Founded in 1972, The Entertainment Connection is one of the few state-licensed and bonded talent agencies included in this guide. Such a business is restricted by state law in the percentage it can add to the band's or entertainer’s fee. The money remains in escrow until the contract is fulfilled, thus protecting both clients and musicians. Read Zaro, the company’s president, is well-respected by clients as well as by the bands and entertainers he represents. He describes his business as very personalized, encouraging personal contact between each band leader and client. He guarantees that you will get the group you requested. Read books DJ's who are owner-operators and have at least three years of experience. His DJ's are subject to strict requirements. Bands must have at least one year of solid experience, and they must provide a tape, a song list, and a professional photograph. Ceremony music can be found through Read as well. He also offers solo and duo vocalists, strings, guitarist, harpist, flutist, and pianist. Read spot-checks his performers regularly.

Bel-Aire Productions, Read’s second company, can provide sound, technical know-how, and management of the flow of the entertainment for an event of any size. A couple of years ago Read purchased Bel-Aire Productions, his favorite sound and lighting company, when it came up for sale. Through Bel-Aire Productions he now offers even more sound enhancement, lighting, and full stage production. Most of the large high-tech companies in the area are among his satisfied customers.

If you don’t have any special music in mind, Read can help you find the entertainment that best suits the activity. He will give you play lists, photos, and general brochures and you can watch videos or listen to tapes to help you make your selection. He also can locate any kind of band for you. He is always very nice and helpful, and he stresses that he never sends performers other than the group contracted for. Some of the other types of entertainment he provides are dance troupes, celebrity look-alikes, comedians, magicians, jugglers, mimes, clowns, and fun for children. Please see also: Cool Jerks , The Garage Band , Larry Lynch and the MOB , and Wally's Swing World .