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has anyone noticed the rise in people carrying messenger bags especially magicians does anyone really bother with carrying close up cases anymore seems like its easier and better to carry some things in the messenger bag than a close up case

I may upset people by saying this but I'd be mortified if I ever saw a close up magician use any case or bag to go round tables with. If you can't go round tables looking comfortable and at ease with your effects in your pockets, then you shouldn't be doing close up.

Eeeeeek! That's just my opinion

Starving Stu wrote:I may upset people by saying this but I'd be mortified if I ever saw a close up magician use any case or bag to go round tables with. If you can't go round tables looking comfortable and at ease with your effects in your pockets, then you shouldn't be doing close up.

Eeeeeek! That's just my opinion

I am afraid that I am guilty in this respect. In the summer when wearing a jacket is not comfortable I do wear a bum bag for my Sunday lunch restaurant gig. I do only use it for more bulky childrens effects, I get quite a number of tables with small children on. I need things like a small magic colouring book and other bits and pieces.

Getting in at a table is a given 9 times out of 10 if there are kids and whilst from about 7 upwards they are interested in cards and coins I still need something for the younger ones.

Hence the bum bag.

Well I must admit to sweating like a pig in the summer But I don't know, I just wince when I see magicians taking bags round. I just think magic should be performed with simple every day looking objects that can be carried at ease.

I've always avoided trying not to say something that could cause offence on here, so apologies if I have but I thought I would add my thoughts.

The worst I ever saw was one magician who took a close up mat around with him and plonked it on the table, moving peoples personal items out the way and even their drinks *shudder* now that's bad!

I used to go out loaded with decks in my cargo pants in the same order I used to organise things in my suit jacket. Decks also make cargo pants hang nicely.

Starving Stu wrote:Well I must admit to sweating like a pig in the summer But I don't know, I just wince when I see magicians taking bags round. I just think magic should be performed with simple every day looking objects that can be carried at ease.

I've always avoided trying not to say something that could cause offence on here, so apologies if I have but I thought I would add my thoughts.

The worst I ever saw was one magician who took a close up mat around with him and plonked it on the table, moving peoples personal items out the way and even their drinks *shudder* now that's bad!

Compared to some of the stuff on here Stu your comments are positively benign! I take absolutely no offence, I just wanted to share the fact that I have succumbed to a bag and why.

I couldn't agree more in ordinary circumstances that seeing a magician delving in to a bag is not edifying. Jay Sankey brought out some sort of belt bag a while ago which was quite rightly panned and crashed and burned.

Where I work on a Sunday is a riverside pub restaurant. It is very family orientated and in the summer a lot of my work is in the garden. Without a jacket I simply can't carry everything I need. I struggled through last summer but found myself rushing back to my base behind the kitchens to pick up extra props if I found a lot of youngish children at the table.

For formal parties and weddings whatever the weather I go suited and booted so the pockets are adequate. I also find that I am not callede on so much to add in childrens material at those sorts of affairs.

And as for a close up mat.... I don't think so!!!

I was at a restaurant and the magician, (whom I didn't know) not only moved the glasses out of the way and put down a close up pad, but then set up a stand and put his briefcase on the stand and started taking out his cups and balls. It was horrible all the way around.

As for the type of magic, it depends on your performing style. Some like the magic with everyday objects. Some are more the wizardy type who have strange and curious objects, old keys, brass boxes. It depends neither is wrong.

I see the need for needing something if you are performing at a family restaurant and you have colouring books etc, Prof Nightmare whatever.

All depends on where, who and of course your style. As a spectator I am usually bored after one or two effects, (because I'm jaded) and that is because too many times the magician is staring at the cards and usually performing for himself, but every now and again...

What are we talking about again? Oh look a chicken.

Compared to some of the stuff on here Stu your comments are positively benign! I take absolutely no offence, I just wanted to share the fact that I have succumbed to a bag and why.

Ah thanks! I had no wish to start a flame war (whatever they flippin are? ) I can understand fully if you're carrying items for kids magic. Me being the 'Big Meany Magician' I just carry sponge balls in my pockets for the lil blighters.

All depends on where, who and of course your style. As a spectator I am usually bored after one or two effects, (because I'm jaded) and that is because too many times the magician is staring at the cards and usually performing for himself, but every now and again...

What are we talking about again? Oh look a chicken.

That reminds me of a joke! 'How many people with Attention Deficit Disorder does it take to change a light bulb? Let's go ride our bikes!'

Ooops never said it was a 'good' joke

I have a case I take to gigs, but it stays in the back, it is also good storage, of things I'm working on.

When I am apporaching people though, everything is in my pockets - I don't wear a jacket, and I try to cut things down, so my pockets aren't jammed full, and that I have things that can do several things eg, cards, coins, a pen, flash paper, etc...
Ed.

I carry my stuff backwards and forwards to the gig in a case for protection and I arrive early enough to then load my pockets with what I'm going to use. The case is put away and is only used again if so some reason I need a spare something. More often than not it's a deck of cards that I reach for if someone knocks a drink over the cards that I'm using but it doesn't happen very often.

I have to admit to being fortunate that my jackets could house a family of four so space isn't an issue but I do also find that a toppit is handy for carrying things inside of too, particularly rope etc.

Personally, I never use a close up mat on a table when I'm table hopping.

I've noticed recently that all of the wedding photographers and video producers now all have assistants. Maybe it's time for us magicians to have close up assistants too?

'Could you reach for the lime in my right pocket please@