Choosing the Right Musical Group for Your Event

There are a few important things to think about when you're booking a musical group for your event, such as the size of the venue, the number of people attending, the ages and musical interests of your guests, indoor or outdoor, and the overall schedule and flow of your event.   Music can range anywhere from being low key and part of the background, all the way up to being the featured entertainment and the highlight of your event.  This can mean hiring anything from a soloist or a duo on up to a full big band or orchestra with a customized show.   The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas listed from small to large groups:

-Solo multi-instrumentalist
-Solo multi-Instrumentalist and a vocalist
-Duo with a pianist or guitarist and a vocalist
-Trio including instrumentalist and a vocalist
-Quartet including drums, either with or without a vocalist
-Small big band including a rhythm section, vocalists and instrumentalists (7-10 total musicians)
-Full big band with up to 20 musicians
-Full orchestra with 20-40 musicians

Each of these groups require various sound reinforcement equipment, depending on the size of the venue and the number of guests attending.

Magic Shows!

Yes, it's true.  I perform magic as well.  I blame this on Scott Crosby with the Medicine Show Music Company.  Many years ago when I was playing gigs with that group, Scott performed some of his amazing magic, and I got hooked.  Since then, I've enjoyed building up my collection of props and refining the skills of being an illusionist.   For the most part, I've chosen to limit my magic performances to be for children.  There are basically two formats that I offer for shows:

-Gospel Magic Shows (Usually done as part of a church event, bible camp, youth group, etc...)
These shows are typically about 45-60 minutes long and done on a small stage or other area big enough for your number of guests.

-Children's Magic Shows (Where the birthday child or special guest is the co-star of the show!)
Basically I've found that if a child wants to learn magic, they absolutely can do it, and I love to help!   For your event, I meet with the child in advance - many times the same day - and teach them a certain amount of magic.  The child gets to keep a portion of the supplies used for the show and more importantly gets to learn the secrets to perform the illusions.   It's also sometimes fun for each guest to get to learn one trick and take it home.   All of these things can be customized according to your event and your budget.  Even shy kids or developmentally challenged individuals can usually learn simple routines, and we can certainly have a conversation in advance to make sure this format works well.  I'm always ready to take over the show if needed, but usually the child wants to do as much as possible!