WHEN A LIVE BAND – REALLY ISN’T!

Posted by Angie VanDaele in music, Phoenix, weddings

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We can't always use every article that is sent to The Wedding Chronicle. But sometimes the information is too good to pass up. Hence my GUEST BLOGGER today is Spencer Bass, a professional musician in the Phoenix area.

What image comes to mind when you think of a live band? Talented artists playing musical instruments and singing together? In the past, that would be an apt description. When the technology available today is utilized, “live” can be open to interpretation. How can you tell if the band you’re thinking of hiring uses high-tech devices to create their sound, rather than musicians? Today’s high-tech devices can do everything from imitate any type of musical instrument, to turning a weak singing voice into a strong one. Even adding chorus like harmonies!

A device with most potential for misuse is called a “sequencer”. When fully employed, professional musicians can be replaced by just about anyone acting like they’re playing an instrument. You may have already seen what you thought was a “live” band but was actually a staged act “lip-synching”! Remember Milli-Vanilli?

Legitimate musicians use such devices sparingly, so as not to fool the audience or damage their credibility. When the use of such devices is disclosed up front, there’s no problem. But frankly, this disclosure almost never happens and those who hire the band end up paying way too much for what they are actually receiving! Imagine purchasing what you thought was say, a genuine Rolex watch, only to find out later it’s a knock-off! The motivation for someone to “stage” a band utilizing a sequencer, rather than investing the time and money to produce a real “live” band is the same as anyone selling a counterfeit item, GREED! If your event calls for “live” music and you have never hired a band before, because of the burgeoning use of devices such as a “sequencer”, it is probably a good idea to seek professional advice or representation so the band you hire is actually “live”!

About the author: Spencer Bass, a professional musician working in the Valley over 3 decades has seen a genuine need for those seeking to hire a “live” band, have someone to represent them in the procurement process. Spencer can be reached at: (602)248-0307,(602)717-8482 Or via e-mail: SpencerBass@live.com

I Hate Phones!!!

Posted by Angie VanDaele in

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I don't hate talking on them, I just hate it when they don't work. If anyone has tried to reach me in the last week, I just found out not all the phone lines have been transferred to the new office. Some have been dead... So if you have tried to reach me and found me ever so stuck up, it's really not true! I just don't know you called. Please email me at weddingchronicle@hotmail.com and I'll call you right back or as soon as I can. Thanks for your understanding.

Our Annual Grooms Edition is Out

Posted by Angie VanDaele in ideas, Misc, Phoenix

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It's on the streets starting today, the Fifth Annual Grooms Edition of the Wedding Chronicle. A toast to grooms everywhere because without you... there would be no wedding. Oh, the power! I have been told that by the end of October, every groom in the Valley hates us. Because every bride has picked up this issue of the Chronicle and read it from cover to cover to make sure that all the articles reflect her side of the argument. She rips out the offending pages and hands it to her groom and saying, “Read this.”
We know this is not the preferred reading list for most gentlemen but let me give you the Cliff Note version of this issue. If you want to make your bride happy she said yes, early on choose the activities in which you wish to be involved and stay out of the rest. I know that’s easier said than done but Patti Zint, our fabulous writer, takes you through four easy steps to turn that Bridezilla back into the woman you love.
We also have some sage advice for you from our zany, zaftig Zadie; ideas to get the music you want at the reception and perhaps a hint or two about all those toasts! So cheers and thank you. We would be nothing without you.
We have some new faces that have joined the staff of the newspaper. Our newest writer is going to help keep us focused on the most important part of the wedding day—the spiritual component. His name is Rabbi Weiner and you may know him by his fabulous tag line, Got Rabbi?
Believe it or not, another sister has joined the Chronicle. Her name is Bobbie Darzes and she is a senior account executive for us. It’s amazing how much better we all get along now that Barbie dolls are not involved. You will see her at upcoming bridal shows, trade events and anywhere horses can be found. You’ll recognize her by her beautiful smile and Lucy red hair.
We have a new office too. I’ll be sending pictures to my blog once I unpack my camera. It’s in a box around here somewhere…

WMBA Offer Extended

Posted by Angie VanDaele in ideas, Misc, Phoenix, weddings

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By popular demand, the special 2 for 1 offer for the Wedding Business Merchant Academy (see last post) has been extended till September 12. Don't miss it. It is the best early Christmas Present you can give yourself.

Some Very Special HELP for Wedding Vendors

Posted by Angie VanDaele in

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One of the things I find so distressing for the small business owners in the wedding industry is the lack of resources to improve business skills. That was until I attended the Wedding Business Merchant Academy last year at the Phoenix Convention Center. I learned things that not only helped me help my advertisers, but that four days changed the course of The Wedding Chronicle as well. For the better I must add.
People come from all over the country for this. The convention is coming to Phoenix September 22-25th. Speakers from such publications an Brides Magazine, the Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings will be there to help your business survive the economic downturn. For more information, visit WeddingMBA.com for details. For a limited time, I can offer admission for 2 for the price of 1 discounts. All you need to do is email me at weddingchronicle@hotmail.com for the special application form to give you the discount.

Why Advertise in a Newspaper?

Posted by Angie VanDaele in

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The Wedding Chronicle is such a unique publication, we know. People have asked me when are we going glossy like all the other magazines. The answer is no time soon. The benefits of a newspaper for our advertisers are many. The American Marketing Association points out the following:

• Newspapers permit an advertiser to reach a large number of people within a specified geographical area.
• The printed advertising message has both permanence and desired obsolescence. A reader can refer back to, or even clip and save, a particular ad, yet the next edition is new and fresh and as eagerly sought by the same reader.
• The newspaper offers a predictable frequency of publication
• Newspapers have immediacy. You can place an ad and within a few weeks be getting results. The frequency of publication permits quicker responses to changing market conditions.
• People expect to find advertising in their newspapers. In fact, many people buy newspapers just to read the ads.
• Newspapers also give a confidence to the buyer that the vendor is still in business and actively looking for new business.

So maybe you need to rethink newsprint for your marketing plans. Unlike most newspapers, we have our computers color calibrated to the monster presses used.Our digital files will then lay down the correct amount of ink and reproduce images more clearly then any other publication I have seen before. In fact, The Phoenix Business Journal and Frontdoors Lifestyle Newspaper just switched to our printer Valley Newspapers because of the quality of our publication. Thanks Valley!

Blogging with the Best of Them

Posted by Angie VanDaele in Advertiser, EVENTS, Local Weddings, Phoenix, weddings

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I am sitting with the talented Charlee Geisler of Signature Events discussing blogs. There are so many great ideas opened to brides as well as professionals through the miracle of the internet. I love reading blogs every day and find it cathartic to rant and rave in public.

Charlee writes for The Wedding Chronicle about weddings and event planning and I have convinced her to share some of her insights and ideas developed during her 18 years doing this. I place some random pictures of her events below. She is the 2008 Wedding Chronicle Readers Poll Best Wedding Planner recipient.

Watch for Charlee's Blog soon!