Brain Date with Kawania Wooten
May 4, 2020
Featuring Kawania Wooten, the owner of Howerton + Wooten Events and The Enlightened Creative.
KAWANIA: Hi there. Welcome to my latest brain date. And this is with today, the ladies of Lucy Black Entertainment. So I'm going to add them in. Let's see. Nope. That's how. I got it now. Let's see. Hi there. How are you?
LAUREN: Good enjoying the snow?
KAWANIA: You know? I just said, was I that busy? Because I didn't see the snow coming. Did they say it was going to snow?
LAUREN: There's a storm hitting the whole east coast.
KAWANIA: I've been busy. I missed that. I was like Geez, what else happened in the world? Because the snow I was like, wait, is that snow? I had plans!
REBECCA: So funny. Yeah, I had to drive to Lauren's. I was like, it'll be fine. I'm used to driving in the snow. And then I was like, this is more than I thought. So.
KAWANIA: Yeah, I'm looking at my front window. Like it's actually snowing out there. Let me go check the forecast. You know, I think to myself, do children get today off? I mean, maybe not. They're home, they can still go to school. This is no fun. Snow days and a pandemic. It means nothing.
LAUREN: Oh, man.
KAWANIA: You might as well have sunshine.
LAUREN: Well, hopefully they’ll get to go play in it.
KAWANIA: No, there's torture. They have to go to school while they're looking at the snow outside. See, I'm a Debbie Downer today. But I'm not seeing the love and snow during a pandemic.
LAUREN: We’re so happy about the snow.
KAWANIA: But I'm happy to see snow. I feel like it's been a long time. We got no snow last year. None, not a drop last year.
REBECCA: So January 2019 and the only reason I remember is because it was the one time we went to the Kennedy Center for a show. And it was like, it hit really hard. And I was like, Are we still going? Like, and there were some fabulous pictures outside the Kennedy Center. And that was like the one snow we had. That's the only reason I remember it.
KAWANIA: Well, it's lovely. It says, I mean, is it going to be hard? Does anybody know? Is it heavy snow?
REBECCA: Um, no. I think it's supposed to turn to rain this afternoon and go away.
KAWANIA: I'm telling you, that's how little I know about the snow for today. Yeah, I did wear a sweater for the occasion. I figured, you know, I'm going to go sit in front. You know, like a hallmark movie. I'm going to pop out the hot chocolate. You know, sit in front of the fireplace, listen to some Mariah Carey saying All I Want For Christmas, and get in the mood. So
LAUREN: Had a Christmas album on this morning, so.
KAWANIA: So I am so excited to have you ladies today. It I think what a benefit. What I loved about these brain dates is we hit on those topics. Like I think everybody is an excellent planner. We have some excellent people out here. But there are little areas that if you haven't done it enough, it can really give you a sense of uncertainty that you feel a little uncomfortable with what you need to know when it comes to booking a band. Making sure you have the right amount of power. What in the world is a rider? How much to each? Because I will tell you I used to work for hotel corporation planning events. And I was every event we had I was booking major talent and the riders used to crack me up but then once I got into the meat and potatoes of it I realized most of the rider weren't as fluffy as everybody thinks they are until you know that there is a reason behind the rider. Oh the hidden names that I knew for talent when I booked their hotel rooms. Like, I could tell you where they're staying. I know who what name they use. You know, I think the perfect one was what, Philip Bailey? Was he with Earth Wind and Fire? Is that his last name? Philip Bailey? The little high-pitched guy. That's all I got for you. Now, when I had to book a hotel room for him and had to be a room where he could open the window because of that high-pitched voice, he couldn't be in a room with AC before he performed.
REBECCA: Well actually like Aretha Franklin would not perform with the air on at a venue. Like they had to turn the air off.
KAWANIA: Yeah.
REBECCA: It's difficult when there's hundreds of people for an event. We had sound teams tell us some horror stories about it being like 90 degrees at the building museum with Aretha Franklin, and 1000 people. But...
KAWANIA: But I understand it now because their voice is their tool, and they need to protect it. So when you take those riders and for anybody listening that doesn't know what a rider is, this is... Do you mind if I share? Because I like I like she invited us on and I she will shut up. But a rider, this is that document that musicians or a band will send you that 12 and 12 design says you guys are her faves, by the way.
LAUREN: We love her.
KAWANIA: That this is a document that bands or musicians will provide you for the items they would need to make sure that they can carry out their performance. And so you may have heard in some what I like to call folklore or urgent mess about all these crazy things that they ask for. So I will not mention this band. But I remember sharing that with the story with a band. And they said that the reason they put goofy stuff on there is it makes it lets them know you've read it.
REBECCA: 100%.
KAWANIA: Yeah. So if somebody asked for both green M&Ms, they know you got everything else they really need.
REBECCA: Yeah.
KAWANIA: I was like, well, that, okay; I can see where that is. And obviously, they need to make sure that you carry it out. But when you're working on an event for a wedding, or an event or you know, a social event, you want to take it just as serious, because it doesn't matter if it's Earth, wind, and Fire or whoever it is, you want to make sure that the musicians are protected. Because, as I've said before, outside of food, I tell people this all the time I got married 24 years ago, people still talk about because we had great party. Two things they mentioned, the food, the music. I couldn't tell. I couldn't tell you what flowers I had. And but nobody mentioned the flowers. No, nobody mentions anything. Food. Music. Music, in my opinion, is the second most important part of the reception. So now I'm going to ask you some questions if you... So first, before we start, tell folks a little bit about Lucy Black, Lucy Black Entertainment.
REBECCA: Yeah, so well, I'll give you a broad stroke about Lucy black. So, Lauren and I actually met in college; we're both violists. Um, we actually booked entertainment and music in college kind of freelancing, like, it turned into a thing. But I didn't know that this was something that was real. Like people would just call me and be like, hey, I need a string quartet. And I'm like, well, I'm booked, so I'm going to put together another quartet for you. And, you know, I mean, like, it's just kind of what we did. And then I moved up here she was in, she was all over, ended up in...
LAUREN: Relocating.
REBECCA: Yep. And she was going to move away from Williamsburg, and wasn't quite sure what she was going to do. And I was like, just move to DC its fine. You'll be fine. And she did. So we ended up working together, actually running another entertainment company. And it kind of showed us that we just have a really great way of working together even though we're really good friends. And so we started Lucy Black, August 2018 and have 2, 3, 3 house bands now. But we book a lot of just musicians; we just know a bunch of musicians in town in New York, all over the country, really. Bunch of DJs.
LAUREN: Immersive entertainment. We now have a full production team that we work with that does all the sound and lighting. So...
REBECCA: And video. Yeah.
KAWANIA: Do you have a specific, I was about to say pacific, specific genre of music that you represent?
REBECCA: You know, I would say No, only because every event it really depends on the event. So we can kind of do what whatever the event calls for. Even from like, I was talking to someone one time randomly about, they were doing like a medieval Tea Party Renaissance vibe, and I'm like, oh, you should get like, period music. And they were like, what is that? I'm like, you know, they play on like ancient instruments, and they play, you know, modes and things like that. And, you know, you can kind of make it whatever you want. Because as long as you know the musicians.
LAUREN: And collectively, we each have a lot of music knowledge and a lot of different areas. Yeah, so where one of us might not know something as well, the other one kind of picks up the slack, if you will.
REBECCA: Anything that's really old, I usually know.
KAWANIA: Welcome to my world. So what are some things we should know when booking a band for our reception.
REBECCA: So, you know what's funny?
KAWANIA: Stage size, amps, rider, meal times, any anything you want to share. So one thing that struck me about reading your book, just so everyone on here, just get it and read it, there's so many good things. Thank you.
REBECCA: I was struck by what you mentioned at one point that so many people favor the design over the logistics and the details. And we have found even with some of the top planners we've worked with, that we are put in positions where we're compromising and making it work because we have to, but the stage is too close to the people or there's not enough room for the actual musicians, but we shove under a staircase literally, that has happened. But you do it because you want everything to go well. And you're on site. You can't do anything now. Um, I think probably for me, it's really hard to say a number one, but I do think number one will be power. Power is something that like when you blow power.
LAUREN: Everything's gone.
KAWANIA: Right?
REBECCA: Literally nothing else.
LAUREN: Everyone knows that it happens.
REBECCA: Yeah, it is. We've had a few occasions where that's happened. It's been from either people aren't paying attention to how many people are in a circuit. Understanding circuits. Something I don't think everyone talks about. You can get a circuit map.
KAWANIA: Yeah.
REBECCA: And the band has a dedicated amount of power it asks for, and you just got to make sure your caterers, your lighting, especially lighting, are not plugging into the band's circuit, and everyone's on their own circuit. And everyone's good.
LAUREN: You just figure out the plan beforehand, and everybody's fine.
REBECCA: But then on site, we've seen people, I mean, pros, and I don't blame anybody. I think it's really just a matter of you're on site. There's a billion things happening and people aren't paying attention to who plugged in where and you blow out (12:51). I mean, you will have nothing happening. It's not fun.
KAWANIA: Yeah, you know, it's funny, because that's actually outside of making sure that the space is set aside, that's actually one of my biggest concerns is making sure you have power. Because you know, I'm not up for a night full of us with some tambourines and some bongos of less that was what we ordered, and, or booked. And you want to make sure that well, and that's something I asked for DJs lighting, like, tell me everything you need, so that we because we have made that mistake, where somebody will say what about our power? I'm like, what about it? What are we doing? So it's and you know a lot of anything I've written in the book is where I've probably effed it up a couple of times. And I'm like, alright, note to self, we are not making that mistake again. And then and then that ends up becoming a blog post. And then the blog post ended up becoming a book. But it's, it's making sure that if, especially when we're outdoors, that that we got generators and we have not just that those little things, wouldn't you say?
LAUREN: That's a whole other talk.
REBECCA: That's where we've seen the most problems is with generators, even though the most recent one I was thinking of had no generators. But we did a wedding, 10 piece band outside, generators, everybody was set. The lighting was set. Everything was fine. They failed to mention that there were 10 waffle irons coming in from the catering team to do your own waffle station at the end of the night. Blew the power. Come on, guys.
LAUREN: A lot of what people don't realize too is the power that the company you're getting the generator from generator says I have X amount of power, the power that actually comes to the end of that after all the extension cords have been plugged in is not the same. It's much much less.
REBECCA: Yeah, right.
LAUREN: And I don't know that then you're in trouble.
REBECCA: And then I mean extension cords are another thing in itself. Like I had someone asked us to put what was it like six extension cords together to go out to the middle of a field? And I'm like, you don't understand, it's not going to hold the sound system. Like, it's just a ceremony, but it's not a good idea.
KAWANIA: Yeah, but see. So I'll tell you one of the things and I think I mentioned this with Alex, last week, that's where that final walkthrough comes into play, just bring everybody. It may take the final walkthrough, may take 20-30 extra minutes, but if I have the caterer there, a representative from the, music, a representative from decor or staging, everyone is there. That way, if we say something wonky, they can say, wait a second, hold on, that's going to affect me. And then we can have that conversation because I'd rather you raise your hand at the final walkthrough, than on the day of the wedding, when I'm running in five different places.
LAUREN: We actually prefer to be involved in those. We like even someplace we've been a million times we want to be a planner(16:09), we want to know everything else that's going on, just because it helps us all be more successful on the day of, and there's really no reason not to do it. I feel like some entertainment people don't always do that. But we, we love to be there.
REBECCA: Yeah. Have you found that there's a lot of pushback from the bands and things to actually show up?
KAWANIA: Well, you know, we all every wedding planner has stories about bands, we can all share that, you know, you start to find that you got that company that you're like, alright, they are going to work with me. I'm sticking with them. And so I mean, seriously so because you know, I have run into some bands where I thought, oh, Jesus, they want to sit at the table in the middle of the reception and drink their beer.
REBECCA: They don't understand.
LAUREN: No.
REBECCA: I've, we've run across that too, because we do book, outside teams. We book partner bands. There's times where I've had a conversation and I'm like, this isn't a good fit for us. You do you but this isn't how we work.
KAWANIA: So can I segue for a second then? Because here's something I've learned. Because you know, when I first started, most of my clients spoke to DJ, then you know, you grow up a little bit and you start booking bands. And what I have found to be most helpful for mealtimes is if I feed the band before the reception starts. Do you guys agree?
REBECCA: So it's hard to say all the time. Because it's also if we have sound check right before the reception, then they start at four o'clock, by the time we get to 10 or 11 they're dying. So there's a thing (17:55). One thing we have found though when we're able to feed them, like say we're able to schedule a sound check while ceremony's happening, which is great. And then they can eat during cocktail hour. And then as long as the catering team is fine with leaving the food, especially if it's like a buffet. Like the Four Seasons, I'll give them a plug here. They're always the end the Hay Adams actually, they're always so good about having food, as soon as sound check is over, and keeping it so when they have a break they can kind of snack and not feel like they had a full meal. So, no, I'm with you.
LAUREN: When we have the time in between they do like to eat before, but ….??? Yeah (18:33), back there. It's too rushed and they're not they're not able to enjoy it. Yeah.
KAWANIA: Okay. Yeah, I am all about that. Just because I found myself where they they're eating for a long time during dinner.
REBECCA: We don't allow that either.
LAUREN: No, we don't allow that.
KAWANIA: And the guests are ready to start dancing and the bands like, we got 15 more minutes. So
REBECCA: You know, one of the things we've tried to work on with that because it actually is an issue. And what usually happens is the catering company or the catering team. And actually I'm not faulting them for this; they want to feed the guests first. There's nothing wrong with that. But if you actually have vendor meals, and you can set them aside for the band first, then as soon as band gets off break when you start serving, they can eat.
KAWANIA: Yeah.
REBECCA: Because that's usually what happens is they've gone on break and they have no food and so they sit and wait until all the guests are fed, then they get their food and then they have like five or 10 minutes until guests, but they've just been sitting there waiting, you know? So.
KAWANIA: Right.
REBECCA: It's a tricky thing. It's also part of why we like to be on site because we'll check on meals. And we won't be annoying, I promise. Because we know everyone's a team player here but we will check on it. Because we want to give the band the time. We want to time it properly so that everybody's time is best spent, yeah.
KAWANIA: Yeah. And that's again goes back to that walkthrough because only caters there. And we're walking through, we can loop that in. So guys, can you feed them? Because I can say to the caterer, can you feed them at such and such time, then the cater is like, yeah. You know, and sometimes it's just a matter of us communicating it so everybody hears and they're like, alright, yeah that make sense.
REBECCA: Yeah, I think the other thing is just for bands, because we've been in a position where we've either worked with or been privy to bands who are very demanding about meals. And I feel like catering teams and planners can almost be like, really? Like, like, now you're going to wait for your food. And not to be mean. I mean, I'm just, I think people get annoyed. And I think if you're a team player, and you're like, look like our team brings snacks, they always know.
KAWANIA: I bring snacks.
REBECCA: Yeah, you brought us snacks. That was something we've never had a planner do.
LAUREN: No.
REBECCA: I'm like, and I apologize if I forgot someone.
KAWANIA: Yeah, yeah, we have a whole table of snacks. Because, look, I can't have my people falling out now. So.
REBECCA: I don't even think we had meals at night. And you had candy and water. And the band was so happy.
KAWANIA: Well, good. There we go. Hey, let's talk about positioning. Like we're, when you when, when we're working on floor plans, you know, and it's funny, because I'm working on a floor plan now for a wedding in next August. And the bride has these great ideas. And she's like, why does the DJ have to be there? Why can't you be in the corner? And so my baby, don't you want them to see you when he comes in? Don't you want them to see our cues? We need to DJ a little closer. And, um, but not everybody always understands that people are taking their cues from the guests. And there needs to be a line of sight. There needs to be good positioning. Can we talk about that? Even ceremony, like when I see sometimes I'm like, I can't hear them? Why are they all the way over there?
REBECCA: You know what's funny is I think that we get, especially with bands, because I think that to me is where we kind of our mind goes to bands. When you walk in a room, everything kind of the focal point is built around a band a lot of times. And I have no problem with that, because I think they do amazing things with backdrops and staging and decor, right? And then it's as beautiful presentation with the band. And with DJs, I feel like maybe it's a little different. We have had DJs in odd places. Like I can think of two offhand were one we were just kind of to the side of the dance floor. But obviously we were working with a totally pro planner. And she was like, I'm just repositioning it, but he's still in the mix. And it worked really well. He wasn't the focal point, which is fine. But then we've had times where we're in a balcony with a DJ and the dancing underneath them. And that disconnect of, 3of energy. That's what it is. It's a connection of energy. And with a band, it's really hard. If they're not like we've had times where the band and the dance floor aren't next to each other. Like they put the dance floor. They are in like a huge space, they put the dance floor way far away from the band just to move things around and break the space up. Usually corporate events, but the band is way up against the wall in their focal point position. It creates this disconnect of communication and energy and being able to feed off each other.
LAUREN: The DJ has to work really hard, because they've really got to get people to connect from a distance.
KAWANIA: Yeah, there's a venue in Baltimore, where the DJ is almost like in a tree, a tree house, he's up so high. I hate that. I'm like, I don't care how cool people think it is. I can't talk to him, if he's all the way up there. So I can't give him a sense, like, hey, we're going to slow it down for a minute or this or that. So now I feel like I'm doing hand signals from downstairs, or trying, he can't hear me if I call him. So it's one of those wacky scenes where the venue thought it was a great idea. But the rest of us are like, this makes absolutely no sense. I need to I need everybody down here. So we also talked about positioning, do you have any opinions on how far back the stage should be from the dance floor?
REBECCA: I mean we like them next to each other. Like if you and I wish you could see the table, I can make hand gestures for you. But if you have the band and then the dance floor right in front, that's great. Obviously in times of COVID we're six feet away.
LAUREN: Yeah.
REBECCA: We're asking for more of a barrier and we're working with planners and even florists to create like a head (24:57) or something. You know, we bought rope expansion (24:59) for our team, so we can we can rope it off if we need to. But yeah, the closer the better. I mean, it just flows and makes sense. And it also changes the position of the event. You know, your dance floor is way far away your sound, be by the band?? (25:15), but and you know, and then it changes the whole dynamics of where sound has to be and how much sound you have to have.
LAUREN: The musicians will also come out in interact, and that allows them to be closer and for them to come into the audience and engage with people more easily.
REBECCA: And then the wireless issues with all that, like, I won't even go into it, but that adds to it. Right?
KAWANIA: So do you have an opinion? Does the band need to be elevated? Or can they be on the floor?
REBECCA: I think it depends on the event. You know, if you're at Meridian house, I would never ever put them on a stage ever, obviously. But you also I mean, it's such an intimate space, you want to keep that intimacy. But if you're trying to think of a space that doesn't already have a stage like I always say Mellon Auditorium, but you have to be on stage. But even like MGM, or any of the ballrooms down in National Harbor, Gaylord, you know? They're big spaces, and so when you have a massive space, elevating the band helps you take up the space. It's just like a decorating concept, right? You go up.
LAUREN: And it helps your guest count (26:24) be able to see everyone you know? Like it as if you were at a concert, you know? There's a reason why people perform on stage.
KAWANIA: Now, I just, I'm going to throw in a little plug. So if I'm looking at page 50 of my book, I outline different space requirements for like ceremony, musicians, the soloist, the band, the DJ, and the dance floor. So we were coming to the dance floor, you know, the most popular thing everybody's talking about now those dance floor wraps, and don't get me wrong, I love a pretty dance floor wrap. What concerns me with dance floor wraps, if you got 100 guests, but your dance you because you want this big dance floor wrap that makes a statement. It's a dance floor wrap for almost 300 guests. What do you, you know, I have my opinions about that. But I would love to hear your feedback about it when you when you let the style impact the experience.
REBECCA: So, I think that we're all on the same page as you with dance floors is if you have a dance floor for 300 people, but you have 100 guests, your room is going to look empty. That's just how the room is going to feel, empty. There's ways design-wise to create more depth like if maybe you have a lounge area on your large dance floor. I don't know that can help that, but for us, you know, we want people to feel like their dance floor is always packed. So you and I think you said it really well in your book. We have always thought especially because we're mostly bands, we always kind of think 50%. But obviously, if you have DJs, or maybe don't have a big dancing crowd, you know, and then plan on 30, maybe 40% of your guests on the dance floor. And that's how you should plan.
KAWANIA: Yeah.
REBECCA: You know, but also knowing, say, you know, you're going to have 70% of the guests on the dance floor. I think the other thing people don't think about is there's times where it's going to be everybody, but then towards the end of the night, you're not going to have as many people there. And so consider those things. Does it bug you? Maybe it doesn't bug you? And then you're fine.
LAUREN: Go put it somewhere else.
REBECCA: But we do like the wraps. They're beautiful.
LAUREN: They are cool.
KAWANIA: Yeah.
REBECCA: But keeping it appropriate to what you're doing.
KAWANIA: Yeah. I mean, I love them. And if I can find a way to use them every time I would. But here's the thing, and I and this and it's funny, because I'll have parents say, Kawania I don't think the dance floor is big enough. Number one, I'm like, you're right, there's probably not going to be any more than 30 to 40% of your guests on the floor at one time. And if you make it make it too big, then your guests are going to feel like they're on display. And they don't come on the dance floor. So it's almost counterproductive. You make it too small. Then you got butts, bumping tables, you know?
REBECCA: Or guests move tables. You know we did one corporate event where they had, I want to say it was literally like 15 by 45. Imagine that dance floor. It was a runway.
KAWANIA: I was about to say, that's a rectangle.
REBECCA: Trying to get it in front of the long stage because it was like 3,000 people. And it was a huge stage and we were even taking up all the stage. It was a nightmare. I was like who thought this was a good idea? I'm like you guys do these events all the time. Like this is not smart.
KAWANIA: Where was their planner?
REBECCA: I mean at that point, we try and give our and then you back off, right? Yeah. But they had to move tables, they had to move tables out of the way, because people were not going to the ends of the dance floor, on their runway, you know? It was bizarre.
KAWANIA: So, you know, it's one of my little favorite things I'd like to do for our receptions. Unless the dance floor wrap dictates it, is we will set the dance floor on an angle. So the dance floor is a diamond, as opposed to a square. And the reason we do that, then we can bring the tables and closer, and it feels a little bit more intimate. And our guests, our couples love that. Because then the sweetheart table, if there is a sweetheart table doesn't feel like it's way over there. And the guests and it's because a goal for me for every wedding is that we're creating a wedding community. And so, you know, and, you know, your coworkers are at that table all the way in the back in the corner. So you don't want them to feel so far away. And if you create a diamond, you can get the tables in a little bit closer, and then the dance floor won't feel as big. And it gives, even if the band wanted to come down in it. There's opportunities for them to do it that way.
REBECCA: I don't know if we've done an event with a dance floor like that. That's a great idea.
KAWANIA: Yeah, well, we do it a lot. And like I said, the only time we don't is if the dance floor is permanent, and we can't move it. Or if there's a wrap that where the style will dictate it, and then we just let it go. Is there want to make sure I... Well, I have one more. How about, how about timing? When, when you're trying- not timing, staffing. When you're trying to decide on a size band? Are there any tips or ideas, you know recommendations you would give a planner or a couple about, hey, you know what that band might be... You could probably, or you need a little bit more for this size group. Or this, this is a great size band, but it might overwhelm this small group a little bit. Have you ever had those discussions?
LAUREN: We definitely talk about the space, the audience and how many guests you have. Because some people music might be the most important thing on their list, they might want a huge band, even if they don't have a lot of people and that's awesome. Um, other people, they might just they don't know, they just they want a great band in the space, and then we're able to recommend based on based on the room, we would suggest this size, it won't overpower what you have, you know, or even the actual just the acoustics of the physical space itself won't lend itself to a large group or a small group, you need to find the right size to make sure that the sound is on point that everything about the evening all flows and works well together.
REBECCA: Yeah. And in terms of acoustics of a band, I think what people don't think about it well, A: How is your band micing themselves? Like if you have floor monitors, if you're having ambient sound on stage changes, then if you don't. But then also what are the live instruments? Do you have horns? Horns are going to change the dynamics in the energy of your team. If you're at a huge space, adding horns actually helps you fill out the space and feel like you've taken up more of the room. It just helps change the dynamic and make everyone feel like there's stuff happening. It's not like oh, why is that band so tiny, you know?
KAWANIA: Yeah. Opposite even if you're in I mean, back to Meridian. I mean, I love this space. And I think it's a great example for an intimate wedding. You can have a seven-piece band, you know? You can actually do it right. But once you get into that ten-piece band, it doesn't feel comfortable.
LAUREN: It's a little tight.
REBECCA: Yeah.
LAUREN: And like, it's probably not the best experience because you're just, everything so tight and loud.
REBECCA: Exactly. And you have to be careful of sound. You know, I mean, you can get in there, but do you want it?
KAWANIA: It almost overwhelms it a little bit that it changes the vibe.
REBECCA: Exactly.
KAWANIA: Yeah. So one last thing I thought I'd mentioned because since we have had, I've been fortunate enough to work with you ladies. And I was thinking of a wedding that I will probably start showing off a little bit in the next few weeks where we the couple wanted to have a band and a DJ experience. And we had to do a flip. And I didn't want the guests coming in. When are y'all going to be ready? When are y'all going to be ready? So we used a band for the dance party for cocktails. And what that did was get the couples and the guests not to focus on the flip. And I thought that was a great, I've done it twice now. And it. And I've done twice both at the Reagan Building because the flip is more than a notion there. And I think that's one of those ideas I just throw out there for all these people who've graced us with their presence on here. But what we did is we had a great group to I mean, we had some of your musicians and a soloist during the ceremony. Then we had a dance party for cocktails. And so nobody noticed that the flip took an hour and almost an hour and a half.
LAUREN: We had fun.
REBECCA: We did.
LAUREN: We had so much fun.
KAWANIA: Yeah.
LAUREN: That cocktail hour. I mean, you had a stage, the guest roll in and they're having a great time. Everyone was interacting. It was just it was so much fun to be able to do that for a cocktail hour, when a lot of times a cocktail hour is almost just like an afterthought, or it's, oh, it's just something people have to go sit at while they wait to get their dinner.
KAWANIA: Yeah, no, and so not. And what that does is cut down on the ladies like my feet hurt, What are y'all going to be finished? And then they had a DJ for their reception. So then it kept the energy up. Music was a great experience for that entire wedding day. And, and you and it, were we partner together and really solved many problems, because it is, you know, we had a lot going on for that wedding. And it wasn't going to be a 60 minute flip. We knew that.
REBECCA: Well and thing is after that wedding, because it was such a great idea. And we, you know, we thought about that idea. But no one really takes us up on it. So for us to have you as their trusted planner bring it in, it was so perfect for that client. And even this, I guess, summer, another planner oh, there she is Sarah, with SD three (37:14). She called me and she was like, I know this is crazy, but could we do a band for cocktails? And I'm like, why, yes you can. But we learned from that first time, the way that we structured it for you, we actually had a singer and then the rhythm section and we realized we really did need to have a second singer. Like it was harder on the team. And what happened was is my keyboardist, who's absolutely incredible, he figured out what was happening. He knew we needed extra vocals; he was trying to pull in songs that the singer was like, oh, I didn't know we were doing this. And the sound team got him a microphone and he sang. And he ended up I don't even know if you knew that happened, your wedding. But they did it in a way that like nobody knew what was going on. And they were able to keep the energy going. And so when we did this wedding with Sarah, we were like, we got to have two singers. And let's rearrange how we're going to do it because hers was just an hour, maybe even a little less. I can't remember now. Anyway, but you know, there it's just funny. Because now with COVID everybody's trying to figure out how can we be flexible, maybe not have a full band. So we're playing with this idea of creating custom bands for whatever it's going to be, you know? I mean, it might be a two hour after party with a band, because we might not have a lot of dancing, but we want the energy. And...
KAWANIA: Yeah.
REBECCA: With those experiences have helped us get really flexible, but do it right. So that you can keep the energy up, but not exhaust your team and just make it really good. So we love that idea. We think it's a great idea.
KAWANIA: And it's funny because it I we came up with that idea out of necessity the first time we were at the Reagan building, and now I was like, I’ve got to do this again. We're just going to alter our game and do it even better the next time. So no, I love that. And I put it out there because I think other people should try it because it mixes it up. And you know, cocktails doesn't have to be talked on people will talk plenty at dinner. And you know, let's come up with other ways to mix up your wedding day. Ladies, I'm going to ask you one last question. Well, well, let me ask you. Is there anything exciting going on at Lucy Black, that we should?
REBECCA: Well there was. We had to cancel it. We're very sad about that. But we just couldn't get the whole team together now.
KAWANIA: Yeah, I understand. I understand. I mean the way things are going right now, just all hunkering down and sheltering in place.
REBECCA: Yeah. So we're getting excited about you know, 2021 and what that looks like, and I think that I mean, actually just getting creative with clients about how do you plan for a wedding when you have no idea what it's going to look like? Yeah, and just getting the team together that can say, okay, we're just going to all be flexible and this is our initial plan. But if it changes, we can change, you know? We can all figure it out. And I think that's been, it's not been, I wouldn't say fun, but it's been really getting our creative juices flowing. A fun challenge, I'll say it that way.
KAWANIA: It keeps our iron sharpened. You know? Nobody's suffering here from dull, you know, you know, not keeping our brain fresh, that's for sure. So, when all of this is over, and the pandemic is done and we can get back outside, what's the first thing you're going to do?
LAUREN: So, I'm going to go to all of the live music possible. And travel a lot. And Rebecca had a really good one to hug all of our musicians.
REBECCA: It's just been so hard when we see them. Some of them have hugged us and we're like, uh ok.
LAUREN: We're like.
REBECCA: It's a thing. Like not being able to just hug our team.
LAUREN: you know they're like our family and we're very friendly in that way and so every time we see them it's hi hi hi how are you? and so, it'll just be nice to finally really truly celebrate and be with everyone in that way.
KAWANIA: Yeah
REBECCA: And I think we really want to do shows. I mean, you know our team this summer, our sound engineer has like a stage in his backyard, cause that's how you roll when you're a sound engineer. And so we did a live concert outside but of course, you can't now and he had a baby so like, but that's something I think that as things are picking back up I really want to get our team together for live music, live shows.
KAWANIA: Yeah, I hear you on that one. I think I'm going to run up and down my block and hug anybody in my way. You know, the human touch is, the lack of human touch is killing me. Well, can you tell everybody how they can find you how they can find you on social media?
REBECCA: Yes, we're @LuckyBlackEnt. We're on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest. We’re on Twitter and LinkedIn, but... kind of.
KAWANIA: I understand.
LAUREN: Our website is lucyblackentertainment.com. Our email is hello@luckyblackent.com as well.
KAWANIA: Thank you so much. And I just want to remind everybody all that we discussed about stuff. I actually, and it hit me this morning, I have a book and I should send it to you guys, that is specific towards music at your wedding. Did I send that to you already?
REBECCA & LAUREN: No.
KAWANIA: I have a wedding planning guidebook on music.
REBECCA: I love it.
KAWANIA: Yeah, and the one we've been talking about today, A Perfect Fit, and it deals with sizing, staging, staffing, rentals, and tenting, is available and all of the books on my brand new The Enlightened Creative website, are 10% off until the end of the year, you just have to use the promo code SMARTPLANNER. Thank you all so much for your time. Thank you ladies for sharing your knowledge and dropping all those good gems today and your enthusiasm, I just love you guys. So, I am looking forward to working with you again in 20201. And yeah, we got some good stuff. Lord willing if we can get these vaccines and everybody straightened out. But, enjoy your holiday season, and thanks again for your time. I really appreciate it.
LAUREN: Thanks so much.
REBECCA: Bye.
KAWANIA: Take care. Buh-bye. Bye, everybody. Thanks to everybody who stayed with us all the way to the end. Appreciate it.