Ask Mike!

Mike Steffens – Executive Talent Manager shares his knowledge and experience about hiring live entertainment for events.

Mike Steffens has been with Essence Entertainment since 1991 and prior to that he performed professionally as a musician and show producer. Mike has appeared in and performed for film and television for ABC, Warner Brothers, and Walt Disney Films. Mike also co-produced Riverboat Ragtime Revue which toured the US for several years to rave reviews. Mike has served on the board of directors with several organizations including the California Concert Artists and the Orange County Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives. Mike manages the day-to-day operations of Essence Entertainment and enjoys meeting directly with his clients.

	1. Welcome Video Mike Steffens, Owner and Managing Partner of Essence Entertainment Talent Agency, shares a quick Welcome - learn about who he is and why he does what he does! View video...
	2. About Essence Entertainment Talent Agency Who/what is Essence Entertainment Talent Agency?! View video...
	3. About Mike at Essence Entertainment Talent Agency Get to know a little bit about who Mike Steffens is, his background, his passions. View video...
	4. What is a Professional Variety Dance Band and Why should I use one? What is a Professional Variety Dance Band and why you should use one for your Wedding, Special Event or Corporate Event. View video...
	5. How do I choose Ceremony Music for my Wedding? How to go about choosing music for your Wedding Ceremony. View video...
	6. How to choose Contemporary Wedding Ceremony Music How to choose contemporary music for your Wedding Ceremony. View video...
	7. Choosing Timeless Ceremony Music Suggestions on picking Timeless Music for your Wedding Ceremony. ("Timeless" is a term coined by Mike to describe music that is not Traditional/Classical nor Contemporary) View video...
	8. About Traditional Wedding Ceremony Music Picking Traditional Music for your Wedding Ceremony. View video...
	9. Will my DJ also act as my MC for my Wedding Reception? Today's question is regarding whether or not the DJ will also act as the MC at the Wedding Reception, or do I need to hire a separate MC for my wedding. View video...
	10. Do Musicians have an hourly minimum for my Wedding? Hiring Ceremony and/or Cocktails Musicians - is there a minimum number of hours for which they must be hired? View video...
	11. Should I hire a Wedding Coordinator for my Wedding? Today's question is regarding whether or not to hire a Wedding Coordinator. View video...
	12. Will the DJ play my requests at my Wedding or Event? Regarding the role of the DJ - client asks, "Will my DJ play my music requests?" View video...
	13. How to Choose Ceremony Music Regarding Ceremony Music - client asks, "How do I go about choosing music for my Wedding Ceremony?" View video...
	14. Do musicians have an hourly minimum? Today's question is from his visit with Catering Staff at Ritz Carlton - they asked if there is a minimum number of hours you have to hire musicians, specifically for Ceremony or Cocktail Hour. View video...