Oscars really shine this year

It’s all about sparkle at this year’s Oscars especially at the fête of all fêtes– the Governor’s Ball.  This star studded event following the Academy Awards telecast will feature a 120-foot, six-tiered chandelier that was designed specifically for the occasion.  The elliptical six-tiered chandelier has 18,000 LED points of light and is bigger than the largest chandelier in the book of Guinness World Records. It will change colors throughout the night.  Here is the best photo I’ve been able find previewing the speculator design:

 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-2013-parties-at-academy-421712

Another party I always like to follow is the Elton John event that raises money for his AIDS foundation.  The décor is often a trend setter for the season and this year’s colors including a bold mixing of pink, red and gold.  Keep this palette in mind when choosing décor element for your upcoming event.

 

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

Music scene soars in Montreal

Snowed-in nights are no problem for Quebecers this winter.  Guest Blogger Lyne Charbonneau, from our Montreal office, tells us all about it in this week’s Free Idea Friday.  We have always been big supporters of home grown music and Lyne’s days at Sony Music helped us build our roster of up-and-coming performers. We had Carly Rae Jepsen on our roster years before her 2 Grammy nominations. Shows like this are a great resource.  Check out my favorite at the very bottom. And for all of our readers in Quebec – pipe in with your favorites – we will post them on a future blog.

Over to Lyne…………………………

THE VOICE has arrived in Quebec.  Or rather, make that LA VOIX.  LA VOIX, the Québécois version of the popular sing-off competition show THE VOICE is now airing on Quebec’s French language network TVA.  Just like the American version, during the first few weeks, the four coaches will sit with their seats turned away from the performers to judge the singers based solely on their vocals and not their visuals.

 LA VOIX drew 5,000 singers for auditions in Montreal and Quebec.  Performers are allowed to sing in English, or any other language for that matter.  However, much of the music will be in French and from reading various newspaper articles, 40% will be in English.  LA VOIX will feature every style of music, from heavy metal to Top 40 to rock to opera.

 The judges on LA VOIX are local singers Ariane Moffatt (the face of alternative music), Marie-Mai (the Queen of Quebec Rock – you may know her from Simple Plan), Jean-Pierre Ferland (one of Quebec’s great performer of all times) and Marc Dupré (multi-talented artist, comedian, imitator and singer-song-writer).

 The talent and music scene in Québec is strong and well. 

Watch LA VOIX on TVA on Sunday nights at 7:30pm or for those of you outside Quebec http://tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix

Some of my personal favourites:

SORRY THERE ARE COMMERCIALS BEFORE THE VIDEOCLIP TV PERFORMANCE

Valerie Amyot – at only 21 yrs old – a  future star

http://tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/personnages/candidat/valerie-amyot-675431/videos

Brian Tyler:

http://tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/personnages/candidat/brian-tyler-675551/videos/video-brian-tyler-un-bluesman-la-voix-677296

Sabrina & Stephanie Barabe (my husband BENOIT’s FAVOURITES… I wonder why?)

http://tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/personnages/candidat/sabrina-et-stephanie-barabe-682246/videos

Jael Bird Joseph (Dana’s favorite – this guy can sing!)

http://tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/personnages/candidat/jael-bird-joseph-681431/videos

 

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

Vintage Vibe

Last year we featured some concepts inspired by the soon to be released Great Gatsby movie.  As predicted, this vintage vibe continues to be popular and has been very prevalent in all the winter wedding shows.  A few of our readers asked us for more specific details to help create a vintage setting.

Here are a few more ideas to help you create the ultimate throwback to the 1920s.

·         For lounge furniture replace modern sofas and ottomans with antique wicker chairs.

·        For flowers, Daisies of course seem the obvious choice.  Instead try using heirloom Dahlias which create vibrant rainbow-hued arrangements that are just as long-lasting and are versatile because they can be fun or elegant.

·         Embellish your table settings with Ostrich feathers, brooches, feather boas and pearl necklaces.

·         The era may evoke images of soft pastels – but strong vibrant colours like yellow were also all the rage.  (I love this color palette from fellow ISES member La Tavola, fine linen rentals out of California)http://blog.latavolalinen.com/2011/08/04/color-inspiration-yellow/

·         For a unique entertainment option, why not try a harpist?  A harp adds a distinctive feel and look to a reception.  There is a harpist based in Hamilton who is fantastic and versatile.  Check out Lori’s website for photos and a sample of her music. www.lorilshannik.com.

 

BTW – speaking of ISES, make sure to check out the Toronto Chapter meeting this month featuring Richard Aaron, President of BiZBash NYC (an ultimate guru of creative thinking)  http://www.isestoronto.com/Feb132013.aspx

 

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

 

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com