Tag Archives: entertainers

Let there be light!!

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Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are a major feature of most modern technology such as TVs, tablet computers, mobile phones and remote controls. Read this to find out why LEDs are so important to Red Masque’s party and event entertainers and even their existence…

It’s one of those little things we take for granted, the glowing LED light that shows us that something is ON. Be it red or green, it’s a light that says, “Notice Me”, and it’s probably the one thing you can see at a gig when all the lights go out on stage.

The Prize had been won by three Japanese scientists, who invented blue LEDs. Their work led to the development of today’s LEDs, as used extensively in screens for TVs, PCs, phones and tablets.

However, the acknowledged inventor of the red LED, was not recognized, and was allegedly miffed at being left out from the $1.1million prize.

It’s a sort of chicken and egg thing: without the red LED, there would be no blue LED, and without the blue, no LED screens. Just to confuse the issue further, the first LED was actually created by a Russian scientist who died in 1942.

The reason we sympathise with both sides of this argument is purely because LEDs play such a key role in our entertainment directory.

• Most of Red Masque directory musicians use a PA system, and try finding one of those without LEDs on it.

• All of our artists have mobile phones, so they can contact us and clients about bookings, wherever they are in the country. What lights the screens? LEDs.

• And, of course, you wouldn’t be able to see our website in all its glory on your mobile or tablet without LED technology either.

There is one set of performers, however, who literally wouldn’t exist without LEDS; our LED light show performers. By whirling and twirling LED sights, these talented artists create intricate patterns and optical illusions in light for both inside and outdoor venues, without the concerns over fire regulations and health and safety of their ‘real’ fire and glow counterparts.

Equally, any artists using a mobile device in their act, from iPad magicians, portrait artists and hired caricaturists to function bands offering iPod-based DJ services would quite literally be out of a job.

And DJ’s and rock band lighting would be heavier, more expensive and considerably less exciting, as LED lighting is lightweight, energy efficient, cool to the touch and can create a whole variety of colours without the need for coloured ‘gels’.

A thriller night…

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If you are planning an extravagant Halloween night this year make sure you hire some spooky acts from Red Masque directory. Halloween is a night when we celebrate all that’s ghoulish and ghastly about Britain. For a party with more pumpkins than most, here are our top devilishly spooky suggestions for your own awesome Halloween party event.

Set up a screen in your garage, shed, or front room, beg or borrow an LED projector, and decorate with suitably spooky fake spiders webs. Then, throw open the doors of your monstrous new movie house! Go traditional with hot popcorn, or enjoy a witch’s brew of cocktails created by cocktail waiters. Pop on a CD of classic horror themes, or hire a string quartet to play them for you! Then, sit back and relax and scream the night away with your favourite horror flicks, from “Psycho” to “Nightmare on Elm Street”. Or choose the comedy route with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, “An American Werewolf in London”, animation gems “The Corpse Bride” and “Frankenweenie”, the Bette Midler classic “Hocus Pocus” or cult “Carry on Screaming”!

Spare the neighbours the horror of trick or treating and invite the local kids to enjoy Halloween Serve steaming bowls of chilli con carne, add in tequila shots for the adults, and finish the whole effect with a party function band playing modern pop classics.

Banish the evil spirits that walk the earth on All Hallows Eve with your own fire celebration. Order in a hog roast, light the torches, and dot about those pumpkins you’ve been carving for weeks. Greet guests with walkabout artists or invite guests to create their own costumes from scratch. Provide a peppery feast with stuffed chilies, hot curries or spicy chicken wings, before everyone boogies on down to hell-raising music from a sizzling Rock band. Finish the evening to perfection with a hired fire performer lighting the sky with spark and flame.

Convene your own witches’ coven by getting the girls together for a costumed tour of your city’s most haunted pubs! (So, instead look for pubs or clubs offering something special in the way of live music.

It’s the dance video that spawned a revolution, and it’s never really been equalled. Until now; get a dance group to teach you and your guests the classic moves of the Thriller video, and hire in ghoulish costumes to dance in and the 1980s fashions were horrific enough!! Then, crank up the soundtrack, power up the iPad, and capture your finest Thriller moves for posterity. Or moonwalk the extra mile and hire a party function band to play the track live, followed by more demon tracks to keep those un-dead guests throwing their best moves on the dancefloor.

Make your guests smile…

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By combining the hottest corporate event trends for 2015 and some very special entertainment, you can create a corporate event entertainment that’s still talked about long after.

For all 2015 corporate events, décor will be key. Your venue needs to wow your guests from the moment they walk in, creating a special and uniquely defined space for your event. Two highly contrasting themes are high tech interactive and natural materials, enabling your company to show off its tech prowess, or boost its eco credentials.

If you choose a high tech theme, your entertainment must be 100% integrated to the whole tech ambience. Look for entertainers that offer a tech twist in their act, such as iPad illusionists, LED Light entertainers and street magicians that work with the latest phones and mobile gadgets.

Choose musicians that blend performances with tech, such as our interactive VJ’S, or a live DJ for hire. Get your guests interacting with each other playing giant games with your very own theme.
If you are thinking about a winter corporate event into a natural winter wonderland with ice sculptures and decorated living statues, walkabout characters, and seasonal winter menus. Welcome guests with the warming aromas of mulled wine, or entice people out into the crisp winter air with heated seating areas, piles of rugs and sweet chestnuts roasting on a real coal brazier.

You could extend the theme beyond décor and food into acoustic musical acts, for a more ‘natural’ sound. Entertain with a gospel singing Christmas songs, or a trendy a Capella groups, or guitar and sax soloists.

When you want your corporate party to finally hot up, keep the theme with classic tracks that really evoke the sights and sounds with top UK function and party bands who know their Farrell and their Ed Sheeran.

Take lighting to the next level and illuminate your event to create spectacle and visual interest. Any venue can be transformed with clever and creative use of lighting even on the more limited of budgets. Use lighting to throw unusual shadows, to colour tables rather than using flowers, and use wireless technology to alter lighting states to reflect the various stages of your event.

Your entertainment should be equally well lit! Look for party DJ’S with their own light shows, rock and pop function bands that provide their own lighting, and artists that use light in imaginative ways.
For larger events, book artists that have a strong visual impact enhanced by theatrical style lighting, such as dance troupes, ballet dancers or aerial artists.

Find ways to make your party entertainment a pleasure for everyone by choosing acts that blend superb musicianship with accessible humour, such as a comedy string quartet. Or present musical acts with an international flavour, such as 1920s swing band just make people smile!

Now is the time to organise your Christmas event…

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It may only be Spring but it’s always best to plan your next Christmas event as early as you can to avoid disappointment. If you want to create your own winter experience, either for a party entertainment, corporate event or business attraction, here are a few hints from Red Masque directory to make your Christmas event wonderful!
If you want a show as part of your event, you’ll need an inside space or warm, dry and well-appointed marquee to hold it in. Acts that look great in marquees include:

• Circus acts, especially aerialists, or silk acrobats!
• Dance groups who can fill the performance area with music, movement and style!
• Experienced party bands for hire that can play in all those cheesy pop hits we love at Xmas!

Make your event great by having sheer variety of entertainment on offer. So, offer lots of different acts to see, rather than one big attraction and people will enjoy the event more.

• Walkabout acts really help build a holiday atmosphere – check out Christmas costumed characters, ice characters and stilt walkers.
• Generate a warm feeling with fire acts to light up the winter darkness
• Conjure up the magic of Christmas with street magicians performing close-up tricks and illusions

Food and Drink
• Hire a hog roast or BBQ for outside cooked goodies
• Offer traditional treats such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine that fill the air with deliciously Christmas smells!
• Be cool with a Christmas cocktail bar, decorated with ice sculptures serving frosted cocktails or frozen daiquiris (and non-alcoholic drinks for the drivers)

Fun things to do:
Visitors love interactive experiences, (aka things to do). They don’t have to be very fancy, just lots of fun for any age.

• Turn traditional side stalls into Christmas fun, such as a snowball coconut shy.
• Book a winter or “Frozen” themed bouncy castle with integrated rain cover, so the weather doesn’t stop the fun
• Get your skates on and book an artificial ice rink – all the fun, none of the wet! Most ice rink suppliers offer a complete package with chalet, boot hire, and experienced staff trained in the required health and safety procedures.

And if that all sounds great fun but such a lot of work right now, hey, there’s always next year! At Red Masque, we’re already seeing lots of people now booking acts for Christmas 2016, so find your perfect acts now to make your own winter wonderland happen.

 

We do the hard work….

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Entertainment is very important in corporate events. Different calibres of individuals are usually invited for corporate meetings and occasions. They deserve to be entertained all through the event. If you’re hosting an important corporate event, you need to plan everything concerning entertainment very well. You need to keep your guests happy and satisfied.

The first step you can take is to engage a reliable entertainment directory. Such as Red Masque our website will help you organize every aspect of the entertainment required for the event. Our portfolio can help you choose the best performers, entertainers and suppliers to entertain your guests. They will save you the headache of making choices by trailing through the internet as we have the best entertainment in one place. They will also save you time since we understand exactly what you need.

If you don’t want to use an entertainment directory, you can go ahead to hire by yourself. You have to create time to locate a reliable entertainer. If you’re thinking of hiring a band for a special event then you need the best artists. You need a band that has experience in covering different kinds of corporate events and knows how to please a crowd. Red Masque has done all the hard work for you and you will find only excellent artists waiting to be picked by you.

Our website has a fantastic array of experts in the field of wedding party and event entertainment, with wedding entertainers and event entertainment, performers and acts to suit every occasion. From Dj’s and Bands to dancers and cabaret shows for the perfect party entertainment with the ultimate wow factor.

Plan and preparation

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It’s good to choose your music when hosting a party. This is very important when you’re using the services of a DJ or when you’re hiring a band. You don’t just allow them to play any type of music they want. You can offend your guests if you allow them play as they wish. Selecting music at events is never an easy task. Here are simple tips to follow:
 

Consider the Party Theme

You need to consider the theme of the party before selecting the music. The theme depends on the type of party you’re hosting. If for instance you’re hosting a Christmas party, you may consider selecting music pieces or songs that depict that season.  If you’re hosting a cocktail or dinner party, you should also choose music files that will suit the occasion.

 

Engage a Live Music Band

You can engage a live music band for your party event. You still have to pick specific music files for the band. You have to arrange a meeting with the band ahead of time. You need to iron out some issues before hiring the band. You have to ask the managers some questions regarding the band’s instruments, attires, songs and other aspects.

Hire a good  DJ

You can hire a good DJ for your party and also select specific songs for him. You have to give the DJ specific instructions regarding the songs he will play. You should try as much as you can to hire a professional DJ who can render quality services.

Meanwhile, there are different kinds of songs you can choose when thinking of selecting music at events. You can go for gospel songs, rock music, jazz, disco, and so on. The type of party you’re hosting determines the kind of songs to select.

If you’re using the services of a DJ or a live band, you have to be very careful. You need to ask questions before choosing any band or DJ. You can make inquiries from a reliable entertainment directory.

Before you choose any band or DJ, you need to get in touch with them at first. You can arrange a special meeting to iron out things with the professionals. You’ll end up making the right choice when you invest enough time in selecting the best musical pieces.

Creative space

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The Cutty Sark is situated on the shores of the Thames River; the Cutty Sark is one of the world’s most famous ships standing as a great monument to the age of merchant sailing as the last surviving tea clipper. It’s a perfect venue for hosting a Corporate event and clients can choose from three versatile and impressive event spaces.

Enjoy a luxury experience in The Master’s Saloon with mahogany panelled walls and the imposing Captain’s table. The room from which the ship’s captains studied maps and entertained, it offers an authentic maritime experience for corporate dinners of up to 10 VIPs. The Tween Deck houses exhibits that tell of the ship’s life sailing the seven seas delivering goods to ports all around the world. Once the ship’s store room, The Tween Deck can be transformed into a spectacular space for smaller dinners and receptions with space for 100 delegates as a standing reception or 60 as a reception and sit-down dinner. The ship’s largest event space is the Dry Berth – staff can enjoy the surreal experience of being entertained underneath the ship’s hull! With a unique view of the ship’s gleaming copper hull, this vast versatile space can host 200 to 450 people for gala dinners, awards ceremonies and event receptions.

No corporate event held in a ship would be complete without some elegant themed maritime entertainment and there is no one better than entertainment specialists Red Masque directory to help with that! With the food taken care of all that’s left to find is some stunning entertainment. That will add some visual element to your event with maritime custom made costumes and realistic body paint. The entertainment you choose relating to maritime will entertain clients and can provide exotic themed walkabout entertainment straight from the deep with stunning extravagant costumes

Another perfect unquiet venue is the Ice Tank is a new premier event space hidden in the heart of Covent Garden. Open plan and full of natural light this 2500 sq. feet venue with two levels is perfect for press launches, conference meetings, private dining events, receptions and private parties. It is also available to hire as a photography and film studio.

Ice Tank is truly innovative in its design with 20ft high ceilings, large ceiling-to-floor glass windows with acoustic glass for complete soundproofing and blackout electric blinds. It boasts every corporate event organisers dream; high-tech equipment including Wi-Fi, impressive sound system, plasma screens, HD projectors and HD/AV equipment perfect for film shows and presentations. Not to mention the fully equipped luxury kitchen on the ground floor with modern appliances throughout. The ground floor can cater for up to 80 guests while the lower floor for up to 50.

This special venue offers a bright creative space in which to showcase your brand and company; entertain VIPs, delegates and corporate guests; and impress potential clients. Entertainment can be hired from Red Masque directory and will perfectly compliment this sophisticated venue. For something a little more visual acrobatic performers creates a stunning aesthetic with elegant performances. Clean lines, elegant choreography and simple dress would perfectly suit this venue’s contemporary white space. Your event and can be used to advertise a brand, company or message

For more entertainment inspiration for your exclusive event at one of London’s top alternative venues take a look at our Red Masque entertainment directory and book online today.

Location, Location, Location

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With a rather ‘strange name’ this venue is one of London’s hottest new places to go called ‘The Mayor of Scaredy Cat’ This is located on Artillery Lane in central London guests have to enter this unusual venue by walking through a Smeg fridge – all you have to do is ask to see ‘The Mayor’!

Before journeying down through the Smeg fridge to see the Mayor guests can enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant. Of course it is the basement bar that is the main attraction; the interior is a mix between industrial chic with bare brick walls and exposed ceilings and light fixtures, and rustic charm with high wooden tables and stools and even a stuffed deer’s head on one of the walls! Their intriguing cocktail menu is just as novel with delights like ‘Basil-No-Faulty’ and ‘Rosie and Gin’ on offer. The menu also informs guests about some of the rules of this quirky venue, including the method of exiting the bar, which we are told, is just as entertaining as the entrance!

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town can be hired exclusively for private parties and events and makes a really unique venue that will be sure to impress guests no end.

Another venue to consider is Café de Paris offers a great position by bustling Coventry Street. From the moment you step through the doorway you are transported into another world seemingly hundreds of miles away from the modernity of the city above.

Home of cabaret and fine dining since 1929 Café de Paris is still regarded as one of London’s best cabaret venues. Retaining many of its unique original features, it truly is a spectacular and opulent venue – sweeping staircases, ornate finishes, glittering chandeliers and an exquisite ‘Titanic’ ballroom all add to the club’s naughty but nice feel.

Despite the venue’s antique look it houses state of the art sound, light and staging facilities capable of catering to even the most demanding of shows. Its versatile event space can be used in a multitude of different ways: standing events, seated dinners, dinners and dances, and theatre style shows. With a capacity of 180 to 715 people, a mezzanine level and VIP room it is a unique location for product launches, award ceremonies, presentations, incentive events and champagne receptions.

Red Masque directory is able to cater for cabaret style entertainment for Café de Paris where hiring a burlesque dancer wouldn’t go a miss along with some authentic dancers to really wow your guests.

Entertainment for 2015

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Red Masque entertainment directory brings entertainment to events all over London and beyond.  As an agency bursting at the seams with talent, here we look at just a few acts to look out for in 2015…

Party bands are picking up great feedback wherever they go! They have put everything in their set lists from the Maroon Five to Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Daft Punk so know how to make sure that everyone’s musical tastes are pampered to. With a completely authentic feel and sound, these bands deliver a full sound which is bound to keep the Dance floor full at many different types of event

2015 sees the 75th anniversary of The Battle of Britain and you might want to book some great entertainment for events that will mark the occasion. Vocalists will bring close harmonies and a vintage look and sound to any event with an extensive set list of the wartime classics. They can also tailor to suit any budget by performing with a full piece band accompaniment or let their vocals shine with a Capella set.

There’s no denying that when Dynamo and Derren Brown came onto the scene, magic got very cool again. Our illusionists works along the same ethos – sharply dressed and delivering amazing tricks using any number of items including phones, cash and other belongings and also engages with a persona that sees guests always trying to lure him back to their table to do “one more trick”!

You can be confident that whatever event you’re planning, we offer one of the biggest and most diverse choices of entertainment to hire to make sure you get the perfect act for your event in 2015 and beyond!

Make it an event to remember…

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Here at Red Masque we have the best artists, performers and suppliers to hire out for your special event; We know it’s quite hard to come up with different things to do so we have suggested some great things to consider to ensure you have the best possible party entertainment available. 

If you do decide for your party that you are going to travel into town and visit some extravagant wine bars why not hire a limo and be treated like a star all night too! You could include some true star quality and hire your own Paparazzi photographers to follow you wherever you go – you’ll be guaranteed to attract plenty of attention and have some fabulous shots of your night to treasure forever!

If your party group are the outdoors type and the weather is permitting then have you considered organise some giant garden games? Fun for all ages and guaranteed to keep your guests entertained for hours!

Another great idea is circus training… Your party can learn a range of amazing circus tricks taught by professionals and come away from the party with a skill to enjoy and show-off for life. These artists are so much fun and guaranteed to thrill all your guests. From basic juggling to learning the high wire, it’s a guaranteed winner for any event.

How about a Murder Mystery Night? Mingle your guests with brilliant characters and watch a murder unfold before your eyes leaving the guests as detectives trying to found out “who dunnit”! Hire some professional actors for your evening to make the night as realistic as possible. A professional team can organise the whole thing for you from costumes to invitations. It’s a superbly thrilling evening where you learn who to trust and who not to trust while you work out who committed the terrible crime but beware of twists in the tale….!

There are a whole host of event entertainers out there to book, just glance through our entertainment categories and see for yourself.