Information

Is live music suitable only for certain events, like formal dinner dances or concerts?
Live music is a great touch to virtually any event. The key is choosing the right music for the specific event. Musical entertainment comes in as many sizes, shapes, and styles as do music lovers themselves.

What type of music is there to chose from?
Live music takes hundreds of forms. Music options expand continually as new artists and styles emerge, bringing new ideas and expression into the mainstream. Here is a list of some varieties of music, both modern and traditional:

Is live music prohibitively expensive?
Not necessarily. Our more well known and popular bands are at the top end of the price range, but we also work with talented rising performers who are not yet well known and thus less expensive. Whether your event or budget is large or small, we are committed to providing appropriate, top quality music to suit your needs and resources.

What are the costs?
Prices may vary depending on specifics including time, location, seasonality, and nature of the performance. Contact Us

What is the advantage of having live music over a disc jockey
or no music at all?
Live music is unique, direct, and compelling. The right choice of music and musicians puts guests at ease and provides "punctuation" to keep the program moving according to schedule. For certain events such as a formal wedding or dinner dance, live music is indispensable. Disc jockeys are often less expensive but are never an adequate substitute for live musicians for an important event.

What is the difference between a variety dance, top 40,
swing and rock band?
A "top 40" band is one whose repertoire concentrates on relatively current, popular music. The term "rock band" may describe a wide range of groups, as a particular band may focus on music dating from the inception of rock and roll in the 1950's, while other groups may perform more contemporary styles.

Swing bands usually have a full horn section. Some swing bands play authentic, original swing music from the 1930's and 1940's, whereas other swing bands emulate the contemporary interpretation of swing made popular by artists such as Brian Setzer. A close cousin of the swing band is the full big band performing the original arrangements by artists such as Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. A swing quartet, consisting of keyboard, bass, sax and drums is the smallest version of a swing band that can still provide danceable music. Variety bands are bands which are accomplished in a range of dance music, including top 40, swing, rock, R&B, and Motown. Variety bands are more accustomed to responding to all the requests one might encounter at a wedding or formal event including ethnic dances (hora, tarantella); ballroom dances (polka, waltz, cha cha); and high energy dance music at a reasonable volume.

Is a band at a wedding reception really necessary, or will a jazz trio suffice?
If you want dancing at your event, nothing can fill the dance floor like a live band. The size of the band will vary with the type of music you prefer, your budget, the venue, and the number of guests.

The time of day of the reception should also be considered. Jazz or classical ensembles work well as a lower cost alternative for a midday or afternoon reception. A band is preferable for formal or evening receptions.

Does ceremony music have to be classical?
Classical music is the most popular choice, but many couples chose other styles of music, including contemporary religious music, gospel, jazz, dixieland, and even secular popular music.

How do I choose the right music for my event and avoid making mistakes?
Here are some observations based on years of event planning experience, and some common myths debunked:

Myth # 1 "You get what you pay for." Quality often has a direct relationship with cost, but not always. Don't be afraid to follow your instincts in looking at value. Some bands charge higher fees for reasons completely unrelated to quality. Reasons for a high price can include the costs of a slick video and promotional materials, or the fact that the band is underutilized.

Myth # 2 "We have to provide music that will appeal to everyone."
Guests at your event will be predisposed to having a good time, regardless of which band, menu or flowers you select. Don't be deterred by fear that your tastes are not shared. If you prefer a certain style of music, whether it is blues, or country, or zydeco, or swing. your guests will appreciate your choice.

Myth # 3 "We have to avoid any mistakes in order for the event to be a success." You can have a great event even if some things go wrong -- in fact, every event has some glitches, surprises, and perhaps outright disasters. A glitch -- be it rain, a power failure, or a late clergyman -- need not derail an event or affect your enjoyment of the day.

Myth # 4 "It is impossible to plan an event from afar." While we prefer to meet face to face with clients, sometimes this is just not possible. The telephone, fax and the internet have made it easy to plan an event without ever leaving your home or office.