REDDING, Conn., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Over the last two years, more than 50,000 people found and booked event entertainment on GigMasters (http://www.gigmasters.com). Based on a review of past and upcoming events, GigMasters has uncovered the following unusual trends in entertainment booking:

1. Psychics are more frequently hired for weddings than for corporate events.
2. Mariachi bands are the most popular type of band selected for adult birthday parties – by a large margin (the most popular entertainment that’s not a live band is an Elvis impersonator).
3. Many corporate event planners chose variety acts (magicians, hypnotists, etc.) in 2010, but in 2011 they’re requesting more musicians like guitarists and pianists.
4. The average spending on entertainment for a sweet sixteen party is $376, the average entertainment spending for a wedding is $1,950.
5. Contrary to what you might think, couples in Chicago spend 11% more on wedding entertainment than couples in New York City.

“We get an early peek at emerging party trends because many of our clients book entertainment months before the actual event,” says VP of Marketing, Marissa Latshaw. “By looking at data and talking to our clients and performers, we stay close to what’s hot in party and wedding entertainment.”