Archive for the ‘Wedding’ Category

Entertainment Production – Tip #3 Music As a Role Player

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Successful Entertainment Production
Tip #3 Music As a Role Player

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:

  1. 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!

Dixieland Music for 4th of July Parade includes “Swing Dixie”, Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

A Fourth of July parade along King Street in Leesburg, Virginia, included dixieland music by 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.

The Washington Post recommends Jazz Brunch at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, “20 ways to love your summer: #19. Do brunch in style”.

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Jazz Brunch at the Restaurant at Patowmack Farm includes the ‘Olivera Duo’.  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

Entertainment Production – Tip #2 A word about using an iPod for special events…

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Successful Entertainment Production
Tip #2  A word about using an iPod for special events

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.

 

Jazz Music for Sunday Jazz Brunch at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

Friday, April 15th, 2011

Jazz Music by 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!

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