SHOW REPORT - Shaun & Anne Marie's Wedding - St Pierre Chepstow - 29 January 2011

Glad to be back in one of my favourite South Wales venues - and this wedding, for a select group of guests in one of the hotel’s more exclusive function rooms, was a complete joy from planning to performance. This was also the debut of my team's most recent supporting DJ, James, who utterly proved his acumen.

This lovely couple wanted an evening of entertainment that would cater to their guests' tastes as much as theirs – supporting my ethos that while it is the newlyweds’ day, music that caters to a cross-section of guests can help their wedding party succeed.

Thorough consultation enabled me to design a live set and entertainment plan which encouraged guests to dance and have fun whilst supporting the informal and easy-going atmosphere the couple wanted to create.

Not every wedding needs huge thumping bass-speakers and a dozen lighting effects in everyone’s eyes, so we provided a discreet mobile wedding disco that was sympathetic to both the function suite and to the couple.

Additionally, they requested I perform a live cabaret-style set to enable a smooth transition between late afternoon and evening, a point where guests can sometimes still feel a little self-conscious. Shaun and Anne-Marie agreed that live entertainment is a perfect ‘focal point’ for this part of the evening.

To our delight, the performance of both swing and popular classics unexpectedly coaxed a mix of friends & family members onto the dance-floor even before the buffet was served. I thoroughly enjoyed myself too - although I’ll admit that I may have been distracted one moment when the Chocolate Foolery choc-fountain was opened!

Elsewhere in the hotel, I was disappointed to hear, the late arrival and prolonged setup of a wedding band delayed another couple’s party by around two hours. I am pleased that is not how Phat Aahs’ Entertainments is run.

Meanwhile, we continued with a full dance floor, playing a mix of disco classics, chart music and fun pop to round off the night, with everyone having a great time.

Congratulations again Shaun & Anne-Marie!

Take care...and have fun

Jon Paul

　

Jon Paul Wedding Singer and our Mobile Discos are available at most venues throughout South Wales & the West, including Chepstow, Monmouth, Forest of Dean, Ross-on-Wye, and Hereford. As a weddings and celebrations specialist we tailor our service around your ideas and pocket, to provide an unforgettable night of high quality entertainment. Contact Us for more information.

SHOW REPORT - NYE Las Vegas Theme Party The Punchbowl, Lapworth

(And a not insignificant chunk of January 1st.)

Another warm welcome for my second New Year’s Eve in a row at this wonderful restaurant on the outskirts of Solihull.  I learnt this year that comedian Jasper Carrot and Black Sabbath guitarist Tommy Lommi are both locals.

Sadly, they both must have stayed at home with a couple of cans this year.  ;-)

Again, I worked alongside Justin & the guys from Little Casino, entertaining a select group exclusive guests.  I was booked to create that 50s Casino vibe by singing a mix of American Songbook standards and building the party up from lounge and jazz (eg Matt Munro, Jamie Cullum, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett) through Big Band swing & Rat Pack and onto Las Vegas legends to kick-start the late-night party.

Following the chimes, the very discerning and eclectic crowd jived to some Ray Gelato Giants (‘Given Up Giving Up’ – which was my personal resolution (again)) and stayed dancing to a retrospective of the greatest hits of 2010.  We tripped the light fandango, and the crowd cried out for more: we could have played ‘til daybreak, but got stumped by the licensing law.

A big thank-you to James & The Gang – look forward to seeing you again for 2012!

Take care….and have fun

Jon Paul

Las Vegas/Casino theme party - 31st December 2010.