If your event is coming up soon, then you have, by now, chosen your party venue, hired entertainment, organized the seating chart for your guests, picked the lineup of hors devours, and re-stocked the bar.  You have also learned that every detail counts! 

One detail you may not have thought about is the attire of your hired entertainment.  We went ahead and asked our performers what clients should expect from their wardrobes, and how much say clients should have in the outfit choice.

All of our performers explained that their attire is dependent on the event, the venue, and the client’s needs. 

We found out that, firstly, looking professional, yet comfortable, was most important to bands, string ensembles, solo musicians, DJ’s, dancers, and other variety entertainers.  Dressing appropriately for outdoor conditions, or indoor lighting, is essential to performing with ease.  Be sure to let your entertainer know about the particulars of your party venue – indoors or outdoors, formal or casual, on a stage under lights, or underneath a tent.  All of these factors will contribute to their clothing choice, as well as other aspects of their setup.

We also found that performers welcome special requests from their clients.  For example, if they are performing in a wedding ceremony, they are often willing to coordinate their outfit with the bridal party or the overall color scheme of the wedding.

Also, let them know if your event has a special theme.  They have heard it all – even requests for 80’s band costumes:  One of our members, Deja Blu Variety Dance Band told us,

“The wildest event we were asked to play was for a construction company whose theme song was “Working in the Coal Mine” – they asked us to dress up like DEVO, from the 80’s.  They lost their budget so we never got to do the DEVO thing.  Don’t know what I would have done since there were no females in that band. :o) ”

Most performers are willing to accommodate unusual requests, as they share the same goal as the host: to make the event a success.

We hope this information is helpful!

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. 

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!  

 

As the 2.2 million brides and grooms-to-be out there gear up for the 2009 wedding season, we're taking a good look at the wedding news, planning sites and blogs out there—and there’s a lot out there! Despite the economic storm, couples need not run for cover; a beautiful wedding is possible--on any budget. In fact, there are all kinds of online tools, articles and information available for those who are willing to spend some time doing their homework. As GigMasters helps couples find the perfect entertainment, there are other sites out there to help make "the big day" beautiful. To get you started, here’s a round-up of what’s being posted on 3 of the top wedding blogs around:

WWW.BRIDES.COM/BLOG: This how-to/ what-to-do guide prides itself on being the source for bridal fashion—and even posts direct from the NYC couture shows. Recent “Wedded Bits” Post: Attack of the 49-foot-bride, voiced by Reese Witherspoon in “Monsters vs. Aliens,” plays fashionista!

WWW.THEKNOT.COM/BLOG: “Wedding Obsessions” is all about creativity and style for everything wedding—with budget in mind. This co-written blog for the brides and by the brides gives ideas on everything from engagement to honeymoon. Recent Post: Did you know it’s possible to hold your reception in a sports stadium?!

WWW.WEDDINGBEE.COM: Talk about a team effort! This blog-only site has virtual “reporters” from all over sending photos and ideas for the many types of weddings and couples out there. Heavy on décor ideas and hair/beauty, Wedding Bee feels like a best friend who’s full of handy tips. Recent Post: Recession-proof accessories…’nuff said.

TIP FOR ENGAGED COUPLES: After determining a budget, make a wish list with your fiancé of the things that are most important to you both. Then, consider wedding blogs and online tools to figure out where to get the most bang for your buck so that you’re both happy in the planning process. That in itself is worth its weight in gold!

  

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.

 

 

 

 

Turn on the news, pick up the paper, pretty much wherever you turn, you're hearing about the plummeting stock market, the dried-up real estate market, or the latest job cuts. In times like these, we all need to laugh, which is probably why movies like Madea Goes to Jail and He's Just Not that Into You are tops at the box office.

So, if you're planning a party or corporate event this year, consider bringing in some laughter -- a comedian will certainly lighten things up. Hiring a comedian can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be, especially if you follow this advice:

Consider your audience.

• What kind of humor do you think they'd like? Political satire, everyday humor, sight gags, audience participation, etc.
• What is the age range of your guests? 

Determine the fit.

• Where does the comedian fit into the event? Is he/she the main event or the opening ice-breaker?
• How long would you like the act? 
• Would you like the comedian to roast the guest(s) of honor? 

Know where the line is.

• If you're planning a church fundraiser, you should probably look for a 100% clean, wholesome act.
• For a corporate event, you don't want to offend anyone with sexist, racist or other off-color jokes.
• And, for a 40th birthday party with your closest friends, well, the proverbial line is wherever you want it to be.

Get to know a handful of comedians.

• Be sure the comedian understands exactly what you want - you can start by sharing your answers to the above questions.
• Be sure to watch video clips of their act. If you're not laughing out loud, your guests won't be either.
• A good comedian will spend time talking to you about the audience and walking you through their jokes. By the time you make your decision, you should feel 100% confident that the comedian's act will be appropriate, and 90% confident that your guests will be rolling in the aisles (hey, there's no guarantee!). 
• If you need a comedian to clean up the act, and doing so makes it less funny, move on.
• Talk to references from the comedian's previous clients.  
• Consider price and time - you're better off having a shorter act that is funny than a longer act that is dull. 

If you get it right, your guests will definitely thank you for reminding them to laugh!

 

 

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.