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Hot As A Pepper vs DJ for your event

HOT AS A PEPPER vs  DJ

What’s the advantage of hiring “Hot As A Pepper” over a DJ?

1. UNIQUE – there’s nothing unique in the music you already have on your iPod or CD. The artistry and talent that world class musicians bring to their performance is priceless, and becoming more rare all the time. Live solos on guitar, keyboards, bass and drums won’t happen with a DJ. Not to mention the Vocal interaction of a Front man during a song getting everyone involved with the song!

2. CREATIVE FLEXIBILITY – in real time, when they have to, live bands can extend, shorten, re-arrange, vamp, transpose pitch, modify tempo, and alter lyrics of songs to fit requests and respond to “spur of the moment” dance situations. Sometimes these tools literally save the day. DJ’s can’t do these things.

3. MEMORABILITY – a phenomenal, live performance will be talked about for many years, especially when they keep an entire audience engaged for hours. But who will remember a DJ after a month?

4. ENERGY & EXCITEMENT – most people rarely, if ever get to experience the raw energy and excitement of a sizzling, live performance up close and personal and when they do, they hit the dance floor with passion from the get go. But the DJ; standing at the table, rarely moves

5. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE – how entertaining is it to watch someone wearing headphones and pushing buttons?

6. COST – a DJ may save you money, or will he/she?  You will likely spend $200-$750 for a DJ – But that’s just for one or two persons.  A reputable live band will run $500-$1,500, but that’s for 4-5 talented musicians and a show! Comparatively, that’s a very good value.

7. REPERTOIRE – the Hot As A Pepper song list is adaptable –  it allows us to pace the crowd and engage the crowd with relatable songs for the moment! A live band is not necessarily limited in what they can play. Everything we play, we make our own. If that means staying true to the original – we do that… but if it means dressing it up for fun, we can do that!

8. COMPLETE PACKAGE – if there’s any song(s) the band doesn’t currently do that you want, You can request it us to play on mp3/CD.  So with our live band, you have absolutely everything!

Edited & re-used by permission from  MBBand / LA & Michael Benson

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It’s Party Time! Book a band – TODAY!

It's Party Time!
It’s Party Time!

IT’S PARTY TIME!

This is the time of year where parties abound! Whether it be for the occasion of a Family reunion of some sort, a sports team’s important game or the three biggest holidays of the year; there are more than your fair share of reasons to host an event that will certainly uplift everybody’s spirits and enhance the mood for all.

Now, I can’t begin to tell you what kind of food to serve as each type of soirée is suited best by a different type of menu. I can’t tell you who to invite because lets face it… only you know who you want there.

Neither can I tell you where you should have it. Do you have your own party barn? Back 40? Favorite watering hole? Perhaps you’d consider renting out a site.

Is this thing gonna be formal? Themed? What’s it’s purpose? Do we bring Dates or will cousins suffice?

I gotta tell you… You sure have stirred a lot of questions and I’ve only got one answer: Hot As A Pepper is the band you need to call! Between the professionalism of the musicians and the experience there isn’t anything this group of guys hasn’t seen. We can play it… Make it FUN… AND ensure that the poor soul that decides to miss your event will be sorry!

Contact us for the times and dates you have in mind before someone else does!! ….namely that person whom you weren’t going to invite – you think they’d invite you to their’s???

We play parties in the Greenville South Carolina area and all over the Upstate. If your event is big enough, we’ll travel to you!

Curtis Butler – Percussionist

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Band Charity Corporate Event Curtis Butler Event Festival Fun Function Greenville Hot As A Pepper John M. Hoyt Live Entertainment Music Simpsonville Upstate Venue

Talk Talk Talk – Everybody Talks!

Hot As A Pepper at Mac's Speed Shop Oct 2012

Everybody Talks….   Don’t we know it!

In this day & age with so many outlets it’s something that every business, public event, persona and even individuals must be acutely aware of!

Well, Hot As A Pepper is very self-aware, so we’re gonna take a minute to examine some of what’s being said about us. We’re starting with LinkedIn:

Mark Rodeffer has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!

Dear John,
“I recommended John and his band, Hot as a Pepper, to play at an event in downtown Simpsonville and they were a huge success! Although I didn’t get to enjoy their performance much that night, the feedback I received from everyone was outstanding. Even the Mayor commented on how great they were and that we should go ahead and book them for the event next year! Doesn’t get any better than that.”
Service Category: Writer/Editor
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative

Lee Ann Carter has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!.

Dear John,
“This the the best Upstate band in the biz!!! Fun, high energy, great selection of songs…if you want to get the party started Hot As A Pepper is who you need to hire.  Very professional, John and the rest of the band members put your satisfaction first. He will take the time to know exactly what your event is, work hard to provide the type of music and “vibe” you are looking for and if you aren’t sure what direction to go, John has the experience and know-how to offer suggestions, ensuring your next party or event is a success!”
Service Category: Music/Entertainment
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Now on to the UBER Popular Facebook:

Cindy Shaffer I would like to thank all of you guys for coming out and playin for us. Y’all are wonderful and I think Guard Your Life Challenge has their official band. We will be calling on you all again. Thank again we had a wonderful time.

Barbara Rolfson Bryant Thanks for the entertainment. Ya’ll are awesome! Can’t wait to have you back next year!!

Clifford J. Sieber You guys were amazing. Thanks so much for rocking Phi Sigma Kappa’s semi-formal.

Joey Sanders Craft We really enjoyed last night at Macs Speed Shop!! Thank you guys for doing everything yal did!!! Look forward to next time.

Wow… Usually people hate it when they are being talked about… But hey, Not us!! Give us a call, an e-mail, or a note on our Website Here or our FaceBook page Here! Our goal is to give you the BEST entertainment experience and be ABSOLUTELY concerned about what you have to say about it!

– Curtis Butler – Percussionist for Hot As A Pepper

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Band Charity Curtis Butler Event Fun Greenville Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Upstate

Greenville’s Guard Your Life Challenge – An Entertainment Event for a Great Cause

Hot as a Pepper found themselves with an opportunity to help contribute to a great cause: Guard Your Life Event that took place in Downtown Greenville, right up alongside of the magnificent “Fall For Greenville” festival.

Playing at a charity event is always a dicey proposition: Who are the benefactors? What is the reputation of the Organization? Where are the funds going? And most importantly – Who else is lending their credibility to this event?

All these questions were answered in fashion as to lead Hot As A Pepper to feel that this was one event we needed to be associated with. And you gotta know – we had a GREAT time!

Kudo’s to Macs Speed Shop– what a great Venue… Such great folks there! From the Hostess with the mostess, Pedro, & John – all the way to the guys plugging away tirelessly in the Kitchen! All we can say is – you guys ROCK at being HOSTS! Special thanks go out to Misty for taking such good care of us after the show!  😉

The event raised several hundred bucks, all for a great cause. Mac’s benefited from some new faces that will be sure to return (mmm… Brisket Quesadillas…) and a whole lotta folks had a really great Time!!!

Keep checking back here and on our Facebook Page for updates as to where & when we might be next!

Until then!!

– Curtis Butler

Here’s a little something from that show to start your week off too…
Our rendition of Huey Lewis & The News’ “Working for a Livin'”….

 

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Band Corporate Event Curtis Butler Event Fun Greenville Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Party Venue

SC Paralegal Association event at Embassy Suites in Greenville, SC

There are parties you look forward to and others, well… let’s face it – you just don’t know WHAT to expect! – Am I right?? Well, when Hot As A Pepper was contacted to play an event for the SC Paralegal Association at the Greenville EMBASSY on Verde, we thought Uh-Oh…. But – hey, we just surmised that EVERYONE likes to have a good time, Right?? Do they EVER!!

We had a BLAST… these are some hard working people who; by day, surely do not get enough appreciation for all the effort they put in, but what can be said but that they CERTAINLY know how to dole out the appreciation! These Guys and Gals know how to simply have fun!

Hot As A Pepper would have to admit that This gig was one for the memory books! Even though the long day had taken it’s toll on a few; most of the attendee’s stayed on and really let their hair down, danced and sang along as each song was played effortlessly by this seasoned group. From requests and acappella renditions to Rockin’ & Groovin’, there wasn’t a song that didn’t have someone’s toes tapping or singing along!

We had so much fun we were asked to play their 2013 event; invited to play a private party and are going to be actively plugged to be regulars at a local watering hole! Sounds like a successful night if you ask me!

Don’t miss out on your chance to see & hear Hot As A Pepper – or better yet, BOOK them while you can! You can use our CONTACT FORM or call 864-979-1224 for more information.

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The Clemson fraternity semi-formal event we were hired to play in Pendleton SC was fun!

A Clemson University fraternity hired Hot As A Pepper to play their semi-formal event last weekend at the beautiful and historic Woodburn House in Pendleton SC.

There was food (prepared by a fraternity member), lovely young ladies and dancing. LOTS of dancing!

You can find a couple of the videos under our Videos link.

Is your fraternity or sorority planning a fun event where live music entertainment may be of interest? If so, our band wants to play it!  Please give us a call at 864-979-1224 or use our contact form to request a quote.

Wherever your college / university is within a couple hours of The Upstate, we will go to you and bring party fun with us!

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We’re booking gigs all around the Upstate – Greer, Simpsonville, Clemson, Greenville, Piedmont!

Our calendar is filling quickly thanks to good friends spreading the word about a band that wants to bring fun and funky live music entertainment to your Upstate SC gig!

We have several tentative bookings, but as it stands, here are the current confirmed performances:

Sept. 22 – Woodburn House / Ashtabula Plantation semi-formal – Private Event
Sept. 29 – Sippin’ In Simpsonville – Oktoberfest (ROCKTOBERFEST!) – Public Event / $15 in advance, $20 day of.
Oct. 5 – Private event at the Embassy in Greenville
Oct. 13 – Quaker Steak & Lube in Greenville for “Guard Your Life” event – Public Event
Nov. 3 – Poker run charity fundraiser at Pop A Top in Piedmont, SC – Public Event
Dec. 8 – Rhythm & Brews in Greer, SC – Public Event

We’ll work on getting our calendar up to date and possibly change the format of it so it is easier to see at a glance, as well as get notifications.  Facebook events will be added for all public events.

Would you like to hire Hot As A Pepper to provide music for your festival, dance, graduation, reunion, wedding reception or rehearsal, engagement party or some other reason? Please call us at 864.979.1224 for more information!

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Come check out a Hot As A Pepper band rehearsal in Greenville, SC

Want to see what Hot As A Pepper is all about?   Join us as we work up new material, clean up existing tunes and cut up during our weekly rehearsals.

This is a great opportunity to “audition” us for your wedding reception, high school reunion, birthday party, prom, corporate event, bar, club or just about any other HAAPpening you might be planning that would be well served by a band performing live music here in the Greenville SC area or even in North Carolina, Tennessee or Georgia.

All we ask is that you make prior arrangements with us. You can use the contact form or call to get more information and get added to the list.

They typically in full swing at 7pm and last until 9pm (or later) on a Thursday evening, but that is subject to change.

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How to book a great band like Hot As A Pepper for your corporate function or event in Greenville / Upstate SC

Let’s assume you have decided to book a professional band for your upcoming corporate function or corporate event here in Greenville, Anderson, Simpsonville, Spartanburg or anywhere within a couple hours of Upstate SC.

Let’s even go as far as to assume you possess impeccable taste in music and have decided that the band you want to hire for your event is Hot As A Pepper!   Thanks! We’re honored!

What’s the next step?

You want to insure the day of the event comes off flawless, or at the very least APPEARS to come off without a hitch, so planning as far ahead in advance is of the utmost importance.

Before contacting the band, you need to know some information in order for an accurate quote to be given.

  • Date your corporate event will be held on
  • When do we start, when do we stop, when can we setup?
  • How long will you require music for (2 hours? 3 hours?)
  • Venue where event will take place
  • Type of event (Grand opening, customer appreciation, picnic, etc)
  • Approximate attendance
  • Will the event be held indoors or outdoors?
  • Is there a stage, and if so, how large?
  • If outdoors, is the stage covered?
  • Is there at least 30 amps of power present?
  • What is the dress requirements (Casual, formal, beach, etc)
  • Will a PA system be provided at the venue?
  • If there is a PA, is there an audio engineer running it?
  • Are stage lights provided, if required, or will we need our own?
  • Will an emcee (MC, M.C.) be required or provided?

Goodness gracious that’s a lot of information to provide! But rest assured, the more information you have, the easier it is for the band to determine if it is the right gig for us, if we are available and how much to charge.

If we have to provide a stage, sound system, stage lighting, and the personnel required, obviously, the cost is going to go up, but by how much comes down to just how large of a gig, as larger venues and larger crowds, require a more robust PA system.

Likewise, if formal-wear is required, we will have to take into account additional time to setup, then change into the proper clothing.

Communication is key to any great relationship, and it is no different when hiring a band. We want to get as much information as possible so that we do not overlook a thing.

Once we have a quote prepared, if it is acceptable to you, we will ask to meet for and go over a contract. The contract will protect you and us, and you should be sure to include any specifics in the notes of that contract. Since we are blocking off a date on our calendar for your event, we ask for a 25% deposit at that time. The balance is due at completion of the gig. Cash is always nice, however, checks are acceptable, as are credit cards.

Our contract covers the date and the hours of music you would like to be played, however, if you determine your function is going well and may run longer, we will be happy to extend our time for a reasonable overtime charge. We can talk during a break.

Tips are acceptable and customary if you feel the musicians lived up to your expectations! Many times we have received a tip of 20%, 30% or even more!

If your function features food, it is also nice to extend that to the performers and crew.

What if the band is not doing what you hoped for? What if they are too loud, or maybe they are playing music that is too heavy for the crowd.

We want this to be perfect for you, so at a convenient time during the performance (not during a song), communicate with the sound / lighting person regarding audio or slip a note, written in large letters onto the stage near the vocalist. As professionals, we generally read a crowd very well, however, you are IN that crowd, so let us know.

In the days leading up to the function, one of our band members will likely want to see the venue if they are not familiar with it. They will also wan to discuss the timing of any events taking place, such as a ribbon cutting, news media videoing, etc, so we can coordinate breaks.

That’s it, give us a call and get the ball rolling!  864-979-1224 or use the contact link from the menu above!

 

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HAAP will be performing at Sippin’ in Simpsonville – Oktoberfest September 29th

Sippin in Simpsonville / Oktoberfest flyerWe’re excited about the upcoming Sippin’ in Simpsonville!  Hot As A Pepper will be playing from 8pm onward at the Oktoberfest area.

Beer, brats and fun live music, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity (Simpsonville Arts Foundation). Who could ask for more!?!?!

Here’s a direct link to the event page on Facebook: Sippin in Simpsonville – Oktoberfest

Not a fan of Facebook? Here’s the information from that page:

Enjoy a casual evening tasting craft beers at local Simpsonville Merchants – 14 tasting locations in all! This is an open event, please invite your friends!

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the event, and a portion of proceeds will be donated the Simpsonville Arts Foundation. Your ticket includes an adorable tasting pilsner glass, beer tastings paired with appetizers, a beer making demonstration, and admission to an Oktoberfest party which includes bratwurst and live music by Hot as a Pepper!

6 pm – Registration opens near P.Simpsons
6 – 9 pm – Beer tasting at area merchants
8 pm – Oktoberfest area opens (Hot As A Pepper Performs)

Tickets available at these participating Simpsonville Merchants
Sugar High
P.Simpsons
Pammy the Cake Lady
Me Salon and Day Spa
Thai Cuisine
Bella’s Candles and Boutique
Eye Candy
Ice Cream Station
United Hospice
Southern Galleries
Over the Rainbow
Redline Loft
Elegant Dance Company
Event Decor and More
Chamber of Commerce
Crafted, the Beer Store

This event is organized by the Main Street Chapter of the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, call 963-3781 for more information

See you there!