Snap, Crackle, but don't pop

A balloon artist sculpted a Menorah balloon for the second night of Chanukah at Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton. Question: Will this Menorah balloon keep its shape for the next six days?
Winter Wonderland, planned by Chabad of Pleasanton also included a dancing Dreidel, a Dreidel cookie station, and a Chanukah trivia contest. #stoneridge shopping center

Kids line up for their choice of a balloon

Don't light these candles with your match

A Dreidel dances in front of the Menorah

Willie Wonka joins Candy Land and a Gum Ball filled Menorah

Pure gold filled chocolate coins from Willie Wonka 

Is that really me?

Gum ball filled Menorah

Hop, Skip, and Jump down Candy Land Lane for an eye opening surprise. Wow!! There was Willie Wonka and his tray of chocolate wrapped gold coins for the first night of Chanukah at the Palomares Hils Clubhouse, Castro Valley. Joining Willie Wonka was a Candy Land face painter.  The Chanukah Menorah was filled with over 1000 gum balls as a tie-in to Candy Land.

Rheem Valley Christmas kickoff with two most beloved characters

Santa with Ms. Claus 

Have you been Naughty or Nice? 

Holiday Juggler for crowd control

Santa and Ms. Claus took a break from plotting their delivery of presents to homes nationwide by making a surprise visit to the Rheem Valley Shopping Center in Moraga. With Christmas one week away, boys and girls had advanced opportunity to tell Santa what to pack in his Santa bag. For the boys, it was X-Box; for the girls an American Girl doll. A Juggler entertained the children while they waited in a long line for their Santa visit.

Cruise Anyone?

The Dining Room of an active living community resembled the dining room of a high-end cruise ship. There was a swanky jazz and pop duo, decorations galore, and partygoers were dressed in Tuxedos and formal gowns. Vocalist Sonya, joined by Marco on the piano, electrified her audience with "My Funny Valentine" a hit made famous from the 1937 musical Babes in Arms.  Celebrity Gems arranges varied musical and ethnic acts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sonya sing My Funny Valentine from Babes in Arms

Ambient music at Black-Tie event

"The Holiday Duo" played ambient music at a black-tie formal event in Union City.  Joyous  partygoers mingled around the buffet table and enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres and mixed drinks. The duo's repertoire included "Here Comes Santa Claus" to top of the chart hits by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sinatra. Good music, good company, and good food were the perfect recipe.

"Here Comes Santa Claus"

Holiday Elf surprises partygoers with presents

Class Acts at 13th Annual Holiday Gala

Holiday music and show tunes on the golden Opera Harp

"Climb every Mountain," from the Sound of Music

There were two elegant acts at the 13th Annual Holiday Gala at a Pleasanton Assisted Living home. Violinist Su strolled and greeted the guests as they entered the Parkview; Wendy's repertoire on her Golden Opera Harp included holiday favorites and Broadway show tunes. 

From the happy event planner, "Thank you for coordinating our entertainment. We had many families who complimented their performance."

Celebrity Gems arranges harpists, violinists, and Jazz and pop ensembles in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Karolers, Krispy Kreme, and Kris Kringle

The Piccola Carolers have made it an annual tradition by singing in front of the brightly decorated Christmas Tree at the Anchorage Square Shopping Center. Not this year. Due to a storm, they performed under an overhang by Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and in front of In and Out Burgers. Celebrity Gems arranges Dickens Carolers in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. #anchorage square

Here comes Santa Claus to Krispy Kreme

Hark the Carols the Angels Sing

Your net worth will double in 2020

Wealth and Happiness card

Who could predict the 2020 economy? Ask three investment advisors, even ask Google, and the result is four different predictions. A wealth management company arranged a Tarot Card reader for their preferred client party. Yes it was in her cards- the stock market will continue to rise and there will be much happiness in 2020.  Celebrity Gems arranges fortune tellers and tarot card readers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Toto We're not in Kansas anymore

String octet performs holiday music by holiday tree

Rudolph all-aglow 

Lumi-Light Stilt Walker

A San Mateo mall pulled out all the stops and proved that shopping centers are destinations. There was a huge community gathering of families and millennials for the three day grand opening of North Block and the "Spectacular Nights of Lights."  Amenities that will attract shoppers year round include a synchronized fountain, a multiplex movie theater, four star rated restaurants, and a comfortable food court. An eight piece string octet, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and lit-up lumi-dancers were the attractions for the Tree Lighting. #hillsdalemall

Jazz series featured Billboard's Top hits from the 60's and 70's

Vocalist Sonia and pianist Kelly's rendition of Billboard's Top Hits from the 60's and 70's at a Jazz Concert in Union City. Sonia brought back fond memories of the 60's with "The Girl from Ipanema"  sung by Brazilian vocalist Astrid Gilberto. Sonia followed this song with the solid gold hit "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" recorded by crooner Nat King Cole.  Celebrity Gems arranges Jazz and pop trios in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

The Rain in Spain stays mainly on the Plain

Flamenco guitarist with percussion

A flamenco guitarist and a percussionist provided lively music for a Spanish theme at a Livermore winery.  Paella with shrimp and sausage and imported wine was on the menu. Eliza Doolittle rid her Cockney accent with proper English that made famous the song "The Rain in Spain" from My Fair Lady. The City of Livermore and all of California could hope for rain during one of the driest months in California history.  Celebrity Gems arranges Flamenco dancers and Flamenco guitarists in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. #nellatella  #livermorecalifornia

You are Heaven to me in Blue Hawaii

Hawaiian music and dancing

"Hawaii, the land of music and song" was the theme at an Oakland retirement home barbecue. The residents were treated to an afternoon of Hawaiian music, song, and dialogue about the customs and natural beauty of Hawaii. According to the Event Planner, "Hawaiian Breeze was an excellent addition to our barbecue. The musicians offered dialogue about the customs and beauty of Hawaii, and; Leilani circulated among our crowd and got people up and dancing. She has a beautiful voice." Celebrity Gems arranges Hawaiian music in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Floppy Ears and Snow White at a Livermore Shopping Center

A Princess, a Mouse, and Captain America wait in line

A floppy ear mouse and Snow White waited patiently in line at a Halloween Disney promotion at a Livermore shopping center. A face painter was the perfect choice for crowd control while their parents learned more about the Wonderful World of Disney. Celebrity Gems arranges face painters and balloon artists in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

The City of Livermore and the Caribbean

There was a blue sunny sky, no clouds, and kayaking on a huge lake. This was the perfect setting for a Caribbean Steel Band and music from Jamaica, Saint Maarten, and Barbados. Joining the band were two balloon artists and two face painters dressed in colorful Brazilian shirts, straw hats, and rainbow skirts for an ironworkers picnic at Del Valle Park in Livermore.

Ya Man, Caribbean music from the Dominican 

Gather round for your balloon

Do you approve?

Lock all Doors and Shut all Windows

Will the Zombie Clown be on your guest list

Add the Zombie Clown as a spoof to "Pennywise" from Steven King's movie "It."  The Zombie is a natural as a surprise and perhaps unwanted guest for an adult party.  Mature kids will adore his outrageous balloon hats so he's fun for adults and kids. Celebrity Gems arranges the Zombie Clown and the Zombie Cowboy for events in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Halloween anyone?

Surfs Up in Lafayette

Colorful flower leis with Hula Girl

The men wore bright floral print shirts; the ladies were dressed in colorful sarongs for an Hawaiian themed party in Lafayette, CA. A hula girl greeted the partygoers with flower leis, and; there was an ukulele and guitar duo during the dinner hour.  According to the event planner, "They did a fantastic job. They made the party the success that it was. Thanks for finding them. Mahalo."  Celebrity Gems arranges Hawaiian music and hula dancers in the San Francisco Bay Area including Dublin, Lafayette and Walnut Creek. 

There was Magic galore at a San Francisco Fundraiser

A star studded night at the 25th Anniversary of Help is on the Way

Heather and her Magical Crystal Ball

Heather juggled her crystal ball and strolled with her magical deck of cards during the auction for the 25th Anniversary of Help is on the Way, a gala fundraiser for several non-profit agencies based in San Francisco. Celebrity Gems arranges magicians and celebrity impersonators including Liza Minelli, Bruno Mars, Elvis, and Las Vegas Showgirls in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.

Yes, the Stars were out Tonight

As an homage to the Flamingos and their Do Wop song from the 1950's, the stars were out for the 25th Anniversary of Help is on the Way. This benefit gala featured acts from Broadway and finalists from America's Got Talent. There was a sighting of Liza Minelli, best known for her co-staring roles in Cabaret and Arthur. The highlight of the evening featured cast members from Hamilton and their rendition of "Let the Sunshine In." Celebrity Gems arranges a Liza Minelli impersonator in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cast members from Hamilton

Wonderful, Wonderful, with bubbles Floating in the Air

Pop the cork and pass the Champagne. There were bubbles floating in the air with champagne music made famous by band leader Lawrence Welk.  The Lawrence Welk Show aired from the 1950's and beyond and was the theme at a Union City retirement home. "Wonderful, Wonderful" was the trademark made famous by Welk, with trumpet music by Frank accompanied by Nob Hill pianist Eric. This duo began their set with the song "Calcutta."

Magic Moment at Dublin Shopping Center

This Magic Moment

Mercy Mercy Me-What's Going On?

There was funk and back to the 70's Motown for the fourth concert at a Dublin Shopping Center. Band members sang top of the chart hits from the decades; audience members reciprocated by dancing to their lively beat.  Celebrity Gems arranges funk and rock and roll bands in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Shopping in the Wine Country

Mural captures Livermore's charm 

Face Painter and her artwork for the kids

Livermore wines have gained worldwide recognition and first place awards. Livermore's outlet stores and shopping centers also gain worldwide recognition by bargain shoppers. A face painter displayed her artistry at a Livermore outlet center's weekend sale by attracting long lines of children while their parents shopped at their favorite store. Celebrity Gems arranges face painters and balloon artists in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hip Hop and Carnaval rocks Dublin

What fun it was. A Latin hip hop, reggae, and rap band for the third Dublin shopping center concert. A female Latin rap artist began the second set to the beat of "Walk on the Wild Side" a solid gold hit made famous by Lou Reed. Guitarist and band leader Rafael danced like a rock star to songs from Nicaragua, Bolivia, and the Caribbean.

Hip Hop and Rap rocks Dublin 

Latin songs from Brazil and Nicaragua

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A Tribute to Diana Ross-with Stacy

Diana Ross is considered one of the best singers of all time. She boasts 12 number one Billboard hits and as the lead singer with the Supremes, she was named female singer of the century by Billboard magazine. "Stop in the name of Love," and "You keep me hanging on," two hits from the 70's continue their popularity in the 21st century. Stacy offered her Diana Ross Tribute, which included the theme from Mahogany, "Do you know where you're going to" at an afternoon concert at the Castro Valley Library.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough 

Theme from "Mahogany,"  Do you know where you're Going.

Stacy's Jazz Trio

Whole Foods patio for Becca and the Blues

Becca belted out the blues with her band at the second Dublin shopping center concert. She included music for every style and taste gaining enthusiastic applause and recognition. Her song list included Speakeasy Jazz, Sinatra, Rhythm and Blues, Funk, and Top 40. Celebrity Gems arranges bands in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered-I'm yours

Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

Summertime and the High Lords of Rock and Roll

Come on Everybody wave your arms to the beat

We are the Champions

Colorful balloon sculpture

The summer temperature was perfect- sunny, not to hot, not to cold. The first band for the four part Dublin, CA Summer Concerts included tributes to the Icons of Rock-Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Queen. 

Their lead singer circulated throughout the audience with shout-outs to wave arms and shake booties. Celebrity Gems arranges rock and motown bands in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.