Beyond
the tragic metaphors to the performers who perform without instruments (eg, Sisyphus? Prometheus?), one thing this
performer can say for certain is that I've performed at an awful lot of shul fundraisers, concerts, Federation
events, family s'machot... and yes -- an obscene number of bar- and bat-mitzvahs over the past
20 years. Although I've learned a great deal about being a musician... a perfomer... even a comedian, I've learned
more about what really works well for Jewish events. These days, when I receive calls about performing, I find that I spend
just as much time giving advice as I do selling the ensemble. So, let me share some thoughts with you -- and hopefully, you
might share them with your friends, family, and (most importantly) those same 11 people in your community who seem to plan
all of the fundraising events.
1. Watch the clock
Think
about how much time you have for your event and be kind to your guests. Don't put entertainers at the end of a long program.
Instead, consider peppering the program with interludes of performance interspersed with speeches, presentations, montages,
etc... Unless you're planning a theater-style concert, plan for no more than 25 minutes at a time for your performers.
2. Mix formats
This is easy for us, but for any entertainer, consider a cocktail hour, or "afterglow" in which
special guests/donors (or early birds) can have a chance to interact with your performers in a different way than seeing them
up on stage. For bands, this might be having 2 members of the band playing a few tunes in the atrium to get the crowd in the
mood.
3. Listen before
you leap
There are so many great ensembles out there; and so many duds. If you're going
to hire a vocal group, be darn sure they can sing. Demand references and videos -- from recent performances -- you can make anything sound good in a studio
4. Menschlichkeit counts
Good
people who don't take themselves too seriously will connect in unbelievable ways with your audiences. Pay attention to
your first impressions when you call ensembles for information about the band. Big talk is just that.
5. Banter matters
When
you look at videos, look at the way the ensemble interacts with the audience, and how group members interact with each other.
If there's no spark -- and nothing to say, that stage-silence can kill a great event. For a good, warts-and-all example,
see this little adventure that we had in St. Louis recently.
6. Employ the Aging Rocker
Multigenerational ensembles (like Listen Up!) have more
to offer. Diversity in age, and even background/ethnicity creates more interest on stage for more members of your diverse
audiences.
7. Stand for
Something
Our ensemble is decidedly Mizrachi -- religious Zionist -- that means something special
in the music we choose to sing, but also a Jewish perspective that we have to share. I see way too many ensembles that are
completely pareve (neither milk nor meat) and have nothing uniquely JEWISH to add to a Jewish event.
8. Value "live performance"
Times are tough, but times are always tough for non-profits and other fundraisers. Think about what you
pay your plumber for an hour or two of work -- and expect to pay more for ensembles that can make your event successful and
memorable.
9. Insert Yourself
If your going to get a "canned" show, get a DJ to play the record. Demand that your entertainers
get to know you, your committee, your family -- and what you are trying to accomplish. Let them in on your vision and goals
-- and they can help you deliver.
10. Be Kind
If you can, when you can, tell others about good experiences you've
had. Be a champion for a good ensemble -- and you'll reap the reward in developing a lasting relationship that may benefit
you (or others) in the future.
