Magic Tricks

I was particularly interested in Jim Sisti's lecture for a few of reasons. First, he is a longtime friend of Richard Osterlind's and his business partner, and Richard just happens to be my favorite performer and teacher, so I was curious about his friend. Second, I kept hearing how influential his former magazine, "The Magic Menu" was. Third, I had gotten away from close-up magic, and I really wanted to learn some good routines to start accepting gigs for this type of work.

Well, I am glad I not only own this lecture, but I was glad I was in the audience at Penguin's studios for this one. Jim is an incredibly gifted performer and teacher with a quick wit. This is one of my favorite lectures and to me is an instant classic. Let me tell you why:

Jim said he chose the material he did because they were relatively easy to perform and they were very commercial. As someone who has worked in restaurants for decades (I am not saying he is old), he knows what people like.

I love Ring on Rope routines, but I have been reluctant to do (finger) Ring on String routines. I just think the finger rings are too small. However, the four-phase routine Jim taught seems like it is something I would do.

Ever since watching Jay Sankey and Kevin King perform the bill switch, I have been intrigued by it, but not enough to actually learn it. Jim's Transmutation is a fun piece using an ungimmicked change purse where the spectator's larger, signed bill turns into a smaller, unsigned one. It appears in the change purse that has been sitting on the table the whole time.

I own a cheap set of color-changing knives, and I never really knew what to do with them. However, because I am Italian (as is Jim), I just may steal his presentation and story for the color-changing knives. Nice, visual, quick and fun routine.

Talking about quick, I imagine it is because he cut his teeth in restaurants, Jim's effects were not long and drawn out. They were well-routined and to the point. Many of the effects he performed employ multiple phases, which means the performer can cut of the effect at various points if the food arrives.

Jim has a great understanding of the magicians who came before, and he pays them great respect. During his two hours of performance and explanation and his 90 minutes of conversation with host Dan Harlan, Jim displayed a tremendous wit, a vast knowledge and good rapport with the audience. He is very respectful with his spectators, and he makes sure everyone is involved and is having a good time.

If you are considering going into restaurant magic or performing close-up/walk around magic, I highly encourage you to get his lecture. Jim's thoughts on how to give out business cards (making it a magical moment instead of a perfunctory one) and his philosophy on tips alone are worth the price of this lecture.

There is stuff from this lecture you can use at your next close up gig, and like the guy from the Men's Wearhouse, I guarantee it!