CAISO Steel Drum Band

Get Ready East Coast because Hurricane Sandy is Coming: Preparing for Hurricane and Tropical Storm Conditions

If you are living on the east coast then no doubt you have been hearing about Hurricane Sandy.  This storm is being called “unprecedented” and a “monster of a storm” by professional meteorologists.  It could bring damaging winds that could cripple the most population dense area of the United States and will include over a foot of snow for some areas as the collected moisture hits cold air.

While the weekend and beginning of the week is due to bring Sandy ashore, the hurricane is today causing trouble for the east coast of Florida despite being offshore.  Meteorologist are warning those in the Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, areas and states extending upward into the northern New England area to get ready NOW.  From the Carolinas to Canada the danger from Hurricane Sandy is a real threat.

Don’t wait until the hurricane is upon you or it may be too late for you may lose power or be unable to leave the area if you plan to do so because of flooding or traffic jams.  Waiting until Hurricane Sandy is upon us is too late.  The day to prepare is TODAY!

Here are some helpful tips and links to help you prepare for Hurricane Sandy:

• Stay tuned to local weather reports and news conferences from local authorities.
• Routinely gather information from the national weather authorities such as The Weather Channel where massive amounts of information can be had both through television, the Internet, over social media and through mobile phone text alerts.  They have live satellite feed, pictures, alerts, and the latest updates that could be more detailed than you could receive from some local newscasts.
• Refill prescription medicine for family members and pets.
• Purchase bottled water, canned foods, non-perishables, and pet foods.  Don’t forget to add in the water need of your pets.
• Fill up your bathtubs with water so that you can use the water to flush toilets or for other use so you can use bottled water for drinking. 
• If you have pets make sure you have collars on all of them with identifying information. Put phone numbers versus addresses on the tags on each line that you can for you want to be contacted even if someone cannot get to your home. Putting reward if found on one line of a tag can help get your pet home.  Most pet stores have tag making machines.
• If you live in areas that could be evacuated then make sure you have all your pet’s medical records, food, leashes, and crates or carriers ready for evacuation.  NEVER leave your pets behind if you have to evacuate and don’t leave them contained in a backyard or tied up.  If you want to be assured your pet is cared for then contact a boarding facility outside of the threat zone and drive your pet to the facility.  Sometimes neighbors will share the ride to help get pets into a safe area while their families await the storms.
• Gather a list of phone numbers you may need in an emergency and put them into your mobile phone now including the numbers of your nearby neighbors, gas leak reporting, emergency personnel, veterinarians, doctors, hospitals, insurance agents and hotel reservation numbers in case you have to evacuate quickly.
• Have backup battery recharging options in the case of losing electricity in your home.
• Inform everyone that may contact you to check you are OK that if mobile phone towers are compromised that texting may be possible when calls are not and to try texting if they cannot reach you by phone.
• Have bags packed with clothes, important papers, etc. ready in case of an evacuation.
• Batteries, radios, flashlights, blankets, and bleach should be on hand.  Never use candles in the event damaging winds do damage in your area for gas leaks could occur.
• If possible put important items out of reach of possible flooding levels.
• Load up on items to keep children occupied such as games, books, and toys in case you lose electricity. 
• Get cash to have on hand as well as filling up your gas tank.

Check out these important and informative links:

• NOAA
• FEMA
• National Hurricane Center
• www.ready.gov – includes check lists for disaster kits, evacuations, etc.
• Animal care info in disaster situations
• Check list for preparing to keep your pet safe in the event of a hurricane
• Setting up alerts from The Weather Channel on your phone

Don’t take chances and make sure you are prepared for Hurricane Sandy.  Be safe everyone!  Check our next week’s blog post on Unique and Special Wedding Venues in the DMV area.

The Best Photo Opportunities in Washington, DC

One amazing statistic would be to consider the number of camera shutter buttons pushed on cameras in the Washington, DC area on an annual basis.  There is probably nowhere in the USA where more pictures are snapped in the same square mile area.  A camera likely makes the top 5 on any packing list for someone going to DC and it should be with so much to do and so many things to see.  Of course there are the historically significant spots, buildings, and treasures but there are also just as many picturesque spots that shouldn’t be missed by those that define themselves as shutterbugs.

For those that want to make the most of their shutter time in the Washington, DC area, here is a short list of places that need to be on your photo op list.  Be sure to visit each link for further information on how best to arrive to avoid parking problems and to be prepared for any entry fees that you might encounter.

• The Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorial: No one that visits the DC area should go home without pictures of these historical treasures.  Far away or close up the opportunities abound for subject centered photos or artistic shots that would be worthy of matting, framing and hanging on the wall.  Everyone should consider the tried and true shots of Lincoln sitting boldly and proud in the chair as well as the opposite reflection upon which Lincoln gazes.  For some really astounding photo ops consider taking a night tour to these spots and get shots overlooking the city from the top of the Washington Monument or the light reflecting upon Lincoln’s likeness in the deep of the night with fewer visitors around.  Of course nothing compares to the spring photo ops of the Jefferson Memorial surrounded by the famous cherry blossoms.
• The War Memorials: Pictures are worth a thousand words and the different war memorials are worth more than their share of shutter snaps.  For one photo opportunity that should make your list if the day you visit is overcast or slightly drizzling be sure to snap some incredible shots of the Korean War Memorial in that weather condition.  The Vietnam Memorial is of course the one that can offer some of the most touching photo shots that will require no words and will prompt much personal thought.  The recently finished World War II Memorial can draw you into the vastness and history and is one of those artistic shot opportunities with much to inspire your photography skills into overdrive.
• After you have had your lens focused on the history in this area it is time to consider some candid study shots of the locals by doing a walk around The National Mall.  People are eating their lunches, taking in a picnic, participating in sports with friends, vendors are peddling their tourist treasures and local food favorites, and you can see live musicians sharing their talents.  Not only are the people perfect subjects for your photos but birds and fluttering insects among the cherry trees make for perfect photos and can be lost among the other activity drawing away the photographer’s eye.
• The Arlington Cemetery is a must spot for photos that invoke all that is a part of the fight for freedom in this Country.  From picturesque spots of the green grass interspersed with the white burial markers against the background of the Potomac to the respectful and not to be missed changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Plan to spend hours here despite what you might think you should budget for your visit, for once you begin walking around you will wish you had brought more than a few memory cards for your camera and had more time to spare.
• The Smithsonian National Zoological Park will offer learning experiences and more than a SD card full of photo ops.  With impressive exhibits and hundreds of species of animals there is not another opportunity like it in the area.  This is the perfect place for children to try their photographic talents for even those new at their camera skills will leave with some impressive shots.
• Washington, DC is a city full of architectural history and detailed photos centered on the architectural aspects of the buildings can offer up gallery worthy shots by both the professional photographer as well as the amateur photographer.
• For the perfect backdrop for a professionally polished family posed photo don’t miss the Georgetown Waterfront.  You’ll have more than enough to inspire and bring out the shutterbug in you as you consider the Potomac flowing and shimmering in the background.  As the sun begins to sit nothing can compare to the lights of Arlington, VA twinkling upon the water’s surface for a landscape shot and of course it is quite romantic if that is your photographic intention.

A visit to Washington, DC can offer plenty of history lessons, fantastic memories, as well as millions of photo ops that will have you planning your next visit soon.  Of course, check back with our Web site often for opportunities to come out and see one of CAISO’s public performances.  We often perform at festivals, neighborhood celebrations, and large public venues and events.  We welcome you to our beloved city and area and know you will find your time here to be one you will fondly remember – don’t forget your camera!

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Bridal Planning: Mark Your Calendar for Bridal Events 2013

There is never enough time for planning a wedding.  Every Bride could use a few extra weeks to keep the stress level down but alas, the calendar date creeps up and the big day arrives.  There are things that can be put on your calendar now so that you can make the best of your planning and arranging for your upcoming wedding.

Whether you have your wedding date already set or you expect to start planning in the coming year it can be quite helpful to attend Bridal Fairs or Showcases.  There are always a ton of venders from dry cleaners to preserve your dress for future generations after the wedding to wedding photographers and catering experts.  Vendors will have plenty of samples and demos for you to view.  With all of that information under one roof it can prove to be a real time saver in choosing between services and experts.  Brides can also score discounts by visiting vendors and taking advantage of specials the vendors are running during the event.  Fashion shows and wedding planning seminars are also available at Bridal Shows and can be very helpful. 

In the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area there is the distinct advantage of having many events to choose from when it comes to Bridal Fairs.  It may be October and seem far off from 2013 but the major events are already selling tickets.  Make sure to get tickets for you and a very helpful “ear” for the event such as your mother or maid of honor.  Here is a listing with links to the Web site of some upcoming major events:

Washington, DC

Washington Bridal Showcase – January 6, 2013 – Washington Convention Center

Washington Bridal Showcase – January 20, 2013 – Patriot Center, George Mason University

Maryland

Baltimore Bridal Show – February 2 & 3, 2013 – Baltimore Convention Center

Virginia

Richmond Bridal Showcase – January 13, 2013 – Greater Richmond Convention Center

Greater Virginia Bridal Show – January 6, 2013 – Fredericksburg, VA

 

These are just a few of the many events to attend in the DMV area.  For a current list from October Bridal and Wedding Planning Events to those planned through 2013 visit Wedding Wire.  Wedding Wire is a great source for finding any wedding related event across the country.  You can do a search for your area and events can range from Bridal Shows to Bridal Gown Sales and Bridal Designer Trunk Shows.

Of course, we couldn’t close this informational article without reminding you to book your Engagement/Wedding/Reception live band as early as possible.  For more information on “How to Pick a Live Band for Your Wedding Reception” and for booking information for CAISO visit the links provided.  Also take a look at our previous blog post on money saving tips for your wedding: “Cheap Wedding Dresses and How to Save on Wedding Costs”.

15 Underrated Perks Of Living With Your Parents

via www.buzzfeed.com

Just sharing this hilarious blog post. Dreading the mere idea of moving back home? Try looking on the bright side, because contrary to popular belief it really isn't the end of the world. 15 underrated perks of living with your parents...

Caiso SteelBand to perform at Kinderfest 2012

via www.pgparks.com

This year Caiso SteelBand will be one of the featured performers at Kinderfest 2012. Families from all around the Washington metropolitan area are invited to participate in Kinderfest – a day focused on children featuring festivities, programs, and entertainment for the whole family. This annual fall festival for children is held at Watkins Regional Park on the first Sunday in October.

First held in 1981 as an "Octoberfest" for youth and their families and friends, Kinderfest has grown bigger and better every year. The population of Prince George's County was just over 665,000 in 1981. Nearly 3,000 residents and guests came to Watkins Regional Park that year to enjoy roving clowns, costumed characters, a magician, dancers, singers, carnival games, the Watkins Park carousel and miniature train, pony rides, scarecrow workshops, hay rides, and lots of sweets and savory refreshments. Department of Parks and Recreation employees and more than 50 community volunteers planned and conducted the first Kinderfest.

family at kinderfestThese traditions continue today. As we continue to celebrate this signature M-NCPPC event, there are plans to add new games, exhibits, activities, and programs with support from local businesses and corporate partners.

We are proud to be apart of this years Kinderfest.  Hope to see you there.

See our new photos and video click here...

How to Make It from a Video Upload to a Music Icon

There is perhaps no better time in history to be a singer or musician.  In times past it was a rare opportunity to have your music heard but today there are all sorts of vehicles in which to become a professional and perhaps an icon in the music industry.  There is YouTube which has launched the start of many stars including Justin Bieber and there are countless reality shows searching for the next big star such as The X-Factor, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and The Voice.  In other words, if you want to make it in today’s market there may be a lot of competition out there but the opportunities are readily available for you to take advantage of and make a go of it.

Whether you are sending in an audition tape or posting a video the important thing to remember is to put your best foot forward.  Use the best quality recording of both video and audio to share with the expected audience.  If you put up an amateur level video it might get noticed but as the bar has been raised in what is being published so is the expectation of what is viewed.  Don’t take a chance and think that lower quality is acceptable – do your best to share your very best.

Be creative in how to share your music.  For instance it was not until people started doing parodies of “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen that it started to get a bigger audience and became a hit.  The latest viral hit of “Gangnam Style” by Psy was at first a YouTube hit in the US before it became a hit on radio and TV as well as selling on iTunes.  If not for YouTube sharing the Korean hit it might never have been heard by the English speaking audience.  Now practically everyone can say they are a fan of K-Pop (Korean Pop) which is the category of Psy’s hit song.

Perhaps getting a clever parody of people acting out your song could get it noticed.  All you have to do is list the credit of your music and the next thing you know it is in demand by a larger audience than would never have heard it had you just taken traditional routes with your music.

Once you load your music onto a site such as YouTube or Vimeo then you need to take action to share it.  Don’t load it and expect the world to find your video.  You need to be your own publicist and share, share, share.  Send links to your social media contacts and ask them to share as well.  Pass the link to bloggers and ask that they embed the video into a post or share the link. Send the link to all of your friends and family and on and on and on.  Then do it all over again with a clever introduction or another plea to share the video.  Take into account the views that occur and try to take notice of which marketing techniques are getting you views of your video.

If your dream is a career in the music industry as a singer, band member, composer, or writer then there are opportunities awaiting you.  The only mistake you can make is not taking advantage of them.