Entertainment for galas, launches and kick-offs
A live moment that closes the formal part and opens the party. Timed to the second with the show caller, host and DJ.
Events with a run sheet
A gala, kick-off or New Year reception follows a tight programme. Live percussion works best there as one clear moment, not as background.
At a staff party, everything revolves around the dance floor. A gala or kick-off is different: speeches, dinner, perhaps an awards ceremony or a reveal. The act has to fit the run sheet and create the right effect at the right moment.
I've played at the Vlerick Awards at Skyhall Brussels Airport, Casino Knokke and Van der Valk Liège, among others. Those events taught me how much coordination with the show caller matters: a clear cue, a fixed start and a plan B if the programme runs late. General information is on live act for your corporate event.
Four moments where it works
Opening
Guests walk in, the lights go down, a building rhythm on the LED djembe announces the evening. Ideal for a kick-off or New Year reception.
After the speeches
The formal part is over. A short, powerful set signals that the reception or party has begun.
Reveal or awards
A drum roll and accent on the digital percussion for a product launch or award. Timed precisely with the host.
The party
After dinner I play sets with the DJ, just like at a staff party.
Trade fairs and stands too
At a trade fair your stand has to stand out among hundreds. A percussionist with a glowing djembe or digital pads draws visitors in without needing a full stage. I play short sets at agreed times, for example during a demo or a networking drink.
Sound is sensitive at a trade fair. With digital percussion on a compact system I keep the volume under control, so neighbouring stands aren't disturbed. We agree on it in advance with the organiser. More on that choice at djembe or digital percussion.
From run sheet to cue
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1
Send the programme
You send the run sheet with times, speeches and the moments you want to highlight.
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2
Proposal with moments
I suggest where the act will have the most impact and which package fits.
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3
Sync with show caller and DJ
Cue, duration and connections are agreed. The rider goes to the technician automatically.
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4
On the night
I arrive in good time, do a short soundcheck and follow the show caller's cue.
Questions about galas, kick-offs and launches
Question not listed? Send me a message.
Can the act start exactly on a cue from the show caller?
Yes. I work with in-ear monitors and can follow cues from the show caller or DJ. We fix the start, duration and end in the run sheet beforehand.
What if the programme runs late?
That often happens at galas. I move with the programme within the agreed time on site. If it overruns significantly, an extra hour can be added, agreed on the night.
Is live percussion suitable for a formal gala dinner?
Yes, as long as it's used at the right moment: as an opening or after dinner, not during the speeches. I perform in smart attire, and the illuminated djembe suits a gala setting.
Can you play at a product launch?
Yes. For a reveal, a building drum roll that ends the moment the product appears works very well. I time it with the host and the technician.
Which package suits a gala?
For a single moment, Solo (60 minutes) is enough. For an opening plus the party after dinner, choose Duo Percussion or Triple Beats. For large venues with their own technician, there's the Full Set.
A moment that fits the run sheet
Send me the programme and I'll suggest where the act will have the most impact.
Quote for your gala or kick-off
Include the date, venue, programme and number of guests.
- Reply within 24 hours
- A proposal tailored to your party
- Free and without obligation
Rather send an email? bookings@sam-anderson.be
Got it, the beat is set!
Thanks for your request. I will check your date and send you a personal proposal within 24 hours.
You will receive a confirmation by email right away. Nothing there? Have a look in your spam folder.