The Magician at a Cocktail Hour

Strolling Magic at a Wedding Cocktail Hour

 

I've performed "Strolling Magic" in Massachusetts during many cocktail hours for more than 13 years, so I have a little mileage in this arena. Let me just say it is easy, except when it is not. What does this mean? It simply means that a cocktail hour is a "living, breathing event." Nothing is cookie cutter, although I think they can be broken down into a few different categories. You can see samples of "easy" in videos.

Note: If you have looked at the highlighted video, notice that the audience is enjoying cocktails, however, no one is eating. Yes, there is food, but it is at a central location where guests can take a plate and enjoy various Hors d'oeuvres.

Food trumps everything except...I shouldn't have to tell you.

I find it surprising when people often request that I perform "magic" during a formal dinner. Never, I mean never interrupt people while they are eating. (This rule extends to dogs as well.) Although I believe my entertainment is "great". It's not of greater value than a dinner served at the right temperature. Entertainment during dessert and coffee is usually totally appropriate.

The Blunt Truth About Strolling Magic...From Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti.

Of course, as a Walk Around magic entertainer my job is to provide top quality commercial magic. However, I do not have anyone introducing me, telling people to put down their phones etc. It's kind of a free for all..."the old west", if you will. It is my job to introduce myself and gather attention and "Knock 'em dead" with my magical skills. Understand, the way I get attention is by interrupting conversations and convincing strangers that what I offer is of imminent importance. Stop what you're doing and watch me. I have no idea why, but this essentially works. I am that important...well not quite.

The More Important Interrupter

Picture this, me strolling around, merrily interrupting people and apparently, they enjoy this somewhat rude behavior. (Yes, I am that good.) Just as I couldn't be doing better along comes a rude waiter or waitress who "interrupts" me with some bacon wrapped scallops...OMG! I must say, I'm tempted myself. (Being a consummate professional, I never eat or drink while I am working.) This inconvenient interruption is simply another person doing their job. I really do understand. Our jobs are quite similar, except they are more important because they are armed with shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops...I even get beat out by cocktail "weenies."

A Well-Hidden Secret of Close-Up Magic

Close-Up Magic is more than a well-rehearsed performance. It is a conversation or an unrehearsed dance between the "Magic guy" and the audience. In its casual appearance, the guests are tacitly invited to take part... yes, their quips and interruptions add to the entertainment. That's why they have so much fun...they are involved. My job is to have secret control over the chaos. Occasionally I have to pull in the reins to maintain attention to ensure the resulting impact of the magic effect.

"The Magical "Punch Line"

Just as in comedy, the flow and delivery of our presentation is essential in its success. In this arena there are no guarantees. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches and never take offense, just because somebody else is doing their best to bring a good time to our mutual clients.

Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710

Comedy Magician Boston, Massachusetts

Do You Need a Magician at Your Cocktail Hour?

Thoughts from Boston's Best Wedding Magician.

 Of course, you don't. We have to put limits on everything. Well, presuming you have a budget. 

How many guests will you have, 50? 100? more, maybe less. Often, we can't invite everyone we might like to have at our weddings. These are the tough decisions we have to make. Friends and loved ones are the hardest cuts you might have to make.

I know you will have music, at least a DJ, some even have live bands, and I've heard some great ones.

Whoever thought it might be nice to have a "real Magician" perform at their wedding reception.

I'm pretty certain it wasn't anybody from the U.S. My guess would be England. The Brits see things differently. They're humour is different. (See what I did there...humour ;))

I've worked numerous weddings, all went extremely well. People are always "knocked for six" the first time they see a "magician" for the first time. Not your Uncle George...a real entertainer. But it's big mental leap for the planner to take that step, or maybe a leap.

I'm not a salesman. In the sense that I'm not going to pressure you or pitch you into something you're not quite sure of. (Good salespeople never do that, but it does happen.)

My only pitch is my videos. See the fun and excitement magic creates. That's all. Here's a link to my YouTube Channel.

If you've got the budget, give me a call at 339-927-4710 and I'll do my best to make it work out.

I will guarantee your satisfaction...and I'll guarantee that I'll be the least expensive vendor at your wedding. (You might say the cheapest vendor.) Definitely the "most bang for your buck!"

Sincerely,

Joe Ferranti

Boston Area Magician

www.ferrantimagic.com  339-927-4710

Are These the Best Magicians? AGT Magic Line-Up 2023 Part 3

 AGT Magic Auditions 2023 part three

Ryan Hayashi

I have been involved in magic for many years as a student. (Always a student) and a few as semi-pro performer.

I knew of Ryan Hayashi before he took the stage on AGT. He is a well-accomplished magician, respected in the magic community, with numerous magic awards and appearances around the world to his credit. He's also a lecturer and motivational speaker. Having fooled Penn and Teller, I anticipated the outcome of his performance.

Watch Ryan's Performance:

In fact, I didn't know what was to follow. Ryan entered the stage and Heidi asked him a few questions. Next, we cut to a scene on the stage. Ryan is seated at a table with Heidi and Terry. How they got there we don't know. He introduces the props he will be using, four cards, and four coins. As he is doing this, we can hear Simon's voice asking, "Are those playing Cards? Howie replies, "You hate cards", Simon replies to Howie, "So much, I can't tell you." 

This isn't quiet talking at the table. Ryan can hear it as well. He briefly spoke, "Simon, don't worry. This is not a card trick." The camera cuts to Simon as he rolls his eyes. I didn't quite understand. Simon often assists in card magic and his reactions are often awe struck. Without context, there is no point in discussing it further, as it was heavily edited.

The Matrix

Ryan was performing his version of what magicians call "Matrix." Where 4 coins travel magically across a table, either under the cover of cards or sometimes bare-handed. The first transposition happens, and Terry and Heidi react positively to the magic. Next, we switch to an overhead shot to provide the audience with a clear view of the "magic" moment, and Simon asks Sofia, "What's happening?”

Earlier, they showed Ryan backstage, performing for a young magician. (Sangsoon Kim) Magicians will be familiar with the trick. Ryan asked Sangsoon to name any card, "Six of Clubs" was Sangsoon's response...Ryan immediately produced the six of clubs from the bottom of the deck. "How do you do that?" asked Sangsoon. "Some days you get lucky," replied Ryan. Cut scene to Ryan walking on the stage. This must have been purposeful editing because this was not Ryan's "Lucky Day." Three nos and one, yes, from Heidi.

If you are interested in Ryan's Penn and Teller performance, it's right here.

Sangsoon kim Fism Winner 2018

Watching this episode of AGT. I saw Ryan enjoying some pre-show time with Sangsoon. In the picture below, we see the moment Ryan received his third "No" I wonder what was going through his mind?

Sangsoon is from South Korea, where he is a magician. It seems his only other career has been military service.

He took the stage, his engaging personality winning over the judges and audience before he began. As the saying goes, He hit the ground running with an upbeat performance.

Magic with Sneakers

His act was novel in that it was a color-changing sneaker act, in the manner of a quick-change artist. However, it went further. The shoe boxes changed to matching colors. The highlight was when he jumped in the air and the sneakers he was wearing changed color in mid-air.

The audience and the judges gave a mutual standing ovation.

Note: In 2018, Sangsoon appeared on Penn and Teller. (Not a Fooler.) he also won the 2018 FISM Most originality Award Stage. FISM is the most prestigious magic award in the world.

I'll be back soon to either finish the auditions or proceed to the semi-finals.

Joe Ferranti's Magic Musings

ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710 Boston Corporate Magician.

Wedding Magician Massachusetts

Boston Massachusetts Wedding Magician

339-927-4710

                                                           www.ferrantimagic.com

One of the Sweetest reactions to my magic.

 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.