Disco or Roadshow [Archive] - Mobile Disco Directory Forum

Key2

11-09-2007, 07:16 AM

My main business at the moment is that of being a self employed driving instructor. Driving instructors refer to themselves as :

Joe Bloggs,driving instructor
Joe Bloggs Driving School
Joe Bloggs School of Motoring

All the same thing. Just whatever you think sounds better.
Disco or roadshow? I think roadshow sounds more appropriate for mobile DJ's whereas disco sounds better for a residency, even if you work a 'circuit' of venues.

John
Key 2 Roadshow
:D

Vectis

11-09-2007, 08:16 AM

Wasn't "roadshow" a 70s/80s term to differentiate a 'mobile disco' from a 'mobile disco and lightshow' ?

It certainly conjures up images of Dave Doubledecks and his sequinned jacket.... :)

Then again, I know a few folks on here use 'roadshow' but don't they tend to be the guys that've been around a while? And I know some successful businesses that trade on the whole 'retro' thing.

dannyboy

11-09-2007, 08:45 AM

All the same thing. Just whatever you think sounds better.
Disco or roadshow?

I agree: -

Mobile Disco: - A disco that is mobile..

Roadshow: - A show that is on the road (Mobile)

It could be down to impression, as some people may think that "Roadshow" sounds more impressive than "Mobile Disco." When they are actually both the same thing..

Ricesnaps

11-09-2007, 08:53 AM

For me, it was a change from "Disco" to "roadshow" in the mid to late 90's. Disco for me is the term that says "Dave double decks", not roadshow. However, more reciently I think the term "DJ" is far better for that side of the business. Although the company logo and promotion is all based around "roadshow", I certainly promote as a DJ more now. For example, wedding DJ, Party DJ and so on.

Moving more into other services now, first paid for PA hire now booked in, venue lighting promotion starting, so maybe the roadshow tag is inaccurate now and the DJ tag refers to only part of what I do. What's the next step?

Mayhem 1

11-09-2007, 09:26 AM

Thanks for your thoughts chaps,

regards

Mayhem 1

Vectis

11-09-2007, 09:29 AM

In Rice's case alliteration is good... 'Revelation Roadshow' trips off the tongue (and therefore is probably more memorable) than 'Revelation Discos' or 'Revelation Events' or whatever.

rob1963

11-09-2007, 09:36 AM

Interesting thread.

I think that the word "disco" is far more appropriate for what most of us do, as it's specific & does what it says on the tin.

After all, when brides & grooms are discussing their wedding entertainment, do they say "Shall we have a band or a roadshow?" or do they say "Shall we have a band or a disco?"

Also, which word are they most likely to put into their search engine?

I don't think I've EVER had someone ask to book a roadshow.

Apart from sounding more vague, the word "roadshow" is something I personally associate with radio stations, such as the Radio 1 roadshow. As many of you know, I used to run a pirate radio station called Surrey Sounds. When we got busted, we turned it into a mobile disco, which we initially called The Surrey Sounds Roadshow - again due to the radio station connection.

Some years later when I went solo, I changed the name to Rob James Discotheques. When I also started offering quiz nights, it simply became Rob James Entertainment.

I found the following definitions of roadshow in an online dictionary:

road-show /ˈroʊdˈʃoʊ/
–adjective 1. of or pertaining to road shows.
–verb (used with object) 2. to present as a road show.

road show
–noun 1. a show, as a play or musical comedy, performed by a touring group of actors.
2. an important motion picture, usually presented only twice daily on a reserved-seat basis and at increased prices.
3. any traveling exhibit, as one promoting a company's products or a government program.
4. Informal. any group traveling about the country for a specific purpose, as a political candidate together with his or her entourage.

All very vague. Nothing there to suggest what we do.

However, if you look up the word disco.....

Ricesnaps

11-09-2007, 11:41 AM

After all, when brides & grooms are discussing their wedding entertainment, do they say "Shall we have a band or a roadshow?" or do they say "Shall we have a band or a disco?"

Actually, most brides and grooms say "band or DJ"

BeerFunk

11-09-2007, 12:17 PM

Interesting... I actually think using the term 'roadshow' is a bit bizarre :confused:

It suggests you have an open sided trailer which you run your show off, like an outdoor event. I think it will throw most people - 'DJ', 'disco' or even 'entertainments' do exactly what they say on the tin.

rob1963

11-09-2007, 12:27 PM

Actually, most brides and grooms say "band or DJ"

And of the ones who don't say DJ, what percentage would say disco & what percentage would say roadshow?

My guess would be 100% and 0% respectively.

Interesting... I actually think using the term 'roadshow' is a bit bizarre :confused:

It suggests you have an open sided trailer which you run your show off, like an outdoor event. I think it will throw most people - 'DJ', 'disco' or even 'entertainments' do exactly what they say on the tin.

Buy that man a beer!

It's a bit like a garage advertising their cars using the phrase "We sell excellent value modes of transport"

It's way too vague for anyone to know what it means...just like the word "roadshow".

Even if you look up the word roadshow in a dictionary, you STILL won't find out it's anything to do with DJs or mobile discos!

As I've said before, I think it's best to keep things clear & simple.

Everyone knows what discos are.

Why confuse people unnecessarily?

:shrug:

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 12:42 PM

I like 'Roadshow'......Andromeda Roadshow sound's OK.....Andromeda Disco....mmm...not the same ring!

It's way too vague for anyone to know what it means...just like the word "roadshow".

Hi Rob,

I'm going to say i don't agree with that (that's a first!!).......are you saying Radio 1 roadshow does not imply disco or record spinning???

rob1963

11-09-2007, 12:48 PM

Hi Rob,

I'm going to say i don't agree with that (that's a first!!).......are you saying Radio 1 roadshow does not imply disco or record spinning???

penmare,

There's always a first!

To answer your question, no - I'm not saying that.

To me, the phrase Radio 1 "roadshow" suggests a radio station playing out of a massive lorry to an open air audience of many thousands in the daytime, usually at popular seaside resorts, with the whole thing being broadcast live on the radio.

I just don't see much of a connection between that & what WE do!

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 12:59 PM

To me, the phrase Radio 1 "roadshow" suggests a radio station playing out of a massive lorry to an open air audience of many thousands in the daytime, usually at popular seaside resorts, with the whole thing being broadcast live on the radio.

Bit like playing in a marquee then.........during the day then!!

Same thing i think.......still playing music to the mass, entertaining.....the only difference is night time is where most people from here do there work........

rob1963

11-09-2007, 01:18 PM

To me, the phrase Radio 1 "roadshow" suggests a radio station playing out of a massive lorry to an open air audience of many thousands in the daytime, usually at popular seaside resorts, with the whole thing being broadcast live on the radio.

I just don't see much of a connection between that & what WE do!

Bit like playing in a marquee then.........during the day then!!

Same thing i think.......still playing music to the mass, entertaining.....the only difference is night time is where most people from here do there work........

Yes, the only difference is that most people from here work at night time...

Oh...and also that we aren't national radio stations...

...and that we don't play out of a massive lorry...

...and that we don't play to an audience of many thousands...

...and that we don't play in the open air...

...and that we don't usually just play at popular seaside resorts...

...and that we don't have our performances broadcast live on the radio...

...but apart from those few small differences, we're JUST like the radio 1 roadshow!

:rolleyes:

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 01:22 PM

Oh...and also that we aren't national radio stations...

...and that we don't play out of a massive lorry...

...and that we don't play to an audience of many thousands...

...and that we don't play in the open air...

...and that we don't usually just play at popular seaside resorts...

...and that we don't have our performances broadcast live on the radio...

...but apart from those few small differences, we're JUST like the radio 1 roadshow!

:rolleyes:

But it's still a roadshow...............:D :D :D :D

OK Rob some good points........but i still like Roadshow not disco.....:)

DJWayne

11-09-2007, 01:26 PM

I don't use either but i think its whatever sounds better with the name of your business :)

rob1963

11-09-2007, 01:27 PM

OK Rob some good points........but i still like Roadshow not disco.....:)

No problem, penmare.

I hardly expected someone who has "roadshow" in their business name to agree with me when I said that the word disco is much better than roadshow!

:D :D :D

CRAZY K

11-09-2007, 01:32 PM

rob1963

11-09-2007, 01:36 PM

I don't use either but i think its whatever sounds better with the name of your business :)

I disagree.

I think it's whatever potential clients will understand better.

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 01:47 PM

Indeed Dragonfly Discos ..... Dragonfly Roadshow..mmmm prefer the first. have thought about just having "Dragonfly" though. but its a bit undescriptive and sounds a bit like a nightclub ... which i already get confused for??????

if me rob and tony joined forces we could have ...

Disco Dave
Roadshow Rob
and ........T...T..T .....Tony?? Ill leave that there :D :D :D :D :D

rob1963

11-09-2007, 01:53 PM

Indeed Dragonfly Discos ..... Dragonfly Roadshow..mmmm prefer the first. have thought about just having "Dragonfly" though.

Dave,

I think "Dragonfly Discos" is best, as it tells people your name AND what you do.

If you were "Dragonfly" people might think you were just a big bug! :eek:

PS...about the latest copy of promobile...

;)

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 03:00 PM

Dave,

I think "Dragonfly Discos" is best, as it tells people your name AND what you do.

If you were "Dragonfly" people might think you were just a big bug! :eek:

PS...about the latest copy of promobile...

;)

in the post tomorrow mate :D :D

Vectis

11-09-2007, 03:03 PM

The more I think about it, the more I realise that alliteration is key to a memorable name.

Revelation Roadshow
Dragonfly Discos
VectisVibe

etc.

:beer1:

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 03:11 PM

Disco Dave
Roadshow Rob
and ........T...T..T .....Tony?? Ill leave that there :D :D :D :D :D

:Naughty:

mike8863

11-09-2007, 03:13 PM

Well I use both "Key2 Mobile Disco / Roadshow", works for me. Oh and yes it probably stems from 1983 when i first got into being a dj:eek: .

And no my slogan isn't , "a key 2 a good night" , so John you can have that if you want.......!!!!:cool:

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 03:18 PM

:Naughty:

don't you waggle your finger at me you....... erm ...... man!

:moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon:

soundtracker

11-09-2007, 03:21 PM

I was called Soundtracker Roadshow for 30 years, no-one seemed to have any difficulty knowing what I did - 2 years ago I updated to take into account the broadening nature of my business and became Soundtracker Entertainment services, this seems to work for me, even better. The problem that I had with Disco back in the day, was that night clubs were then referred to as Discos, so imho Roadshow was actually less confusing! However I still have both roadshow and disco in my web addresses, so at the end of the day I cover all bases!!

funkymike

11-09-2007, 03:28 PM

Roadshow sound like a radio station, bit like radio1 did in the 80's.

and i'm neither, more of an experience!, seems to work rather well, even if it does sound a bit Graham Norton:D :D

Have a disco

11-09-2007, 03:38 PM

A roadshow As I understood it in the likes of Radio 1 and other local radio statons like chiltern radio usually meant that live acts were to appear alongside there backing tapes of there music for promotion sake of the station promoting potential increase of listeners or was as described in the dictionary

a roadshow normally would not have flashing light effects due to the fact most are about during Daylight hours and they have no effect what so ever

The term roadshow came into effect when Larger disco's started travelling a well know circuit of clubs and large venues and doing them for a wider audience than a private function as most of thes larger disco's are no longer about now a days due to the increase of live band circuits and karaoke

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 03:45 PM

don't you waggle your finger at me you....... erm ...... man!

:moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon: :moon:

:ner: :boxer2: :boxer2: :riceandrob:

Interesting subject........a suggestion: Could admin put a vote on this?

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-09-2007, 04:24 PM

:ner: :boxer2: :boxer2: :riceandrob:

Interesting subject........a suggestion: Could admin put a vote on this?

A poll you mean?

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 04:25 PM

A poll you mean?

.........and that!!:o

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-09-2007, 04:27 PM

.........and that!!:o

The only thing is Tony, it's not your thread!

If Mr Mayhem is OK, then I'll out one on, or you could start your own. :)

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 04:28 PM

that would be it ....... now now don't be mean to the new boy :D :D

we could have a poll .... but .... lets be different...

everyone write roadshow , disco or entertainment on a post it note stick it to your forehead , take a picture and post it up.

it'll be fun.

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 04:29 PM

The only thing is Tony, it's not your thread!

If Mr Mayhem is OK, then I'll out one on, or you could start your own. :)

Fair comment.......I will wait to see what Mr Mayhem would like before starting a new one after all as you said - it's his thread and it would be rude.:)

rob1963

11-09-2007, 04:35 PM

in the post tomorrow mate :D :D

Many thanks.

:D

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 04:43 PM

everyone write roadshow , disco or entertainment on a post it note stick it to your forehead , take a picture and post it up.

Not a note or post it.......more of a A4...........:D :D :D

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 04:44 PM

Not a note or post it.......more of a A4...........:D :D :D

legend!!!

rob1963

11-09-2007, 04:44 PM

Whoaaaaa penmare...you're better looking than I thought!

Vectis

11-09-2007, 04:53 PM

Not a note or post it.......more of a A4...........:D :D :D

Is that supposed to be a tongue? Or.... ;)

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 04:54 PM

not to be out done ...... Rob don't you dare let us down

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-09-2007, 04:55 PM

You blokes need a hobby...

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 04:56 PM

You blokes need a hobby...

I want to be a DJ but my wife won't let me :D :D :D

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 04:58 PM

Whoaaaaa penmare...you're better looking than I thought!
Is that a date.....:rolleyes:

Is that supposed to be a tongue? Or.... ;)
Errrr yes......there's always one......:D

not to be out done ...... Rob don't you dare let us down
PMSL...........'Can you guess what it is yet.....':rolleyes:

You blokes need a hobby...
Darren - are you not joining in???:D

rob1963

11-09-2007, 05:08 PM

Rob don't you dare let us down

As if I would!

2686

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 05:10 PM

absolutely awesome !!!!! whos next then ... im sure mayhem would approve as its a mayhem way to have a vote !!!! hope he joins in when he arrives.

mike8863

11-09-2007, 05:40 PM

Won't let me upload my piccy, sorry gents.:( :(

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-09-2007, 05:41 PM

Won't let me upload my piccy, sorry gents.:( :(

Use photobucket.

There appears to be a bug with the forum software that times out on some people.

mike8863

11-09-2007, 06:07 PM

:sj:

Corabar Steve

11-09-2007, 06:09 PM

Could you resize that a tad please Mike?

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 06:12 PM

ooohh !!! look whos getting all fiddley with the scissors .... top marks.

Larry B Entertainment

11-09-2007, 06:28 PM

I use roadshow because i just like it.
I used to be the Darkside Disco (After the success of the Floyd album) but kept getting bookings for Gothic nights for some reason.

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 06:32 PM

plus its that alliteration again .... rocket roadshow and of course darkside does have different connotations too ssshhhhh.

Larry B Entertainment

11-09-2007, 06:34 PM

Darkside Roadshow or Rocket Disco just dont sound right

mike8863

11-09-2007, 07:20 PM

Could you resize that a tad please Mike?

Now you're asking, it took me half an hour to find out how to upload the **** thing..... doh.:bang: :bang:

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 07:31 PM

As if I would!

LOL......
Rob just one comment.......i thought it was votes on 'Disco' or 'Roadshow'....how come you are voting for 'Entertainment'.......:rolleyes: :D

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 07:36 PM

LOL......
Rob just one comment.......i thought it was votes on 'Disco' or 'Roadshow'....how come you are voting for 'Entertainment'.......:rolleyes: :D

Tony wake up ..... I said disco , roadshow or entertainment as they seem to be the 3 most popular ...

solitaire entertainment
rob james entertainment
rocket roadshow
andromeda roadshow
dragonfly disco
arnold disco
corabar entertainment

etc. etc .

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 07:43 PM

everyone write roadshow , disco or entertainment on a post it note stick it to your forehead

Sorry........:o

*Goes to the corner*

Corabar Steve

11-09-2007, 08:37 PM

Now you're asking, it took me half an hour to find out how to upload the **** thing..... doh.:bang: :bang:

Easy.

Done it for you :sj:

Corabar Steve

11-09-2007, 08:50 PM

:sj:

Mayhem 1

11-09-2007, 09:10 PM

I have never enjojed a thread so much - very funny, well done to whever started it, wit a moment it was me!!!!

If you want to add a poll Daz mate go ahead, no probs buddy.

regards all

Mayhem 1

Penfold42

11-09-2007, 09:31 PM

I have never enjojed a thread so much - very funny, well done to whever started it, wit a moment it was me!!!!

If you want to add a poll Daz mate go ahead, no probs buddy.
regards all

Mayhem 1

Mr Mayhem....thank you!
How about it Darren......

This should be really interesting.........:D
*Returns back to corner singing 'Nobody loves me .......'*

rob1963

11-09-2007, 10:38 PM

I have never enjojed a thread so much - very funny, well done to whever started it, wit a moment it was me!!!!

It started as a serious thread....

...and descended (appropriately) into complete Mayhem!

Vectis

11-09-2007, 10:41 PM

:soapbox: Well I was going to vote on the poll, but there's no option for 'Vibe' or even 'Other' so I'm going to go and sulk instead

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 10:43 PM

:soapbox: Well I was going to vote on the poll, but there's no option for 'Vibe' or even 'Other' so I'm going to go and sulk instead

think you need a different website for the vibe option :rolleyes: :D :D :D :D :D

rob1963

11-09-2007, 10:43 PM

:soapbox: Well I was going to vote on the poll, but there's no option for 'Vibe' or even 'Other' so I'm going to go and sulk instead

Vectis,

In that case, I think you should vote for "entertainment"...as thats pretty close to "vibe"

:D :D :D

Dragonfly

11-09-2007, 10:46 PM

closer to disco id say only 1 less letter :D :D :D

PropellerHeadCase

11-09-2007, 10:48 PM

I think my two penn'orth is similar to many here, but here we go...

Roadshow, to me, connotes one of two things - a scripted and/or choreographed 'show' of some kind that travels on the 'road', sells tickets (or performs for free to publicise something else), hence 'road'-'show'. Or it is one of those travelling informational kiosks/galleries. I think the use of 'Roadshow' as part of a mobile disco name is more old-fashioned than disco.

Entertainment (please, no 's' :bang: ), is relevant and appropriate if your offering is significantly more than just music and lights - so in the case of someone who is significantly interactive, or who includes instruction in some form of dancing, or who includes stand-up/comedic MCing - then entertainment is genuinely descriptive. It's actually correct for someone who is just a disco, but to me, it implies more.

Disco or mobile disco are now both virtually synonymous as what used to be called a disco is now generally a night club (or a pub with benefits ;) ). Both are getting a little old-fashioned now, too, though not as old as Brother Love's Travelling Salvation (Road)Show. Given the vast range of music that people can be 'in to' these days having a name that conjures up visions of the BeeGees and John Travolta may not be ideal, either, even if you do play 'Staying Alive' ;)

There's no option in the poll for (mobile) DJ/DJs so I haven't voted...

My website is DJ Alan Duval (http://www.djalanduval.com) and I push my service as a DJ. The concept of the DJ is very much au courant, zeitgeist, whatever, and conjures up, depending on who you talk to, both positive and negative images. It also conjures up everything from Tiësto to Oakenfold to Fatboy Slim to Grandmaster Flash.

Given the discussions we've been having about personalised service and how people hire people not equipment consider that only 'DJ' implies an individual whereas 'Roadshow', 'Disco' and 'Entertainment' ALL imply corporate entities.

TonyB

11-09-2007, 11:30 PM

I was originally going to be called ttiger Entertainments but was informed by a few people that it sounded more like I would be supplying pole and lap dancers as well as providing other services of a non discreet nature.

My nephew who helps me is called Guy so hit on the idea of the Tony and Guy Roadshow, but that fell flat when the general consensus was that we sounded like a hairdressing roadshow.

So ended up with ttiger Mobile Disco which is what I am and what I do.

PropellerHeadCase

12-09-2007, 02:46 AM

Well, here are excerpts from the first two replies to a thread on a bridal forum...

DJ or Mobile DJ - Someone who does weddings/family parties etc- nothing too outrageous
Disco or Mobile Disco - Someone you'd hire for the school disco
Entertainment or Entertainments - Cabaret
Roadshow - 'Wacky' games and disco

AND

DJ, mobile DJ and disco all conjure up smashy and nicey to me. Sorry.

Roadshow - i just think of nice local radio dj's going out to meet their public.

Entertainment to me sounds better, i would think i was getting someone who would provide the 'entertainment' for my wedding reception, rather than stand there and play crap tunes.

Take from that what you will.

Dragonfly

12-09-2007, 06:49 AM

nice one propeller lol

soundtracker

12-09-2007, 07:35 AM

Solitaire Events Ltd

12-09-2007, 07:45 AM

I love the way you quote from a bridal forum as though it has some creedence! This is a DJ Forum- and not many on here have got a clue!!!

What ever are you saying Pete? :eek: ;)

Dragonfly

12-09-2007, 07:47 AM

what haven't we got a clue about :confused: :confused: :confused: I don't get it :D :D :D :D

Ricesnaps

12-09-2007, 07:48 AM

I love the way you quote from a bridal forum as though it has some creedence! This is a DJ Forum- and not many on here have got a clue!!!

But surely the members of a bridal forum are some of our customers?

Solitaire Events Ltd

12-09-2007, 07:49 AM

But surely the members of a bridal forum are some of our customers?

Still doesn't make them experts.

Would you have opinions on dresses or flowers etc?

wensleydale

12-09-2007, 07:50 AM

don't think it really matters.
are you any good at playing records?

Corabar Steve

12-09-2007, 08:03 AM

:soapbox: Well I was going to vote on the poll, but there's no option for 'Vibe' or even 'Other' so I'm going to go and sulk instead

Open your eyes man!!! :sj:

wensleydale

12-09-2007, 08:05 AM

i think we should all change our names to vibe- london wedding vibe has a nice "vibe" to it.

Corabar Steve

12-09-2007, 08:09 AM

Would you have opinions on dresses or flowers etc?I would :sj:

Solitaire Events Ltd

12-09-2007, 08:14 AM

I would :sj:

Doesn't make you an expert though, which was my point.

Dragonfly

12-09-2007, 08:14 AM

I would :sj:

but only because you're in the know ;) ;) :D :D :D

Vectis

12-09-2007, 08:26 AM

i think we should all change our names to vibe- london wedding vibe has a nice "vibe" to it.

Errr... excuse me! I own that particular franchise!

Offers over £5 to [email protected] :D

PropellerHeadCase

13-09-2007, 10:47 PM

I love the way you quote from a bridal forum as though it has some creedence!

1) If your clients are brides and grooms then a selection of opinions from brides and grooms HAS got creedence! It's called market research.

2) Whilst my market research was hardly exhaustive I DID put the disclaimers that:
a) they were the first two (and, as it happens, only two) answers, and;
b) I specifically said "Take from that what you will".

3) I have only ever quoted from Bridal forums as examples of some people's opinions as at the time they posted and as the time of being in the market for wedding-related services... generally.

4) If you'd rather learn from what turn out to be mistakes at paid functions be my guest, I'd rather fine tune my offering with input from a pool of potential clients and interested parties tempered with my own experience beforehand.

5) I also post responses from DJ forums on bridal forums and ask them for their opinions, QED, again, not implying that the DJs in question have any "creedence", just opinions.