San Francisco's Chinese New Years Parade is the best!
After the parade yesterday, my band--The Marianne Kent Band--See www.mariannekent.com/music-kent.htm --played for a party immediately following the annual celebration. Dressed in beautiful Chinese costumes, we played the Americana Chinese songs, like "Grant Avenue", "Love Look Away," and "You Are Beautiful" from "Flower Drum Song" plus a few others like "Chinatown," and "Slowboat to China."
After the Cocktail Reception, Yangqin and Piano, played authentic soft Chinese music on a dulcimer and zither as guest enjoyed a sumptuous feast provided by caterer, Dan McCall and Associates.
The ambiance and decor at this private home were breath-taking and even included little baby toy tigers clinging to each dinner chair, which the 37 guests took home with them.
All in all, the most festive party we have played this year.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Marianne
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Happy January Events
January was great fun for us!
My band, "Bay Society" (8) played for a spectacular wedding at the Kabuki Hotel last month. The Bride and Groom made their grand entrance into the Dining Room with "The Chair Dance," as we played "Hava Nagila." It was a ten-minute entrance!!
On January 16, I had the honor of performing a special song I wrote for the 30th Wedding Anniversary of Senator Dianne Feinstein and her husband, Richard Blum. It was a gift to them from Charlotte Shultz, who had planned their wedding 30 years ago. The song was about the 5,000 guests who showed up and Mrs. Shultz's memories of it. It was meant to be humorous and was. A week later, we were asked to record it, which we did. Can you imagine having a wedding reception with 5,000 guests?!!
I performed a Tribute To Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra with fabulous vocalist Scott Grinthal at the St. Francis Yacht Club on January 13th. I have always known about the huge fan base Frank Sinatra still has, but was pleasantly surprised to see how many are requesting Peggy Lee songs. I will be doing more of her music in the future.
I hope February is good to you!
Marianne
My band, "Bay Society" (8) played for a spectacular wedding at the Kabuki Hotel last month. The Bride and Groom made their grand entrance into the Dining Room with "The Chair Dance," as we played "Hava Nagila." It was a ten-minute entrance!!
On January 16, I had the honor of performing a special song I wrote for the 30th Wedding Anniversary of Senator Dianne Feinstein and her husband, Richard Blum. It was a gift to them from Charlotte Shultz, who had planned their wedding 30 years ago. The song was about the 5,000 guests who showed up and Mrs. Shultz's memories of it. It was meant to be humorous and was. A week later, we were asked to record it, which we did. Can you imagine having a wedding reception with 5,000 guests?!!
I performed a Tribute To Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra with fabulous vocalist Scott Grinthal at the St. Francis Yacht Club on January 13th. I have always known about the huge fan base Frank Sinatra still has, but was pleasantly surprised to see how many are requesting Peggy Lee songs. I will be doing more of her music in the future.
I hope February is good to you!
Marianne
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Live Dance Band or DJ?
One of the most frequent questions I am asked by brides is: Should we have a live band or a DJ? So, I decided to create some "Live Band/DJ Combos." They are: "Bay Society," "Le Hot Quartet" and "DJazz'd." Check out each of them by clicking on OUR MUSIC.
There are many advantages:
(1) Live Band--You have the energy and elegance of a live band in tuxedos playing soft background music during cocktails, for your First Dance and a good dance mix for the early dancing.
(2) DJ--You also have have the variety a DJ can provide. Our DJ laptops have over 4,000 songs--all styles--from the 1920s to today.
(3) Cost--The cost of a single DJ can be as high as that of a four or five-piece band. Our three Live Band/DJ Combos are the same fee--with or without the DJ service.
(4) Flexibility--The DJ can be used to provide continuous music throughout the evening, or as insurance, in case your guests want the music of 2009 or 2010 that the live band does not play.
(5) Musician as DJ--This is a real plus, as our musicians have years of experience playing live music and "reading crowds."
I hope you will consider this concept. For the most part, it is an affordable way to please all of your family and friends.
Marianne
There are many advantages:
(1) Live Band--You have the energy and elegance of a live band in tuxedos playing soft background music during cocktails, for your First Dance and a good dance mix for the early dancing.
(2) DJ--You also have have the variety a DJ can provide. Our DJ laptops have over 4,000 songs--all styles--from the 1920s to today.
(3) Cost--The cost of a single DJ can be as high as that of a four or five-piece band. Our three Live Band/DJ Combos are the same fee--with or without the DJ service.
(4) Flexibility--The DJ can be used to provide continuous music throughout the evening, or as insurance, in case your guests want the music of 2009 or 2010 that the live band does not play.
(5) Musician as DJ--This is a real plus, as our musicians have years of experience playing live music and "reading crowds."
I hope you will consider this concept. For the most part, it is an affordable way to please all of your family and friends.
Marianne
Monday, January 11, 2010
The First Dance
After big Happy New Years parties that several of our bands played, we go from "Jingle Bells" and Auld Lang Syne" to "Trumpet Voluntary" and "Mendelssohn's Wedding March." Our first Bridal Faire of 2010 yesterday at the Ritz Carlton was a huge success. Hundreds of brides and many grooms, as well. A lot of them saving for a big wedding in 2011. Regardless of the economy, they seem to feel that waiting a few months or even a year guarantees a dream wedding that they will treasure for years to come.
With a few thousand weddings under my belt, both as a bandleader and music coordinator, I have witnessed First Dances that are charming, entertaining, humorous, lively, elegant, happy, poignant, passionate, tender, all of the above, and unfortunately, some that are downright embarrassing. So that you won't fall into that last category, keep these in mind when planning your First Dance:
1. Dance to what you consider, "Our Song," or a song and dance style that you both enjoy. Guests love watching you gaze into each others eyes or having an intimate conversation (that they can't hear!) while on the dance floor.
2. Choreographers are great--and I know several good ones--but only if you both have the desire and the time to practice. Make sure you are both committed to a fun, planned dance.
3. If you love to dance and it is a highlight of your Reception and you know your dance will be fun (for you and your guests), you can select a song that is 3'00" or 3.30" minutes max. If not, keep it under two minutes.
4. Make sure your dance band can play the exact version of the song you are practicing--the length, introduction, number of choruses, tempo and style should all be the same. If you are unsure, consider having your band play a CD.
5. In 2008 and 2009, the trend was: start with a very slow tempo and then break into a fast Swing, Rock or Salsa. This is a fun idea and guests love it--I think the trend will continue.
Please let me know if you have any questions, would like suggestions for a First Dance or have a subject about music and entertainment for weddings or other events that you would like me to address.
Happy New Year!
Marianne
With a few thousand weddings under my belt, both as a bandleader and music coordinator, I have witnessed First Dances that are charming, entertaining, humorous, lively, elegant, happy, poignant, passionate, tender, all of the above, and unfortunately, some that are downright embarrassing. So that you won't fall into that last category, keep these in mind when planning your First Dance:
1. Dance to what you consider, "Our Song," or a song and dance style that you both enjoy. Guests love watching you gaze into each others eyes or having an intimate conversation (that they can't hear!) while on the dance floor.
2. Choreographers are great--and I know several good ones--but only if you both have the desire and the time to practice. Make sure you are both committed to a fun, planned dance.
3. If you love to dance and it is a highlight of your Reception and you know your dance will be fun (for you and your guests), you can select a song that is 3'00" or 3.30" minutes max. If not, keep it under two minutes.
4. Make sure your dance band can play the exact version of the song you are practicing--the length, introduction, number of choruses, tempo and style should all be the same. If you are unsure, consider having your band play a CD.
5. In 2008 and 2009, the trend was: start with a very slow tempo and then break into a fast Swing, Rock or Salsa. This is a fun idea and guests love it--I think the trend will continue.
Please let me know if you have any questions, would like suggestions for a First Dance or have a subject about music and entertainment for weddings or other events that you would like me to address.
Happy New Year!
Marianne
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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