For all types of events (weddings, private parties, corporate events, fairs, festivals, etc.)

1) Should I use a booking agent? These days, with the Internet, many bands and entertainers have their own website. They may also be listed on booking agency rosters. Some entertainers book themselves, while others exclusively use booking agents (especially if they are well known).

A booking agent, can save you money, streamline the process and find a wide variety of entertainers for an event. When you call a musician directly, you are not likely to get other opinions of their music. You should go direct to a musician if you've seen them before, know exactly what you want, and are comfortable working with that musician directly (they have good contracts, experience, etc.). If you do not know the artist, or would like more references, a booking agent can help tremendously. Many good booking agents have a large pool of musicians (and contacts to more musicians) available. A booking agent can tailor the entertainment to the event, as opposed to a musician trying to tailor their performance to an event, which may or may not work. Booking agents usually have excellent contracts that cover all the situations. A good booking agent knows what is likely to go wrong at an event, and work at preventing any problems before they come up. Booking agents are businesses, sometimes with licenses (East Coast). Many booking agents are, or were, professional entertainers, as well, which means they've experienced many types of events they book.

2) Does a booking agent cost more money? Sometimes a booking agent does cost more, other times the fee is invisible. A book agent usually charges 10-20% of the total fee. It can be added on the artist fee, or inclusive. Paying more than 20% is possible, but not recommended. Entertainers are not happy when agents get more than 20%, and the price tends to get too high.

3) How much does an entertainer cost? (For the purpose of estimating your budget here's suggested price ranges, based on local groups in the Seattle area:

Solos: $250-1000.00; Duos: $500-1500.00; 3-6pc groups: $750-3500.00+ (Note: East Coast and other areas can be 50-100% more expensive!)

4) What kinds of entertainers are there? Olympic Productions features solos, duos, bands of all kinds (Jazz, Rock, Latin/Caribbean, World, Classical, Blues, Classic Rock, Top-40, Tribute Bands, etc.). Instrumentation can be typical (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, vocals) or unusual (steel drum, marimba, Taiko drums!). DJs are also available (not necessarily less than a band, though!) Besides music, you can book jugglers, caricature artists, magicians, palm readers, vaudeville acts, circus acts ("Flea circus, too!), kid's entertainers, comedians, and Emcees (great to keep an event exciting). You can listen to music from websites, over the phone (we do!), having CDs sent, or seeing the entertainer live. If you do go to check out an entertainer, keep in mind the style of your event compared to what you are seeing live. A band may be much more rowdy at a club, than at a private party (or vice-versa!).

5) What do I need to know, in order to book entertainment? First, let's go through a checklist of what you need to know before contacting an entertainer or a booking agent.

This is a list that I use, as a booking agent to find out what a client is looking for, and what kind of event they are putting on.

• What time is your event? (A group may have another event before or after).

• How long do you want music? (musicians usually charge by the hour)

• What kind of event is it? (Wedding, company party, promotion, etc.)

• What type of music are you looking for? (Rock, Jazz, Variety, Caribbean, etc.)

• Do you need background music, or a show?

• Is it outside or inside? (Outside events can be problematic for rain, wind, sun, etc., Musician's with P.A. systems prefer not to be electrocuted!)

• What kind of location? (residence, banquet hall, hotel, club, etc.)

• Is there electricity? (Very important for any amplified sound. Acoustic, no amplified music can be difficult to hear, especially outside).

• Do you have a P.A.? Small groups carry their own. If you are also planning to have speakers, you might want to supply your own, as well. A band may or may not use your equipment. That's O.K. Trust the artist to take care of their own needs. Note: Large national touring acts will have extensive contract "riders" that will require you ("Purchaser") to supply full P.A., "back-line" (instruments, etc.) and, course, no blue M&Ms! It is not recommended to book any national touring act without professional booking agents, and contracts. Travel, accommodations, etc., are all necessary to complete a booking.

• What is your budget? (Wide range depending on size of group-solo-large ensemble), length of event, etc. Be realistic!)

• Contact Name:

• Company:

• Address: (with zip!)

• PHONE: (with area code)

• FAX: (with area code)

• Email:

In the end, booking entertainment is not nuclear science. The more questions you ask, the better the event will go well. Most people put a minimum of time in booking entertainment compared to catering, etc. A variety entertainer from the East Coast said, "What do remember from the party, the food, or the entertainment?" Personally, I've attended and performed at hundreds of catered events, and can't remember any of the food (and I like food!). I can tell all about the entertainment, though! Have fun, and by all means, twist and shout!