Paul Michael Holmes is Rat Pack and Swing Music singing pianist and entertainer with setlists to suit any occasion from birthdays to weddings to anniversaries to corporate functions. A few tips on what to check in an entertainer are shared here.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

For us to provide a comprehensive quote to a customer, ideally we need the event date, a brief explanation of the type of event they are hosting, the estimated number of guests, and a potential venue, whether it's an indoor or outdoor event. From this, we can use our experience and expertise to put together a suitable setlist and personalise your entertainment.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Firstly, ask the provider about the product they are offering, I wouldn't want to book a Sinatra act if they only knew how to sing 'My Way' and 'Strangers in the Night' so make sure that the act has a good breadth of repertoire of the kind of music that you really want. Ask the provider about their setlists and how versatile they can be in a given evening (could they sing easy listening jazz and party disco on the same evening). After all, we are musicians and the art of being a good musician is to be extremely versatile. Also, find out about their equipment as better equipment will mean they can adapt their setup to suit the venue.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

Music ran in the family and I was drawn to being a musician from a very early age. I studied music to improve the quality of my voice and keyboard skills and then embarked upon a life of travel and entertainment. Having played in the worlds most famous piano bars, I created a concept that takes the piano bar to any venue.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

My first Add to Event booking was the President's Dinner at Beverley Golf club. Dave W was looking for an all-round entertainer due to the mixed age group of the audience and thought my keyboard-vocal skills would suit the night perfectly. A lovely room and an intimate crowd that allowed me to be close up and personal with the guests leading to wonderful interaction, singing dancing and requests. First Class food prepared in the house added to the overall quality of the evening. A wonderful night for all concerned.