3 Tips for Hiring Live Entertainment

Hiring live entertainment for events is one of the best things an event planner can do. Live entertainment can bring the entire audience together in a way that no other form of entertainment can. It also draws in the attention of more people than most other entertainment options. If you want to hire live entertainment, but are not so sure on how to do it correctly, read the following three tips to ensure your event is a hit.

Think About the Purpose of the Event

First things first, you have to remember why you are hiring live entertainment in the first place. If there's a theme to your event, the entertainment should help emphasize that exact theme. For example, if your theme has anything to do with the Wild West, you would want to hire country singers from California. On the other hand, if you are looking to get people laughing, comedians are the best option for entertainment. If you have a "roaring 20s" event or party, hiring a jazz or swing artist or band would be sure to bring your event to life. Overall, your entertainment should match your theme.

Consider the Audience You Are Catering To

Similar to making sure you are thinking about the purpose of the event, you should also consider the type of audience you are trying to attract. Older people most likely do not want to listen to rap music from 2020, just like people who are more into alternative music probably do not want to listen to jazz music. If you are trying to attract a particular group of people, find entertainment that they would want to listen to. For example, if you are catering to most people in their 60s and 70s, having 1950s-70s inspired music is more likely to draw their attention than a band playing strictly early 2000s music. There will always be a few people who may not like the entertainment, but as long as you are trying to please them, there will be little complaints.

Hold Auditions

Lastly, holding auditions can be incredibly helpful when hiring live entertainment. It can be tempting to bite the bullet and hire the first band you see but try your best to see a performance of theirs before you hire them. You may find that you do not like their style of performance, or you may learn that they are challenging to work with. If the band is local, try to go to one of their gigs near you to see them live, and talk to whoever is hosting the event to get some more information on them. Keep your eyes and ears open as well, because most artists and bands advertise themselves in everyday places, making your job easier. Ask for recommendations from other event planner friends, and be sure to look up reviews. Newer bands may not have a fan page yet, but knowing what you are getting into can save you from being blindsided on the day of your event.