Posted by Nellie Bloom on Thu, Oct 27, 2011
Amazing entertainment! Your fabulous event needs it. But, besides the best possible music, comedy, casino, magic.. what else should you look for in entertainment that will make your party a screaming success? An ethical and conscientious (licensed, insured and bonded) agency will iron out most potential kinks during the prework for your event. In addition, hiring vetted, experienced entertainers will eliminate last minute emergencies and unhappy guests. The following Top 5 are the best predictors for selecting an event entertainment partner - verses an entertainer who is focused soley on stage time.
Timely
Is the contact person for the entertainment you are considering organized and on time? Do they return calls and emails in a timely manner? Do they plan allowing for traffic, new venues, parking issues.. or do they typically arrive just prior to showtime? One favorite example of timliness is master magician Jay Alexander, who routinely arrives an hour early and allows for unforeseen delays. Well before showtime he is relaxed, prepared and ready to amaze.
Responsive
How has the communication about entertainment content, start and end times progressed? Are your questions answered quickly and in a friendly manner? If not, your entertainment could have organizational issues that may negatively impact your party.
Proactive
Has your entertainment liason been proactive in communication with you? Have they initiated conversations or emails about expectations, arrival and departure, confirmation of details? Jay Alexander is beloved by Hip Entertainment for his "pre-gig" confirmation email. He'll be there at ___, he's looking forward to it and thank you for the opportunity. Love! Red flags are flying if you are chasing down your enterainment to get the last few questions answered.
Resourceful
Experienced entertainment is generally resourceful entertainment. Innumerable gigs build a broad knowledge base. Ask your entertainment provider how they have overcome challenges at performance venues in the past. Excellent entertainers should be able to switch to Plan B (or C) when the microphone has earsplitting feedback or the best lighting is located someplace besides the stage. Enchantingly resourceful Jay Alexander recently unplugged and relocated to the center of the audience for the best lighting and sound. A speedy solution that elevated the evening and avoided embarrassing "technical difficulty" delays.
Friendly
Gracious, appropriately attired and friendly entertainers add to overall event enjoyment - especially for the event organizer. Most often entertainers share at least some of the same areas as party goers. Mingling with friendly and gracious entertainers can be a high point for guests and enhance the entire experience. Conversely, irritable, self absorbed entertainers can absolutely extinguish a great party vibe. Again, amazing mentalist Jay Alexander shines at a recent event where he astounded guests with his magic and charmed them with his company. As you talk to your prospective entertainer - note demeanor and patience. Ask for an example of a time when guests approached them about their peformance or life as a performer.
Outstanding entertainment? Absolutely. Entertainers who join you as partners in delivering a phenomenal event? That's the key to seamless, memorable celebrations and happy, relaxed event organizers.
Amazed and entranced by charming master magician Jay Alexander? Call Melissa or Annie and we'll conjure him up for your next event. Or we'll dazzle you with another outstanding (friendly, resourceful..) entertainer from our steller, preferred artist roster. Watch your entertainment problems disappear! 916 354-9924 www.hipentertainment.com
Posted by Nellie Bloom on Tue, Jan 25, 2011
Beloved Sacramento live music institution, Harlow's, funked it up with two, killer horn bands and smoking hot, late into the night dance party. After days of creeping, cold Sacto chill, we all were ready for some serious horn band heat.
Harlow's, in a genius move, has added early dinner shows for folks who love good live music but not the out till 2AM. Bump City, an authentic Tower of Power tribute band, SLAYED with their four piece screaming horn section. Our favorites were Souled Out and of course What is Hip (check out the 1973 incarnation of TOP and Lenny Pickett, pre SNL house band, grooving on the sax). Lead vocals by Jerry Littlejohn were soulful and true TOP with tight harmonies and gutsy, choice leads by Christine Acosta who we'd wait in line to hear sing Janis. It was a good, good night for music in Midtown Sac. 
Lots of good vibes all night as members of Hip Service came early to appreciate fellow horns and Bump City tore up the dance floor when Hip Service took the stage. Fun! All Night!
We always love Hip Service, it's true, but that Saturday night something extra was cooking because they were really spectacular from downbeat to curtain call. Big favorites were brand new opener Workin' Day and Night, with killer choreography and harmonies, and show stopper Don't Stop the Music. The band's own four piece horn section brought it with Pick Up the Pieces and had the room on their feet with signature horn moves. Excellent.
It was the best kind of night, a great table and atmosphere, funkalicious music and the kind of good will and comraderie that makes you feel like eh.. everything is gonna be alright.
Thanks Harlows!
We lla
HahharHaa