Musical Entertainment Review

We selected some of the best musical entertainers from around the country, but don’t take our word for it, listen to the planners who used them

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David Pack
For a performer with years of experience, and a Grammy Award, look no further than David Pack, former lead singer of the band Ambrosia. Pack has been performing since the mid-‘70s and can perform solo or with a band. Don’t let his celebrity fool you; he’s very familiar with events and was the music director of special events for both of President Clinton’s Inaugurations.
More information at www.davidpack.com
Planner review
Planner: Beth Delano, VP for Hammond Securities
Event: Annual Community Clambake held outdoors at the Coronado Yacht Club
Stand-out trait: “His voice! He is also extremely fun. He worked the group unbelievably! It was a magical night that the community is still talking about over a year later.”
Audience Response: “The audience was overwhelmed—his voice is amazing! They were dancing non-stop for over two hours—honestly, no one wanted to leave. David openly welcomed guests to come up and sing along. Luckily for everyone, the one guest that sang with him happened to be a professional opera singer.”
Lasting impression: “I would highly recommend David Pack. He is always my first choice if I can get him. His involvement in the event was more than just entrainment—he was the event!”

Song Division
For musical entertainment with an interactive component, there’s nothing quite like Song Division. Instead of giving a performance, experienced musicians get audience members to collaborate, write and perform a completely original song. It’s teambuilding at its finest and can be tailored to fit groups from one to 10,000-plus. Want some entertainment after the teambuilding event? Ask the band members to stick around and they’ll be your evening entertainment as well.
More information at www.songdivision.com
Planner review
Planner: Jessica Berman, marketing manager for Pitney Bowes Mail Services
Event: Annual business kickoff for Pitney Bowes held at the Dolce Atlanta Peachtree in Peachtree City, Georgia, December 1-4, 2009
Stand-out trait: “What stood out to me was the originality of it all. We had never done or seen anything like it. All team building things in the past have been some sort of physical activity or your typical corporate stuff.”
Audience response: “Our main goals were to bring our employees together with an interactive experience and use a fun exercise to communicate our business objectives. The audience loved the exercise. The entire experience received excellent satisfaction 
scores from our employees in our follow-up survey. Overall feedback has been terrific!”
Lasting impression: “I would definitely recommend Song Division! The team did a fabulous job! The experience allowed us to bring our teams together and communicate our goals for the year in a fun, original fashion. We also found significant value in using the same band for our evening dinner entertainment after the team building exercise.”

Katie Harris Jazz
With a voice like Ella Fitzgerald and the looks of a speakeasy singer from the ‘30s, Katie Harris and her band provide the perfect combination of ambiance and entertainment for your event. Based in Los Angeles, the group focuses on classic jazz standards such as “At Last,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “The Lady is a Tramp.” Their musical styles make them the perfect act for social or corporate events of all sizes.
More information at www.gigmasters.com/jazz/katieharris/
Planner review
Planner: Josh Jackson, chef and owner of Great Taste Catering
Event: A sit-down vintage dinner party for 200 in an old building on Venice Beach
Stand-out trait: “What comes to mind first is her wonderful voice and her talented band. Their music was fantastic and they were great to work with.”
Audience response: “The audience was dancing the whole night. I received multiple calls asking for her information and saying how great they were.”
Lasting impression: “I would recommend Katie Harris and her band because they are extremely talented, very professional and super easy to work with. It is very important to be able to count on your vendor to show up on time and do their job perfectly.”

Project DJ Slam
If new, different and attention-grabbing are on your list of essentials for a musical act, Project DJ Slam might be just what you’re looking for. The group is little more than a year old but it has already become extremely popular. Project DJ combines a traditional DJ with a stand-up drummer and offer the option of adding up to five “element” performers such as an electric guitar, vocalist, electric violin, tap dancer or saxophone, creating a unique blend of talent and sound.
More information at www.talentagency.com
Planner Review
Planner: Vinnie Sestito, chief conversation architect for Experience Partners
Event: A private event for a financial services company with 1,200 attendees, held at the Orlando Marriott
Stand-out trait: “Our client looks to us every year to engage their guests with innovation, quality and uniqueness—critical platforms our firm is designed around. Project DJ Slam delivers just that because of the ‘a la carte’ experience design inherent in their concept and strategy.”
Audience response: “They rocked!”
Lasting impression: “I would hire them again without question. They engage, extend and excite your audiences by going to the next level.”

The Water Coolers
For a blend of music and comedy that is catchy, entertaining and extremely funny, The Water Coolers fit the bill. Using everyday topics, The Water Coolers combine comedy and song to deliver a performance that virtually everyone can relate to. The act can be fully customized to fit your event and audience and can contain five entertainers or three, depending on your needs. Whether you want to simply entertain or communicate valuable company messaging to your audience, The Water Coolers will help you meet your goals every time.
More information at www.seethewatercoolers.com
Planner review
Planner: Irene Majer McArthur, vice president of creative services for Impact Communications
Event: “We have used The Water Coolers for several corporate meetings for the management personnel of Sterling Jewelers Inc. and for Aspen Dental.”
Stand-out trait: “The Water Coolers have a tremendous ability to take abstract concepts and develop them into a performance that is hilarious, fun and creative. The Water Coolers are by far the best act to be able to customize a performance that the audience will totally relate to and thoroughly enjoy.”
Audience response: “The Water Coolers receive a standing ovation every time! 
The audience loves them! On occasions when we have brought the performers back for the same audience, they are immediately recognized and receive the warmest welcome.”
Lasting Impression: “The entire Water Coolers team is incredible to work with. I can’t say enough wonderful things about them. They are thoroughly professional, so accommodating, always meet deadlines for review of the show material, and best of all, they make us look good every time!”

Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra
If you’re looking for a spectacular tribute to the days of jazz, Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra will take you back. The 12-piece jazz ensemble not only captures the sounds of the ‘20s, but with the entire group decorated in garb from the era and playing vintage instruments, they literally bring to life the look and feel of the time. Your audience will be kicking up their heels in no time.
More information at www.dreamlandorchestra.com
Planner review
Planner: Andrew Yamato of the Montauk Club in Brooklyn
Event: The Montauk Club’s annual New Year’s Eve party. The event featured formal dining and dancing in an old 19th-century social club.
Stand-out trait: “Their attention to historical detail in both sound and appearance.”
Audience response: “Michael’s vintage appeal was a perfect fit. We needed a band that would appeal to both older and younger members. They knocked it out of the park!”
Lasting impression: “I would absolutely hire them again!”

Dion Roy
For some original songs with a Damian Rice-meets-Postal Service feel, New York-based singer and songwriter Dion Roy is your man. With numerous tours and television appearances under his belt, Roy is an up-and-coming musician who can get your audience singing along to songs they’ve never heard before. He brings a light, acoustic sound that will fulfill your need for entertainment and ambiance at the same time.
More information at www.dionroy.com
Planner review
Planner: Matt Rafal, booking agent, Supreme Entertainment Artists
Event: The event was a seated concert with a relaxed vibe held at the Highline Ballroom in New York on January 4. Roy opened for Ryan Cabrera.
Stand-out trait: “Dion stood out to me because of how passionate he is about his music. As a performer, he appeals to a wide audience. With his catchy songs and ability to engage an audience while he’s on stage, I knew he was someone the audience could enjoy listening to.”
Audience response: “The audience response was great! Dion is sincere and natural on stage and I think that listeners pick up on that and become instant fans.”
Lasting impression: “Dion is a pleasure to work with. He’s a total pro and made me feel at ease before, during and after the event.”

Liquid Blue
Energetic, professional, talented—these are just a few of the words people use to describe San Diego-based Liquid Blue, and it’s easy to see why. This seven-person group has performed more than 1,500 shows in more than 100 countries, been featured on multiple magazine covers and won numerous awards. Liquid Blue infuses energy into audiences with a fist-pumping sound and creative choreography that keeps the crowd dancing all night long.
More information at www.liquidblue.net
Planner review
Planner: John Kelly, owner of Monterey,CA-based Kelly Productions
Event: A private corporate party in Pebble Beach, CA
Stand Out Trait: “They really enjoy what they’re doing and that comes across in every way. Even prepping for a show they seem to enjoy what they do.”
Audience Response: “They loved it! They had a great time.”
Lasting Impression: “I would hire them again without hesitating. They are very talented, great to work with and have great energy.”
Planner review
Planner: Vinnie Sestito, chief conversation architect for Experience Partners
Event: A private event for a financial services company with 1,200 attendees, 
held at the Orlando Marriott
Stand-out trait: “Our client looks to us every year to engage their guests with innovation, quality and uniqueness—critical platforms our firm is designed around. Project DJ Slam delivers just that because of the ‘a la carte’ experience design inherent 
in their concept and strategy.”
Audience response: “They rocked!”
Lasting impression: “I would hire them again without question. They engage, 
extend and excite your audiences by going to the next level.”