Hi,
I'm a magician/DJ. Other than a few PK and mind reading magic effects— well let's just say I could use some more material than I usually would on a show. I can do many card tricks. I have the hot rod that turns to red, maybe I can use some patter about blood? A TT, maybe a red silk— OK they're coming to me now, it must be this topic. Any way...GOT HELP?

Yes. Start now. Start reading as much as you can about the kind of magic you want to do for these parties. Forget about doing "blood" with a Hot Rod. IMHO, that makes about as much sense as doing "Stratospheres" with a patter about "Lymph, bile and blood."

Also, search this section of the forum to get some ideas. Look for references to Peter Marucci's forum so you can get over there to read some more material.

Then work up just a few presentations, staying away from bulky props and, above all, card tricks.

Are you travelling around from table to table or doing a stage act?

What direction do you intend to take when it comes to this performance? What you have described sounds like you are going for the humorous approach, using analogy within your performance. If this is what you intend, any trick will work - even “Hippity Hop Rabbits” with patter relating to people (represented by the rabbits) trying to escape from the Boogie Man. Get it? Boogie Man - you're a D.J ! Oh, never mind.

You must define how you want to present yourself and it must also be appropriate for the wedding you are booked for. Presentations, even alluding to gore, may be no more acceptable than you playing Alice Cooper’s “Roses on White Lace” from “Raise Your Fist and Yell”. But, then again, this may be perfectly acceptable— depending on the bride and groom's tastes.

So, I am in agreement with Bill Palmer in this way “Yes. Start now. Start reading as much as you can about the kind of magic you want to do for these parties.” And yes, Peter Marucci's forum has some good material. However, depending on how you wish to present yourself, doing "‘blood’ with a Hot Rod" and a ton of card tricks may be what you want— even though both “Mr. Palmer and I” may find the idea a bit absurd.

Yes, thank you all for your valuable input. It is well taken rest assured. To answer some of the questions: It will be for the most part walk around and all though this is a wedding reception, it is also a Halloween costume party. I was even asked by the bride and groom to dress up in costume. I have a few PK and mentalism ideas I think I will build in that direction.

Go for the shock factor, stay away from cards and HOTROD (thanks for saving me there you were right). Use one ahead and read their minds. PK— change penny to dime in their hands, move brass rings across a table without touching them. YES, that's the direction I wish to go. A few more ideas in this area would be very helpful.

This is a lot of material to work on, as it is. There is one card trick that I would recommend. It is called "The Gypsy's Curse." It is an excellent piece for this kind of thing.

You have a lot of studying to do. Also, expand your arsenal.

Of course you could do a psychotic Hot Rod with a straight razor instead of that cheap plastic crap. The line is you can't find that cheap plastic thingy so you pull out the only skinny flat thing you have - a straight razor. You draw the colors on with sharpies and go to it. Then the blood would come naturally, so eventually both sides turn red. Though not quite how you intended.

Ok, I am twisted.

Of course that would would fit nicely with some Meir Yedid Finger Vanishing where you eventually accidently lop off your pinky while swinging the razor around.

If anyone is still around, or conscious, after this, they are at least as twisted as you and you have a new friend.

Thanks for keeping me on track guys. Yeah I have a lot of work ahead. But all your help is instru- mental.

OK sorry for the pun, it slipped out.