Whatever

For along time we have been very spoilt by the production companies who have supported us at events. Fisher, Event Concept, Wise etc you knew you could rely on to make the acts sound /look as good as they could- and would always be willing to help if there were any unforseen problems. We have, however, recently, experienced a number of issues with production companies at events, where the event organiser has choosen a cheaper option as a way of saving money, or indeed used the `in house` team. At the last event both our acts and and our team member were sworn at by members of the production company. Although everyone is looking for ways of saving money at the moment, this seems to be a false ecomomy . Has anyone else got examples of where attempts to save money have been severely determinental to the event?

 For a long time I never really understood the French expression `animation` which they use as the equivalent of the word entertainment- it always had me thinking of cartoons. However recently it seems excactly the right word for what we are trying to do with entertainment- using it, not as just the fluffy bit at the end of a party, but as a means of `animating` or bringing to life a brand, product or message. Below is a picture of Kaleidoscope, a brilliant light juggling act, litterally bringing to life a company`s logo

I know this act has been around for some time but I saw it again at the weekend and it really is awesome. For those that do not know it the Heliospherte is a giant balloon with an acrobat performing beneath. To book it contact Nikki at Fools Paradise on 01392 454160

We have started using DJs who instead of being stuck behing their traditional booth can DJ using a hand held device called a  Pacemaker. This enables them to actually get in amongst the crowd interact with them and choose songs which they ask for. We will be demonstrating this at our showcase at Andaz on April 3rd. Email me on adam@sternbergclarke.co.uk for more details

We are going to run a showcase at Andaz (fantastic hotel near Liverpool Street) on April 3rd in the afternoon. Are there any acts of our that people would like the opportunity to see?- and no I am not fllying the identical triplets over from Las Vegas!

For all those who have their fill of female string players- electric or otherwise, have a look at Alizma below- Identical Polish Triplets- I bet there cannot be too many of those. My spies tell me they are fantastic players-they are based in Las Vegas (no surprise there!) Any suggestions for companies or brands they might be suitable for? 

All you need to create a wow moment for the client is an act who is very good at what they do. One good example of this was Gena West at the Madame Tussauds` promotional event . A female jazz singer- not a mind blowingly different concept- but what a voice! Enough to send a shivver down the spine of the most cynical event organiser.

Following on from my last Blog about the challenges faced by event organisers when booking a celebrity performer- I thought I would give anyone daring enough to read my blog details of a fantastic act, for compering awards. Nigel Mead is not famous (though he should be), is not a comedian (although he is very funny), is not expensive (yipee!) but is bright, charismatic and will follow a clients brief. View his details at www.nigelmead.com. For all those who think that it is madness for agencies to give direct details of acts, watch this space as I shall do the same every month