I was wondering if you could help me think of some effects that aren't patter dependant. I have found myself in bars/night clubs wanting to preform some effects for friends but with the loud music and background noise I can't think of too many effects that aren't that dependant on the spec hearing the patter.

I always carry around a couple teeny-tiny plastic doves, available from bead/craft stores. I can tear a corner off a bar napkin or tissue and seemingly roll and "fold" the paper into this meticulously shaped little bird. Takes a few seconds, and appears to be nearly "born" from your fingertips.

That's the key here, I think. Quick hits that can keep somebody's attention just long enough to make the impression. I'd also include:

- Spontaneous productions & vanishes (coins, small silks, etc.);
- Put things into, and take things out of, your nose; and



Regards,

-jjg

You might look into some of Jeff McBride's material. On my copy of Volume 1 of his "The Art of Card Manipulation", Jeff talks about how, early in his career, he did a lot of close-up in noisy clubs, where you didn't have a chance to use any patter, so you had to be very visual, direct and work in time with music.

Take a look at the cultural exchange DVD's. The routines were specifically designed to be performed in loud bar-type setting. Highly visual effects that don't depend on a lot of patter. One warning though - some of the moves are at an intermediate to advanced level. Thought I should mention that since the post is in the New to Magic forum.

Kent

Color Changing Knives
Peter Rabbit Goes to Town
Hopping Half
Color Change Routines with Cards

How about a mental angle? I saw a vid of someone recently bending a paper clip. He uses it in a Restauanr but.....

He approaches the table, says nothing, holds a paper clip up and stares at it. Completely ignores the customers whilst staring at the paperclip, which then starts to bend. It bends impossibly all the way around then he drops it on the table. The whole thing lasts about 2 minutes.

Sounds ideal for you. At a quietish (lol) moment, look your mark in the eye, when he/she looks back lift up the hand with the paper clip in it. Do the bend, give them the undamaged paperclip and walk off to the bar. Don't say a word.....

I wish I could remember its name. Anyone?

G

I have performed "Card Warp" hundreds of times without patter. The key is to "act" surprised when the magic occurs.

In my opinion, the best example of great facial expressions would be the late Doug Henning. He could amaze folks, because he always seemed amazed too!

Magic may or may not have a language, but everyone understands thier eyes. Use visual magic.

As has been said, try a few quick coin routines.

Also, do you have a pair of D'Lites? They can be good in places like bars or clubs.

As has been said, try a few quick coin routines.

Also, do you have a pair of D'Lites? They can be good in places like bars or clubs.

Good idea on the D'Lites. Perhaps you could work on something specific and prepared since you know who your target will be well in advance.

Torn and restored napkin.
"$100 Dollar Bill Switch" or "Mismade Bill"
"Hanging Coins"
"Coin to Bottle"
"Cigarette thru Coin"
"3 Fly"
"Coins to Glass"
Pen thru Tongue.
Finger ring and shoelace/cord.
Animations such as floating bill.
Multiplications of balls, cigarettes,etc.
Silk productions, color changes and vanishes.


There are actually quite a few effects that are suitable.
You may need to use some sign language or mime a bit for some.
Visibility is a key factor.

I know it may seem a little odd for a deaf person such as myself to give advice on performing in loud rooms. But I actually have a lot of experience at this. Not only have a performed in a lot of loud rooms but to me sound is a factor I always have to work around. Basically, I can't tell if the room is to loud for them to hear me so I have to go by their reactions.

Do a lot of mime and gestures. For instance there is a common gesture that says, "Pick a card." You obviously spread the cards before them and gesture for them to pick one.

If you need them to do something then you demonstrate what it is you need them to do. For instance in one of my coin routines I place 4 coins in their hand and have them shake them between their cupped hands. To tell them to do this I simply demonstrate what I need them to do with my own hands.

I'm not saying every single trick you do will work like this but put some thought into some of them and think of ways to tell them what you need them to do without words.

It's best to get their attention with something very visual at first. Once you have their attention it's much easier to get them to work with you on other things.

I'll give you an example that happens to me quite often when I'm out at a club. Someone might ask me if I can perform for their friends. The first thing I'd do is something very visual that needs no introduction. I might barrow one of their cigarettes and make it float. Now they want to watch me. So I can pull out my coins, cards or whatever and go into my routines.

I hope this helps.

Ron Jaxon

Card Manipulation works

The Silent Treatment by Jon Allen.

I like to open with David Regal's Sudden Deck in a loud room. Also his Pasteboard Massacre is good because of the visual presentation.

Another card trick in a loud situation is Jay Sankey's Practice Pack! IMHO.

A lot of coin effects are very visual and require very little talking. I've heard Shoot Ogawa has quite a lot of work that is also very visual.

Many of the Magic effects that Jaz mention can be done to music, Many times I practice my magic (Close Up)to music so if a place is loud or loud with music then I use hand gesture so they can follow what is about to happen. At club when I do the floating bill, I crush the bill into a ball to then try to balance it on my finger and it keeps falling into my other hand and after a few tries I put it on my palm and point at it to then have it float to my finger, I do this with out saying a word, and with music in the background it looks great.


Maro