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Joined: Jul 2003
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HELP!!!
Our son, Josh, is getting married in Las Vegas on November 9 of this year. I am in the process of planning a wedding reception at Treasure Island for about 25 people who will make the trek for the occasion.
I am looking at options for entertainment at the reception. Am considering either coffeehouse acoustic type music,impersonators or a small pop band if it is within our budget. I believe the hotel provides background music piped in to the banquet room as a standard. However, if I can afford live entertainment I'd rather have that-something to make their day extra "special".
Since I'm on a budget and this will require planning on my part, I am wondering if any of you perform at receptions and how much you charge for a 1 hour block of your time? I realize that there is alot of effort required to set up, tear down and equipment to haul to and from events. At this time I am not certain of the exact time for that particular day.
If you have any ideas, suggestions or would like to give me a quote for your services, I'd appreciate it. Would consider all options, including those of you who are dj's.
I have not finalized any plans yet and am not even sure about how much space is available in the banquet room we are reserving. Am awaiting information from the hotel. But, I thought I would at least put feelers out to you guys to see how many of you actually live and work in Vegas.
Thanks!
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Congratulations on the big upcoming day Tricia!! Heidi Thompson would be the one to contact. She would probably be able to help.
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Thanks, Lynn. I know she was recording today-per her Facebook page so I hate to bother her. Already bothered her once already today. LOL! I have NO CLUE how much the going rate is for live entertainment there.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Hi, Tricia. I can't tell you about price--the last (actually, the only) wedding reception I performed at was free. (It was my daughter's wedding. Thought it was neat she wanted our band to play the reception.)
We concentrated on wedding-appropriate songs (she didn't want any dead animals, for some reason) that you could dance to. Dancing is what the guests at the reception wanted to do. We did bring our own PA, mikes, &c, even though the church had their own. Primarily love songs (with a couple of exceptions). And mostly originals, because the band are real insistent about not doing covers. We did plan on a few covers, in this case, because the Happy Couple asked for them specifically. (And we ended up not doing most of them, because the Happy Couple snuck out early--also traditional--and we didn't have to).
I think the reception music always starts out with the Dance of the Happy Couple (usually a waltz), and I think it's important that be whatever the Happy Couple wants it to be. (In this case, it was a Nickelback song, which was tough to master because Nickelback have absolutely no sense of timing. But it was what they wanted.) There's also supposed to be a Daddy-Daughter Dance (which we didn't have to play because the Happy Couple had snuck off).
We passed setlists (and recordings) back and forth several times, basically letting daughter and hubby-to-be pick what they wanted (even though they were going to sneak off and not hear most of it). And then I added in one I knew the guests were going to want to hear, another I was sure they'd want to dance to, and one (a cover--an old Monkees tune) that was a complete surprise--I knew it was one of daughter's favorite songs, and I didn't think she knew we could play it (we were even able to replicate the sound of that cheesy Farfisa organ on an electric guitar). We planned on 1-1/2 hours of music, and ended up only needing to play for about an hour.
That all help? lots of luck.
Joe
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Cool story, Joe. You're a good Daddy. That helps. I think the "happy couple" are planning on hanging around Vegas so I think they'll be there for the reception. They plan to hit the casino for a little while after that. That was my understanding the last time we talked, anyway.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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I would vote for a group of Mimes. That way you could have them pantomime the bride and groom's lives together, and do an interprative dance encompassing everything. And you wouldn't have to use music at all.
That would be my vote.
MAB
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Hi Tricia! I think most lounge pianists base their fee on a three hour gig. Not sure if they'd charge much less for a one hour gig. If the establishment has a nice grand piano the pianist may be willing to charge less - since he/she wouldn't have to transport his/her portable equipment. That being said; for the wedding gig you described I would say between $150 - $300. I used to charge $75 for a three hour solo gig (many years ago). What ever acoustic instrumentalist you choose, I would first ask what they charge for a three hour gig. Then ask about one hour. If you use a pianist, make sure the piano in the establishment is recently tuned. If not, send Johnny Daubert to tune the piano the day before the wedding. A classical guitarist sets a nice mood for an intimate reception. You can check these musicians out by asking them where you can catch their act. Take my info with a grain of salt. It's been many years since I performed in public. Best, John
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Oh wait... you're talkin' Las Vegas. Probably can double the fee. Mine is based on the Poconos of Transylvania (I mean Pennsylvania). John
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I know my future daughter in law would be pleasantly surprised with an Elvis impersonator. She is fun and quirky like that. She works at a casino here in town. Personally, I love piano music but I think they would feel it's a bit too stuffy for their tastes. This is not my party so I'm trying to think of something they would like. If I could get a performer for $150-$300 I would be pleased.
Mark, I'm not sure what you meant by your post. Being a frantic mother of the groom, I'm trying to see the lighter side of this.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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I don't know Las Vegas but in Florida, you could get a good solo performer for $300.
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A good solo performer for $300 would be perfect for my budget, if they are agreeable to my plans for the reception. Thanks, Colin. It gives me a ballpark figure to think about, at least. The live entertainment would be a surprise gift to them. Something they would not expect at all.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Tricia,
I'm sorry, it was a joke. Mimes don't use music. Not knowing your daughter, her taste in music, not being in Las Vegas, not knowing any details, budget, etc. I wouldn't have any idea of what to tell you to do.
Having played hundreds of weddings and always hating them, I tend to avoid them like the plague. But I have written a TON of songs for weddingss. So that might be something interesting you think about as a present for them.
The problem with bringing anyone from out of an area, is that you have to be concerned with transportation, lodging, food,rising fool costs, etc. in addition to their fee. And that has to be enough to make it worth their while. So it can get very expensive.
There should be a lot of people in Vegas to supply, most hotels or people who do the weddings would be a good place to start.
I wish you luck. If you want to do music, the Mime's won't help you. They would just be a waste of money. And a Mime is a terrible thing to waste.
Good luck,
MAB
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Tricia,
I'm sorry, it was a joke. Mimes don't use music. Not knowing your daughter, her taste in music, not being in Las Vegas, not knowing any details, budget, etc. I wouldn't have any idea of what to tell you to do.
Having played hundreds of weddings and always hating them, I tend to avoid them like the plague. But I have written a TON of songs for weddingss. So that might be something interesting you think about as a present for them.
The problem with bringing anyone from out of an area, is that you have to be concerned with transportation, lodging, food,rising fool costs, etc. in addition to their fee. And that has to be enough to make it worth their while. So it can get very expensive.
There should be a lot of people in Vegas to supply, most hotels or people who do the weddings would be a good place to start.
I wish you luck. If you want to do music, the Mime's won't help you. They would just be a waste of money. And a Mime is a terrible thing to waste.
Good luck,
MAB
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I know a mime is a terrible thing to waste, Mark. Yeah, weddings are expensive. Don't think I could even consider bringing anyone from another area to Vegas because of the expenses. There should be someone in Vegas who could help. My son and his fiancee are not wanting to spend a bunch of money since they are in the process of buying a house in Henderson, NV. We are paying for the reception. I just figured if people take time out of their busy schedules and lives they deserve a nice sit down meal with alcohol provided. Don't believe in cash bars at weddings. All of us will be traveling from out of state. They do not intend to have a rehearsal dinner but wanted a small reception. I emailed the hotel where we will be staying. Want to make it as convenient as possible for the guests. The wedding ceremony will be traditional but he wants something a little more non-tranditional for the dinner. I thought maybe live entertainment with a little bit of glitz and glamour would be the Vegas experience they are seeking. Something a little over the top. You know how Mom's are wanting to please and make things special.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Ahh, come on Tricia, it's a once-in-a-lifetime ordeal. Get Wayne Newton! Good luck with whatever you decide. I see many grandchildren coming your way in my crystal ball. Best, John
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Well, I assume there are Wedding Planners in Las Vegas that already know and may even supply wedding Entertainment in the Area. SO, you may do a search on Google for Wedding Planners/Bands in Las Vegas. From there find out what is avaliable and go from there.
Ray E. Strode
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John, have you seen Wayne Newton lately? He looks like The Joker. NO!
Yes, it is a once in a lifetime thing. That's why I'm already crazy!
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Yes, Ray. I'm making inquiries. I was wondering aloud how many JPF'ers worked in Vegas before committing to someone I don't know or trust. I was reading you need a contract for something like this. Good idea, actually.
I need to sit down with my future daughter in law soon. She still hadn't gotten a dress the last I heard and I don't know what progress they've made on the wedding ceremony. I am anal retentive and like things done yesterday. They seem to be a bit more laid back than me.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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EVERYBODY'S more laid back than you Tricia LOL (Couldn't resist Wy
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So TRUE, Wy!
Well, Josh got the good news. His offer was accepted on their house in Vegas so I'm going to let him get closed on the house before I start again with the reception. He's overloaded at the moment. Can't think straight. He goes from being a confirmed bachelor living in a house with 3 other guys in San Diego to being engaged, to buying a house with an upcoming wedding and a big move ahead of him. He's stressed right now. LOL! God love him.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Well, it should be a really good time to buy a house--Vegas is supposed to be one of the hardest hit by the slump in housing prices
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Yes, they are getting a great deal on this house. Supposed to be getting the inspection done. Keeping my fingers crossed because he is already emotionally attached to the house.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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If any of you Vegas'ers want to pitch in to tell me how nice the area of town his house is in, let me know.
It's on Morning Wind Lane.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Amen to the area, the location and the neighbors. Those are things you can't change much anbd they can be make or break. Wy (And "Morning Wind Lane" sounds like a song title
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"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
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