Happy New Year!
As we close out 2010
Jamba Productions would like to wish everyone a very safe and
Happy New Year!
Much success to all of you and
may all your dreams come true!
It can and does happen!
Pepper Guy Says:
"Happy 2011 Everyone!"
Jambalaya Artists
Book our Jamba Talent! Visit www.JambaProductions.com
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Please Follow Our Blog! Pepper Guy Picks!
Please follow our blog to find our our latest information on topics relating to:
Creative Businesses, Independent Performers and Artists,
Networking Events & Trade Shows, Contests, Tips and Fun Trivia!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Fun TV Trivia! We invite you to answer in our comment section :)
Just for Fun!
TV SHOW TRIVIA QUESTIONS
Please enter your answers in the comment section.
- What instrument does Lois play and teach?
- On Three's Company, what's the first name of Mr. Furley's (landlord) tight wad brother who owned the building?
- What was Reverend Jims real last name on TAXI?
- Mork and Mindy was a spinoff of what TV show?
- What is MacGyver's first name?
Pepper Guy Says: "Do you know the answers?"
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Why Businesses and Artists Need to be a Part of Something Bigger!
My husband and I met on stage, he was brilliantly playing guitar and I was singing my little heart out in a musical review tribute to the SPUDS, in Pittsburgh, PA. This is how it all began!
My husband Bryan Zeigler has been playing guitar since the young age of 16, pursuing his own band, playing in other bands, perfecting his technique, and creating a style of complicated and brilliant music of his own. Influenced by so many great musical artists such as Yes, Metallica, Frank Zappa and so many others, his eclectic style is what he's best known for and why he's able to add such interesting spices into his music. The first time I heard and saw him on stage he was brilliant! He had and still has an amazing stage presence and is probably the best improviser ever! No matter what anyone throws at him, he catches it with grace, style and exceptional charm! I thought he was the most interesting person I had ever met, showing such passion and exceptional intelligence! Aside from his musical passion, his studies landed him an undergraduate degree in Communications Management, with a Master's Degree in Media Management, topped off with a Law Degree and a concentration in intellectual property. I couldn't have picked a better and more passionate person to love for a lifetime!
I definitely met my match!
It all started after attending one of my husband's showcases called Eclectic Electric Night, featuring his band Progressive Dementia. I invited a bunch of my friends and industry people to come out and share in this fun showcase which featured an eclectic mix of talents. The idea and show were fantastic and so much fun! The purpose of the showcase was to try to introduce a special niche band which was hard to get folks out to, inviting different performers into the mix, which seemed to be the key to what made this little showcase fun. It allowed people who normally may never get the chance to see Progressive Dementia a chance to listen to them play, while showcasing other talents. I thought this could be a great event produced on a much larger scale. That's where the idea of our live events came about, through the efforts of my husband's band trying to gain a larger audience.
In 2007 we decided to go back to the idea of producing the same type of event but on a much larger scale. We brainstormed about how we would do this and who this would feature. Immediately my mind started twirling ideas, and I remember thinking...it has to have food, and lots of great talented artists. Hmm...it just can't be called an artist event...it needs a great name!
I thought that this event would have the spiciest performers ever on one stage, which prompted my next question asking Bryan "If this were a food what would it be called?" He immediately shouted without hesitation, "JAMBALAYA"! and that the beginning of Jambalaya, the Event for all Artists. We began a fantastic journey into the unknown, and realized that getting great independent artists together, bringing in a crowd to support a brand new style of event was going a bit daunting, but ultimately brilliant! Who would have thought that such an event could offer so many things in one place for so many to connect with.
We launched Jambalaya at The Cutting Room in NYC and offered an eclectic mix of performances like no other, and food which was unheard of when charging a $5.00 ticket. Yes, $5.00 but we managed to do it somehow! As the first event launched, people filed in, and the room was jam packed with an eclectic mix of artists, producers, directors, and guests. Fun bite size oven brick style of pizzas were served, people were having a great time, and I stood far back in a tiny little corner watching as If I were having an out of body experience, as I tried make my way to the stage to make some announcements. I knew we had latched onto something not only exciting, but special and definitely worth pursuing. We featured some of the best independent artists NYC had to offer, throwing in surprises in-between to shake things up. We did it! We created a truly unique event offering food, fun, networking, and great performers, with the ultimate goal of connecting everyone that wanted to be a part of this very fun event. There it was, Jambalaya! The Event for all Artists was born! Who knew this would be the beginning of something so wonderful?
Maybe I should back up just a bit and tell you a little about myself, and how I started in the entertainment industry. At the young age of four I was already singing and dancing and loving the arts. I owe this all to my mom who threw me into classes. As luck would have it, I loved it right from the start and excelled quickly in tap, ballet, jazz dance, and acrobatics. At my recitals, I was always placed center stage and up front,and teachers always pointed me out in their class demonstrations to other students. Back then, I don't know if I even knew what talent was, or if I had any, to me it was just fun and when I was most happy! I was a quick study and like a sponge I soaked up everything that artistically came my way, and kept learning as much as I could, having fun just about every step of the way!
Whether it was dancing, playing piano, crafting, acting, directing, producing a film or singing I felt right at home. I graduated from a two year Meisner acting program, worked on some independent films, and today, I am training in the Bel Canto style of voice in the hopes of achieving my highest goals! Being creative in some sort of art form is truly what defines me and probably where my best work will ever come from! For all the reasons mentioned above, this is where my heart and soul beats the loudest and where I am the happiest!
Thinking big has never been a challenge for me, and is a natural part of my thought process. It's not easy trying to convince the closest ones around you that your ideas are the perfect ones, even to those who love you the most. Thinking big, and being creative, is what I can offer the world along with a ton of energy, and being a total people person. Thinking big, is truly what inspires me to continue moving forward on the journey of building something creative and fantastic for all to share and be a part of.
So what does this all mean? Performers get a chance to be featured in a showcase with many attendees, new businesses and existing businesses get a chance to involve themselves in new and exiting ways to connect gaining new clientele and having fun!
I aim to surround myself with people that inspire me, people with creative minds that have great and interesting ideas, and those who can be introduced into our delicious pot of Jambalaya stew. In the past year we have opened up our event to feature and introduce a business segment inviting all types of business owners and artists a chance to participate by marketing themselves or their services, showcase their line of products in a festival-like setting, which is what Jambalaya has become.
Our events have grown since 2007 from featuring only performers, to inviting a grander network and exhibiting businesses of all types such as: Independent record labels, skin care and makeup lines, and other types of businesses and performers housing several hundred guests all in one delicious pot of Jambalaya! Our event offers exciting and unique ways for independent artists and businesses to connect in non-traditional ways by mixing the two together all in one space, with a personality all our own.
So what's next? Well, we look forward to including many more new businesses seeking great new ways to connect, market and sell their products while having fun in this environment. Our next Jambalaya in 2011 will include all types of businesses, Independent performers, models, dancers, actors, producers, record labels, singers, and more. We hope to inspire more businesses to get involved in our events which have proven to be a success to so many. We are putting together a new team of business owners interested in sharing some of their ideas and becoming a part of our next event. So, If you are interested and have a business you would like to feature and would also like to input your thoughts on joining this unique and powerful way of marketing and networking, please contact us. You can email and let us know your interest so we may set up a meeting to discuss how Jambalaya can help you get to a higher level of connecting and featuring your products! We welcome the opportunity to include your business into our next event!
Sincerely,
Liz Tapia and Bryan Zeigler
My husband Bryan Zeigler has been playing guitar since the young age of 16, pursuing his own band, playing in other bands, perfecting his technique, and creating a style of complicated and brilliant music of his own. Influenced by so many great musical artists such as Yes, Metallica, Frank Zappa and so many others, his eclectic style is what he's best known for and why he's able to add such interesting spices into his music. The first time I heard and saw him on stage he was brilliant! He had and still has an amazing stage presence and is probably the best improviser ever! No matter what anyone throws at him, he catches it with grace, style and exceptional charm! I thought he was the most interesting person I had ever met, showing such passion and exceptional intelligence! Aside from his musical passion, his studies landed him an undergraduate degree in Communications Management, with a Master's Degree in Media Management, topped off with a Law Degree and a concentration in intellectual property. I couldn't have picked a better and more passionate person to love for a lifetime!
I definitely met my match!
Founder & Producer Liz Tapia
It all started after attending one of my husband's showcases called Eclectic Electric Night, featuring his band Progressive Dementia. I invited a bunch of my friends and industry people to come out and share in this fun showcase which featured an eclectic mix of talents. The idea and show were fantastic and so much fun! The purpose of the showcase was to try to introduce a special niche band which was hard to get folks out to, inviting different performers into the mix, which seemed to be the key to what made this little showcase fun. It allowed people who normally may never get the chance to see Progressive Dementia a chance to listen to them play, while showcasing other talents. I thought this could be a great event produced on a much larger scale. That's where the idea of our live events came about, through the efforts of my husband's band trying to gain a larger audience.
In 2007 we decided to go back to the idea of producing the same type of event but on a much larger scale. We brainstormed about how we would do this and who this would feature. Immediately my mind started twirling ideas, and I remember thinking...it has to have food, and lots of great talented artists. Hmm...it just can't be called an artist event...it needs a great name!
Linda Rufo - Portrait Artist Featured at Jambalaya Events
I thought that this event would have the spiciest performers ever on one stage, which prompted my next question asking Bryan "If this were a food what would it be called?" He immediately shouted without hesitation, "JAMBALAYA"! and that the beginning of Jambalaya, the Event for all Artists. We began a fantastic journey into the unknown, and realized that getting great independent artists together, bringing in a crowd to support a brand new style of event was going a bit daunting, but ultimately brilliant! Who would have thought that such an event could offer so many things in one place for so many to connect with.
Jambalaya staff member Adriona Tate offering delicious
goodies to our guests attending our business exhibit and networking segment
Dark Beauty
tells the tale of the Dark Angel
Featured on Itunes
Whether it was dancing, playing piano, crafting, acting, directing, producing a film or singing I felt right at home. I graduated from a two year Meisner acting program, worked on some independent films, and today, I am training in the Bel Canto style of voice in the hopes of achieving my highest goals! Being creative in some sort of art form is truly what defines me and probably where my best work will ever come from! For all the reasons mentioned above, this is where my heart and soul beats the loudest and where I am the happiest!
Thinking big has never been a challenge for me, and is a natural part of my thought process. It's not easy trying to convince the closest ones around you that your ideas are the perfect ones, even to those who love you the most. Thinking big, and being creative, is what I can offer the world along with a ton of energy, and being a total people person. Thinking big, is truly what inspires me to continue moving forward on the journey of building something creative and fantastic for all to share and be a part of.
So what does this all mean? Performers get a chance to be featured in a showcase with many attendees, new businesses and existing businesses get a chance to involve themselves in new and exiting ways to connect gaining new clientele and having fun!
I aim to surround myself with people that inspire me, people with creative minds that have great and interesting ideas, and those who can be introduced into our delicious pot of Jambalaya stew. In the past year we have opened up our event to feature and introduce a business segment inviting all types of business owners and artists a chance to participate by marketing themselves or their services, showcase their line of products in a festival-like setting, which is what Jambalaya has become.
Dance Soul Company
Our events have grown since 2007 from featuring only performers, to inviting a grander network and exhibiting businesses of all types such as: Independent record labels, skin care and makeup lines, and other types of businesses and performers housing several hundred guests all in one delicious pot of Jambalaya! Our event offers exciting and unique ways for independent artists and businesses to connect in non-traditional ways by mixing the two together all in one space, with a personality all our own.
So what's next? Well, we look forward to including many more new businesses seeking great new ways to connect, market and sell their products while having fun in this environment. Our next Jambalaya in 2011 will include all types of businesses, Independent performers, models, dancers, actors, producers, record labels, singers, and more. We hope to inspire more businesses to get involved in our events which have proven to be a success to so many. We are putting together a new team of business owners interested in sharing some of their ideas and becoming a part of our next event. So, If you are interested and have a business you would like to feature and would also like to input your thoughts on joining this unique and powerful way of marketing and networking, please contact us. You can email and let us know your interest so we may set up a meeting to discuss how Jambalaya can help you get to a higher level of connecting and featuring your products! We welcome the opportunity to include your business into our next event!
Sincerely,
Liz & Bryan
Founders & Producers
info@JambaProductions.com
www.JambalayaEvents.com
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Everyone!
It's a beautiful snowy day here in Maryland which is where we're spending our Christmas this year, as we visit family throughout the state.
What an important time of to spend with loved ones such as family and friends, as we welcome the wonderful traditions this time of the year brings, and capture priceless memories never to be forgotten.
Decorated Christmas trees, lights, the smell of fresh baked goodies, traditional home cooking and a warm snuggly feeling throughout the day. Ahhh...It's the best time of the year and we hope you are all enjoying it as much as we are!
On behalf of Pepper Guy, and the entire Jamba Productions team we wish everyone a very
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing all of you in 2011!
Warm wishes to all of you and your families,
Pepper Guy and the entire Jamba Productions team!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
It's all about Jazz and The Daniel Bennett Group! Another Great Jambalaya Artist!
Hey all you jazz lovers out there, check out The Daniel Bennett Group featuring a fantastic jazz trio ensemble!
I met Daniel Bennett, at our last Jambalaya event and they were fantastic, playing a mixture of standards and jazz originals that incorporated folk and trance into their mix!
Daniel Bennett and the leader of this jazz trio, is fun to watch as he effortlessly switches between the Saxophone and Flute. They put on a great show and play several styles of jazz exceptionally well!
The Daniel Bennett Group will be featured at our next Jambalaya event as part of their CD release party! Great music for all you jazz lovers and the perfect addition to our business networking exhibit!
These guys can be booked for all types of gigs!
I met Daniel Bennett, at our last Jambalaya event and they were fantastic, playing a mixture of standards and jazz originals that incorporated folk and trance into their mix!
The Daniel Bennett Group will be featured at our next Jambalaya event as part of their CD release party! Great music for all you jazz lovers and the perfect addition to our business networking exhibit!
These guys can be booked for all types of gigs!
Pepper Guy Says: "Great Jazz and a Unique Style"
Visit: www.JambaProductions.com and Click on Featured Talent to hear some samples!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A True Wedding and Event Show Stopper! Introducing Virtual Sinatra Starring Gary Willner
I met this wonderful gentleman through one of our Gumbo open mics in NYC. Who would have thought this tiny little showcase would have brought in such top level talent such as Gary Willner. We met, he performed, people laughed, and then he was off to his next booking on a cruise ship for a few days. Shortly after, Gary was featured at Jambalaya events all in the same week. Isn't it wonderful how we make these connections at times?
Jamba Productions LLC is now proudly representing Gary's one and only Virtual Sinatra show. Please read below about this magnificent performer and contact us if you are interested in booking Gary for weddings, events, special occasions, or private parties.
Pepper Guy Says: "Our Gumbo is super hot with Gary and Little Ricky!"
Gary Willner performs with Little Ricky at Jambalaya Events
Gary Willner is a Ventro-Impressionist, adding a unique twist to his already amazing vocals by featuring his life size Frank Sinatra puppet. His musicianship, acting ability, and extraordinary talent take him to the level of a world class act.
Gary was a proud member of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and performed for President Carter’s Inaugural ball. He has appeared from Atlantic City to Las Vegas, worked many major resorts and cruise lines, and has performed with Alan King, Joel Grey, Joan Rivers, and The Temptations. Some of his television appearances include Robert Klein Time on USA Network, The Charles Grodin Show on CNBC, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
About the Show
The Virtual Sinatra show features the original Nelson Riddle orchestral arrangements, first class session players and studio musicians, and the sounds of Sinatra’s hits such as: The Best is Yet to Come, Fly me to the Moon, The Lady is a Tramp and many more.
Virtual Sinatra will take the audience on a timeless journey, as they reminisce with Sinatra’s greatest hits, Gary’s own personal stories, and his life size Sinatra puppet act, creating an extraordinary and amazing show for your guests to remember.
A Must Have!
for
Weddings . Corporate Events . Special Occasions
For Bookings Please Email:
Info@JambaProductions.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
It's all about Elegant Events & Occasions When it Comes to Owner and Event Planner, Dawn DiLeone
The best part about participating in trade shows is staying on top of the latest industry trends, gain competitor insights, and make key industry contacts. This brings me to how I met Dawn DiLeone, Owner and Event Planner of Elegant Events & Occasions LLC.
Elegant Events & Occasions will bring your dreams of a beautiful, stress-free event to life. They specialize in coordinating remarkable weddings, parties, special events, corporate & holiday parties and will work very hard to make your special day everything you ever dreamed it would be and more!
Dawn has a wonderful personality she's professional, fun, knows how to get the job done and has a great sense of humor!
Please read below so you can learn more about her services.
Pepper Guy Says: "Your wedding is sure to be a huge success with Dawn DiLeone!"
What makes your company unique?
What makes us unique is we work with every brides budget, hi or low, to make their dream wedding come true, stress free!! We focus on all the details that bring this once in a life time day come together smoothly. In addition, because of the close professional relationships that we have with our vendors we are able to save our brides tons of money without sacrificing top notch service!!!
What areas do you travel to?
The Tri-State Area
Do you offer several types of packages?
Yes, we offer full event planning packages, a la carte services and we custom packages to fit each and every bride based on their particular needs
Where does your price point start?
Our services start at $450.00
Do your services include destination weddings?
Yes
How far in advance do I need to retain the services of an event planner?
Depending on your event, if it is for full service wedding planning we suggest hiring a planner at least a full year prior to the event date. If it is day of services than we suggest to hire a planner at least 3-4 months prior to the event date.
Here's a great tip.
Become a Facebook Fanhttp://www.facebook.com/Eleganteventsandoccasions
One tip I have for brides to be is...create your own wedding website. It's free and easy! Choose a template to match your wedding colors, keep your guests informed about any news before the big event and stay organized with an Eco-friendly online RSVP tool. Blog about the proposal, upload photos or video and more. Its a fun way to stay on track and keep your guests updated.
Dawn DiLeone
Elegant Events & Occasions, LLC
Owner & Event Planner
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Phone (201) 684-1643
Fax (201) 786-9108
Fax (201) 786-9108
Become a Facebook Fanhttp://www.facebook.com/Eleganteventsandoccasions
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Attention Performers! Learn About our Gumbo Artist Showcase and Open Mic!
The Gumbo artist showcase is so much fun and easy to become a part of. Jamba Productions created this fun little showcase as an extension of the Jambalaya personality, offering a chance for all types of artists to showcase their talents on a more intimate level.
Our Gumbos offer the most supportive crowds for artists trying out new material or perfecting their craft, and everyone has a great time!
Performers get seven minutes up on stage and we welcome all types of artists into the mix such as:
Hip Hop Artist
JBiz
Our Gumbos offer the most supportive crowds for artists trying out new material or perfecting their craft, and everyone has a great time!
Performers get seven minutes up on stage and we welcome all types of artists into the mix such as:
- Actors performing monologues or short scenes
- Singers of all styles
- Instrumentalists
- Fashion Designers
- Dancers
- Comedians
- Magicians
Come check out the Gumbo and "Be in the Mix"
Comedian / Ventriloquist
Gary Willner & Biff
Pop Artist
Graziella
Please check our website at www.JambalayaEvents.com for the next Gumbo date and follow our blog :)
Pepper Guy Says: "Jump into our pot of Gumbo and join the fun!"
Vocal Tips! Here are some tips from Opera Singer, Lori Fredrics
Vocal Tips
Suggested by Opera Singer
Lori Fredrics
I was told that chocolate is bad and causes mucus.
Should I avoid it?
I have heard of anecdotal evidence that eating chocolate makes one's throat uncomfortable. But I know of no definitve studies. Chocolate has lots of sugar , which can negatively effect people with low blood sugar and caffeine which does have a drying effect. Personally, I do not eat chocolate right before I sing. Other singers can tolerate it. Try it and see what effect it has on you . If you test it at non-critical times and it is ok, then don't worry!
I was told that I should avoid spicy foods, is that true?
It is an individual thing. I find that eating spicy foods clears out my congestion. But then it leaves me feeling dry, therefore, I would not eat a very spicy meal right before an important performance. I do believe spicy food is a good tool to move congestion before it settles and makes you ill. Try it for yourself and see how it effects you as an individual.
Ok, so milk, chocolate, spicy foods, tea and coffee might not be a problem. What should I worry about?
Ok, below is my list of things proven to have a negative effect on the voice.
1. Lack of rest and vocal rest
2. Dehydration
3 Having to speak over noise.
4. Smoke, including second hand
5. Alcohol on the day that you sing or more than one drink the night before
6. Eating too close to bedtime causing acid reflux
7. Sick people that will infect you with upper respiratory infections.
As you can probably imagine, attending an opening night party where you tire yourself out, speak over loud music, drink too much, eat too much before going to sleep and shake hands with many sick people is the worst thing you, as a singer can do!
Learn about: MOSCTHA USA! A Socio Cultural Movement for Haitian Workers
Jambalaya Events is proud to be working with MOSCTHA USA, a wonderful charity dedicated to the environmental, cultural, and social progressions of the under-represented and underprivileged communities. Please read some of their information below and learn how you can get more involved.
MOSCTHA was founded in 1985 as the socio-cultural movement for Haitian workers. It is a non-profit organization, whose main objective was initially to promote the development of Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic, but has grown since then, to also assist the underprivileged communities of both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. MOSCTHA is dedicated to the environmental, cultural, and social progressions of the under-represented and underprivileged communities.
Please visit their website to learn more about how you can also get involved.
Pepper Guy Says: "Get Involved"
MOSCTHA was founded in 1985 as the socio-cultural movement for Haitian workers. It is a non-profit organization, whose main objective was initially to promote the development of Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic, but has grown since then, to also assist the underprivileged communities of both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. MOSCTHA is dedicated to the environmental, cultural, and social progressions of the under-represented and underprivileged communities.
Mission
The Socio-Cultural Movement for Haitian Workers (MOSCTHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of Haitian immigrants and their families as well as other impoverished communities living in the Dominican Republic. MOSCTHA brings a human rights based approach to all of its work, implementing programs and projects that focus on comprehensive community development.
Please visit their website to learn more about how you can also get involved.
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