#drinksparty

Wheathill Rona shares the secrets of pre-dinner drinks entertainment that pop... 

Whether you’re organising a big corporate dinner reception or an intimate private gathering, when your guests arrive, the first priority is to put them at ease. A welcoming drink and the right ambiance will set the scene. Music is key. Unless you’ve invited them to a show, music means background. But don’t mistake background for bland.

Background music should be loud enough to be enjoyed, but not so loud as to intrude. By volume, we’re referring to the whole experience, not just the level of sound. Getting the ‘volume’ right depends on the number of guests you’re expecting and the acoustics of the venue.

See what we mean>

Things to think about for pre-dinner drinks perfection... 

It’s nice to be nice Look after your artists and they’ll give their all, which is good for everyone. This usually means allocating somewhere decent to change, somewhere safe to leave possessions and satisfying refreshments. Simple. Small things make a massive difference.

Make the most of the talent Remember, the same musician(s) playing for a drinks reception may well be able to plug in and ramp things up for after dinner dancing.

Music for breaks Performing is demanding. Performers love to perform, but it’s demanding. They need breaks and nourishment to shine. It’s also a legal requirement, enforceable by the Musician’s Union. So avoid  awkward silences and make sure you have suitable playlists lined up for when your musician or band takes a break.

Tricky access Go for a roving acoustic act. Vocals, sax and string artists punch above their weight when armed with a radio mic.

Focal features A solo instrumentalist performing on a rotating stage in the middle of a bar can be a real taking point for a drinks reception, just make sure there is a way to get them up and down safely and with dignity! Clambering over champagne flutes in a long frock isn’t going to be easy.

Musical signposts Use your entertainment as way of herding your guests. A strategically placed harpist is an elegant way to block an entrance, for instance!  A strolling flautist  can guide your guests pied piper style from the garden into the dining area.

Watch out for sound clash Multiple rooms and corridors make interesting venues, but mean you need to think about potential sound clashes. Choose complimentary improvising musicians, talk to us about production considerations.

Practicalities – power to the players!  Amplified music requires power sockets – just give us to check how many for your performers. A stable surface on which to set-up will keep musicians happy, as well shade from bright direct sunlight which can damage expensive instruments.

Acoustic only? Lots of venues, especially the historic and listed ones such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey don’t allow any amplified music so unusual acoustic combinations playing unexpected versions of well known songs can twist things up a bit.

Now, to party...

Intimate gathering?

For an intimate dinner, a solo musician is normally ideal. More than that and your guests might feel outnumbered. A pianist, harpist or classical guitarist will provide a sublime musical backdrop:

Traditional

Pianist  |  Harpist  |  Guitarist  

With a modern twist

Sax  |  Guitar and vocals  |  Electric violin 

Bigger do?

Soloists are lost without amplification at larger events. Anything from a trio up would be a better option. Try these:

Gypsy Jazz  |  String Quartet  |  Swinging Jazz  

Why not give us a call to discuss your pre-dinner drinks party? We’d love to help you find the perfect soundtrack. Get in touch.

But does it always end up alright on the night?

Pre-dinner horrors – and heroes.

We’re big fans of quirky ideas, it would be a boring place without them. Take risks, and when things don’t go altogether smoothly, cling to your sense of humour. Shit happens, it always does, but sometimes the manner in which problems are dealt with can make an event more enjoyable for your guests.

Anthony Strong’s quartet demonstrated their star qualities engulfed in a giant inflatable stage at an outdoor dinner extravaganza. When the pump cut out, the quartet found themselves sinking into a latex quagmire.

A bit of keyboard relocation by some quick thinking tech team members (one at each end and steady as she goes) and an unflappable Anthony lead the band with a bemused smile throughout the drama without missing a beat. And just to add drama the heavens opened. It wasn’t your usual smooth dinner jazz, but it was every bit as cool.

A guest list and security on the door is a very good idea.

At a grand private party in St Tropez an uninvited guest decided to strip and streak across the stage to dance with the enigmatic Grace Jones. Nothing can phase our Grace. Security were a bit unsure how to remove the gyrating gatecrasher. The band couldn't stop grinning and the show went on unabashed.

Gracious in defeat.

Coming back from playing to VIPs at the UEFA Cup Final in Athens, the Wheathill All Star band The Index were stranded by Easy Jet beside makeshift terminal, (a derelict shed on a runway with cardboard to sit on) for several hours after severe delays and oversold flights. After too many hot frustrated hours waiting in the sun tempers and moral were frayed, so the band whipped out their instruments and began a Beatles medley for the returning defeated Liverpool fans, thus triggering the most heartfelt singalong ever to grace the tarmac of Athens airport.