As a talented guitarist, bagpiper, and DJ/MC with 20+ years of event experience, Michael Lancaster is an entertainment powerhouse. He’s booked over 778 events on The Bash—350 of them weddings—and recently shared his key to bookings and tips for other vendors in the industry.Michael has an extensive musical background with a degree in Music from the University of Colorado at Denver, where he currently teaches aspiring musicians. His various talents, commitment to music, professionalism, and passion for performing make him an all-star entertainment vendor. Over the past 20 years on The Bash, Michael has been awarded 20 badges and earned over 360 5-star reviews! Keep reading to learn more about his journey to 778 bookings and get his top tips.
About Michael Lancaster and his musical career.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do, and how you got started!
Hi, I am Michael Lancaster and I have performed for events and special occasions for over 30 years as a Guitarist, Bagpiper, and DJ/MC. I have a degree in music and audio engineering, and I perform and teach full-time. I have taught music at The University of Colorado at Denver for 20 years and perform over 250 events a year.
What’s one of the most memorable weddings you’ve booked on The Bash?
I recently had the opportunity to perform for a wedding for the daughter whose parents' wedding I performed at 24 years ago. It was an honor that they chose me to perform for their family again!
As a long-time and loyal member, what keeps you returning to The Bash year after year?
The Bash has consistently produced amazing returns and has been instrumental in helping sustain my career.
What feature(s) on The Bash have helped you get booked for weddings over the years?
I have over 350 positive reviews on the Bash for a huge variety of events. Reviews speak volumes to incoming customers.
How do you highlight your wedding experience on your profile to stand out to couples?
I keep my pictures and videos updated with recent events I have performed for.
What’s your approach to responding to wedding requests on The Bash?
I try and reach out and connect with the couple by asking questions about their wedding vision and let them now how my services would help bring their unique vision to life.
Do you have a favorite tip or trick that’s helped you secure more weddings?
A. I like to follow up my response on The Bash with a call or text to make myself more personable, and easily accessible, to the couple.
B. If I am already booked on a date I like to recommend another great professional on The Bash site. They will often return the favor when they are booked up.
How do you adjust your performance/repertoire for weddings vs other events?
Each event has its own unique soundtrack and I always work to keep my repertoire versatile enough to compliment the unique soundtracks I am requested to perform. I work with each client to custom-tailor the playlist to their unique event.
What do you love most about performing?
I love to make wonderful celebrations happen and I love to use my music to make the events I perform for memorable and wonderful for all attending.
What is your key to closing leads?
I always try to be the first responder and then follow up with relevant and interesting information my clients might not have thought of, and can use.
