Around Town Entertainment | All Night Long
Around Town | Choose Versatility
Choose a Band That Works Together ...
“A lot of companies do not represent set bands,” says Adam Michaels of Around Town Entertainment. “They pick certain players who are available that night to ‘make up’ a band, but those musicians may never have played together before. If they only have audio clips, with no photos or videos, maybe it’s because they don’t want you to see the band members.”
Choose Versatility. “Every crowd is different, so it is important to select a band that is versatile in all styles and flexible enough to readily adjust in the moment, based on the crowd’s reactions.”
Avoid Pre-Planned Routines. “Choose a band that can design the music around your taste and confirm that they are not coming in with pre-planned routines.”
Around Town Entertainment, 917.679.8636 [email protected], www.aroundtownent.com
“Get a Set Band”
“The main thing to look for when dealing with live music,” says Adam Michaels of Around Town Entertainment, “is knowing who you’re getting. A lot of companies do not represent set bands. They pick certain players who are available that night to ‘make up’ a band, but those musicians may never have played together before. You can weed them out by looking at how they present themselves. If they only have audio clips, with no photos or videos, maybe it’s because they don’t want you to see the band members.
“So look for live, unedited footage on their website,” says Adam. “Some companies have videos with lip syncing and enhanced production, but you don’t want someone who presents amazing studio effects that will sound nothing like that in person.”
Adam suggests finding out if the band can design the music around your taste and confirm that they are not coming in with pre-planned routines.
“When the band does the same medley over and over, for example, eight disco songs and then eight Motown songs, that may not fill the dance floor. You don’t want a band stuck in their medley. You want them to pay attention to the crowd and be able to play off them. We first base the music off our client’s preferred list. We then play off the crowd’s reaction and build on that throughout the event to make sure we keep people dancing all night.
Musical Flexibility
Sometimes wedding guests in a more formal setting may be more classic in their choices, while other weddings may want a young, top 40’s vibe. “Every crowd is different, so it is important to select a band that is versatile in all styles and flexible enough to readily adjust in the moment, based on the crowd’s reactions.”Adam likes to have music build from the ceremony onward. “We typically offer one musician for the ceremony with our package. For cocktail hour, we go with three people, so it’s lifted from the subdued, romantic music of the ceremony. Then, for the reception, it’s the full band with higher energy, and once the dancing starts, the music should not stop. Also, every time someone walks into a new space there should be music flowing.”
Unique Musical Choices
Some people have very specific ideas they’ve been thinking about before they meet with a band. “We like to offer suggestions that bring something special to the event. For example, some brides walk down the aisle to an instrumental version of their favorite song. Later on at the reception, we can play the regular version of the song with the whole band and a vocalist and bring back that romantic moment from the ceremony.”
Around Town Entertainment has five bands and each is designed to be proficient at all types of music and with an equally wide range of talented performers. “All our bands are set,” says Adam. “Who you see on our website is who you get.
“Each band has five to six singers and they are all powerful performers with crazy range and talent. Our bands have been together all along and give a level of consistency. My band, for example, has been together for the past 10 years. There is a strong chemistry and energy that transfers well to the party and the over all experience.
“Your music talent has to be the highest caliber for your wedding, with highly professional people. We get our joy from doing the music, so we put everything into making sure each song is perfect. Learning some music for each event is important, so we always have the right music for their must-have moments. What’s most exciting about playing a wedding is igniting the crowd and getting the bride and groom’s day to be perfect. Getting married is amazing but it’s also stressful. We get joy from seeing the couple dancing, letting go, and having a blast on their perfect night.”
Around Town Entertainment, 917.679.8636, [email protected], www.aroundtownent.com