Great music can complement your theme, set the tone of your special
day, and enhance everyone’s experience. And ethnically flavored
live music—whether it’s a two-piece combo or a ten-person
orchestra—offers a fun, fresh take on the music scene. Whether
it’s a band that will celebrate your family’s heritage or
simply music you’ve always loved, ethnic bands will provide that
little bit of spice and sizzle to keep your guests dancing all night
long.
For music that incorporates a cool fusion of Cajun (French Canadian),
Creole, and rock and roll flavors, think Zydeco. This high-energy pick
blends the sounds of a washboard along with a fiddle, accordion, drums,
bass, harmonica, and guitar, to produce foot stompin’ music that’s
a real crowd pleaser.
“It’s all about the culture of New Orleans. We play, throw
beads, and give away masks,” says Roxanne Klett, a.k.a. “Rubboard
Roxie,” of Snapperhead, a thirteen-year-old Zydeco band based out
of Rock Hill. According to Klett, who believes Zydeco music helps to
create a very special wedding day, popular song picks include “Jambalaya,” “Iko
Iko,” and “Jolie
Blonde.”
If you’ve got Celtic yearnings, consider adding a dash of bagpipes
or some hearty and soulful Irish tunes. Ian Gallagher, whose band of
the same name has been playing Irish music for the past 40 years, has
a repertoire that includes old standards, like “Danny Boy,” “My
Son,” and “The Fields of Athenrye,” along with Forties
swing through disco. Gallagher’s group, which ranges from two to
seven players, delivers the Irish touch, including jig tunes to entice
some serious Irish dancing, Irish Country Jive, and old-time waltzes.
For something more in tune with Doctor Zhivago or James Bond (a la To
Russia with Love), think Russian music. According to Mikhail Smirnov
of Barynya, a group named after the famous “seated” dance
of the same name, this spirited music encourages audience participation.
The blend of slow and fast songs, using traditional Russian instruments
like the garmoshka (a Russian button accordion) and the balalaika (special
Russian guitar featured in Dr. Zhivago) includes old favorites like “Kalinka,” “Katyusha,” and “Moscow
Nights.”
And don’t forget the ethnic richness of a Mexican mariachi or Bollywood
band, Dean Martin’s versions of your Italian favorites, a rousing
polka, or some sizzling salsa. There’s a band out there for any
of your ethnic desires that will keep everyone on their feet and bring
a smile to your grandparents’ faces.
Wedding Music
By Mary Scholz Austin
If you’re trying to decide between a deejay and a band when choosing music for your reception, stop the debating. We live in a customizable world, and wedding music is no exception. Maybe you would love to hear the romantic strains of a string quartet during the ceremony and cocktail hour, but you also have your heart set on hearing Madonna as you hit the dance floor. Hiring the Material Girl to play at your reception is just not going to happen, but a band and a deejay providing music at your big party is entirely doable. As Dave Elgart, of Dave Elgart Music in Livingston explains, “our forte is now supplying [the couple] with a deejay plus a live ensemble to provide the music for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner sets during the reception, alternating with the deejay.” So go ahead and mix Madonna with Mozart, or whatever else tickles your fancy.
“The variety is endless when you go with a live/deejay package,” says John Christian of John Christian Entertainment (973-335-6700, 888-813-2623; www.johnchristianentertainment.com). “Live or deejay, experience is irreplaceable. Wedding banquets require a unique taste and rhythm, so choose someone who’s played plenty of them.”
Along with the food, the theme, and the setting, remember that music sets the tone for your big day. Think outside the box and feel free to experiment. Gone are the days of standard wedding music. Cull ideas for a musical mood from your cultural backgrounds, your favorite songs and musicians, unique experiences you’ve had as a couple or the season. You can transform your reception hall into a ‘70s disco, an elegant ballroom dance hall, or a contemporary nightclub—all with the magic of music.
Musicians like Alan Quinn of The Alan Quinn Orchestra offer a hand to couples who may not be musical experts. “I usually find out what styles of music a couple wants and then recommend the instrumentation from there,” says Quinn. He can provide a smaller band of five to nine musicians to play a little bit of everything, or he can offer a 12- to 15-piece ensemble, including vocalists, a rhythm section, and a horn section to feature the sounds of Frank Sinatra or the Swing era. Whether you want barbershop or baroque, folk or flamenco, anything is possible.
Should I Hire a Band, Deejay, or Both
By April Kabbash
Music plays a huge part in setting the mood for any event, especially a wedding. From the well-known notes that signal the bride is about to make her way down the aisle, to the couple’s first dance, to Grandma doing the Funky Chicken at the reception, it’s hard to imagine a wedding without it. And, like most decisions involved in wedding planning, the choices are as varied as the couples making them.
“Your wedding is an expression of your personality, and the music should be an extension of that,” says Scott Hornak, CEO of Craig Scott Entertainment (866-587-1066; www.craigscott.com). Before you make a decision about the type of music you want, think carefully about the event you are planning, the number of people attending and their age groups, and your own personal taste. From there, decide if a band, a deejay, or a combination of the two will best fit your needs and budget. “Deejays can cost well under $2,000, while bands often start in the $4,000 range,” says Barry Herman of Barry Herman Entertainment (973-535-1940; www.barryherman.com). But, “a live band will create a totally different atmosphere and energy at your reception.” One way to keep costs down and still experience the best of both worlds is a band-deejay combination.
“Many people who are looking for a band-deejay combo are looking for specialty music that a band may not be able to play, like ethnic music or a certain version of a special song,” Herman says, “in addition to the energy of a live band.” A combination may also help avoid some of those wedding-planning arguments. “A band-deejay combo can be a great way to go when the groom wants a deejay and the bride wants a band, or the parents want a band and the couple wants a deejay,” Hornak adds. Another possibility, according to Hornak, is to have a band play at the reception, and continue the fun with an after party led by a deejay. “Or have a band play until the cake is cut and then switch to a deejay. It’s like including an after-party in the normal four-hour reception.” Or try a jazz duo or trio for the cocktail hour followed by a band for the reception.
And don’t forget the value of a first impression. Hornak suggests stationing musicians near the door, or outside if the weather is nice, to greet guests as they arrive. “We’ve planned everything from a string of violinists to heraldic trumpeters for a wedding set at a castle,” Hornak says. “The first 20 seconds can really make a big impression and set the tone for the rest of the event.”