Everyone is trying to save money. However, entertainment really does set the tone and mood of your event. This is why I have always offered 3 packages for weddings, corporate events, etc. Regardless of what people choose, I emcee the event, coordinate with the other vendors, choose music based on audience reaction, provide a mix of live and CD music and so on.
I was searching the web and just found this video. Whether or not you are interested in booking me for your next me, you should check out this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXj4P3iz2yg
I feel really bad for the couple, but they can be a great learning lesson for others. Once you have invested in an important event, don't let bad entertainment ruin the day. You should be able to relax and enjoy the First Dance, the cake cutting and every other special moment.
PS - It is always good to book someone with experience, who knows how to manage those bumps in the day. Notice the Ipod doesn't have a back-up (of course, they are struggling with just the first line equipment.) I always bring back ups for my back ups. Does your entertainment? Good question to ask!
Bill
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Honoring the Longest Married Couple
The Anniversary Dance can be an amazing addition to your reception. If you haven’t heard of this before, the Anniversary Dance is an acknowledgment of the longest married couple at your reception. It is one of the formal dances you may choose to do. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, timing is critical. The Anniversary Dance is one of the formal dances, but doesn’t have to follow your First Dance or Dinner. Instead, consider opening the dance floor about half an hour after dinner. This let’s your guests get up and dance. If you are having live music, a great time for the Anniversary Dance is at the end of the bands first set.
Don’t wait too long! Remember, your more mature guests are more apt to leave earlier. The Anniversary Dance is best when you have a couple married a really long time. It would be a shame to have that couple already gone.
While the Anniversary Dance isn’t difficult for your entertainment to do, it is possible to mess it up. The drama will be greatly reduced if the emcee overestimates the longest married year. Imagine an empty dance floor. Thus, it is critical to have someone with experience emcee your event (watch for future posts on this topic.)
Now that you are going to add the Anniversary Dance and you have someone experienced leading the way, here is a suggestion to make it extra special. Consider giving the “winning” couple a small gift. It could be as simple as a single rose or a small bouquet (similar to the toss away bouquet.) With a little planning, you can honor the couple who has been married the longest.
Lastly, the right song can make or break the experience. I’ve had couples ask for modern, very upbeat (to the point of being a fast dance) song. While this could be the most beautiful song ever, remember the couples on the dance floor the longest will likely enjoy a more traditional slow song – a style of song they would be comfortable dancing.
In my experience, I’ve directed the Anniversary Dance hundreds of times. It can be an amazing experience and add so much meaning to your reception. Consider adding this activity to your reception.
First, timing is critical. The Anniversary Dance is one of the formal dances, but doesn’t have to follow your First Dance or Dinner. Instead, consider opening the dance floor about half an hour after dinner. This let’s your guests get up and dance. If you are having live music, a great time for the Anniversary Dance is at the end of the bands first set.
Don’t wait too long! Remember, your more mature guests are more apt to leave earlier. The Anniversary Dance is best when you have a couple married a really long time. It would be a shame to have that couple already gone.
While the Anniversary Dance isn’t difficult for your entertainment to do, it is possible to mess it up. The drama will be greatly reduced if the emcee overestimates the longest married year. Imagine an empty dance floor. Thus, it is critical to have someone with experience emcee your event (watch for future posts on this topic.)
Now that you are going to add the Anniversary Dance and you have someone experienced leading the way, here is a suggestion to make it extra special. Consider giving the “winning” couple a small gift. It could be as simple as a single rose or a small bouquet (similar to the toss away bouquet.) With a little planning, you can honor the couple who has been married the longest.
Lastly, the right song can make or break the experience. I’ve had couples ask for modern, very upbeat (to the point of being a fast dance) song. While this could be the most beautiful song ever, remember the couples on the dance floor the longest will likely enjoy a more traditional slow song – a style of song they would be comfortable dancing.
In my experience, I’ve directed the Anniversary Dance hundreds of times. It can be an amazing experience and add so much meaning to your reception. Consider adding this activity to your reception.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The World of Wedding Receptions
So, I have performed at over 600 wedding/wedding receptions in my career. I would like to think I’ve seen everything, but new things happen at each one. However, I have learned a lot of “bridal lessons.” Since most people don’t have a chance to attend 600 events, I hope to share insights with brides in the hopes of helping with the planning process.
When I say I’ve seen it all, I mean it – from the uncle who gave secrets of the bachelor party in a toast (regarding a secret bachelor party), the maid of honor telling intimate secrets about the bride and groom the parents wouldn’t want to know, to uncomfortable, expected formal dances (with your father and/or step-father), to every weather problem possible (a tent that collapsed from too much rain, etc.) While every problem can’t be predicted, planning can help. Visit www.omgilts.com for planning tools.
Stay tuned for future updates that just may help you avoid “the worse case scenario.”
When I say I’ve seen it all, I mean it – from the uncle who gave secrets of the bachelor party in a toast (regarding a secret bachelor party), the maid of honor telling intimate secrets about the bride and groom the parents wouldn’t want to know, to uncomfortable, expected formal dances (with your father and/or step-father), to every weather problem possible (a tent that collapsed from too much rain, etc.) While every problem can’t be predicted, planning can help. Visit www.omgilts.com for planning tools.
Stay tuned for future updates that just may help you avoid “the worse case scenario.”
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"Everyday" in a Macy's ad
I can't believe it! I was watching TV and just saw the new Macy's ad. If you listen to the song, it is "Everyday" by Buddy Holly. The song plays in the background, but sung by a woman. It is just one more example of how his music lives on.
Every so often, someone will ask me "Why do you play such old music?" Well, I think the answer is obvious. Whether it is in a commercial or a movie or sampled by a hip-hop/rap artist, these songs are timeless. Eventually, there will be no more "oldies."
I get a little laugh every time someone asks for the new song by so and so. It is usually...a remake of an old song.
I hope you get as much enjoyment out of these songs as I do playing them. Just remember, that new song, may not be so new!
Every so often, someone will ask me "Why do you play such old music?" Well, I think the answer is obvious. Whether it is in a commercial or a movie or sampled by a hip-hop/rap artist, these songs are timeless. Eventually, there will be no more "oldies."
I get a little laugh every time someone asks for the new song by so and so. It is usually...a remake of an old song.
I hope you get as much enjoyment out of these songs as I do playing them. Just remember, that new song, may not be so new!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Spring is Almost Here
Spring is almost here! In honor of the new season, I have an added twist to this week's blog...video!
And, just so you don't miss out on all of the exciting things I get to see...
Have a great week!
And, just so you don't miss out on all of the exciting things I get to see...
Have a great week!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Rise of Rock and Roll – Rock History in Memphis
As I’ve mentioned, I have the privilege of a job that allows me to travel. This weekend, I was in Memphis, Tennessee for two shows at the Avenue A. I love opportunities to travel for shows like this…it is the best way to see America. This trip was no different.
Saturday, I found myself at Sun Studios. While I’ve been to the store in Nashville, visiting the Memphis site was a dream come true. I stood in the room where Elvis first recorded. Where Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and countless others came to record and be discovered.
There is so much more to the story. Marion Keisker was the first woman in Memphis to have a radio show. Her story is incredible, but she is often referred to as Sam Phillips secretary. She is just as important to the story, even if she is often overlooked.
Speaking of Sam Phillips…He is a complicated man. However, he knew what he wanted…a sound that was different than what everyone else was recording. While the music was already there, he enabled it to be shared with many more. It spread from a regional sound to the national and international marketplace.
Even more incredible was this site could have been lost to history. Sam outgrew the facility and moved to another location in 1959. The building stood empty, except as a storage site, for 25 years. It was used, at one time, as radiator storage. Thankfully, Memphis came to its senses and saved this building. Now, you too can visit the room where so much history was made. The same sound tiles are still there. If you listen closely, you might hear their story, as well. If only they could really talk!
Memphis has a lot to offer. You can have a really good time and probably drink as much as you can hold. However, there is more to the story. If you have the chance to travel to this city, don’t miss out on learning about this part of early rock and roll history!
Bill at Sun Studios in front of the Million Dollar
Quartet photo. This photo was probably not
an accident, but encouraged by Sam Phillips.
Saturday, I found myself at Sun Studios. While I’ve been to the store in Nashville, visiting the Memphis site was a dream come true. I stood in the room where Elvis first recorded. Where Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and countless others came to record and be discovered.
There is so much more to the story. Marion Keisker was the first woman in Memphis to have a radio show. Her story is incredible, but she is often referred to as Sam Phillips secretary. She is just as important to the story, even if she is often overlooked.
Speaking of Sam Phillips…He is a complicated man. However, he knew what he wanted…a sound that was different than what everyone else was recording. While the music was already there, he enabled it to be shared with many more. It spread from a regional sound to the national and international marketplace.
Even more incredible was this site could have been lost to history. Sam outgrew the facility and moved to another location in 1959. The building stood empty, except as a storage site, for 25 years. It was used, at one time, as radiator storage. Thankfully, Memphis came to its senses and saved this building. Now, you too can visit the room where so much history was made. The same sound tiles are still there. If you listen closely, you might hear their story, as well. If only they could really talk!
Memphis has a lot to offer. You can have a really good time and probably drink as much as you can hold. However, there is more to the story. If you have the chance to travel to this city, don’t miss out on learning about this part of early rock and roll history!
Bill at Sun Studios in front of the Million Dollar
Quartet photo. This photo was probably not
an accident, but encouraged by Sam Phillips.
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