On Monday, February 6th, Elan Artists brings top bands in our area, including two of my favorites, the Source and Raggs and The All Stars, to a showcase at the Willard.

In the meantime, I caught up with my friends at Elan to ask a little bit about the bands and working with them…

How do you describe the Source and Raggs & The All Star’s individual sounds? To what type of couple would you recommend each?

The Source is a refined, high energy variety dance band with DC’s creme de la creme musicians.  Playing music from Gershwin to Gaga.  With diverse vocalists they cover every genre with incredibly unique level of capturing the original sound and feel.

Raggs has a classic 1940′s Sinatra orchestra feel and look playing your favorite Jazz, Swing dance music from Ella, Louie, Big Band and more. What separates them from other “Jazz” bands is there ability to also cross over and play variety music as well from Soul and Motown to Funk, Disco, Contemporary hits and more. They recently played a magical dance party for the Clinton Party.

How far out to you recommend that a couple book a band for their wedding?

Minimum of 6 to 12 months.  Our groups are boutique and specialized – so people often book further in advance.

Leading up to a wedding, how do your bands and Elan work with a couple to plan the logistics behind the big day? What types of things does a couple need to consider when planning the music for their wedding reception?

Personal customization is key.  We work with clients to learn music that is totally specific to their tastes so the overall feel directly connect with their personalities.

How long have Raggs and the All-Stars been playing together?

About 20 years.  We started as a small band in the early 90′s playing for dinner and dancing at Herrington Harbor restaurant in southern Anne Arundel county.  The success of that early band set the stage for the weddings and corporate parties we do today.

Describe your sound. What makes your band unique? 

Rooted in the big band sound, our horn arrangements, vocals led by the wonderful Sheila Ford and tight rhythm section gives Raggs it’s signature sound.  We also offer a string section that is really something unique.  I call it the “icing on the cake” for clients who want something really classy and old-school.  And of course there’s our fantastic Andrews Sisters group, the “Ragg Dolls.”  With their period costumes, they look and sound like a million dollars.

All of that makes us unique, but most of all it’s the variety of styles we play that sets Raggs apart.  Whether it’s big band, Sinatra, Motown, disco, Latin, contemporary or whatever, we take pride in representing that style accurately.  The comment we hear most from people is, “you guys played something that everyone could to dance to, from the youngest kids to the grandparents and everyone in-between.”

About how many songs can you already play?  Do you take song requests?

We carry about 300 arrangements in our book, so there’s plenty to choose from on any given occasion.  There are probably that many more on file in my personal library, ready to use as people send me their requests during our planning sessions.   As a professional arranger, I am always adding new charts as people request their favorite songs.

What do you think the advantages are to having a live band instead of a DJ? 

Oh, my!  People interacting with live musicians is the fuel that makes it all happen.  There’s no substitute for the energy between a band and a floor full of dancers!

Do you have any advice for couples creating a song list? 

We suggest to couples to look over our song list, mark what they like and don’t like, then leave it to us to create a personalized set list for the event.  That way we can tailor the music to their taste, but in a way that also represents the best of the band as only we know how.  It works every time!

For more information please visit www.raggsandtheallstars.com. 

Music + Dancing = Fun! This is one of the elements I have been looking forward to delving into for a long time. One of the things that I have never understood is why people don’t take advantage of the music provided to them during a wedding reception? Personally, this has always been one of my favorite elements, and because of this, I’m going to make sure that everyone is up and dancing at some point during my reception because I know I will!

In order to make sure everyone has s good time, my challenge is to make sure that there is music that everyone can shake a tail feather to. For the people that are friends of me and my significant other, it will be a piece of cake. Everyone else not in the 25 – 40 age brackets; we might be up for a bit of a challenge finding something everyone can enjoy.

First things first – Band or DJ? While there are pros/cons to both, it ultimately comes down to personal taste. While Will prefers the DJ experience, I really wanted to have the chance to give guests the experience of having both. While my parents haven’t really said much during the planning process, they did let me know their strong preference toward live music and were generous enough to give a little extra towards my musician fund so this could happen (thanks guys!). Due to their generosity I am now able to look for vendors that have both a DJ (got to keep the groom happy!) and band services.

After taking advantage of different bridal shows offering the opportunity to listen to band/DJ combos and reading local bridal magazines, I made a selection that I believe will satisfy us, our parents, and guests alike.  .  Andy Kushner Entertainment has the distinction of being not only the manager and owner of four different bands (SoundConnection, Marquise, SoundNation, and theVIPs) but he is also a band member too.

It’s so hard not to fall in love with Andy when you first meet him. He’s got a personality that really makes you want to have him at your party – outgoing and energetic; just like his bands. His passion for music in general was evident during our conversation and especially when he described their different styles. No matter what music genre they specialize in, they all have one thing in common – their passion for audience participation. Speaking of audience participation, Andy also has some DJ’s that will appeal to Will so that he can have the club “experience” he’s looking for as well.

Andy was able to pair our specialized musical needs (R&B/Motown/Hip-Hop/Top 40) with his talented musicians, and in the end we decided Sound Connection along with one of Andy’s DJ’s will be responsible for keeping the party moving.   I’ll be that girl ABBA aptly described in their song “Dancing Queen” – “See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the Dancing Queen”, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What do you think are the most important qualities that a client should look for when looking into entertainment (either a DJ, live band, etc) for their event?

A client should feel confident that the entertainment they are hiring will be able to carry out the Bride and Groom’s vision for their reception. Being able to provide a current reference list is also beneficial. Finally, price will most likely be a factor.  It’s important to have a budget range in mind, rather than a set amount.  How important the entertainment is to the success of a Wedding Reception cannot be stressed enough!

What are your specialties at Bialek’s Music?

We specialize in two things.  One is variety.  We have just about any type of entertainment you could ever think of.  This even includes sitar and koto players!  However, the majority of our business if booking Bands, DJ’s, and String groups.

Our second specialty is our talent.  We have some of the most experienced and amazing artists on our team.  Many of our DJ’s and Bands have performed at high profile events, all the way up to playing for the President.

If I called into Bialek’s Music today and wanted to find entertainment for my wedding, how would the process work?

Once we know the type of entertainment you’re looking for, we will take you step by step to help choose the right DJ, Band, Musician, or specialty act.  If a client is choosing a DJ, they will be able to choose the specific DJ thet would like to hire, unlike many other companies.

We also have a fantastic, interactive website where our clients can view biographies and photos of our DJ’s, watch demo videos of our bands, and listen to our sting groups.

Thank you so much Dan! Don’t forget- sign in and register with promo code DCCWCFREE for free registration to the DC Couture Wedding Consortium! We hope you enjoyed our vendor series and learned more about the best vendors in the DC area and feel free to send us any feedback.

Most importantly, we hope you are so excited for the DC CWC 2010 Bridal Show this Friday at the Decatur House and we look forward to seeing you there!!

As a popular DJ in DC, how do you stay ahead of the game? How do you continue to make things fresh, fun, and always guarantee a wonderful time for the guests at your event?

My initial act in insuring that the event is a success is listening to the client.  I am never going to go into any event by stating to the client what they want for the evening without having a complete understanding of what they want. I never want there to be any assumptions between myself and their desires. The next step, after listening, is to begin the process of putting together their music profile.  That discussion is another blog update all in itself!

If I called your office today and inquired about hiring Disc Jockeys On Call for my event, how would the process work?

The process begins immediately.  I want to know as much as possible, and this begins with structuring your music profile.  Music profiling is something that I have been doing for years and it is something that I came up with so that I know the client and their guests’ musical tastes.  “The more I know, the better the show”.  I know it sounds like a cliché, but it’s a fact.

I want to know what your definition of 80’s music is exactly.  For some it may be Michael Jackson and for others is may be George Michael.  If you are contacting DJOC for a wedding I want to know how you want the music for the cocktail hour, your dinner preferences and how you may wish to segue from dinner to dancing.  Yes, this is what I initially state to clients as I want them to know that they have contacted a talented professional.

What is your personal music style? What trends would you like to see happen in the DJing world?

I have a saying that was published by ReMix Magazine and it goes as follows; “a professional DJ plays to the crowd, a hobbyist, plays for themselves”.  My personal music style should never come into play when performing.  So, it never does.

My professional music style, however, is my unique approach to preparation and performing so that I can create the event that the client has envisioned.  A specific trend that I personally wish to see take place in my industry is for clients to begin hiring agencies that have a collection of talented DJ’s.  Now, let me define this; talented DJ’s who have not just performed at one type of event, but those who has an understanding of multiple genres of music and can actually mix, transition and beat match music.  Yes, an actual DJ.

What is going on now is that there are many agencies that are exceptional at marketing themselves very well, but dismiss this aspect. Time and time again, agents or individuals do not focus on what is really needed to make a client happy: talent.  Because of such, one of the initial questions I am usually asked from a perspective client relates strictly to pricing.  There are many magazines and shows that also attribute to this as they do not focus on us, the DJ, as an essential aspect of the event.  The advice that magazines tend to give, in many instances, is very incorrect.  There is a difference between Patti LaBelle and Patti LaFontaine.  Who is Patti LaFontaine?  That is exactly my point.

For a sneak preview for our readers- what will you bring to the DCCWC Bridal Show??

Ahhh, the good stuff!  One thing that I can tell you is that you will get a chance to meet some of the staff of DJOC, receive some detailed information up close and personally, and also take home so great keep sakes that should lean you towards booking one of our outstanding DJ’s.

Thank you so much, Aaron! You heard it – if you want a DJ that is going to truly listen to your vision and keep the beats going all night,  Disc Jockeys On Call (DJOC) will create a night that will be remembered by all of your guests!

If anyone can offer fabulous advice on ceremony music, Julia is the one!  Having played in countless weddings, and now planning her own, here are Julia’s recommendations…

Unique Ceremony Music Choices

Finally, a post where I can offer some real professional advice to all of the brides out there!  Being a ceremony musician, it will come at no surprise that I think each bride should pay close attention to the music they play during their weddings.  And for those that make it their mission (like I have) to make everything personalized at your wedding, this is definitely another place you can do that.

If you start with the ideas below, you can work directly with your musicians to come up with songs that work for you and the instrument they play.  Of course, there are so many instrument combinations that you can go for, here are a few of the most common combos: String Quartet, Harp & Flute, Vocal with Piano, Classical Guitar, Organ, Bagpipes, and steel drums.

Not all musicians will be able to arrange music or find existing sheet music for something that is not in their repertoire, but this will at least get them thinking about unique options. (Most musicians will certainly jump at the chance to play something contemporary.)

Idea #1: Consider your favorite band

In 2003, we did a wedding with all specially-arranged versions of Coldplay songs. The couple were huge fans of the band, so they picked different songs for each part of the ceremony:

Trouble – Seating of the Mothers
Yellow – Bridesmaid Processional (they were wearing yellow dresses, too!)
In My Place – Bride
Clocks – Recessional – click here to listen

I would love to play a wedding where we played “Strawberry Swing” as the processional and “Viva la Vida” for the recessional. If I weren’t so traditional, I’d definitely be doing that myself.

Cherry Blossom String Quartet

Idea #2: Songs with titles/words including the bride/groom’s names

We arranged “Michelle” by the Beatles for a bride named “Michelle” and “Mark’s Song” for a groom named Mark.  Other ideas: “Bill” from the musical Carousel, “Mandy” by Barry Manilow, “Donna” by Ritchie Valens or “Sarah” by Jefferson Starship.  The list goes on and on.  Google your name with the word “song” and I’m sure you’ll find something.

I’m having my dad and I dance to the song “Julia” by John Lennon for our father/daughter dance.   Not only is my name the title of the song, but my dad sang this song to me a lot when I was young.

Idea #3: “Theme” songs

We once arranged the theme song from “Out of Africa” for a bride whose family was from Africa.  And we recently played the main love theme from “Shakespeare in Love” when the bride walked down the aisle at Tabard Inn in Dupont.   It was so appropriate for the venue, especially under the colored tent.

Or, if you are interested in a seasonal theme, the bridal party processional, bride processional, and recessional could each be a movement from the applicable season in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.  For instance, for a winter wedding you could have the 1st movement of winter for the bridesmaids, second movement for the bride, and the third for the recessional.

Idea #4: You have a favorite song

Say it is off the wall and wacky. Who cares? It is your wedding and I say, express yourself.   I really wanted to walk down to Adagio from Corelli’s Christmas Concerto; so I am.  In fact, no one really ever picked that song for a wedding ceremony until we (as a quartet) started recommending it to our clients.

We have played all sorts of wild and out-of-the-ordinary songs while people have walked down the aisle.  There was the University of Maryland Fight Song, there was Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are,” “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones and there actually was a bride who requested Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” (we eventually talked her out of it).  Have fun with it!

What entertainment packages do you offer for a wedding? Are there a variety of packages from which a couple may chose?

My wedding packages usually break down into a few different categories such as wedding ceremonies, wedding ceremonies and cocktail hour, or dinners and private events.  In addition to these common packages, I encourage couples to speak with me so that we may discuss their vision and any unique details, and together, decide what would best work for them.  It is not unusual for weddings to have specials requests so I always suggest discussing the event prior to contracting entertainment, to ensure that each couple’s package fits their needs.

What should a couple look for when meeting with (and eventually deciding on) a musician?

Each type of entertainment will have differing criteria but as a classical musician it is important to consider the following:

Credentials: Is the musician trained from a music school or conservatory?  Most serious classical musicians almost always have credentials from a formal music school.

History, Longevity and Experience: How long have the musician(s) performed events or weddings?  This is very different than performing concerts and requires many small details which are often overlooked.  The most experience the better…

The Product: Most importantly, how do they sound?  It is important to use your ears – many people feel a little overwhelmed trying to make musical decisions for the first time in their life.  Have family and friends listen to samples to help guide your decision.  Do the musician(s) present them self in a professional way both by phone and online?  Do they have a comprehensive website?  Do they have reviews or references that you can read?  Do they respond promptly to your inquiries?

Sound Restrictions: Depending on the format of the wedding and the location, will the volume of the instrument be audible?  I play a very delicate soft instrument (Classical and Spanish Guitar) but use a high quality amplifier for all events eliminating any issue with sound.  It can be used indoor or outdoor, occasionally even on a sailboat!

What music do you recommend for the major parts (the prelude, the wedding party processional, the bride processional, the interlude, the recessional, the postlude) of a wedding? How do you work with couples to select their music?

For the music, most American wedding ceremonies have six major parts, each with their own special requirements: The prelude, the wedding party’s processional, the bride’s processional, the interlude, the recessional, and the postlude. I often refer to the suggestions of  Courtney Lawhn, a Chicago Harpist and Wedding Musician, who offers the following advice:

The Prelude: The purpose of the prelude wedding music is to welcome guests as they are being seated before the wedding ceremony.  It also should give a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere, setting the stage for the solemnity of the event.  The prelude generally begins 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony start time, and it often involves quite a few songs.  Because of this, it’s best to give the musician(s) an idea of the genre of music you want and leave the individual song choices up to their discretion.

The Wedding Party’s Processional: The wedding party’s processional marks the official beginning of the wedding ceremony.  It should have a slow but flowing feel, ushering the beautiful bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle.  The classic example here is Canon in D by Pachelbel, but you should listen to various musical selections to find a song that strikes a chord with you.

The Bride’s Processional: The bride’s processional can be an incredible moment, as memorable to everyone involved as the vows or any other part of the ceremony, therefore, it is important to choose a very special song here.

The Interlude: The interlude can actually be many different moments in the wedding ceremony, my very loose definition being any time there are no words being spoken for a minute or more.  For most wedding ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation.  These are moments of quiet reflection, and the wedding music you choose should encourage this mood.

The Recessional: At last, time to celebrate your wedding!  The wedding officiant’s pronouncement of husband and wife is followed by enthusiastic applause and joyous recessional music as the happy couple leads the way back up the aisle.  The song you choose should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to celebrate your union.

The Postlude: The postlude to your wedding sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving.  It can last between 10 and 30 minutes, so it is best to treat the postlude like the prelude music and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want.  Experienced wedding musicians will play postlude music that is refined but upbeat, adding the finishing touch to your beautiful ceremony.

If you do not want to choose individual songs for your ceremony, experienced wedding musicians will be able to play appropriate songs in the right places.  However, picking out your own wedding music can be more meaningful and satisfying.  The first decision you should make that will guide you in your choices is whether you want your wedding music to be traditional and classic or lesser-known but unique.  The professional wedding musicians you hire should have a supply of music from both categories in their repertoire.

How are you able to tailor your performance to fit different themes and cultures?

The Classical Guitar spans repertoire from over 400 years and is found in many ethnic and popular folk styles of music from all over the world.  The instrument lends itself very well to a transcriptions: JS Bach or the Beatles.

I also have a special arranger in Philadelphia that can arrange any piece requested for a small fee.  I try to avoid extra costs to clients but occasionally this has been very helpful to met specific requests not available.

Thank you so much to Chris Dunn for stopping by today to share his expert advice! Be sure to check out his website to listen to the glorious sounds of his Classical Guitar!