Olivera Music

Performer etiquette and appearance are as important as the performance itself.  Factors to consider:

• Determine the proper dress for your event, and, therefore, for your performers.  Unless they are to be dressed in a specific costume, performer attire should match or be more elegant than your guests.
• Appropriate attire may be labeled as formal, semi-formal, New York black, cocktail, casual, etc.  Be sure to specify your choice in the contract.
• Equally important is having a clean look in the performance area.  Cases, bags, and personal items should be stored completely out of sight.
• Cords necessary for performance should be secured for safety purposes, and kept out of sight as much as possible.  It is best to run cords from the performer to backstage, rather than across the front of the stage or in front of the performers.
• If music is used, it should be neatly organized in a black folder on a black music stand, so to remain minimally noticed by guests.
• Performers are to restrain from drinking alcoholic drinks at all times, and from smoking, using cell phones, and eating in view of the guests.
• Provide a musician area for safe storage of cases, bags, and personal items.  This could also be a place for the performers to eat and have soft drinks during scheduled breaks.
• Many of these items can be included in your contract, or on a separate rider with the contract.

Smart scheduling for your special event is a key element.  Factors to consider:*Smooth transitions from one part to another ensures you use your guests’ time wisely.  Keep the party moving, and your guests will be appreciative and return for your next event.

1. Compose an entire spreadsheet for the event, including each specific movement, action, and timing by every vendor involved.  This will help you identify moments when you can overlap items, and ensure you are prepared every step of the way.
2. Whether speeches or announcements are long or short, have them in writing, and determine exactly when and by whom each item will be delivered.
3. It is advisable to have each emcee and speaker practice with the microphone immediately preceding the event.
4. Make sure the person scheduled to speak is staged correctly at the proper time and ready to go.
5. Give the audio and video people a complete copy of the spreadsheet, to ensure all information is heard and seen as you have planned.
6. If planning an event during rush hour, add a half hour earlier start time for everyone with a specific time schedule.
7. Set-up time is prior to the event.  Make sure the area or room is available for set-up, and the set-up will not interrupt the event in any way.
8. Transportation and hotel arrangements need to consider the time of day and length of travel to ensure attendance at the event is prompt.
9. If contracting a dance band for your event, consider using a few of the band members for cocktail and dinner music, rather than hiring separate musicians, helping keep costs down.
10. If an event planner has been contracted, be sure they are in contact with every vendor.  A pre-event walk thru is a smart and useful tool to make sure everyone works in harmony.

1. The role of music for a special event requires careful planning in order to achieve your desired goal.  Each event is unique, as is the role of the musicians unique.  Consider the following scenarios:Atmosphere, and more atmosphere.  It may change throughout your event, and the music needs to change alongside it.
2. From solemn to lively, or a mix anywhere in between; what tempo do you envision throughout your event?
3. Is there a theme?  Let the music accompany your decor to enhance and give life to your theme.  There are endless possibilities.
4. Is the music to be strictly background?  Is the music for background with a bit dancing?  Is the music meant to get everyone on the dance floor?  Is the music a featured act looking to capture everyone’s attention?  Is the music meant to make everyone clap their hands?

• The music sets the tone at a special event.  Make it memorable!

In the Friday, May 20th, 2011 edition of The Washington Post, an article entitled “20 ways to love your summer”, by Lavanya Ramanathan included “#19. Do brunch in style”.  Here is their write-up:  ”Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville sits on a perch in hilly Loudoun Valley, and there, at its organic restaurant, once a month, it serves soft-cooked, farm-fresh eggs and Chesapeake Bay crab cakes to the sounds of live jazz.  Make it the first stop in a day of summer wine tasting (Hiddencroft, Loudoun Valley and Corcoran vineyards – dubbed the Waterford cluster – are a short distance away).”

Sunday jazz brunches continue on August 21st, October 16th, November 13th, and December 4th.  The “Olivera Duo”, with Connie Olivera, pianist, and Kevin Olivera, bassist, provide a variety of jazz selections for your dining pleasure.

Reservations are required.  42461 Lovettsville Rd., Lovettsville, VA  540-822-9017.   www.patowmackfarm.com

The “Rendezvous” nine piece dance band, consisting of piano/vocals, bass/vocals, guitar, drums, trumpet, saxophones/clarinet/flute, trombone, lead female vocals, and lead male vocals, performed for the 18th consecutive year for the Old Dominion Cotillion Ball at the Westfields International Conference Center.

The event began with presentations of the Pages, Pre-Debutantes, Post Debutantes, and Alumni, each with an appropriate song selection, followed by the formal presentations of each debutante with their own personal song selection. Dinner music, a variety of dance music, and a grand march to “Radetsky’s March” continued the evening, with the dance floor packed at every moment.

A truly grand affair!