Wild And Crazy Reactions? or the more subdued... "Amazing; Amazing.”

Joe Ferranti's quiet response to his performance.

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.

Am I the Right Magician for Your Event?

 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.

When You Do Hire The Magic of Joe Ferranti…

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.

www.ferrantimagic.com  The Magic of Joe Ferranti

339-927-4710

One of Massachusetts' Best Magicians

  

“Is Mind Reading Real? Keeping the Madness under Control!”

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.

Joe Ferranti Boston Magician

and Part-Time Mind Reader...?

www.ferrantimagic.com 

339-927-4710

From Tricks to Performing

 Boston Comedy Magician 

Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710 ferrantimagic.com

From Tricks to Performing

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.

Good Luck

Joe Ferranti