“Wanna see a trick ?”

Whether it’s a wedding, Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, corporate event or private party, there’s more to choosing the right magician than meets the eye. With a little bit of practice and desire, anybody can learn how to do a series of magic tricks. But when it comes to performing at a special event, just “doing tricks” for people is not enough. If the spectator perceives the magic merely as a “trick” then they will focus on trying to figure out how the trick is done quick to point out that they “saw something” and in the end, they may seem impressed, but clearly there is something missing from the overall experience. This points to the main difference between the amateur and professional magician.

Emotionally involve the spectator

While both the amateur and professional are highly skilled, the polished, professional  magician has the ability to emotionally involve the spectator to the point where the magic becomes secondary to the overall experience.  While the amateur is more concerned with displaying and showcasing his talents so as to impress the spectator, the professional magician has learned how to set aside his ego and allow the spectator to become the star of the show by emotionally involving the spectator in the overall experience. This is accomplished only through experience which allows the performer to create a compelling, comedic, or crazy set of emotional circumstances around the magic that  involves the spectator in a way that has a lasting emotional effect on the spectator.

“Look at me, look at me!!!”

Unfortunately, by allowing the ego to get in the way, the amateur makes it all about himself with an attitude of  ”look at me and watch this trick and you’ll be impressed with how good I am”.  At first, this approach may seem fine but ultimately it can result in the spectator feeling a sense of resentment as the magician used the performance as an opportunity to show off at the expense of the spectator.  Now the spectator may intentionally attempt to expose the secret to the trick or upstage the magician which if not handled properly may result in a negative experience.

Please watch the above performance video and see how the spectators become emotionally involved in the magic leading to awesome emotionally charged reactions that  leave a lasting impression on the guests as they beg for more.

Thanks and as always please look around the site and leave comments. Also please visit my website at  http://www.magicalsongwriter.com/corporate.html

Jeff Blum

Didn’t we meet two years ago?

This is another in my series of “performance only” videos. It’s one of my favorite effects because it’s easy to follow, extremely baffling, and it involves not only the spectator but the spectator’s spouse and friends as well. I mean after all, if a strange magician came up to your spouse and claimed that they met two years ago wouldn’t you be a little bit anxious and curious?

In this effect please notice how at first the spectators are puzzled and “taken aback” by my initial comments. Then notice how they gradually realize it’s all part of the effect. In the end we all realize it’s all in fun and we joke about it.

As always, thanks for watching and please leave comments. Jeff Blum

This is the first in a series of “performance only” videos.

Please watch “Upside Down” which is my version of the classic “Invisible Deck” effect. Please notice that by emotionally involving the spectator together we have a special magical experience.

As always, please feel free to leave comments.

Enjoy! Jeff Blum

How in the World did you do That?

My favorite part of performing as a magician is that special moment of reaction when a person has realized that there is no logical explanation for what just happened. The only way for them to react is as though a miracle has happened. Screams, bursts of laughter and breathtaking gasps of wonder are very common initial reactions which are usually followed by standard “How did you do that?” to shrieks of “Oh my God” or “What the &%$#&^*?” In some extreme cases I have even been inadvertently slapped or grabbed by the perplexed over reactive spectator.

It’s reactions like these that first got me hooked on magic and inspire me to continue performing as a professional magician.

Enjoy!

Jeff Blum

Versatility is the Key

In addition to performing in schools as a motivational performer, I also perform in many other venues including private parties, corporate events, restaurants, weddings, Bar-Bat Mitzvahs, etc. This flexibility has prepared me to be able to perform for such a wide variety of audiences and ages. Last week, I was performing my weekly Wednesday night stint of walk around, table side, close up magic at a local restaurant in NJ. It is an upscale restaurant with great food and terrific ambiance. I was hired by the restaurant owner to enhance the dining experience of the patrons by offering them an opportunity to experience professional close-up magic compliments of the restaurant.

What Gives me the Right?

I approached a couple engaged in pleasant conversation and was excited to learn that they were celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary.  Although I have been performing at restaurants successfully for years, I often ask myself  what gives me the right to invade the privacy of a stranger’s dinner table to perform my magic tricks? For me, the answer defines my purpose as a magician and performer, to transform our moment together from ordinary to memorable. As a result, it is my hope that years from now when this couple looks back on their 19th anniversary, they will remember their special evening not only by the great food and ambiance of a great restaurant but by the magician who had the nerve to “invade our privacy” and transform our special night into a memorable, magical evening we will never forget.  Please watch the video of a performance of walkaround magic at a holiday party.

The Key to Making a Moment Memorable

Instead of performing “to” the spectator, I perform “with” the spectator. It is always my goal to emotionally involve the spectator in my magic making it appear as though the spectator is actually involved in the outcome of the effect. I want them to have the perception that together we have created a miracle and shared a magical experience. As a result, the moment and the event is transformed from ordinary to memorable.

Thanks for reading and watching and please share your opinions.

Jeff