Message from the Musicians; the perils of working outside

Last week I met up with some of my musicians, for an informal chat and drinks. It is a valuable way of building up relationships and for them to have the opportunity to address any problems they might be encountering, or to give me advice. One of the string players told me that playing in direct sunlight potentially damages string instruments - including harps. Apparently it damages the varnish on the instrument. Given that one of my last postings was about entertainment outside, it is something to consider.
I would advise wedding planners/event management companies and clients to consider a shady area (with cover if the weather is iffy) to place musicians. This will avoid an unfortunate situation where string players are reluctant to play outside.
Also very cold situations (and I've done many of those in my time including a FREEZING church where I sang Poulenc's Gloria in a gale) are difficult; not only are instruments more difficult to keep in tune (and these include wind instruments) but musicians sitting down get very cold and their poor fingers become stiff (really!!) Information like this is always useful when planning where to locate musicians. For more information or to discuss your live entertainment requirements contact NSN via our website http://www.nsn-productions.com

Pop Divas and the power of Music Management Companies!

Over the last couple of days I have been managing the break up of a band we promote. It has been very painful for the musicians, and things have been said that I hope are forgotten.
The band is booked for future engagements and my first concern was for the clients; to ensure the quality of the service we provide, via our musicians is maintained at an outstanding level.
Artistic differences do occur with musicians, but as a highly regarded music management company, we wish to avoid disappointing the client in any way.
Fortunately, the clients went through NSN. If they had booked the band directly, it is likely that they would be in a position where they wouldn't get what they'd booked or paid for. I regularly hear stories from business acquaintances of bands letting down clients - particularly for weddings, due to band splits.
By using a Music Management company like NSN Productions, we are able to resolve any problems with the minimum of stress and worry to the client. This is one of the many additional services we offer as part of our customer care.
I would be happy to discuss any live music requirements with you and I guarantee your stress levels will be very low! http://www.nsn-productions.com

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