Olivera Music Entertainment - Blog http://oliveramusic.com/blog Talent, Experience, Service! Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:12:22 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Tip #5 Performer Etiquette http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/12/tip-5-performer-etiquette/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/12/tip-5-performer-etiquette/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:28:48 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=553 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.
]]> http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/12/tip-5-performer-etiquette/feed/ 0 Tip #4 Smart Scheduling http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/11/tip-4-smart-scheduling/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/11/tip-4-smart-scheduling/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:46:56 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=540 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.
]]> http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/11/tip-4-smart-scheduling/feed/ 0 “Olivera Quintet” and “Memories of Africa” perform for Corporate Event at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/10/olivera-quintet-and-memories-of-africa-perform-for-corporate-event-at-the-gaylord-national-harbor-resort/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/10/olivera-quintet-and-memories-of-africa-perform-for-corporate-event-at-the-gaylord-national-harbor-resort/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:30:58 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=524 The “Olivera Quintet“, consisting of piano, bass, drums, saxophone, and guitar, provided a variety of music entertainment for a corporate event at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort.  As the 2,300 guests entered the ballroom, they were greeted with upbeat jazz music, followed by a variety of selections for dinner music.  An awards ceremony followed, with 16 custom arrangements performed for the emcees and award recipients.  Following a performance by Diana Ross, the “Memories of Africa” 8-pc. percussion ensemble lead the guests downstairs to an after party with Kool & The Gang.

]]> http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/10/olivera-quintet-and-memories-of-africa-perform-for-corporate-event-at-the-gaylord-national-harbor-resort/feed/ 0 Stone Bridge High School Marching Band, Ashburn, Virginia, performs for a Corporate Event at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/09/stone-bridge-high-school-marching-band-ashburn-virginia-performs-for-a-corporate-event-at-the-gaylord-national-harbor-resort/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/09/stone-bridge-high-school-marching-band-ashburn-virginia-performs-for-a-corporate-event-at-the-gaylord-national-harbor-resort/#comments Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:22:03 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=497

The Stone Bridge High School Marching Bulldogs from Ashburn, Virginia, provided a patriotic flair to a corporate event at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort.  Entering through back doors to maintain an element of surprise, this Virginia Honors Band Ensemble entered the ballroom performing a “Main Street America” Medley.  Conference attendees with ties to the military were asked to stand as the band performed “This Land is Your Land”.  The band reassembled outside, performing selections from Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” as associates left the closing session.

]]> http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/09/stone-bridge-high-school-marching-band-ashburn-virginia-performs-for-a-corporate-event-at-the-gaylord-national-harbor-resort/feed/ 0 Tip #3 Music As a Role Player http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/08/tip-3-music-as-a-role-player-2/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/08/tip-3-music-as-a-role-player-2/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:43:25 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=536
  • 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.
  • From solemn to lively, or a mix anywhere in between; what tempo do you envision throughout your event?
  • Is there a theme?  Let the music accompany your decor to enhance and give life to your theme.  There are endless possibilities.
  • 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!
    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/08/tip-3-music-as-a-role-player-2/feed/ 0     4th of July Parade includes “Swing Dixie” 5-pc. dixieland band, Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/08/4th-of-july-parade-includes-swing-dixie-5-pc-dixieland-band-leesburg-loudoun-county-virginia/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/08/4th-of-july-parade-includes-swing-dixie-5-pc-dixieland-band-leesburg-loudoun-county-virginia/#comments Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:17:41 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=386 A Fourth of July parade along King Street in Leesburg, Virginia, included a performance of the “Swing Dixie” five-piece band, consisting of trumpet, clarinet, trombone, banjo, and tuba, provided by Olivera Music Entertainment.  Dixieland music is true American music, providing upbeat, lively sounds to honor our troops and celebrate our freedom.  The crowds warmly welcomed the ensemble, an entry which garnered the “Best Musical Entry Over 15″ Award from the Leesburg Daybreak Rotary Club, the organizers of the parade.

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/08/4th-of-july-parade-includes-swing-dixie-5-pc-dixieland-band-leesburg-loudoun-county-virginia/feed/ 0     “National Geographic Evening Of Exploration: Oceans” Inaugural Gala a spectacular event! http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/07/national-geographic-evening-of-exploration-oceans-inaugural-gala-a-spectacular-event/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/07/national-geographic-evening-of-exploration-oceans-inaugural-gala-a-spectacular-event/#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:55:04 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=353

    “National Geographic Evening of Exploration: Oceans” Inaugural Gala made a splash at the Society’s D.C. headquarters with an ocean-themed event, transforming the cafeteria into an underwater extravaganza.  Guests walked a blue carpet, then found themselves surrounded by coral and seaweed draped from the ceiling and scenes of marine life swimming on the walls.  The evening celebrated the work of its Explorers-in-Residence, Fellows, and Emerging Explorers, and honored three individuals.  Scientists from the International Space Station sent a personal shout-out for their astronauts’ view of the world’s oceans, which cover 70 percent of the earth.  As guests entered for dinner, two herald trumpets sounded the ever-recognizable National Geographic fanfare.  Kudos to Syzygy for the decor, Atmosphere for the lighting, Olivera Music Entertainment for the music, and Gardner Mills Group as executive producers for a spectacular production!

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/07/national-geographic-evening-of-exploration-oceans-inaugural-gala-a-spectacular-event/feed/ 1     The Washington Post recommends The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, Lovettsville, VA in an article “20 ways to love your summer, #19. Do brunch in style”. http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/07/the-washington-post-recommends-the-restaurant-at-patowmack-farm-lovettsville-va-in-an-article-20-ways-to-love-your-summer-19-do-brunch-in-style/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/07/the-washington-post-recommends-the-restaurant-at-patowmack-farm-lovettsville-va-in-an-article-20-ways-to-love-your-summer-19-do-brunch-in-style/#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:26:10 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=355

    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

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/07/the-washington-post-recommends-the-restaurant-at-patowmack-farm-lovettsville-va-in-an-article-20-ways-to-love-your-summer-19-do-brunch-in-style/feed/ 0     Tip #2 A word about using an iPod for special events… http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/05/tip-2-a-word-about-using-an-ipod-for-special-events/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/05/tip-2-a-word-about-using-an-ipod-for-special-events/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 19:36:14 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=339 I love iPods – I have one. Our kids have iPods. My iPhone is an iPod. Is using an iPod for a special event a good idea? You need to consider:

     

    Event scheduling details

    *  Who will tend to the song selections?  Changing from cocktail to dinner to dance music as needed maintains the life of the celebration.

    *  Who will be doing your emceeing, avoiding large pauses of silence?  You need someone ‘in charge’, whether they remain in the background or take an active role in keeping the event exciting and moving along.

    *  Who will stop and re-start the music for each announcement?  A professoinal will ensure a smooth transition.

    *  Who will coordinate with the other vendors, i.e. notify the caterer prior to the toasts, or the photographer for special announcements or awards ceremony?  A professional tends to these details during the event.

    *  Who will pick up the pace if the party starts to die?  Years of experience reading a crowd and keeping the dance floor packed is what you can expect with a professional DJ/MC.

    *  Have you carefully considered all song choices and styles?  We provide an extensive list of music to select your favorites, plus advice on songs for your guests and special moments.

    Equipment details

    *  Who will provide the amplifier, speakers, and cords necessary to power and amplify the iPod?  Home sound equipment is not usually suited for special events.  In fact, you risk potential damage to your equipment.

    *  Is this equipment suited for a large room, with superior sound quality?  Professional DJs use only professional quality sound equipment.

    *  Have you heard the change in sound quality from an iPod to large speakers?  iPods are built to be used with earbuds.  MP3 files are an inferior sound format.

    *  Who is going to provide backup equipment in case of equipment failure?  A professional carries extras.

    *  Does your event site have proper power capabilities?  A professional will ensure the power supply is adequate.

    Liability

    *  Who is responsible if the speakers fall over and hurt someone? A professional carries liability insurance.

    Peace of mind

    *  Will you be relaxed and able to enjoy your event if you are concerned about all of the above?  A professional will work with you prior and during your event to ensure a spectacular celebration.

    A professional DJ/MC can transform your event, creating memories for you and your guests to always remember.

     

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/05/tip-2-a-word-about-using-an-ipod-for-special-events/feed/ 0     “Vaughn Suponatime with the Olivera Orchestra 17-pc. Big Band” and Rock Band/Karaoke/DJ perform for Corporate Holiday Event at the National Air & Space Museum, Washington, DC http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/04/vaughn-suponatime-with-the-olivera-orchestra-17-pc-big-band-rock-bandkaraokedj-perform-for-corporate-holiday-event-at-the-national-air-space-museum-washington-dc/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/04/vaughn-suponatime-with-the-olivera-orchestra-17-pc-big-band-rock-bandkaraokedj-perform-for-corporate-holiday-event-at-the-national-air-space-museum-washington-dc/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:12:51 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=309

    Vaughn Suponatime with the Olivera Orchestra 17-pc. Big Band

    Olivera Music Entertainment was Music Producer for this Holiday Celebration, which included:

    “Vaughn Suponatime with the Olivera Orchestra 17-pc. Big Band” with a swinging atmosphere for everyone’s listening and dancing pleasure.  Vaughn Suponatime’s impersonation of Frank Sinatra included such classic hits as “Come Fly With Me”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Luck Be a Lady”, and “My Way”.  The Olivera Orchestra provided the dynamic accompaniment, along with features such as “Jumpin’ at the Woodside”, “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To”, “Old Devil Moon”, and “In the Mood”.

    In another area of the museum, Olivera provided a combination of Karaoke and Rock Band Karaoke. Guests could showcase their talents as a solo artist or in groups.  Rock Band is the latest trend in Karaoke, allowing instrumentalists to participate as well as vocalists as the featured entertainer.

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/04/vaughn-suponatime-with-the-olivera-orchestra-17-pc-big-band-rock-bandkaraokedj-perform-for-corporate-holiday-event-at-the-national-air-space-museum-washington-dc/feed/ 2     Sunday Jazz Brunch at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, Lovettsville, Loudoun County, VA http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/04/sunday-jazz-brunch-2011-at-the-restaurant-at-patowmack-farm-lovettsville-loudoun-county-va/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/04/sunday-jazz-brunch-2011-at-the-restaurant-at-patowmack-farm-lovettsville-loudoun-county-va/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:27:12 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=295

    The Olivera Duo performs regularly at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville, VA, which offers guests a rare experience: a distinctive atmosphere, local, organic cuisine, and a seat with a view of the Potomac River.

    You can hear Kevin Olivera, bassist, and Connie Olivera, pianist, from 11AM to 2PM on the following dates:  June 12th, June 19th, July 17th, August 21st, October 16th, November 13th, and December 4th.  They perform a variety of jazz standards and light contemporary music.  Come on in for a scrumptious brunch and request your favorite tune!  Reservations are required, call 540-822-9017.

    Would you like to try the following?
    –  mushroom cappucino-a smooth puree of earthy mushrooms, capped with a rich truffle cream and nutty porcini dust.
    –  Patowmack Farm spring blend-it’s all about the lettuce, clipped just minutes before service, simply dressed with extra virgin olive oil and Village Winery’s elderberry syrup.
    –  surryano ham-a Virginia ham that rivals the quality of any of the world’s finest hams served with grilled country bread, pickled mustard seeds and arugula
    –  cinnamon french toast-house baked brioche enrobed in a light egg batter, garnished with pistachio puffed barley granola, and served with Virginia’s finest maple syrup
    –  a gigantic lavender macaroon-lemon custard and lavender buttercream garnish this oversized almond meringue cookie. a gluten free delight.

    Let’s do brunch!

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/04/sunday-jazz-brunch-2011-at-the-restaurant-at-patowmack-farm-lovettsville-loudoun-county-va/feed/ 0     “Rendezvous” performs for Cotillion Ball at Westfields http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/rendezvous-performs-for-cotillion/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/rendezvous-performs-for-cotillion/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:23:49 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=284 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!

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/rendezvous-performs-for-cotillion/feed/ 0     Corporate Music Entertainment in Washington, DC by Olivera Music Entertainment of Ashburn, VA http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/corporate-music-entertainment-in-washington-dc-by-olivera-music-entertainment-of-ashburn-va/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/corporate-music-entertainment-in-washington-dc-by-olivera-music-entertainment-of-ashburn-va/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:15:11 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=276

    For a large corporation’s Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington, DC, Olivera Music Entertainment provided three music performances.  At the APhA Building, a Guitar Trio entertained guests.  At the DAR Constitution Hall, a Jazz Trio kept the atmosphere moving with the groove.  At Teatro Goldini, a solo guitarist provided the entertainment.

    Providing a variety of music entertainment for various events requires many planning logistics.  Each separate venue offers challenges relating to load-in procedures, security pre-screening procedures, electrical requirements, room acoustics, and storage capabilities, to name a few.  Having an experienced event producer ensures your events will run smoothly, no matter how many locations you use.

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/corporate-music-entertainment-in-washington-dc-by-olivera-music-entertainment-of-ashburn-va/feed/ 0     The YMCA-Loudoun County presents ‘Chocolates Galore & More’ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/the-ymca-loudoun-county-presents-chocolates-galore-more/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/the-ymca-loudoun-county-presents-chocolates-galore-more/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:02:34 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=272 Friday, February 18th,  from 7PM to 11PM
    West Belmont Place at the National Conference Center

    Dessert & Hors d’oeuvre Competition
    Silent & Live Auctions
    Music & Dancing, with a DJ from Olivera Music Entertainment
    Champagne

    One of Loudoun County’s most popular annual events, Chocolates Galore & More! regularly draws crowds of 700+ guests.  Proceeds from the event are a vital source of funds for the YMCA Loudoun County’s Building Bridges Program, and enable us to serve the needs of local families and children in need of assistance.

    This year, we welcome a superb panel of judges for Critic’s Choice Awards:
    Mike Isabella     (Owner of Graffiato, DC; Contestant on Season Six of Top Chef & Top Chef All-Stars)
    Rebekah Pizana (Owner of Gourmet Amore; Professional Pastry Chef and Travel Food Writer)
    Charlie Adler (Founder and President or TasteDC; Author of “I Drink on the Job: A Refreshing Perspective on Wine”

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/the-ymca-loudoun-county-presents-chocolates-galore-more/feed/ 2     OME receives prestigious ‘Bride’s Choice Award 2011′ for Music Entertainment from WeddingWire Network http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/ome-receives-prestigious-brides-choice-award-2011-for-music-entertainment-from-weddingwire-network/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/ome-receives-prestigious-brides-choice-award-2011-for-music-entertainment-from-weddingwire-network/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:18:47 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=264

    Wedding Wire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Olivera Music Entertainment has received the prestigious annual ‘WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award 2011′ for Music Entertainment.

    Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds who shared their experiences.  Olivera Music Entertainment stands among the top 5% of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry.  Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

    States Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s CEO, “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards program, we have the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada.  We applaud Olivera Music Entertainment for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

    The WeddingWire sites include WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding, and Weddingbee.

    We extend our thanks to our past clients for nominating us for the ‘Brides Choice Award 2011′.

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2011/02/ome-receives-prestigious-brides-choice-award-2011-for-music-entertainment-from-weddingwire-network/feed/ 2     Tip #1 Why use an Entertainment Producer? http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/09/tip-1-why-use-an-entertainment-producer/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/09/tip-1-why-use-an-entertainment-producer/#comments Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:48:35 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=258

    Special Events are just that – Special!  Whether a corporate celebration, a wedding, or other social event, you envision a spectacular, monumental event.

    A special event needs a go-to person for all aspects of your music entertainment needs.  Your Producer will assist you with:

    *  Music theme development.  Various music styles and sizes of ensembles provide endless choices.

    *  Equipment needs.  Every group requires equipment – make sure it is the right stuff.

    *  Electrical requirements.  Know how many amps are required, and the effect on power by lengthy extension cords.

    *  Staging needs.  When needed, the correct size is important, along with the arrangement of varying staging heights.

    *  Lighting enhancement.  Adds a polished look to the performance.  Know which lights to use, along with electrical and safety concerns.

    *  Performer riders.  Handle with care for a carefree event.

    *  Room considerations. Know the limitations of the venue from load-in to load-out, along with established guidelines.

    *  Emergencies.  They happen, and you don’t want to deal with them.

    *  Schedule of Events.  Your timeline is crucial.

    *  Contracts.  Have everything outlined, including liability coverage.

    *  Other vendors.  Cooperation is a necessity from start to finish.

    Olivera Music Entertainment has been producing events for 25 years.  For your next special event, let us assist you with the planning.

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/09/tip-1-why-use-an-entertainment-producer/feed/ 0     Olivera Music Entertainment is the recipient of 3 International Special Events Society DC Capital Awards http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/09/olivera-music-entertainment-is-the-recipient-of-three-international-special-events-society-dc-capital-gala-awards/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/09/olivera-music-entertainment-is-the-recipient-of-three-international-special-events-society-dc-capital-gala-awards/#comments Sun, 12 Sep 2010 02:24:01 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=249 Olivera Music Entertainment is the only Washington, DC area music entertainment agency to have received three International Special Events Society (ISES) Capital Awards for “Best Entertainment Production”.  These awards were for:
    2010     “Evening @ The Hotel California”
     2009     “An Addams Family Christmas”
     2006     “The President’s Dance”

    Each year, numerous event submissions are evaluated by an another ISES chapter.  Nominations are narrowed to four or less per category.

    In addition to the award-winning events listed above, Olivera Music Entertainment has received additional nominations as follows:
    2010     “EMA – Unmasked/Unveiled”, Best ISES Team
    2010     “EMA – Unmasked/Unveiled”, Best Entertainment Production
    2002     “Celebrate Your True Colors”, Best ISES Team
    2001     “Totally Tubular”, Best ISES Team

    ISES was founded in 1987, and the Washington DC Capital Area ISES chapter was founded in 1988.  Today, the DC chapter is the largest chapter in the world, with over 300 local members.  ISES has over 6,000 members worldwide in 50 chapters.  Olivera Music Entertainment has been a member of the DC ISES Chapter since 1992.

    The mission of ISES is to educate, advance and promote the special events industry and its network of professionals along with related industries.  To that end, we strive to:
    *  Uphold the integrity of the special events profession to the general public through our “Principles of Professional Conduct and Ethics”.
    *  Acquire and disseminate useful business information.
    *  Foster a spirit of cooperation among its members and other special events professionals.
    *  Cultivate high standards of business practices.

    ISES “Principles of Professional Conduct and Ethics”
     *  Promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within the profession of the special events industry while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
    *  Strive for excellence in all aspects of our profession by performing consistently at or above acceptable industry standards.
    *  Use only legal and ethical means in all industry negotiations and activities.
    *  Protect the public against fraud and unfair practices, and promote all practices which bring respect and credit to the profession.
    *  Provide truthful and accurate information with respect to the performance of duties.  Use a written contract clearly stating all charges, services, products, performance expectations and other essential information.
    *  Maintain industry accepted standards of safety and sanitation.
    *  Maintain adequate and appropriate insurance coverage for all business activities.
    *  Commit to increase professional growth and knowledge, to attend educational programs and to personally contribute expertise to meetings and journals.
    *  Strive to cooperate with colleagues, suppliers, employees, employers and all persons supervised, in order to provide the highest quality service at every level.
    *  Subscribe to the ISES Principles of Professional Conduct and Ethics, and abide by the ISES Bylaws and Policies.

    This code is a reason why you should hire an ISES member for your next special event!

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/09/olivera-music-entertainment-is-the-recipient-of-three-international-special-events-society-dc-capital-gala-awards/feed/ 0     Olivera Music Entertainment recognized for Telly Video Award http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/olivera-music-entertainment-recognized-for-telly-video-award/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/olivera-music-entertainment-recognized-for-telly-video-award/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:17:59 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=235 May 2010

    The 31st Annual Telly Awards Winners have been announced.  With nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this year’s Telly Awards has been one of the most successful and competitive in the long history of the Telly Awards.  Winners are recognized with a Silver or Bronze Award.

    Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and web commercials, videos and films.  Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

    Blue Sky Films received a Bronze ‘Telly Award’ for the “EMA Behind the Parties” Holiday Party for a Live Event Video.  Kevin Olivera of Olivera Music Entertainment was the Event Producer for this spectacular evening.

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/olivera-music-entertainment-recognized-for-telly-video-award/feed/ 0     Olivera Music Entertainment receives “2010 Bride’s Choice Award” from Wedding Wire for Excellence in Wedding Music Entertainment http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/olivera-music-entertainment-receives-2010-brides-choice-award-from-wedding-wire-for-excellence-in-wedding-music-entertainment/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/olivera-music-entertainment-receives-2010-brides-choice-award-from-wedding-wire-for-excellence-in-wedding-music-entertainment/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:38:35 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=225 1-19-10

    WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, announced Olivera Music Entertainment has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for music entertainment.

    The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds. Olivera Music Entertainment is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. “We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”  We are happy to announce that Olivera Music Entertainment is among the very best music agencies within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings.

    We thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™!

    ]]>     http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/olivera-music-entertainment-receives-2010-brides-choice-award-from-wedding-wire-for-excellence-in-wedding-music-entertainment/feed/ 6     Corporate Technical and Entertainment Production at the Newseum, Washington, DC http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/corporate-technical-and-entertainment-production-at-the-newseum-washington-dc/ http://oliveramusic.com/blog/2010/08/corporate-technical-and-entertainment-production-at-the-newseum-washington-dc/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:07:05 +0000 Kevin Olivera http://oliveramusic.com/blog/?p=218

    5-05-2010

    The Newseum in Washington, DC, has the largest LCD screen in the world!  For this corporate event, Kevin Olivera was Entertainment and Technical Producer.

    He provided a jazz quartet, consisting of piano, bass, guitar, and saxophone, which played background cocktail music for the guests on the top level, overlooking the terrace and the U.S. Capitol.

    Once the guests were assembled in the Grand Atrium, Kevin was responsible for ensuring the client’s media materials were properly displayed on a 40’ x 60’ screen.  Initially, the format provided by the client did not transfer well when projected to the large screen.  Careful coordination with the fabulous event staff at the Newseum, including several site visits, produced a flawless presentation.

    Once the program began, he provided technical cues for varying slides.  He also arranged for a male vocalist, a former Marine, to sing the National Anthem.  This patriotic touch dovetailed perfectly with the strong political learnings of the Foundation sponsor for the event.

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