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Sunday, 31 October 2010

Maximize Your Party Potential, Hire Bands

By Sally Jenkins

Everybody loves a good party, this much is clear. Good parties are created through attentive planning, a fun theme, and plenty of entertainment. One of the best ways to increase the entertainment value of any occasion is to hire bands.

Bands can be hired for almost any occasion possible. There are as many types of parties as there are people throwing them! Big life events come to mind, like weddings and anniversaries, but live music is also good for smaller, less formal affairs. Birthday parties, retirement parties, and business events can all use the inspiration of good music.

A good way to choose the music for your event is to consider the people who will be attending. Young rock-n-rollers might like their music loud, while retirees may prefer a quieter sound. Some parties seem to need an exciting tempo and vibe, while others may benefit from soothing tunes. Whatever the desired effect, there is sure to be a band available to play the mood music for it.

Think about the styles of bands available for hire. There are many sizes and types to choose from. Bands can range from solo acoustic acts to chamber groups to large scale swing and orchestra acts. Some groups play music for dancing, while others play more for ambiance. Whatever you may be seeking for your fete, there is sure to be a band that specializes in that groove.

The proper music is vital to the success of a party. Certain bands have a harder edge to them, think heavy metal and hard rock, while others are more of an easy listening style like smooth jazz and classical, for example. Music can set a great tone for the listeners and should be selected with care. Music can either calm a group or excite them. Choose the proper band in order to achieve the desired effect.

Large performance halls can obviously support a big band and stage set up. But a house party may be limited in size for even a folk duo. The size of the space in which a band is to perform can be either detrimental or beneficial for all involved. For example, you wouldn't want attendees bumping into musicians while they are performing, and neither would the musicians! Also, too many musicians or instruments can overwhelm the social aspects of a party. A good balance between spaces available and musicians playing in them should be considered beforehand.

Financial considerations are always a priority when hiring performance groups. Larger groups may cost more while smaller bands could cost less. Some bands may charge by the hour, as opposed to a flat fee for the entire event. Some bands may charge extra to offset travelling and per Diem expenses. Established bands are often more costly than beginners (and the increased expense may or may not be worthwhile). Look for bands with value added appeal, like local groups or friends of friends. Ask acquaintances for referrals.

The music of your gathering may leave a lasting impression on the listeners, so consider the future of both the band and the audience. Good audience support can lead to later dates for the band, while the memories provided by good music can be long and treasured ones. This is yet another reason why employing good musicians can be so rewarding for all involved.

A good musical choice, and a great band to perform it, makes a party shine. To become a host with the most, plan to hire bands. With a bit of planning, careful consideration, and fiscal responsibility, you can make a lasting impression on your guests by proving them a soundtrack to their dreams.

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Friday, 29 October 2010

Discovering the Noteable Vineyards of France - Wines and Spirits http://ping.fm/QRGSc

Toning Tips: How To Get Trim With Reebok Easytone

By Tom Doerr

Reebok have once again called on the stunning Kelly Brook in another campaign for the sportswear giant. But to the disappointment of many, she will be keeping her clothes on, unlike the last time she modelled nude for their line of trainers in a nationwide naked billboard campaign.

But if you look hard enough you will find a few methods of getting in shape without changing your day to day routine. One very good, very new method is using the Reebok Easytone trainers, a shoe designed to create instability which the body naturally counteracts.

Kelly, now 30, claims she is happy with her body and who she is, but still maintains a fitness regime. She says "I've hit 30 and I have accepted this is my body shape, and I'm happy with what I am and who I am. My legs are quite toned at the moment and I have a small waist so I dress to accentuate it. I have a bigger bum and bigger boobs but I'm generally small-boned. I've got real boobs and I guess they could be a bit perkier! But in general I'm pretty happy with everything."

The model turned actress enjoys swimming, yoga and dancing but focuses on her dance and fitness classes, which made her the perfect candidate for this exercise product aimed primarily at women.

She has recently become somewhat of a movie star and is currently starring in the film Piranha 3D. Although she only studied at drama school for three years when she was younger, she said this started her love of dancing, which she still does to keep in shape.

The scientists also surveyed users of the shoes over a period of several months and found that they experienced a degree of toning of the legs and bum. But the team struggled to determine whether the toning was entirely due to the imbalance the shoes created or the motivation to walk more.

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Tuesday, 26 October 2010

Saturday, 16 October 2010

Wedding Wines - A Dilemma

Yeah, it's been a Dilemma. I get married on Oct 23rd 2010, exactly one week today as I write this blog post and I must say its been one stressfull and rollercoaster ride for the past few months. trying to fullfil my obligations to organising my own wedding, working a Full time job in the restaurant and writing for the Tesco Wines Blog has been tough but I managed to get it all done :)

Here's my installment this week and some helpfull advise to all you uk males out there when it comes to having a say in arranging your own wedding and what wine you want!

Anyone can find wine that tastes good and is affordable. If you aren't bothered too much of what's on the label, or how much you are spending on your wedding wine, then you will be able to offer your guests something they will truly enjoy, and something that won't go over budget. Here are a few wine tips you should apply to your Wedding Wine
1) Don't let anybody tell you what a good wine is, and what isn't. Take anybody's advice or recommendation (including ours) as just that - a recommendation. What tastes good to you may taste like vinegar to a wine expert and vice-versa.

2) When choosing your wedding wine, there is usually not much difference from a $20 bottle of wine to a $100 bottle of wine, but there is usually quite a difference between a $4 bottle of wine and a $20 bottle of wine. Dont go for a cheap bottle but opt for a mid range wine with a good taste.

3) South America, Australia, and South African wines are outstanding, and usually quite inexpensive. A good South American Merlot will be about half as much as a comparable Californian Merlot and most suitable for your wedding wine

4) Tasting your wedding wine before you buy is the only true way to learn more about what you like.