little she can do to speed up the delivery.
To Samantha's credit, she didn't get angry, at least she didn't show it. She decided. I would go on ASAP get the show on the road. When the food arrived, she would give me a sign and I would wrap up the show with a finale piece and then step aside so their evening could proceed.
Kudos to Samantha. It was a brilliant decision. I started my show and quickly won over the spectators. A lot of laughs and powerful magic. I probably got 20-25 minutes into the show when Samantha gave me the sign.
I wrapped up the show with my seven card multiple location routine. Although it is not my finale routine I use in my show, it certainly has the strength to suit the situation. I said good night and received an abundance of applause and left the room to the crowd chanting... "Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!"... this is an ending I receive often, or a very gratifying standing ovation.
I waved a "Thank You" to Samantha as I left the room. She was busy moving the event to the food portion of the evening. We didn't have time for a face-to-face goodbye.
I felt bad I didn't have time to perform my entire Cabaret act, but no one was at fault...it just feels awkward not to deliver my full performance.
I emailed Samantha the next morning, offering to make it up anyway she might like. She responded with a 5 Star review...
"Joe was fantastic! Our schedule was thrown off because of a catering mishap, and Joe stepped right up to fill the time like a true professional. We hired him to do roaming magic, but changed things last minute to do a mini theater show. Joe got everyone involved, and they had the best time. Thank you, Joe!"
Hey, I'm a life member... maybe I'll return and finish the show.
Joe Ferranti
Boston Magician Strolling Magic and The Intimate Parlor Show
"Don't spike the ball on the five yard line." I don't suppose I need to tell you who to attribute that quote to? I believe it's good advice.
Honestly, if your not a little anxious during these times; you ain't got blood running through your veins. This past year we have seen over a half million deaths to a virus. A crash of the economy, food lines, business closings...you get the picture. Anxiety? We no longer need fluoride in our water supply, but a good dose of Prozac might be a good idea.
On the personal side, I had two live Magic shows in Boston in the past two weeks. As a courtesy, I used the recommended precautions to ensure my audience's comfort. A year ago, this would not have occurred.
This is by no means, normalcy...but we don't expect "normal" by a flip of the switch.
I would love to work with anyone, and will accommodate your needs with your local guidelines.
I'm ready for your wedding, graduation and more. Hopefully we will have a "total celebration" on December 31st.
For the Very Best in Close Up and Parlor Magic in Mass. and New Hampshire, contact...
The Magic of Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710 ferrantimagic.com
Magical Wishes from, Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti
One year ago, the season had already begun. businesses big and small gathered together to "celebrate."
Celebrate the season, Christmas, Hanukah...celebrate their friendships, their accomplishments of the previous year.
They shared food and drink, and comradery. Things were going well from my observation point. the CEOs made speeches recognizing individuals for their contributions. Handing out gifts to one and all.
In retrospect, 2019 was a good year. many of us just didn't know the correct perspective to see it as the blessing it was.
I hardly had time to appreciate my fortune...busy performing, scheduling as many bookings as possible, meeting hundreds of new "friends". Feeling the warmth of appreciation for magical performances, the laughter, the screams of delight.
2020 is quiet, no inquiries for the intimate walk around magic I provide. No calls for the magic comedy Parlor Show.
I miss it dearly, I'll be O.K. The rent is always paid, no meals missed. But to be honest, I am a little sad. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be human, that's O.K.
I wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season...If you are having serious symptoms of depression, please reach out. I expect we will celebrate next year.
I am part of a service industry that is suffering...I look forward to exchanging stories of survival, soon.
Google
search…masked magician, I’m quite sure you won’t find me in the results. Yet
there I was September 6th 2020, providing entertainment at a wedding
reception at the Inn at Woodstock Hill in Connecticut. Wearing a Mask!
Of course,
you know where this is going, and I don’t mean to “make light” of the global pandemic.
But this is where we are. We still celebrate life’s important occasions; some weddings
have been postponed and others go on with some changes.
The Bride was
making preparations many months ago and I was contacted for availability…availability?
Oh yes, at that time my calendar was empty, and I was happy to get on board.
As a vendor
I always want my clients to be stress free when working with me, especially
weddings. Look up stress and you’ll find a picture of a bride. It is by nature
a beautiful day, with potential stress points laid out like landmines.
I was working
with a lovely young woman, and I didn’t want to add any stress. Knowing the
future was uncertain I let her know, that she should feel free to cancel my
service at any time, no penalty and no explanations necessary. At the time of
hire, no one had any idea of what size gathering would be permissible at an indoor
facility months down the road.
So, we kept
in touch as time passed, and we never needed to change anything.
I arrived
and was supplied with a very nice mask/ face covering, as all the guests were.
My job was
to entertain during the cocktail hour, and as usual I shared a special effect
with the Bride and Groom, which they enjoyed while being surrounded by their
guests.
The Cocktail
period continued in the dining area and the guests enjoyed some hors d'oeuvres
along with their cocktails…of course they were able to remove their masks at
this time.
Honestly, I
never thought I would/could entertain while wearing a face covering…I am so
glad to say I was wrong. Everything proceeded well, the guests enjoyed the
magic, and I had the opportunity to finish with a few more pieces for the Bride
and Groom.
I know many
magicians are testing the waters with “virtual entertainment” …That’s not for
me.
Please don’t
hesitate to contact me for a performance by “The Masked Magician.”
Street magic has a long history, but most
people understand it from a TV Special...
David
Blaine:Street Magic 1997
Many viewers
thought David was the first Street Magician. We’ll get to the buskers in a moment.
David took to the streets and performed close
up magic for every type of person he encountered. From the homeless, to the
everyday man. Notably the “Show” highlighted the reactions of the spectators as
much as the magic itself. This was a novel approach for a television magic
special.
David Blaine’s “Street Magic” inspired a new
generation of magicians. Many took to the streets and performed for anyone who
would stop to see their tricks. I benefit from the popularity created for a “new
form” of magic…” Close Up Magic.” (close - up magic has been around since
the beginning of time.)
For the first time on television a magician
showed the impact of close - up magic in the “real world.” Of course, magic has
been on television since variety shows hit the airwaves, but no one had shown
it from this perspective.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention
that street magic has a long history.
Long before David hit the streets, buskers
were performing magic in a different capacity. (Buskers include all types of street entertainment, provided for
gratuities.)
As I mentioned, busking was income
(gratuities) for the “Street Performer.” So, this affected the style as
well. The professional busker is talented in more than one way. Of
course, they are great entertainers, beyond that they are responsible for
building their crowds and convincing them to drop a little money in a “hat”. These
skills are just as important as the technical skills.
Note on Crowd Building: It is likely all readers have witnessed a street performance, by the
time most of us arrive there is a good size crowd. This does not happen on its
own. The performer captures the interest of a few and sustains it as he/she
adds to the crowd without losing the first to arrive. If you have an interest
in this craft, there are books written on the subject…an internet search will
turn up quite a few.
The style of magic as a busker is also
different from what David brought to the streets, back in “97.”
The busker needs to entertain a large crowd,
so the magic is designed to entertain a sizable audience. It’s a simple
equation, more people equals more money.
Street Magic created a wave/tsunami of
enthusiasm for magic. A heightened interest is good…very good for the working
magician.
