SOUND ADVICE Tips To Understanding Sound Production Plus A Commonsense Way To Kill The Hum

In sound production, feedback, distortion and hums … or buzzes as they are sometimes called, can spoil even the most compelling presentation or performance.

Feedback, usually heard as loud, high-pitched squeals, occurs when levels are not accurately tuned or when output interferes with input, such as when the head of a microphone is pointed towards a speaker cabinet.

Distortion, which hampers one’s ability to decipher what is being amplified, is heard when wireless signals, from within or even outside the event space, impede upon each other.

Both feedback and distortion can be avoided, but it is important to note that there is never an absolute guarantee they won’t occur, even with the most professional engineer on deck (who should be able to respond quickly and reduce repeat occurrences).

Hums or buzzes, on the other hand, are most often byproducts of power distribution, and result when the power generating the sound is not “dedicated,” but rather is also supplying power to other equipment. To prevent hums or buzzes, ensure that power secured through your venue professional or power provider for sound amplification (and video, if applicable) comes from “dedicated” circuits separate from that for lighting and kitchen appliances.

‘TIS THE SEASON Let’s Get Jolly with NOW FLiP THIS

The little elves are working hard to bring you fresh ideas to “jolly up” your holiday season. Take a gander at what’s available this year from Bollotta Entertainment, and be sure to call or email Alice Stinnett for even more unique and engaging options, at alice@bollotta.com or 619-295-3522!

No doubt you’ve had that obligatory photo-op at an event recently, but we guarantee you, it was nothing like NOW FLiP THIS! A veritable animation of photography, Now Flip This gets its inspiration from the same technique used to create cinema, called persistence of vision.

Here’s how it works: A series of fast-paced shots are taken of participating guests as they engage in tomfoolery, enhanced by provided props (of course). Images are then printed, spliced and laid into a pocket size bound flip book, which takes under 3 minutes to make. That’s it! The result: Each guest takes home a very entertaining, branded memento of your event to “flip over” with family and friends. And believe us, They will!

‘TIS THE SEASON Let’s Get Jolly with Scott Williams

The little elves are working hard to bring you fresh ideas to “jolly up” your holiday season. Take a gander at what’s available this year from Bollotta Entertainment, and be sure to call or email Alice Stinnett for even more unique and engaging options, at alice@bollotta.com or 619-295-3522!

SCOTT WILLIAMS began playing the hammered dulcimer upon seeing it played at a Renaissance Festival many moons ago. Offering a repertoire of Celtic, Folk, Colonial, and Classical pieces, his tuneful renderings on this centuries-old instrument provides the perfect ambiance for a holiday gathering, unlike any other.

Intriguing without being intrusive, Scott Williams’ masterful hammering of melodies rings life into an event, without obscuring conversations. Scott has played a multitude of national festivals and private engagements, and has recorded two studio albums. Hear Scott play now at BOLLOTTA.COM

‘TIS THE SEASON Let’s Get Jolly With The Peppermint Princess

The little elves are working hard to bring you fresh ideas to “jolly up” your holiday season. Take a gander at what’s available this year from Bollotta Entertainment, and be sure to call or email Alice Stinnett for even more unique and engaging options, at alice@bollotta.com or 619-295-3522!

No one makes children bellow louder with glee than Bollotta Entertainment’s enchanted PEPPERMINT PRINCESS. Delightfully whimsical, but as wise as wise can be, she mesmerizes the kiddies with her magical storytelling, interactive activities, and ample swag giving. A message of kindness, compassion and generosity is woven into her routine, ensuring that all participating children leave bearing gifts that can forever bring happiness.

Stinnett Spreads Her Wings At ISES San Diego

Stinnett Spreads Her Wings At ISES San Diego, whereas of July she has been serving as the organization’s President-elect. Dedicated to upholding the highest standards of the industry through her tenure at ISES, she serves the organization with integrity and accountability. Hats off to Alice Stinnett!!!

Michael McGuire Is MPI San Diego Chapter's VP of Membership

McGuire Motivates MPI Members as part of his new duties as the San Diego Chapter’s Vice President of Membership. He’s charged with developing member-care related initiatives, and is ultimately responsible for recruitment and retention, overseeing numerous committees. Exhibiting real value to the organization through his dedicated leadership, hands together for Mike McGuire!

Michael McGuire Is MPI San Diego Chapter's VP of Membership

McGuire Motivates MPI Members as part of his new duties as the San Diego Chapter’s Vice President of Membership. He’s charged with developing member-care related initiatives, and is ultimately responsible for recruitment and retention, overseeing numerous committees. Exhibiting real value to the organization through his dedicated leadership, hands together for Mike McGuire!

GLEEFUL EXPRESSIONS: Delightful and Unique Musical Options

(Chula Vista Vocal Synergy Choir)

Music is the universal language. It crosses international boarders and brings people together in a way that no other medium can. It also can inspire, console, even uplift us. And what’s more… it’s contagious…. And in such, goes a long way in setting the tone of an event, as well as making it memorable.

At Bollotta Entertainment, music is our specialty. We offer all formats, from dance bands to soloists, and all styles, from Middle Eastern to Surf Rock. But in the spotlight this quarter are three performance entities that take music to an even higher level.

Given the popularity of the television series, Glee, Bollotta Entertainment proudly presents both Vocal Synergy, a San Diego homegrown, Grammy Award-winning high school group that offers Glee-like performances with up to 30-performers, and S I N G, a college-based group that travels nationally and performs a variety of popular music from The Beatles to Black Eyed Peas. Both groups feature slick, uniform choreography that underscores their incredible voices, as well as diversity within their performance ranks.

The perfect selection for entertainment during dinner or throughout a recognition event, or even before a general session, both Vocal Synergy and S I N G are upbeat, engaging and offer a lot of bang for the buck!

And then there’s Kim Olson, a longtime Disney performer, who brings his clever brand of music performance to events nationwide. Uber-talented, Kim begins a performance by meandering through the reception with guitar in hand. He stops to chat with a group of event goers, asking them questions and engaging them in conversation.

Then, before moving on, he offers the group a song based on their answers to his questions and the conversation in general. Before the evening is over, Kim steps to the stage, where he offers the entire group a custom song, composed exclusively for them. Clever, witty, and extremely engaging, Kim never ceases to amaze an audience with his deft songwriting and performance skills.

HE DID IT HIS WAY Bollotta Produces Midway American Patriot Award Ceremonies Honoring Lee Iacocca

Lee Iacocca is arguably the world’s most well known CEO. As the president of Ford and then Chrysler, he forever changed America’s automobile industry. As a staunch patriot, he works tirelessly to ensure America’s history and values remain respected and revered for generations to come.

Bollotta Entertainment recently had the good fortune to help develop an evening honoring Iacocca on board the USS Midway, which named him its 2010 Midway American Patriot at its annual Gala this past September.

Attended by some 700 Midway supporters and Iacocca admirers, the evening had all the appropriate trimmings, a ride down the flight deck by Iacocca in a vintage Mustang convertible, an original tribute song provided by the Banger’s All American Rock-n-Roll Band from Princeton, an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem by Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron and the Navy Band Southwest, a delectable dinner, a ceremonial video and presentation, the San Diego Symphony featuring Frank Sinatra, Jr., with whose father, Lee Iacocca was good friends, fireworks, and Jack, from the Jack In The Box Foundation, which co-presented the evening.

Orchestrated by Bollotta Entertainment, who also scripted the video and on-stage presentation, the evening celebrated Lee Iacocca’s accomplishments through an expert blend of elements that lent the evening reverence and whimsy.

Fall/Winter 2010 Bollotta Entertainment Newsletter

Hello friends! Our latest newsletter is hot off the presses. We've created a fresh, new layout. We hope you like it. Let us know what you think!

Get your copy here: Download PDF Version

Bollotta Entertainment Makes It To Finals of Southern California Meetings & Events Magazine Reader's Choice Awards

Bollotta Entertainment Makes It To The Finals of Southern California Meetings & Events Magazine’s coveted Reader’s Choice Awards (for the second consecutive year) in the category of Best Entertainment Agency.

THE NEEDEMANN BROTHERS ARE BACK - Celebration Cabaret October 29th

Called the feel good show of the year, The Needemann Brothers bring their hilarious antics back to San Diego on October 29th, to The Celebration Cabaret in Sorrento Valley. Featuring never-been-seen material, and decades of popular song, the brothers promise a memorable evening of laughter and lunacy. For more information and tickets, visit the Celebration Cabaret website.

The C Notes For A Keynote

Procuring the right professional speaker for your conference or meeting requires plenty of planning, and comes with a lot of pressure. Below are few helpful hints to help guide you through the process of selecting a keynote speaker that will set the tone of your conference, and/or help provide a continuum of ideas based on your objectives.

BE TIP#1: KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE...
Their job titles, duties, goals, the micro cultures in which they work, their challenges, and most importantly what it is they need to hear...feel...take away from the keynote.

BE TIP#2: KNOW YOUR OBJECTIVE...
There are usually many objectives, so the key here is to prioritize... Especially if you’re only able to offer one keynote experience within the context of your meeting. Understand what is most important for your audience to garner from their keynote experience, and be able to differentiate whether you want them to have an emotion response, or a cerebral one.

BE TIP #3: KNOW YOUR BUDGET…
Speaker fee ranges are all over the board, with qualified, effective and credentialed speakers requesting fees from $7,500-$15,000 on the low end, $20,000-$50,000 mid-range, and well beyond that for celebrities, sports figures, and well-known CEO’s and business leaders. That old saying, “The bigger the name, the bigger the fee,” is put into play here. As is, “The more in-depth the expertise, the bigger the fee.” Remember that quoted speaker fees usually do not include travel and production expenses.

BE TIP #4: KNOW YOUR OPTIONS…
Whomever you choose to help find you the right speaker, make sure you receive a picture, a brief bio, information on all professional designations, evidence that he or she possesses the expertise you require, and accurate pricing and rider requirements. Obtaining a client list, as well as information on any books or articles they’ve published is also helpful in knowing your options before you make a selection. Once you’ve narrowed the options down to 2 or 3, request video footage and a conference call directly with the speaker.

For more information on speaker booking, call or email Michael McGuire at 619-295-3522 or michael@bollotta.com.

Before working at Bollotta Entertainment, Michael worked directly with Tony Robbins as a Regional Manager and Training Facilitator. He also promoted Ken Blanchard, and The Success Seminars, and was a VP of a speaker’s bureau. Michael’s experience enables him to help select appropriate options of professional speakers for your meeting.

ERINA IS STAR STRUCK IN HOLLYWOOD

A Japanese based network marketing company, Erina’s biannual incentive events reward high-producers with lavish celebrations and a recognition ceremony akin to the Oscars. So much so that the first of Erina’s 2010 recognition events, Achiever’s Seminar 2010, was held at the home of the Oscars…The Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Contracted by Bollotta Entertainment, The Kodak Theatre’s 4,500 square-foot stage was fitted with alluring Austrian drapery, and a dynamic customized podium which was ultimately shipped to Japan for later use.

Bollotta also provided production support to Erina’s Japanese-based production company. In such, Bollotta coordinated the Union calls, and all the logistics surrounding the install and operation of the Seminar, including a “remote” shoot featuring the highest achievers, which occurred at the entrance to the theatre, and the partial closure of Hollywood Boulevard.

Then, Bollotta Entertainment pulled out all the Hollywood stops for Erina with an evening entitled “Hooray For Hollywood,” held in the Wolfgang Puck Ballroom, next to the Kodak Theatre. Featuring dynamic red rose centerpieces atop luxurious table linens, gobo-enhanced room lighting, Marilyn, Elvis and Lucy impersonators, and a custom show highlighting segments from popular movies musicals, Erina’s more than 500 achievers were star struck by all the festivities.

FEATURED TALENT: Kelli Adame

Kelli Adame is a lifelong organizer who holds a BS in Psychology from Santa Clara University, with an emphasis in organizational development. Since 2002, Kelli has facilitated countless projects for individuals and small businesses. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and is a certified facilitator of Letting Go Lightening Up workshops and Freedom Filiers.

Available for meetings and spouse programs, Kelli helps those who experience her seminar to live better through better organization!

FEATURED ARTIST: ROBIN ADLER & THE MUTTS OF THE PLANET

Vocalist Robin Adler, veteran of the Peter Sprague group, and her husband, multi-instrumentalist music producer Dave Blackburn, both lifelong fans of Joni Mitchell, have assembled a group of extraordinary musicians (the Mutts of the Planet, after a line from a JM lyric), to evolve fresh arrangements of well-known Mitchell standards such as “Woodstock”, “River” and “Both Sides Now”.

The music is presented along with illuminating details about Mitchell’s songs and the circumstances of their creation. The result has been a hugely successful series of sold out concerts prompting such audience testimonials as, “Robin's vocals were dead on,” and “Was it worth the 2,281 miles I traveled to hear it? Oh heck yeah!”

FEATURED ARTIST: COMEDIAN FRANK KING

Comedian, Frank King and his numerous gigs, Frank is a contributor to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

He has also appeared on An Evening at the Improv, Comedy on the Road, Showtime Comedy Club Network, the Joan Rivers Show,Can we talk? and on the Dennis Miller Show on CNBC.

For better-than-ever rates on a sophisticatedly funny Frank King performance, please contact Bollotta Entertainment atinfo@bollotta.com.

FEATURED ARTISTS: The Might Untouchables

The Mighty Untouchables:

This supreme eight-piece multicultural mix of musicians and singers entertain throughout the world, and are guaranteed to please audiences of all tastes with their extensive and diverse collection of material.

The Mighty Untouchables offers musical selections from Motown to classic rock, as well as Latin, country, current pop hits, and much more. Their repertoire includes songs from The Temptations, Carrie Underwood, Journey, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Guns N’ Roses, Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, just to name a few!

If you want fun and excitement with all the class and cache, this band delivers.

HOT TIME IN THE SUMMER

Summer is fast approaching. Can we get a Hollah for long, sun-filled days, warm temperatures, and fun, fun, fun? After all, that is what summer is all about. That, and picnics of course. Picnics at the beach, picnics in the park... Even picnics on your own grounds. And everyone knows that a good picnic is composed of tasty morsels and interactive activities. That’s where Bollotta entertainment comes in. We’re your source for quality, affordable picnic entertainment, such as...

THE FUN ZONE featuring a Crafts Table, a Bubble Tub, Hippity Hops, Ball Toss Games, Pop-Up Tunnels, and Building Blocks!

THE FAMILY CORRAL Featuring a variety of family appropriate competitive and noncompetitive games with prizes, and a Crafts Table, where more than five different craft projects are available!

THE KIDS CORRAL featuring a variety of child-appropriate competitive and noncompetitive games with prizes, face-painting and a giant Bubble Tub!

THE ALL-AMERICAN PICNIC SHOW featuring a MC/Host Character and a DJ who initiate and run a variety of picnic games, including Monster Water Balloon, Tug O’ War, Musical Sponges, Bingo and Trivia, and give out more than $100 in prizes each hour!

Just Don’t Take Our Word For It!

Southern California Meetings + Events Magazine ranked Bollotta Entertainment as runner up for Best Entertainment Company of 2009

WHERE YOU GOING? BARCELONA

Or more appropriately, where'd you go? In February, Anthony Bollotta was brought to Barcelona by Microsoft and its PR Agency, Envy Create, to direct a press conference produced in association with the company's presence at Mobile World Congress.

With compelling news to share… the reveal of Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Series, and an appearance by the big boss, CEO Steve Ballmer, Bollotta was tapped to help keep the content succinct, assist in the creation of an effective stage set, and most importantly, call the show.

The Barcelona project was Bollotta's second with Microsoft and PR Agency Envy Create. In October, Bollotta will again be on Microsoft's Open House team, currently slated to appear in New York City.