Here at Calluna we are always looking for ways to highlight and honor some of the amazing creative partners we get to work with. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some seriously talented vendors in the industry, and we want to show them off to you in our new Calluna Community Series! We will sit down with some of the fabulous vendors of Colorado and get to know about them, their business and what life is like behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more!
This week for Calluna Community we caught up with Dana at Mannequin The Band!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
Mannequin creates an atmosphere for celebration and dancing! With our music selections, attention to the dance floor, and band chemistry, we create a live music experience for luxury destination weddings.
What is your idea of a dream project?
We have been to Cabo San Lucas and even as far as Hong Kong to create amazing parties for a charity galas, destination weddings, and corporate events. As much as we love to travel, nothing compares to a mountaintop party in our very own beautiful Colorado. Our dream projects always involve a beautiful stage and a crowd who knows how to party!
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended?
We did the most amazing wedding in Steamboat Springs with Calluna in 2018 for Ali and Paul. The couple was so down to earth and fun, and Calluna’s overall management and design set us up to create the most unforgettable dance party!
What does your morning routine look like?
What’s a routine? Just kidding. I am married to an entrepreneur and world traveler, we have a four year old firecracker of a daughter, and I perform in different cities and states every weekend. I oversee all the bookings, artistic direction and marketing for Mannequin as well as (in more recent news) producing other live entertainment acts as well. With all that said, every morning looks a little different.
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
I love seeing when couples choose to use the band for the whole evening. Having us invite everyone into the reception room with upbeat music, providing a classy dinner performance with background music for your guests, then going right into the nonstop dance portion of the evening. In addition to using the band for the whole evening, investing in a beautiful stage with flowers and facade is a trend we are totally in to!
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Take more risks! Growing up as a performer and singer, I found myself putting my talent and career in the hands of someone else (director, manager, agent, etc). I was intimidated to do what I truly wanted: own a live entertainment company and embrace my entrepreneurial gifting. I love encouraging younger female singers to be bold and not shy away from male dominated industries and create the career they want.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
Knowing that we are creating the most amazing live music experience for a crowd who is ready to party. For every performance, we provide the opportunity to forget your days troubles and focus on love and celebration. It is so important to remember we need let go and dance so hard our feet hurt the next day. Everything that goes into providing that experience (bookings, set lists, vocal warmups, marketing) is unto creating that environment for celebration.
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
Tito’s Vodka or top shelf Tequila with lime (I’m a Texas girl). As for tonight? We’ll most likely pop open a bottle of champagne as we have some exciting news coming your way soon!
Follow Mannequin The Band on Instagram!
Here are a few pictures by Alp & Isle from Annie & Jared’s wedding earlier this year!
Feature Photo by Adonye Jaja
