GigMasters recently added “Americana” to its roster of Live Band categories.

What we find most intriguing about this musical genre is both the history and the wide range of influences it echoes.  Americana music blurs the lines between country, rock & roll, rhythm & blues, bluegrass, and folk genres.  It is often described as “Roots Rock” – music that runs deep and carries the sounds and stories of American culture. 

Some notable Americana musicians include Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, Willie Nelson, Van Morrison, Alison Krauss, Grateful Dead, Elvis Presley, and Wilco.

Pete Knapp of Shut Eye Records promotes Americana music under some other clever names, my favorites being “Cow Punk” and “Y’allternative.”  These names certainly characterize the banjo, guitar, and fiddling of this genre.   

Be sure to check out our Americana Bands, just in time for our most patriotic holidays – these musicians will set the tone for Memorial Day and 4th of July parties across the country. 

Baltimore Band Examiner, Jeff Schad, recently asked his readers,

"Who here has had that dream? The one where you're taking in an amazing live show by a local band that impresses you way more than expected. You start thinking huge party on your buddy's uncle's cousin's farm."

I know I have had that dream, and in my dream, my live music festival would be called "Ame-aroo".  Not very original, I know.  But his article, "GigMasters Delivers on Local Entertainment Bookings," goes on to highlight GigMasters as an example of how to make your live music show possible. 

Jeff also discusses how "New models in the music industry are rapidly changing things...".  GigMasters definitely stands by the idea that bands and other performers should take an active approach to self-advertising online - It's a great way to get your band's name out there and get more gigs.

Thanks for the shout out, Jeff!  

If you are like me, then you have been welcoming the recent and untimely glimpses into hot summer weather.  If you are like me, you are also living in fear of Swine Flu.  Feeling excitement mixed with anxiety as it relates to global and health issues means only one thing:  It’s time to get together with friends and party - while we still can! 

Cinco de Mayo is coming up this week, celebrating Mexican heritage, and also observing the defeat of Mexico’s army at the Battle of Puebla on the date in 1862.  Traditionally, this holiday has been celebrated in both Mexico and the United States with great food, music, and dancing.  If you are still looking for Cinco de Mayo party ideas, you might consider hiring a Mariachi Band, or taking your celebration to the streets by hiring a Mobile DJ.

With summertime also on its way, we are approaching Block Party season.  So start dusting off the grill and the tiki torches, and make sure there is enough room on your street, driveway, or backyard patio for a dance floor.  The GigMasters Team has put together a list of the Top Ten Block Party Songs to amplify the summer atmosphere at your next outdoor party – enjoy!     

    
GigMasters’ Top Ten Block Party Songs:

1. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
2. Love Shack – The B52’s
3. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
4. Take It Easy – The Eagles
5. Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding
6. Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett
7. Scarlet Begonias – Grateful Dead
8. Oye Como Va – Santana
9. In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry
10. Kokomo – The Beach Boys

And be sure to check out our growing Tribute and Cover Band categories for talented groups near you!

GigMasters clients have asked us in the past what our policy is on tipping performers.  While we feel that tips are a great way to show your appreciation, we know that every event and every customer is unique, so we leave this decision up to them.  What we can offer are, well - some tips:

Most bands, solo musicians, and variety entertainers have let us know that tips are “not expected, but greatly appreciated.”  They have also told us that in their past experience, they have received additional compensation on top of their performance fee about 50% of the time. 

So if you find yourself blown away by a performance, or exceptionally satisfied with an entertainer’s professionalism and chemistry with their audience, a tip is a great way to show your thanks.

When it comes to the actual “mechanics” of tipping, you might consider simply adding some extra cash to your payment, whether by cash or check, at the end of your event.  If you have already paid your performer in full before the event has taken place, you could offer an envelope with cash or check as the performer leaves. 

When calculating the tip, this amount is truly up to the client.  If you are more comfortable with offering a percentage based on the performance fee, our members have agreed that anywhere from 5% to 20% of the overall price is appropriate. 

There are situations when additional compensation is customary.  Many dancers expect tips from party guests, either during the event, or afterward.  This should be discussed before your event takes place in order to clarify what the performer expects in terms of overall payment.

Also, if you are attending a public event at a restaurant or bar, and a tip jar is visible, show the performer some love.          

Overall, tipping should not be a worrisome topic if you are hiring entertainment for your event.  GigMasters performers are happy to do what they do best - entertain - whether that means singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or telling jokes.  Offering additional payment is thought of as encouragement and positive reinforcement.

We hope this information is helpful!  

 

  

My personal DJ experience does not range much farther than the GigMasters main office floor.  While at my desk, I often take on the responsibility of choosing songs on Pandora Radio or YouTube as the background to our workday.  While I do take requests from coworkers, the song choices usually fall on me.  I’ve learned that starting a Monday off with too much emotional rock can easily set the wrong tone – and only the funkiest of jams can be played to liven up Friday afternoons.

That’s why I give credit to the real DJs.  Song choice and order are pivotal to one’s surroundings, especially at a party, club, or on a radio station.  Careful attention to the mix of songs played and how they blend together is an impressive skill. 

If you have visited our DJ page, then you’ve noticed how many different options you have when it comes to hiring this type of entertainment.  GigMasters features Club DJs, Emcees, House DJs, Karaoke Performers, Latin DJs, Mobile DJs, Party DJs, Radio DJs, and Wedding DJs.  Having trouble understanding the differences among them? 

Here’s a quick guide:

Club DJs – Think: “I just want to dance.”  Club DJs will be playing the most popular songs mixed with dance beats to keep the energy up.

Emcee – Worried about how to move guests along from a cocktail hour to the wedding reception, or when to give speeches to the newlyweds?  A Master of Ceremonies is practiced in making announcements, and a DJ with a magnetic personality.  

House DJs – Picture fist pumping and electronic beats.  House music is multicolored, non-stop dance music.

Karaoke “KJs” – DJs who offer Karaoke are a great addition to any celebration.  Bars and restaurants should offer guests the chance to sing “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” at least once a week. 

Latin DJs – These DJs will have the widest selection of Salsa, Merengue, and Reggaeton music.

Mobile DJs – Self-sufficient and able to provide all of their own equipment.  These types of DJs are great for events at all types of venues, even outdoors.

Party DJs – The goal is to make the party a success.  These DJs know what songs are best, from slow dancing to group dancing.

Radio DJs – If by some chance Delilah isn’t syndicated in your area, you can find these on-air personalities to play music and communicate with listeners. 

Wedding DJs – Liven up a reception with the songs that you want to hear.  A professional Wedding DJ will be sure to set the mood with the music you choose for this special day.

What all of these DJs have in common are energy, flexibility, professionalism, and an intuitive knowledge of music.  David Bowie said it best in his song titled "DJ":  

"I am a DJ, I am what I play."
    

Nothing makes a theme party more exciting than bringing that theme to life.  And for most kids, nothing is more surprising than seeing their favorite fictional character walk into a party - just for them.  Hiring a costumed character for a birthday party or a community event is a surefire way to make some memories.

If you’re searching for Costumed Characters, keep these ideas in mind:

There are a lot of companies out there with a lot to offer.  Some companies list every character they are able to provide.  Some do not.  If you know exactly what, or whom, you want, don’t be afraid to ask.  Most companies stay up to date on kids’ favorites, from Walt Disney movie characters, to Dora the Explorer, to The Backyardigans.

If you are planning a more seasonal event and are in need of a Santa Claus or Easter Bunny, you’ll be happy to discover that most companies feature these characters as well. 

It’s important to remember that these companies entertain for all types of parties.  So even if you’re not sure about what would work best for your event, be sure to contact them and provide as many details as you can – what your child likes, where the party will take place, and how long you would need them to entertain. 

You should also try searching for Singing Telegrams, as these companies can provide a variety of characters, and specialize in stopping by for a humorous rendition of the Happy Birthday song. 

I’ll leave you with some advice from fellow GigMasters Customer Support Representative, Sara:

“Who wouldn't want a gorilla in a tutu to arrive with a handful of balloons just in time to sing 'Happy birthday to you?  The answer, my eight pound puppy who had the you-know-what scared out of her when a gorilla showed up to sing Happy Birthday to my sister!"

 

For the latest party and entertainment news, tips and ideas, please subscribe to this blog. For daily updates, follow GigMasters every day on Twitter.

 

Any day considered a 'Feast Day' usually makes for a great celebration.  My fondest memory of a St. Patrick's Day passed would have to be when a group of my friends and I decided to walk into the most inviting-looking pub in Baltimore.  It was the epitome of a hole-in-the-wall dive bar: nameless, with exposed brick walls and Guinness light fixtures.  A great band was playing rock and Irish music in the middle of the room, and everyone in the cozily crowded place was friendly and considerate.  Even the bartender was able to serve up a group of 8 or so college seniors a round of Irish Car-Bombs in mere moments.  And even though I wasn't celebrating being Irish, the whole "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry" idea was alive and well.

The best part of St. Patrick's Day is definitely the spirit of the day: the parades, the Bagpipers, the Irish Bands, and everyone sporting shamrock stickers and green from head to toe.  If you don’t feel like traveling to a city for a parade, find a local parade or start your own neighborhood tradition.  Add family and friends, some Celtic music, and maybe a little Bailey's Irish Crème, and you can have a simple, yet memorable St. Patrick's Day as well.  And don't forget to let everyone know they should kiss you – You're Irish!  At least for a day…

For the latest party and entertainment news, tips and ideas, please subscribe to this blog. For daily updates, follow GigMasters every day on Twitter.

We are officially less than a week away from another Superbowl Sunday!  Most Americans are probably ecstatic about this tradition of screaming fans, Budweiser commercials, and more 7-layer dip than you can scoop through.
 
But for some people, the annual Superbowl Party may have lost its luster  - maybe this year your team didn't make it to the championship, or maybe the only thing you have to wear to your friend's house is the Plaxico Burress jersey that seemed totally worth the extra money after the Giants' big 2008 win.
 
There are many reasons why you might be anti-Superbowl this year.  But there is no reason to sit at home and miss out on some kind of celebration.  (After all, you're probably still psyched for the Bruce Springsteen halftime show). 
 
For all types of party venues out there, from sporty to swanky, Superbowl Sunday can be a new tradition for anyone looking to escape the family room couch and mingle with others not glued to a flat screen TV.  A post-game party with Live Music or a DJ will even bring out the Cardinals or Steelers fans, whatever the final score may be. 
 
Can't you hear the karaoke renditions already?
"Tramps like us, Baby we were born to run…"  
 

Walking across a snow-covered school campus this time of year can certainly lead to Christmas cookie and holiday party nostalgia.  Once the lengthy winter vacation with friends and family has passed, there is less to look forward to in this cold winter season.

So why not start to think warm thoughts by planning those much-awaited springtime, school wide activities, like Prom and Spring Weekend parties?

Working on an event planning committee or student council can be tough.  There are many decisions to make on behalf of your fellow classmates, and when it comes to coloring the most anticipated events of the year with musical or variety entertainment, the pressure is on.

After finding a venue for your Prom, and buying all those decorations, GigMasters can help you find a great DJ without breaking the class budget.  If you're looking for other types of entertainment for those dates who won't be wearing their dancing shoes, hire a Fortune Teller or Hypnotist to keep things interesting.

When I was in high school, we had a Post Prom party that kept to a specific theme, like Hollywood.  I remember taking a photograph with my friends in front of a fake city skyline pasted to a wall in our school's hallway.  Looking back, a Marilyn Monroe Impersonator would have definitately made the Hollywood atmosphere more authentic. 

If your college or university is planning a Spring Weekend to celebrate an end to the semester, hope for good weather and book one of many Live Bands or Tribute Bands to play on your campus quad.  I can remember from my alma mater that college kids will love listening to live music outdoors, maybe more than they love free food and t-shirts.  You can even hire a Body Painter to accompany the outdoor fesitval vibe.

After all of the hard work you've been putting in this school year, you deserve a celebration.  Start planning with GigMasters, and your classmates will thank you for making these events memorable ones.

For the latest party and entertainment news and information, please subscribe to this blog. For daily updates, follow GigMasters every day on Twitter.

With over 5,000 musicians and variety entertainers on GigMasters, we know there is a lot of exciting news and interesting performances taking place across the United States and Canada - and we want to hear about it!

Our performers have a lot to be proud of.  We want to hear about your radio and television appearances, fundraising and non-profit events, corporate clients, contests and awards, and even interesting parties and performance venues.

You can email your news to us at: buzz@gigmasters.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

For the latest party and entertainment news and information, please subscribe to this blog. For daily updates, follow GigMasters every day on Twitter.