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Choosing
Your Wedding Band
Written by
Tony Smith
New
Orleans is the center of the universe musically. We are the
birthplace of jazz, blues, zydeco, cajun music, swamp rock,
rhythm and blues, and swing. Stroll down any street and you can
hear live music from some of the best musicians in the world.
However, being one of the best in the world does not make them
good wedding reception bands.
Here are some things to avoid:
1. Any band with speakers the size of refrigerators will not be
a band your momma will want to dance to.
2. A brass band and their posse may be exciting for a second
line street parade, but will not translate well in a hotel
ballroom.
3. If the band leader is related to either the bride or the
groom, this is a recipe for disaster. Someone's feelings will be
hurt when the line between employee and guest is blurred.
4. If the band heads for the bar even before they finish setting
up, watch out. Have clear guidelines set up when booking the
band about breaks and food and beverage privileges. I often have
one band member take his or her break separately from the others
so that some music is being played continuously.
5. Remember that this band has to please a wide range of tastes
and age groups. Find out if they take requests and if the band
leader will act as a sort of master of ceremonies.
6. Finally, a band that sounds great in a bar at 2 in the
morning may not be right for a late afternoon wedding. Make
certain you check out your choice of band in a venue similar to
the one for which you will be hiring it.
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