Thursday, September 30, 2010

Interesting Meeting

We had a great networking event last night at the Hard Rock Cafe. I had not been there in quite a while. It's such a cool place-full of Rock and Roll History. I got a chance to make new friends and reconnect with some old ones. I forgot to ask the Hard Rock if they had any RUSH parapheralia. You know RUSH once again got shut out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations. We are all puzzled since they just filled the Jiffy Lube Pavilion (formerly known as Nissan). Oh Yes, KISS has been shut out as well....Geez..even the Dave Clark Five are in there! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is dedicated to archiving the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, and other people who have in some major way influenced the music industry, particularly in the area of rock music. Then, hmmmmmmmmmmm. Anyway...enough philosophy of the whys and why nots! Here is one of those terrible Blackberry pictures-it's the thought that counts-my friends Raymond and Johanna from the beautiful Liaison Hotel in DC. 

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Why should I use a professional agency for my entertainment?

Here is a list of questions I get asked all the time. Here are the answers! 

Why should I use a professional agency"
This is a very good question. The answer may not be obvious to you right away, but by the end of this section, you should be convinced! Pick an agency that has a proven track record in the business. For example, Jan Davis Entertainment and Events has been in the business for over 30 years. That should say something in itself. Almost all of our business is referral, which also lets you know that we do good business. Many times your event location will recommend vendors. This is an excellent way to start your research.

We are licensed by the City of Alexandria, Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia. These are really important points. It tells you that the city where we operate validates that we do business in accordance with the laws set forth here, and that we have been further validated by the Commonwealth in which we are incorporated to let you know that we are a corporation in good standing. We are also insured.

At a full time agancy like Jan Davis Entertainment and Events, you will see that we have a huge entertainment roster. This gives you a lot of options to find jsut the right band for your wedding, corpoprate event or social or private event.

Let's talk about independent bands.
OK-here it is. What happens if you book an independent band and they disappear a week before your event? And if you have sent them a deposit, what now? I have had these calls, so I know that it happens.
You really have no recourse. If you have booked entertainment with a legitimate agency, you will have entertainment for your event.
How do I know a band has the experience level that I need for my event? And what about pricing?
That is a very important question. Say you have "surfed the net" and found a band that looks good. How can you be sure of their track record for special events? How can you be sure that they know the protocol for a special event. And the cost? How can you be sure that you have been charged a fair price? Professional agencies know the answers to these questions, and they will know what the fair market price of a band should be.

Some bands brag that they will not work for an agency, or that you can save a little money if you go directly to them. What about that? 
Aside from the pointers that I have just given you, try getting some of these entertainers on the phone to go over details for your event. We at Jan Davis Entertainment and Events are here all day long, every day to answer all of your questions. You won't spend days trying to catch up with us. And-don't forget-an independent band may not be licensed or insured. It is importatn that you check to be sure.

The moral of this story is, sure, you will have to pay a little extra for the service of an agency, but isn't it worth the guarantee that you will have professional entertainment that is certain to show up for your event? How will it feel with 500 guests at your gala staring at an empty stage?

Thank you for all of your questions. I hope I have put your mind at ease!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Wedding Show

We did a wonderful wedding show last week!  All the vendors were so nice and we had great attendance.
The Jan Davis Entertainment and Events booth had some great visitors.  DJ Kathy with her beautiful BOSE set up solicited many compliments from attendees. If you missed it, we will be doing one again next quarter and we will keep you posted on that one!   

Friday, September 17, 2010

Holiday Events


It is that time again! Corporate clients should be thinking snow!!!...Well...not as much snow as we had last year, but a little inside at your event would be fun!  Watch the Jan Davis Entertainment and Events team transform a ballroom into a winter wonderland!

Holiday Events

We are so excited that things are finally breaking loose in the corporate world. Jan Davis Entertainment and Events just did a really fun (even if we do say so ourselves)! Hollywood event for one of our favorite long-time clients- and boy did they do it up big! Here are some of them  shown with our talented Austin Powers!