I have been at the Doubletree/ Pruneyard a few times and it had been great the times I have played there. They have an inside event space for private dinners or parties and they have a nice outside event space for all sorts of functions. It is right off the freeway so it is convient to drive to. The event coordinators and staff are way fun and easy to work with. 

I was able to be part of the Celebration of Life recently. Each Celebration of Life event I have done has never been the same. When I was there, there was a mariachi playing while everyone was eating. Then I was on to play the songs the guest of honor enjoyed. Celebration of Life is a truly a Celebration of family and friends sharing the music that he loved. People got up and danced but it was a very good vibe that night. The weather was nice and the space was well kept.

The outside area has a few ways to enter. If you are there early you can set up before the guests arrive but say you are playing after another band or group then the back entrance will be the way to go. There is a loading parking area that make it for easily transport. Actually, it would be best to set up but going through the back. They had a bar in the back to serve drinks and people were able to partake in the buffet line outside.

A Celebration of life is an event to remember someone who is no longer with us. We try to invite friends and families to the event. Especially at these times it is difficult since there is a pandemic going on and people are trying to stay in their homes. People can still partake in the activities but just need to be safe in these situations. 

We had a small gathering at Fortino Winery. We had around 15 people present. We were playing music that the guest of honor loved. It was a lot of 70s rock. His bride also had music she loved which was classic r&b. 

In the middle of the celebration friends and family took turns sharing stories. They had a nice touch with pictures of the guest of honor on the table. They also had a board with a lot of pictures. I have seen other Celebrations of life use projectors with pictures showing through the whole event. 

Celebration of Life is an opportunity to share stories and to give one last good bye. From what I seen mostly there are appetizers at the event. It can be a solemn time but also a joyous time. The person being honored is being celebrated and friends and family can relive the good times they had with each other. It gives an opportunity for family to get together with the guest of honor’s friends and share words and food with each other.