Three Hour "Christmas In July" Gig

This is a sales event in a store that brings in many vendors, as well as their own merchandise.

My question is what percentage of Christmas music(vocal and instrumental) would you play? I am thinking 70/30, but 50/50 may be better. The remainder being light, happy music.

Even though it is billed as a Christmas event, people can take just so much Christmas in July(including myself).
Bernie

My thought; you can prepare if you wish but no decisions until you feel the crowd – they will lead you.

John C.

I would not veer to much off the Themed Christmas genre........play alot of xmas songs and sing them.....in-between dj some old xmas favorites also mix it up all thru the gig...the idea is to give a xmas feeling for the event correct?...dress up like santa also ...lol

I would think it's a bit tongue in cheek, the whole concept..!

Maybe, when you get there, see how overboard they have gone decorating the place for Xmas. If not a big deal, reduce the Xmas song percentage. If they have gone the full Monty, play it like a real Xmas gig...

This is one of the biggest events of the year for them. They go all out with trees and decorations. It is tongue in cheek, but a very festive affair.

I guess I will have to get out my Christmas attire, and go for it.

Thanks guys
Bernie

Bernie,

I've played a lot of Christmas In July jobs, mainly for sales at upscale jewelry stores. They want Christmas music about 50 percent of the time, and your usual routine the other 50 percent of the time. Keep in mind the main reason they hired you is to provide entertainment for the customers and get them into a certain mood - which in this case is gift purchases. So, most of the Christmas songs should traditional, and upbeat.

Good Luck,

Gary

Even at the real Christmas time, I never play ALL holiday music. You have to break it up a bit.

I think that, in view of what's been said, somewhere in between 50/50 and 60/40 is the answer. One mitigating factor might be that these customers are constantly walking past me, and are out of ear shot after 15-20 minutes.

Actually, I did this last year, and they loved it, but I always try to make every performance better; hence the question.