Tag Archives: music

For the love of music

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You’ll want to stand out a little from the competitors so why not hire some music entertainment which could be a wonderful sound of classical instruments being played. 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. Karaoke has become the world’s most favourite entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few and we turn into Mariah Carey 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 private party 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!!

Motown really turned the music industry around and today we still hear sampled copies of Motown and Soul being used today – but Motown and Soul is most synonymous with the outlandish clothing and big hair!!! Whatever your memories of Motown and Soul, no doubt it will always have a place in your heart. Why not hire a tribute band so they can play all your favourite songs in that era, and maybe have a fancy dress too – now that would definitely be fun!!!

To hire only the best just look on the Red Masque directory to find just what you’ve been looking for to give your special event that extra special sparkle!!

Black History Month

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Black History Month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, declaring that U.S. citizens “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history.”

Why not plan 2018’s Black History month with a few artists and party suppliers?

African Music and Dance/Carnival

If you’re looking for something that’s more captivating and engaging, try including an African Music or Dance group in your school assembly. Many traditional African musicians use drums and/or koras (a 21-stringed instrument made from a large gourd) to create beautiful and fascinating music. Some groups enhance the experience with griots, which are West Africans musicians, poets, and storytellers.

Storytellers

Professional storytellers have the unique ability to take a subject and weave it into a tale that grabs the audience and doesn’t let go. Most children love hearing stories, and you can add an historical twist with the right storyteller. Bring your Black History assembly to life with a storyteller that can share about the inspirational lives of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and more.

Poets.

Poets: take social, political, emotional, and historical issues and form them into powerful poetry. You can speak with them ahead of time to see if they have material that fits the message you’d like to convey, and some may even be able to create new material for your students. These speakers would probably work better with older students, such as junior high or high schoolers, since the performances can be intense or contain complex symbolism.

Tribute Artists

There’s no doubt that history is filled with amazing musicians and singers from the last several decades, so why not highlight them during your Black History Month assembly? Bring a tribute artists to your students and let them experience some “new” music! In the days where iTunes rule, a tribute performance can bring the past to life for them. Shake up the usual routine with a tribute to the “Velvet Voice of Our Time” Nat King Cole, the king of soul Ray Charles, or the power of Diana Ross. Your students will definitely find inspiration in the legacy that these artists have left behind.

Hire a Ceilidh Band

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Ceilidh music and dancing (pronounced “kay-lee” and meaning “visit”) is becoming more and more popular! More and more people are requesting a Ceilidh band for their party venue. As so many people are asking all about it we thought it would be useful to tell you what it is, where it came from and why it makes an electric party atmosphere with plenty of fizzing excitement!
Where does Ceilidh come from?

Dating back to 1875, Ceilidh originates from Scotland and Ireland although its name comes from Gaelic; it’s a combination of Scottish, Irish and English folk music.
What Line-Up?

A Ceilidh band normally consists of two or three people, a fiddler, an accordionist and a ‘caller’ to help everyone get into the swing of things and learn the dances. But, line-ups may also include guitarists, drums, keyboards and whistles amongst other instruments. Nowadays, the music isn’t always traditional either, it can be very contemporary as there are a number of new-style Ceilidh bands bringing a fresh slant on the old folk songs and even putting a twist on current music. This makes it funky, modern and gives you a brand new sound. There’s plenty of rock and roll influence now as well, so if you really want your guests to get down and groove check out some of Red Masque Directory Party entertainers – they are absolutely guaranteed to get even the most reluctant dancer strutting their stuff!
Why Book a Ceilidh Band?

It’s fair to say that Ceilidh is all about having fun. Its traditional style of being all night dance entertainment is still used today and it’s the best way of getting everyone onto the dance floor and enjoying the music. Ceilidh helps even the shyest people to meet new faces and let their hair down.

The main point of difference from any other entertainment for a wedding, party or event is the band themselves teach everyone how to do the different dances. This is done by the ‘caller’ who will call out instructions to the music so everyone knows exactly what to do next. The following video provides a brief example of a ‘caller’ directing the moves…
Who is a Ceilidh Suitable for?

It doesn’t matter what age, ability or personality type a person is – everyone loves to get involved and no experience is necessary! It is very easy to pick up – just imagine a hoe-down – the Ceilidh caller has similarities to a barn dance caller (although the music is entirely different!).

The dances are all varied and there are plenty of paces available, fast, slow and even mid-tempo – so if some of the dances are hard to keep up with that’s your cue to take a break and perhaps enjoy a glass of champagne or wine before you get involved again. Party-goers love the flexibility of a Ceilidh because you may get moving when you want and take a break when your feet can’t keep up any more.

Recreate the 90’s

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It’s been said that as you get older, you realise that nobody knows what they’re doing and we’re all just faking it. Many barely feel like they are adults at all, despite having mortgages, hip replacement surgery and a strange desire for that cooking utensil that totally makes it easier to take the shell off an egg. What happened to the youngster who partied hard in the nineties, you might be wondering to yourself as you settle down into your comfy slippers for an episode of Midsomer Murders on a quiet Saturday night. They’re still lurking inside you somewhere and this is the entertainment to book if you want to bring them back for one night only!

DJ
Remember the nineties? If you were part of the rave scene then you may well have been heavy on the drum beats and a distinct belief that you too could put together a decent tune with nothing more than an upturned bucket and a free whistle from a Kinder Egg. Unfortunately, making music isn’t as easy as it looks unless you have the right DJ that can create a different tune every time.
Weapons of Sound

Ultra 90s
Pretty much the must have band on the list if you’re looking to relive the 90s in the coolest way possible. Ultra 90s perform the best classic chart, dance and club anthems from the 1990s. From Snap! To Faithless, from Dee-lite to Vanilla Ice, Ultra 90s guarantees to get any party buzzing. Taking you through House, Chart, Dance and Club Classics along with popular Drum and Bass tunes from the 90s – The Ultimate 90s Revival – 90s Nostalgia at it’s best.

PRIMO
Let’s be honest, rave culture wasn’t just about the music but was also about the all the great futuristic films. Who can forget Terminator?

Primo is a great way to remember the 90’s. The Ex-Terminator is a character we have all grown to love or hate. The concept of this character was a unique challenge, using the art of prosthetics/makeup. The Ex-Terminator certainly does create a lot of interest wherever he performs. He is definitely an awesome character ready to do the business or just to make your corporate party or event go with a bang

If you’re looking to recreate your youth and bring the 90s to your chosen venue, then you can’t go wrong with the above acts but feel free to get in touch if there’s something else you’re looking to recreate!

Set the stage with LED’s

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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 corporate events when all the lights go out on stage.

LED’s everywhere and extremely cost effective nowadays. They can brighten a whole stage and make a dark and gloomy place look wonderful. The power of LED’s is almost evident everywhere you go, for example:

• 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 indoor and outdoor venues, without the concerns over fire regulations and health and safety of their ‘real’ fire and glow counterparts.

Equally, any performers using a mobile device in their act, from iPad magicians, artists and 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’.

Music is a wonderful addition

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A 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 the world’s most favourite entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few sherbets 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 corporate events and private parties 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!!

Motown and Soul is the best music of days gone by, it was so cool, black soulful funky groups to the delightful sound of Diana Ross.

Motown really turned the music industry around and today we still hear sampled copies of Motown and Soul being used today – but Motown and Soul is most synonymous with the outlandish clothing and big hair!!!

Whatever your memories of Motown and Soul, no doubt it will always have a place in your heart. Why not hire a tribute band so they can play all your favourite songs in that era, and maybe have a fancy dress too – now that would definitely be fun!!!

To hire only the best just look on the Red Masque directory to find just what you’ve been looking for to give your special event that extra special sparkle!!

Reliable wedding organisers

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If you wanted to hire some reliable wedding planners, we are sure you will be able to locate some great organisers through our directory.

Wedding bands are highly required to make wedding receptions very lively. If you’re thinking of making your upcoming wedding event memorable; you really need to source for the best Wedding bands. You need to engage a reliable entertainment directory that offers quality entertainment at weddings and events. You don’t need to crack your brain just to locate the right band. You simply need a little time to make the right choice. Red Masque has a high calibre of party entertainment to hire so you will be guaranteed to find something that suits.

It’s important you consider the venue of your wedding reception when sourcing for the best band. Make sure you choose from a good entertainment directory such as Red Masque who advertises entertainment at weddings right from the venue of your wedding reception. Once you have chosen you are free to ask as many questions as you like and tailor make your wedding your way. A good point to remember is; you can easily make the right choice by asking proper questions.

When searching for quality however, we can assure you that we have vetted all of our
entertainment and have had trusted reviews from each and every one. Of course you can easily find what you are looking for online but do they come highly acclaimed and are they from a trusted entertainment directory?

In any case, if you succeed in locating the best wedding bands, you can take another step by getting in touch with them. You can send emails or call them on phone. You can speak with the managers or the artists themselves. You need to ask them several questions before you make the right choice. You have to ask about their charges, style of music, duration, expertise and so on. You can easily pick the best from the responses you’ll get at the end.

In all, take your time when sourcing for Wedding music. You need to start looking for the right agency like Red Masque ahead of time. You really need to pick the best band that will make your wedding glorious. You’ll succeed if you choose the right directory in the first place – which by the way is Red Masque directory.

Cheesy Party themes

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What’s Cheese? This is probably one of the hardest questions party DJ’s has to answer as it can mean totally different things to different people. But here are a few cheesy songs we’ve come up with.

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 private 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 dance floor 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 anthemic 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.

18 Birthday Party

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18 is a time of coming of age and celebrating it in true style. Many 18th private parties are becoming quite similar these days so why not make your 18th birthday party one to remember.

We’ve chosen a 18th Birthday, but this could be for any Birthday, just tailor to the age.

Firstly, choose a birthday party venue; this could be your own house. Secondly choose a theme. Trust us, this will make your 18th birthday party that extra bit more unique and give your guests the excitement leading up to your party.

Finally, hire party entertainers.. make your 18th birthday party stand out from the crowd and have some of the most interesting and lively entertainment. Underneath is a variety of 18 birthday party entertainment ideas to help you!

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!

Photo booth – Why not keep a little memory of your 18th 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. Get your friends having a laugh and the style of entertainment is top class. Nobody else will have a casino at their 18th!

Magician – A walk around magician is perfectly suited to an 18th Birthday 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 18th private party.

Fish and Chip Van – If you are unsure of the party 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 18th birthday party. This is your big night; it’s not every day you take that step from a childhood to adulthood. Your 18th 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 18th birthday party ideas right here!

Music at corporate events

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It’s probably not the main type of event you associate with music, but entertainment during seminar breaks and background music played in exhibition areas are both popular choices.

Music is an important element of any event, whether it’s in the form of a playlist, DJ or live performance. We’re not just talking about parties and product launches: conferences can benefit hugely from hired music entertainment.

Here are the Top 10 songs played at conferences last season:

Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars
Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Get Lucky – Daft Punk
Rather Be – Clean Bandit Ft. Jess Glynne
Treasure – Bruno Mars
You’ve Got the Love – Florence + the Machine
Forget You – CeeLo Green

So, how can you use them to create a great atmosphere at your conference?

Break entertainment

Live music entertainment during breaks can be a good energy booster for conference attendees. Chart toppers like the ones in our ‘most played’ list can work well in this environment, and can easily be played over an in-house speaker system at a reasonable level.

Here, a live band or DJ can really add something to your conference. Stay clear of big sounds and opt for a smaller set-up, as delegates still need to be able to network and recharge for their next seminar.

Music in exhibition halls

Using music in large exhibition halls can be a great way of creating a good vibe.

At the same time the room is likely to be very noisy from all the delegates networking with each other and talking to exhibitors. The latter of course, is exactly what you want.

After parties

Out of all the areas of your conference where you might add music, this is definitely where your delegates will be most relaxed, and might even venture out on the dance floor.

After parties are all about networking and having a really good time. This is also where the ‘most played list’ will feel most appropriate. You can hire a party band or DJ who incorporates them into their usual set-lists, or you could go for a more tailored option.