‘Tis the Season for Entertainment!

Our Airstream Holiday Theme Land

That time of year is almost upon us! Whether you’re looking forward to some eggnog, turning up the holiday radio stations, planning that annual family dinner or striking a pose with Frosty the Snowman, as December fast approaches, we find ourselves suddenly in the Holiday spirit once more. Neighborhood decorations begin to light up the street as the feeling of giving fills the air. Halloween itself may be just as surprised as you are to see homes suddenly trimmed with lights, but here at EETA, we are already hard at work, rolling out the red carpet to ensure every little detail of your winter wonderland fantasy comes true.

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Decking the Halls in October is nothing new to our decor department and seasonal performers. We’ve been preparing for months. While booking holiday trimmings and atmosphere acts may feel slightly premature, theme performers such as Santa & His Elves, Singing Carolers, Stilt Walkers, and more are already filling up their calendars. Being a part of our clients’ nostalgia is a treasured privilege, and there is something extra special about joining a family, company celebration, or milestone during the holidays.

Timm Miller, a Professional Santa Claus, has been working as the world’s most famous jolly man for nearly two decades now.

Timm Miller as Victorian Santa, © Racz Photography

“My three treasured places I have portrayed Saint Nick have been Disneyland, The Queen Mary, and the Inland Empire Train Museum. I have different costumes for various themes. My favorite is when I dress up as Victorian Santa. The attire is just so regal, and really sets the tone for those more upscale events, while the traditional red and white costume always puts a smile on children’s faces,” Timm said.

The 13th Century tradition of singing from door-to-door has truly stood the test of time, and adding carolers to any event can create a live, strolling decor. Liza Rios, co-owner of The Caroling Connection with her husband, Tom Proprofsky, shared their favorite memories:

The Caroling Connection Singers

 “We love performing at events where children and adults enjoy our music, but what I love most about performing holiday carols is the connections we make with our senior home audience members. When they hear our holiday music,  it awakens the memory of years gone by as they find themselves singing along with us. This is the power of music,” Liza said.

Tom agreed and also recalled an especially touching moment:

“For many holiday seasons we performed at the same restaurant and always looked forward to seeing a certain distinguished couple every year. Then one year we saw the gentleman was alone, without his wife, who had just passed away. He requested her favorite song, O Holy Night, and as we sang,  his eyes welled up with tears. For many years after that, this became his tradition and way of honoring his wife through music during the holidays. This is why we love what we do!”

Of course, in the year 2020, safe, social distancing is a new and necessary practice, which is more than possible when booking holiday entertainment with EETA. Our carolers can utilize portable transparent screens while face visors and masks can also be worn by most of our entertainers.

Adding classical string musicians to an event can truly set the mood of the season. Holiday Quartets like The Aria Strings play traditional and modern music with a timeless flair, adding elegance to cocktail soirees and dinner parties.

The Aria Strings

However, if you’re looking for more of a party experience, smaller jazz combos, Top 40 ensembles and larger scale cover bands can set the stage for an energetic, dance floor packed celebration. Band leaders like Kelly Rae Roemer of Crown Five have been gigging through the holidays for over two decades now.

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“Every New Year’s Eve that we count down to midnight is a thrill for us,” says Kelly Rae. “Singing Auld Lang Syne at 12:01am on January 1st always brings a nostalgic warmth to my heart. Watching all the happy couples dance together reminds me to be grateful and appreciate my blessings, and this year counting down to 2021 will be extra special as we’re all ready to have a fresh start!”

(Kelly’s groups can play in smaller jazz duo or trio ensembles, as well as play country and pop music, featuring up to six musicians.)

The Kelly Rae Jazz Quartet

Every year, Deanna Johnston of the LA ALLSTARS creates specific holiday song lists that feature her larger eight piece show band.

“Last year we teamed up with Essence Entertainment and the Chumash Casino, performing classic songs like ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Let It Snow’, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You.’ And of course, no evening would be complete without Top 40, dance and rock hits sprinkled in to really get everyone dancing,” Deanna said.

The LA ALLSTARS

However, if in-person performances are just not an option this year, we’re also able to entertain you through live or pre-recorded requests by utilizing various online platforms.

Whatever your hearts delight, nothing says “Happy Holidays” quite like seasonal decorations and entertainment. So peruse the vast selections available at EETA and don’t hesitate to contact us today!

WWW.ESSENCEENTERTAINMENT.COM

© 2020 written for the EETA Blog by Brooke Wilkes.

Follow our socials at https://linktr.ee/essenceentertainment

#holidaydecorations 

#seasonalentertaining 

#christmascaroling 

#santaclausimpersonator 

#newyearsevemusic 

#partybands 

#stringquartet 

#socialdistanceperformers 

#stiltwalker 

#giftgiving

We Rise: A Song of Hope

During difficult times, we truly need one another, to be uplifted, to share optimism, and to give of ourselves. Thankfully, there are still gifted creatives in this world who can inspire the rest of us to look forward, toward a better and brighter future- united as One. 

Such a talented person is Mr. JR Lewis.

JR leads the JR Lewis Band, one of EETA’s most successful acts. He also excels as a fourth grade music teacher, saxophone player, pianist, and composer. We Rise, a stunning anthem for all humankind, is the product of his talent, passion, and inspiration.

“When I originally wrote We Rise back in 2001, I was so intensely struck by the horrible tragedy of 9/11. I immediately sat down and composed the song. I wanted so badly to contribute something,” JR said.

The original 2001 version featured the vocals of the multi-talented Carlos Murgia, however, JR was inspired to revisit the song again this past spring in hopes of uplifting all Americans.

WE RISE- written by JR Lewis

JR continued, “The message of We Rise is powerful.  It was uplifting then, and is even more meaningful today.”  His lyrics share that sentiment beautifully in the video above.

JR enlisted the expertise of his close friend, and Luis Miguel’s personal pianist, Mr. Salo Loyo, to remaster the original arrangement for today’s audience.

© Photo of Salo Loyo soundcloud.com/salo-loyo/sets/tv-and-film-cues

We Rise features the exceptional vocals of Mr. Brad Sharp, with backgrounds by Shea Chambers and Venson Quarrels, and Raul Meza on bass. JR rounds out the recording as the pianist, performing his signature saxophone lines throughout the song.

We Rise is now available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the children’s arts programs that are near and dear to his heart within the Santa Ana Unified School District , where JR works as a music teacher.

“Now more than ever, we must keep performing arts programs in our children’s lives, and optimism in our hearts,” JR said.

JR Lewis’s song We Rise sings of promise, hope, and the prospect of a better future. What could be better than that?

#SAUSDarts #JRlewis #WeRise #BradSharp #SaloLoyo #JRlewisBand #EETA #EssenceEntertainment #SongOfHope #Inspirational #ChildrensArts

© 2020 written for the EETA Blog by Brooke Wilkes.

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How to Choose a Cover Band

I’ve been privileged to be a part of the Essence Entertainment Talent Agency (EETA) Family for over 20 years now. Way back in 1999, after a few years of sitting in with different bar bands, I got invited to permanently join a cover band called “The Antix.”  Suddenly, I was their new lead singer and Band Leader. While looking for job leads, I came across a wedding industry book and scoured it for business contacts. I mailed our promo videotape out to Mike Steffens over at EETA, and within weeks of our meeting, Mike had booked our band on our very first wedding reception.

Today, almost 20 years later, there’s no need to leave the house to find a band. Clients can begin their search with just one click. But whatever way you choose to start this process, it’s always helpful to be informed by reputable Talent Agencies like EETA on what makes a great variety dance band. I recently watched Mike’s video below and it reminded me of the path I took that eventually led to getting paid to perform live music. His video inspires me to share other important things one should know before selecting a cover band for any upcoming celebration.

In this “Ask Mike” youtube video, he mentions the three types of bands that people usually encounter on their quest for a music act. I’m not speaking of three specific styles or themes of music, but rather, the three arenas a musical performer may originate from, currently be in, or hopefully, graduate to.

GARAGE BANDS: Many musicians and singers like myself originally started out here. It may have been a band we joined in high school or just a weekend jam with friends. While garage bands create space to rehearse covers, or write original music together, putting aside one’s artistic, personal vision in exchange for a client’s musical tastes may be a very hard pill for some to swallow. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I actually fell into full-time work as a bar band singer and began to learn about the business side of playing all styles of music.  

CLUB BANDS: This next-level band sometimes contains members that graduated from the garage experience, they’ve joined different bands and now they’re doing what we gigsters refer to as the club circuit. These local groups know each other, and might even “sub” gigs for one another which is easy to do since a lot of club bands usually know the same 50 or so songs that are currently in rotation at bar gigs. The grueling, physically strenuous hours of the club experience truly humble, educate, and groom performers for future, better paying, upscale jobs. I personally paid my club dues by playing five shows a night, singing 60 songs an evening at places like Caesars Palace and Disneyland.

EETA’s Stellar Band playing at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Terrace

The great thing about groups that work the club scene is that the musicians have usually been a family for a while, so now they’ve found their pocket. Playing a club gig every week keeps them rehearsed and more informed on what songs are currently working best on the dance floor. However, one big challenge in transitioning from a club band to a professional variety dance band is simply the lack of understanding the needs of a more reserved type of client, where necessary wardrobe, repertoire and managerial changes are paramount.  Club bands are only going to get these specific business skills by being pushed into the deep end of the corporate and wedding event pools. However, if you’re set on booking that awesome band you saw perform at your favorite watering hole, for your company’s holiday party, make sure they can play a versatile song list in order to keep your Boss happy and the dance floor packed.

PROFESSIONAL VARIETY DANCE BANDS: Some may want their own favorite music to be played, however, parties have guests of all tastes in attendance, which is why Essence Entertainment represents variety bands like “That Vibe.” This group specifically understands the importance of repertoire versatility and creates setlists with their guests in mind. This ensures that a majority of the crowd is entertained and EETA is much more likely to get future bookings for that band coming from actual patrons who saw them play the party that same night.

“At That Vibe, we know that each wedding is special and unique  This is why we allow our clients to “customize” our service to fit the exact vision they have for their wedding.  We give them full control over our list of 300+ songs, mash-ups and medleys.  And, if their favorite song is not on our list, we will learn it!   We will also plan our Setlist and Break Schedule around the specific events, speeches and customs they would like to include, all of which will be professionally emceed by Ted Heath, the band’s leader and vocalist.”  -Doug Waitman, Creator and Founding Member of That Vibe

As a Band Leader, I always take stock of the age range and energy of guests arriving. I write our setlists based on my findings, sometimes right before we hit the stage. Playing something for everyone is not as hard as it sounds, and the band succeeds with that task when they already have a larger song list prepared for unforeseen surprises and unexpected requests.

VOLUME AWARENESS: No matter what kind of group you’re considering for your upcoming event, one of the most important things that EETA’s professional bands are exceptional at is being acoustically aware of each new room they play in. Some band members might play too loud if they cannot hear themselves independently, which will naturally cause them to turn up the volume dial. Seasoned musicians understand that less is always more in the wedding and corporate entertainment world.

Having a Sound Technician there to mix the band can help to alleviate this concern. Sean Kilian, a Sound Man I personally work with often, says it best:

“I look at sound reinforcement as creating balance. I want to hear each and every performer and for everything to have its place in the audio mix. This is the case for each instrument, vocal, speech, or whatever else is going on in that moment.” –Sean Kilian, CEO, MxxMaster Sound

So, even though playing louder can feel more energetically exciting to everyone,  music acts greatly benefit from a Sound Technician’s supervision. Instrument amplifiers, vocal monitors, and front of the house speakers should never “Go to 11.”

Like the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”  When planning entertainment for that special day, I wouldn’t go with a cheap garage band, yet I also wouldn’t spend more on a bar band if they’d never graduated from nightclub work into handling high maintenance, private events.

RESEARCH: You can find out so much about a group just by doing a little investigation. There should always be an online track record of performance history. Websites usually have photos, song lists, and pre-recorded video footage, but it’s also very important to check references. Utilizing a licensed and bonded talent agency like Essence Entertainment can eliminate concerns about vetting the talent, having liability insurance, and trusting contractual paperwork. EETA also keeps comment cards on file for all of the talent on their roster.

SONG VARIETY: Higher-end acts should also have a wider music selection to choose from, ranging for the more mellow dinner-time songs to popular dance music. Long lulls between songs can ruin the mood and slow up the timeline as well. A great Band Leader knows how to steer their group from song to song, calling quieter or slower tunes when needed. Anything from a timeless Nat King Cole ballad to Taylor Swift’s most current hit is just an example of how wide an evening’s musical spectrum should be. Unless you’re purposely looking to book a Tribute or Theme Band, groups that can play recognizable hits from a variety of genres is always a more successful choice.

A STRONG TEAM: EETA’s Variety Dance Bands always have a Band Leader or Music Director in charge of their own group at an event. This person keeps the show flowing. Strong Band Leaders know to connect with the client, wedding coordinator, banquet captain, or venue point person throughout the evening, to ensure that everything is going smoothly. When the venue’s team of people are happy, you know everyone’s having a good night.  The Band Leader, Music Director, and Sound Technician Team is what sets Professional Variety Dance Bands leaps above Garage or Club Bands.

Most of all , a cover band should enhance your event, appearing as the musical wallpaper you choose to compliment your celebrated milestone.

As the 2020 Pandemic slowly dissipates and America’s businesses begin to come out of economic stress , the reputable talent agents of Essence Entertainment are ready to introduce you to the best musicians Southern California has to offer.

© 2020 Brooke Wilkes for EETA

Brooke Wilkes is honored to be joining EETA’s Marketing Department. She works as a freelance columnist, emcee, and band leader who began her singing career at just 11 years of age in Anchorage, Alaska. Her voice has been featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Don’t Forget the Lyrics, Star Search and RoseAnne. In the last two decades, Miss Wilkes has created and managed a dozen cover bands and has probably performed Gloria Gaynor’s iconic hit “I Will Survive” over 1000 times.

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Windback Wednesday: Mendelssohn Memories

It might surprise you to learn that the most popular instrumental song usually played at the end of most traditional weddings was written by a young German composer, nearly 180 years ago.

(Portrait of Mendelssohn by Theodor Hildebrandt)

In the early 1800’s, Felix Mendelssohn was just eight years old, but already a child prodigy and a devoted fan of Bach, with a passion for Baroque music.

By his early teens, he had already written over half a dozen symphonies. As his musical reputation grew to be one of the most well known of the Romantic Era, he was often commissioned to perform and write music for the upper class.

(Mendelssohn playing for Queen Victoria, © Photo i.pinimg.com)

One such penned overture was inspired to accompany Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which  resulted in today’s still very famous and often used recessional piece, “The Wedding March.” 

Felix died early, having a stroke at the young age of 38, therefore missing the first public honorings of his work when British Royalty selected his “Wedding March” to underscore a handful of weddings.

Mendelssohn would be proud to know that almost two centuries later, modern couples all over the world still say “I do” while hearing his composition playing as they happily walk back up the aisle.

(An original handwritten copy of The Wedding March.)

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If you’re looking for more suggestions for traditional wedding ceremony music, check out this “Ask Mike” video: 

© 2020 written by Brooke Wilkes for EETA

 

 

Skin Cancer is on the rise – protect your skin!

Skin Cancer is on the rise…protect your skin!

I’ve read and heard a number of articles and reports in the past few days about sun tanning and the relationship to skin cancer.  Apparently skin cancer is on the rise…dangerously.

Not only is skin cancer on the rise, but more and more cases are being found on young adults and teenagers…not good.

I’ve heard that you shouldn’t use tanning beds at all. 

 

I’ve also heard that not only should you put on sunscreen 30 minutes prior to exposure, but that you should put on A LOT of sunscreen – the amount that would fit into a shot glass.

 

 

They also say that sunscreen deteriorates over time, and any sunscreen you’ve had in your cabinet for a while should be replaced…seasonally.  (I know I have some old sun screen in my cabinet…how about you?)

Here’s a recent article and video with information issued by the Surgeon General:

Those of you tanning or burning your skin this summer should stop — seek the shade, wear a hat and some sunscreen and, whatever you do, stay out of indoor tanning salons. It’s a familiar skin-cancer prevention message, but it’s coming from a new source: the office of the U.S. Surgeon General.

The call to action from acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak, released Tuesday, says that skin cancer is a “major public health problem”…  READ MORE

Here’s a blurb from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

Sunburn — the skin reddening caused by overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation — may seem like just a temporary irritation, but sunburns can cause long-lasting damage to the skin. Children are especially at risk: One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. Don’t get burned: Read the articles below to learn all about The Skin Cancer Foundation’s expert advice on sunburn prevention, treatment, and relief!   READ MORE

Let’s be careful, shall we?  Let’s protect our skin!  And share this information with your friends and family!

Enjoy a few quotes of the day…

A few quotes for the day…

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed them!  🙂

Do you have a great “Elevator Speech”?

Your 30-second message is not about educating, explaining, or boring your acquaintance; it’s about sparking enough interest to prompt them to do something; ask for your card, introduce you to someone you should know, or even make an appointment to learn more.  If you give them a reason to want to know more, they will act on their instinct.

Many of you are business owners or are in sales of some sort…and you have many opportunities to meet new people, talk about what you do, and create new relationships.

That said, one of the most powerful tools to have is a strong, memorable Elevator Speech (or Elevator Pitch or Elevator Statement), with a solid Call To Action.

What is an Elevator Speech?  Here’s what Wikipedia has to say:

An elevator pitch (or elevator speech or elevator statement) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service, or organization and its value proposition.  The name “elevator pitch” reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes.  In The Perfect Elevator Speech, Aileen Pincus states that an elevator speech should “sum up unique aspects of your service or product in a way that excites others.”

So…you may be at a Networking Meeting…or a Social Affair…or a Business Meeting…or literally in an elevator – and you may have anywhere from 20 seconds to two minutes to introduce yourself, explain what you do, state what you are looking for, and request a call to action…can you do it?  Will you be memorable / noticed?  Will you get results?

The Elevator Speech is NOT easy to do!  It takes forethought and lots of practice.  You also need to have more than one version, as different situations (i.e., different audiences /demographics) require different approaches.

Here are just a few resources to get you started – go to Google and do some more research:

http://www.creativekeys.net/powerfulpresentations/article1024.html

http://www.quintcareers.com/job-search_elevator_speech.html

http://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/the-elevator-speech-wow-factor.html

There are many resources on-line – poke around…read some articles…watch some YouTube videos…

I don’t necessarily agree with what everybody says about writing and presenting an Elevator Speech, but, in general, there are lots of good tips on how to approach the project.

Things to remember:

• Share your passion!
• Use body language, gestures and facial expressions
• It’s not what you say, it’s HOW you say it
• It’s NOT a sales pitch – it’s just the opener
• Keep it simple – don’t use a lot of fancy jargon
• Use question(s) to get people engaged
• Practice, practice, practice!!

Do you have an Elevator Speech?  Let’s hear it…  🙂

You don’t?  Then get busy – write it and practice it!!  Be prepared for your next opportunity to create a relationship!

Happy Independence Day!!

Who doesn’t love watching fireworks?!

…and who doesn’t love watching fireworks at Disneyland??!!!

Enjoy some music and fireworks in this video:

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

…or, if you prefer, Happy 4th of July!

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Attention Entrepreneur’s

Here’s an excerpt from the Article added below:

So this week, as the country celebrates its independence, it’s a good time to celebrate the independence of the small business owner, too.

And if you are a small business owner, celebrate your own independence. Give yourself a high-five. Starting and growing your own enterprise is challenging to say the least. But you—as with all entrepreneurs—are an independent thinker and visionary who enjoy building something on your own.

Remember, our country was founded on the spirit of entrepreneurship. Our ancestors who came to America did so with a vision of freedom and a desire to build a better life. Today that spirit continues to thrive in our country. Owning your own business is for many—the American Dream.

See the link below to read the entire article…it’s not very long…

My favorite part?  “…Give yourself a high-five.”   So, go ahead…do it!  You deserve it!!  🙂

Related articles

• Happy Independence Day to America’s Entrepreneurs (blogs.constantcontact.com)

Gen Y? Oh My!

I attended my first OC Brides Networking Event last week (I enjoyed it and look forward to more!) and met a gal who exposed me to something I hadn’t heard of before – Gen Y!

Kristy von Waldburg, Arbonne Consultant, told me about a presentation she heard at a recent convention.  I expressed interest, so she whipped out her cell phone and forwarded to me a link to the email she had just received from the presenter…Jason Ryan Dorsey, The Gen Y Guy®, Acclaimed Speaker, Bestselling Author, Generational Thought Leader.

Jason Dorsey

I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never even heard a reference to “Gen Y”.  But after chatting with Kristy a little bit about what she learned from Jason I easily and quickly understood how important it is to understand them – especially if we want to communicate with them and market to them.  Wow – what an eye opener for me!

Have you heard about Gen Y?  Are you actively marketing to them in a certain way?

I just watched a few videos (both on Jason’s website and floating on YouTube), and have just begun to explore Jason’s website.  Here’s a short video to give you an idea of why understanding Gen Y can effect your bottom line:

If this is new to you, I encourage you to explore further.  I’ve only just begun.

Please share with us your knowledge or exposure to Gen Y.

I’m also curious to know if you have added to or changed your marketing strategies to accommodate Gen Y – please comment!  Thanks.

I’ll expand further and share more information about Gen Y next time!!  🙂

Have you tried Jing yet?!

Jing is a terrific screen capture tool…and yes, it’s free!

Go to JingProject.com, check out its features and ideas on how it can be used, check out some How to Use Jing videos on YouTube (I’ve embedded a couple I have watched below), and see if it’s something you can take advantage of!

JIng (Photo credit: blogpocket)

I heard about it a little while ago, but have been using it only recently.  And, wow – it’s easy to use and very handy to have!  I expect I’ll start using it more and more!

Here’s a good technical demo that also includes info on Screencast.com:

Here’s the first video I watched – not as technically complete, but he gives you some real world ideas on how to use Jing.

Let me know if you find other useful “How To” videos.

Please share with us how you’ve put Jing to work for you!

Related articles

• 3 Screen Capture Software Options: From Free to Not So Free (professorjosh.wordpress.com)