Music to our ears...
For our wedding, we decided early on that we wanted to go with a band. Now, its kind of funny to those who know me, because nothing makes me happier then going out and dancing all night when the DJ is good. I love, love LOVE a good DJ, and I may even go so far as to say, I prefer and DJ as a guest 9 times out of 10.
However, I also feel that because we are doing the traditional Jewish dance of the Hora, a band is absolutely necessary for the full effect. Plus, as fun as a DJ is at a wedding, all ages go crazy for a good band. So my search began for a non-cheesy, really fun, Motown type band began.
I knew this would not be easy because I had some initial rules. My first rule of the band was No Gloria Estafan. Don't get me wrong, I love some Gloria Estafan, "The Rhythm is Gonna Get Ya" will get me out of my seat..... but when it goes wrong, it's SO wrong, and that's not a chance I can take. I also wanted a more Motown, soulful sound, and one that would really encourage everyone, of all ages, to want to dance. Oh, and I wanted horns. I know it's slightly over the top, but, hey, if were going to do this, lets do this!
It's probably important to know that Mr. CP and I, do not have the same musical taste. he likes rock...I mean, classic rock, alternative rock, country rock, hard rock, emo-rock, and whatever other "rocks" there are. Literally, his requirements are a "sweet guitarist" and some old rock and roll. You can see how this search will already be difficult!
The band search began! My parents really wanted me to consider a particular talent agency in the area, that have kind of cheesy bands. I have been to a few weddings and bar mitzvahs, and even company holiday parties with this agency, and they are just a little to cheese for me. I don't want you to be on the dance floor trying to groove. Ya know? Anyways, Despite my pleas, Mom and Dad CP ordered me a set of DVDs to watch. So, Mr. CP and I sat down and painfully watched the cheesiest bands ever.
Luckily we had another DVD to watch too. I found a a talent agency online, Bialeks Music, which was referred to me. I spoke with Robin and she was really helpful and responsive, and just a pleasure to talk too. There were about 4 bands Mr. CP and I agreed to pursue, but we didn't agree on our favorites. If he loved it, I liked it. If I loved it, he just liked it. We scheduled some days though, to go see a few bands.*
Also, my brother and sister-in-law had a really great band last November. REALLY GREAT. I mean, people still talk about how amazing their band was. I knew that band was out of my price range, but I thought I would call that talent agency and see. So I tell them, I want this band, or one like it, but for about $4K less. (4K!!!). They send us some DVDs of similar bands, playing similar music, and to our surprise, we BOTH loved one of the bands. I loved the vocals, and Mr. CP loved the musicians and the "jazzy beat." I scheduled a time to go see them with Linda, of Entertainment Exchange. Unfortunately, Mr. CP had to travel for work and the next time we could see them, we were supposed to be out of town. So I brought sister-in-law CP (bridesmaid)and my maid of honor. We get to the Holiday Inn where they were playing, (yes, they played in a cocktail lounge) and as soon as we walk in, the band leader comes over to me, introduces herself and makes us feel really welcomed. Then, who walks in, other then the most famous Mayor of DC, Mayor Marion Barry! Obviously I took a picture. Who wouldn't! (So fun right?)
However, I also feel that because we are doing the traditional Jewish dance of the Hora, a band is absolutely necessary for the full effect. Plus, as fun as a DJ is at a wedding, all ages go crazy for a good band. So my search began for a non-cheesy, really fun, Motown type band began.
I knew this would not be easy because I had some initial rules. My first rule of the band was No Gloria Estafan. Don't get me wrong, I love some Gloria Estafan, "The Rhythm is Gonna Get Ya" will get me out of my seat..... but when it goes wrong, it's SO wrong, and that's not a chance I can take. I also wanted a more Motown, soulful sound, and one that would really encourage everyone, of all ages, to want to dance. Oh, and I wanted horns. I know it's slightly over the top, but, hey, if were going to do this, lets do this!
It's probably important to know that Mr. CP and I, do not have the same musical taste. he likes rock...I mean, classic rock, alternative rock, country rock, hard rock, emo-rock, and whatever other "rocks" there are. Literally, his requirements are a "sweet guitarist" and some old rock and roll. You can see how this search will already be difficult!
The band search began! My parents really wanted me to consider a particular talent agency in the area, that have kind of cheesy bands. I have been to a few weddings and bar mitzvahs, and even company holiday parties with this agency, and they are just a little to cheese for me. I don't want you to be on the dance floor trying to groove. Ya know? Anyways, Despite my pleas, Mom and Dad CP ordered me a set of DVDs to watch. So, Mr. CP and I sat down and painfully watched the cheesiest bands ever.
Luckily we had another DVD to watch too. I found a a talent agency online, Bialeks Music, which was referred to me. I spoke with Robin and she was really helpful and responsive, and just a pleasure to talk too. There were about 4 bands Mr. CP and I agreed to pursue, but we didn't agree on our favorites. If he loved it, I liked it. If I loved it, he just liked it. We scheduled some days though, to go see a few bands.*
Also, my brother and sister-in-law had a really great band last November. REALLY GREAT. I mean, people still talk about how amazing their band was. I knew that band was out of my price range, but I thought I would call that talent agency and see. So I tell them, I want this band, or one like it, but for about $4K less. (4K!!!). They send us some DVDs of similar bands, playing similar music, and to our surprise, we BOTH loved one of the bands. I loved the vocals, and Mr. CP loved the musicians and the "jazzy beat." I scheduled a time to go see them with Linda, of Entertainment Exchange. Unfortunately, Mr. CP had to travel for work and the next time we could see them, we were supposed to be out of town. So I brought sister-in-law CP (bridesmaid)and my maid of honor. We get to the Holiday Inn where they were playing, (yes, they played in a cocktail lounge) and as soon as we walk in, the band leader comes over to me, introduces herself and makes us feel really welcomed. Then, who walks in, other then the most famous Mayor of DC, Mayor Marion Barry! Obviously I took a picture. Who wouldn't! (So fun right?)
The band starts, and I must say, they ARE AMAZING!! EVERYONE, (including the Mayor) is dancing! It's happy hour and people are dancing! I knew they were right. We stayed and listed and then I made some calls and booked them.
Check out this link and tell me what you think!
Are you considering a Band or DJ? Which do you prefer as a guest?
*Even though in the end, we did not choose Bialeks, they had some great bands, and a lot of variety. Mr. CP and I both LOVED at least 1 band...they unfortunately weren't the same bands.Labels: Band, Miss Cleveland Park, Music
posted by Miss Cleveland Park at 8:27 PM
3 Comments:
I always thought DJ DJ DJ! Then the last three weddings i went to... it was bands. Good fun, rockin' bands... And they were a TOTAL Blast. We're contemplating a band too, but since my bro's friend is a DJ who wants to gift us that, we may be stuck with a DJ (A good one at that) but one less expense. As a guest. I just like good music... a good dj or band, both work for me as long as they make sure the focus is on the bride/groom and play some danceable music :)
RelentlessBride
I hope the Fabulous Phantoms are one of the bands you're considering. We have used them for our holiday parties and they are AWESOME. Bialek's is just a great company to work with.
actually, they are the band my brother had :)
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