Elevate Photography has worked with Mannequin the Band many times over the past few years and love when they are the entertainment for one of our weddings. It is always nice when you can count on a band to bring the energy every time and Mannequin the Band definitely does! You always know the party is going to be rocking and we are going to get incredible photos of the fun on the dance floor. Here are some questions we posed to them to learn more about their business and booking the perfect band for your wedding.
– How did you get into the world of wedding entertainment?
My business partner and bandmate, Alan, and I decided to focus on weddings and private events, because we love the fact everyone is there to party. They are all coming around one idea and celebrating it. Whether its love, family, a cause, or a company celebrating their year. In private event entertainment, there is a give and take in energy that, with my background being in musical theater and Alan’s in rock & roll, we have always loved. Naturally, as performers, we receive the energy and attention, but then throw it right back at the dance floor and focus on who and what we’re celebrating. It really is such a fun ‘give and take’ that happens in wedding and live entertainment.
– What services does Mannequin offer?
Mannequin offers 3 hours of non-stop-in-your-face music and fun. A polished show with a wide musical range and incredible talent. We are the party hosts, we make sure the evening is seamless and full of energy. We also offer an amazing and talented smaller band called The Downtown Band and many different add-ons (ceremony, cocktail, dinner, etc).
– What distinguishes you from other entertainment companies?
We have been told Mannequin is set apart by our professionalism both on and off stage and by our genuine love for what we do. We bring tremendous intention behind the whole entertainment side we bring. Our band is a set band, and all our musicians are with us at every show. We are all on the same page, and gig together every weekend, which means we get to do really fun creative things with songs! Every member of our band is like family, and we love performing together. People can tell 🙂
– What do you enjoy most about the entertainment business?
I love how it’s forever changing in the business sense. To be a working musician or bandleader in this day and age, you have to be an entrepreneur. Both myself and Alan are entrepreneurs in our own way. I also love the MUSIC. Weaving Motown, funk, disco, the 80s, 90s, current throughout my setlist and how they all go together is a blast. And it’s my job. Wow.
– What are some key tips for a bride and groom to have the best band experience possible?
Look for a band you can tell truly LOVE what they do. There are bands who do the wedding gigs just to make more money than they did at the bar the night before. Some find out your name when they arrive and have a “just another gig” mindset. Other bands are just so into the music that they refuse to listen to your desires and treat the wedding gig as “less than”. Hire a band that shows up for you and your families. Make sure they have good promo material, do a limited amount of bars and clubs, have the same band members at every gig, and know how to engage the audience.
– What trends are you seeing in wedding entertainment?
I am seeing lots of couples who want a band/DJ mix. Having the band bring a DJ with them for the grand entrance, introductions, toasts & featured moments, then introducing the band and the dance party! They also have the DJ do the afterparty.
– Who is Mannequin’s ideal client?
Our ideal client is someone trusts us to make it a killer dance party. Someone who gets us a good stage and warns her guests ahead of time to bring a second pair of shoes 😉
– If someone is interested, what process do they go through to hear you and book you?
You can contact us through our website, mannequintheband.com or give us a call at 303-954-0602. Once we get on the same page, and you realize Mannequin is the band for your party, Calee sends over a contract, then we are at your service the whole time until you’re carried out of your party! I always tell people, working with Mannequin is super easy. We’re accessible, willing to help, resourceful, and want our clients to have the most unforgettable time.
Learn more about Mannequin the Band, the premier Denver wedding band.