FoF ideas

Just right for summer entertaining, Zen Arts offers an array of entertainment options that can work over or around a pool space. “Bubble spheres” are transparent spheres that hold performers and float on water. The company started with just one, and recently expanded to six, which are now available for dramatic outdoor entertaining. Zen Arts can also bring in costumed mermaids to provide poolside drama.

Three notable San Diego chefs have joined forces to launch the catering and event company Campine, A Culinary + Cocktail Conspiracy. Andrew Spurgin, Antonio Friscia, and Brian Malarkey are at the helm of the company, which can travel to L.A. for events. Summer entertaining ideas from Campine include picnics featuring bento boxes filled with sushi, seaweed salad, a thermos of miso soup, and chilled sake. Or, try a summer seafood meal made in a galvanized tub heated by a propane burner. The chefs fill the tub with water, potatoes, sweet corn, old bay seasoning, carrots, onions, artichokes, thyme, parsley, and shellfish. After draining the liquid, everything is poured out on a picnic table covered with butcher paper, and served with craft brew.

In addition to nighttime fireworks displays, PyroTecnico can also present daytime “fireworks” shows using colored smoke. With offices throughout the U.S., the company can stage performances anywhere. Prices available on request.

Entertain a crowd post-sunset with an alfresco movie experience. Utah-based Open Air Cinema is an outdoor cinema equipment supplier and event producer, with rental affiliates throughout the U.S. The company can provide screens up to 40 feet wide, as well as snacks such as popcorn and hot dogs. (The theater systems can also be set up for video games or karaoke.) Event production costs start from $2,000, and Open Air Cinema can help obtain a public performance license for movies, which can cost between $300 and $500.

Companies including Turner Classic Movies and American Express have booked water ballet company the Aqualillies. The female synchronized swimmers wear vintage swimsuits, flowered swim caps, and red lipstick, while performing a tightly choreographed routine to music. Based in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York, prices are available on request.

New York-based GrooveHoops performs a mix of dance and acrobatics while manipulating Hula-Hoops. The six performers stage choreographed sets that typically last four to seven minutes, while using standard variety, glowing LED, or fire-lit Hula-Hoops. GrooveHoops travels worldwide; fees start from $500 for one performer.

Entertainment company Zen Arts offers an array of entertainment options for dramatic outdoor entertaining, including fire dancers, costumed mermaids, and transparent “bubble spheres” that float on water while holding dancers. Most recently, six female Olympians joined the company’s synchronized swimming troupe. Based in Los Angeles, Zen Arts performers can travel worldwide; performances cost between $10,000 and $100,000.

Bicycle action performer Trevor Bodogh performs gravity-defying tricks on two wheels while traversing a portable set of obstacles like ramps and platforms. The 25-minute set features Bodogh executing moves like climbing up a six-and-a-half-foot-tall “Devil’s Staircase” on his seatless bike. Bodogh can perform outdoors on a variety of surfaces, and he brings his own equipment, music, and sound system. Based in Toronto, Bodogh travels across the U.S. and Canada; fees start from $1,500.