The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers are an exceptional caroling group founded in Chicago and serving multiple cities across the United States. In this month’s talent spotlight, we heard from owner Rose Colella, who informed us about the group’s origins, their goals for the future, and tips for using GigSalad to land more holiday gigs. Read on to uncover how these carolers turn their love of music into holiday magic!
Becoming a Caroling Group
The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers have been bringing the sound of the season to life for over a decade. With classically trained voices, stunning costumes, and a passion for creating memorable moments, this group has become a beloved holiday staple.
Early Days and Distinctive Style
The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers started performing 13 years ago at Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Chicago, where they performed nightly from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. Since then, they’ve grown to delight hundreds of clients across multiple major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
“We are all classically trained singers, and many of us have also studied jazz,” Rose shared. “We all perform throughout the year, so we are consummate professionals who do this for a living, and we all LOVE holiday music!” But it’s not just their beautiful voices that stand out. Dressed in handmade Victorian costumes of satin and taffeta sprinkled with silver snowflakes, the group looks as festive as they sound, ensuring they stand out from the competition.
Memorable Moments and Big Dreams
From singing at a Chicago Blackhawks game to being the official carolers of The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers have had their share of glamorous gigs. But, their favorite memories come from intimate moments, like singing for families in their homes. “Most notably an engagement last Christmas Eve, when we serenaded a bride-to-be as her fiancé proposed,” Rose recalled.
As for the future? They’re thinking big. Rose said, “We’re planning to expand nationwide next year to spread holiday joy across the United States!” So, keep an eye out next holiday season. You may be lucky enough to find The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers in a city near you!
The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers’ GigSalad Success
The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers have been GigSalad members since 2018, and they have been consistently expanding each year, sharing their talent and songs throughout the country. We asked Rose for insights and tips into using GigSalad as a caroling group to grow the business and land more holiday bookings.
Using GigSalad
GigSalad: How did you first hear about GigSalad? What made you decide to join?
Rose Colella: We were impressed that GigSalad ranked so high on Google, and we get tons of requests every day during the holiday season.
GS: Which GigSalad tools or features have you found the most valuable for the Lola Bard Holiday
Carolers?
RC: It’s so easy to respond to clients. We especially like the feature where you can save responses and
easily select one for every client inquiry.
🎄 Want more holiday gigs? Read this: How to Optimize Your Profile for Holiday Gigs
Expert Tips
GS: How do you increase your chances of being hired when responding to leads? Do you use any specific techniques or methods?
RC: We like to be personable and cheery, and tell clients what sets us apart from other groups. We
also follow up with every lead via message, phone call, or text.
GS: You’ve received numerous glowing reviews from past clients. What do you do to ensure that you meet their expectations and vision?
RC: We are meticulous about details when preparing the carolers for every gig, and the costumes
must be handled with great care. The carolers are trained to look impeccable, to make every
client feel that they are the most important stop that day, and to leave a venue or home having
created a lasting holiday memory for everyone who experienced the carolers. Our Caroling
Manager, Mariama Torruella, takes precious care of both the costumes and the singers in our
troupe, and she is the reason why I have been able to grow this company into what it is today.
🌟 Get more reviews with these tips: How to Get More Five-Star Reviews from Clients on GigSalad
Words of Wisdom
GS: What advice have you received from mentors or fellow performers that impacted you?
RC: Never be too busy to respond to a client or performer’s question. Events go off without a hitch
when both the clients and the performers feel cared for, comfortable, and special!
GS: For other singers or holiday performers considering joining GigSalad, what would you say are the
biggest benefits of being on the platform?
RC: The high ranking on Google, the ease for clients when submitting a request, and the ease of
responding to inquiries. There are other platforms that may be similar, but GigSalad is by far our
favorite and the most user-friendly. Also, the support staff is incredible — I don’t think
I’ve ever waited more than an hour for an answer to any question. Highly recommended!
🎶 You may also like: Create a Great Profile: Expert Tips for Musicians
🌟 Looking for more inspirational success stories? Check out last month’s Member Spotlight: Meet Caricaturist Victoria Bayagich.
The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers embody everything magical about the holiday season — stunning voices, impeccable costumes, and a commitment to creating unforgettable moments. From humble beginnings to serenading at glamorous venues and intimate family celebrations, they’ve made holiday cheer their passion. We hope their success story inspires you to continue pursuing your passions and continually doing more of what you love. ❤️✨
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.