Magicians at a Wedding... Old hat or actually rather exciting?

Yep, magicians... what are your thoughts? Is it rabbits out of hats? Paul Daniels? Or, something more stylish like Dynamo or David Blaine... or, even Criss Angel??! I got talking to a friend over the weekend about this subject and the stock answer I received was 'magicians are boring, they do my head in by coming over and doing card tricks.' And, I can see where he was coming from, sometimes they can be intrusive and unfortunately without reason. What I mean is, if you're going to come over and start performing magic tricks for me (as in the Royal me, not me per se) make sure they are AMAZING! I want to see something new and worthwhile, not something that I saw when I was 6 and have done every year thereafter.

Take a guitar for example... there are LOADS! You can buy a £99 package with amp, strap, Burt Weedon (RIP) lesson book and plectrum! Or, you can spend £600 and get yourself a Fender Stratocaster. Or, you can buy a locking system Ibanez, or a semi-acoustic.... etc.... etc... there are lots to choose from and some will be fantastic and some will be utter... well, you know. Cheese wire to smooth as silk... it's all about playing them and seeing what fits. And, magicians are the same by comparison. There are magicians who perform more old school magic tricks and there are the new breed of magicians who are great at street magic, mind reading and pick pocketing.

To find a magician that will wow you it's a case of doing your research. Watch videos, read reviews, even take a look at their photos. If they look like Dynamo in style and appear to be on the street then the chances are that this is they style they are aspiring to. But, if they are in a restaurant and have a piece of rope or a hanky train then you can see they are probably a more 'stock' magician. Now, there's nothing wrong with either from my point of view, but it's all about choosing one that is right for you and your event. For example, maybe don't hire a magician that performs the old school hanky and rope tricks for a University ball... chances are they will find it a very tough gig. For this kind of gig you need the street smart, contemporary style that will truly keep the guests on their toes. Similarly, if you are booking for a corporate event you will more than likely want the safer option so the guests are comfortable.

But, if it's your wedding you are thinking of hire a magician for you need to think about your guests and what would appeal to them? Are they of a certain age group that would suit the street-smart magician or are they more a relax and enjoy the old schooler? This is where you really will need to do your research and not just settle for the first magician that meets your budget. It may even be worth stretching the budget in all honesty just a little to get the right one. The right magician can add to your day like you would not believe and really get guests mingling, in the mood for partying into the night and having a laugh! It sounds cliche, but a magician that wows and amazes will keep your guests talking for ages!

So, I think a magician is a great idea and as long as they are coming over to me to show me something truly ace then I will never mind if they interrupt :)

Doritos Increase the Bookings for Mariachi Bands

Believe it or not, an advert for Doritos has massively increased the demand for Mariachi Bands to perform at weddings and parties in the Dorset area! It is probably a national occurrence, but as this blog features mainly on Dorset and the surrounding counties then this is where my focus will stay.

It seems that people from Poole and folks from Farnham just cannot get enough of these Mariachi performers. Just in case you have been living on Mars and haven't actually seen the band I am referring to, here's the video:

Familiar now? Ring a bell? Well, having done a bit of research on the advert and these guys I can point you in the direction if you want to book either this actual Mariachi band, or, another similar but maybe less costly one (not that these are actually that costly... but, after having a chat with them, availability is now their biggest problem).

So, the band in question is called Mariachi Mexteca and you can book similar bands right here: http://www.warble-entertainment.com/live-music/traditional-world-music/mariachi-bands

As the link about shows, the guys are based in London / Middlesex (is that the same thing?!), but they travel really well and all over the UK... and, obviously, to Dorset :)

As I touched upon above, such is the bands popularity now that they have very little availability. but, this is great news for additional Mariachi Bands such as Mariachi Tequila who are now seeing their best year since they started! Good work Walkers!

Any excuse for another video here are the guys again with their Christmas special video....

A final pointer is that because the genre has become so popular in general, and especially when you add the fusion of Mexican / Spanish Mariachi with Western tunes, there are now comedy versions that have popped up in a similar style to the Surprise Singing Waiter style shows that were very popular a few years ago (bit, not so popular now as most people have seen them in action and so it isn't as much of a surprise as it used to be). But, comedy Mariachi bands, like these guy, can be great fun!

And, that's it! If you are looking for Mariachi band hire then all of the bands mentioned above are available at great rates, and, will all travel to Dorset :)

Finally, if you want further information about Mariachi then check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariachi