The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Brass Band in Austin

There is no shortage of reasons to party in Austin, with its eclectic restaurant scene, diverse nightlife and variety of music venues. And what makes any event even better is the hearty and lively notes of a brass band. No matter the occasion, a private event or huge corporate party, brass music offers an element of entertainment that very few other musicians can offer.

What is even better is that Austin Brass musicians are versatile. Brass music can be smooth and soulful or they can play jovial tunes for celebrations of any kind. They can play cover versions of popular tunes or traditional jazz songs, and just about everything in between. Keep Austin weird by hosting an event with a brass band.

What kinds of events are good for brass bands?

Hiring a brass band for your event is a no brainer. Their music appeals to a wide demographic, from retirees who grew up listening to jazz and brass favorites, to kids who are learning to play brass instruments in school. The music they play is timeless and easy listening. As far as events go, a brass band can perform for anything from birthdays to weddings to funerals, and all the milestones that fall in between.

 

• Weddings: Weddings are a reason for celebration, and the tunes of a brass band are certainly suited for all of the important parts. If they play during the ceremony, people won’t be walking down the aisle, they’ll be dancing, and once the reception comes, everyone will want to join in the festivities. 
• Holiday Celebrations: Just about any holiday can be enhanced with the addition of brass music, whether a mardi gras gathering or a New Year’s Eve Party. Make your holiday event memorable and enjoyable with the addition of a brass band. 
• Birthdays: Birthdays are always a good reason to celebrate, with another year under the belt. Milestones and random years alike are a great reason to have a party complete with the melodies of a brass band.
• Corporate Events: Businesses have many different reasons to hire a brass band. Company parties and retirement celebrations, along with trade shows are all a good reason to hire a brass band. Chances are they will appeal to employees from all sectors of your company, whether the new intern or the seasoned CEO.
• Festivals: Brass instrumental bands are especially good at loud festivals where vocals can be lost in the crowds. No matter the type of festival, brass music is a great addition as a scheduled event or background music while people go about their day. 
• Parades: Brass bands aren’t limited to a stage, as they don’t need to remain stationary in order to perform. They can remain in tune and in rhythm while in motion, which sets them apart from many different bands. 
• Private Parties: There are countless reasons to host a private party, and thus countless reasons to hire a brass band to perform at them. Whether it is a gallery opening, a cocktail hour at a museum or a live band at a favorite restaurant, any of these times is perfect for the melodies of brass music.
• Fundraising Events: Charity galas are an excellent venue for a brass performance. They can provide music during the cocktail hour, or background music during a silent auction. Benefactors will be in the mood for donating when they have the chance to listen to good music.
• Funerals and Celebrations of Life: For some people, a funeral isn’t an end but the beginning of something new and a celebration of a life well spent. Brass bands can provide traditional music to accompany a loved one into the next realm while also comforting loved ones.

How to Choose a Brass Band

There are many factors to take into consideration when it comes to choosing the best band for your particular event. Out of all the different types of bands available, a brass band offers a unique and custom experience for your special event. Everyone can have a traditional rock or cover band at their event, but a brass band is a unique sound that won’t be heard at every event you attend.

• Ratings and Reviews: Online rating and reviews are an especially valuable resource when it comes to selecting a band. Reading reviews for events similar to yours can be particularly helpful in determining whether they will be a suitable match for your event. Ratings are also helpful, when paired with reviews. 
• Word of Mouth: People who have hosted similar events can be a great resource in offering firsthand experience in their experience with a band. In addition to their performance, they’ll be able to tell you what it was like working with the band in advance of an event.
• Venue Input: Venues are specialized in hosting events, so if you are working with a venue for your event, seek input from them. They may have contacts and special packages with bands they know will work well in their venue and with their clients.
• Watch Clips: A great way to get a feel for the performance of a brass band is to watch clips of them playing online. They may even have playlists available that you can listen to determine if they’re the match for your event.

The nice thing about hiring a brass band rather than a DJ is that in addition to providing music for your event, they also offer entertainment. People can enjoy a cocktail and listen to the music, or they can get up and dance. When you have a brass band, you’re giving event guests a full entertainment experience, one that they won’t soon forget.

The post The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Brass Band in Austin appeared first on Brass Animals.

https://brassanimals.com/the-no-nonsense-guide-to-hiring-a-wedding-band-in-portland/ https://brassanimals.com

The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Wedding Band in Portland

So you got engaged at your favorite Portland bistro, you tasted some cakes, and toured a gazillion venues in preparation for your big day. Now you’re ready to think about music and deciding between hiring a wedding band and going with the classic DJs. It can be a challenging decision to make, but for a crowd pleasing solution, wedding bands are easily the way to go. 

 

When it comes down to it, each part of a wedding contributes to making the special day special, but the one thing that ties it all together is the music. Music brings people together, and evokes emotion. One single song can bring up memories and recollections of special times. Rather than having that song be one that has been played a million times over, have it be a song that was played especially for you at your very own Portland Wedding.

Why Hire a Portland Wedding Band Instead of a DJ?

Live music is an experience for all those who hear it. It may be new songs; it may be covers of favorites. But one thing that is certain is that all those who hear it, share an experience that no one else can ever have. That alone is a reason to have a live wedding band. A live band performance puts it right up there with the private parties of the rich and the famous.

The thing about a DJ is that everyone has seen a DJ, listened to a DJ, and heard the same, mind numbing tunes over and over again. They provide commentary suited best for the radio, and choose the same set lists to play at the last and the next ten weddings at which they provide music. A party band at your wedding will be a one of a kind experience, special for all those involved.

 

• Memorable Music: The best part of live music is that it is in fact live. Real musicians performing right in front of your very eyes- instruments, vocalists and renditions of songs in ways you’ve never heard them before. When you listen to live music, you remember it. People will remember your wedding day, and the high energy music that was performed. No one remembers the name of a DJ, but they will remember the tunes they heard at your wedding and the band that played there. 
• Personalized Experience: The nice part of a live band is that you have real people performing the music for you. When you dedicate a song to nana, a random person you’ve probably never met before isn’t just doing a shout out and pressing play, a real team of musicians is not only dedicating a song to nana, but specially performing it for her. The same goes for father daughter dances, generation dances and all of the other special songs. Your first song will be played for you and your beloved. 
• Entertainment Services: The nice thing about live music is that it isn’t just for listening, it’s also for watching. Watching a band perform is entertainment in and of itself, so those who don’t feel like dancing still have something to do during a wedding. A live performance is a special form of entertainment for guests at a wedding.
• Versatility: Live bands typically provide a variety of different types of music. While some specialize in specific genres, which are great for a themed wedding, others offer cover music of all the hits, or even their own original tunes. They’re often capable of learning new songs and special requests just for your wedding event, and a live band plays everything from chill background music to the toe tapping beats of a dance band.

What Can a Band Offer at a Wedding

A wedding band is a great addition to the event, for all aspects of the day, not simply the wedding reception. With a variety of music available, chances are any Portland band worth hiring will be able to provide the tunes for nearly every part of your wedding day. Their song list will have something suitable for just about any need you may have.

 

• Entrance Music: Many weddings have music playing while guests are being seated at your ceremony. Rather than using pre recorded tunes, have a few members of your wedding band provide music before the ceremony begins.
• Ceremony Music: If you are not having traditional organ music play during the wedding ceremony and while walking down the aisle, your wedding band can play for you. Whether you’d like a traditional religious song or an instrumental version of a song special to you and your spouse to be, live music during your ceremony will make it exceptionally special.
• Cocktail Hour: There is nothing better than enjoying a cocktail, mingling with friends and family, and listening to the melodies of live music playing. Cocktail hour is the perfect time to start up the live music if you didn’t use them for the ceremony. This provides a good warm up time and provides the entertainment in the transitional time between the ceremony and dinner. 
• Dinner Music: Live music is the perfect backdrop to a special meal. Dinner music sets the tone for a wedding, and gives everyone a nice dining experience. Setlists during dinner may be low key and easy listening. 
• Reception: The moment everyone is waiting for… the wedding reception. Time to hit the dance floor and put on your dancing shoes. The reception is the culmination of the entire wedding, letting everyone let loose and have a great time. A live band may play covers of classic dance tunes and favorites to get everyone shaking their booties

Choosing The Live Band

There are many factors to consider when hiring a wedding band, but it is important to know what you want, the type of music you want at your wedding and the experience you want to share with your guest. Take into consideration ratings from people who have used them for their events in the past. Looking at all of these different factors will help you to choose the perfect band to make sure your special day goes off without a hitch.

The post The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Wedding Band in Portland appeared first on Brass Animals.

https://brassanimals.com/the-no-nonsense-guide-to-hiring-a-wedding-band-in-portland-2/ https://brassanimals.com

The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Jazz Band in Portland

Jazz music has been popular all the way across the US, from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine for over a century. Jazz bands still form in schools as a genre of music that appeals to young and old alike, and has evolved into popular event music. Jazz ensembles offer versatile styles, from upbeat big band and swing band tunes to rhythmic string trios that appeal to many different events. 

When it comes to selecting music for a Portland event, the options may seem endless. DJs are plentiful, and live bands come in countless genres and styles. Portland jazz sets itself apart from these typical options by being catchy and perfect for nearly any event, without being canned.

How is a jazz band different than other live bands?

Live bands are an excellent addition to any event. Live event bands come in many forms, typically with a singer or vocalist, guitar or bass, drum sets, and other various instruments. Jazz bands can have the same, but can be instrumental only. Jazz musician instruments include tubas, trombones, saxophones, clarinets and other jazz and percussion instruments. Jazz music includes many jazz standard tunes, and jazzy renditions of other genres, making it a fun and interesting addition to any event.

 

Another fun aspect of a jazz band is that they can also play improv. While there may be jazz standard tunes, they are known for improvising during certain sections of a tune, making your performance one of a kind. They can also create new jazz tunes using the influences of the style.

Why hire a jazz group instead of a DJ?

Anyone who has ever been to any event has likely been serenaded by the thumping bass of loud DJed music. Paired with their commentary and overplayed playlists, you can barely tell one DJ from the next. And who actually ends up remembering a specific DJ experience? It’s more of whether or not they played tunes you enjoy or not.

Jazz bands offer a unique, one of a kind performance. Not only do they provide music but they also offer the added benefit of an entire performance. It is fun to watch a jazz band perform in front of a crowd, rather than watching a DJ click on the next song on a list on a computer screen. Jazz music has stood up to the test of time and with good reason. What is classic today will still be classic ten years from now, whereas DJs recycle the same music over and over.

What types of events should hire a jazz band?

Jazz bands are a great accompaniment to any event because of their versatility and ability to appeal to many different demographics. Because of this, Jazz bands can play for just about any type of event and keep everyone toe tapping and interested in the tunes.

 

These are only a few of the types of events that are suitable for jazz music. Aside from weddings, corporate events and galas, there is a whole world of opportunity for a jazz band to accompany an event, whether people are looking to dance their shoes off or if they are just looking for a reason to get together with loved ones and enjoy appetizers and cocktails.

• Weddings: Music plays an important role in all aspects of a wedding. Some smoother romantic jazz tunes can be the perfect tunes to walk down the aisle to during the wedding ceremony. Once that ends, jazz is great background music during cocktail hour and during the meal. When it comes time for the wedding reception, jazz bands can play some swing and big band favorites to get everyone out onto the dance floor having the time of their lives.

• Corporate events: Jazz music can be an asset for just about any type of corporate event. Trade shows can benefit from background music during the event or in cocktail hours after the event wraps up for the day. Jazz music can also be great during a holiday party or a retirement party. It can appeal to people from every department and from CEO to entry level part timers.

• Charity Galas: To evoke a classy and timeless event, jazz music is the ideal solution. These ensembles offer not only music but the entertainment of a jazz performance. If you have memorable and unique music for a fundraising event, you will give guests and donors a unique experience worth their time. 

• Dinner Parties: Jazz music can be easy listening and chill for a dinner party. The music is versatile and can be great background music. Whether a small gathering or a large one, jazz music pairs nicely with cocktails and dinner. Dinner and jazz is a match made in heaven.
• Celebrations: Celebratory events call for celebratory music. Jazz can be the perfect music for parades, fairs, festivals and so many more group gatherings. Any sort of celebratory event can be paired with the classic and timeless tunes of jazz music playing across the crowd.

Where to find a jazz musician for an event?

A jazz band for hire is easy to find with so many different resources available. Some of the best options are the simplest, from an online search to partnering with a venue. These can be some of the easiest and most effective ways of booking a jazz band.

 

• Venues: One of the greatest resources when looking for vendors for your wedding or event is the venue itself. Most event venues have an extensive collection of vendors that they recommend and have worked with in the past. They will know which jazz bands work well, not only with their clients but with their space and types of events. Vendors can also provide valuable feedback and may even offer special packages to an event planner if they book a preferred vendor.
• Online: Finding a jazz band online is a very quick and effective solution for finding a jazz band for an event. By looking online, you are able to read reviews and ratings to see what other event planners have experienced by working with that band. You’ll also be able to see if they are better suited for a particular type of event versus another to help narrow down which band will be the best for your event. Additionally, online resources can allow to you view samples of the band playing live, and listen to other clips of them playing their music.

What type of jazz songs should I choose?

Choosing the set list for an event is one of the most fun parts of planning. When discussing these things with the band, you can determine if you’ll have different styles of music during different parts of the event. Cocktail hour will have background music, while dancing will be more upbeat jazz standards and jazzy covers of popular dance tunes. There are even many different popular tunes that have jazz influences, which make for great dance options. With jazz, your world is truly your oyster.

The post The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Jazz Band in Portland appeared first on Brass Animals.

https://brassanimals.com/the-no-nonsense-guide-to-hiring-a-jazz-band-in-portland/ https://brassanimals.com

The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Cover Band in Portland

Music is at the core of any Portland event, adding tunes and enjoyment for all involved. What makes this even better is live music, especially by a cover band. Live bands bring an added level of fun and entertainment to a private party, wedding or corporate event. When its cover music, you get the best of both worlds; live music and your favorite songs when your favorite bands can’t be there. 

 

Any event can hire a DJ to play all the classic dance tunes and generic party tunes. DJs will play at any event, and most have the same selections of tunes. Every wedding reception or party sounds just the same with a DJ. On the other hand, a cover band can play the favorites, but add their own twist and provide not only music but the whole entertainment package.

When to Hire a Cover Band

If you’re looking for a way to add an element of awe to your event, having a cover band play your music will undoubtedly be the solution. They make an ordinary event memorable, and provide not just the music but a show. Hiring a cover band is undoubtedly a home run. 

 

Any Portland area event that will have dancing and party or a reception will benefit from partnering with a band for hire. Dance bands add energy to an event that can’t be duplicated by a recording. There are many Portland, Oregon occasions which call for a party band to provide music.

 

• Weddings: Wedding receptions are the ideal occasion for a cover band. Wedding bands that specialize in covers play a variety of music that appeal to the wide demographic of a wedding. Grandma and the flower girl will both be burning up the dance floor to the tunes played by a cover band. 
• Corporate Events: Businesses host many different events throughout the course of a year. Company parties, whether holiday or just a standard annual party, are a great reason to hire a cover band. Because they can play covers of so many different types of music, cover bands for hire are also suitable for events like a retirement party, a trade show or even team building events. 
• Private Parties: If you have a reason to throw an upbeat party, you have a reason to hire a cover band. Cover bands are especially a good option for a themed party, as they may play covers of a certain style of music. A cover band for a 5 O’Clock Somewhere party is a lot more fun than just playing digital songs by a DJ, or a disco party where the cover band specializes in 70’s music. 
• Festivals: Festivals of any type are a great occasion for a cover band because they can provide music to fit the scene. When you can’t hire the band or several bands that play the original tunes, the next best thing is a cover that can play their favorites. Cover bands will bring people from far and wide to celebrate at a festival. 
• Fundraising Events: There is no shortage of fundraising events that would benefit from a cover band. Whether an elegant charity gala trying to get people to make donations, to the after party at a fundraising 5k, music will bring cheer while also getting people dancing and in the mood for donations. 
• Bar and Restaurant Entertainment: Live music at a bar or restaurant is a great way to attract patrons. Whether for a special event or a weekly gig, cover bands will attract people left and right to enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing. They’re even better for theme nights or holiday parties like New Year’s Eve or Saint Patrick’s Day.

How to Find a Cover Band

Bands in Portland are plentiful, and cover bands are no exception. Thankfully, resources to find a cover band are also plentiful, with the help of online search engines, venue recommendations and even seeing a band play at a favorite restaurant. And these are only a few of the many different ways to find a cover band.

 

• Search Engines: Online research is the go to resource for finding just about anything you may need, from dancing shoes to dance bands. Search engines are exceptionally effective in finding a cover band, because you’ll be able to read reviews that other people have provided, ratings on their performance and partnership, and even allows you to watch clips of the band playing at other gigs. 
• Venue Recommendations: If you’re hosting your event at a special venue, there is a chance that they’ve worked with a cover band that they can recommend for your event. The benefit of working with the venue is that they’ve seen the band in action, seen their setup and know that their space can accommodate what the band requires. Some venues and vendors even offer special packages if you book them together. 
• Watching a Band: If you are looking for a cover band, then why not visit other venues or bars when they may have a show? Watch for Portland area events and visit them to see a performance by a cover band you may be interested in hiring for your event. 
• Word of Mouth: Chances are you may just know someone who has hired a cover band for their event. Talking to other event planners can be very beneficial in finding the right band for your event.
• Wedding Shows: Wedding shows and other event related trade shows can be an underrated place to find a cover band for your event. At these shows, bands, DJs and vendors of all sorts make an appearance to showcase their skills. Cover bands are included in these vendors.

What Type of Music do Cover Bands Play?

The best part of a cover band is that they have song lists and play lists for just about any type of occasion or event. Whether you’re looking for a particular genre, or the variety of a band that plays all the hits, cover bands can cover just about any of your set list needs. Being cover bands, they are also very good at learning different types of music, so if you have a special request, there is a good chance they’ll be able to learn it for you and perform it at your event. 

 

If you make arrangements with the cover band in advance of your event, you’ll be able to get an idea of what songs they plan on playing at your event. You should be able to partner with them to play certain music during special parts of the occasion, such as relaxing jazz covers during dinner followed by pop hits once it comes time to hit the dance floor. Their versatility will be a great asset to your event, and everyone will be talking about it for months to follow.

The post The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Cover Band in Portland appeared first on Brass Animals.

https://brassanimals.com/the-no-nonsense-guide-to-hiring-a-cover-band-in-portland/ https://brassanimals.com

The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Wedding Band in Los Angeles

When it comes to planning an event, the entertainment is one of the most important aspects. Hiring a jazz band ensures a fun, upbeat and timeless solution to the entertainment needs for nearly any event in Los Angeles. Jazz ensembles offer an exciting element, with their versatility ranging from dinner background music to the dance music at a wedding reception. This is what sets brass groups apart from traditional bands. 

Jazz music was born over a century ago, and there is a reason it has remained popular over the decades. With soulful and upbeat melodies, it is a versatile genre that appeals to many different demographics. When people think of jazz musicians, they think of trombones, trumpets, clarinets and other brass instruments. So not only do they have good music, they are entertaining to watch while you listen to them. Los Angeles jazz bands are especially an ideal attraction for Hollywood glam events where celebrities may just make an appearance.

Why choose a jazz band?

While a lot of people may think that jazz bands in Los Angeles target a certain demographic that may have enjoyed this music in their youth, that doesn’t mean this is strictly a type of music for that specific group. Jazz music can appeal to many different demographics and isn’t confined to the music that was played a hundred years ago. 

Jazz bands can play Jazz standard type music, but they can also add a jazzy twist to popular tunes, giving it a very unique style that is memorable for all different types of people who like different types of music. Jazz bands are very versatile and add a classy and classic element to any event.

In addition to being an impressive and memorable style of music, jazz bands are also fun to watch. Rather than seeing a DJ flip a switch to change a tune, jazz musicians are not only musicians, but also excellent performers. In addition to providing music at an event, they also add an element of entertainment. People who don’t feel like dancing can sit and watch the band.

What Types of Events are Best for a Jazz Band?

There is no shortage of events in Los Angeles that will pair well with jazz music. Whether a small intimate gathering or a huge blow out, the melodies of jazz standards help to make a perfect setting for any event. Jazz bands provide a truly versatile music that hasn’t gone out of style in a century, and doesn’t show signs of slowing in this century.

• Corporate Events: Booking a jazz band for your next company party, retirement or corporate event is the perfect solution for an eclectic group of employees. It is easy listening and can appeal to everyone from interns to the CEO.
• Birthday Celebrations: Hiring a jazz band for a milestone birthday is a great way to have a memorable event for the special birthday person. Having live music will make the birthday all the more special.
• Weddings: Jazz bands are a great solution for weddings, because they can play the music for both the ceremony and the reception. They can even play soft background music during dinner or cocktails.
• Fundraising Galas: No charity event is complete without music and a jazz band for hire is a great solution. Providing special entertainment for people who could be huge potential beneficiaries is a smart option and sets the scene for generous donations.
• Dances: It is a lot of fun to dance to jazz music, especially the big band style and swing band. Any dance, whether it is 1920s themed or just a regular old dance style, jazz music is a great solution to get people onto the dance floor and twirling their partners.

How to find the right jazz band for your event

With so many different options for live jazz bands, it can be hard to decide which one will be the best option for your special event. But this does not have to be difficult once you ask yourself a few key questions.

 

• What kind of songs do they play? You know best what the vibe of your event will be, so making sure the Jazz Band you hire plays music in the appropriate style is important. Do they strictly play their own originals? This may be fine for background music during a cocktail hour, but jazz standards, classics and pop music covers with jazz influences are more likely to get people dancing during a wedding or ball.
• What kind of events have they played at? Different types of bands may specialize in certain types of special events. A chill Jazz trio may be used to playing music in nightclubs while people sit and sip cocktails, while a big band style may be geared towards getting big crowds amped up for a celebration. Some bands may have experience in parade settings, while others may specialize in weddings.
• How are their ratings? Ratings are hugely important when it comes to deciding on the Jazz Band to play at your event. Reading reviews can help you decide if the ratings are appropriate for your event. This can also help you to answer questions about the events they are best suited for and types of music they play.
• Is it a large or small group? The size of a group can matter depending on your venue and the plans for the event. Smaller venues may simply need a smaller group to give everyone the space they need, while the added noise level of a large group can help to fill a bigger space.

Booking a jazz band ensemble

Once you have selected the band you want for your event, it is time to book them and finalize everything. At this point you should have already made sure they are available for the date and time of your event. Once that is taken care of, you can discuss the logistics of the event day such as set up, any special requirements, and setlist.

 

• Set up: Be sure to know ahead of time where the band will set up at your venue and the amount of time needed to set up. They may ask if there is a certain entrance they should use, if they should have a point of contact the day of the event, and other various pieces.
• Special Requirements: Some bands may ask that the venue have certain equipment provided, such as electrical hook ups or speakers that are already in place. Some bands may even ask for specific travel accommodations, meals to be included at the event, or a set amount of break time in which you will have to arrange for alternate music.
• Set List: The set list is when you can finally have a little fun with the whole booking process. Talking with your band about any special musical requests, covers you’d like them to play, or order of operations, such as cocktail hour music versus dinner music, and when dancing should begin.

Come share the experience only jazz bands provide for your corporate event or wedding reception!

The post The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Wedding Band in Los Angeles appeared first on Brass Animals.

https://brassanimals.com/the-no-nonsense-guide-to-hiring-a-wedding-band-in-los-angeles/ https://brassanimals.com