​Written by: Dusty Ramsbottom - September 2, 2019

Can you believe it's September already?! I hope you had a great summer, I know I did. I feel like I should be hitting-the-ground-running this Fall a little more than I already am, but now is as good a time as any to begin!

So, as motivation for myself (and hopefully for you too) I wanted to make this quick list of possible events to get the creative juices flowing. We, as entertainment managers and producers, are required to "bring the energy" every time we grab a microphone. This year will be no different, and here's some ideas to get ready.

​The actual last day of Summer is September 23rd this year, but I'd say anytime from now until the end of the month will be fitting for an End of Summer party. This is a casual affair that doesn't require over-the-top decorations to succeed. A couple low burning tiki torches would be nice, but cool beverages and solid tunes will suffice. 

Games to play:

a) Golden Oldies - Music Bingo

A classic for all audiences. Elvis Presley, Ritchie Valens, etc. If you are expecting kids, you can get a similar feel from the "Body Parts" music bingo game, that they will be more inclined to appreciate. 

b) Life's A Beach - Music Bingo

Casual, and a little "twangy" this game encompasses the mellow feel of the beach, a summer well-enjoyed, and a general relaxation. 

c) The 90s or Hair Bands - This choice kind of depends on the crowd you expect. If you expect generally 30-somethings, I recommend The 90s to really get the mood going later in the evening. Hair bands is a better mix of eras for a more diverse crowd. 

Our newest addition this Fall will be Triv101, a "darts" like, survey-style trivia game made specifically for Trivia Hosts who enjoy simply printing off the Q & A and Answer Sheets for their shows. After that, all you need is a mic (or a hearty bellow), and you are ready to go. Each round has 10 Questions and a Bonus. The team who scores closest to 101 wins the round. 

Watch for this game in the Trivia Store.

This 3-pack of games is sure to have the most gamer enthusiasts entertained. Have a winner for each game, or bring back your highest scoring teams for a Final Tournament edition.

There are also Video Game bingo cards, that would be a great warm-up. Name that theme!

Whether you'd like one of our hilarious game show hosts to come to you with full Audio / Visual setup, dance lights, and mojo.. or if you prefer to save money this Christmas and host the event yourself, you will enjoy the interactive games we've created. This game is specifically designed to get people on their feet and mingling about. Check out the new-and improved Xmas game in the Trivia Store or Contact Us if you are looking for a host too!

Have any questions, or a success story from one of your events?? We'd love to hear about it in the comment section below.  

​Written By Dusty Ramsbottom, August 18th, 2019

I used to spend hours writing my trivia shows each week. That was back in 2002. Holy moly!

It was a Sunday night weekly at Rock Bottom Pub in Windsor, Ontario. Last time I checked, that show was still going!! Obviously, the baton has been passed forth several times since then, but the energy lives on...

2002 was a simpler time, and I hope they are making a few bucks more than I was then. Especially, considering how long it can actually take to create an interactive experience, with just the right difficulty of trivia questions, and ready for a keen host to take control with. 

Since then, I've kept everything I ever wrote, and those trivia notes have slowly evolved over the years. One day it occurred to me that others would appreciate the work I've put in. I then created Fat Bottom Trivia in Powerpoint format, with notes ready on hand to give to other hosts.

Here's what You'll Need: 

1. A computer or tablet with Microsoft Powerpoint installed. This is included with the Microsoft Office package. 

​Or, you can find an alternative to Powerpoint, though we can't be certain all the functions will work as they should. Some animations or transitions could be affected. Be sure to test any other options out well before your show. Check out https://alternativeto.net/ for recommendations by users. 

2. A connection to a TV or projector. 

HDMI is our #1 friend, nowadays. Inexpensive and reliable. But you may want to think about wireless options such as Apple Airplay, Chromecast, or Roku, depending on your device model. 

After purchase click the download link in the webpage or email. Click each file you've purchased, and download to your desktop. 

4. If your "presenter mode" was turned off, turn it back on to be able to see the next slide, and tips for hosts in the Notes section. 

​5. Click "Read Only":

​6. Go completely through each slide before your show to avoid any surprises, such as locating the "Hidden Side-Games"

7. Use arrow keys or swipe to advance through slides.

8. Clicking on the "Home Screen" and "Question Value".
9. Test The Sound FX. (Right one "mutes")

We have completed testing on our newest pack of trivia presentations. Satisfaction is guaranteed, as always, so let us know how the games went for you. We have tested on twitch and in Virtual Reality environments such as Bigscreen. (https://bigscreenvr.com/)

For any noobs reading this, what you do is download the file. Open it in presenter mode (microsoft powerpoint or equivalent), and make sure your device is connected to a large TV screen at your event, party, or online games. You can also use a dongle device like Google Chromecast (https://store.google.com/product/chromecast) or Apple Airplay (https://www.apple.com/airplay/)

Admittedly, if your guests have never played a lot of games growing up or as adults, they are going to have a tough time. But if you can remember games like "Tekken" "NBA Jam" and "Pokemon Blue/Red" you will enjoy a lot of the questions.

I'd say they are not too terribly difficult for avid gamers, but some of them will definitely make you think. If you have a group of 25 or more (5 teams of 5, perhaps) I think someone will likely get all the questions). If your event has only 5 to 10 players, they will miss some. Be sure to give out hints whenever they seem lost, and emphasize the right parts of the questions to help them figure it out with the clues that have been laid out.

We've got you covered there too.

There is an excellent forum of hosts and players on our Discord Server:
https://discord.gg/28E72F6

And you will find some videos of particular games on our Twitch Channel and Youtube:
https://www.twitch.tv/fatbottomtrivia/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTXTCj29Z4F7trMfzm6x1og

The newest edition of music bingo card download & print games takes us around the world in only a single night. To be more specific, if you choose to go all the way to a blackout, and play the whole song every time, it would take 1 hour and 38 minutes.

But I suggest from my experience that playing about 60-90 seconds or through the "meat" of the song works best to keep your guest's interest.

I often start with "1st line any direction" for a Bingo, but not always. Sometimes I jump right to "1st ex or plus sign". Kind of depends on how many prizes I want to give away this game. If I only have one big prize to give away, I might go all the way to blackout, but there would be a chance 2 or more guests get one at the same time.. Also, remember that if you play ALL the songs.. Everyone has a Blackout! lol Make sure your prize box is full, in this case.

Though I've actually played every song before too for smaller crowds to whom I wanted to give all a prize. And some people never came up to claim it because they didn't get all the songs. I try to go around and help players that might be struggling during songs too. I want people to get it right, and to enjoy themselves. As an entertainer, I know that my product is tiny pangs of excitement and serotonin coursing through their veins in an escalating fashion, often referred to as "a show". Haha

All the big ones are here. "New York Groove", "Drinking in LA", even "Okie From Muskogee" made it in this playlist. Well, why don't I just show you:

Got any fun stories or highlights from your event? Please share it below!
For quick responses to specific questions or to find a host near you, please email questions@fatcityentertainment.com

Thanks for supporting live entertainment.
Our Music dobOFF Bingo Games are now being hosted in several English speaking countries around the world.

Written By Dusty Ramsbottom, June 14, 2019

​If you can get to it in time, contact hosting@fatcityentertainment.com for a complimentary copy of "The Wild West" Fat Bottom Trivia Presentation. This Promotion will Expire on July 31st. 

Fat Bottom Trivia games are available to use at your local trivia events, but not permitted to reproduce electronically. Feel free to brand your event however you choose. 

All presentations are tested on Powerpoint, but you may find equal usability from a free alternative such as LibreOffice or Google Docs. 

For a detailed guide to installing Powerpoint from Microsoft click here.

If you are ready, or already have an Office 365 subscription, download it here: https://office.microsoft.com/powerpoint/

Choose the Slide Show tab from the top, and depending on what version you are using, there will be an option to enable "Presenter Mode" Or "Presenter View". This will ensure you can see the answers on the next slide after choosing categories, as well as any notes for the hosts, if there are any. 

Fat Bottom Trivia games are only available at the Fat City Trivia Store.

I typically permit the first player or team that arrived to choose the first category. This is a good way to ensure that guests are punctual in their arrival before the games.

If the player chooses a "hidden side game" then the rules apply to them, and that team gets to decide on the choice, if there is one. 

People come to trivia nights for interactions with other teams, to listen to a funny host, and to show off their trivia skills that would be otherwise useless in the real world...

Encourage teams to dance, sing, or even play paddy-cake with the opposing teams next to them. You'd be surprised what people will do for a few make believe points. And they'll gloat about it the next day around the water-cooler. That's when you know you've got a great show. 

After you've calculated the scores, you have yourself a winner, and a defending champion!

There are many more ways to improve your shows, with prizes, tournaments, and returning champions, but if you decide to utilize our pre-made presentations, you can jump-to-front-of-the-line, as they say. 

You know me, I can't do anything without giving something away...

So, if you made it this far, please enjoy a free download of my ebook "How to host a successful trivia night" by using the code HOST100 at the Fat City Trivia Store