Category: Hot As A Pepper

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Band Bar Club Greenville Hot As A Pepper John M. Hoyt Music Musicians Upstate Venue

Want a band for your next party but cannot afford it?

Here’s a common issue…  Someone wants a band for their 40th birthday party and they can’t afford it. Bummer! And an iPod just won’t cut it!

The cost of the band isn’t the only issue either! Besides paying the band for their appearance, there may be other expenses, such as renting a venue, sound and/or lighting. If the band is a popular act, they may have a rider that covers everything from transportation, accommodations, refreshments and assistants. They could require a particular size stage, union stagehands and more.

So maybe booking a band of that caliber is a bit much. Even a local band can set you back a grand, and you still have to have a place that is large enough, has enough power to provide for their audio and lighting gear, and keeps them warm / cool and dry. And, all without the neighbors calling the police for loud noise.

Here’s a suggestion – work with a local band to find a venue who might subsidize your party!

How would that work? Simply put, your party will only last a couple hours, right? A bar, club or restaurant has live music starting around 8 or 9 in the evening generally, and some as late as 10pm start times.

You might be able to work with the band and venue to secure the facility for your party from  6 to 8, or 7 to 9. The venue pays half the band’s fees and you pay half and you both get exactly what you want! You get a party at a great location, with a band all to yourself, or at least mostly to yourself, and then the bar or club gets the benefit of the band playing until they close.

The band may charge slightly more for this, as their play time is increased, but they are getting two gigs and only moving gear once.

The venue may be more than happy to entertain this idea as you are bringing 50 of your closest friends to their place, and providing them with some sales. You can probably secure a deal where they let your party have discounted booze, or a drink special.

If this sounds like something you are interested in and you are in the Upstate or Greenville SC area, give us a call and let’s talk! You might just end up with a band for 25-30% off AND have a great location for your party!

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Band Charity Chris Eller Drums Event Greenville Hot As A Pepper

Hot As A Pepper Greenville Band News for January 2013

Hey, it’s been a while, but here’s some updates for you…

First and foremost, we have added a member, Chris Eller, who now is the guy keeping the beat going. He’s a pretty good guy, and a terrific drummer, so be sure to pop in and check him out at one of our next public gigs.

We’re booking again… We took some time and have been working up a bunch of new material and breaking Chris in. So, if there is a venue we need to be hitting up, please let us know! We’re hoping to start filling the calendar for March and onward, but there are a lot of dates in February we are available for too!

Need a T-Shirt? It’s time to have some new ones made up! This design is extremely popular. Hard to keep them on hand for the shows, but we’ll do our best.  If you know you want one, hit us up and have us reserve one in your size. $20 dollars for one, or get two or more for 30 bucks!

Notable upcoming gigs open to the public:

2013-04-13 Heart Walk Greer
2013-04-19 Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays
2013-05-10 & 11 Bovinova 3.0

Hope to see you there!

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Band Chris Eller Drums Fun Greenville Hot As A Pepper John M. Hoyt Music Musicians Spartanburg

Hot As A Pepper was once again on the Wild Wing Spartanburg stage

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since we posted anything here, and I apologize because I know you have been hanging around, hitting REFRESH over and over wondering why there was nothing new!

Last night HAAP played again on the Wild Wing Cafe Spartanburg stage. What a blast that was!  We were pleasantly surprised to see a couple dozen of our friends make it in from Greenville, Easley, Powdersville, Piedmont, Simpsonville and other parts unknown.

What can I say? We’re honored that someone would go out on a cold and rainy night just to see us!

We made some new friends last night too, got a few new “likes” on our facebook page, and even a gig inquiry.  And very important to us, the management and staff seemed to like us and not only paid us, but I think we will be playing there again in 2013!

We’ve brought on board a new drummer, Chris Eller, who made his debut at last night’s gig. Chris is a pretty alright guy who knows his chops and seems to play well with others.

You can read more about him on our member profile page!

Next up – New Year’s Eve at The Lighthouse on Keowee in Seneca.  We will be helping to ring in the new year there!  Come on out!

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Band Bar Club Corporate Event Event Greenville Hot As A Pepper John M. Hoyt Party Upstate Venue

Everybody, let’s rock!

Do you love dancing?  I mean, do you REALLY love dancing?

Here’s someone who loves dancing:

If you love dancing as much as this young man, then please consider Hot As A Pepper for your next function! There’s nothing we like better than providing the groove for you to get down to!

We cover many styles of music in a show, most of the songs are familiar and perfect for you to dance to, whether it is a shag or a slow dance, and maybe even a line dance.

At our last gig, we had an actual Hell’s Angel member busting a move most of the night with us! If we can get big burly bikers up dancing, we can move your feet too!

Call us today and book a party, corporate event, wedding, or hire us for your venue because we play bars and clubs too! We mostly play the Upstate because we are Greenville, SC based, but we will travel to you if the gig is right!

864-979-1224 or use the booking info contact link above!

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Band Corporate Event Event Fun Function Guitar Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Musicians

Hot As A Pepper vs DJ for your event

HOT AS A PEPPER vs  DJ

What’s the advantage of hiring “Hot As A Pepper” over a DJ?

1. UNIQUE – there’s nothing unique in the music you already have on your iPod or CD. The artistry and talent that world class musicians bring to their performance is priceless, and becoming more rare all the time. Live solos on guitar, keyboards, bass and drums won’t happen with a DJ. Not to mention the Vocal interaction of a Front man during a song getting everyone involved with the song!

2. CREATIVE FLEXIBILITY – in real time, when they have to, live bands can extend, shorten, re-arrange, vamp, transpose pitch, modify tempo, and alter lyrics of songs to fit requests and respond to “spur of the moment” dance situations. Sometimes these tools literally save the day. DJ’s can’t do these things.

3. MEMORABILITY – a phenomenal, live performance will be talked about for many years, especially when they keep an entire audience engaged for hours. But who will remember a DJ after a month?

4. ENERGY & EXCITEMENT – most people rarely, if ever get to experience the raw energy and excitement of a sizzling, live performance up close and personal and when they do, they hit the dance floor with passion from the get go. But the DJ; standing at the table, rarely moves

5. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE – how entertaining is it to watch someone wearing headphones and pushing buttons?

6. COST – a DJ may save you money, or will he/she?  You will likely spend $200-$750 for a DJ – But that’s just for one or two persons.  A reputable live band will run $500-$1,500, but that’s for 4-5 talented musicians and a show! Comparatively, that’s a very good value.

7. REPERTOIRE – the Hot As A Pepper song list is adaptable –  it allows us to pace the crowd and engage the crowd with relatable songs for the moment! A live band is not necessarily limited in what they can play. Everything we play, we make our own. If that means staying true to the original – we do that… but if it means dressing it up for fun, we can do that!

8. COMPLETE PACKAGE – if there’s any song(s) the band doesn’t currently do that you want, You can request it us to play on mp3/CD.  So with our live band, you have absolutely everything!

Edited & re-used by permission from  MBBand / LA & Michael Benson

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Introducing Hot As A Pepper’s newest band member…

Galen Fowler – Keyboardist

It is with great excitement that we make this announcement…

After a long search, we have finally located the missing member of our band…  No, he wasn’t lost, we just had not found what we were looking for until now; A keyboardist who can sing, play guitar and chew gum at the same time!

We would like to welcome Galen Fowler, who has been playing professionally since 1980.  He was the front man for The Majestics in the 90’s and more recently he was with Flashback The Party Band from Charlotte NC.  His specialty is the keyboard, however HAAP might be able to put up with him playing guitar from time to time.  Galen works in industrial sales.  He has a beautiful wife Barbara and three children, Raleigh, Andrew, and Jennifer.  Galen is also a huge fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks.  He will be a great addition to Hot As A Pepper.

Galen also opens the door for Hot As A Pepper to be Cool As A Cucumber for more laid back and intimate performances, such as dinner before the big event, and without question, he brings with him a large repertoire of music we could not have performed previously!

Please come out and see him in his debut performance this coming Saturday, November 3rd at Pop A Top in Piedmont where HAAP will be playing a benefit for the Charles Stokes family… We start at 6:00 PM….

John – Hot As A Pepper bassist

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Band Corporate Event Curtis Butler Event Fun Function Greenville Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Musicians Party Upstate

It’s Party Time! Book a band – TODAY!

It's Party Time!
It’s Party Time!

IT’S PARTY TIME!

This is the time of year where parties abound! Whether it be for the occasion of a Family reunion of some sort, a sports team’s important game or the three biggest holidays of the year; there are more than your fair share of reasons to host an event that will certainly uplift everybody’s spirits and enhance the mood for all.

Now, I can’t begin to tell you what kind of food to serve as each type of soirée is suited best by a different type of menu. I can’t tell you who to invite because lets face it… only you know who you want there.

Neither can I tell you where you should have it. Do you have your own party barn? Back 40? Favorite watering hole? Perhaps you’d consider renting out a site.

Is this thing gonna be formal? Themed? What’s it’s purpose? Do we bring Dates or will cousins suffice?

I gotta tell you… You sure have stirred a lot of questions and I’ve only got one answer: Hot As A Pepper is the band you need to call! Between the professionalism of the musicians and the experience there isn’t anything this group of guys hasn’t seen. We can play it… Make it FUN… AND ensure that the poor soul that decides to miss your event will be sorry!

Contact us for the times and dates you have in mind before someone else does!! ….namely that person whom you weren’t going to invite – you think they’d invite you to their’s???

We play parties in the Greenville South Carolina area and all over the Upstate. If your event is big enough, we’ll travel to you!

Curtis Butler – Percussionist

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Band Charity Corporate Event Curtis Butler Event Festival Fun Function Greenville Hot As A Pepper John M. Hoyt Live Entertainment Music Simpsonville Upstate Venue

Talk Talk Talk – Everybody Talks!

Hot As A Pepper at Mac's Speed Shop Oct 2012

Everybody Talks….   Don’t we know it!

In this day & age with so many outlets it’s something that every business, public event, persona and even individuals must be acutely aware of!

Well, Hot As A Pepper is very self-aware, so we’re gonna take a minute to examine some of what’s being said about us. We’re starting with LinkedIn:

Mark Rodeffer has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!

Dear John,
“I recommended John and his band, Hot as a Pepper, to play at an event in downtown Simpsonville and they were a huge success! Although I didn’t get to enjoy their performance much that night, the feedback I received from everyone was outstanding. Even the Mayor commented on how great they were and that we should go ahead and book them for the event next year! Doesn’t get any better than that.”
Service Category: Writer/Editor
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative

Lee Ann Carter has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!.

Dear John,
“This the the best Upstate band in the biz!!! Fun, high energy, great selection of songs…if you want to get the party started Hot As A Pepper is who you need to hire.  Very professional, John and the rest of the band members put your satisfaction first. He will take the time to know exactly what your event is, work hard to provide the type of music and “vibe” you are looking for and if you aren’t sure what direction to go, John has the experience and know-how to offer suggestions, ensuring your next party or event is a success!”
Service Category: Music/Entertainment
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Now on to the UBER Popular Facebook:

Cindy Shaffer I would like to thank all of you guys for coming out and playin for us. Y’all are wonderful and I think Guard Your Life Challenge has their official band. We will be calling on you all again. Thank again we had a wonderful time.

Barbara Rolfson Bryant Thanks for the entertainment. Ya’ll are awesome! Can’t wait to have you back next year!!

Clifford J. Sieber You guys were amazing. Thanks so much for rocking Phi Sigma Kappa’s semi-formal.

Joey Sanders Craft We really enjoyed last night at Macs Speed Shop!! Thank you guys for doing everything yal did!!! Look forward to next time.

Wow… Usually people hate it when they are being talked about… But hey, Not us!! Give us a call, an e-mail, or a note on our Website Here or our FaceBook page Here! Our goal is to give you the BEST entertainment experience and be ABSOLUTELY concerned about what you have to say about it!

– Curtis Butler – Percussionist for Hot As A Pepper

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Band Charity Curtis Butler Event Fun Greenville Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Upstate

Greenville’s Guard Your Life Challenge – An Entertainment Event for a Great Cause

Hot as a Pepper found themselves with an opportunity to help contribute to a great cause: Guard Your Life Event that took place in Downtown Greenville, right up alongside of the magnificent “Fall For Greenville” festival.

Playing at a charity event is always a dicey proposition: Who are the benefactors? What is the reputation of the Organization? Where are the funds going? And most importantly – Who else is lending their credibility to this event?

All these questions were answered in fashion as to lead Hot As A Pepper to feel that this was one event we needed to be associated with. And you gotta know – we had a GREAT time!

Kudo’s to Macs Speed Shop– what a great Venue… Such great folks there! From the Hostess with the mostess, Pedro, & John – all the way to the guys plugging away tirelessly in the Kitchen! All we can say is – you guys ROCK at being HOSTS! Special thanks go out to Misty for taking such good care of us after the show!  😉

The event raised several hundred bucks, all for a great cause. Mac’s benefited from some new faces that will be sure to return (mmm… Brisket Quesadillas…) and a whole lotta folks had a really great Time!!!

Keep checking back here and on our Facebook Page for updates as to where & when we might be next!

Until then!!

– Curtis Butler

Here’s a little something from that show to start your week off too…
Our rendition of Huey Lewis & The News’ “Working for a Livin'”….

 

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Band Corporate Event Curtis Butler Event Fun Greenville Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Party Venue

SC Paralegal Association event at Embassy Suites in Greenville, SC

There are parties you look forward to and others, well… let’s face it – you just don’t know WHAT to expect! – Am I right?? Well, when Hot As A Pepper was contacted to play an event for the SC Paralegal Association at the Greenville EMBASSY on Verde, we thought Uh-Oh…. But – hey, we just surmised that EVERYONE likes to have a good time, Right?? Do they EVER!!

We had a BLAST… these are some hard working people who; by day, surely do not get enough appreciation for all the effort they put in, but what can be said but that they CERTAINLY know how to dole out the appreciation! These Guys and Gals know how to simply have fun!

Hot As A Pepper would have to admit that This gig was one for the memory books! Even though the long day had taken it’s toll on a few; most of the attendee’s stayed on and really let their hair down, danced and sang along as each song was played effortlessly by this seasoned group. From requests and acappella renditions to Rockin’ & Groovin’, there wasn’t a song that didn’t have someone’s toes tapping or singing along!

We had so much fun we were asked to play their 2013 event; invited to play a private party and are going to be actively plugged to be regulars at a local watering hole! Sounds like a successful night if you ask me!

Don’t miss out on your chance to see & hear Hot As A Pepper – or better yet, BOOK them while you can! You can use our CONTACT FORM or call 864-979-1224 for more information.