Whether you are planning your own gathering, or as a surprise for someone else, finding good entertainment for your birthday party can prove troublesome.
This can be especially challenging if you don’t want to have a large birthday party, and would rather celebrate in a smaller venue with some close friends and family. However, just because a party is small, doesn’t mean it can’t be amazing! An intimate venue can prove easy to decorate, and even the plainest of spaces can be transformed into a beautiful environment. However, space constriction can have an impact on the type of entertainment you choose.
As such, we at Last Minute Musicians have put together our guide of some top picks for entertainment at your small birthday party…
Acoustic Singer
Solo acoustic singers come in many guises – some will play the guitar, others will choose the piano, or some other accompaniment.
The beauty of an acoustic singer comes in their flexibility. Whether you are planning to have them play relaxed live-lounge style hits in the background of a meal, or step up the tempo for a more raucous set of sing-along classics, most acoustic singers will be happy to oblige.
If your venue has any noise restrictions, such as a sound limiter, then acoustic acts will be able to moderate their volume output a lot more effectively than a large live band.
Expect to hear: your favorite rock, pop and chart classics, rearranged acoustically.
DJs
DJs are a time-honored classic solution to entertainment. While many people have a pre-determined image of what they think a DJ will do, it’s often outdated. It’s important to remember that modern DJs are as diverse as you can possibly imagine!
There are DJs available today that specialize in every genre you can possibly imagine, from all vinyl sets, spinning classic funk, soul and Motown to “chill-sets” of relaxed atmospheric music.
A DJ will take up less room than a live band, and will be able to call upon a huge repertoire of music, if your event has a diverse age range.
Expect to hear: everything from 80s classics, to modern chart and EDM.
Magician
If you’re looking to add a touch of the supernatural to your event, why not hire a magician for your birthday? Magicians can either mingle in the crowd, performing card tricks and amazing guests, or they can put on a featured performance, stepping up to become the center of attention. Some magicians will even be happy to compere your event, if you have multiple acts booked.
Magicians require very little space or equipment, making them an excellent addition to small parties, and a brilliant, unique idea for entertainment.
Expect to see: card tricks, illusions and all manner of magic tricks!
Jazz Musician
If you would rather that your birthday party be a more formal occasion, then hiring a jazz musician (or small group) will help emphasize that, and suit your black-tie theme wonderfully.
Whether it’s the classic choice of a cocktail pianist for a drinks reception or a jazz guitarist for background music over dinner, jazz music is the perfect accompaniment to any formal event.
Most jazz bands will offer flexible line ups, with different instrumentation, meaning you can pick the group of musicians that will work best for your small birthday party.
Expect to hear: Jazz standards performed instrumentally, or with a vocalist.
Party band
If your venue is slightly larger, you might be able to accommodate one of the brilliant party band bands that are available for hire. Whether your event has a large or small crowd, professional party bands will be experienced enough to make sure that all of your guests are up and on the dance floor.
While most party bands will offer 2 x 45 minute sets as standard, with a sound system and lighting included, other party bands will also offer all sorts of additional services, like a DJ playlist, acoustic sets and additional sets. This makes party bands the perfect choice for late night events, if you and your guests want to continue to celebrate into the wee small hours.
Expect to hear: all of you favorite pop and rock numbers, from The Beatles to Royal Blood.
From everyone at Last Minute Musicians, we wish you the best of luck with the planning of your event.
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