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Posted in Music Booking
One of the most difficult things when planning an event is figuring out the music. Will it be live music or a DJ or even just an Ipod with a pre-selected play list. It all depends on the event.
For weddings, it’s a toss up between personal musical tastes and anticipating the guests’ tastes. There’s so many moving parts to a wedding that sometimes it beckons a more complicated musical design. For example, you’ll probably want an entirely different type of music for the ceremony than you would for the cocktail hour or the reception. For some great tips, we love The Knot’s article on Ceremony Music Basics.
Moving on to the reception, start by asking yourself what you want out of it? Were you envisioning an elegant evening of slow dances and cocktail music? Or did you want the guests on the dance floor working up a sweat all night. Here’s a one-stop-shop for the absolute Perfect Music for Weddings. Still not sure what your reception music style is? Maybe this will help: Reception Music Style
For non-wedding events, music can be a bit easier to choose, nonetheless, still difficult. Matching the event itself, along with the theme and keeping the location in mind has you juggling just as many options as weddings, just different options. For example, here at the Teahouse Company, we have bands that play everything from folk, jazz, blues, flamenco and latin all the way to mandolin, bluegrass and old time. Here’s a few tips from an article Bob Smithe wrote on How to Choose Music for You Party. In the end, it truly just depends on what mood and environment you’re trying to create for your guests.
Here’s an interesting band you should check out: The Devil’s Box. The name in and of itself draws attention already. You’d think it’s of something along the same lines as a heavy metal group but it’s actually the name of a band that plays fiddle tunes with a punk-rock, revisionist-western twist…a very good band, might I add. Their music is very lively and attracts all sorts of listeners, from folk to rock. I stumbled upon their music samples when I wasn’t in the best of moods but after just five minutes of their take on fiddle tunes, I found my feet tapping and head nodding in sync with the beat. An hour later, the melodies were still echoing in my head. Usually when a song is stuck in my head, it’s something annoying and I frantically search for a method to get rid of the song my mind decided to put on repeat, but The Devil’s Box’s melodies more of a pleasure to have playing in my mind rather than a burden. For one, their songs are definitely far from main-stream so they’re not overplayed to the point they’re lumped into the same category as “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall”, and it’s a refreshing change of style for me. This band is also able to suit my every mood as well; if I feel like something simple, they have fiddle solos. If I’m in the mood for something with more of a beat, I’ll just listen to their fiddle and percussion songs. Finally, if I want a full-on band feel, their fiddle, percussion, and bass songs are the way to go. So maybe you’re curious enough to stumble upon this unique band –on purpose– now. Who knows, you may find your mind playing their songs on repeat too…and enjoying it!
After the countless weddings I’ve attended and had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid just this past year, it’s finally time for me to take the on coveted role of MOH: Maid Of Honor. As excited as I am for this momentous day in my big sister’s life, I can’t help but already start dreading the mountain of stress that’s going to come with this fabulous title. I can already hear her questions like, “Which dress looks the best?” and “Which flowers do you like the most?” or “Where should I have the reception?” chiming in my head. But knowing her organized and micro-managing nature, it’ll be more like “Monday we’re doing this, Tuesday you need to meet me first thing in the morning, Wednesday you need to take care of that, Thursday these needs to be done, and Friday we’re not sleeping. There’s too much to do so stay on track, follow my timeline, and finish this checklist.” Yes, she is that meticulous but to my relief, so far she’s only been worried about one thing: the band. Surprising, right? Most ladies are pulling their hair out over the dresses, cake, and flowers…but not this one. I guess music –in one way or another– does run in the family after all.
Here’s her dilemma: her guests are young, hip, and in their mid twenties meanwhile his are fast approaching forty and half of them half already brushed shoulders with Mr. Mid-life Crisis. In this era it’s become more and more common for couples in entirely different generations to find love in each other but a lot of their preferences in music have yet to mesh. So, knowing that my sister is not the only one with somewhat of a crisis on her hands, what’s the best way for anyone to approach this musical dilemma? Find a wedding band with versatility. He may love jazz and blues while she may prefer the traditional tunes so why compromise when you can have both? After all, it is a momentous occasion for both of you so the perfect wedding music is a must. Take The Wine and Roses Band for instance: if you want to jazz it up on the dance floor, they’ve got the songs for you to do just that. If you want to bust out some tango moves, they can serenade you all night with Latin flavor. But when time comes for the tearful father-daughter dance, they turn back to traditional melodies for you to waltz to. This band can bring everything from rock and funk to classical and jazz to your event, making it as personal as possible but still suitable for all. I think my sister has just found her wedding band.
Growing up in a traditional Asian household, music lessons were imperative. But not just any type of music lessons, mind you, classical piano or violin music lessons. I’ve been curious, but haven’t actually found out what it is that makes piano and violin the most desirous extracurricular activity amongst this culture. Nevertheless, I will admit, that without the proper teachings and guidance of my piano teachers through the years I would never have grown to have the passion for music and appreciation for it that I do today…not to mention my skills wouldn’t nearly be where it’s at today. Sure teaching yourself to play an instrument –and excelling in it—is very possible but successfully learning the proper techniques and honing them through effective exercises won’t be as likely. You need someone who’s professionally trained; someone who knows the tricks of the trade like the back of his hand; somebody who can patiently guide you and support you musically every step of the way; someone who has an undeniable passion for music and countless years of experience under his belt; someone who’s life is music. Know anybody who fits that bill to a tee? I don’t either…but I do know someone who exceeds it.
Chris Murphy: talented musician, composer, educator, and artist of thirty years. Familiar name, right? Not only did he grow up in a culturally affluent New York town, he attended a private arts academy during his grade school years and continued to receive an Associates Degree in English Literature from Bard College at Simon’s Rock and a Bachelor of Music Degree from New England Conservatory of Music. But he didn’t stop there; he still sought guidance from some of the most respected music teachers by practicing and studying for hundreds of hours. I think it’s safe to say his life is music. And now, after twenty-four years of performing and sixteen years of teaching, he has developed an effective approach and methodology called the Black Tree School. Consider it his own personal teaching style meshing the best of classical, jazz, folk and ethnic teaching traditions with integrated ideas from western philosophy, Zen Buddhism, tai-chi, boxing, The Artist’s Way, The Suzuki Method, yoga, martial arts, surfing, and visualization practices. Confused? Or should I say, curious? Well, you’re just going to have to take a lesson with this brilliant Chris Murphy to find out.
Posted in music booking agencyWhen I hear the term classical music, my mind goes into a whirlwind of imagination with creaseless tuxedos, beautiful gowns, and elegant dances. Grand ballrooms and lavish banquets with vaulted ceilings adorned with enormous chandeliers complete the setting.
It’s not often classical music is associated with intimate settings since it was first discovered during a baroque period which emphasized luxuriousness. So, as we’re moving into a time of more simplicity where conservation is the focus rather than lavishness, how is classical music still prominent in this society?
Movies and plays still keep the magic of the ornate banquets and graceful dances alive; they stir up the interest to reenact some of those fairytale-type settings in modern-day events such as weddings, quinceaneras, and cotillions. Despite the current movement toward minimalism, these are the chances we look to in order to relive those lavish days where chivalry was required, not desired; where there was no such thing as too extravagant; where classical music was the center of all events and classical composers were like today’s hip-hop kings.
I mean, most weddings are serenaded with Johann Pachelbel’s Cannon in D and quinceanera or cotillion is complete without the waltz, right? So I wouldn’t retire those dancing shoes just yet…I can imagine classical music continuing to transform all events into scenes from a movie for many years to come.
Posted in Music Booking, music booking agencyTake a violin played by a composer, add his own classical music to it, and you’ve got probably one of the most heartfelt and performance ever. Nobody can perform an original song better than the composer himself. Only he can find the same feelings he had when writing the song, and deliver it with the same meaning when performing it.
It may not be common, but at times it can be quite difficult for the composer to relay his feelings toward the song and the emotions poured into creating the song to the performer successfully. Even then, it still doesn’t quite measure up to a song being performed by the composer himself.
Take Chris Murphy for example; not only is he a composer but he is also a violinist, bandleader, and music producer. Quite the one-man circus, don’t you think? Not only can he compose a beautiful song meant for a soloist or a band, he can deliver it to the exact preciseness he meant for it. He is a widely talented musician but his composing is also widely ranged from rock and jazz violin, to fiddle and bluegrass.
When he performs his own compositions, the music draws you in and the emotions he invested into the song are so effectively delivered you almost can’t help but conjure those same feelings within yourself. The fact that Chris Murphy is both a violinist and a bandleader makes his songs and performances perfect for any event, be it intimate or public. I’m sure not many other one-man circuses can have that said of them.
Posted in Music Booking, music booking agencyWhen you imagine the private romantic dinner date, does a violin come to mind? When you picture an intimate garden wedding ceremony, is a small string quartet serenading the bride down the aisle? When you see elaborate formal house parties, is classical string music playing in the background?
String bands have been the most popular forms of musical entertainment at events of all variations. They are suitable for every occasion, be it intimate dinner for two or a party for the masses. Being in Los Angeles where the ladies live to be wined, dined, and swept off their feet with romance, violinists are perfect for doing just that.
The right string quartet paired with the right score can make a fairytale scenario become a reality; a solo violinist paired with touching words can bring tears to anyone’s eyes; a duo moving in sync paired with the right string band can make a dance be remembered forever.
As far as instruments go, the strings family is probably the most versatile for any event and are the most classic. You can’t go wrong with strings when choosing a musical entertainment. Most string musicians are also able to play in a wide variety of expressions to create the right mood so you’re sure to find something fitting for your occasion. I’d be specific in your search though, or you’ll be sampling musicians for months on end.
Posted in music booking agencyI ventured to the House Of Blues at Universal CityWalk over the weekend, out of mere curiosity. Normally, blues and jazz aren’t my first choices in music but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying it.
Being my first time to the joint, I figured I’d grow tired of the music rather quickly and be ready to leave within minutes but at least I’d be able to say I’ve been there. After all, I can’t call myself a Los Angeles citizen without visiting such a popular place as this, right?
After grabbing a cocktail and finding a seat, those minutes soon turned into hours without any inkling of the time passed. I found them to be the perfect genres for a relaxed setting. I anticipated being bored or tuning out the show by chatting it up with a friend who accompanied me but we ended up sitting in silence…completely absorbed in the tunes of the talented musicians. I found myself planning dinner parties in my head with jazz and blues as the event music for the perfect balance of a relaxed environment yet thoroughly constructed event.
Though the blues came from a darker time in history to reflect sadness, today it’s hard not to find yourself tapping your feet or nodding your head to the beat. My ears have been opened to a new musical realm and I regret being so quick to judge the genres before experiencing what they have to offer first. Perhaps I will plan a dinner party after all…or maybe I’ll just head back to that joint again soon.
Posted in music booking agencyIt’s another season of Dancing with the Stars for ABC and I’m always most looking forward to watching the Latin dances. Their style always has such passion behind it that no other dances seem to posses.
Some credit the Latin colorful personalities while others credit the music. I mean, have you heard any other kind of music with the same fire as Latin music has? You can’t help but move passionately with the beat. Take the Tango for example; the music brings out this character to personify, and creates a mysterious ambiance. The passion emanating from two dancers dancing the Tango can be felt not only between themselves but by the entire audience.
For a fun-filled night, Latin restaurants are the perfect setting. Just imagine munching on some tortilla chips with some Salsa music in the background…next thing you know you’re on the dance floor with your girlfriend or date swinging your hips as if you were actually in Cuba.
It can be said that Latin Americans seek to enjoy their lives to the fullest, have fun, and live for passion. Their music is no different; it’s a reflection of their personalities and their zeal for life. No wonder onlookers desire the same passion they see Latin music brings to its dancing.
Posted in music booking agency