Celebrity Gems Entertainment

Cool Ice-Breaker Ideas for Cocktail Receptions

2008-05-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some cool ice-breaker ideas for cocktail receptions and passed hors d'oevres. Adding entertainment adds that memorable touch, and keeps parties "interesting and one of a kind."

Fortune tellers and caricaturists always draw lines, and make a good conversation "piece."

Here's "Bird the Tarot Card Reader," for the Building Industry Association's vendor show at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel. Marc's caricatures are very accurate, and are worthy for framing. For zany fun, there is a hilarious Marx Brothers team, based in Northern California, that provide improvisational and prop comedy.

Spending quality time at shopping centers and malls

2008-04-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

There are additional ways to spend time at shopping centers and malls, in addition to buying that latest video game, two piece bathing suit, and a latte grand with cinnamon.

Bring the family to Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton and The Great Mall of the Bay Area in Milpitas, California for the Saturday "Kids Club." This member only club offers once monthly children's entertainment on Saturday, in addition to coloring books and discount coupons. The two person musical duo "Cotton Candy" performed children's songs, games, and riddles, while a clown made customized balloon art. This entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by the entire family.

The Rat Pack scores a Direct Hit

2008-04-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

For a Rat Pack-Night at the Sands theme, our Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra lookalikes mixed and mingled, and made fabulous photo-ops, during a 125-person cocktail reception at the Fairmont Hotel (San Francisco). The three impersonators worked as a team, singing and dancing, and moving through the crowd. Sammy Davis, Jr. served as the emcee, announcing dinner, in the main ballroom of the Venetian Room.

Rock and Roll through the 50's and 60's

2008-04-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

The 50's and 60's Rock and Roll era came alive for an open house event for Aegis Living of Fremont. The gals were dressed in poodle skirts with white blouses, and the guys were dressed in jeans and white shirts. The decorations consisted of mock 45 RPM records dangling from the ceilings, and refreshments consisted of rootbeer floats, jaw breakers, Wrigley's gum, and hamburgers and hot dogs.

Our one-man band played the keyboards and sang do-wop and solid gold rock and roll hits. Our headline dancers, AKA "San Francisco Jitterbugs" performed a high-energy 20-minute dance show, and later circulated in their audience, and got everyone up and dancing.

Summer Concert Fun

2008-04-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great way for shopping centers to host Saturday concerts, and for cities to host a music series. Music attracts shoppers to malls, where they remain to listen to the music, and to shop at stores. Stores that most benefit are restaurants, ice-cream shops, and candy stores.

For cities, a concert series is a great way to enhance community-pride.

Examples: The Rock and Roll band "Mersy Beach" is a great draw at Harbor Bay Landing (Alameda), for their summer concerts. The country and western band Silver Creek was a fan favorite at Larkspur Landing (Larkspur).

Summer picnics and Summer fun

2008-04-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Warmer weather means summer picnics, and a good reason for companies to have their barbeques, and for families to celebrate birthday parties under the summer sun.

Music adds to the festive nature at outdoor events, with Hawaiian, Caribbean, and Dixieland music, being the most requested styles. In addition, this music is acoustic, meaning that there doesn't need to be a power source.

For children, balloon artists, facepainters, and magicians are the entertainers of choice.

Hoppin' good time was had by all!

2008-04-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

Frogs were everywhere at a Bat Mitzvah for 330 guests at Carr America Conference Center in Pleasanton. Celebrity Gems provided a DJ, memory album, photography and lots of frogs to tie in with the frog theme.

Celebrate the diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area

2008-04-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, and Sacramento are alive with ethnic performers. One of our most popular themes is, "The Streets of San Francisco." Pictured are ideas to make your next celebration memorable and fun. For that lively beat, a Brazilian and Latin trio, had everyone up and dancing for a De Anza College (Cupertino) noontime event.

Our Asian zither and hammer dulcimer trio, are shown at a model home opening.Chinese Lion Dancers were the sensation for an association event at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel.

Use dancers at your next event

2008-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

An exciting way to "jazz-up" parties is through professional dancers. Dancers can be used to kick-off a party, getting partygoers up and on the dance floor. Dancers are also used as a floor show, especially for Latin and Brazilian themes. Dance troupes add that colorful touch, with costuming from the Swing era, and for Carnavale themes.

Entertainers as a Meet and Greet, and leading a Procession

2008-03-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Performers can creatively be used to "Meet and Greet," and as a way to lead groups from one location to another.

Here are examples: A Pipe and drum trio at Stanford University (Palo Alto) and heralding trumpets for a V.I.P. party at The Palace Hotel (San Francisco).

Plan your next party around a theme

2008-03-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to plan a party is around a theme. As an active member of Meeting Planners International, we recommend theme parties.

The most popular themes are Las Vegas nights, Speakeasy/Roaring 20's, Disco and Saturday Night Fever, A Night at the Sands, with Frank, Dean, and Sammy; and, Rock and Roll through the decades.

An example: When a company had their vendor food show at the Crow Canyon CountryClub (Danville), their theme was Speakeasy/Roaring 20's. A gangster and his gun mole greeted the guests, and a speakeasy singer specializing in songs from the 20's through the 40's, and her piano player, provide the music.

Harpists for every occasion

2008-03-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Harpists can be used for events, from model home openings, wedding receptions, Irish themes, Christmas themes, and cocktail receptions.

Harps come in different sizes and shapes, from the elegant opera harp to the smaller celtic harp. They play all styles of music, depending on the event and the ambiance needed at the event.

There are even Mariachi, that use harpists, in addition to different size guitars, and trumpets.

Make plans for Cinco De Mayo

2008-03-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo will be here on May the 5th. This is the biggest day for Mariachi ensembles for country clubs, private parties, and restaurants. Make plans now, before the better groups are booked.

Spring and Summer is the time for children's entertainment

2008-03-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Spring and Summer is the time for children's entertainment for festivals, street faires, and picnics. For the younger crowd, puppet shows, storytellers, and musical groups are popular. For festivals, Stilt Walkers, juggling acts, and magicians, are also popular.

There are several novelty acts, including a hula hooper who twirls 22 hula hoops, and rollerblades. Facepainters and balloon artists are also the most requested.

For additional information, call Celebrity Gems (510) 581-5964

Our Most Requested Act in 2007

2008-03-16T20:01:00.001-07:00

Our most requested act in 2007 was our Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Tribute Show. This duo was booked to outstanding reviews at events from Monterey to St. Helena and from Pleasant Hill to the San Jose Museum of Modern Art.Here's Dean and Frank shown at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

Rock and Roll through the Decades

2008-03-16T19:42:00.001-07:00

Keith Johnson and his back up band got everyone up and dancing for a company award program. He and is female vocalist went on the dance floor with hand held microphones and the partygoers enjoyed singing their favorite songs from the 50's to the present century! Keith did a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry and Bill Haley from Bill Haley and the Comets fame. This all took place at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA.

Comedians make good MC's

2008-03-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

For a 150 person event at the Diablo Country Club in Diablo, CA, our client decided on using a comedian as an MC instead of someone from their human resources department. Book a comedian when the goal is to entertain in addition to making announcements. We arrange comedians and an Austin Powers who also MC's shows.

Violinists, jazz trio, and dj were a hit at wedding reception!

2008-03-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

For a wedding reception at the Lafayette Park Hotel, an added special touch was a violin duo, a jazz trio, and a DJ, all working as a team to make this a memorable event. The bride, groom, and guests will have lasting memories of their very special occasion.

Out of town Gift Baskets

2008-03-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

While staying at the Pleasanton Hilton, 14 out of town guests were treated to gift baskets made by Barbara from Celebrity Gems. The baskets incorporated the weekend "beach theme" with a shell printed box and a wishing well filled with tiramisu cookies. Other California items included, pistachios, Jelly Belly's, Ghirardelli chocolates and chocolate cable cars.

Beverage company throws huge party for morale event.

2008-03-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

For a 250 person morale party at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, guests were treated to a fun filled afternoon. Entertainers included an Elvis impersonator, an Austin Powers lookalike, Las Vegas showgirls, 2 caricaturists, a Salsa band, and a magician.

Memory Party Album

2008-03-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

For a private party on Saturday night, at the Pleasanton Senior Center, Celebrity Gems facilitated the making of a memory album for the honored guest. Pictures were taken and printed during the evening, and guests used their creativity to create a lasting memory. We also had a comedian and DJ on hand to make the party a huge success.

Hand Balancers make a hit!

2008-03-09T20:19:00.001-07:00

At a recent Bar Mitzvah, at the Lafayette Community Center, Celebrity Gems arranged for these 2 hand balancers to WOW the crowd with their strength and flexibility. On several occasions, they hit the ceiling with their combined height of over 11' high!

Welcome to our Blog!

2008-02-28T01:00:00.001-08:00

Celebrity Gems is a full-service entertainment agency booking comedians, bands and magicians for corporate parties and special events. We have been around for 20 years and thank you for stopping by! Our website is: www.celebritygems.com