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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Live Music Or Hire A Function Band?

By Elizabeth Pratt

Hiring a function band for your next major event or social function is more important than you may believe. Whether it's a wedding reception, business convention or birthday party having the right function band playing live music can transform your routine event into the social event of the season.

Live music can take a party from good to great and top flight entertainment will have people talking for years to come. However this will only happen if you hire the right people and follow a few simple rules.

Word of mouth is the best advertisement and this is especially true when it comes to hiring a function band to perform for your special gathering. Recommendations from friends and colleagues are a wonderful resource to use if you want to find a great band, so ask around!

The proof is in the pudding, and if you have the opportunity to do so, you should try to check out a function band's performance in person so that you can determine if they are the group for your next event. If you do not have the chance to hear the band live, ask is they have any online demo material. You can even check out their website or online videos. Checking the band in this manner is a really good idea; remember, you get what you pay for, and you don't want to hire a band that sounds great- but looks horrible!

If possible, ask the function band representative for a list of songs that they could play along with how much they charge to perform. If they do not have a written contract, but depend on a verbal agreement, then go on and find another function band. It is even normal to be required to pay a 10-20% non-refundable deposit just to ensure that they would come to the set date.

First, find out if the function band that you are about to hire plays and takes requests. If you would inform them ahead of time, they would as they can prepare their endless list of songs to play during the event.

You may want to see their equipment as well. Check that their equipment is adequate and of course safe. It is very important that they are aware and practice safety precautions and make sure that they will follow them carefully, for instance; no loose wiring should be exposed.

Knowing the choice of their wardrobe would be essential in choosing a function band as well. Ask them, what are their preferred choices of clothes when they perform? If they have mentioned something that is not suited for the theme, you can give them ideas on what they should and should not wear. If the costume or attire that the function band would be wearing can be a little out of place, you can politely suggest something that they can wear that will compliment the theme of the event.

Most of the time, the function band is required to show up an hour before the party begins. It is important that they set up and sound check stuff that normal bands would do. Giving them the program or the flow of the party as this would also help the band; this way they know when they should play and when they should not.

Everyone would be staring at your function band once they take center stage. You can take some of your time to take a quick look at how they look. Are they presentable? Doing so, this hosted party will result in making headlines all over town; you will have the neighbors talking about it for ages! - 18423

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A Selection Of Short Film Plot Lines To Look At

By Jenifer Branch

For years now, the video store was the way to get movies. The next generation it seems will be getting their movies from movie downloads, avoiding any trips to the store. Just about any movie every made can be attained through a movie download site now. Check out these samples.

Promises Promises: Horrible comedy in regards to couples Mansfield-Noonan and McDonald-Hargitay, and their sensual shenanigans on a voyage. It is famous in its night for Jayne's baring her body, a first for its time. Still, take heed: it is a genuinely poor film. Cast includes Jayne Mansfield, Marie McDonald, Tommy Noonan, Mickey Hargitay, Fritz Feld, Matjorie Bennett, and Imogene Coca. (75 minutes,'63)

The Replacements: Stupid, run of the mill comedy about a lot of has-beens, eccentrics, and losers who are enlisted by coach Hackman as substitute players in the wake of a pro-football strike. If you seriously desire to see Hackman play a coach, watch the basketball drama Hoosiers. Cast includes Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, Brooke Langton, Orlando Jones, Jon Favreau, Jack Warden, Faizon Love, and Brett Cullen. (118 minutes, 2000)

Black Mask: Biologically machinated warrior Li gives up a peaceful life to battle his comparably improved former colleagues, who are trying to take over the Hong Kong rackets. Clever, fashionable, lightning paced thriller is a superlative showcase for the illuminating abilities of Li who, in his camouflage, looks like the Green Hornet's Kato. Cast includes Hong Kong rendition. Cast includes Plane Li, Karen Mok, Francoise Yip, Lau Ching Wan, Patrick Lung Kang, and Anthony Wong. (96 minutes,'97)

Noel: Ambitious tear jerker in regards to the interactions of scared, susceptible buddies, lovers, colleagues, and outsiders on Christmas Eve. A lonely novel editor (Sarandon) whose mom suffers from Alzheimer's, a cop Stroller whose unreasonable jealousy is restraining his fiance Cruz, and a heartbroken waiter Arkin with a odd rebirth fantasy. Gets better as it goes along, it zeros in on issues of acceptance and reconciliation. Cast includes Penelope Cruz, Susan Sarandon, Paul Stroller, Alan Arkin, Marcus Thomas, Chazz Palminteri, Chantal Lonergan, and Erika Rosenbau. (88 minutes, 2004)

Hannibal: It has been ten years since Hannibal had escaped. Mason Verger, Hannibal's sixth victim, a survivor, has obsessive revenge on his mind. His plot includes using agent Starling for bait. He feels Hannibal will not be able to resist.

Agent Cody Banks: That adolescent spy is back for a U.K. venture, with Anderson all too evidently shoehorned into the cases for comedy alleviation as his watchdog. Muniz and Kelly are game. However, the characters and plot are just basically unexciting. P.S. Madonna and Jason Alexander are amid the executive creators! Cast includes Frankie Muniz, Anthony Anderson, Hannah Spearritt, Cynthia Stevenson, Daniel Roebuck, David KelIy, and Keith David. (99 minutes, 2004)

No Minor Vices: Arrogant comedy in which stereotypically off beat performer Jordan tries to come between pediatrician Andrews and spouse Palmer. Starts off well however slows down. Cast includes Lewis Milestone, Dana Andrews, Lilly Palmer, Louis Jordan, Jane Wyatt, Bernard Gorcey, and Man Bridges. (96 minutes,'48)

Reckless: Disobedient adolescent from bad side of tracks takes up with a college girl, who finds in him a sense of jeopardy and enthusiasm missing from her peaceful yet boring life. Nothing here we haven't seen in'50s films in regards to discontented youth, with the exception of some extremely modern day sex scenes. Not for the faint-hearted. Cast includes Aidan Quinn, Daryl Hannah, Kenneth McMillan, Lois Smith, Adam Baldwin, Dan Hedaya, and Jennifer Grey. (90 minutes,'84)

The Cuckoos: Following their prosperity in Rio Rita, RKO rapidly teamed up Wheeler and Woolsey for this similar musical comedy in regards to the ventures of 2 fake fortune tellers who get mixed up with gypsies. Cast includes Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, June Clyde, Hugh Trevor, and Dorothy Lee. (97 minutes,'30)

If you're looking for downloads, type in "Online Kids Movies" to a search engine, see if you find something good. Try a new phrase if that one did not work. To get new search results type in "Movies Online Rental". - 18423

About the Author:

A Sampling Of Informative Film Story Lines To View

By Sheree William

For a long time we have used the video store as one of our main ways to access movies. These days you can stay at home and get movies from a movie download site. You can get virtually any movie you want with a good movie download site. Here are some examples.

The Great Muppet Caper: The Muppets try to solve a London gem robbery in their second film. Here we have smart gags and ideas plus humorous lyrical numbers with Miss Piggy make up for a slow moving script with more than its share of dull moments. Cast includes The Muppet Entertainers Jim Henson, Blunt Oz, Dave Gomez, Jerry Nelson, and Jack Warden. (95 minutes,'81)

Addams Family Values: The Addams family is back again with all the ghouls in force. This time a beautiful woman plans to marry cousin 'It' to swindle him out of his money. Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack, and Christina Ricci star. (1993 comedy directed by Barry Sonnenfeld)

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade: The Nazis are still looking for religious artifacts. Now they are hunting for the Holy Grail. Indiana's father has gone missing in Europe. He was also seeking the Grail. Now on a desperate search, Indiana tries to find his father, and the Grail.

Lilith: A somewhat accurate rendition of a J. R. Salamanca novel in regards to a novice therapist who falls in love with a bothered subject. Lilith is an investigating, if not completely pleasing, look at the numerous aspects of madness and love. This would be director-author Rossen's last film. Cast includes Warren Beatty, Jean Seberg, Peter Fonda, Kim Hunter, Jessica Walter, Anne Meacham, and Gene Hackman. (114 minutes,'64)

Follow the Fleet: Admirable musical with sai;or Astaire and Scott courting siblings Rogers and Hilliard. Irving Berlin melodies contain "Let's Face the Music and Dance," "Let Yourself Go," "We Noticed the Ocean." A revising of Beach Leave, a'25 Richard Barthelmess flick, and the'30 film Hit the Deck. That's Lucille Ball as Cat. Cast includes Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Randolph Scott, Harriet Hilliard Nelson, Astrid AlIwyn, and Betty Grable. (110 minutes,'36)

Clue: Stupid joke whodunit based on the trendy board game of the same name with all the recognizable characters Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Miss Red, et al. assembled for a murderous day in a Victorian mansion. Everyone tries extremely hard bet there is nothing they can do to save this weak film. Cast includes Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Ponder, and Howard Hesseman. (87 minutes,'85)

Doug's First Movie: The megastar of Television's Doug is characterized in this bland, formulaic tale, made exclusively for kids. Easy going preteen Doug attempts to spare an animal in need clash with his wish to take his lady friend to the school dance. This movie was built as a direct-to-video production. Voices of Thomas McHugh, Fred Newman, Chris Phillips, Constance Shulman, Doug Preis, and Alice Playten. (97 minutes,'99)

Wyatt Earp: The story of Wyatt Earp, legendary gunman in the west. Wyatt Earp lived from'48-1929 and roamed the western frontier towns of America. He was one of the key players at the famous gunfight and the OK corral. Wyatt survived that day, and then hunted down the rest of the bad guys.

Only the Strong: An Ex-Green Beret, his old Miami high school friend now bullied by a drug lord, turns twelve of the joint's worst criminals into crime-busters by teaching them a hypnotic, Brazilian form of martial arts. They will now settle the score. Dopey however inoffensive; at its best in potently choreographed fight scenes. Cast includes Mark Dacascos, Stacey Travis, Geoffrey Lewis, Paco Christian Prieto, Todd Susman, Jeffrey and Anderson Gunter. (96 minutes,'93)

Remember, be creative and use phrases like "Movie Rentals List". Different phrases get different results. If the last one did not work try something else. We would recommend trying "Internet Movie Rentals" for new search results. - 18423

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A Small Collection Of Quick Film Reviews To Go Over

By Penny Mcguire

It used to be that you had to go to the video store to get a movie. Instead of buying or renting the dvd, people now can choose a movie download instead. Following is a list of a few movies that you can get using a movie download site.

King David: Dense biblical tale tracks young David's life from his boyhood battle with Goliath to his anxious reign as emperor; only goes bad in the second half, where abruptness sabotages narrative. This movie is visually striking, with Donald McAlpine's photography. Cast includes Richard Gere, Edward Woodward, Alice Krige, Denis Quilley, Niall Buggy, Cherie Lunghi, Hurd Hatfield, and Jack Klaff. (114 minutes,'85)

Born On The Fourth Of July: A true story that chronicles the life of Ron Kovic. A volunteer in the army, Ron does a tour in Vietnam, where he suffers injuries that leave him paralyzed. After his disturbing treatment by the government, and harrowing experiences in VA hospitals, Ron becomes an anti war activist. He feels completely betrayed by the country that he fought for.

Gus: The football kicking mule leads a last-place team to success; crooks try to abduct Gus with typical outcomes like a weak chase scene in this anticipation thriller. Cast includes Edward Asner, Don Tangles, Gary Dirties, Tim Conway, Freedom Williams, Dick Minivan Patten, and Dick Butkus. (96 minutes,'76)

Believe in Me: Donovan moves to a tiny Oklahoma town in'64 to take a teaching job, although when he arrives he learns he's been assigned to coach the girls basketball team. What's more, the girls have no self respect and little help from the school. Genuine heartland tale ascends above its recognizable underdog recipe. Donovan and Mathis as his supportive spouse are first rate. Cast includes Jeffrey Donovan, Samantha Mathis, Bruce Dem, Bob Gunton, Heather Matarazzo, Alicia Lagano, and Chris Ellis. (108 minutes, 2007)

Outbreak: deadly virus has hit Cedar Creek, California. Highly transferable, in a short time the virus is spreading fast. The other problem, once infected you have less than 24 hours to live. The virus must be contained, so people are sequestered if they are near the outbreak areas.

Madagascar: A fun animated family comedy. When Marty the zebra decides he wants to see the world from outside the zoo, the penguins help him escape. Marty is gone, his friend also breaks out to find him and bring him home. Once out, they are captured by well meaning humans and shipped to Africa, to be returned to the wild. They miss Africa, and wind up on the magical island of Madagascar.

Clue: Stupid joke whodunit based on the trendy board game of the same name with all the recognizable characters Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Miss Red, et al. assembled for a murderous day in a Victorian mansion. Everyone tries extremely hard bet there is nothing they can do to save this weak film. Cast includes Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Ponder, and Howard Hesseman. (87 minutes,'85)

The Jackal: A Russian mobster seeing that the US is helping the Russian government fight crime, has hired master assassin the Jackal to kill the Director of the FBI. In a race against time, and with not much knowledge of the Jackal, the FBI enlists the services of IRA sniper Declan Mulqueen, bringing him out of jail to help. In a face pace race against time they work furiously to track the jackal down.

A Good Woman: Strange rendition of Oscar Wilde's Woman Windermere's Fan, which has been filmed a few times over the years, set in Italy instead of England and updated from the'90s to the'30s. A number of Wilde's British characters now are Americans. Cast includes Helen Seek, Scarlett Johansson, Milena Vukotic, Stephen Campbell Moore, Mark Umbers, Tom Wilkinson, and Diana Hardcastle. (93 minutes, 2005)

Okay, if you're looking for downloads, try phrases like "Online Movie Rental Canada". Different phrases get different results. If the last one did not work try something else. Try something different, like "Online Movie". - 18423

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A Couple Of Quick Film Outlines To Check Out

By Terrance Patel

It wasn't that long ago that a trip to the corner video shop was the most convenient way to get a movie. As technologies have advanced, downloading dvds off movie download sites is becoming very common. Here are some examples of movies you can acquire through a movie download site.

Accattone: Accattone is an unforgiving expose of the lives of the crooks and pimps in the ghettos of Rome. In particular we follow the life of Vittorio Accattone, a pimp whose life is coming unraveled. He becomes a pitiful figure trying to find his way. Franco Citti, Franca Pasut, Roberto Scaringella, and Adele Cambria are the stars. (1961 Foreign-Italian)

Down with Love: Spoof of the'60s Doris Day-Rock Hudson comedies has Zellweger as the writer of a most popular novel on female rights in a battle of the genders with playboy/publication author McGregor. Cast includes Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, David Hyde' Perforate, Sarah Paulson, Tony Randall, Lei Ryan, and Rachel Dratch. (94 minutes, 2003)

Absolute Beginners: This film is a British musical. The musical themes are jazzed based with Sade included in the performance. The film is set in London in the late 50's, with young men and women coming of age as the setting. Eddie O'Connell, Patsy Kensit, David Bowie, and James Fox star. (1986 musical)

House of Strangers: Dynamic drama of cruel financier Robinson who uses his 4 sons to carry out his own devious plans. Exclusive plot line has been used in assorted ways for numerous succeeding films. Cast includes Edward G. Robinson, Susan Hayward, Richard Conte, Luther Adler, Efrem Zimbalist, and Esther Minciotti. (101 minutes,'49)

Wyatt Earp: The story of Wyatt Earp, legendary gunman in the west. Wyatt Earp lived from'48-1929 and roamed the western frontier towns of America. He was one of the key players at the famous gunfight and the OK corral. Wyatt survived that day, and then hunted down the rest of the bad guys.

On Guard: A loyal swordsman saves a child princess from the evil grasp of her malevolent opponent. The toddler's dad was also the swordsman's mentor. A deliciously old-styled popcorn film that is full of action and set in the France of Louis XIV. Cast includes Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Vincent Perez, Marie Gillain, Yann Collette, Didier Pang, and Philippe Noiret. (128 minutes,'97)

Bullet in the Head: Extreme, highly charged tale of 3 buddies who leave Hong Kong to go to war torn'67 Vietnam and are drawn into a whirlwind of tough situations that tests their friendship. A film spiritual and over wrought with action footage and altercations that are as daring as anything that Woo has tried onscreen. Cast includes Tony Leung, Jacky Cheung, Waise Lee, Simon Yam, Fennie Yeon, and Yolinda Yan. (136 minutes,'90)

Doug's First Movie: The megastar of Television's Doug is characterized in this bland, formulaic tale, made exclusively for kids. Easy going preteen Doug attempts to spare an animal in need clash with his wish to take his lady friend to the school dance. This movie was built as a direct-to-video production. Voices of Thomas McHugh, Fred Newman, Chris Phillips, Constance Shulman, Doug Preis, and Alice Playten. (97 minutes,'99)

Metroland: Chris Bale, an easy going wedded gentleman, is visited by his oldest buddy, a vagabond poet, who convinces him to reflect on his Bohemian nights in late '60s Paris and query the value of his life in London suburbia. Adrian Hodges adjusted Julian Bames' novel. Cast includes Christian Bale, Emily Watson, Lee Ross, Elsa Zylberstein, Rufus, Jonathan Aris, Ifan Meredith, Amanda Ryan, and John Wood. (97 minutes,'98)

To find downloads for music or games, try phrases like "Movie Rental Software". If a search does not yield a good result, try different searches. Switch to "Movies To Download Online" and see if you find what you are looking for. - 18423

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