Monthly Archives :

April 2024

Keeping Classic Current

Keeping Classic Current 2560 1709 adam Michaels

Ella Fitzgerald’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E.” Etta James’ “At Last.” There’s a reason these artists are known as “The Greats” and these songs as some of the most timeless, classic love songs of all time. We here at Around Town Entertainment love these songs and this gorgeous style of music, with its beautiful brass, and rich, swelling vocals. 

If you’re one of our classic couples who loves old romanticism, and a gorgeous classic vintage vibe, we’re sure these songs have crossed your mind as you’ve been planning your music – how could they not? We’d happily recommend all of them for your big day and special moments; they’re standards, totally classic, guaranteed hits. We also understand though if you have that little voice in the back of your head going “…does classic run the risk of being overdone?” 

First of all, no, not at all. Classic is classic for a reason! Some things truly never go out of style and these big band, jazzy, soulful numbers have safely ensconced themselves in that category. However, we’re also happy to say that there are ways for you to still have that sweeping romantic jazz feel – without picking an old jazz standard!

There’s been a recent comeback, or resurgence in the sweeping, romantic, symphonic, big band, jazz sound in contemporary music with artists like Laufey, Cody Fry, Jacob Collier, Jon Batiste, Sammy Rae & the Friends, Olivia Dean, Adele, and Ben Rector at the forefront of the movement, along with cover artists like Postmodern Jukebox, or stories. 

These artists and others like them infuse their music with rich orchestration, incorporating elements like brass, strings, and woodwinds to create a full-bodied sound that harks back to the golden age of big band music. Their compositions often feature soaring melodies, intricate harmonies, and dynamic shifts, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance – perfect for a wedding where you’re blending the idea of rich romance with the idea something that can last forever – just like this classic style of music. 

Moreover, the revival of this sound speaks to a broader trend of artists rediscovering and reimagining classic genres and styles. By blending elements of jazz, classical, and pop, these artists are creating a unique sonic landscape that appeals to both old-school aficionados and contemporary music lovers alike – which makes it ideal for a classic yet contemporary wedding, and is sure to keep all your guests feeling like the music is familiar to them, from grandma to your girl friends! 

Of course, we wouldn’t rave about these artists or throw this idea out there without having some fabulous examples to back it up! Here are just a few of our favorite suggestions our award-winning live bands can play that could fit beautifully into your evening – a lot of them make for stunning first dances

“Best Friend” by Laufey – an ideal tempo for a calm, sweet, soothing first dance, this song has a romantic timeless vibe and lyrics that express a deep and genuine affection, capturing the essence of a strong bond between two people. Perfect for newlyweds that know their deep friendship is at the heart of their passionate love; and as a bonus, the lyrics have a few clever little jokes that will leave you and your guests laughing at its poignancy. 

“I Hear a Symphony” by Cody Fry – this song is deceptive and perfect for couples looking for a choreographed dance moment. It begins very softly and simply and builds to a lush and rich musical moment as the lyrics describe how someone went from hearing a simple song as they went through their life, to hearing a full symphony each time they look at their love. It’s the musical and aural equivalent to the “I met you and now the world is technicolor” sentiment! If you ever wanted to feel like the main characters of a movie, this song is the perfect soundtrack, with its deceptive simplicity magically transforming into a sweeping romantic movement that will leave your guests in tears (the good kind). 

“I Get It Now” by Sammy Rae & The Friends – This one is brand-spanking new, so we aren’t surprised if you haven’t heard it yet! Once again lush yet simple, this song beautifully describes how the love you spent years trying to make happen turned out to be something so simple and effortless with the right person. Believe it or not, it’s the bands’ first love song – and we think it hits the mark perfectly. Slow and steady, just like your love, this song is another perfect option for a first dance – its structure simultaneously classic and flowing, allowing for that lovely jazz sound. 

What if the song that means the most to you and your partner doesn’t match the vibe of your wedding? Say you’ve planned this gorgeous classic, romantic, timeless day, but your favorite song that you’d like to use for your first dance or other part of your big day just doesn’t seem to fit musically. Well, that’s the most beautiful part of your brilliant choice to hire our incredibly talented live musicians: we can change the style of a song. Think of Postmodern Jukebox taking contemporary songs and giving them a retro makeover – we can do something similar! In the same way that artists will often release acoustic covers of their music or someone else’s, we can take the song that’s most meaningful to you and shift its style so that it suits the vibe you’re looking for! 

Live Bands Keep the Party Live-ly

Live Bands Keep the Party Live-ly 2560 1707 adam Michaels

When it comes to crafting the perfect ambiance for your wedding day, the choice between a live wedding band and a DJ is a decision that can shape the entire atmosphere of your celebration. And let’s be honest, this decision is a big one—it’s not just about music; it’s about creating moments that will be cherished for a lifetime! So, why should you choose our live wedding bands over a DJ? Let’s dive into the reasons why this choice can truly elevate your special day.

First and foremost, let’s talk atmosphere. Picture this: you’re surrounded by your closest friends and family, the love in the air is palpable, and as you take to the dance floor for your first dance as a married couple, the sound of a live band fills the room with soul-stirring melodies. There’s an energy, a vibrancy that comes with live music that simply can’t be replicated by recorded tracks. The presence of our talented musicians and vocalists adds a level of sophistication and elegance to your wedding that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Their professionalism and experience are unmatched, and are skilled at quickly reacting and adjusting to whatever is happening in the moment, whether you need a longer intro to reach the dance floor, or a shorter ending to the cake cutting in case of a frosting fiasco! 

But it’s not just about the music—it’s about the interaction, the connection between the performers and your guests. With our award-winning live wedding bands, you get more than just music; you get a fully immersive entertainment experience. From engaging with the crowd to reading the room and adjusting their performance on the fly, our live bands bring a level of spontaneity and excitement that keeps the energy high and the dance floor packed all night long. It’s this interactive element that creates moments of pure magic, where you and your guests feel truly connected to the music and each other.

Now let’s talk customization. One of the greatest advantages of choosing an Around Town live band is the ability to tailor your music selection to reflect your unique style and personality as a couple. Whether you’re into classic hits, modern chart-toppers, or a mix of genres, our talented bandleaders can curate a setlist that perfectly suits your taste and sets the tone for your celebration. From romantic ballads to high-energy dance tunes, the versatility of a live band ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, creating a personalized soundtrack for your special day that will be remembered for years to come.

Perhaps the most compelling reason of all to choose a live wedding band over a DJ is the undeniable power of a live performance. There’s something truly magical about witnessing musicians and vocalists come together to create music in real-time. The raw emotion, energy, and talent of live performers add an extra layer of depth and authenticity to your wedding day, elevating the entire experience to new heights. Whether it’s the soulful strains of a vocalist or the infectious rhythm of a drummer, the sight and sound of live music create moments that are not only memorable but truly transformative.

Of course, versatility is also key when it comes to choosing the right entertainment for your wedding day. Around Town’s highly-lauded bands can cover a wide range of musical styles and genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning an elegant ballroom affair or a laid-back outdoor celebration, our versatile bands can adapt their performance to suit the unique vibe of your event, keeping the party going from start to finish. From classic rock to Motown classics, we can cater to diverse musical tastes and create an atmosphere that is as unique as you are as a couple.

But let’s not forget about the lasting memories that live music can create. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and the music you choose will play a central role in shaping the memories you’ll cherish for years to come. From the first dance to the last song of the night, the presence of live performers adds an extra layer of emotion and intimacy to your special day, creating moments that will be etched in your heart forever. Whether it’s the soul-stirring lyrics of a love ballad or the infectious energy of a hit dance song, the music becomes a soundtrack to your love story, weaving its way into the fabric of your memories and reminding you of the magic of your wedding day.

Of course, we would be remiss not to sing the praises of our fabulous after party DJs! We know you party animals don’t want the night to end, so we do offer the option to keep the celebration going just a little bit longer with DJ’s available to book in advance. They’re there to bring the heat with some of the more “club” numbers your grandma may wish to miss – so the timing is perfect since she’ll likely be in bed by the time you’re ready for an after party! 

To sum up, choosing an Around Town live wedding band over a DJ for the bulk of your day offers a multitude of benefits that can truly elevate your special day. From creating an unforgettable atmosphere to providing interactive entertainment, customization, and a lasting experience that will be cherished for a lifetime, live music brings a level of sophistication and authenticity to your wedding that simply can’t be matched. So, as you plan your dream wedding, consider the power of live music to transform your celebration into a moment you’ll never forget.