In Blog

Flexibility is a common denominator for all of the best athletes. And it’s why I enjoy watching them warm up before a competition. When athletes are flexible, they jump higher, kick harder and swim faster. Being flexible is part of their training and necessary for their success.

Flexibility is just as important in business and life. When the band performs a show, changes can happen at any time. For example, we always have a song list prepared, but it almost always shifts. Depending on the energy of the the audience, we may slow the pace down to engage older guests or skip some older songs and perform current hits for a younger group.  We might get a request from the client to perform overtime or take a break for a toast. Creating a great performance is a moving target.  And, the band has to stay focused and ready to make a change at a moments notice.

While its important to have a plan, I’ve found it just as important to be flexible. I have a clear vision of what I’m trying to accomplish, but I don’t always know how I’m going to get there, and that’s where flexibility comes in. Over the years, I have learned to appreciate this approach as it makes the creative process more of an adventure. And many times an idea will occur to me that I didn’t think of before. Sometimes it seems like the idea comes out of thin air at the right time.

When I’m in a situation when I’m not sure what to do, I’ll ask myself, “If I DID know what to do right now, what would it be?”  Many times the solution will come.  If it doesn’t, I’ll hang out until something comes to mind. The point is to be open minded and flexible.

When my oldest son was five years old, he and his younger brother were riding their bikes around my car in the driveway. They had just learned to ride and I was concerned they were going to crash. “Stay away from the car,” I told them.  Of course, the temptation was too much for them and after I asked for a third time, my older son rode his bike up to the chair where I was sitting and said, “Dad, why don’t you move the car?”  This was a great idea.  We both got what we wanted and it only took the flexible thinking of a five year old!

We face the unexpected everyday. A traffic jam can cause us to be late, bad weather causes the baseball game to be cancelled or, heaven forbid, a tree falls in the neighborhood and we lose Internet service.  I encourage all of us to loosen up and be more flexible.  You might think of something new or have a little more fun.  And if you really need help, ask a five year old.

Here’s to flexibility!

Dennis

 

 

 

 

 

July 9, 2013

From Music to Fashion: The Journey Goes On – By Guest Blogger Chelsea Allen

Back in 2009, after a brush with reality-TV fame, I spent too many nights swooning in smoky Savannah clubs and getting underpaid.  Music has always been my first love, and after spending most of my teen years and young adulthood dancing and touring with a professional dance company, I knew I had a voice that needed to be heard. So, I packed a U-Haul and headed for the southern music epicenter…Atlanta.

Almost one year to the date, I was approached at an open mic night about auditioning for Party on the Moon. I stared at the business card I was given for two solid weeks. It seemed too good to be true: travel, tour bus, and consistent gigs? Could this be?  The first show I did at the Filmore in Charlotte, NC was like nothing I’d ever experienced. It was fantastic to combine my two greatest loves: dancing while singing the music that everyone knows and loves. I had so much fun that night, I called my Mom and she sounded as animated as I felt. My enthusiasm proved to be airborne!

In the last three years, POTM has taken me to places I never knew existed, challenged me in ways I thought impossible, and flooded vacant corners of my life with abounding completeness.  For example, last year, I took on the task of styling for the ladies of POTM. With varying heights, curves, and vast differences in personal style, this feat proved to be a worthy one. However, Dennis and I knew it was important to sound and move like a unit, and look like one, too. Not to mention, as the #1 private events band in the country and performing on stage with Pat Benetar, Train, and Diana Ross (the ultimate diva) to name a few, we had to bring the bling!

I was never a shopper, but somehow finding beautiful things for the stage has become a pure passion of mine. As the band stylist today, I spend hours online and in clothing stores searching for stage-wear that compliments, appeals, and moves on stage. Doing a three-hour show non-stop in heels can be a challenge, so it’s important we are as comfortable as possible in our dress.  Also, I make selections based on season and keep in mind what our blushing brides would want on their special day. We even offer costume choices to our clients and, on occasion, tailor them specifically for their individual event.

I don’t leave the guys out either! On my latest shopping trip to Las Vegas and LA, I scored some amazing suits and jackets for our men. And, man, do they look great!  Coming back from my trip with a suitcase full of goodies for them and seeing the excitement on their faces made all the rummaging and negotiating worth it!

Looking back on the reinvention of myself, I truly give credit to this incredible band and the experiences with which I have been blessed. Everyday, I’m making memories that I will tell my grandkids about. And that is something truly special.

 

private event party bands