5 event entertainment tips from a professional harpist

Musicians see a lot of different events. The tips to a truly successful event remain the same. Our very own PP Harpist shares a few event entertainment tips from her experience as the musician…

Trust your musician

This may be your first, second or even tenth event. We have often done hundreds. In many cases it helps to trust us. I have been asked to arrive 1.5 hours before I am booked to start. Even though the venue is one I am familiar with and I know it only takes me 20 minutes to set up.

Similarly with song choices. Please, absolutely do tell us your favourites and your event style. However, it usually helps to leave it at that. Your artist has done loads of events before and can read the audience. Occasionally I have deviated from a set playlist and I always get thanked afterwards.

Please just trust that we know what we are doing. Talk through your concerns, share your musical or entertainment desires and expectations. But trust that your entertainer will make it work.

Artists perform better when paid and fed

Don’t take this the wrong way, we love what we do. But everyone hates the awkward moment when we have to ask for payment. Why not just get it over and done with as we are setting up so neither of us have to think of it again?

Similarly, if we are there for a long set, and you are eating, could you have a plate sent to us too? Even a plate of sandwiches is nice. Sometimes we were on the road an hour to get to you and setting up for half an hour or more. After even an hour or two playing for you, hunger can come calling!

We know you have a lot to think about on the day, so thinking of these things in advance can help us both.

Communication is key

Make sure your entertainer or musician have the phone number of the venue as an alternate contact for the day. This is especially important for weddings, where even the bridesmaid in charge of music can be caught up and not hear our call. Sometimes the world gets in our way and we are delayed, or lost. It helps to have someone to call.

Similarly, sometimes it helps to link us up with other providers on the day. Event planners are an obvious one, but other musicians or entertainers we need to be aware of are another. It helps us to understand how you want the day to run.

If everyone knows what everyone else is doing it helps ensure the smooth running of your day. And that’s a win for all of us!

Be a bit practical

Just a little bit. We love individuality and we love unique. We love great venues and we love new ideas. To ensure you and your guests enjoy your day though, please think about the venue in relation to the artist you are choosing.

Think about the space. Do you have 150 people in a room with a low ceiling and seek to have a soloist in a corner? Your guests may not hear them at all because the acoustics won’t carry. Similarly, speak to the artist about where you are expecting them to play, they may be able to advise you of a better location within your venue that will enable more of your guests to enjoy their performance.

It can be really disappointing for all involved if your guests cannot hear the artist. Agencies like Landmark Entertainment can help before you even book, by advising on artists who may suit your venue, or alternative options if the artist you like isn’t the best suited.

Vary entertainment over a long event

If you have a long event consider booking multiple artists not one for the entire day. Some big bands will be able to split their performers for you, providing their pianist for drinks, their singer for the meal and the whole ensemble for after dinner dancing. If you book a solo artist like a harpist, there is only so much we can do.

Whilst we are really flattered that you have chosen us to play at your big event we have seen what happens when you book us for a four hour set. As a harpist I have been booked before to provide music for the drinks reception, then also for the meal. It doesn’t matter how much I vary my play list, after a while, your guests will tune me out.

My advice? Book two solo artists. Have a harpist or a pianist as your drinks music, then a singer or saxophonist for your meal. If it were me, I’d book three… Myself for the drinks, an opera singer for a mid meal show and a band to get the party up and dancing at the end of the night.