Posted by Nellie Bloom on Thu, Jul 19, 2012
Holy Reality Train Wreck!
That was a collective gasp of dismay you heard Monday night. Every event planner, booking agent, wedding coordinator, entertainment partner and restaurant manager watching The Real Housewives of New York could see the headlight at the end of the tunnel. Despite red flags waving we had our fingers crossed and hoped for the best. Until Cara Quici showed up in a leather bustier and a distressed expression. Oy. Missed it? Here's some footage.
*shudder* We can barely watch it. Aside from promotional deals brokered and made for TV career paths - there's a lot to learn from Sonja in the City's first event venture. Miss Sonja, this blog is for you.
Did (the band) get the wrong address? ~ Heather Thomson
Oh Mother of Pearl. Cara Quici was just the wrong choice. Entertainment is the most powerful dictator of event atmosphere. It's also the most memorable party takeaway. Entertainment selection for an event is a complex process. The more experience someone has choosing entertainment the better. That's why there are Entertainment Directors for theaters, casinos and concert venues.
An entertainment partner can help enormously with this process. An entertainment partner is more than a booking agent and is not a band manager. For example, Hip Entertainment has vast and diverse experience as entertainment partners and event producers. A great entertainment partner will walk the event planner, and client if desired, through the evening and pinpoint wish list ambiance, dinner music, timing for speeches, auctions, dancing etc. Through that process your entertainment partner listens to client goals and understands the flavor of the event. Edgy and quirky can be very fun. For about a half hour. Great entertainment is more than a novelty act. Look for reputable, licensed, insured agencies with many like minded client testimonials to help you make your entertainment choices. Great club acts do not always translate into great private event entertainment. No offense intended.
Should I get up there and do a burlesque? ~ Sonja Morgan
Yowch! And that was in sympathy Miss Sonja. Every concert goer knows - delays in start time can happen. Here are three things you can do to mitigate showtime delays.
1) Professional sound engineer running sound system and backround music.
2) Event timeline distributed well in advance of the event.
3) Sound check well in advance of guest arrival. Gulp. See Below.
Thanks to our friends Brass Bed for the use of their cool photo.
Not everyone made it for sound check. ~ Cara Quici
Yikes. Every professional musician who heard that cringed. Generally, as we saw, sound check is critical. The timing of sound check is spelled out in the event rider and contract and determined well in advance of the event. Sound check is the opportunity to make sure all the sound equipment and monitors are working and that the vocal levels are set for optimum good listening. Verses, say, screeching feedback. Which band members attend sound check is largely an internal band decision. Some bands require everyone and some have systems they use so the whole band doesn't need to arrive well before show time. In this case, a sound check would have given the event planner or entertainment partner the opportunity to help the artist tweak material into a more appropriate show before performing for guests.
Thanks to Bobby Ebola for the irresistable photo.
The band was a bit of a train wreck. ~ Aviva Drescher
Or in other words - is it ever the band's fault an event crashes? Yes. A band is a small business. Many bands want and need help with the business side of music and delivering excellent client service. Communicating with the client, customizing the entertainment for the event, arrival, departure, special requests.. An average event the size and scope of the Drescher Anniversary Party will require 50 to 100 email communications for entertainment alone. And that's all before the performance. Entertainment curating expertise is also why event professionals work with reputable, licensed and insured entertainment agencies. It's a big learning curve and a lot of time, planning and communicating. Skimp on the planning and you get.. train wreck.
Just as Miss Quici was not adequately prepared to perform this sort of event - so can other bands and DJ's and entertainers fail to adjust entertainment for their audience or deliver in client service. Dragging guests through sound check gliches was unbelievably, breathtakingly unprofessional. And completely avoidable with good planning and communication.
In reading Sonja Morgan's blog, there were also issues with song choice and unexpected male dancers (!?) We tease about it but honestly, there is nothing funny about playing fast and loose with someone's cherished day. Great bands happily provide references, client testimonials and recommendations from entertainment partners and professionals.
The real reality is that Sonja's party entertainment faux pas is shocking and blessedly rare. There are amazing artists ready to impress and uplift your guests and who are grateful and honored to play at your event. There is no reason not to have five star entertainment and client service.
Big anniversary coming up? Planning a wedding? Starring in a reality show and throwing a party? Hip Entertainment loves being our client's entertainment partner. From concept to clean up we'll help deliver a party your most discerning guests will love and remember. Call us at (916) 354-9924 or email Nellie nellie@hipentertainment.com and we'll get your party started.
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Mon, Jun 25, 2012
The valley's newest (gorgeous) concert venue is striking just the right note with busy couples and families. Palladio at Broadstone in Folsom California presents a diverse line up of the regions best bands for their free concert series (oh thank you Palladio!). Three concerts in and it's clear Palladio is a lovely, lovely venue for events. As regular community concert goers know - good food and amenities can be hit and miss. Palladio has something for every date night (or family fun night) configuration.
The concerts begin at 7pm so we like to arrive at 5:30 and, depending on our group, we've done one of three things:
When our group is all ages (including little ones) we hit Whole Foods for a family friendly smorgasbord of fresh, ripe, seasonal fruit, quinoa salad, excellent spicy pico de gallo and tortilla chips and a killer beer garden for the grown ups.
When we are concert going with the tween and teen - we stop off at FreeBirds World Burrito for "make it as you like it" yummy burritos, bowls and salads. A Hip Entertainment fan favorite is the grass fed beef burrito with spinach tortilla. Happy concert goers!
Double dating grown ups are happy with Chicago Fire Pizza for stuffed crust, deep dish pepperoni pizza topped with sweet fire roasted tomatoes and a crisp, tangy caesar salad with a side killer garlic fries. Sierra Nevada beer and mixed drinks all around and we're set with perfect pre dance floor fuel.
After dinner, we head on out and claim our space to enjoy the concert. The Palladio concert line up has been diverse and excellent. This Wednesday, June 27 regional rock favorites Apple Z hit the Palladio stage. Crazy good musicians and powerful vocals Apple Z has great set lists with everything from Maroon 5 to Lenny Kravitz to The Police. Favorites at the Powerhouse, fairs and festivals - lots of people looking forward to seeing this hot band perform at the perfect time at this terrific venue. Work shoes off, dancing shoes on!
After the concert everyone wants Pinkberry. Salted Caramel with mochi and toasted almonds.. yum! The whole post concert vibe is sweet. The stars are out and the good mood is just swimming through the warm summer night. Nice!
Excellent music, great food, friends and family - Palladio has hit a summer home run with their Wed night concert series. See you on the dance floor!
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Thu, May 31, 2012
Shout out to our Hip musician friends who won and placed in the KCRA- A List Best Local Band category! We love working with you and it's great to see you all get some well deserved recognition. Congratulations too to The Drum Lab and Guitar Workshop - Best in Music Instruction winners! We wouldn't be here without you.
First Place Winners: Road 88
Two years in a row! Road 88 has dominated the KCRA’s A-list for Best Local Band. If you haven't seen them - Road 88 has garnered national and international attention. Their original single “Not Gonna Happen,” from their album No Speed Bumps hit the European country music charts and we're lucky they call Sacramento home. Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Lynard Skynard ..your favorites in country and rock dance music are a part of every Road 88 show. Road 88 is a member of Hip Entertainment's Preferred Band Roster and we're proud to represent them. Great people, great music! Check Road 88 out live at the Placer County Fair - June 24th.Placer County Fair - June 24th.
First Runner Up: Tragically White
Tragically White brings an eclectic, high energy show where ever they gig. Green Day, The Ramones, Cee Lo and The Stones.. just when you think you know what's coming- Tragically White throws down with the unexpected and highly entertaining. Solid musicianship, gutsy tight vocals, a great night of dancing. Congratulations Tragically White! Hip Entertainment is proud to represent you on our Preferred Band Roster. Head on down to the river 4th of July weekend and check out Tragically White at Swabbies - Saturday, July 7th.
Runner Up: The Black Eyed Dempseys
Congratulations to The Black Eyed Dempseys! And congratulations Sacramento! Because having a top notch celtic, Irish, punk, rock band as a local favorite means we are representing musical diversity in a big city kinda way. Accordian, Mandolin, Banjo .. original and traditional music make The Black Eyed Dempseys favorites with fans in the homeland and throughout the US. High energy, hard driving vocals and authentic, original instrumentation. Grab a Guinness but don't think you'll be sitting to drink it. Accept No Substitutes! Hip Entertainment is proud to represent The Black Eyed Dempseys on our Preferred Band Roster. Real men wear kilts.
Runner Up: The Department of Rock
Favorites at the Folsom Powerhouse Pub- The Department of Rock loves its Sacramento fan base! No doubt, TDOR has serious Sacramento street cred - delivering packed dance floors and standing room only on every Sacto date. TDOR members have also toured, recorded and performed with members of Aerosmith, Tesla, Ronnie Montrose, Linkin Park and other headlining rock legends. It's evident because at every show The Department of Rock brings it with crazy good musicianship and expert production. Lead singer Chaz Ross has the soulful, rootsy vocals that defines the true rock experience. No auto tune or skimping on tough instrumentals - A Department of Rock show is a show for music lovers. Congrats TDOR! Hip Entertainment is proud to represent The Department of Rock on our Exclusive Band Roster. Come on out to Golden Gate Fields Sunday, June 3 and catch The Department of Rock experience live!
Best Music Instruction
With music education way, way on the back burner - our independant music instructors are critical. Musical emmissaries, role models, mentors and leaders, music teachers are nurturing our next generation of musicians, artists and creative problem solvers. Thank you for your excellent work. We appreciate you.
First Place Winner - The Drum Lab
Congratulations Drum Lab! The Drum Lab offers lessons from top area professional drummers. Diverse and comprehensive teaching styles, video lessons and great teachers. Sacramento is lucky to have you.
First Runner Up: Guitar Workshop
Sacramento guitar legend David Lynch's shop is the go to place for the area's professional and hobbyist guitar players. Congratulations Guitar Workshop! You've been the first name in guitar repair and instruction for decades. Looking for great guitar music? One of Lynch's projects East Meets West will be playing at Harlow's June 25th 9pm. Special shout out to Hip musician friend and outstanding Guitar Workshop instructor Doug Pauly. A favorite Hip Entertainment Preferred Roster artist and a respected teacher - Pauly has a cool, new guitar instruction book available titled: Fingerboard Workout.
Go Sacramento live music! Vibrant, diverse and excellent, you inspire us when are aimless, soothe us when we are prickly, incite us when we're apathetic and get us on our feet when we've been sitting on the sidelines. We're grateful for you.
Looking for great live music? Or an incredible DJ? We're ready to help you find the perfect entertainment for your event. Just call Melissa at 916.354.9924 or email Nellie at nellie@hipentertainment.com and we'll get started on your free entertainment consultation. Don't worry! What could be more fun than talking music?
Or
Are you an artist interested in focusing on your music instead of the business of music? Hip Entertainment represents a select group of artists exclusively and has an extensive Preferred Artist Roster. If you'd like to submit your project for consideration - please visit our artist page and submit your project information. Thank you!
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Thu, May 24, 2012
Fantastic, Free Concerts - Live on the Boulevard at El Dorado Hills Town Center.
We've been waiting for it all year! Congratulations to the Mansour Group and El Dorado Hills Town Center teams for hosting this beloved summer tradition and fantastic line up! Join us for twelve, fun outdoor concerts at the Steven Young Amphitheater every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. It's a summer celebration every week with outstanding live music and a carefully selected, crowd pleasing mix of artists and genres. Lots of good food and drinks too. See you on the dance floor!
June 21st – Opening Night with Unauthorized Rolling Stones
Kicking off our 2012 season is The Unauthorized Rolling Stones!
The Unauthorized have shared stages with some of the biggest names in Rock, including The Beach Boys, Elton John, Journey, Molly Hatchet, Pete Best, Taylor Dayne, Gary Wright, Al Stewart, Ambrosia, Chaka Khan and more. Come see outrageous frontman Rudy "Mick" Colombini - remarkable as the charismatic Jagger but also an accomplished original artist garnering National recognition with two, top 40 original tunes. Highly entertaining, a fantastic opportunity to introduce the kids to The Stones, and lots of high energy show.. a rockin' way to start the season!
June 28th – Steelin' Dan
Returning by popular request and winner's of Sacramento Magazine's award "Best Show Stealers" and Sacramento Music Award is Steelin' Dan. An excellent collaboration of musician's musicians just like the original project. Get ready for smooth grooves, sweet vocals and hot solos. It's a great night for Steely Dan fans and for music lovers. Lively and fun!
July 5th – Joel: The Band
Fresh off of the national tour of Billy Joel's Tony award-winning rock musical “Movin' Out”, Piano Man, Kyle Martin and a group of professional musicians are creating a buzz around the Sacramento area. Forrest Hartman from the Reno Gazette - Journal says, ”Kyle Martin isn't just good, he is spectacular!” Don't miss Joel the Band for solid vocals and showmanship and a huge night of favorites! This highly acclaimed show is great summer fun.
July 12th – Lena Mosley & The Badd Blues Band
Everybody loved Miss Lena last year. She's our Queen of the Blues. Don't miss her and her band of outstanding players this summer. Bring your dancing shoes!
July 19th – Sapo Guapo
Hot Latin music by festival favorites Sapo Guapo! Bring your dance partner because you won't be able to sit this one out. It's a great night for a fiesta!
July 26th – Summer of Love
The perfect band for hot summer nights, come and listen to your favorite music from the 60's and 70's. Beach Boys, Mama's and the Papa's and more. Great, timeless music performed by great musicians. Love!
August 2nd – Road 88
KCRA’s A-list winners two years in a row - Road 88 is a relatively young band that has already garnered the attention nationally and in the U.K. Their original single “Not Gonna Happen,” off their album No Speed Bumps hit the European Country Music Association’s country music charts. Your favorite country and rock dance music too. Great summer party music!
SuperHuey is a music festival favorite with good reason and they're back at El Dorado Hills by popular demand. The Heart of Rock and Roll right in our backyard! Incredible vocals, musicianship and show - the whole family will love SuperHuey!
August 16th – Todd Morgan & The Emblems
Native Sacramentans - Todd Morgan and the Emblems play a crowd pleasing blend of pop, rock and feel good standards. A dynamic show, great music and lots of fun. Todd Morgan is a great inspiration for young aspiring musicians everywhere. Get ready to dance!
August 23rd – Brad Wilson
Brad Wilson has made is name as a smokin' hot Blues gunslinger who rocks the house all night long. His original songwriting is hard-charging Americana/Blues/Roots and he'll get you on your feet and clapping your hands. Touring nationally, El Dorado Hills is very happy to have Brad Wilson as part of our concert series this summer.
August 30th - The Rhythm Riders
We're not Folsom but we sure love Johnny Cash anyway! Come on out and see the Rhythm Riders - authentic vocals, excellent show and a great way to introduce the family to the music of the legendary Johnny Cash.
September 6th – Sun Kings
What better way to close out our concert series than with a little help from our friends? The Sun Kings will take you back and put a Beatles song in your heart. Great summer memory making! An excellent evening for the whole family.
Thank you to the generous sponsors who make these outstanding summer memories possible and for supporting live music and the arts. : The Mansour Group, El Dorado Town Center, California Welcome Center EDH, Marshall Medical Center, Bistro 33 EDH, Mercy Hospital, Selland's Market Cafe, Wells Fargo, Mechanics Bank, EDH Community Service District, El Dorado Disposal, Chile's, Anew Skin, Ruffhous Hot Dog, STYLE Magazine. AEC Sacramento and Hip Entertainment appreciate your community building commitment.
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Tue, May 15, 2012
Headlining Concerts at Sunrise Pavilion
Congratulations to AEC and Sunrise Marketplace Team! It was a labor of love and The Sunrise Marketplace Outdoor Pavilion will feature a headlining act each Friday through August and September. Some of the artists include: The Commodores, Kool and the Gang and Charlie Daniels Band. Ticket sales begin soon. Sacramento is stepping up with local hot concerts and we love it! Check back for details on a gift for our fellow music lovers..our Sunrise Concert Ticket Giveaway! No traffic.. Yay!
The Commodores
Charlie Daniels Band
Kool and the Gang
Thinking about an outdoor concert? Or a concert series? There's no better way to make your business the summer destination. The concert specialists at Hip Entertainment and AECSAC help with everything from artist to staging and production to promotion. We're already working on 2013. Give us a call 916.354.9924 and we'll answer all your questions.
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Thu, May 10, 2012
Smokin' hot dance rock band Apple Z is energizing feel good music. That's why the Komen Foundation chose them for their Survivor's Rockathon Celebration and again for their rockin' Race for the Cure at Cal Expo May 12 at 10AM. It's an inspiring, exhilarating way to kick off your weekend. Apple Z delivers a great show and killer music. Maroon 5 to CAKE to Lenny Kravitz - you won't even feel that last mile. Go Runners Go!
Everyone will still be celebrating so later c'mon out to the Powerhouse Pub and get on the dance floor! It's going to be a hot one at one of Sacramento's favorite live music venues. Apple Z headlines and there's new music and a dynamic show all the way till the AM. Your Mom will be happy you are having a nice time ;) See you on the dance floor!
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Fri, Apr 20, 2012
Get your calendars! Warm summer nights, hot dance music and lots of family fun are at Folsom's gorgeous Palladio at Broadstone all summer long. Palladio, Hip Entertainment and AEC Sacramento have delivered a concert line up of amazing musicians and music. Summer memories every Wednesday night! All concerts start at 7pm.
June 6th Opening Night - Hip Service
Get on your feet with Hip Service! National award winning dance band brings down the house and packs the dance floor with funky dance favorites and today's best party music. Hot Summer Dance Party!
JUNE 13 - Dinorah and CROSSWINDS
Whether R&B, Pop, Top 40 or Latin music Crosswinds delivers. The area's favorite feel good band - it's a perfect evening for friends, margaritas and dancing. Congas AND Lady Gaga? It's a summer dance party!
June 20 - Sacramento Blues Revue
The legendary Lena Mosely and a powerhouse line up front this dynamic 11 piece Blues and Big Band show band. No autotune on these pipes and tracks are only for trains. Authentic rootsy blues and killer musicianship. Great family fun!
June 27 - Apple Z
An electrifying dance rock band- APPLE Z has quickly become one of the most popular dance bands in Northern California. Performing at regional hot spots and events they are packing in the crowds. Maroon 5, CAKE, Lenny Kravitz, The Police and more.. Check out their video here. Rock all night!
July 11 Buck Ford
In honor of Pallidio's new restaurant Toby Keith's Bar and Grill - Country favorite Buck Ford hits the Palladio stage. Nashville recording artist Buck Ford is a young, pure country singing sensation that focuses on keeping the traditional country sound and rhythm flowing. Bucks influences consist of George Strait, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Keith Whiteley, just to name a few. Buck and his band pride themselves on the fact that their performances “bring back to life” the sound and feel of real old country music. Foot stompin' family fun!
July 18th - Mother Mayhem
Sacramento’s Mother Mayhem has gained notoriety as one of the hardest working bands in the region, and are one of the most in-demand special event dance bands in Northern California. Key to their meteoric rise in the regional music scene has been their authentic approach to delivering a non-stop high energy stage show. Rock anthems, dance hits, Hip Hop.. it's Mayhem on the dance floor this summer!
July 25th - Groove Thang
A regional favorite, the Groove Thang Band plays a diverse mix of non - stop dance music including R&B, Funk, Motown, Disco, Smooth Jazz, Rock and even some Country! Get on your feet with this great party band.
August 1- Department of Rock
Closing out the series is the Department of Rock - an insanely entertaining Rock Show Band dedicated to defending your right to party. Journey, Bon Jovi, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon.. grab somebody because Department of Rock will deliver a rockathon to remember. Great music and an outstanding show - it's just what the rock doctor ordered.
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Tue, Mar 20, 2012
Dancing to a Better World
Harlow's March 31st 10pm
Put on your dancing shoes and bring a pair of gently used!
Harlows, Hip Entertainment and Sacramento's MC Lee Perkins partner with Souls4Soul to help our friends in need. Deadly tornados devestated parts of the southern United States and Ohio Valley region and Soles4Souls has begun outreach across 11 states to assist in the relief operations. Last year our dance party shoe drive helped hundreds of victims of the Haitian earthquake. This year with crisis at home and abroad -we hope to break our record and collect even more. Let's go Sacramento!
Please join us in a celebration of global generosity, soulful support and hot dance music! Sacramento's favorite MC Lee Perkins hosts and dance band super heroes Hip Service packs the dance floor. Tickets are $12 or $10 with a pair of new or gently used shoes. Donations for shipping costs will also be accepted. Soles4Souls suggests $1 per pair. It's a great party and a an amazing cause. Dancing shoes on!
Sacramento's Favorite Master of Ceremonies Lee Perkins Hosts
Advance tickets are available at Harlows.com. Please bring gently used or new shoes with laces tied together. Let's celebrate Sacramento's generous spirit!
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Thu, Mar 01, 2012
Vibrant colors, rich fabrics, spectacular flowers and joyful entertainment - it's no wonder that Indian weddings are hugely popular. Whether couples are looking for a full out traditional wedding, an interfaith union or a hint of Indian aesthetic - here are seven gorgeous components to consider for a warm and memorable celebration.
Warm Colors
Pinks and whites are accent only and a warm color palette dominates boutonnieres and bouquets. The Sunset Calla Lily is sophisticated and lovely. The flower's simple, clean lines coupled with vibrant color make it a glorious wedding choice.
Golds, yellows, oranges, reds and purples grace the wedding party.
Baraat
In Hindu tradition, the groom travels to the wedding venue in a processional with his family. The groom rides a white horse covered in finery. Often the procession is a wandering party with it's own band, dancers and budget. The entrance is festive, significant and beautiful.
Bridal Mehndi
Henna tattooing is an important part of Eastern Asian bride's beauty on her wedding day. Traditionally the groom's name is found somewhere within the bridal mehndi. Tradition says that if the groom cannot find his name within the mehndi - the bride will have the most power in the marriage. The groom would anxiously search the tattoo for his name and it often turned into a sweet ice breaker for the sometimes barely acquainted newlyweds.
Bridal Mehndi is intricate, beautiful and symbolizes the power of love in the marriage. Modern day celebrations sometimes include pre-wedding Mehndi parties for the Bride's girlfriends and family.
Flower Garlands
Whether worn or draped from architecture or trees - vibrant and abundant flower garlands are a gorgeous addition to any outfit and venue.
Shisha Lounge
Romantic, fun and a great gathering place for guests - a Hookah Bar is among the most popular trends in parties and wedding receptions. Favorite Shisha tobacco flavors range from Rose to Peach to Orange Soda.. a bar attendent adds to the ambience and is helpful for guests unfamilar with the custom.
Spectacular Entertainment
Lively and captivating, an ensemble or solo belly dancer will add to the party atmosphere. Consummate professional Nyla Crystal kicks off receptions with a performance that gets everyone on the dance floor. Many brides take classes with their bridesmaids leading up to their special day. Music can range from traditonal harp or sitar to Top 40 dance bands and DJs. Traditional or Fusion - the entertainment is a critical piece in a happy and memorable celebration.
Sweet Endings for a Sweet Beginning
As with traditional western weddings, many Indian and Indian Fusion weddings will have color coordinated or themed cakes. The peacock is the national bird so it may be chosen as a cake theme decoration. Traditional Indian desserts may be served in addition to the wedding cake.
Warm, meaningful, colorful, joyous - Indian weddings are a welcome trend for modern brides. Selecting wedding vendors who have excellent references and are appropriately licensed and insured, will guarantee your wedding is stress free and beautiful. Blissful wedding wishes!
Hip Entertainment loves Indian weddings! We are delighted to help with everything from pre- wedding dance lessons with Nyla to Bollywood fusion entertainment. Call Melissa or Annie at 916.354.9924 and we'll move your wedding from planning to planned.
Thank you OnePhotography and Hilary Miles for the lovely photos.
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Thu, Feb 16, 2012
Shake off the winter blues and pull on your dancing shoes!
Department of Rock Rockathon Danceathon
SuperHuey Power of Love Dance Party
Apple Z at The El Dorado Saloon
Mother Mayhem Rocks Jan's
Saturday, Feb 18th at Jan's Lounge 9pm
And coming up next weekend...
Hip Service Dance Party!
Nothing like great live music to make you feel like you really had a weekend. See you there!