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 Strolling Magician Boston Mass.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strolling Magician Boston Mass.. Show all posts
Clairvoyance, telepathy, or the highly profitable channeler, is any of it real?
Ahh...No!
I've never seen any evidence, and more importantly, the experts agree.
Harry Houdini, whose name is synonymous with "magician" held a strong and skeptical view when it came to spiritualists and mediums.
He was critical of those who claimed to have supernatural abilities, especially spiritualists who purported to communicate with the deceased. Let me clarify, he wanted to expose those who took advantage of grieving people who would enrich their pockets by providing services to communicate with the dead.
Following the death of his mother in 1913, Houdini became interested in the possibility of communicating with the afterlife. Houdini witnesses various mediums in action. He became convinced that they were charlatans preying on the grief-stricken.
Medium to the "Stars."
This is a practice that is more profitable today than ever before. I remember as a child seeing "mediums" peddle their wares on the daytime talk shows. Now as an older man, the psychics have more advantages with the internet and cable television. You can find this yourself if you must. I won't help them by mentioning any names.
There has never been a time when the loss of a loved one did not prompt the wish for just one more conversation, if only to ask how are you?
Of course, this did not end with Harry Houdini. A new celebrity made headlines in the early 1970's. The man who bent spoons with his "mind." The controversial Uri Geller.
Uri Geller
Geller succeeded in "fooling" some scientists. Fool a scientist, easy. How about a magician?
The Amazing Rand Vs. Uri Geller
"The Amazing Randi," was a renowned magician, and escape artist. He gained greater fame for debunking paranormal and supernatural claims. Randi made headlines for himself by duplicating Geller's feats with simple Sleight of hand and misdirection.
Randi was challenged by a parapsychologist to put his money where his mouth was. Randi put his own money up and the results left Randi with his own money. The challenges continued and the prize money eventually went as high as one million dollars. Randi was challenged over one thousand times, but no one could ever prove they possessed psychic powers.
And the Winner is?
The Amazing Randi
Randi's victories were quite compelling. Yet, Geller continued to have a following. The emperor may have no clothes, yet many still insist psychic powers are real.
The Amazing Randi and Uri Geller remains a fascinating chapter in the history of skepticism, magic, and the ongoing debate between the paranormal and scientific inquiry.
Take 30 seconds and see the reaction I get when I reveal the name of this young woman's fiance.
Am I psychic? Of course not, but it's a compelling trick.
“Things change”... and in time honored tradition, old men complain that everything was better, back in the day. Well, I was physically a lot better, back in the day, but alas, I can not stop time, and I have no intention to complain about how things have changed.
Nicolas Ribs
I just saw a French magician (Nicolas Ribs) on AGT, summer 2022…if you saw it, I expect you would agree it was magical and entertaining. I have no idea how it was accomplished.
Will Tsai
It reminded me of a past performance by Will Tsai, known as The Rose Act. Howie Mandel said of Will’s performance, “This is the best close-up magic I have ever seen in my life!”
Magicians are often a jealous group, and many took to social media criticizing Will Tsai. Let me just say that what Will performed required skill and a little something extra. Nearly all magicians use “a little something extra”... from time to time.
I believe their objections were that, as close-up magic goes, it could not be presented in classic close-up style. Meaning that spectators could not have been seated at the table to witness the magic. This objection is unwarranted, in my opinion.
Traditionally, Close-Up Magic is unique because it is presented mere inches from the eyes of the spectators, and that’s the way it was, until the advent of TV. Cameras could share the close-up experience to large audiences. What a pleasure it was to see some of the greatest Close-Up Magicians on TV. There was no other way I would have seen Jimmy Grippo, Frank Garcia…no need for a list.
The next step was projecting close-up magic on large screens which enabled stage magicians the ability to share their skills as close-up magicians live, during their stage shows.
I remember David Copperfield performing the $100 Bill Switch in a stage performance, the use of a large screen allowed an entire theater to see the illusion close-up. On another occasion, David went into the audience and performed the Floating Rose. Again, camera and screen enabled all in attendance to witness a memorable performance.
So,what has changed? Simply, the gentlemen I first mentioned were able to perform their close-up illusions on a large stage. The difference being the inability to have a small audience witness the magic up close.
This does not seem to be a problem for the layman…think of Howie’s reaction to Will Tsai. The restrictions of viewing meant nothing to Howie.
The problem exists with “magicians”. As I said earlier, we tend to be a jealous group, knocking the achievements of others. Most often the ones who are most popular and receiving media attention. Think back to David Blaine. His first television special launched him to the top of the industry. And just as quickly he received the barbs from the so-called “cognoscente.”
But, David didn’t rest, he moved forward to bigger challenges and earned a place in magic history alongside the greatest.
So, keep an eye out for the new “Close-Up” magicians, and remember it’s not what they do on their first performance…it’s the follow up. (Well done David Blaine.)
Joe Ferranti
Massachusetts Close-Up Magician
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,
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.
Ten years have passed. I’ve been busy with other things and had no time for “magic.”
Around 1985, I had a renewed interest in sleight-of-hand magic. So I picked up where I had left off and continued my study. It was a private, quiet pleasure. I enjoyed practicing. Hours could pass, but it was not a chore. If you do not enjoy the “work” required to attain the skills necessary for sleight of hand, you’ve chosen the wrong hobby. Dai Vernon said,” If it was easy,everyone would be doing it.”
As I mentioned previously, I never had a mentor, and that came at a severe price. Although I enjoyed my books, it was impossible to learn everything from the written word. However, videotape players were common in nearly every household. In fact, there were two competing formats, but this is all history. The VHS format won the battle.
It wasn’t long before Tannen’s Magic to introduce their “Stars of Magic” Video Tapes. These featured well-known magicians teaching their material and some of the more difficult to learn sleight of hand. For the first time, the student could have a “mentor” with a video player and a TV.
When I combined my book library with some visual aids (video tapes) my skills grew rapidly.
Who is your audience?:
Performing was a unique challenge. Magic is a performance art. Ultimately, it needs an audience. This is the biggest problem for most amateur magicians. Mostly, we rely on family and friends. Honestly, we’re not the best magicians and they’re not the best audience.
Our family and friends know us well. This familiarity can make them a challenging audience. Our familiarity allows them to interrupt a performance with questions or grab our props for inspection. It’s a wonder that anyone gets past this hurdle to becoming a professional performer.
( It’s a two-way street, we also bear responsibility. Do we present our magic in a “challenging manner”? We can learn a lot when we finally perform for an audience of strangers)
The Internet arrives:
I can not remember the year, but I was searching for a “slot box” on the internet. (A slot box is a magic prop for holding coins.)
I found a supplier who apparently had what I was looking for. The company was Diamonds Magic, and I called to get information.
“Diamonds magic…” were the first words I heard. I learned I was talking to Eddie Gardner, and yes, he had what I was looking for. He asked me where I lived. I told him, “Wilmington”. At that point, Eddie suggested I stop by his shop in Peabody to see the prop. That was a big surprise… there was a real magic shop in Peabody? The only shop I was aware of was Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. Which was a well stocked and long established magic shop in Boston. My only hesitation with dropping into Hank’s was the Boston drive and, more so, the Boston parking.
So,I got directions and headed to Diamonds Magic.
In my next and final “Magical Beginnings” I cover the transition to performing as a semi-professional.
In the mid 70’s I began my study of magic as a young adult. I was interested mostly in Card Magic and Coin Magic..
I enjoyed my magic books, although it was sometimes difficult if not impossible to interpret a sleight from the written word. As for mentors, I never had one. I made the best of what resources I had, and learned a lot from what I could extract from my books. Some sleights or tricks, would be impossible for me to process, leaving my development handicapped in some areas.
My main interest was card magic, it always fascinated me. From the stage magicians who would pluck cards out of the air, almost endlessly, to the Close-Up Magicians who would find a previously signed card, inside an envelope, inside a zippered compartment of a wallet.
Perhaps the most famous of card manipulators in the 20th century was Cardini. (Richard Valentine Pitchford) I believe what made him the greatest card manipulator in history, was his stage character. I do not dismiss his technical skills which were second to none.
Cardini
As I recall, he was a British gentleman, returning home from an evening out, and appeared innocently, a little “tipsy”. I urge you to see him in video.
My interest with cards was definitely in the card trick category. I was looking for something a little more “magical”than the twenty one card trick, or the obvious “Key Card” discovery, where you would simply look through the deck and pull out the selection and ask, “Is this your card?”
I previously mentioned Walter Gibson’s book. Soon after I discovered Close Up Card Magic by Harry Lorayne. A much treasured book of many magicians.I also discovered the work of Paul Harris, a young magician who had a unique perspective on magic. His writing was fresh and amusing. No one had ever displayed a sense of humor in their writing of card tricks.
Paul also found new uses for playing cards. Tearing holes in cards and linking and unlinking them like the famous Chinese Linking Rings. Or a regular deck of playing cards, turning into a solid block of cards.
I also started collecting the Tarbell Course in Magic. At that time, it was a collection of books which had been assembled from the original mail order, Tarbell Course in Magic. It is still considered essential reading to this day.
To be complete, I also studied the work of Martin A. Nash and Coin Work in Bobo’s Modern Coin Magic.
Things sometimes change quickly, and in 1978 I stopped all my involvement in magic for about ten years. Next time, my return to magic, and eventually the joy of performing as a semi-professional.
The Magic of Joe Ferranti Boston Massachusetts Close-Up Magician
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.
Boston Walk Around Magician, Joe Ferranti performs for all adult Birthday parties.
Of course you will see laughter and strong reactions. Mostly from younger adults.
However, Birthday Magic is not exclusive to the young. Many seniors enjoy a good laugh and some magical entertainment...perhaps a little more subdued reactions.
So, here we are, with a slightly older crowd...you'll not see "David Blaine" reactions, but I assure you a good time was had by all, including the Magician.
The Very Best in Walk Around/Strolling Magic Boston Mass.
