Tag Archives: event planning

Mardi Gras Parties Done Right

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

You may still be recovering from the new year…but there is something big around the corner. February brings love, roses, and romance…and the opportunity to let the good times roll with a monster Mardi Gras party. Keep reading to find out how Mardi Gras parties are done right.

KMFire5 - 151. Variety is the spice: Just like a fine gumbo has a variety of tantalizing ingredients, so should your Mardi Gras party. This might include a sultry jazz trio, a vibrant theme show with colorful masks and costuming, or even a slight-of-hand magician or fire eater to bring out a true parade ambiance. You may not be in New Orleans, but your guests will still feel the heat.

2. Musical Tribute: Capture the true essence of New Orleans with a Mari Gras Theme Show highlighting sultry jazz, rhythm and blues, and up-beat excitement as the saints go marchin’ in. This fully-choreographed stage showchesworth05-31-08-035 includes a live band and the heart-pounding excitement of talented dancers, musicians, and vocalists. Add an interactive component to the experience and your entertainment gumbo is ready to serve.

3. Street Beat: Add to the true authenticity of your Mardi Gras experience by bringing traditional street performers into a grand finale paMG-stiltsrade. From a single saxophone playing in your French quarter, to cadence drum lines, stilt walkers and costumed greeters following a core of blues musicians, guests are certain to feel the energy and strut their stuff. Who knows? It can start “something”…and there just might be some colorful beads flying.

How to Use Unique Venues to Make Your Event Pop

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

Location, location, location. This doesn’t only apply to real estate, but also to creating the best parties. Traditional, elegant venues like beautiful ballrooms and stunning resorts will never disappoint. But, if you are looking for something just a bit different, there are many ways to use unique venues to make your event pop.

Strength31. City Center. As the classic song says, “You can always go Downtown.” With so many cities spending dollars on revitalization efforts, what better way to celebrate than with a party. This venue is perfect for exploring the multi-use aspects of everyday spaces, in which the beauty of the architecture integrates with artists, musicians, and other entertainers.

2. Local Landmarks: Visitors and locals alike are always seeking favorite hot spots. This can apply to your venue choice as well. Create a stunning and unexpected event that allows a well-known spot to become something greater. Don’t overlook those special spots unique to your locale. Places like zoos, museums, libraries, gardens, and restored buildings can provide your guests with a feeling of connection, and resonate with all the senses.

IndianATGC43. National Treasures: No matter what area of the country you are in, there are opportunities to enjoy attractions as a venue for your event. Greeters can meet guests for guided tours, entertainment can take center stage, or food vendors and other culinary creations can be highlighted. Use the natural beauty of your surroundings to create something truly spectacular and specific to your area.

Unusual Entertainment Ideas that Create the Wow Factor

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By Applause Productions

Everyone wants a party that grabs the attention of the audience and social media users. One of the best ways to ensure a memorable event is with top-notch entertainment. This is especially true with unique, creative, and spectacular acts. Here are some unusual entertainment ideas that create the wow factor.

NaceGala 14a1. LED-Lighted Performers: LED lighting has transitioned from a stage effect to a brilliant and attractive way to dress entertainers. Whether dancers, greeters, or even as party favors for your guests, a little bit of light brings something special to all aspects of entertainment. (Special Thanks to Fable Photography)

 

2. Drum Line: Thrill your guests with the heart-pounding sounds of a pulsating drum line. This musical MR drum line 3adelight is no longer limited to college football games or energizing morning kick-offs, it can provide just the right amount of spunk to any event or party. An added kick is the LED lights that appear on the drums.

 

NM Shapes 7a3. Unique Cirque: Audiences have been delighted with the technical artistry of cirque performers for the past decade. When the beautiful movement is combined with 3-D shapes in a woven dance of tangible and intangible energy, the result is astounding. Through the interaction, the body becomes art. Be prepared for the unusual.

Live Entertainment that Comes Alive

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

Today’s audiences are sophisticated. They demand more unique entertainment that stuns a crowd with the “Wow Factor.” To surpass any event planner’s expectations, it is essential that companies hire live entertainment that comes alive. Luckily, there are several options that can help create a party that no one will soon forget.

Mari edit1. Theme parties with glamorous costuming, vintage props, and stunning venues continue to be popular. However, the addition of truly interactive entertainers is becoming the norm. This might include greeters who pose as party guests, singers who croon to specific audience members, or dancers who teach their choreography to willing participants. With these additions, guests will experience the entertainment rather than simply viewing it.

1Wed-1572. Iconic movies and television shows continue to entice planners with their popularity. Whether it’s James Bond or a best-selling Disney feature like Frozen, event executives are harnessing the value of these well-loved characters. With the added benefit of familiarity, audience members of all ages and experiences resonate with these particular entertainment options. Further ornamentation of LED lighting, décor, and signage combine with powerful entertainers to culminate in a fantasy experience for guests.

DJ3. DJs that become VJs, because they use videos that create a visual display of the music, are a growing option. Not only does this exciting twist on traditional DJ services allow for exciting engagement from the guests, but it offers social media and interaction experiences for 21st century audiences. During the course of the event, these DJs can use videos to spark games and other teambuilding activities as they help invigorate the party.

 

 

 

As the Entertainment Season Begins, Smart Planners Are on the Cutting Edge

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

It may be August, but as corporate event planners know, the season is about to explode. This is the perfect opportunity to ignite an event that will leave a powerful impression. Classic entertainment never disappoints, but smart planners are also able to use cutting edge entertainment as never before.

1. Technology-integrated Entertainment: Using technology for visual displays like light shows and highlighting events has great value. Now, the opportunities to effectively use technology with talent are even greater than ever. Traditional favorites like magicians, caricature artists, and painters are integrating ipads, lasers, and digital printing to captivate audiences and provide an interactive experience. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities are endless.

2. Cirque Reinvented: The popularity of Cirque de Soleil has sparked a love affair with all things acrobatic. While the trend used to focus on bizarre and quirky entertainers, the current buzz word is beauty. This includes the elegant and gravity-defying use of silks, contortionists, and aerial entertainers dressed in vibrant color. The visual spectacle always delights audiences, especially as they enter an event.

3. Truly Interactive Entertainment: The best events always make guests want to get up and dance, but now the trend is to make your participants the entertainers themselves. Using professionally-trained and exciting dance performers, these guests are taught basic choreography as if they were in their own version of Dancing with the Stars. It’s not only fun, but physically beneficial for your attendees. The culminating event of this experience is an engaging performance by dance professionals.

 

Best Corporate Event Entertainment Ideas

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

The best corporate event entertainment ideas might be trendy, novel, and technologically stunning; however, behind the hype there must be one crucial element…talent. While the expertise might differ, the buzz-worthy artist has spent years perfecting the music, the dance, or the craft behind the performance. Clients are attracted to the “wow factor” and power that these entertainers bring to any event. Here are a few that will not disappoint.

1. Speed Painting. This high-energy and unique display of artistic prowess allows the audience to fully engage with the artist as he creates a memorable painting. As music energizes the crowd, this painter uses color, speed, and a dramatic flair to mesmerize the audience. Corporate planners are particularly captivated by this artist’s ability to customize the brand for a product launch, awards presentation, or fund-raising charity event

 

2. Interactive Mime Entertainment. Mimes are not only an outstanding way to welcome guests to your event, but also a fun and engaging way to signature your event. The art of mime transcends speech and allows people to experience a situation with their own gifted imagination. That’s why this art form is so effective. These mimes will perform a cameo skit that incorporates a message from or about the company. What a brilliant way to communicate a corporate message in a fresh and effective way.

3. Flash Mob. The spontaneity behind a Flash Mob captures the attention and interest of the crowd, especially when the participants are mingling with the guests. Whether well-known, trendy dances like Thriller, Gangnam Style, and Glee cover songs ignite the crowd, or something more specific to the theme of the event, these participatory mobs transform the evening. A typical event becomes transcendent as audience members feel the buzz.

Entertainment Ideas: The Possibilities are Endless

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

Now that the first quarter of 2014 is almost complete, one thing is clear: when it comes to entertainment ideas, the possibilities are endless. Events that are full of vintage elegance or the latest technological capabilities are stunning audiences all around the country. Here are just a few options to whet your appetite:

Everything Old is New Again: This entertainment option celebrates the classic and timeless eras that captured our imagination. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to the sweet innocence of the 1950s, these events allow our cultural heritage to survive, and entice the millennials to experience the greatness. Elegant cabaret singers, classic jazz ensembles decked out in black tie formalwear, or love ballads crooned by Old Blue Eyes himself make this option alive.

International Flavor: Imagine the color, energy, and sizzle of Brazilian or Carnival entertainers for your next event. These heart-stopping dancers, acrobats, and stilt-walkers can bring any theme, concept, or product launch to life. The variety of this option could include Samba dancers, Latin bands, or even an exciting batucada!

 

The Quirky Factor: Just when you thought you’d seen everything, this year’s newest entertainment will surprise even the most experienced event goer. It’s the unexpected aspect of this talent combination that energizes the viewer. Grunge music of the 90s played by jazz trios, or a Western-themed cowboy show that is accompanied by the latest digital video or LED lighting. These experiences are perfect for the event planner or corporate CEO that is a talent connoisseur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid Event Planning Mistakes: Hire an Entertainment Company

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

With the new year comes exciting opportunities to create unique and powerful events. Often this requires professional consultants whose experience can ensure that you have the right talent to match your vision. Here are a few tips that will allow you to avoid event planning mistakes.

1. Hire an agency of experts: An A-list event must have professionals who are experienced in event production. They need to know what is popular, trendy, and, simply the best. With years of valuable planning opportunities, the challenges and pitfalls that can occur are anticipated so that the outcome is a creative success.

 

2. Communicate…communicate…communicate clear expectations: Sometimes a client will say, “I want something jazzy,” as they describe the lively, energetic, and interactive event they desire. However, the entertainment company may immediately think  jazz trio, improvisational musicians, or even a group of choreographed dancers. Obviously, the two are not synonymous. It is vital that both the planner and entertainment company are on the same page so that the event will be customized in exactly the right way.

3. Know What You Can Afford: So often, clients want everything, yet their champagne wishes need to be fulfilled using a beer budget. That’s when a planner that knows talent can provide a fun, exciting, and memorable event on a more restricted budget. Be realistic with your expectations and the production may surprise you in its ultimate power and ingenuity.

 

Celebrate 2013: Part One –Throw a Party That Pops

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

It is the most wonderful time of the year. So, why not throw a party that pops to celebrate the accomplishments of 2013 with friends, family, and business associates. Whether you choose a cocktail party, intimate gathering, or a larger venue, live entertainment is the best way to say, “Now, this is a party.” To help you best plan the brightest event, we’ve done your homework. Choose one of these options, and your party will stand out from the rest.

1. Get on Your Feet. It’s time to celebrate. After a well-designed dinner, your guests are ready for a shift in energy. Make them part of the action with an interactive DJ, choreographed dances and lessons, or even a spontaneous flash mob. These options are perfect for a crowd that has energy, personality, and just a little swag. Think about it, have you ever seen a room full of people dancing with anything but a smile on their faces? Fun is a powerful choice — it works. So let it work for your party.

2. Winter Wonderland. With the clear, chilly nights in the Valley, nothing is more romantic and elegant than a party with entertainment everywhere. Guests can view the night sky with professional astronomers, discuss those beautiful constellations with an astrologer and Tarot card reader, and couples can capture the essence in a photo booth dressed with a stunning background. All the while, the sounds of duo guitars seranade the guests. What a marvelous night for a moon dance…

3. Make me Laugh. Nothing is more contageous than the sound of laughter. So, treat your guests to a stand-up comedian, interactive, improvisational troupe, and a lively band. A good comedian can capture the audience, make them laugh, and get them ready to dance the night away. Or, if your group is particulary witty, perhaps they would enjoy joining in the fun with an improvisational comedy team. Either way your guests will be energized for the night ahead.

Are You Ready?…Time to Book Your Event Entertainment

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

It may be July, but it’s time to book your event entertainment. Exciting and engaging events are an essential part of any corporate calendar, since they can help to promote the company both externally and internally, while boosting morale and rewarding a job well done. The easiest way to ensure a successful event is to include stellar entertainment. Here are three ideas to guide you.

1.Know your audience: Consider the demographics of the attendees. Before you hire a Lady Gaga impersonator, make sure the majority of audience members are not octogenarians! Although they may remember the event, it may be a nightmarish vision rather than the sublime experience you were hoping for. A 1920s theme party, an Impersonator show, or even a Wild West night complete with casino and saloon girls, has a much broader audience appeal.

2. The window of opportunity is open. Book now is good advice. Quality corporate entertainment with a high profile will often have its season set by the end of August. Don’t lose out on what might have been a great event because you are still planning your vacation, rather than your companies’ event calendar.

3. Make it Memorable. So many times a great band is hired, but because of  dinner, awards, and other necessities, guests head for the exit by the time the music plays. When you integrate the entertainment throughout the event, you can tell a story, highlight a successful moment, or simply celebrate a new brand. Consider this: a choreographed musical number that opens the evening and sets the mood. Throughout dinner, talent takes the stage for short, engaging moments allowing the audience to enjoy the food, the conversation, and the enterainment. This experience energizes an ordinary awards ceremony to become an award in itself, as the guests become part of the show. Here’s just a peak of what your audience can expect…imagine selected pops of entertainment  from this delightful 1920s theme show. Enjoy!

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