Category Archives: Singers

For the love of music

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The wonderful sound of classical instruments being played is second to none, the haunting sounds of a Harpist, or the classical sound of a Pianist, the timeless sound of a Violist or a string quartet.  If you wanted an upmarket affair than these are the artists to hire.

Solo musicians albeit a group of musicians they will add that extra je ne sais quoi to your special event.

Imagine the scene; a launch party for your new wine bar has finally been arranged and there is the sound of people talking and laughter -in the background is a professional pianist. A complete success and the right ambience has been created making you stand out a little from the competitors.

Karaoke has become one of the most favourite for party entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few glasses of wine and we turn into Shirley Bassey or Tom Jones!!

Live band karaoke takes traditional karaoke to another level where your live band can play along with you – so if you do make a few mistakes then your live band is able to pick up where you left behind (making you look like the star you were born to be!!)

You must admit this would be great fun to hire this at a Wedding, Birthday or even a corporate event where even the shyest of persons will turn into a Diva for the night!! 

Why not get some culture in your life and hire some Latin or Middle Eastern music musicians? The mystique of beautiful ladies and gentlemen dancing to this music, it could be belly dancing or Salsa – the rhythm is definitely going to get you!!

Do you want to organise an act to sing songs from a popular Musical or do you want to put on a West End show?

You are able to do this by hiring only the finest singers and actors that will make all your dreams come true and perform and sing just for you and your guests in the comfort of your own home or venue that you have hired.

Musicals without a doubt have the most moving songs written, when sung well it can make the hairs of your neck stand up!!

Rein-acting a musical for a Birthday surprise would be a fabulous idea; you will have front row seats always, and will be safe in the knowledge that all our actors advertised are only the finest and have appeared in West End shows.

So to book a fabulous performance that involves all genres of music; just look on our gallery of amazing talent and book the one that most suits you.

Step back in time

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A great way to have a party with different genres of music is to hire some tribute bands. They can go all the way back to the 60’s up until the 90’s.  It would be fun to dress up to really make the evening really authentic. You may have a television company that need some by gone music to set your scene for your particular programme.

Music can be used to create nostalgia and to create the ambiance that you have been searching for, for whatever event you have lined up. Why not hire all types of music from all era’s and dance the night away to different decades, this is a great way to include all ages in your special event?

Tribute bands can also be hired which would be another great choice for your event again they can be tributes to the 60’s 70’s 80’s or 90’s or why not book all four!!!  

There is nothing better than the sound of a ‘big band’ where a crooner could be crooning along to some of your all-time favourites.

The thrill of the ‘big band sound’ wowing your guests being an altogether great event and just takes the edge of just about everybody else.  Why not be a talking point within your circle of friends and show your corporate guests a really good time.

Big Band and Swing are known for class and will be a firm favourite for young and old alike.

When you think of Brass musicians you think of the dulcet tones of the Salvation Army playing thought-provoking tunes and raising a bit of charity for the needy, or you could be thinking of a Marching band, whatever your memories or thoughts of Brass musicians, you cannot fail to love the sound.

If you needed some brass musicians at your event for a focal point or to raise some cash for a good cause then why not hire these great musicians, that are truly unforgettable and sheer joy to listen to. 

Character musicians bring a little bit of personality into their performance whilst playing an instrument or a number of instruments.  For example, it could be a ‘one-man band’ entertaining your guests at your corporate event.

It could be a comedian playing a piano very badly or a group of character musicians having a big of professional fun.

Be safe in the knowledge that all the musicians you see advertised on the Red Masque directory are of the most highest quality and are truly very professional and one of a kind.

Singer waiter surprise

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All you need to know about booking the ultimate ‘surprise’ act for your charity dinner, wedding breakfast, or celebration lunch. Waiter…

What are singing waiters and what do they do?

Singing waiters are fake serving staff who suddenly decide they want to sing rather than serve, only to be joined by two or more other serving staff who want to do just the same! The ‘staff’ are actually professional opera singers or West End musical theatre singers in disguise, who then present a cabaret-style spot of favourite opera extracts and musical numbers to delight and entertain guests.

What to look for in quality singing waiters

Quality singing waiters acts combine superb singing, excellent comedy acting skills and the ability to blend into your event so nobody suspects a thing before they sing! The key to a successful singing waiters act is the element of surprise – no guests must have the slightest clue that the person serving their drinks or dinner is actually a performer in disguise. The best groups therefore spend some considerable time liaising with you beforehand to ensure they can become part of your event without raising suspicion.

This includes making sure their performers wear the same uniform as your venue’s waiting staff, and may work as waiters and waitresses for part of the event. Most singers will not actually work all evening as waiting staff, but just enough to appear to be the real thing just before their act. Some acts include a ‘chef’ or ‘maitre d’ according to their act format, and again they will ensure these performers appears to be the real deal. They will also liaise with the venue to make sure all their staff know what is going to happen, and that real staff are fully briefed on what’s about to happen!

Bear in mind that after the initial surprise, all singing waiters acts turn into, essentially, cabaret acts. So, look for groups who include experienced singers in either opera or musicals, so when they do start to sing, it’s both impressive and entertaining. 

What formats do singing waiter acts offer?

The original and most popular format is that during the meal (and usually between courses), a ‘scene’ starts to happen where a waiter wants to sing, or there is a problem with the food. Perhaps the chef emerges from the kitchen to sort it, and a young waitress intervenes. Before you know it, they are all up and singing anything from opera arias to Robbie Williams hits! Most groups are very flexible about what the ‘scene’ is, and make it suitable to your event, be it a corporate dinner or a family party.

The idea of singing waiters has now expanded to include other characters that can ‘interrupt’ your event. Singers in disguise can be singing firemen or anything you want really. But, imagine the scene, two hunky male singers who need to check the safety equipment, or who come to the rescue of a ‘chef’ who has set the pudding on fire!

Going all out Gospel

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O happy day! Your essential guide to booking a joyful, exciting, exuberant and praiseworthy gospel singer or gospel choir for your wedding, party, corporate event, product launch, awards ceremony or flash mob!

What is a gospel singer?

Gospel singers are best known for singing worships songs in church, but in more recent years, the exuberant sounds and rich harmonies have been heard on pop recordings and as backing vocals for major artists on tour. Gospel music can be joyful, soulful or romantic, so gospel singers and gospel choirs tend to include a wide variety of music in their repertoire, from classical and jazz to soul, rock and contemporary pop.

Gospel music has its roots in the spirituals and work songs sung by 18th century slaves in the US, enabling them to join in religious worship at a time when few could read or write. Most songs were sung ‘a cappella’ (unaccompanied), or with basic rhythm, so over time, distinctive harmonies developed to embellish the sound. By the early 20th century, gospel was going mainstream, with the first gospel recordings made in the 1920s, and gospel songs then taken up by high profile performers such as Elvis, creating the fascination and enjoyment of gospel that continues today.

Today’s gospel choirs usually perform with a piano or keyboard and sometimes a drummer, and can be led by a choirmaster. They sing an infectious mix of music including traditional gospel, plus jazz, blues, soul, classical and Latin sung in the gospel style. For most functions, including weddings, corporate events, flash mobs, product launches, award ceremonies and parties, the best choice is a gospel choir rather than a soloist, as both the visual and sound experience of a choir delivers a real impact.

What to look for in quality gospel singers and gospel choirs?

A quality gospel choir has three key elements; a great sound, a coordinated look, and an infectious sense of enjoyment!

So, when judging the quality of a gospel choir, first of all, listen to their demo tracks, and consider:
• Do you prefer the cleaner arrangements with harmonies, or the more flamboyant vocalizations?
• Does the accompaniment (piano or band) add to the overall sound?
• Does one voice/performer dominate, or does the choir share the lead vocal around, for more variety?

This last point is probably not as important if your choir is only singing a few number during your wedding service, but if you then book them to entertain at your reception or party afterwards (a great idea for guests to enjoy more), consider how they will sound in a 30-minute set or longer.

Now, look at their promotional photos :
• Do they perform in matching outfits?
• Do they look traditional or trendy?
• Do they vary their look to fit the performance type? (Hopefully, yes!).

Finally, do they look and sound as if they are enjoying themselves? While every song doesn’t have to be upbeat, the general feel should be one of energy and excitement bubbling under. Gospel music should dance, not amble!

Everyone loves a Cheesy Party theme

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What’s Cheese? This is probably one of the hardest questions a party DJ has to answer as it can mean totally different things to different people. So we’ll let you tell us what it means to you and we’ll happily play the cheesiest, most fun party songs you can think of to keep you and your guests enjoying themselves all night (and yes the photos will prove you danced to the YMCA and Macarena).

Come On Eileen, we’re going to the D.I.S.C.O, so Dance Yourself Dizzy like a Dancing Queen! The well-loved party hits from all the decades were written with just one aim – to have a good time! There’s no snobbery here, do the YMCA and Macarena with everybody else, sit on the floor and row to Oops Upside Your Head – go on, enjoy yourself!

Top 10 Requested Cheesy Tunes

Dexys Midnight Runners – Come on Eileen

A British pop group with soul influences, Dexys are best remembered for their hits Geno and Come On Eileen which has become a “love-it-or-hate-it” yardstick defining the “Cheese” category! Jackie Wilson Said was another popular early 80s track by the group.

Abba- Dancing Queen

Possibly the most commercially successful act in the history of pop music, Abba have several “Cheese” tracks in their catalogue … arguably the most requested being 1976s Dancing Queen which can be heard at family parties across the land every weekend!

Rocky Horror Show – Time Warp

One of any cheese-fest’s top action dances, Time Warp is taken from the 1973 rock musical Rocky to this song and are first on the floor when the opening bars are played!

Village People – YMCA

This costumed disco group formed in 1977, quickly scoring a number of disco and dance hits many of which have action sequences, including party favourites YMCA, Macho Man, In The Navy and Go West. They tour even today and are a popular addition to any festival line-up!

The Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men

Now comprising two daughters of one of the original band members, The Weather Girls tour today, singing early 80s hits including the dancefloor-polarising It’s Raining Men. Always a big hit with the ladies at any family party, this cheesy classic works well with any 80s set.

Whigfield – Saturday Night

The summer hit of 1994, Danish-born Whigfield’s Saturday Night is still a popular dancefloor filler, with its easy-to-learn routine popular with ladies of all ages. Cue the blokes heading off to the bar!

Mud – Tiger Feet

The UK’s best-selling single of 1974, Mud’s Tiger Feet goes down a storm with party guests – perfect to follow a few jive classics, a twist, or in amongst a selection of 70s glam rock classics. Mud went on to have several minor hits throughout the 1970s.

MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This

Dancer-cum-rapper Stanley Burrell (aka MC Hammer) is as famous for his harem pants as he is for his music! U Can’t Touch This is a must-play classic in any 80s set, loved by the boys as well as the girls. The song featured Rick James’ Superfreak riff.

Aqua – Barbie Girl

Popular late 90s / early 2000s pop band Aqua are best remembered for their global hit Barbie Girl, popular with the younger age groups even today. Follow-up number one singles Doctor Jones and Turn Back Time helped them become the best-selling Danish band in history.

Chesney Hawkes – The One and Only

Chesney’s 1991 hit single The One and Only still results in a rousing anthemia sing-along today, if carefully judged and played amongst the right tracks for the specific audience. Although he did have a few minor chart successes, Chesney was a bit of a one-hit-wonder.

The best day of your life…

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It has been stated that a wedding is one if not the most memorable day in a woman’s life.  As either the bride or the groom, you want to ensure that your wedding is iconic. Where a great many weddings focus on the flowers, seating, gowns, and such essential elements, many times one of the most critical aspects of a wedding is overlooked until the very last minute. This is a practice which very much needs to be avoided. Music is a critical part of a wedding. It sets the mood for all the events which occur.

Romanticism is found in live string instruments, whether these are harps or a beautiful string quartet. The very presence of a live band brings a level of sophistication to your ceremony which is not present from “pre-recorded” tracks. Live musicians of any merit will be able to play both the classical styles and modern music with ease and their own flare. These live originals give new perspectives to older cliché songs. For example: How many times have you heard “Unchained Melody”? Where there have been many different versions, a live band will have their own take on how to present the song adding a nice uniqueness to the wedding.

Regardless of how you choose to present your music, considerations need to focus on three main key times in the wedding event. These three areas are the arrival of the guest, the arrival of the bride, and the post ceremony music.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE GUESTS

Before the Ceremony starts, the mood for the entire day is being set. Like a fragrance which permeates the air, the welcoming music will set the overall mood for arriving guests. What music will welcome arriving guests? Will you choose to use the enticing music of harpist or choose something more engaging such as a gospel choir?

Guest entering the ceremony should experience a relatively sombre and soothing arrangement of music. It is a formal event and so you do not want to have your guests too relaxed (which could cause them to be drowsy while waiting on the bride) or too engaged (meaning that the respect due to the ceremony is lost).

When choosing music for the arrival of your guest, it is always best practice to have a live musician which can accommodate the needs of those attending. This does not mean that the musician is taking request, but that the musical entertainment can focus on the overall mood of the room. For example: If the musician sees that the room is getting restless, they may choose to play something that is a bit more upbeat or vice versa.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDE

The bride is the focus of the whole event and therefore the music for the procession must reflect that. The processional music is played upon the bridal party entering the events entrance. If you are going for the more “traditional” feel, the procession will enter to a classical tune either played by a string quartet, harpist a song sung by a gospel choir. However, if choose to go with a more modern feel you would have your entertainer play a dedicated track for the processional party. This song does not need to be played at any other time during the ceremony. For those that are wanting to have something truly unique may want to consider hiring a Scottish Piper?

Once the wedding procession has entered the event and the bride is ready to make her procession, the music needs to have a dynamic shift. Whether using stringed instruments or a choir, it is essential that the crowd understand that this is the moment in which the key figure is entering the wedding. Traditionally, a pianist or a live performer will start the “wedding march”.  More modern weddings have the person overseeing the ceremony to formally announce the bride’s arrival and ask for the members to stand. Either way, you need to ensure that the music demands that the bride is the focus.

Bridal music should be slow and soft. You want to capture the beauty of the bride.  Slower music makes the viewer look at the bride and time the beats (subconsciously) with the movements of her steps. Upon arriving at the place where vows will be taken, the music should fade out nicely. Do not abruptly end the song.

After the ceremony, you may choose to have your Scottish Piper (if you opted for such to lead the procession) to lead the wedding party out of the event.  If you do not choose to use a piper but rather a quartet or a choir, then the music should be a bit more upbeat than when the party arrived. You are going from anticipation to celebration.

At the reception, your music should be upbeat and festive. This does not mean that you have to abandon sophistication. Your live musicians should be able to play musical selections from most genres and with variations which meet the overall theme of your wedding entertainment needs.

Happy Birthday sweet 16

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Sweet 16 is a time of coming of age and celebrating it in true style. Many 16th birthday parties are becoming quite similar these days so why not make your 16th birthday party one to remember.

Firstly choose a venue; this could be your own house. Secondly choose a theme. Trust us, this will make your 16th birthday party that extra bit more unique and give your guests the excitement leading up to your party.

Finally your entertainment… make your 16th birthday party stand out from the crowd and have some of the most interesting and lively entertainment. Underneath is a variety of 16 birthday party entertainment ideas to help you!

16th Birthday Party Entertainment

16th Birthday Party Music

DJ – Every party needs great music. You will not need to worry about changing songs over on your IPod when a DJ can do it all for you by using the latest technology. You can tell the DJ exactly what music you would like played so your music can be catered specifically for you!

16th Birthday Party Entertainers

Photo booth – Why not keep a little memory of your 16th birthday party night by hiring a photo booth. Your guests will have so much fun trying on colourful props and overall having fun in the photo booth. Instant photos will be available for your guests and you will receive a DVD of all photos taken on the night.

Themed nights– Give your party that Vegas feel by having your very own fun casino. Spin the wheel, place your fun bets and have a laugh with all your guests. The Fun Casino is a great way to get your friends having a laugh and the style of entertainment is top class. Nobody else will have a casino at their 16th!

Magician – A walk around magician is perfectly suited to a Sweet 16 party. The magician will stun your guests with various tricks that will definitely catch them out. The magician could also be a comedian on the side, so Dynamo mixed with a bit of Lee Evans will go down a storm at your 16th birthday party.

16th Birthday Party Food

Fish and Chip Van – If you are unsure of the catering you would like for your party, then why not hire out a fish and chip van. The food caters for everybody’s tastes and your guests will enjoy their very own freshly cooked food. You can tailor the food to your requirements as well, burgers, sausages, goujons… whatever you want you can have!

Overall, enjoy your 16th birthday party. This is your big night; it’s not every day you take that step from a childhood to adulthood. Your 16th birthday party will be all about you, show it off, and make sure to get the perfect entertainment for your party. But the best thing you can do is smile and create some amazing memories and plan the best 16th birthday party ideas right here!

Think outside the box…

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So you’re planning an event and you want to go beyond the run-of-the-mill DJ or band and give your guests a unique experience that they will remember for a long time. Here are 7 ideas for the best party and event entertainment that are sure to be memorable:

1. Hire a caricature artist. These artists will paint portraits of your guests so that they have something to take home with them from your event. Great for small intimate events and they can fit into a networking event without distracting anyone.

2. Sushi rolling is something outside of most people’s comfort zone, which might be exactly what you’re after. Hire a sushi chef or two to instruct your guests on how to create the perfect Rainbow Roll.

3. Hire a professional “toastmaster”. This is someone who makes a career out of coming up with the perfect things to say to celebrate your guests and your event. A good toast master will do his research and find out things about honoured guests or your company and come up with a story (a long toast) that is uplifting, funny and entertaining. If he or she is really good they might be versed in the art of Champagne Sabrage, or slicing the cork off a Champagne bottle with a sabre

4. Have a go kart tournament complete with qualifying, elimination and championship races followed by an Awards Ceremony. .

5. Have a mixologist come in and teach your guests how to make the perfect cocktails, or help them come up with their own cocktails. Lychee-pepper martini anyone?

6. Create a master chef competition where there are teams, each with a professional chef leading them. All teams are given the same ingredients and must create a dish, or a meal. You can have a prominent local celebrity chef to judge for the best presentation and taste.

7. Japanese Tea Ceremony led by a Japanese tea master. These can include a history of the ceremony followed by sharing tea. Just the fact that everyone will be kneeling on the floor around a small table will break the ice, and people will naturally want to talk to each other as typical Western social conventions are set aside.

There are many ideas to choose from, if we have inspired you, why not look on our advertised artists to see who you will hire next?

The beginnings of Opera…

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Find the best Opera singers and performers available for hire in the UK today. From solo artists to a large scale celebration of classical music. Enjoy the perfect assortment of arias from the world’s most famous operas such as Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” and Verdi’s “La Traviata” to perfectly complement your event.

Opera was born in Italy at the end of the 16th century. A group of Florentine musicians and intellectuals were fascinated by Ancient Greece and opposed to the excesses of Renaissance polyphonic music. They wanted to revive what was thought to be the simplicity of ancient tragedy. In the first operas (400 years ago), the intention was to make music subservient to the words. They were made up of successive recitatives with a small instrumental accompaniment, punctuated by musical interludes. After Florence and Rome, Venice rapidly became the centre of opera, where the first commercial opera house opened in 1637, thus making the art form accessible to a wider public. Opera soon spread throughout Europe, and in 1700 Naples, Vienna, Paris and London were major operatic centres.

In Italy, the voice remained predominant. The bel canto tradition went on, combined with opera buffa characters and themes. Examples are Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (1816), Bellini’s Norma (1831) or Donizetti’s The Love Potion, 1832). Giuseppe Verdi was the last great Italian composer of the 19th century. In a passionate and vigorous style, he wrote pieces which allied spectacular show and subtle emotions (La Traviata, 1853, Aïda, 1871).

The 20th century: the rise of individuals;
The beginning of the 20th century continued the trends of the late 19th. Puccini was the last great Italian composer, who wrote among others Tosca (1900), Madam Butterfly (1904) and Turandot (1926). Other famous operas of the time were Pelleas and Melisande by Debussy (1902), Salome by Strauss (1905), and The Cunning Little Vixen by Janacek (1924).

Later, individual works rather than general trends appeared. Alban Berg’s operas (Wozzeck, 1925, Lulu, 1937) contrasted with Kurt Weill’s works, inspired from jazz and other popular music (The Threepenny Opera, 1928). Benjamin Britten composed ‘traditional’ operas like Peter Grimes (1945), but also chamber operas.

The 21st century: a score still to be written…
Today, the operatic offer is more varied than ever. Staging and settings have become key elements of new productions. The great pieces of the repertoire are repeatedly reinterpreted and still very successful. They are presented next to new contemporary operas and earlier rediscovered works. In this way, opera is in permanent evolution, for the enjoyment of the widest public.

Bring some culture to your event…

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We appreciate that although many people want their wedding to be a loud, all singing and all dancing affair that gets people off their seats and having a great time, the simple truth is that some venues have a sound limiter, so that amplifier will have to be turned right down. But rather turning it down, why not get rid of it completely? Grandma won’t complain about the noise and in some cases, the musicians can mingle with your guests creating a more immersive and enjoyable atmosphere (not that it’s not enjoyable already – it is your wedding after all).

How about you hire entertainment like an experience pop quartet who can deliver the pop classics exactly how you need them? They will work well as both background music and providing a party atmosphere and will have your Auntie screaming ‘Come on Eileen’ at the top of her lungs. Within the sound limits of the venue, obviously

A pop group are exactly the kind of band that makes venues smile. No amplifier needed, a bit more quirky than what they see normally and some brilliant tunes to get everybody dancing at your wedding! From Britney Spears to Muse via Beethoven and Frank Sinatra, they really have it all. If you can find a better band comprising a violin, a guitar and an accordion then we’ll eat our wedding hat.

You could find that an A Capella group would be an idea choice for your entertainment, with their soulful voices in perfect harmony at your very special event.

Make it classy; make it memorable and get bring some ‘culture’ to your event.