Children mail their Christmas wish to Santa

How best to reach Santa during Covid-19 restrictions? Ask the mall manager at a Greenbrae shopping center.

Santa was tucked away under a tent. An "Elfette" circulated among the children with pen and paper. Children then wrote their Christmas wishes and the "Elfette" dropped their letters in a Santa mailbox. Celebrity Gems arranges balloon artists, jugglers, Santas, and elves throughout the greater Bay Area.

 October is Hispanic Heritage Month.  Give tribute and appreciation to the Latinos for their contributions to the arts, work ethic, family values, and health care. Idea: Plan Latin themes with music, a Carmen Miranda impersonator, and a bi-lingual balloon artist.

   Blue Moon of Kentucky

 

There was no blue moon and we weren't in Kentucky. We were at the Strawberry Village Shopping Center, Mill Valley, enjoying the Steve Hanson duo and bluegrass ala Bill Monroe in addition to folk and 60's rock. There was outdoor dining with tables and canopies and a green hedge that served as a backdrop and numerous potted plants,  Trivia- Blue Moon of Kentucky was recorded in 1946  and was the first song recorded by Elvis Presley. #strawberryvillage

 

It was a sunny day and perfect weather for Marin County shoppers to leisurely stroll and dine at a variety of ethnic restaurants at Strawberry Village. A Latin, jazz, funk, and top 40 trio added to the ambience. This shopping center followed all safety Covid precautions. Hooray for providing shoppers a safe way to enjoy the outdoors and to mingle with friends and family.

Music adds ambiance to outdoor shopping center.

Music at a Northern California shopping center attracted audience goers who left their homes to socialize and enjoy lunch from a variety of dining establishments. There were tables with canopies and social distancing. Yes, people were masked. Let's hope that eventually we need not mask and social distance. Kudos to this outdoor shopping center with their "vibe" that everyone is welcome to linger and remain in a sunny and comfortable setting. 

My Tribute to Carl Reiner

Comic genius Carl Reiner passed away at age 98. My Carl Reiner memory has left a lasting impression of a true Mensch.  At age 14 a friend and I traveled by bus from Dunellen, New Jersey to Times Square where we watched "Sid Caeser's Your Show of Shows." We went backstage afterwards where I conducted a mock interview with Howie Morris, Sid Caeser, Nanette Fabray, and Carl Reiner.  Carl Reiner was a true gentleman asking us how we liked the show and how I was doing in high school. How did we get backstage? I told the Security Guard that I was a high school reporter and needed to conduct a cast interview. Thank you Carl Reiner and may you rest in peace.

Surprise, Surprise. Is it Fed-Ex knocking at your front door with a cardboard box?

Nope. It's our Mime with a colorful and wacky balloon bouquet for a baby shower, birthday, anniversary or your reason to celebrate. Yes, she "zooms."  Questions? Call or e-mail. Consider Celebrity Gems as part of your team. 

Be creative with celebrations

We need to dance, jump up and down, and celebrate. Entertainment adds a memorable touch to anniversaries, birthdays, and awards. Be creative-a surprise with a top hat and tails balloon artist with a rainbow bouquet; a Diana Ross impersonator sings "Stop in the Name of Love," and Michael Jackson performs to"Thriller." Questions? We're on your team when you plan your next celebration.

Rock and Roll Legend Little Richard

Rock Legend and Icon Little Richard passed away at age 87.  Little Richard was a trail blazer influencing the careers of Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis.  His most famous songs included Long Tall Sally, Tutti Fruiti, and Lucille.

His electrifying stage presence, colorful and outrageous costuming, and piano playing will be missed. Enjoy The Little Richard Story (2000) on Youtube.

When social distancing will pass and when we again celebrate plan your theme as a "Tribute to Little Richard" with our impersonator Gerald.

Follow your precautions and be well and let's again celebrate.

Gerald headliness as Little Richard at the Hayward Zucchini Festival

Richard Wayne Penniman, AKA Little Richard

Don't be Cruel, my workday is longer than 9 to 5

9 to 5, Leave the Rat Race

Dolly Parton and Elvis were a meet and greet at a Service Award Ceremony hosted by a chamber of commerce in Northern California. This event was at a winery. Yes, there was passed hors d'oeuvres  and fine wine. What made it different? Awardees had photos taken with Dolly and Elvis. Dolly and Elvis accompanied each awardee to the stage where the emcee recognized them for not watching the clock and not complaining about the cruelty of their boss. According to the event planner,  "They were both fantastic. Everyone had a blast with both of them." Celebrity Gems arranges impersonators in Northern California and Sacramento.

Romance and Raffle tickets at Bay Area Mall

Classic Rock and Motown at Galentine

It was hip hop, motown, and romantic ballads at a Galentine celebration at a San Francisco Bay Area Mall. A DJ played the music, retail stores offered giveaways, fashion shows, and wine tastings, and; shoppers entered their raffle tickets for fabulous prizes. Galentine Day and Valentine Day, a double whammy compliments of a Bay Area mall.

According to the event planner, "The DJ was awesome. We would love for him to come back for our next event."

Zombie Madness in our Neighborhoods and in our Homes

Lock all doors and windows

A Zombie Cowboy from "The Night of Living Dead" was the uninvited guest at a private party in Oakland. Not to worry. After the shock wore off, this bizarre creature with his crooked teeth and scowl sculpted balloons for the adults and children.

According to the event planner, "Tom the Zombie Cowboy Balloon Artist was absolutely perfect for our party! He is talented and such a nice fellow too. Our guests really enjoyed him. Thanks again for finding the performer we needed."

Celebrity Gems arranges costumed characters in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.

Year of the Rat at Bay Area Shopping Center

There were Chinese Lion Dancers, a cuddly Panda, and two calligraphers at the celebration of Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rat. There were no critters. Two calligraphers added to this festive and colorful holiday by drawing names with Chinese symbols on silk fans.

Your name with Chinese letters 

Children and adults posed with the Panda

Barbara's name with Chinese letters

No Belly Flop at New Years Eve party

A Belly Dancer was the surprise entertainer at a New Years Eve party in Danville, California. Partygoers didn't sit, talk, and toast the New Year the entire evening. Instead, Heaven the Belly Dancer performed her lively and hypnotic candle dance, circled her audience,  and got the guests to join her with Hindi music.  According to the event planner, "Heaven was awesome- everyone enjoyed her dancing and truly amazing talent. Once again, thank you for arranging her with such a short notice."Celebrity Gems arranges belly dancers in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Guests danced to Hindi music