Bollotta Entertainment

Bollotta Entertainment Featured Talent: The Cocktail Kittens

2011-04-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

San Diego's official all female professional bar tending team is comprised of some of the best looking and most capable bartenders in San Diego, The Cocktail Kittens are trained professionals who exhibit a commitment to quality, service and the field of mixology.

Bringing everything they need to create great cocktails (except the alcohol itself) the Cocktail Kittens mix and serve with flair and finesse. What’s more, they add spice and allure, making any event one to
remember.

To book The Cocktail Kittens for your next event, call 619-295-3522 today.

Anthony Bollotta Is Named To SDSU Institute of Meetings & Events Advisory Council

2011-03-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Anthony Bollotta has been named to SDSU’s Institute of Meetings & Events’ Advisory Council. Initiated through an endowment donated by Patti Roscoe of PRA fame, the institute is being developed to educate and train students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program who want an emphasis in meetings and events. Currently the HTM program offers students a focus in hotel management.

Bollotta Entertainment Welcomes Intern Maryann Svaglinac

2011-03-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment welcomes SDSU student Maryann Svaglinac to the fold. In it’s effort to support the Hospitality and Tourism Management School at San Diego State University, Bollotta Entertainment has hired the SDSU junior to intern on a part time basis.

In her position at Bollotta, Maryann supports operations and sales and reports directly to operations manager, Ray Roa. Next time you phone Bollotta Entertainment, take a moment to say hello to Maryann, who is quickly learning the ropes.

APPRECIATION APPEAL: Bollotta Entertainment Offers Three Tips To Make Your Appreciation Events More Appealing

2011-03-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

By Anthony Bollotta

The intent behind recognition events is noble; reward achievement so as to better cultivate a sense of appreciation, and ultimately lift morale. Yet many recognition ceremonies become so beleaguered by program inefficiencies, they are anything but morale boosting.

1) OMIT LONG SPEECHES & DESCRIPTIONS

Nothing kills a recognition event faster than the slow droning on of a long oration. Even the most good-intentioned speech… one brimming with superlatives, loses its effectiveness when it carries on too long. The same goes for honoree descriptions.

Bottom line? Keep speeches short and to the point, and try not to use the opportunity to educate or proselytize. When describing achievements, remain focused on high points and leave the rest behind. And unless you’re hosting a roast, leave the jokes there too.

Recognition speeches should be congratulatory and respectful. Keeping them short shows a general respect for people’s time and plays to their short attention spans. Short speeches also do a better job of recognizing achievements because they don’t barrel past the tolerance level of the audience. To ensure speeches are kept short, script and time the entire ceremony, and use a teleprompter to keep presenters on track.

2) INCORPORATE MUSIC INTO THE CEREMONY
Music is powerful… especially when an audience can relate to it. It can turn an otherwise boring recognition event into a joyous, memorable occasion when used correctly.

To do that, take the time to choose music appropriate to your group… happy, upbeat music that is celebratory in nature. Have the music edited if at all possible, and use it for award walk-ons. The best award walk-ons comment lyrically on the award or the honoree, thus providing another layer of fascination.

It is important to keep in mind when using licensed music that the presenting company should first obtain Music Performance Agreements from the three agencies that collect and disburse music royalty fees: BMI (http://www.bmi.com), ASCAP (http://www.ascap.com) and SESAC (http://www.sesac.com). These agreements must be obtained by the presenting company and are not the responsibility of any creative talent hired to provide live or recorded music.

3) GET EVERYONE’S ATTENTION BEFORE STARTING
We’re not talking about keeping an audience’s attention. That’s an entirely different topic. We’re talking about getting it. For some, this is the biggest challenge of all. Their audiences are unresponsive to VOG seating requests, or those that welcome presenters to the stage. For these types of audiences, starting the award presentation with some kind of catchy, upbeat entertainment or comedian emcee can help to garner focus and prepare people for what’s to come. But “grabbing” an audience doesn’t have to consume time. One can do it quickly and efficiently by employing a little creativity and taking some calculated risk.

Rather than the incessant, ineffective VOG pleas to quiet down, consider employing a specially selected sound effect to cajole the audience into paying attention. Sound effects come in many varieties and can be purchased for pennies at both the iTunes Store, and at www.sounddogs.com. At both outlets, you’ll find a plethora of categories to search through ranging from the audibly inane to the delightfully whimsical, and purchasing is easy.

Naturally, the trick is in picking the right effect, which is done best with a keen knowledge of your group demographics. Hone in on one that will support your message, or more importantly, your brand, and keep it short and succinct.

For help building your next unforgettable recognition ceremony, call our experts at 619-295-3522 or email info@bollotta.com

Anthony Bollotta To Write And Direct La Jolla Playhouse Honors

2011-03-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Anthony Bollotta has been selected to write and direct the La Jolla Playhouse Honors, which pays tribute to the Playhouse’s major philanthropic and artistic contributors. Hosted at the Playhouse itself, the show will feature performances by Law and Order’s B.D. Wong, and composer Amanda Green and Broadway’s James Iglehart. Jesse Tyler Ferguson, from television’s Modern Family is on tap to host the event, which will honor B.D. Wong, set designer Robert Brill and playwright Doug Wright. Scheduled to hit the Potiker Theatre on March 19th, the event is planned for a sell-out audience of La Jolla Playhouse supporters.

Bollotta Entertainment Featured Talent: ROBIN ADLER & THE MUTTS OF THE PLANET - Joni Mitchell Cover Band Brings Uncanny Sounds To Your Next Event

2011-03-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

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!”

Anthony Bollotta Is Instructor of The Year

2011-03-11T07:08:00.000-08:00

Anthony Bollotta is named Instructor of the Year for the third time since he began teaching in the Event Management Certification program at the University of San Diego. The honor comes from the students who evaluate each class in the curriculum program prior to completing them. Bollotta was previously named Instructor of the Year in 2003 and 2008.

Discover The Bollotta Experience On Our New Website

2011-03-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Bollotta Entertainment has a new, easy to navigate website featuring tabs that will give the viewer purview into the many entertainment options available.

Complete with audio and video clips that are also featured on Bollotta’s new Youtube channel BollottaEntertains, this new format enables buyers to send their clients video and audio links without divulging their source.

For a closer look at Bollotta Entertainment’s new website, log onto http://www.bollotta.com.

To check out Bollotta Entertainment’s youtube channel, log onto to youtube and then search for BollottaEntertains.

The Value of Entertainment In Business: Increase Your ROI With Strategic Event Production

2011-03-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

By Michael McGuire

What value do you place on entertainment? In order to truly answer that question, you need to dig a little deeper and determine the purpose you would like your entertainment to serve at your meeting or conference.

Entertainment is a valuable communication tool to connect people, generations, and cultures. It stimulates emotions, balances energy, and is instrumental in opening the
mind to creative thought. Entertainment furthers objectives and messages, and often sets the mood for how your attendees integrate the conference experience. In such, the ROI on entertainment is huge.

There are various ways to utilize entertainment to accomplish your meeting objectives. Greeters, such as stilt walkers or look-a-likes can serve to uplift your attendees as they
enter the venue, and also serve as people movers to get people to their seats.

A high-energy opening, combining production elements of sound, lights, and special effects, will awaken and excite your attendees for what is to come in your meeting. By customizing the entertainment (song parodies, specific talent that can interact with your attendees), you can deliver your message in a fun upbeat manner that will greatly assist in its integration, and create a natural segue to your opening speaker. Equally good is utilizing this concept as a closing to excite your attendees for your next meeting and location. Of course entertainment can be used to simply relax your guests as background music to cultivate networking at a reception, and a band or DJ for kicking up your heels after
dinner!

So how do you budget for entertainment? A good rule of thumb is asking how much you are willing to spend on it for yourself. For example, if you were to take yourself to the movies, you would spend $20 between the ticket, a soft-drink, and a small bucket of popcorn. This is just a basic guideline, and would vary from market to market, and a steal compared to what you pay per person to feed and decorate your event.

For ideas on how we provide entertainment with a purpose, please call us for options at 619-295-3522 or email us at info@bollotta.com.

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

2010-11-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-10T07:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

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

2010-11-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

GLEEFUL EXPRESSIONS: Delightful and Unique Musical Options

2010-10-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

(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

2010-10-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-20T07:03:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

WHERE YOU GOING? BARCELONA

2010-04-26T14:23:00.001-07:00

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.

LOOKING FOR STAR POWER TO IGNITE YOUR INCENTIVE EVENT?

2009-10-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

In cooperation with TEAMNet partner, San Francisco based Innovative Entertainment, Bollotta Entertainment has slated the Marshall Tucker Band for an intimate PacLife Incentive Event for their top 100 recruiters set to occur on the 18th hole of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, SC.

A MACRO EVENT FOR MICROSOFT IN NYC

2009-09-25T03:40:00.000-07:00

Envy-Create and its teams of event professionals, including Anthony Bollotta, is designing and producing a completely customized three day event rolling out Microsoft’s 2009 product lineup for the holiday season at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City on October 6th.

A day-long press event will include a keynote by MS President of Entertainment & Devices, Robbie Bach, as well as product demos, one-on-one interviews with MS execs, libations and other surprises.

HELP YOUR EMPLOYEES RETAIN INFO WITH CUSTOM SKITS

2009-09-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment will be scripting, casting, directing, and producing a parody skit for the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau entitled “10 Stupid Things We Do to Mess Up a Site Inspection.”

The parody skit will address the issues of an unprofessional site inspection in a comical manner and will be performed September 16th at the Natural History Museum in front of member venues, hotels, and DMC’s who might be involved in a site inspection.

The intent of the skit is to educate, encourage consistency, and serve as a springboard to further explore and improve the site inspection process, and thus increase the conversion rate of meetings in San Diego.

EVENING OF COMEDY

2009-09-10T03:57:00.000-07:00

A 45 to 60-minute clean comedy dinner show with emcee, CHRISTIAN SPICER, MAL HALL and KURT SWANN, brings an evening of unmitigated laughter through their fresh commentaries of today’s society and current affairs.

With so much experience at their disposal, each and every performance can be customized to meet the needs of any audience and event.

FALL 2009 BEN

2009-09-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

Click on the image to see a collection of our latest news, greatest entertainers, and scheduled events!

DON’T GET STUCK WITH HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT LEFTOVERS

2009-09-07T03:36:00.000-07:00

For a stress free new year reserve your holiday entertainment months in advance.

Choose from a variety of entertainment for your specific audience: Dinner and Dance Bands, Santa Clause, Peppermint Princess, kid friendly DJs, stilt walkers, fun interactive shows, craft tables, joyful sing alongs, Holiday carolers, galore!

CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S SPACE LEGENDS

2009-09-06T04:09:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11's lunar landing, the USS Midway Museum in association with the San Diego Air & Space Museum presented Race To The Moon, A Celebration With Space Legends aboard the flight deck of the USS Midway on Saturday, Sept 5th. The evening featured the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, 8 young vocalists from Leigh Scarritt Productions, and NASA’s newest Administrator Charlie Bolden.

Bollotta was tapped to produce and direct the dramatic ceremony, which honored 10 Astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Mission, who during the 1960’s brought the US to the moon.

CUSO: CORPORATE GENERAL SESSIONS MADE SIMPLE

2009-08-25T04:17:00.000-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment completed production for CUSO Financial Services’ annual meeting for the 8th consecutive year. Presented at the Manchester Grand Hyatt right here in sunny San Diego, the 3-day meeting was composed of 5 General Sessions featuring employee awards, production awards, keynote speakers, and various presentations.

Bollotta Entertainment was tasked, as they are every year, with providing the scripting of all the general sessions, as well as the flow and outlines for the events, the music, the stage direction and management, and all of the technical management as well.

Working with CFS’s Senior VP of Marketing, Steve Hollenbeck, as well as with an executive committee, which oversees all conference planning Bollotta Entertainment has developed a comprehensive understanding of how financial meetings must run in order to remain effective and compliant.

MICHAEL IS MPI MODERATOR

2009-02-19T08:18:00.001-08:00

Michael McGuire was appointed Chair to the CSR Committee (Corporate Social Responsibility) for the San Diego Chapter of MPI for 2008-2009. In late November, he worked with the Educational Committee to put together a program on CSR including what questions to ask in planning green meetings and combining an event with community outreach.

In a “talk show” format, Michael moderated a panel of 5 industry experts, including the MPI Headquarters Director of Corporate Responsibility, that covered topics like green-washing, green meetings standards, using charitable outreaches as teambuilding and networking opportunities at conferences, water conservation, remaining profitable in planning green events, food composting, recycling, carbon footprints and offsets, and what questions to ask suppliers in planning a green meeting. The program was combined with a blanket and towel drive for the Veteran’s Village of San Diego (VVSD), which provides transitional living for veteran’s of all wars, and support services for those who served.

There were over 110 planners and suppliers in attendance. This meeting was planned with green in mind (no hand-outs), and it was the first in the history of MPI to be put into a Podcast for members who could not attend.

Since being appointed to this position, Michael is also part of a monthly global conference call of other CSR’s (UK, Canada, and US) that discusses ideas, concepts, and initiatives that support eco-friendly and socially responsible meetings on a global basis.

ANTHONY IS TSE AMBASSADOR AND PRODUCING TALENT CABARET

2009-02-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

In January, The Special Event descended upon San Diego. As Ambassador to the trade show and conference, Anthony maintained a very visible presence during the show, which included a welcome on behalf of the city of San Diego at the general session and the presentation of 4 Gala Awards with co-Ambassador, Tracey Brenneman (formerly of PRA San Diego). In addition, Anthony helped general session/Gala Award producer, Anthony Welsh, with MPG, by scripting and directing both events. Bollotta Entertainment also sponsored general session speaker, Rich Wilkins, who lightened the mood of economy-rattled attendees by showing them how to remain positive in a down economy.

Ugly Betty Look-A-Like For Your Mode Inspired Event

2009-02-19T08:13:00.001-08:00

If you have watched the hit ABC comedy, Ugly Betty, you already know that the main reason for its success is the sweet, intelligent, hard-working and fashion-challenged character of Betty Suarez. That same loveable character can now also be part of your event with Bollotta Entertainment’s exclusive look-a-like “Betty.” Her uncanny resemblance will certainly turn heads, and her impersonation of the lovable character is spot on. In fact, she went along with our Bollotta staff on their holiday visits to many of our local clients. The end result? Everyone swore it was the star herself! Let Ugly Betty add the same spark to your next event, as she does to the halls of MODE.

VOTE BOLLOTTA ENTERTAINMENT AS ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR

2008-11-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

According to the Official Event Solutions Website, "the eagerly awaited 2009 Event Solutions Spotlight Awards process is in full swing."

"Top event professionals from around the globe entered the 2009 Event Solutions Spotlight Awards. Colleagues nominated their valued strategic partners. The impressive list of nominees and entrants includes industry luminaries who provide for and create every element of a fabulous event or meeting."

"The Event Solutions Spotlight Awards are unique to the event world. These prestigious awards recognize and honor the top individuals and companies which lead our vibrant industry."

In order to vote for Bollotta Entertainment, in the Entertainment Company of the Year category, simply click to vote.

All that is required is to submit a valid email address before voting.

Entertainment Company of the Year is the 6th category down, and Bollotta Entertainment is the second choice on the list. Show your support for your FAVORITE entertainment company!

Visit the Event Solutions Website to learn more about the finalists.

*Article Source

Victoria's Best Kept Secret: Bollotta Entertainment

2008-10-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Referred by Columbus based Mills James, Victoria Secret chose Bollotta Entertainment to select a dynamic female speaker to motivate their store managers for its San Diego conference. Amongst several candidates, Victoria's Secret chose corporate motivational speaker Jackie Freiberg to inspire action from her audience with a customized speech covering topics of leadership, management, and sales initiatives.

With high ratings and overwhelming success, Jackie continues to offer speeches throughout the nation, along with her husband and partner, Kevin Freiberg who are available through Bollotta Entertainment.

Event Solutions Magazine Spotlight Awards 2009

2008-10-16T17:14:00.001-07:00

Bollota Entertainment is one of the seven finalists vying for Event Solutions Magazine's Spotlight Award in the Best Entertainment Company category for 2009 set to occur on February 25, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spotlight Award is presented to the entertainment company that best creates and executes entertainment concepts in the meetings and events industry.

To be a finalist for a Spotlight Award a company must be nominated and is required to submit case studies demonstrating how their concepts helped their clients realize meeting or event goals. For its submission, Bollotta Entertainment submitted their 2007 and 2008 concepts for the Reed Smith Law Firm and Qualcomm, the wireless telecommunications research and development company based in San Diego.

Bollotta Entertainment is credited for producing the entertainment for the 2007 Spotlight Awards ceremony that took place at the Gusman Theater in Miami, Florida.

Fleet Week's "A Salute To Our Heroes"

2008-10-16T16:59:00.001-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment created and produced the USO Show entitled "A Salute To Our Heroes," for San Diego's Fleet Week Foundation. Written by Anthony Bollotta, the performance included America's favorite standards such as the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo", "I'll Be Seeing You", "Accentuate The Positive" and "Sentimental Journey". The show also featured Joe Raposo's "America Is," written to celebrate the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty and Betty Hutton's comedy song entitled "I'm Doin' It For Defense".

Comprised of 8 professional singers, including the hilarious Eileen Bowman and enchanting Susan De Leon, the show featured Bollotta's own Chris Thomas and Anthony Bollotta. Off-Broadway composer and lyricist Rayme Sciaroni provided the show's musical accompaniment.

"A Salute To Our Heroes" was performed in conjunction with Fleet Week 2008 for a military audience, San Diego politicians, and corporate friends. During the show, Fleet Week Foundation's Steve Cushman and Bill Hall presented the organization's Hall of Fame Awards as the cast performed incidental renditions of "America The Beautiful" and "God Bless America".

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Performs for FM Global

2008-07-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment kicked off the San Diego summer with a performance by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Booked for FM Global, through New Jersey based meeting planning company, The Charles Group, Frankie's 90-minute show featured the singer's greatest hits, such as "Rag Doll", "Walk Like A Man", "Grease", and "My Eyes Adored You" along with selections from his newly released album, Romancing The 60's.

Personable and able to reach those outrageously high notes that made him a hit throughout the 1960s and 70s, Frankie and his Seasons whipped a historically sedate crowd of insurance professionals into a frenzy of dancing, celebrating concert goers.

Staged at San Diego's legendary Humphrey's By The Bay outdoor concert venue, Frankie's show was complete with full rhythm and five-piece horn sections, replicating those distinctly lush arrangements of yesteryear. His witty, yet endearingly humble banter with the audience showed off that star quality that typically separates the posers from the real McCoys.

Frankie is indeed the real McCoy. Playing off of the incredible success of Broadway's Jersey Boys, which continues to tour the U.S., his show is as relevant now as it was forty years ago. For an evening of classic hits and timeless charm, Valli is the word!

Original Voices of Rock N' Roll Perform For PETCO

2008-07-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Original Voices of Rock N’ Roll are set to perform for PETCO’s Annual Leadership Summit on August 13th, 2008 in Washington D.C. Offering a smattering of their hits, the “lead singers” are supported by a single band in a cool 90-minute performance! These are THE voices that you heard on the radio, on the albums, and in concert! Collectively, Mickey Thomas from Starship, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Jim Jamison of Survivor, and Skip Martin of The Dazz Band enjoy 25 Gold Albums, 26 Platinum and Multi-Platinum Albums, 57 Top Forty singles, 25 Top Ten singles, and 10 Number One Hits!

BILLY CRYSTAL: NOW AVAILABLE FOR CORPORATE AND PRIVATE EVENTS

2008-07-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Billy Crystal is NOW AVAILABLE FOR CORPORATE AND PRIVATE DATES. Known to audiences world wide, the award-winning performer continues to stretch the boundaries of comedy. In addition to his Tony Award-winning one-man show "700 Sundays," which broke box office records and remains the highest grossing non-musical in Broadway history, he has served as a host of the Grammy Awards three times, and hosted the Academy Awards ceremony eight times.

Audiences also know Crystal from his early stand-up touring days, his acclaimed performances on "Soap" and "Saturday Night Live" and additionally his big screen performances in WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, CITY SLICKERS, ANALYZE THIS, and MONSTERS, INC.

In all his years as a performer, Billy Crystal never ceases to entertain and please his audiences in all forms of entertainment.

Now Available: Ashanti

2008-07-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Grammy Award winning R&B sensation ASHANTI has released her first single The Way That I Love You. The single is racing up the Billboard R&B charts at number 17 and is working its way up the HOT 100 chart. Her current album entitled : The Declaration is currently #14 on the Billboard Albums Sales Chart and #10 on ITUNES Top R&B Albums Chart. Her second single, Good, Good video debuted on BET's 106 and Park on Thursday July 17th. The talented singer was also featured on the program.

Ashanti is currently planning a tour and will perform, along with her current hits, her classic hits such as Foolish, Happy, Rock Wit U, Baby and more! Don't miss a chance to book Ashanti for your event or venue; her performances can be arranged with a full band or track.

Bollotta Entertainment Proposes Music Stars For Barcelona

2008-06-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment (BE) has proposed headline artists for an event in Barcelona, Spain hosted by a major San Diego based corporation. The event, scheduled early 2009, will have an unplugged, intimate feel in keeping with venue logistics.

The top tier artists proposed for this are singer-song writer Colbie Caillat, American Idol star Chris Daughtry and his self titled band Daughtry, in addition to singer-song writer Natasha Bedingfield. Other options presented to the client are Fergie, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Clarkson and Seal.

To keep up with its client's demands for headliner and A-List performers, Bollotta Entertainment continues to make strides in this area of the entertainment industry. As recent as May, 2008 BE coordinated the performance of LIVE for Qualcomm, as well as a performance by Original Voices of Rock ‘n Roll, staring Starship with Mickey Thomas, Bobby Kimball, Mike Reno, John Cafferty and Jimi Jamison. In April, Bollotta staged a private performance by Frankie Valle at San Diego’s Humphrey’s By The Bay.

Artists: How To Join The Bollotta Entertainment Roster

2008-06-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment has a roster of talented artists that possess an extensive professional and education history that shines at every performance. Our clients range from private party hosts to full scale corporate productions for large audiences who all demand high quality performers who deliver a stellar performance every time.

To provide our clients the best entertainers, Bollotta Entertaiment uses a stringent quarterly review process of potential artists. To be considered, Artists must include the following information with their submission:

Contact Information:
Contact Name and/or Booking Agent, Contact Number(s), Email Address(es)
Agent Friendly Website (website without contact information that clients our can view)
Other contact information

Biographical Information:
Performance history, educational background, credit list, and other interesting information regarding your performance history

Rates:
Performance rates per hour by piece
Travel fees

Rider Requirements & Artist Provisions:
Specific rider information or special items you might need to perform and/or feel comfortable at the venue. Additionally, any materials or additional services you may provide for or during your performance.

Promotional Items:
Head shots, images, docs, media in electronic format, DVDs and/or mpeg/.mov of performance material, Audio disks and/or mp3s

Email all submissions to Leslie@Bollotta.com

Bollotta Entertainment Summer 2008 Newsletter

2008-06-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bollotta Entertainment released its Summer 2008 Newsletter full of interesting articles and news about summer and past events. Anthony Bollotta was decorated with another award for his dedication to the hospitality industry, Frankie Valli comes to San Diego for a Bollotta Production, the U.S.S. Midway Honors U.S. Medal of Honor recipients with Anthony's help, and more!

Click on the image to read a full size version of the Summer newsletter.

Check back to see the Fall 2008 newsletter full of news and updates about Bollotta events and more.

Needeman Brothers

2008-06-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Needeman Brothers are Anthony Bollotta and Jorge Abreu in a hilarious comedic cabaret duo of “brothers” who, through song and interactive banter, explore the basis and beginnings of their friendship and their trials and tribulations from childhood to adulthood. Through auditions, musicals, and love affairs they take you for a ride on the emotional and powerful bond that two men and two friends can have. The Brothers have performed in venues and events such as The Special Event Search Cabaret, Schroeder’s Cabaret in San Diego, and Masquers In West Hollywood.

Meeting Planners International Finds Ways To Go Green

2008-06-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sales and Marketing Director, Michael McGuire, contributed a featured article in Meeting Planners International (MPI) San Diego Chapter's Spring 2008 newsletter entitled "SDMP Learns to Go Green". The article directs attention to the event planning industry's growing desire for earth friendly destinations and services. He cites the Energy Center of Wisconsin's associate director Marge Anderson, CMP who, during an MPI educational program outlined ways meeting planners can personally and professionally reduce their carbon footprint. One method Anderson suggests to go green is for meeting planners to choose green-friendly hotels and transportation companies that could effectively incite a bottom-up change in the event planning and hospitality industries. Read The Full Article Here

Frankie Valli Performs In San Diego

2008-06-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Personable and still in possession of those outrageously high notes that made him a hit throughout the 1960s and 70s, Frankie and his Seasons whipped a historically sedate crowd of insurance professionals into a frenzy of dancing, celebrating concert goers.

Staged at San Diego's legendary Humphrey's By The Bay outdoor concert venue, Frankie's show was complete with full rhythm and five-piece horn sections, replicating those distinctly lush arrangements of yesteryear. His witty, yet endearingly humble banter with the audience showed off that star quality that typically separates the posers from the real McCoys.

Frankie is indeed the real McCoy. Playing off of the incredible success of Broadway's Jersey Boys, which continues to tour the U.S., his show is as relevant now as it was forty years ago. For an evening of classic hits and timeless charm, Valli is the word!

Bollotta Entertainment

Bollotta Entertainment Featured Talent: The Cocktail Kittens

Anthony Bollotta Is Named To SDSU Institute of Meetings & Events Advisory Council

Bollotta Entertainment Welcomes Intern Maryann Svaglinac

APPRECIATION APPEAL: Bollotta Entertainment Offers Three Tips To Make Your Appreciation Events More Appealing

Anthony Bollotta To Write And Direct La Jolla Playhouse Honors

Bollotta Entertainment Featured Talent: ROBIN ADLER & THE MUTTS OF THE PLANET - Joni Mitchell Cover Band Brings Uncanny Sounds To Your Next Event

Anthony Bollotta Is Instructor of The Year

Discover The Bollotta Experience On Our New Website

The Value of Entertainment In Business: Increase Your ROI With Strategic Event Production

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

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

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

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

Stinnett Spreads Her Wings At ISES San Diego

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

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

GLEEFUL EXPRESSIONS: Delightful and Unique Musical Options

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

Fall/Winter 2010 Bollotta Entertainment Newsletter

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

THE NEEDEMANN BROTHERS ARE BACK - Celebration Cabaret October 29th

The C Notes For A Keynote

ERINA IS STAR STRUCK IN HOLLYWOOD

FEATURED TALENT: Kelli Adame

FEATURED ARTIST: ROBIN ADLER & THE MUTTS OF THE PLANET

FEATURED ARTIST: COMEDIAN FRANK KING

FEATURED ARTISTS: The Might Untouchables

HOT TIME IN THE SUMMER

Just Don’t Take Our Word For It!

WHERE YOU GOING? BARCELONA

LOOKING FOR STAR POWER TO IGNITE YOUR INCENTIVE EVENT?

A MACRO EVENT FOR MICROSOFT IN NYC

HELP YOUR EMPLOYEES RETAIN INFO WITH CUSTOM SKITS

EVENING OF COMEDY￼

FALL 2009 BEN

DON’T GET STUCK WITH HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT LEFTOVERS

CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S SPACE LEGENDS

CUSO: CORPORATE GENERAL SESSIONS MADE SIMPLE

MICHAEL IS MPI MODERATOR

ANTHONY IS TSE AMBASSADOR AND PRODUCING TALENT CABARET

Ugly Betty Look-A-Like For Your Mode Inspired Event

VOTE BOLLOTTA ENTERTAINMENT AS ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Victoria's Best Kept Secret: Bollotta Entertainment

Event Solutions Magazine Spotlight Awards 2009

Fleet Week's "A Salute To Our Heroes"

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Performs for FM Global

Original Voices of Rock N' Roll Perform For PETCO

BILLY CRYSTAL: NOW AVAILABLE FOR CORPORATE AND PRIVATE EVENTS

Now Available: Ashanti

Bollotta Entertainment Proposes Music Stars For Barcelona

Artists: How To Join The Bollotta Entertainment Roster

Bollotta Entertainment Summer 2008 Newsletter

Needeman Brothers

Meeting Planners International Finds Ways To Go Green

Frankie Valli Performs In San Diego

EVENING OF COMEDY