Now That's Entertainment!

"The Boss" knows how to entertain.

A few years back a friend of mine went to a concert to see someone he had followed for years. He traveled a bit of a distance and was eager to finally see this artist live!

It was a big disappointment.



The singer came on the stage just moments after the scheduled starting time. He went right into his show, sang nearly all of his hits and finished with his grand finale - all in forty five minutes - and then it was over.



“It was still daylight out when we were leaving the concert.” my friend exclaimed.



Was he ripped off? “No!” I’m sure the concert promoter would say. The Rock Star was on time and played the hits the people came to hear. Yet, as I understand it, he never really spoke to the crowd, never really entertained them, and isn't that what musicians, comedians, hypnotists and magicians really are supposed to be, entertainers?



Think of the pop musicians that have had great success for many years running: Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Cher, Madonna. Yes they all have great music but they are just as well known for their live shows. They have as much entertainment talent as they do musical talent! [Some would argue the latest pop stars have more entertainment talent than musical talent, but we won’t go there right now].



Now let’s translate this to your wedding. Sure your cousins next door neighbor could come in with his i-pod with 10,000 songs on it and play all the music at your reception, but can he entertain your guests? Photographers fall somewhat in this category too. Although they are not entertainers (but I do know some funny photographers) they are artists. Again, Uncle Ed can come in and take all the pictures for you, but is he gifted at using Photoshop®? Does he know how to pose everyone correctly?



Maybe, I'm afraid, we think of these people as a common commodity, like a loaf of bread. One is just like another. But in reality they are like athletes, some are more naturally talented than others. And that talent is what helps seperate the ordinary events from the extraordinary ones.

Not pictures. Not music. Talent.

Until next time - Mike