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How many times have we been to wedding and there in the corner of the room is the DJ, his little domain filled with black and silver cases, cd’s mini discs, computers, all piled high around him , mission control armed and ready,  ready to unleash his barrage of  disco mania  at people he’s never met and will probably never meet again.

Introducing iWedding
Ipods have come along way since 2001, most people have at least one lying around or know someone with one. More and more are becoming the standard choice for parties and now we see them at weddings.
It makes total sense, collect all your favorite songs , create the playlists to suite , “Over Dinner”, Background Mellow”, 1970’s Disco, Dance floor Fillers, etc, etc, etc….

What this means is thats you dont have to worry about how the DJ might be feeling that day, will he play the right songs, will he mind playing past twelve, will he dress appropriately,  Ipods are you friends and the last few wedding Ive attended Ive seen a fantastic live band and then an Ipod during the breaks and afterwards, it makes sense to spend money on the band as thats what you want to make that special impression and create the perfect evening.

Ipod take a bullet to save a life.
When was the last time a DJ took a bullet for you, never and thats exactly what this Ipod did in Iraq , saving the soldier, another reason to go with Ipod.

For more Wedding Entertainment ideas visit www.dominichalpin.com

May 21st-22nd Breda Jazz Festival - Netherlands.

Also two cruises this year, one in November, one in December, see website for details.

Check out the best

North West Function Band

around

Who are your audience?
The first step to choosing the right function band for you is to look at who will be in your audience. I know, this sounds obvious, but unfortunately more often than you think, wedding bands or function bands will be chosen by what the event organiser likes rather than what is actually appropriate! So, what will be the age range of your audience? Will you have guests who are keen dancers? Is your event a meet and greet occasion where you guests will want to spend their time networking and talking? Really think about what atmosphere you want to create with the entertainment and what function you have in mind for it.

Swing Band vs Disco Band
Two of the most common styles of corporate entertainment bands or wedding entertainment you will come across are Disco Bands ( or soul motown funk bands) and Swing Bands. Both have their place, strengths and weaknesses. A Disco Band or Soul Motown show is generally more apropriate for a younger audience and is generally a great option for a corporate event where you are looking for a “high power” show to get people motivated. One of the charms about a great Swing Band is that the music can appeal across ages and, in the right hands, can lead your audience from a gentle start to an outrageously fun end. With either choice, it is important for the band to have it’s own identity and flair, and an ability to create something far more exciting than just five or seven people playing at the same time!

One band suits all?
Another option is to go for the “All in one” function band that can cover a bit of everything - jazz as the guests arrive, swing music during the first part of the evening and then a disco / motown show at the end. There are some very good bands around that can do just this and they can be a fantastic way to offer something for everyone. Be careful though to check out these bands thoroughly before comitting to them for your event. A good function band should always have an opportunity for you to see them play live before you book. Often at someone elses event. There is no better way to really check out a band and see if they will be right for you. Make sure your band can do a bit of everything but be convincing at it all!

How do I find them?
A google search is often the best starting point to find the right band for you. Of course a personal recommendation is always worth exploring. There are also several very good wedding and event agents who can help guide you through the selection process and provide you with video and audio to help you make the right decision. Always ask to see the group live first before committing, either at a public show or at someone elses event.

Bookings and Contracts
A reputable corporate entertainment agent or wedding entertainment agent should have a standard contract prepared for you to sign upon making a booking. Whether you use an agent or not, a contract is essential so you and the function band know what to expect. Pay and pay process, performance times and the bands requirements - these are all details that need to be writen down to avoid issues.

Final Thoughts
Regardless of what you choose for corporate entertainment, please be patient and check out a bunch of acts before you commit. The right funciton band or corporate show can make a massive difference to your event.