Entertainment Alfresco

In the summer we are (hopefully) going to spend more time outside. For the last two years our plans for barbecues with friends, family and neighbours have been sabotaged by the dreadful weather. However, I hear the Met Office have predicted a drier summer.
There are many people that arrange Summer Parties, weddings, anniversaries and business events outside. This is a great way to solve problems of space and are so wonderful IF the weather is good and the outside space stunning. It is also a great way to enjoy some one's hard work in the garden by admiring their flowers!
Entertainment works really well outside; there is little to beat a harp or classical guitar playing in the distance when you wish to create a romantic atmosphere. There are a couple of tips for ensuring the event is a success when you have live entertainers performing.

• Some entertainers require power for their equipment (sound desks, electric keyboards etc). Plan where they are going to access this from in the property and if necessary provide extension leads.
• Make sure the extension leads are covered so that no - one trips over them. It would be awful to have an accident outside, particularly in the dark.
• The entertainers might require lighting for when the evening gets dark. You will need to consider the power situation too. If it is a large garden or away from power, a generator could be required.
• Although many musicians and entertainers have sound systems, these work to a varying degree outside. The more 'subtle' instruments such as harps, guitars and string quartets benefit from being close to a wall. The sound can then bounce off the wall and create a wonderful atmosphere without interfering with the quality of the sound.
• I would always recommend putting jazz musicians close to a wall too - for the very reason that the sound will project further.
• For other instrumentalists, they are more likely to have amplification, which means they can be located in more areas outside. However, one warning is to ensure the sound levels are checked. If you are having a drinks evening outside, with people chatting, you don't want them to have to shout over the band who have put their volume up full!!
• Our Summers, as you know, are not always dry, and water is potentially dangerous with electrical equipment around. You need to have contingency plans to avoid any potential Health and Safety hazards; is there a fully covered area for the musicians to perform in? Could they play inside?
• Musicians do not like getting their instruments wet; a £30,000 harp will be damaged by rainwater. Again, consider a fully covered area for them to play under, even if it is drizzling.
• Check that the musicians are not located somewhere ghastly in the garden - such as next to the compost where there are flies and it smells! One business associate (but not a client of mine!) told me that at her wedding, the string quartet refused to play outside because of the flies. Strangely they were able to eat the 3 course meal they had insisted they had. The bride was still terribly upset - four years later...
• Make it clear to the musicians and entertainers that they will be required to perform outside, and put this in the contract. If necessary, insist they either view the location before the event, or arrive early so that they can suggest suitable areas to be located.

Whatever happens, I am sure you will have a fantastic event. If you need any advice, or to discuss your event, go to http://www.nsn-productions.com