Need Band Recommendations!

AlisonMT Posted: Feb 19, 2002 09:05 PM

Need Band Recommendations!

Looking for a good band...preferably one that does a lot of swing and big band and isn`t too high on the cheese factor, if you know what I mean. :-) They should also be good about not allowing my crazy relatives to get up and try to sing/emcee/tell jokes/etc. Any recommendations are appreciated! I`m also looking for advice on booking from afar...how crucial is it to go see the band in person? I know so many don`t do showcases on weekends, which is the only time we could make the trip up from DC. :-( Any thoughts? Finally, curious as to how far in advance people generally book. Thanks!

octobergirl Posted: Feb 19, 2002 09:17 PM

Need Band Recommendations!

We're using the Anthony Mills Band from Steven Scott. We were really impressed by them. They have a nice horn section, even though they're 8 pieces, and can do a lot of swing music. They've also promised me that there will be no electric slide, macarena, chicken dance, etc.... unless we specifically request it! Hope that helps.

Sonicstef Posted: Feb 19, 2002 11:09 PM

Need Band Recommendations!

We are using Timepiece from Franklin Wayne. 8 pieces and several singers so there is a lot of variety.

Two pieces of advice:

1- It is absolutely important to see the band perform live! A band can make or break your party - so aside from the location its the 2nd most important decision you will make. You would book a recetion site purely from its brochure- don't make that mistake with a band.

2- Be very wary of a band that does weekend showcases. Popular bands are booked every weekend. If a band is free during the weekend - something is wrong!

michele31 Posted: Feb 20, 2002 04:25 AM

Need Band Recommendations!

I booked Milestone Music. www.milestonemusic4u.com
They are great. 8 pieces. There are 4 singers (2 men, 2 women). They do a variety of music. And I told them that I do not want the Electric Slide or Macarana (sp?) and she promised that they will not do it.

VickiC Posted: Feb 20, 2002 08:57 AM

Need Band Recommendations!

We are using Full House. They are 7 pieces and also have a wide variety of music that they do. http://www.fullhousemusic.com/
In addition to showcases, they play in bars any weekend they are free. Their site has sound clips and you can hear them. I can say from hearing them in person, that their sound clips are very accurate.
Good Luck!

Irene Posted: Feb 20, 2002 09:29 AM

Another vote for Full House

I've booked them for my April 13th wedding. I loved them at their showcase and hear lots of good things about them. They'll send you a video demo if you ask them - maybe you can narrow down the bands you actually have to go see by checking out their videos.

Michelle2000 Posted: Feb 20, 2002 09:49 AM

'The Mystic' was great

I think their site was TheMysticMusic.com or just MysticMusic.com They were 8 pieces and only $4200.

LaurenS Posted: Feb 20, 2002 10:42 AM

Band Help

We are using Renegade from LI Paramount.
If you really want a big horn section you should check out NYC swing. There was a 4 person horn section! There were well over 10 people in the band.
Good Luck

Sara Posted: Feb 20, 2002 11:23 AM

Here's your band:

I had the same concerns as you do - wanted lots of swing,big band, CLASSY music, etc. My band was WONDERFUL! I saw them play at my husband's cousin's wedding and I actually cancelled my original band and lost money on them in order to book this band.

THe band leader is Deena Miller - she is an absolute DOLL - I'm in touch with her even after the wedding. (I'm even going to her CD release party on Friday!) The band normally plays through steven scott, but if you call her directly you will get them privately and for way less $$ and with more personal attention.

Her # is 201-801-0447

If you want, e-mail me with any questions. If you call her, tell her Stephanie referred you.

AlisonMT Posted: Feb 20, 2002 12:34 PM

Here`s your band:

Sara...or is it Stephanie?
Thanks for the rec...can you give me an idea of the cost? Did they factor in travel costs from NJ to LI? Just curious. My email is amt7@cornell.edu

Thanks everyone, else, too, for all the GREAT suggestions!! I am now setting my fiance on the track to look them all up and request videos! :-)

LisaT Posted: Feb 20, 2002 12:54 PM

Current Affair music

we booked Current Affair
(currentaffairmusic.com)

We also wanted a big band, swing feel - not a cheesy 'wedding band'.

They're a 9 piece band, everyone sings lead. They have ALOT of personality and it sounds like Frank Sinatra is in the room with you (that was important to us).

They get a lot of professional functions. They don't do a lot of showcases -I think once a year, but we loved their video and they were even better in person. Even my dad was impressed (and he was insiting on a DJ).

We're paying $4800 (which includes cocktail hour music) - depending on season they go up to $5600.

Full House was a close runner up, but (I felt) Current Affair had a more professional classy look to them, whereas Full House seemed more rock and roll. And we got 9 people vs. 7.

vamdep Posted: Feb 20, 2002 02:11 PM

a third vote for Full House nm NM

Beekeebok Posted: Feb 20, 2002 03:08 PM

go to Franklinwaynemusic.com

If you want one stop shopping to see the best bands around...call Franklin Wayne Music. They have Heart and Soul, Timepiece, DayBreaks Night and Full House included in the 9 excellent bands they represent. The girl in their office is very helpful.