Hey everyone, it’s the team from Mixed Feelings Band here! If you’ve been
following our journey on X (@mixedfeelingsHQ), you know we’re all about
blending soulful vibes with high-energy performances that get everyone on
their feet. Last month, we had the absolute pleasure of bringing our musical
magic to one of London’s most iconic venues: The Dorchester Hotel. We
were booked for their annual staff party, and let me tell you, it was a night to
remember. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the gig, from setup
to encore, and share why performing at such a prestigious spot was a
highlight for us.
The Venue: Elegance Meets Excitement at The Dorchester
For those who might not know, The Dorchester is a legendary five-star hotel
nestled in the heart of Mayfair, London. With its Art Deco glamour, crystal
chandeliers, and impeccable service, it’s the kind of place that screams
sophistication. The staff party was held in one of their stunning event
spaces – the Ballroom, to be exact. This room is a performer’s dream: high
ceilings for killer acoustics, a spacious dance floor, and lighting that can
transform from intimate dinner vibes to full-on party mode.
We arrived early in the afternoon to set up. The hotel’s events team was top-
notch – they had everything ready, from power outlets to a sound check
area. As a band, we’ve played all sorts of gigs, from intimate pubs to outdoor
festivals, but there’s something special about a venue like this. It elevates
the whole experience, making even the sound check feel like a rehearsal for
the Oscars.
The Crowd: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes
This wasn’t just any corporate event; it was a staff party for The Dorchester’s
dedicated team – the concierges, chefs, housekeepers, and everyone behind
the scenes who make the hotel run like clockwork. These folks work
tirelessly to create magical experiences for guests, so it was our honor to
give them a night off to unwind. The guest list was around 200 people, a mix
of long-time employees and newer faces, all dressed to impress but ready to
let loose.
The theme was “Glamour and Gratitude,” which fit perfectly with our eclectic
setlist. We tailored our performance to keep the energy high while incorporating some mellow moments for mingling and toasts. It’s always
rewarding to play for an audience that appreciates live music – these staff
members were enthusiastic from the start, cheering during our opener and
requesting encores by the end.
Our Setlist: A Mix of Classics, Covers, and Originals
As Mixed Feelings Band, we pride ourselves on our versatile repertoire that
spans genres like pop, rock, soul, and a touch of jazz. For this gig, we
curated a two-hour set with breaks for speeches and awards. Here’s a peek
at what we played:
Encore Surprise: The crowd demanded more, so we closed with a
high-energy medley of 80s hits, ending on “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon
Jovi. Pure adrenaline!
Our lineup included vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keys – all coming
together seamlessly thanks to the Ballroom’s excellent sound system. We
used wireless mics for some roaming interactions, which added a fun,
personal touch.
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Triumphs
No gig is without its hiccups. The Dorchester’s strict noise regulations meant
we had to balance volume levels carefully – but our sound engineer nailed it,
ensuring crystal-clear audio without disturbing nearby guests. Logistically,
navigating the hotel’s back entrances with our gear was a bit of a workout,
but the staff’s help made it smooth.
What stood out most was the gratitude from the organizers. Post-
performance, we chatted with attendees who shared how our music made
their night special. One chef even said it was the best staff party in years!
Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.
Why Book a Live Band for Your Event?
If you’re planning a corporate event, staff party, or any celebration, consider
the impact of live music. Unlike a DJ, a band like us brings personality,
improvisation, and that raw energy that recordings just can’t match. At The
Dorchester, it turned a formal gathering into a vibrant, memorable bash.
We’ve got packages for all budgets and can customize to your theme – hit
us up on X or our website for bookings!
A huge shoutout to The Dorchester team for having us. If you’re in London,
check them out for your next stay or event. As for us, we’re gearing up for
more gigs in 2026 – follow @mixedfeelingsHQ for updates.
Until next time, keep those mixed feelings flowing!