The Masked Magician

 

New Meaning…The Masked Magician

Contact Boston Wedding Magician

Google search…masked magician, I’m quite sure you won’t find me in the results. Yet there I was September 6^th 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.”

Stay Safe,

Joe Ferranti

BostonMassachusetts’ Finest Wedding Magician

A Magic Surprise for the Bride and Groom!

 

 

 

Street Magic, a brief history…The Buskers and David Blaine

Boston Massachusetts Close Up Magician  https://ferrantimagic.com

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.

Magic, the most unique form of entertainment.

Joe Ferranti

Boston Street Magician...almost. 😉

Close Up Magic in Boston MA. | MASS.

Finding the Right Magician...part two

https://www.ferrantimagic.com

 

I left you with solid information to enable you to search the internet and make an informed choice to assist you in choosing a magician. Continuing…

The Agent/Agency

agent.: a person who does business for another person: a person who acts on behalf of another.

There was a time when individuals worked hard on behalf of entertainers, securing them steady work. Of course, the agent received a fee/percentage for his work. (Well-deserved too.) How nice would it be to just do what I enjoy most…. entertaining with magic, and not spending time with the business end. From where I sit, those days are long in the rear-view mirror.

 there’s a new agent in town.

I must admit, it was a brilliant idea, and well marketed.

In the field of Magic entertainment, do a search and you’ll find the agents. “Gig this, Gig that...Party Time, Woof, Thumbs Up, Bish Bosh, World Entertainment.” I’ve changed the names to avoid conflict.

What do you get?

 As a consumer you receive a list of magicians that you may contact. You get their promo info etc. Sounds good? For the most part, but the listing of magicians is not all inclusive. The only contacts you will see are from “paid members”, that’s us the magicians.

Competition? Touted as benefitting the consumer. Not necessarily, you’re not buying canned soup. All magic entertainment is not equal. Recently a potential client asked if I could meet the same fee as another magician had quoted. As much as I want to accommodate my clients, I had to politely decline with best wishes and hoped their event was a success. Moments later I was contacted again, and they were happy to pay my fee.

What does the Magician get?

We receive details about your event, and are able to contact you with a quote for our services. This is nice...contact info with a motivated client, but there is a price.

The part that you don’t see is the fee we pay to be included on the list of available magicians for your event. Or the additional fee if we choose a “Top List profile.”

Or the fee we pay if we are hired by you. Yeah, there are a lot of fees. Do we pass on the costs? (A topic for another day.)

 

There you have it...how to find the right magician for your event. Go back and look at part one again.

 

All Best Wishes,

Joe Ferranti

Boston Magician

 

 

 

Finding The Right Magician For your Event

https://www.ferrantimagic.com

Back in the 20th Century people found their “Magicians / Magic entertainment” through the Yellow Pages. (some of you may need to visit a museum to see a physical Yellow Page Book)

Advertising was quite expensive through the Yellow Pages. Some businesses could only afford a line or two. Ad spaces were sold in little blocks. A quarter page Ad was reserved for the “Big Boys.”

This is all ancient history now; the internet turned the world of advertising on its head.

A website is essential for conducting business in the world of Corporate and private entertainment.

Your first impression is what you see on The Home Page. “Should I stay or should I go.” If you don’t create an interest or have the potential to solve a problem…” poof” they’re gone, no sale!

If a client is searching for a Children’s’ Birthday Magician, I don’t expect you will find a link to my site. I don’t want to waste your time, however if you are looking for an Adult birthday party magician, I expect you might find what you see below.

Adult Birthday Party Magician Boston MA | Mass | Massachusetts
www.ferrantimagic.com › Testimonials

Boston's best adult birthday magician. Although the magic is for adults, the entertainment is "clean." Including Joe's special effect for the birthday recipient.

So, now you have arrived at my website. It should be easy to navigate. (I know you don’t have all day.)My goal is for you to easily learn what services I provide, read some testimonials and above all see some video footage of “The Magic of Joe Ferranti in action.” (videos are usually 60 seconds) If you like what you see, we begin the conversation. 

Of course, I’m not the only magician who provides the services you are searching for. Check out anyone who interests you. Compare everything, but I strongly urge you to compare video performances. Everybody should have some video footage. It’s the 21st century, you can record video on your phone! No excuses.

At this point you should be able to narrow down your choices to two or three magicians. Now it gets real. If money is no object, forget all my advice and hire David Blaine. Back to reality. In order for me or any other magician ascertain a reasonable fee, we need some information.

1. The date and time of your event.

2. The theme of your event…Adult Birthday, Wedding, Corporate Cocktail Hour…

3 Length of service: One Hour or more. 

4. Number of guests, very important in determining the length of service.

5. the City, town or address of the event.

Once I have all this information, I can calculate a price for your event.

To be Continued…Booking through an “agency”

Best Wishes,

Joe Ferranti 

Boston Close Up Magician

 

Waiting to return...

It's been a couple months since my last performance. I miss the live interactions with clients.

Honestly...it seems I may never return to my "work." I may never shake another hand, or experience the mere casual touches which make up respectful human interactions.

I have cancelled accounts which help with contacting potential clients. (Gig this or Gig that...) Their fees cost a substantial amount of money, but  there was a return in having listings beyond my web site. No one is contacting me for events that can't take place.

If I ever return I hope you shop locally. That means, take the time to search out magicians and visit our web sites. Of course, price shop, compare experience, check the reviews...see some videos.(The videos tell the real story)

As I write this, I see a Wedding my wife and I were to attend in July. It has been postponed...I guess the Bride and Groom want real guests present, not virtual ones.

If and when you feel safe, give me a call or contact ferrantimagic.com

Hoping we meet soon.

All Best Wishes,
Joe Ferranti
Close Up Strolling Magician

Wedding Magic...Unique Entertainment.

                 

 

I am getting many more requests to provide entertainment during the cocktail hour for Weddings. in fact, magic is catching on for young adults to senior citizens. (We're not there yet...but we are no longer seen as entertainment for kids birthdays, and no...I can not twist a balloon.
Why the piqued interest? TV, America's Got Talent, Penn and Teller Fool Us, The Carbonaro Effect. People want to see Magic Live, and when they do, well see the results in the video. It's even better in person.
When you need the best in "Clean" adult entertainment...think about magic. www.ferrantimagic.com

Wedding Testimonials

Boston Magic Show

                     

The Parlor Show

Getting the right show for your event, is easy...with a little knowledge. If you are looking for a Vegas Stage Act...you might have to travel to Vegas. Sometimes big stage productions go on tour. Keep your eyes open. Some spectacular shows may travel near your location.

https://boston.broadway.com › shows › the-illusionists

Close Up Strolling Magicians are readily available locally. The talent varies, so do your homework, with so many reviews and available videos there's no reason for you to hire someone blindly.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpRsNPm-L8lJgbR2T-M7iKA

Maybe you want to try a Mentalism show, simply search for those who specialize in that field

Others have shows that play well to a few hundred people, perhaps a School Show or a corporate gathering. Again, do your research. You can find the type of show that you want. Maybe you want some comedy style magic, or something a bit more serious.

All my work contains a certain amount of humor, but equally strong Magic. Recently I have been servicing corporate and private holiday parties with my "Intimate Par Show." I've performed in offices, Restaurants and homes. The audience size varies from 15 to 40 people. During the show, many participate and are the "eyes" for the audience. Keep in mind the audience can see as well, the participation amplifies the effect for all in attendance. 

The show runs approximately 50 minutes, usually a bit longer. I try to come in at a bit under one hour.

If you are the one arranging the event, this is an extremely easy process, as all you need to do is provide the space, restaurant, office, home. I will arrive early to insure a prompt start for your scheduled time.

After that, all you need do is relax and take the pats on the back for arranging such a great show.

Laughter and amazement brought to you. call 339-927-4710 

The Magic of Joe Ferranti

The Very Best in Boston area Magic.