Category: Insights

Given the intense effort and planning that goes into a complex event, it is important to as time-efficient as possible, even days before the event. This is especially true when you have an event that features a band. Since bands generally require more time to set up than other types of event entertainment, failure to have the performance area ready for them will lead to severe event complications. In order to make sure that you are fully prepared for the band to arrive and play, below are some key points to consider. Understand How Long the Band Takes to Set Up While some people might assume that a band can simply show up and start playing, this is the furthest things from the truth. In fact, most bands require at least a couple of hours to set up equipment and perform necessary sound checks. Be sure to ask your band approximately how much time they will need to set up so that you do not find yourself unprepared. Ask the Band About Their Preferences Unless you have rigid venue restrictions, most bands usually have a preference regarding how much space they will need out of a given performance area. Be sure to ask your band if they have any preferences days or weeks before the event to ensure that you can accommodate in a timely manner. If your band has a preference that the venue simply cannot accommodate for, be sure to look for any alternatives. Be Sure that The Area Is Prepared After understanding how long it takes for your intended band to set up and their preferences, it then becomes necessary to take the appropriate steps in ensuring that the area is prepared. While most venues have set performance areas that are usually ready to go for an event, this is not always the case. If you are using a venue with a performance area that is cluttered or being used for another purpose, it is important to show up well before the band begins to set up to ensure that the area will be ready. Be Present During Set Up While you will do everything within your power to make sure that the performance area is prepared before the band arrives, sometimes problems arise after the band has begun to set up. In order to help thwart these types of problems, it is important to be present before and after the band arrives. Preparation is Key When considering the time and money that you put into booking a band for your special event, why would you let this go to waste by putting them in a difficult position immediately before it begins? By adequately preparing the performance area before your band arrives, you stand the best chance of having an amazing event that your guests will remember for years to come. Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

As you have likely learned through your own research, bands are some the best event entertainment options for events because of their talent and unwavering commitment to customer service. While bands will work tirelessly to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch, it is important to let them know everything you want or need well ahead of time. By regularly contacting your band, you put them in the best position to turn your event into an amazing time for everyone involved. Listed below are things that you should regularly contact your band about. Requests If you have a special request for your band, such as a specific song or tribute, it is very important to let your band know well before the day of your event. Given that bands typically rehearse their set list and performance schedule weeks ahead of time, it is important that they know about requests as soon as possible in order to plan accordingly. If you have a request but do not let the band know until a few days before your event, do not be surprised if they are unable to accommodate. In these situations, you have no one to be upset with besides yourself. Requirements While people generally have subtle requests for a band, there are often event entertainer requirements that a band must know about well ahead of time. For example, if you have an event that requires a special presentation or speech, it might be appropriate to have the band play background music. While playing ambient music is not difficult for a professional band, you cannot expect them to be prepared if you only give them a few days’ notice. By letting your band know about requirements weeks before your event kicks off, you can expect them to live up to your requirements with little to no difficulties. Questions As with most things in life, you will likely have questions as you get closer to the date of your event. If you have specific questions for your band, it is courteous and appropriate to ask them well ahead of time in order to put both you and them at ease. Specifically, if you have questions regarding the music selection, it is important to ask these questions sooner rather than later in the event that you have to make sudden changes. A Penny for Your Thoughts Bands are hired to work for you, not the other way around. While you can rely on your band to live up to expectation and adhere to requests and requirements, it is important to help them by contacting them with questions or issues as soon as possible. By having respect for the people you hire, they will have the respect to make sure that your event is hugely successful! Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

Life as a rock star can be glamorous and exciting. Pictures are being taken every moment of you on the stage, people are answering your every request, and you get to rock out with crowds of dancing people. However, backstage, is anything but. If you are the one planning the event there are millions of requests and demands coming your way. It’s hard for you enjoy the show. But your most important job is to keep the performers happy. Some bands need certain equipment to perform, others have other accommodations and requests that they would like fulfilled during their time at the event’s location. All of these are important to be aware of if your band has them. Here’s how you can prepare to keep them smiling. Before The Show It is best to get in contact with the band manager, or agent before the show. Here you can get all the essential information. For instance, if the band members need certain equipment for the show, you can have it ready for when they arrive. Also, before the show, communicate with the band members where they can enter the venue. Lack of communication can cause bands to get lost looking for a place to park. For example, tell bands where they can arrive and unload their belongings before the show. Lastly, the best thing to do before the show is ask the band for a sheet of all the members and crews names. This is valuable, in case anyone important needs to get in and fans don’t sneak in instead. Prepare A Dressing Room Once the band arrives, they will need a place to stay and freshen up after long drive or flight. Therefore, prepare a dressing room loaded with the band’s favorite snacks and drinks. This will be much appreciated. It will also save you some time and keep you from running around looking for Skittles the band asks you for because it’s a tradition before they get on stage. Show Them Around After the show, the band members will definitely be hungry and those snacks can only hold them off for so long. So, instead of worrying about what to feed them and running out into traffic to have something delivered to them, consider leaving take out menus in their dressing rooms of restaurants nearby. Or be smart and create a personal brochure specifically for the venue with lists of nearby restaurants and malls. Also, add in pictures of the employees that work at the venue with their contact information, in case of an emergency if the band members can’t find anyone nearby. Complete the brochure with a map of the venue on the back, in case they need to find a bathroom. Note, while it is important to impress your performers, also remember to accommodate within reason and budget. Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the event entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

Bands are by far one of the best entertainment options for any event, but they can also be one of the most expensive. Besides having to pay for the band to simply show up and play, anyone planning an event can also plan to spend additional money for the band to set up, break down, perform sound checks, and various other activities. While it might be enticing to spend extra money on a great band, it is extremely important to book a band that is within your budget. In order to help you stick to your guns when booking a band, below are some important points to consider. Figure Out Your Price Range Before planning an event, it is imperative to establish a budget and allocate specific amounts for the venue, event entertainment, food, etc. When it comes to putting aside specific funds for entertainment, understand what your maximum price is, and stick to it. Bands generally come in different price ranges depending on their quality and how long you will need them for. Once you have established a price range, you should only look for bands who offer rates within this range and nothing more. The first step in sticking to your budget is to respect your budget; otherwise, other event aspects will simply fall flat. Understand the Complete Price While bands may advertise a specific rate to arrive at your event and perform, you must make sure that this is the comprehensive cost and not simply a fraction of what you will have to pay in total. As mentioned earlier, bands tend to charge fees to set up, break down, and perform various sound checks. The cost of these activities may not be included in the band’s advertised price, putting you in a sticky position with your budget. To ensure that you do not inadvertently go over your budget by being confronted with these hidden costs, makes sure you understand the complete cost of the band before booking. Stick to Your Budget…No Matter What While you might feel tempted to over your budget by a few hundred dollars to book the band you really want for your event, it is important to stick to your budget and only book a band that you can truly afford. Since you plan a budget well before your event, going above this budget for entertainment may lead to you not having the money to cover the cost of something else. While your favorite band may only be a few hundred dollars more, this means nothing if you are unable to make the final payment to the catering company. Great Bands Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune While you might be hung up on the band that is outside your budget, rest assured knowing that there are plenty of great bands within your price range. In addition, you might find that you save money on another aspect of your event that allows you to book the band you really want. Regardless, if you respect your budget, your event will be unforgettable! Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

A lot of time and energy goes into hiring a band to play at your wedding or special event. It’s not something you can hold off until last minute, hoping it will all pan out. This is not a movie. With that being said, there are many factors to consider when hiring the perfect band to play as you walk down the aisle or celebrate a special occasion. That entails, knowing the appropriate band size for your event. Choosing A Band First, it’s important to make choosing a band a main priority for your event entertainment because music is the life of the party. Think about it. How many times have you gone to an office party and realized, it’s all the same. Same people, same topics, same boring music. But how many times have you gone to a concert or live event and felt the excitement in the air? It’s a different feeling and a more memorable one. That’s how you want your guest to feel once they leave your event. Therefore, choosing the perfect band goes hand in hand with knowing how many people you want performing on stage. What’s Your Theme? What you want to do, first, is know your theme. What will your event look like? Will there be dancing or more conversing? Will your guest be eating or standing? Once you have that figured out, consider choosing the music type. What Type Of Music Do You Want? Usually, choosing your music type will eliminate how many members are in a band. Having a 15-piece big band for your quiet dinner, will be too loud for your guest to hold a conversation. Therefore, be realistic with your needs and don’t forget to even talk with the bandleader about your ideas and needs. This will help them get a sense of your expectations. Sometimes, a band with four people is enough. Less is more. Good Matches For Events If you are still having a difficult time choosing, here are some helpful pairings for choosing the appropriate band size for your event. For instance, if it’s a cocktail party or dinner consider choosing a small, acoustic jazz trio or quartet. This will allow for your guest to talk without being overpowered by the music. Moreover, it will be the perfect background music for your guest. Wedding ceremonies are good for having a pianist, organist, classical duo or trio, and brass Quintet. Keeping it classy will give off the a wedding feel you want your guest to experience. On the other hand, if your party will have dancing, choose from a large band with a drummer and lots of horns. In addition, choose from a variety of bands with a vocalist to get people moving and singing along. Factors like pricing, and location will all come later, but the main focus is knowing who’s right to play at your event. Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

When booking an entertainer for your event, DJs are a very popular and effective option. DJs have the ability to set the tone and energy of an event, ensuring that the proper music and presentation is provided at all times. While a DJ is a great option for your event, there are many different types to choose from. When choosing between a wide range of DJs, it is critically important you assess how much guest interaction you want at your event. While some occasions call for a DJ to constantly engage the audience, others simply require them to remain in the background. To help you assess how much guest interaction you want at your event, below are helpful pointers do follow during this process. Size Up Your Event The style and theme of your event should be one of the first factors you consider when determining how much guest interaction you want from your DJ. If you are planning a very formal event, such as a corporate luncheon, you most likely want a DJ who simply facilitates music rather than interacting with guests. On the other hand, if you are hosting a birthday party, you will obviously want a DJ who speaks to the audience in order to pump up the energy. By assessing the style and theme of your event, you will have a much easier time finding a DJ who can follow up on your intended guest interaction. Consider Your Audience While the event is an obvious factor when considering how much guest interaction you want from your DJ, the audience is equally, if not more, important. Even if you are planning a birthday party, an event which typically relies on a DJ heavily interacting with guests, you would probably not want this level of energy if the birthday party is for your elderly grandma. Since the audience in this situation will likely be older, you would probably want a more conservative DJ who does not interact with guests too much. The same concept goes for the corporate luncheon mentioned earlier. Even though these events are typically more formal and strict, a relaxed corporate culture would make you consider a DJ who can really start a party. No matter the event, the audience plays a large role in how much guest interaction you want from your DJ. Hire the Correct DJ After considering your event entertainment and audience, you should have a firm idea of how much guest interaction you want from your DJ. The only way to effectively follow up on this planning is to hire a DJ who understands your vision and can accurately match it. By watching previous event footage from your intended DJ, you will know exactly how much guest interaction they bring to the table and if it will work for your event. Match the Energy The point of assessing guest interaction from your DJ is to appropriately match the energy of the event. With a little planning, a plenty of execution, you will find that the appropriate amount of interaction will lead to an event all of your guests will remember for years to come! Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

Let’s say you’re planning a wedding, club, festival, or birthday party. You got everything down, to drinks and decorations, but the event DJ is the last thing you need to deal with. You can’t brush this aside because, you know, music will be the life of the party and you think, what will play in the background when everyone has nothing to do? With a million and one things on your list to complete in an hour, you’re exhausted but want everything perfect for tonight’s party. The next thing on your list is “Help DJ Set Up.” Stress no further! Here are some things to consider when hiring a DJ and choosing the best area/ surroundings for them to play. DAY AND NIGHT Each DJ is different. They have different styles, taste in music, and even preference to whether they play in the day or night. Ask any DJ which they prefer and most likely, the results will be split down the middle. That’s because it varies for some DJs. The DJ goes based off the feel and ambiance the time of day has to offer. For instance, some DJs love playing in the day. Sweat comes pouring down on your face because you can’t control the power of the sun and the rhythm of dance. Whereas, some will disagree and say, in the night, you have only lasers and strobe-lights as sources of light to catch glimpses of the people around you and it’s epic. Moreover, DJs who mostly play at night clubs, don’t assume they’ll refuse to play at your “Fun in the Sun” beach party. You’ll be surprised what comes out of them at any time of the day when they’re in the zone. INSIDE OR OUTSIDE This is also something to consider when your event entertainer is about ready to set up and practice. The difference in playing music for crowds inside and outside is all about the space. Inside spaces will most likely have a stage, accompanied by a dance floor, creating a barrier for partygoers to be afraid once they step inside, while outside spaces have whole fields to jump and dance around because the partygoers don’t feel worried about a circle of people shouting, “Dance Off!” For this reason, a club set is more intimate and deep. That’s because the beats blasting out of the speakers rhythmically are in an enclosed area, making you closer to the DJ and their music. Playing at a festival attracts massive crowds with fans belting out lyrics or singing along to a melody. This shows musical harmony that a club doesn’t really give you. Inside sets are meant to be more personable with the DJ and music, while outside sets are about being with a bunch of people who want to dance the night away. One last thing: when interviewing DJs for a gig, always ask questions about their style and preferences. This will help you choose the best fit for your event. Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

Not everyone can be a crowd pleaser. If you’re a college student, how many times have you found yourself staring blankly, listening to your monotone professors? Or at the office, the brief meeting turned into an hour-long lecture from your screaming boss. Or worse, the opening act of the event entertainment barely talked into the mic because the bandmates had stage fright! What is it about engaging the crowd these people don’t get. See, you have to be born with a certain spunk and attitude to get up in front of a crown and really give a show, lecture, or meaningful meeting. Making sure your personality fits well with the theme and audience is the key to successfully engaging a crowd. Here’s some ways to do that: 1. Monkey See, Monkey Do Typically, at a concert fans want to see their idols interacting with them. At least the people who pay thousands to get front row access (hoping a towel will be thrown their way). Therefore, a tip for new bands who have trouble getting so much as a cough out from their audience, is to use mirroring techniques. When you walk out on stage try to pump up the crowd. Yell, jump, throw peace signs, everything you can do to drive the crowd insane. Sometimes the crowd will do the same. Also, doing things like clapping along to songs will surely make the fans clap along with you. The key is, if you do it, chances are they will follow. This is because they want to like you, and they want to have fun, too. 2. Create the Illusion of Eye Contact It is known that making eye contact with your audience will draw them into the performance more. Including people can grab their attention and offer a sense of awareness. If you’re shy and talk quietly in a class lecture, you will concern the students, wondering if you’re even a real professor. This can be distracting for the audience and embarrassing for the speaker. Therefore, create the illusion of direct eye contact. This technique is when the speaker or performer pretends to look at the audience. To achieve this, look between the eyes, the eyebrows, or focus on the back wall of the venue. In doing so, you will create a connection the audience craves, while also not losing your train of thought when speaking or performing. 3. Add Talking Points In between songs during a show, there are sometimes no music to carry out the awkward silence. Therefore, try to add talking point with your audience. Asking small things, like “How y’all feeling tonight?!” or stating, “You guys are amazing!” will lighten up the mood and keep your crowd hyped. Similar actions can be made in a classroom lecture. Asking your students if they have any questions in the middle and also end of a lecture can help engage your students. This can open discussions and possibly answer questions other students have. 4. Build Up the Energy The final tip in engaging your audience is building up the energy. The energy I’m referring to is of the event entertainer. For instance, rock stars don’t go all out on the first song and then become out of breath on the next. They control themselves and build up the energy for the end of the show, the big finale. By following this tip, you can ensure that your audience will be pulled in and anticipating the ending. So, whether you’re new to the stage life or classroom, be sure to engage your audience when speaking or performing. And remember: the show must go on! Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

When planning an event, you will likely find that hiring a DJ is an excellent entertainment option. While DJs are obviously talented at selecting and mixing music, they are also able to provide a certain level of energy and guest interaction that do not tend to come with other types of entertainers. While you will clearly be responsible for the type of music your DJ is playing, it is very important not to micromanage them. DJs perform at their best when you simply let them to their job. In order to help you understand this, below are tips to consider when working with your DJ to ensure you allow them to work freely without micromanaging. Select Genres, Not a Complete Playlist While you will likely look to hire a certain type of DJ in order to fulfill your music needs, there are some DJs who are able to cover a wide range of genres. When working with your DJ prior to the event, it is important that you select genres for them rather than attempting to come up with a complete playlist of specific songs. This will give your DJ the ability to find songs that they can easily mix within the genre while sticking to the theme and energy of your event. Request a Limited Number of Specific Songs You should only look to provide your DJ with the genre and style of music you would like, but this does not mean you may not want to hear a few specific songs while attending your event. If you are going to provide your DJ with a list of specific songs, be sure to keep this list as short as possible. Consider Guest Suggestions If your DJ is open to the idea, consider allowing guests to come up and make suggestions during the performance. You should by no means require your DJ to do this, but if they are open to the idea, feel free to execute. Guests may request songs that the DJ does not have or feel is appropriate, so it will ultimately be their call if the suggested song is played or not. Let Your DJ Do Their Job At the event, your DJ will be very busy performing their set and attempting to mix music for the audience. While you may feel like it is your job as the event planner constantly control what is playing, this is the farthest thing from the truth. Instead, you should let your DJ do their job with the trust and faith that the person you hired will continue to play great music and interact with guests. Only stop or correct the DJ if the music they are playing is completely inappropriate for the guests in attendance. Trust the Professional While you obviously want to have as much control over your event as possible, micromanaging your DJ will create more problems and animosity that you may expect. By trusting the professional you hired to DJ, you have a better opportunity to control other aspects of the event which require your attention. Otherwise, just enjoy the music! Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/

When it comes to finding an effective source of event entertainment for your upcoming event, you have likely been told to check out an entertainment agency. While entertainment agencies are a great resource for contacting and booking high profile bands, this is not an option for everyone. If you are looking for great entertainment without having to use an agency, you can always tap the local market. While local bands are not the most famous groups around, many of them could be national talents just waiting for the right opportunity. In order to help you go about the process of finding a local band, below are some helpful points to consider. Location Does Not Matter When it comes to finding a great local band, location matters less than you may think. While it will obviously be easier to find a wide variety of bands in larger cities, smaller towns still feature bands which frequently play at local events and venues. If you are nestled in a smaller city or town, consider the places where you have heard live music before. Whether this is a city center, park, or bar, be sure to ask the event organizers at these locations who they have hired on select occasions. By doing this, you stand a great chance of finding a great band regardless of location. Rates Tend Come Cheaper When it comes to local bands, you stand a better chance of paying a lower rate than compared to a high profile band booked through an event entertainment agency. Since many of these bands are up and comers looking to promote themselves through experience, they will gladly accept a reduced rate in order to play your event. This means you will have additional funds to spend on other aspects of your event, a concept any event organizer is thankful for. You Will Be Surprised with the Talent Once upon a time, launching a successful band simply required a large amount of capital and some musical experience. In today’s world, it is much easier to start a band, but finding success in the saturated market is a very complex process. Given that there are so many groups vying for attention today, there are many talented musicians that often go overlooked. By hiring a local band, you may find that you have one the nation’s hidden talents performing live for your event. The talent level you hire may come as a complete surprise, allowing you to have an event which far exceeds your original expectations. Take a Chance There seems to be a demand on nationally known DJs and bands, but these groups are merely a fraction of the musical talent the market has to offer. By hiring a local band, you stand the chance to have cheap entertainment which plays like a national talent. While you should properly vet these groups before booking, taking a chance on an up and coming band may turn out to be the best decision you make for your event! Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions offers premier service that is sure to both relieve the stress of the event planning process and guarantee that the entertainment that is provided exceeds all expectations. To book your next event contact a Breezin’ representative at 813-463-2272 today or visit https://breezin.com/