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We think June is a bit like Christmas Eve, here at Wheathill Towers. The promise and delights of summer lie ahead. People come out of hibernation to worship long days and sunshine. It’s a glorious time of year.  Sure the weather is unpredictable, but let’s be optimistic and plan to eat, drink and be merry in the great outdoors...

Drinks receptions, picnics, and wedding parties

What do all these events have in common? The need for a splendid soundtrack, as well as cracking location.

If the gods are kind and bestow warm rays, yipee.  If they don’t, it needn’t spell disaster. Rona and Heather have been having a think about what you need to know to make your alfresco event a big success…

Acoustic

If you’re hoping to hold your reception outdoors you’re safer going for musicians who can play unamplified so that they can move indoors easily at the first sign of rain. Acoustic acts take less time to set up and break down, and there are fewer logistical challenges so they tend to be more flexible.  

Amplified

But an event in the outdoors won’t have the benefit of indoor acoustics. So, if you do decide to amplify, Don’t forget to provide speakers throughout your event space to ensure all guests can enjoy the music, entertainment or speeches you have scheduled.

Also ensure you consider the neighbours, there may be restrictions on what time you can continue to play music through loud speakers.

Roving

Great for crowd control, covering large areas and engaging your audience, roving acts come in all manner of guises. An up tempo Brazilian samba group or Mardi Gras brass explosion will get hips wiggling and feet jiggling.

Downpours

It goes without saying that you will need a backup plan in case of a downpour. Versatile venues, flexible catering and agile production are essential.

Shelter

It’s not just your guests that need protecting from the elements. Expensive musical instruments are damaged by sun and rain. You’ll need to provide shelter for these precious assets.

Finally, a word of warning – always get permission to play!

The sun was shining, and clear blue skies complimented the stunning rose gardens of Hyde Park that day. A lavish picnic launching the highest of high tea hampers awaited the cream of the British foodie press, due to arrive any second.  Squirrels quivered with excitement from the branches above the summer feast. Then…

Pastoral perfection, ruined

Everything seemed perfect. Apart from the siren shattering the pastoral tranquility as a Royal Parks constabulary Landrover skidded to a halt beside the cheese table. Four officers leapt out, declared proceedings to be unlawful and demanded the event be packed up and removed instantly. Cue a number of very red faces.

Love-all

It transpired that the necessary paperwork granting permission for this event was never officially granted. A real event for a very high profile, high-end retailer with a dedicated events team. A few frantic phone calls later, (someone played tennis with the right person at Queens), and the Landie slowly pulled away as the first journalists sauntered up to take their first glass of champagne...

The moral of story? Always Get The Proper Permits.

Permission to party in public places, The Royal Parks are hot on this. And if you intend to play pre-recorded music, this includes PRS and/or PPL licenses. PRS (Performing Rights for Music) and PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) are separate organisations who license different sets of rights in the use of music. You may need a licence from both organisations....

Confused? 

Contact us 

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.

McLaren Winter Ball

What The Dickens?

27th November

Flying High at the Horticultural Halls

Thursday 26th November

Lavish Lanesborough

Wednesday 25th November

Wheathill's Epiphany lasses fitted in a treat and bubbled with the fizz at the re-opening celebrations for the newly refurbished Lanesborough Hotel. Perched precariously on freshly varnished vintage step ladders amid stacks of stylish battered old leather suitcases, the band played along with the theme of the evening: Just arrived, still unpacking, but darling, don’t we look fabulous? Of course Heather nearly fell off her perch during a particularly heartfelt solo, all adding to the drama and all that jazz.

Overlooking Hyde Park Corner, sumptuous, elegant and yet oh so cosy. The Lanesborough offers a most luxurious retreat from the cold and shopping mayhem.

Words by Wheathill Rona. 

As a child I wanted to play the harp. Sure I loved it’s elegance, but my motivation wasn’t entirely honourable. My brother played the cello and was driven to his lessons and concerts, which I envied. My flute didn’t warrant  such attention, it was bike or bus for me. Being more tricky than infant twins on the underground, the harp demands love and devotion to transport. But even more to play.

Summer love On my road map, as far as signposts to the summer go, the harp is up there with Cornish rock pools, cherries and Wimbledon. Ethereal and delicate, the gliding and plucking of harp strings evokes A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream soundscape.

The perfect marriage Always big news during wedding season. The harp level-pegs with Corinthians 13, but some brides (and grooms) tell us that they’ve struggled to know what will make the most of this stunning instrument. Fret not. we always love coming up with sweet stringed set lists, and adore working with our clients to make sure the strings sing, and the sound track’s 100% you.

For instant inspiration, here’s our Top of the Harpist Pops Wedding checklist:

For the traditionalists

Canon in D, Parchebel

Ave Marie, Schubert

Ode to Joy, Beethoven

Trumpet Tune, Purcell

Feeling a bit braver? 

Take a modern twist – you won’t regret it (and your guests won’t forget it):

Songbird - Eva Cassidy

Halo - Beyoncé

Your song - Elton John

Wonderful tonight - Eric Clapton

Romeo & Juliet - Dire Straits

But harps are for life. Not just for summer

Once the summer crop of newly-weds have returned from their honeymoons, and the nights start to draw in, keep the magic flowing and the blues at bay. 

Music is a merriment aphrodisiac, especially when wrapped in surprising packages for a dollop of wow-factor. We’re confident about putting our stake in the ground as pioneers of unusual and exceptional harp combinations.

Some of our big favourites include....

Harp and saxophone/violin/bass duo

Harp and electric guitar – totally awesome!

Harp and soprano – for a  nice classical twist

Gypsy Jazz trio: harp, guitar, violin

Jazz Quarter: harp, double bass, drums, violin/sax

Fancy a sneak preview? Listen to our harpists in action: 

Smitten>

Rock and Roll Romance> 

Clare De Lune> 

Godfather> 

What harps can't do

Yes they’re versatile. And brilliant. But, a cautionary word. Don't hire a solo harpist for a "dance" set. If you want dancing you need a rhythm section.

Food for thought - snippets from our set lists

Gypsy Jazz

I'll see You In My Dreams

A Minor Swing

All of Me

Blue Drag

It Don't Mean a Thing

Caravan

Mambo Italiano

Belleville

Bistro Fada

Djangology

Bossa Dorada

Sway

Nuages

Dark eyes

Jazz Quartet

Smitten

C'est So Bon

Summertime

Love For Sale

Fly Me to The Moon

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Singin In The Rain

Play With Me

Spain

Misty

When You Wish Upon A Star

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Autumn Leaves

What will people say?

We’re pretty good at reading vibes and setting scenes, but we can’t quite predict minds. However, our harpists get some lovely – and surprising comments – some recent ones include: 

"I didn't know the harp could be played like that!"

"Jazz harp is a thing. I think it's pretty cool."

"You sound like you can play anything"

So whether you’re headed for wedded bliss or looking for an act that’ll add a sparkle of special to your party or corporate event, get sharp, think harp. 

The lovely DJ Minx is off on quite an adventure today – the #citimobilechallenge hackathon. It’s an exciting event hosted by Citibank to test the UK’s best designers and developers to their limits, working on ideas that might just change the way the world banks.

London is the final destination of global run including Silicon Valley, NY, Miami, Bogota, Buenas Aries, Nairobi, Jerusulem, Warwaw.

But what’s a hackathon? Well, according to Oxford Dictionaries, it’s:

“An event, typically lasting several days, in which a large number of people meet to engage in collaborative computer programming."

Who knew! Meanwhile, the folks at Citibank say it’s:

“A unique adventure bringing together hundreds of members of the global FinTech ecosystem. Over the past several months, we have met with inventors, designers, young entrepreneurs, captains of industry and coders from all over Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “

And what inspires creativity to the max? Well, a buzzing soundtrack from the Minxy one, of course.

What will happen? Who knows! That’s the most exciting thing about hackathons – no-one has a clue what will happen next.

But a little bird told us there’ll be prizes, muchos fun times, and potentially projects that might even change the way you and I sort our finances.

So keep an eye on @wheathilltweets and hashtag #citimobilechallenge if you want an insight into exactly what happens when all those clever technical types let loose.

Over to DJ Minx for the last word:

Friday 17 April was another pinch myself kind of day. Watching our team and artists in action at the Piano Bar I felt a tidal wave of pride and gratitude.

A massive thank you to Baz for letting us cause mayhem at his wonderful venue. And to Nick for hooking us up. If you like good music, get yourself down to 106 Kensington High Street pronto where you can lap up quality live jazz six nights a week.

So pleased you both operate on “trust and intuition”. And relieved that having worked with us you felt it was justified. Goodness flows in abundance.

Creating unique material which does justice to the calibre of our artists in a short window of time is intense and challenging. The pressure is on and the clock is unforgiving. But our crew, talented and lovely in equal measure, circumnavigate the pressure. We count our lucky stars to have earned their loyalty.  

Razka Firmanger; The Dopest DOP. Cool, calm and oh so collected. We keep asking for the impossible, and he keeps on delivering. Although sometimes that smile can look a little weary.

Tim Nuggent and Matt Woolley; Sound is safe with you. Two pairs of skillful hands, and four razor sharp ears. You’re awesome. Baby Max thinks so too.

Jason Merrifield; Reporting beauty. Eyes that find the frame and capture the spirit of the moment. Check him out: http://www.j-graphicdesign.co.uk/photography

And of course, no film shoot is complete without Mum and an infant in the background. Layla’s now a school girl so it’s Max’s turn. He was good as gold, keeping beautifully quiet during takes.

Nine months. It can fly by in a whisper, but there’s nothing like gestation and a new arrival to pile on the poignancy. At Wheathill basecamp we’re gut bustingly delighted to welcome baby Max to the fold. Born December 16th, he’s a multi-talented missile scattering delirious joy and weariness.

Before: November 2014. Business brain storming in the Lake District. After: April 2015. The Lakes again, but not so much brain storming this time.

Last Christmas the Hip Hump Camels guided wise men and women to the foot of many a dazzling bar and helped them see the light. And our swinging Penguins cavorted with merry co-workers encouraging much dancing and mirth.

We didn’t anticipate a request for Kookie Kicks to revert into cave dwellers. That was entirely our client's idea, an unusual festive theme for their lavish Christmas party at the Natural History Museum. Welcoming drinks were served to the sounds of Icing on Top, featuring Wheathill DJ Lucy on the decks while Mirrorbelle electric violinist and Cosimo cast starry kaleidoscopes with their dazzling mirror outfit and improvising powers.

Kookie Kicks looked awesome swathed in animal print furs teamed with flint and bone accessories. Supporting Tinie Tempah they performed two belting dance sets, dodged a life sized and terrifyingly convincing roaming T-Rex puppet, along with an assortment of other beasties.

All about Wheathill's Kookie Kicks – videos and more

Raising spirits with beauty

But dressing up doesn’t have to mean quirky. We understand that comedy Christmas outfits aren’t most people’s cup of tea. More often than not it’s beauty that raises the spirits. We need to sparkle externally to get through the dark days and long nights. Christmas provides the perfect excuse to step out of our normal selves, splash out on something fabulous to wear, savour fine food and drink, escape for while and switch off.

Wheathill specialises in entertainment that looks as beautiful and elegant as it sounds. Our elite DJs understand what each audience wants to hear. Perceptive, astute and subtle with their delivery. They survey the crowd and respond with tunes which hit the spot.

Meet top-flight Wheathill DJs> 

The ultimate accessory

Whether it’s a party vibe or a sophisticated dinner, adding live musicians to improvise alongside the DJ mix never fails to impress. It’s such a simple concept, but with the right DJ and musicians, it’s a winner every time. But as with anything simple, impeccable quality is key to success. And quality is what Wheathill does.

Our most popular packages are saxophonists and violinists. Vocals can be lovely, and percussion is brilliant for setting a party pulse. And you don’t need to stop at one musical maestro, a combination can be wonderful.

Take a look at 'Icing on Top' combinations – DJs with added magic> 

All wrapped up

DJs need equipment, and we can help here too. Our flexible Icing on Top packages can include DJ, musicians and production equipment.

So say no to half measures, go the whole hog and throw a party for your staff and cherished ones that makes them feel valued.

A mighty armada of over 50 majestic Tall Ships from around the world are making their way from Falmouth to arrive at Royal Greenwich for a magnificent nautical celebration. So come on down…

Royal Greenwich council has laid on a wealth of fine festivities – which we’re delighted to be part of. Come along, soak up the sights and the sounds, admire the imposing vessels up close, even get a new perspective of the River Thames – on deck, and under sail.

Not such a salty seadog? Pop along to jiggle and shuffle to Wheathill artists performing all day at both the Victoria Deep Water Terminal bandstand and The Woolwich bandstands.

Wheathill’s taking to the bandstands all day TODAY

Royal College Greenwich  Bandstand – 10am to 5pm

Sunshine Champagne Swing

Fabulous homegrown London folk from Greenwich based Trinity College

An explosion of Mardi Gras magic

The Woolwich bandstand – 10am to 5pm

Kings of Soul, Pop and Jazz

Dapper Gypsy Jazz Trio, Django Reinhardt-style

Ska meets Zydeco rock!

Can’t make it? We’ll be sad to miss you. But there’s all kinds of sea-spangled splendour bedecking the banks of the Thames.