[From my January 28 column in the Colchester Bulletin]
Next Thursday I’ll be performing one of the more enjoyable duties of my job: auditioning potential entertainers for our many uses here in town. Each year, the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association produces its Entertainment Showcase. From bands to jugglers to magicians to dancers and more, one performer after another will take to the stage to give the attending crowd a short taste of what they have to offer.
Like parks and recreation departments from across the state, we use this opportunity to find excellent and appropriate entertainers to bring to our various programs and events throughout the year, such as summer concert bands, day camp special guests and school vacation entertainers. The event actually splits the acts among a large auditorium for bands and bigger shows, and another room for kids’ entertainers and smaller shows. Additionally, all of the live entertainers, along with dozens of others not performing, have information booths set up where you talk to them and discuss booking options.
The service this provides in invaluable. As anyone who has ever attended a concert knows, there is truly no comparison between a live show and a recorded version, whether audio or video. As you might imagine, our department is inundated each year with inquiries and suggestions about potential performers for our venues – most providing cds, dvds and/or links to web sites. Of course, there is no feasible way for our staff to personally see even a fraction of these groups by traveling to other performances they may have. So the opportunity to see so many entertainers live in one place at one time is an immense savings, both in time and money.
[More:]
Over the years, some of the most well received entertainers that we have brought to town have been ones that we have discovered at this annual showcase. Last summer’s most popular band, Orange Crush, who played the crowd’s favorite hits from the 80s, is a perfect example. And yes, we’ve already scheduled them to return for the opening concert this summer.
The best part about the Entertainment Showcase: it is completely free for attendees, and open to anyone. It is to the association’s benefit to have the seats filled, as that keeps the performers coming back and paying their fees for auditioning, displaying and advertising. Those choosing to do so can pay a small fee to receive a program listing the day’s schedule and information about the entertainers, as well as lunch. By keeping the event free, they are able to draw larger crowds.
And it is important to have not only professionals in the audience. When I’m there, I love seeing how people respond to the bands, and especially what the kids think of the entertainers meant for them.
This is where you come in! If you have the time and interest, I invite you to join me at the CRPA Entertainment Showcase. It can be a fun way to spend part of the day and keep the kids entertained. It will be held Thursday, Feb. 4, 8:30am-3:30pm at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center. Feel free to come for all or part of the time. After the show, let me know which performers impressed you – we’d love to have your feedback!
Learn more at: http://www.crpa.com/events/ent_showcase.html
XML Feeds 
