A Different "Shut Down" 2022

                                                 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.

Joe Ferranti

Boston Massachusetts Close-Up Magician

339-927-4710  The Magic of Joe Ferranti

YouTube The Magic of Joe Ferranti Boston Magician

Massachusetts Magician, Joe Ferranti presents magic at a family gathering.

Although I perform primarily for adults, in the real world, children are often present.

They are happily included in the fun.

 Here's a family gathering in the summer, with an audience of all ages.

Boston's Favorite Magician

www.ferrantimagic.com

The Magic of Joe Ferranti

339-927-4710

Joe Ferranti Boston Magician

My Boston Office?

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?  ;)

Joe Ferranti

Performing at The Summit Lounge

 Boston Magician Joe Ferranti

339-927-4710

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

Adult Birthday Magic

 Adult Birthday Magician, Massachusetts

The Close-Up Magic of Joe Ferranti

339-927-4710 www.ferrantimagic.com

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."

Best Wishes,

Joe Ferranti

Massachusetts Close-Up Magician

"The Birthday Card Trick" by Boston's Favorite Magician!

 Adult Birthday Magician Boston Massachusetts

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.

The Close-Up Magic of Joe Ferranti Massachusetts Magician

339-927-4710 The Magic of Joe Ferranti

What's Next ? Looking Towards a New Future.

Hopeful for the Holidays

The Magic of Joe Ferranti

Since June, here at The Magic of Joe Ferranti, it has been non-stop magic performances. The excitement and anticipation of a return to "normalcy" has kept us very busy. No complaints, better busy than idle.

The Holiday season is rapidly approaching, and a dark cloud is looming in the distance. The big question is will we see the return of the Holiday party. Last year there were no company holiday parties, no friends and family celebrations.

The answer won't come until we know the extent of the Virus Variant, "Delta". It seems certain we will not shut down, but without confidence of a safe environment, we may put non-essential events on hold. 

And so it goes, we may be perpetually behind the "eight ball, "unable to put this terrible virus in our rear vision mirror.

One year ago, I posted a blog... The Year Without Christmas ...Parties. The date was Nov. 18, 2020. If I'm not performing at parties this November, I will repost the blog for 2021. I hope I won't be doing that.

Boston Magician,

Joe Ferranti

Call 339-927-4710 to reserve your date for your Holiday party. I will not require a down payment to avoid returning your funds if you need to cancel.

339-927-4710 ferrantimagic.com