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. 😉
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