Q & A : Entertainment

The Mansion on O Street is a way of life, not a business. As a small private luxury hotel and club, conference center, and museum, we combine art, architecture, literature and inspiration to craft an exhilarating, entertaining experience. Having been a haven for heads of state, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, writers, artists, musicians, scientists, and members of the entertainment industry, The Mansion offers privacy, security, distinctive amenities and world-class cuisine, all in an environment that is nothing short of magical.

As a member of the Board at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Founder of The Mansion is experienced in booking the most talented performers on earth. You want Madonna, Elton or Ellen at your party? Just ask … she knows people ☺

Q: What kind of entertainment can you accommodate at The Mansion?

A: We can accommodate all of your entertainment needs (except live tigers). We have been host to every kind of musician imaginable as well as many special requests, including theme parties, comics, inspirational/motivational speakers, magicians, auctioneers, mimes, murder mystery, psychics, spa technicians etc… they are all part of the The Mansion’s repertoire. We will work with you to bring every aspect of your “special event” together.

Q: What is the least expensive way to create ambience – through music for my event?

A: If you use our sound system with our iPod, it is only $100. If you bring in your own IPOD, it is $150. We have thousands of options – from unreleased music by famous icons of the music industry, to opera, classical, jazz, blues, r&b, rock, rap, holiday music… anything! If you want to use our soundboard to have music and/or speeches heard in all the rooms you use, there is a $400 charge, plus a tech fee.

Q: What type of music do you recommend?

A: The type of music depends on your preference, type of event—and budget. The Mansion has hosted every kind of music, comedy, and other types of entertainment from rock bands, string quartets, strolling musicians, barbershop quartets, classical ensembles, jazz and blues bands, choirs even a 26-member swing band, which is rated in Forbes Magazine as the best swing band in the country! But you don’t have to have live musicians many clients hire DJs to keep costs down.

Q. What other type of entertainment has worked?

A. Here is a list of some other activities that are fun to do/have at your event, depending on your fantasy: silhouette artist, caricature artist, psychics, palm readers, Elvis impersonators, pole dancing classes, casino night, motivational speakers, empowerment gurus, come up with more suggestions… instant photos on mugs or t-shirts or buttons, magicians, Kareoke, dance lessons, scavenger hunts,

Q: How much should I expect to pay for music?

A: A decent band starts at $2,500. A piano player can cost as little as $60/hour and DJs generally start at $850, and the highest we have contracted a DJ for has been $8,000, for a four-hour minimum.
 The most expensive DJ came with a “pedigree” and with lots of “bells and whistles”! You can hire your own group to perform here if you want!


Q. Do I need live music?

A. You don’t need to have live music to host a great party—particularly here, since our sound system is so good and our music selection so varied. It only costs $100 to use our music. If you want to bring in your own iPod, there is a $150 hook-up fee. If you want people to dance, you do need to hire a D.J.!

Q: We want live music. Can The Mansion arrange this?

A: The founder of The Mansion is a Board Member of The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, so she does have some connections. And while you do not need to have Mick, Bruce or Ringo play at your event, we can make that happen if you want! 

We will be happy to arrange just the right live music for your event, from a quintet of singers, to a live band, to an enchanting pianist.

Q: We want to bring our own band, can we use them?

A: Yes, but they must abide by the “House Rules.” If the entertainment eats or drinks during your event, they are counted in your per-person cost, or at a lesser cost, if you chose to have them eat on another floor.

Q: Do you have any restrictions on music?

A: All band and disc jockey equipment must be loaded and unloaded in the garage at the rear of The Mansion. Equipment must be brought in before 6:00 p.m. and taken out between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. the next morning. There are NO exceptions; this is a city regulation. Our members (which is you) receive a $750 fine—per occurrence—if these rules are broken so it is important to inform the entertainment company of these restrictions and write it into the contract.

Q: What about a disc jockey?

A: We can hire a disc jockey for you, and prefer to do so, because they are familiar with our sound system. If you plan to arrange your own entertainment, they must contact us via e-mail to confirm a time to look at the set-up prior to your event, and know where to load and unload. Equipment must be brought in before 6:00 p.m. and taken out between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., unless you rent the garage on the property for taking out the equipment after your event.

Q: Is there any way we can get around the time restrictions?

A: Only if you rent our garage in the back. It is only $100, and only one van is allowed to park there, which is enough for a 5 piece band’s sound and equipment. Remember, we have had famous recording artists from all the major record labels perform here, so we do know that all is doable! He someone like Bruce can do a show here with these restrictions, your band can too. ☺

Q: Do people dance at The Mansion?

A: If you have a D.J., yes. And if you have live music, depending on what it is, yes! Live music is wonderful, but this is a house where guests love to mingle and talk, so don’t be disappointed when your guests don’t dance the whole time! But they will dance near the end.

Q: Do I need to rent a dance floor?

A: That is your decision, but it is certainly not a necessary expense. We can talk with you about budgets for special floors, and make sure it all happens, base on your desire and budget. We have done amazing floors for clients globally, and really enjoy this specialty work.

Q: Can we roll up the carpets?

A: No, unless you pay to have the hardwood floors refinished the next day ☺. However, we have never heard a complaint from guests dancing on the oriental carpets! We have even had famous ballroom dancers perform here for events, and yes, they loved dancing on the carpets!

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