Almost had frost this morning, which for Victoria, means winter is here! I'm going to break out my new mitts and touque!
Discovered freebie fun Texas Hold'em Poker on FB. Heaven help me now!
Recovery from surgery continues.....
Karen's birthday tomorrow...will be quiet though as she's in the dentist chair for a couple of hours in the afternoon:) Been there, done that! I'll make something soft from the Joy of Cooking!
The gang and I will celebrate with her next Saturday at the Upper Deck. Hockey, beer and oh yeah, a birthday!
Now, a lazy Sunday watching NFL and NASCAR!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
VALUE VS. LOW COST
I've said many times before, you get what you pay for when it comes to live entertainment. At Big Eye, our prices include everything with no hidden charges for cordless microphones, DJ in a tuxedo, or full dance lighting. Taxes are also included. That's just the beginning though.
Real value is found when your guests leave the party thanking you for giving them a good time and with sore feet from dancing! The best feedback I ever get is when people say to me "I haven't danced like that in years!" or "I haven't heard that song since high school!". You have to ask yourself when looking for a DJ, what is important and what are you really getting for value?
Do you want a bigger company that hires and fires DJs regularly and pays them minimum wage? Personally, I've always felt more comfortable dealing with the owner when it comes to service providers. As the owner, I have a vested interest in your delight with my show. It is my reputation on the line and all of the people in attendance are potential future customers. I ALWAYS bring my best for you and your guests because my business depends on it!
There is just no way an inexperienced DJ can instinctively know what to play for diverse crowds. I grew up in the 70s during the hey day of AM radio, boogied the nights away in the 80s, was forced to listen to BackStreet Boys and Spice Girls in the 90s, and modern Top 40 and Hip Hop now.
It is that flexibility and experience that cannot be replaced by playlists or IPODs.
Lesson for today: make sure you ask the DJ about his/her musical experience and knowledge so that you are comfortable about their ability to adapt to you and your guests.
Til next time....
Real value is found when your guests leave the party thanking you for giving them a good time and with sore feet from dancing! The best feedback I ever get is when people say to me "I haven't danced like that in years!" or "I haven't heard that song since high school!". You have to ask yourself when looking for a DJ, what is important and what are you really getting for value?
Do you want a bigger company that hires and fires DJs regularly and pays them minimum wage? Personally, I've always felt more comfortable dealing with the owner when it comes to service providers. As the owner, I have a vested interest in your delight with my show. It is my reputation on the line and all of the people in attendance are potential future customers. I ALWAYS bring my best for you and your guests because my business depends on it!
There is just no way an inexperienced DJ can instinctively know what to play for diverse crowds. I grew up in the 70s during the hey day of AM radio, boogied the nights away in the 80s, was forced to listen to BackStreet Boys and Spice Girls in the 90s, and modern Top 40 and Hip Hop now.
It is that flexibility and experience that cannot be replaced by playlists or IPODs.
Lesson for today: make sure you ask the DJ about his/her musical experience and knowledge so that you are comfortable about their ability to adapt to you and your guests.
Til next time....
Friday, November 5, 2010
THINKING OF HIRING A BAND?
There are pros and cons to hiring a band for mixed events such as receptions or parties of any kind. Remember, the party is what your guests generally remember the most. I always advise my clients to plan the event around the guests and their diversity to make it truly memorable for the vast majority. Here is what I think about bands and personal events.....
Pros: As a guy who loves to sing and perform live outside of my disc jockey business, I love the energy and vibe in a room when the crowd and band feed off of each other and everyone is into the music. You can't replace that.
Cons:
1) Lack of flexibility. What happens when you have guests with diverse backgrounds and age groups such as a wedding reception or 50th birthday party? A band can't really change their playlists or the genre they play. They usually don't take requests either
2) Higher Cost. A GOOD 4 or 5 piece professional band is not cheap, nor should they be. You definitely GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR in the entertainment business.
3) Bands play sets. You are going to have to entertain your guests throughout the night between sets. If not, your guests will lose interest.
So, if your guests are all into the same music, around the same age and do the same thing in the same place....a band might be the way to go if you can afford it. Most events need a variety of music, and the flexibility to entertain based on the guests' individual and group preferences. For if it is not for the guests, then why do it at all? Just a thought.....
Til next time...
Pros: As a guy who loves to sing and perform live outside of my disc jockey business, I love the energy and vibe in a room when the crowd and band feed off of each other and everyone is into the music. You can't replace that.
Cons:
1) Lack of flexibility. What happens when you have guests with diverse backgrounds and age groups such as a wedding reception or 50th birthday party? A band can't really change their playlists or the genre they play. They usually don't take requests either
2) Higher Cost. A GOOD 4 or 5 piece professional band is not cheap, nor should they be. You definitely GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR in the entertainment business.
3) Bands play sets. You are going to have to entertain your guests throughout the night between sets. If not, your guests will lose interest.
So, if your guests are all into the same music, around the same age and do the same thing in the same place....a band might be the way to go if you can afford it. Most events need a variety of music, and the flexibility to entertain based on the guests' individual and group preferences. For if it is not for the guests, then why do it at all? Just a thought.....
Til next time...
WHACKY STUFF IN NHL
Just a few questions after the first few weeks of the season:
1. Who are the Columbus Blue Jackets and why are they suddenly winning?
2. Why do the Leafs torment me so?
3. Why does Phil Kessel look unstopable for a few games....and then invisible for a few?
4. Is there a better organization out there than the Red Wings? They continue to impress.
5. Why wasn't Steven Stamkos on the Olympic team? Can you imagine him and Crosby together?
Recovery from surgery continues, and I'm about to open the Joy of Cooking. Heaven help me.....
1. Who are the Columbus Blue Jackets and why are they suddenly winning?
2. Why do the Leafs torment me so?
3. Why does Phil Kessel look unstopable for a few games....and then invisible for a few?
4. Is there a better organization out there than the Red Wings? They continue to impress.
5. Why wasn't Steven Stamkos on the Olympic team? Can you imagine him and Crosby together?
Recovery from surgery continues, and I'm about to open the Joy of Cooking. Heaven help me.....
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A NEW ERA FOR BIG EYE ENTERTAINMENT
What is this 'new era'? Well, one thing is I've decided I will update my blog, for real this time! I've had some time to think about things since having inguinal hernia surgery on Monday. I needed to have it over with prior to a busy Christmas disc jockey season. Somebody has to lift those monstrous JBLs! What's happened since my last post? Hmmmmm......
1. Graduated from Royal Roads University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management degree. This was an insane undergrad programme where years 3 and 4 are jammed into 44 weeks, split into four quarters with only one week of stress relief (break) between. OMG, I consider this a huge accomplishment!
2. It was a huge accomplishment mainly because there were so many other things going on in my life, most of which I initiated. My personal life has changed dramatically and my happiness is reflected in my smile:)
3. I managed to complete the program despite a busy wedding season performing all over Vancouver Island....from Comox to Esquimalt and all points in between!
4. After watching Julia Julie recently, I've decided to cook every recipe in the Joy of Cooking! Just kidding:).....or am I?
5. Big Eye will expand his repertoire to include Karaoke hosting, and rebrand the company as Music Man Entertainment as of January 1, 2011.
OK, now that we've caught up, look for me to update this thing at least weekly and hopefully get a few followers. Ciao.
1. Graduated from Royal Roads University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management degree. This was an insane undergrad programme where years 3 and 4 are jammed into 44 weeks, split into four quarters with only one week of stress relief (break) between. OMG, I consider this a huge accomplishment!
2. It was a huge accomplishment mainly because there were so many other things going on in my life, most of which I initiated. My personal life has changed dramatically and my happiness is reflected in my smile:)
3. I managed to complete the program despite a busy wedding season performing all over Vancouver Island....from Comox to Esquimalt and all points in between!
4. After watching Julia Julie recently, I've decided to cook every recipe in the Joy of Cooking! Just kidding:).....or am I?
5. Big Eye will expand his repertoire to include Karaoke hosting, and rebrand the company as Music Man Entertainment as of January 1, 2011.
OK, now that we've caught up, look for me to update this thing at least weekly and hopefully get a few followers. Ciao.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Well, it's been a long time since my last input and there's so much to talk about. Another very busy wedding season is long over and I've begun to take bookings for this coming summer. Christmas season saw me travelling from Victoria to Comox and all points in between to bring my brand of Christmas cheer.
I am in the process of updating my website with new pricing, services and playlist examples. Feel free to contact me through the site or by phone if you have any suggestions.
See you later!
I am in the process of updating my website with new pricing, services and playlist examples. Feel free to contact me through the site or by phone if you have any suggestions.
See you later!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
GREAT SHOW LAST NIGHT IN COMOX
Played at 19 Wing Comox last night. Great party and a beautiful venue. Was a nice roadtrip, at least until it started SNOWING on the way back. That isn't in the Vancouver Island brochure! Hopefully, the weather will improve dramatically before the summer wedding season. I was really lucky last year and didn't have one rain out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this year.
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