
The contract has been signed, the music has been selected, the plans have been made…so what happens on the event day? How does it all work?
Arrival
I generally arrive to the event location and rolling the harp into the performance spot 30-45 minutes prior to my scheduled performance start time so I’ll have plenty of time to set up. If I’m bringing amplification or if I’m not familiar with the location, chances are I’ll be arriving a bit earlier than that.
Attire
For weddings, I tend to wear formal black so that I will fit in with/blend in with any color scheme. For other events I will be either wearing dressy black or other suitable attire/colors.
Change of Location
Ocassionally there may be a location change midway through an event (i.e., from one room to another, from wedding ceremony site to reception site, etc.). Since I have a lot of equipment to move (music stand, bench, and the harp itself), this will require a break in performance in order to pack up and move everything to the new location.
Assigning a designated helper ahead of time to give me assistance moving from one spot to another can allow for a much smoother and faster transition.
Outdoor Locations
The harp (and its player) needs to be on a solid, flat surface and in a shaded location. We most likely have previously discussed the needs for the specific location. Is an umbrella needed? Hotels and banquet venues will already have umbrellas for use. If an umbrella is required, please be sure it is set up and ready before my arrival; that way, we can avoid any unexpected delays. Is it especially cold? A heat lamp may be needed; hotels and banquet venues quite often have these available for use as well.
For further information, please read my blog article on outdoor location requirements. And, of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have about your specific venue.
Payment
Please arrange to have payment handed to me before I start the performance. This makes life easier for both of us; you won’t have to worry about writing a check or gathering the cash in the middle of your event, and I won’t have to hunt around for the person with my payment after I’m finished! It’s easier for both of us to take care of business beforehand.
Interested in booking an event? Have any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to help!
Photo by Scott Robert Photography - wedding at the Hyatt Huntington Beach