Our boutique musician-first entertainment agency
elevates guest experiences through the power of music.
our agency story
Founder & CEO, Matthew James Morgan, is a professional musician, band leader and entertainment curator who straddles the line between artistry and operations. Matt's ability to coach our artists to ensure the best talent for our clients is unparalleled.Our COO, Kris Chau, has a dynamic personality and a keen eye for detail, making her a great addition to the team. For over ten years, Kris ran her event business, Not Your Average Party working with many venues and arts and cultural organizations. Besides ensuring operational excellence, she provides event planning expertise as a value add to our clients.Matt and Kris split their time between Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. They conceptualized Bella Vista Entertainment in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Rancho Santana, Nicaragua. The palm tree featured in our logo reflects this origin story and symbolizes the celebration of joyous occasions.Our core mission is to bring people together and create unforgettable moments and meaningful connections through the power of music. As a musician-first agency, we have a vast talent network and a streamlined approach to curating unique performances and seamless events that save time and elevate every occasion.Let us do the heavy lifting to bring unique performances to your guest experience. As a one-stop shop for all your entertainment and production needs, we simplify the process, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
The BVE Difference
As your entertainment partner, we're committed to guiding you every step of the way to guarantee the success of your program or event. Bella Vista Entertainment provides a free consultation, tailoring our selection to your specific needs.We discover dynamic and incomparable acts through our extensive talent network and partnerships, and prompt clients to prepare in advance for in-demand dates.In working with us, you will receive:
Full entertainment curation
Production and logistics coordination
AV and lighting consultation and procurement
Venue or event guidelines for artists to review
Marketing assets for promotional ads and campaigns
In addition, we offer:
Specialty event entertainment
Emcees and headline talent bookings
Playlist curation and scheduling
On-site talent coordination
Event consultancy services
Our priority is creating an experience to remember for your guests and providing you peace of mind.
client love
We're honoured to partner with clients, artists, and vendors who share our passion for the art of entertaining. Here is a sample client list and accolades we're thrilled to share. Curious as to how we can help elevate your program or event? Click the link below.
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how to craft the Ultimate NYE Party Playlist
Get ready to set the mood, elevate the energy, and make your NYE party the talk of the town!
Music makes the world go ‘round, and it takes a party from good to great. But how do you know what songs will make your guests feel fantastic? Choosing the right music for a New Year's Eve party is like orchestrating the soundtrack to your unforgettable celebration. Unlock the secrets to an unforgettable New Year's Eve bash with our guide on crafting the ultimate NYE party playlist. From timeless classics to the hottest hits, discover the perfect blend of tunes that will keep the celebration alive well past midnight. As an entertainment agency, we're giving you 5 tips to ensure your playlist hits all the right notes and keeps the good vibes flowing.
1. Make it eclectic
Consider the diverse mix of guests attending your NYE party and tailor your playlist to accommodate a variety of musical tastes, ensuring everyone finds something they love. For event planning tips, sign up for our newsletter.
2. The Build Up
Start the night with mellow tracks to create a welcoming atmosphere as guests arrive. As the party gains momentum, transition to higher-energy tunes, saving the most lively tracks for the countdown to midnight.
3. The eras tour
Strike a balance between classic hits and the latest chart-toppers. A playlist that spans different eras will resonate with guests of all ages, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary vibe.
4. In Keeping with the Theme
If your NYE party has a specific theme, align your playlist with it. Whether it's a glamorous gala or a casual house party, thematic music enhances the overall experience and adds a unique touch to the celebration. We have great entertainment acts that can further enhance your event. Book one here.
5. The Request Line is Now Open
Encourage guests to contribute to the playlist by taking song requests before the party. This not only ensures diverse song choices but also makes everyone feel part of the musical experience, fostering a sense of shared celebration.
If you're still stuck on what to play, consider hiring a professional DJ. Speaking of DJs, we've included a playlist mixed by #bveartist Leon Suave as a bonus for inspiration. Cheers to celebrating the art of entertaining.
Bella Vista Entertainment Artist Q&A: Sean Stanley
The acclaimed musician, vocalist and songwriter discusses the power of jazz and why he likes to dress the part when performing live.
Recently honoured with a 2023 Ontario Arts Council grant, the Sean Stanley Quintet is one of the most active Jazz bands in Toronto. The grant accolade empowered the group of beloved live performers to release a full-length album last month called Quintest-isms, a unique collection of original tunes including the sentimental song “Scrapin’ By”, the contemplative melody of “Blues for Kwe”, and the deeply personal sound of “Scarborough Stomp” – an homage to the suburb where Stanley grew up and developed his passion for music.As a self-taught musical artist of Ojibwe/Pottawatomi and Acadian descent, Sean says about his unique position in the local musical landscape: "I take immense pride and gratitude in being one of the few 'Indigenous' Jazz musicians in Toronto. My musical journey diverges from the typical path of Jazz musicians. It is the antithesis, offering inspiration and an added layer of authenticity, engagement, and appeal to the music that cannot be replicated or feigned by other musicians."
In terms of entertainment acts, the Sean Stanley Quintet is as authentic as they come – not to mention consummately professional and just plain fun to watch perform! Read on to learn more about Sean’s love of Jazz music, his commitment to the craft, and how he knows when he’s connected with a crowd – and check out this exclusive playlist Sean has created for your next Swinging Soiree.
What do you love about Jazz music??
Jazz, or any good music, is all about connection, love and community. Sharing with listeners and each other as a band is, for me, one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. In regards to Jazz and Blues specifically, though it was born in the African American & Indigenous communities, it doesn't have any race, colour, age or gender barriers. It can connect with all the people of the world because it has aspects of nearly every culture in it, and is by nature more accepting of the "new" – unlike European classical music, for example.
Though the popularity of Jazz has waned in the eyes of the public for a long time, there is absolutely a renaissance happening right now in cities like Toronto, Chicago, New Orleans and of course, New York City. People of all ages are swing dancing; the clubs are competitive breeding grounds for the musicians; and there is a huge faith that one day our music will be the popular form in North America (Turtle Island) again. And if not, those of us who love it will just have to love it that much more.
What do you enjoy about performing?
So many things! The feeling of connecting with my instrument, the vocals, and the songs themselves; recalling memories and meanings attached to songs; the sense of pride, and confronting fears or emotions while on stage; and maintaining focus and enabling other people – bandmates and the audience – to have fun.
I also enjoy witnessing the actualization of one's vision being manifested in the physical by an instrument, from thought to hands to ear, and sometimes to the dance floor. I also love to dress well to play – not as a character or caricature, but with a real sense of pride, professionalism, attention to detail and importance. I believe if we look good, are having fun and the music is swingin', that the audience will enjoy it.
How do you know when you've connected with a crowd?
They usually tell us verbally after the performance or with applause, smiles, foot tapping, dancing and tips – we also often get private or performance requests. Hearing questions like ‘Will you play at my wedding?’ or comments like ‘That song reminded me of my Grandmother and I was tearing up’, are when I know I connected with someone on a deeper level.
Bella Vista Entertainment is proud to have this outstanding musical act on our roster and we look forward to hearing from you should you be interested in including them in your next event
Meet Bella Vista Entertainment founder Matthew James Morgan
Learn more about how his passion for live music inspired him to launch a new kind of entertainment agency
For Matthew James Morgan, the concept of event entertainment goes beyond simply hearing some tunes and having a good time. As a musician and band leader, Matt has seen first-hand what opportunities abound when live performers are treated respectfully. His years of corporate experience in talent booking and talent management have evolved into launching a business fueled by passion, integrity and expertise.This means that Bella Vista Entertainment’s clients – including the world’s most prestigious hospitality and specialty venues – can feel peace of mind when searching for a roster of live performers who will delight their guests. It also means that live performers on the BVE roster are assured that their best interests are at heart in each interaction.Whether you’re hoping to find music artists to wow a crowd as wedding entertainment or DJs for hire to take red-carpet events to the next level, Matt is focused on curating an impressive roster of entertainment acts to impress your guests while championing a unique approach to entertainment booking services.
When and how did you fall in love with live music?
I often tell people that I don’t listen to music – I feel it. My St. Louis upbringing provided a melting pot environment and musical tapestry, which the American Midwest has provided the globe for several generations. I bought my first Beach Boys cassette tape at age 10 and I started playing guitar at age 12. I would sing at dive bars and karaoke joints with my extended family. I would sneak off campus in high school to go home and play guitar, drums and piano all day. I got to see Chuck Berry perform at 17, and worked as a chauffeur for the Omni Hotel running the jazz acts from the hotel to their gig and back. I shook hands with B.B King and Stephen Stills. Performing was an addiction and music was the drug.
Tell us about your previous experience in talent management and event booking.
For me, it’s always been about independence and following my passion for creating music. I started booking myself for parties and bars at university and from there, it grew into a full-time career. I have led several bands and booked acts for numerous venues in Toronto. As a band leader, I was responsible for creating tour schedules and marketing material, as well as coordinating logistics for the band. I performed six days a week for several years until the summer of 2019 when I transitioned to working for an entertainment agency. During this time, I learned the other side of the business, which helped me branch out on my own.
Where did the idea to launch Bella Vista Entertainment come from?
I was working for an entertainment agency and saw large gaps in how things were done. There was little advocacy for music artists, coupled with a lack of vision and industry knowledge. I operate with the guiding principle that both clients and live performers ultimately want the same thing: To create a memorable experience for guests. I launched Bella Vista Entertainment to make the process of hiring entertainment as a client – and for entertainment acts, getting hired for a gig – an enjoyable one. I started the agency in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Rancho Santana, Nicaragua, which inspires me daily.
What are the benefits of working with an entertainment agency?
Transparency and trust are hard to build, but they lead to relationships that are long-lasting if achieved. As an entertainment agency, Bella Vista Entertainment provides both – transparency to artists in knowing they have someone being fair and honest in managing day-to-day business, and trust with clients that we can deliver above their expectations again and again.
What do you enjoy most about working with music artists?
As someone working in entertainment booking services, I love to see the kaleidoscope of talent and meet the spectrum of people making their voice and craft heard in this busy world. Musical artists are a special brand of people and come from every walk of life imaginable – and they have the most brilliant stories to tell.
What's the best piece of feedback you've received from a client so far?
We have heard the phrase, “You saved my event” a few times, and that has been very nice. And we often hear “I never thought about that” during the ideation phase of event planning. When we hear this, we know that we are bringing a distinctive level of professionalism, curation, and execution to the table.
check out Matt's spotify playlist "Gateway to the west" for a taste of his midwest upbringing and the melting pot of musicians who have inspired him