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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » Funeral magic not april fools joke (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

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kinesis
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Bill Palmer
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One of my friends, Howard Marcus, was the proprietor of the "Laff Stop" comedy club chain in Texas. When Howard died, I went to his funeral, and his wife, Sandy, asked for me to come back to their home for the minyan that was held afterwards. I had never been to a minyan before, but one of my friends who knew about these things told me that if I were asked to go, it was an honor, and I should definitely do it. So I did.

It was not a sad occasion at all. That is, we all realized Howard was gone. But we did not discuss the negative aspects of any of it. After about an hour or so, Sandy asked me if I could do some magic for the kids. So I went into the room where the kids were and did a little bit of magic for them. Then the adults wanted to see some, too, so I complied.

It was a bittersweet occasion. But I'm glad I went, and I was honored to be asked.
"The Swatter"

Founder of CODBAMMC

My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups."

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Vincent
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New York Metro Area
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Almost seven years ago, my cousin John passed away rather suddenly.

John was a magician in the New York City area and had been a part of the magic community for many, many years.

In some circles he had a bit of an underground legend status and also taught magic to many individuals.

At his wake many of his students came to pay their respects to the family and after doing so began to perform some close up effects.

Now some of my family being from a very traditional Italian background did not look upon this in a very good light.
But once I explained to them that these people were paying John the highest compliment by sharing the knowledge that he helped give them, they understood.
Except Uncle Vito and well, that's another story.

So I guess in some situations it's okay. Life goes on and by the action of his students, John's life was and is carried on to this day.

Thanks And Take Care,

Vincent Smile Smile Smile
Chris Keppel
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Kansas City MO
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I have never got asked before. I would most likely do it if the occasion ever came up. As of now I would rather not do one. I guess when it comes down to it, if you make the people happy in a time of sorrow then its only that much more enjoyable for yourself. that's the one thing in table hopping that I try to do. The trick can suck. As long as you made a great empression and a nice performance, and the people have smiles all around. You know that you did what you came to do. Make people remember you and enjoy the period of there life.
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DavidH
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David Hira
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I've performed at 7 funerals so far. Like one of the other responders to this post, I was hired to entertain the kids in a room AFTER the funeral where people were to gather for a light lunch or dinner. (Usually in the church basement). The adults wanted to visit, and they wanted the kids out of the way but treated nicely. I think it's a nice touch and not out of place. Balloon animals? No. Walk-around magic? Yes. A show? Hmmm... probably not, but maybe!

By the way, all were so successful that I toyed with the idea of creating a brochure that would market my service for this purpose and give them to the local funeral homes and churches. I still think its a good market to consider.
David Hira
Magical Entertainer & Keynote Speaker
www.davidhira.com
stephaniebeach
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Hi All,

I have a major problem and after hunting for an appropriate forum I
found this topic to be the closest.

I’m using gig master and a funeral gig came across my email.

I’m so totally torn about doing the gig. This woman’s brother died
of cancer and was an amateur magician. So she thinks this is a good
way to celebrate his life.

She also wants the Magician to perform for 5 hours.
That’s a long long time. So that is one thing against
taking this gig. I would ask her if she really wants a Magician for
that long. I guess during the time of the wake.

I know that at my funeral I’d also like a party atmosphere.
It’s easy to say but hard (for me at least) to think about being the
performer.

And how do you ‘setup’ for that. Stand next to the deceased and perform?
(of course not and no levitation either I assume)
Although torn and restored card might be appropriate along with catching
a bubble and using change bag to restore a string of broken beads.

I also saw that 2 other magicians turned the gig down.
That makes me sad because she might not get what her brother asked for.
Still undecided.
Decisions…decisions…
StephanieBeachMagic.com
Making your events Magical
themagicguy
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Australia
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Quote:
On 2013-09-30 07:45, stephaniebeach wrote:
Hi All,

I have a major problem and after hunting for an appropriate forum I
found this topic to be the closest.

I’m using gig master and a funeral gig came across my email.

I’m so totally torn about doing the gig. This woman’s brother died
of cancer and was an amateur magician. So she thinks this is a good
way to celebrate his life.

She also wants the Magician to perform for 5 hours.
That’s a long long time. So that is one thing against
taking this gig. I would ask her if she really wants a Magician for
that long. I guess during the time of the wake.

I know that at my funeral I’d also like a party atmosphere.
It’s easy to say but hard (for me at least) to think about being the
performer.

And how do you ‘setup’ for that. Stand next to the deceased and perform?
(of course not and no levitation either I assume)
Although torn and restored card might be appropriate along with catching
a bubble and using change bag to restore a string of broken beads.

I also saw that 2 other magicians turned the gig down.
That makes me sad because she might not get what her brother asked for.
Still undecided.
Decisions…decisions…


I would turn it down, unless I really needed the money.
RNK
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Quote:
On 2013-09-30 07:45, stephaniebeach wrote:
Hi All,

I have a major problem and after hunting for an appropriate forum I
found this topic to be the closest.

I’m using gig master and a funeral gig came across my email.

I’m so totally torn about doing the gig. This woman’s brother died
of cancer and was an amateur magician. So she thinks this is a good
way to celebrate his life.

She also wants the Magician to perform for 5 hours.
That’s a long long time. So that is one thing against
taking this gig. I would ask her if she really wants a Magician for
that long. I guess during the time of the wake.

I know that at my funeral I’d also like a party atmosphere.
It’s easy to say but hard (for me at least) to think about being the
performer.

And how do you ‘setup’ for that. Stand next to the deceased and perform?
(of course not and no levitation either I assume)
Although torn and restored card might be appropriate along with catching
a bubble and using change bag to restore a string of broken beads.

I also saw that 2 other magicians turned the gig down.
That makes me sad because she might not get what her brother asked for.
Still undecided.
Decisions…decisions…


I would do it. I got asked to do some magic at one of my wife's cousin's funeral. I was also spooked about doing this. Though I must say- it went over better than I thought. People really embraced and enjoyed it! Just my experience. Don't know if this will always be the case.

RNK
Check out Bafflingbob.com
RNK
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Quote:
On 2013-09-30 09:17, RNK wrote:
Quote:
On 2013-09-30 07:45, stephaniebeach wrote:
Hi All,

I have a major problem and after hunting for an appropriate forum I
found this topic to be the closest.

I’m using gig master and a funeral gig came across my email.

I’m so totally torn about doing the gig. This woman’s brother died
of cancer and was an amateur magician. So she thinks this is a good
way to celebrate his life.

She also wants the Magician to perform for 5 hours.
That’s a long long time. So that is one thing against
taking this gig. I would ask her if she really wants a Magician for
that long. I guess during the time of the wake.

I know that at my funeral I’d also like a party atmosphere.
It’s easy to say but hard (for me at least) to think about being the
performer.

And how do you ‘setup’ for that. Stand next to the deceased and perform?
(of course not and no levitation either I assume)
Although torn and restored card might be appropriate along with catching
a bubble and using change bag to restore a string of broken beads.

I also saw that 2 other magicians turned the gig down.
That makes me sad because she might not get what her brother asked for.
Still undecided.
Decisions…decisions…


I would do it. I got asked to do some magic at one of my wife's great uncle's funeral by the recent widow. Her Uncle was a fan of magic. I was also spooked about doing this. Though I must say- it went over better than I thought. People really embraced and enjoyed it! Just my experience. Don't know if this will always be the case.

RNK
Check out Bafflingbob.com
MichaelDouglas
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Portland, Oregon
766 Posts

Profile of MichaelDouglas
This reminds me of my elevator pitch. When leaving a table with my business card during table hopping at restaurants, I mention the types if gigs that I do....birthdays, wedding receptions, FUNERALS, and stuff like that. Then I immediately back track and say..."Well, maybe not funerals." It generally gets a laugh.

Now, I need to think more seriously about the possibility of a new market.
jmagic
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107 Posts

Profile of jmagic
Five years ago one of my very best friends died. His wife ask me to speak at the memorial service.
I told her that it would be difficult to speak as he was such a good friend. She then ask if I would perform
magic for the attendees. There was to be two services of about 100 people each. My friend always enjoyed seeing my magic.
I did it and everyone appreciated the magic and it took away some of the sadness. It helped everyone to feel better.
His wife thought it was a very nice and everyone enjoyed the show. I did about 10 minutes.
I am glad that I was able to do it.
stephaniebeach
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73 Posts

Profile of stephaniebeach
Well I took the gig.

It won't happen for 3 weeks though.

The deceased's sister is thrilled. I'm not sure on the exact
venue at the moment and we are going to talk about what magic
he liked so I can perform the tricks he did.

Tough choice for me and I still worry about being blamed for
'magic is in bad taste at a funeral' by some people at the wake.

I'll keep my magic to basics; cards, coins, ropes. No haunted decks.
I might perform Daniel Garcia (thanks Daniel) Torn (Torn and Restored card).

And we might have kids there where I can perform in a side room for them for an hour.

As I said to my client :
"Let's make this a celebration of his Life that will be remembered for generations."
The family is very happy with this.
Wish me luck. Smile

Thanks All for your replies. Smile
(and nope: don't need the money)
StephanieBeachMagic.com
Making your events Magical
tcrufus
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Pacific Northwest
52 Posts

Profile of tcrufus
This is why I don't advertise that I do magic for "all occasions" Yikes!
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