At East Coast Music & Entertainment we’re learning as we go, doing our best to help couples during this stressful time. Many of our clients are in the unenviable position of completely retooling a vision they’ve held for years. We don’t want to see the joy of planning and executing the perfect weddings a thing of the past. We are here to answer any questions and help in any way we can! We plan on resuming virtual showcases ASAP and of course public performance when prudent.

• NERVOUS ABOUT BOOKING THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS IN AN UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENT? Lock in great entertainment at a more than reasonable price NOW with packages that build in a path to scale to meet future reality. We are the guys that have been out there performing publicly five nights a week for years, honing our skills at all ensembles sizes from solo/duo to 15 piece band. Lock in a GREAT core group while retaining the option to ramp up to the full band that has been garnering perfect reviews for over 30 years.
• EAST COAST is your resource for the most diverse and flexible line up of musicians & entertainers. Most of us are multi-instrumentalist singers with 3000 weddings in our resume, offering unparalleled experience and repertoire in every context.
• INCENTIVES – Explore Corona accommodations and date specific discount strategies. Even if you haven’t selected a venue, use EAST COAST as a resource. We are happy to share market and scheduling demand realities that can bring huge discounts from all your vendors.
• ALL INCLUSIVE BAND/DJ combo pricing. We are shocked that most clients are unaware that musicians MC’d parties for years before mobile DJ’s even existed and that most DJ gear is already part of what a band brings to every event. Anyone “on the fence” with regard to a “band vs DJ” decision needs to keep in mind that the choice is really “DJ alone” vs. “both”–“limited entertainment value” vs. “unparalleled flexibility”. Again, this is all scalable based on the individual clients vision.

Most importantly, all please stay safe and healthy and feel free to use us as a resource for anything wedding related. With more than 3000 weddings under our belt we have indeed “seen it all” and can offer perspective on many other aspects of weddings beyond entertainment.

Outside of New York, there is no city quite like D.C.–Beautiful people, historic sights, great culture, the Mellon Auditorium…

So when the opportunity presented itself to play the gorgeous Mellon Auditorium for the Washington Performing Arts 50th Anniversary Gala, we knew it was a no-brainer: D.C. OR BUST!

Even better, the event was held to honor the incredible Reggie VL and to raise funds for the Washington Performing Arts—needed now more than ever, what with potential cuts being discussed to our nation’s vital arts funding.

 

It was a great show with many DC and Hollywood elites in attendance, including the honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the venerable Cicely Tyson (both NY natives by the way!), and D.C. native and international Soprano, Alyson Cambridge, and The Children of the Gospel Choir.

It was a great time and the band was happy to be back in DC again.

 

Quick!  Pop Quiz!

When Justice Ginsburg was sworn into office by President Bill Clinton, guess which band was chosen to perform for her celebration back in 1993?

Answer:  EAST COAST BAND!
Yes, we have been around for over 30 years and we’re still going strong.  Check out some more pics from the event below.

 

For booking or inquiries, click the link.

East Coast Music & Entertainment has a stellar reputation for providing top tier entertainment at fair prices in New York City, Long Island, the Tri-State Area and all along the East Coast.  We feel blessed to be in a business where smiling faces (and tired feet) are the company goal!

East Coast Music & Entertainment also provides ensembles to accommodate ceremonies, cocktail hours, and just about any entertainment situation imaginable- including DJ and band/DJ combos. Our ever expanding New York network makes us an outstanding resource for anyone planning a family or corporate event.  If we cannot handle a request in house, we will gladly refer someone who can.

For upcoming public shows, check out our schedule page.

East Coast Band, a Live Entertainment Band, servicing Long Island and New York City is happy to provide you with quick tips on hiring a wedding band.

 

 

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Tips for Hiring a Wedding Band

 

• It’s important to check out their experience, wedding events call for professional live entertainment. Although your friends brothers cousin is great on the drums, when it comes to your special day, you want a wedding band that is seasoned and well rounded.
• Always check to make sure the band has a song list, also verify they can learn new songs if necessary.
• Make sure the band is familiar with playing the important traditional wedding songs. These songs include the father daughter dance and of course the bride and grooms first dance. When hiring a live wedding band, its important to give adequate time for them to learn specific songs.

 

When you are looking for the right band for your event, remember that when comparison shopping, the price we quote you is the price you will pay. Unless we specify otherwise, all production costs, insurance, crew and standard lighting cots are included. East Coast Band always dressed formally unless we are instructed to dress in another way. When the band takes breaks, is usually a concern, we are sure that with proper communication between us and our client we make sure the party retains momentum and there are no situations where the guests are idly waiting for something to happen.

New York has always stood apart from the rest of the country in the way we intermingle food service, music and “festivities” to create the illusion of non-stop dancing (and fun) from beginning to end. This time-tested model has recently come under attack.  Until the past few years, maitre d’s could be expected to control the “day of”  flow  with a firm hand and communicate instructions to all the vendors (band, photo, video) in a timely manner. Increasingly we are being approached by clients regarding the “flow” of an event when their questions to their caterers are being deflected with “we will do whatever you want”  or “ask the band.” A band that is on stage singing and performing is in no position to monitor the timing of food coming out of the kitchen or keep tabs on a photographer who has the couple or key family members outdoors for extra pictures. Back in the day maitre d’s were compensated extremely well for exactly these duties and we’re not quite sure why so many are MIA. In conversation, a few complain that they have been so barraged by clients with “great ideas they found on the internet” or photographers so anxious to get all their work done in the first 45 minutes of the event that they just “shut down” and become laissez faire. The pattern has been striking and undeniable. We therefore feel the need to share our long experience and perspective.  Below is a tried and true timeline and formula that guarantees that guests remain involved from start to finish..

 

GOALS

• Non-stop action, high energy party/ wedding where guests go away thinking “wow, what a great time, I feel like I never stopped dancing.”
• Avoid circumstances that restrict guests to their seats for long periods
• Multiple dance sets not to exceed 90 minutes. Most wedding guests can dance but for so long without a break, therefore it never makes sense to front load all food, toasts and formalities to the first 45 minutes leaving 3:15 of uninterrupted time on the back end. We’ve heard this formula suggested by photographers and planners. It all sounds great until one stops to consider that no matter how good the band is, people will seek a breather and if there are options outdoors or outside the main ballroom (especially if there is a bar!), parties can lose momentum. Such timelines run the risk of guests leaving early or drifting off into cliques. If you are OK with such a scenario, we still think it prudent to have a sure fire plan to draw them back in.  Leaving parent dances or even a “thanks’ for coming” speech by the bride and groom until well AFTER entree can be a useful tool and safety net.

 SAMPLE TIMELINE (Old School…the one that was never broken but someone felt the need to fix):

6:00-7:00              Cocktails

7:00-7:15              Wedding Guests enter ballroom/bridal party lined up

7:15-7:25              Wedding Intros and first dance

7:15-7:35              Hora and/or short dance set to set that all important upbeat mood and allow guests to get blood flowing

7:35-7:40              Blessing/Motzi

7:40-7:55              Entree orders taken; Best Man, MoH toasts

7:55-8:30              Dance set. Band plays through salad. Entree food may begin at 8:25 so those not yet served can still dance

8:30-8:50              Entree (vendors served early and resume their duties; dead last is a “party” killer).

8:50-9:20              Dance set

9:20-9:30              Cake cutting

9:30-9:40              Parent dances (bouquet/garter if applicable). Dessert and coffee served.

9:45-11:00            Dancing resumes to end

The decision to hire a band for your big day often leads to the daunting realization that you have never hired a band in your life and you may not know exactly what to do. When you work with East Coast you can be ensured a thoroughly stress free experience. We are there from the very first moment to personally assist you with every phase of your entertainment planning. When planning a wedding, you have enough things to worry about, now music doesn’t have to be one of them! Get your successful party started today and book East Coast for your wedding!

 

We play music that will make each affair unique and memorable, and include great songs that are not your typical wedding band fare. We love to entertain. A quick look at our song list, we show we play a wide variety of genres. We pride ourselves in not being easily categorized and playing stylistically and with musical integrity. Too many NY weddings bands think it hip to throw everything into their “groove” hopper: in our book, classic or alternative rock is not supposed to sound like James Brown nor vice a versa. Likewise with all the other genres. You can look at our song list to highlight songs that you want to hear or point at songs that you do not want to hear on your big day. We can also learn a number of songs to help personalize your big event. With proper notice (at least 30 days) we will learn the materials and perform it for you.

 

Wedding Planning Tips:

• Figure out the amount of guests
• Ask vendors for other vendor recommendations
• schedule and set specific times to appropriately plan your wedding
• Have a friend or family member commit to assisting you
• Most importantly stay organized and breathe

So I read an interesting article on the wedding website, The Knot about Bands vs DJs and thought I’d share.  (Personally, we like to go with an unpretentious, hi-energy band with a high repertoire and great sound, but… we’re a bit biased.)

 

 

The full article is below, but click the title to view it on The Knot’s website.  P.S. while there check out our great wedding band reviews on the East Coast Music & Entertainment page.  Then click here for our schedule.  We just might be the hardest working band in America because truly we’re out somewhere playing in NYC,  Long Island, and all parts between at least seven days a week.  Swing by and say hello.

 

Can’t make a live show? Check out our video page for our montage and other live show performances.

 

Happy reading!

East Coast Band

 

 

Wedding Reception Music Basics: Bands vs DJs

Can’t decide who should play your wedding tunes? Here’s everything you need to know to find the right music maker for your day.

 

No doubt about it: Music can make or break a wedding celebration. It’s the heart and soul of a reception and can send your guests home with happy feet — or pained grimaces! The fact that you want to hire a talented band or fleet-fingered DJ is a given. Finding one is a matter of polling friends, surfing online, shopping around with fine-tuned ears, and making a move quickly — top talent can get booked up to a year in advance. What type of entertainment suits your personal taste, budget, space allowances, guest demographics, and killer dance moves best? Keep an open mind, and consider these issues to start your search.

 

Vibe

The type of music you choose can set the tone of your wedding and solidify a theme. And remember, it’s the thing people most often remember. Think about what musical genre best reflects your personalities and inspires the ambience you want to create: Groovy funk or subdued string quartet? Swanky swing or kick-off-your-shoes-and-sweat zydeco? The way the music is delivered — by live band or DJ — also affects the ambience. The type of music you choose may dictate the choice too — big band sounds are generally best live, for example.

 

Variety

Are you a little bit country, while he’s a little bit rock and roll? Regardless of whether you choose a band or DJ, be sure they play slow and fast songs, and old and new tunes to encourage different sets of guests to hit the dance floor.

 

Budget

In the price war, DJs generally cost less, and prices vary depending on equipment requests and whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. A 12-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ, since there are more people to pay. (There are always exceptions; celebrity DJs can be just as expensive as live bands.) Band prices vary by the number of musicians, the amount of time you want them to play for, day of the week, and what time of year it is.

 

Space

Don’t get your heart set on an 8-piece salsa band before you check whether the reception site has any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces of equipment you may bring in, and whether there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. For example, a registered landmark reception site may not allow you to use large speakers. Ask these questions before you start scouting bands.

 

Band? or…

There’s nothing like a live wedding band to get a crowd stoked and create a sense of sophistication. Music groups can synergize with the tone of your wedding and almost any niche theme, offering everything from accordion to klezmer ditties. A good bandleader will play the master of ceremonies at your reception if you want him to interact with folks on the dance floor, pay attention to the “feel” of the room, and select music accordingly.

 

• Pros: Live music is, well, live. You and your guests will experience the pleasure of a performance. Anything can happen to raise the excitement level, from an infectious horn-section interlude to a moving solo.

 

 

• Cons: Bands can be more expensive than DJs. Also, no matter how great the band, they can’t have the repertoire of a standard DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand.

 

 

…DJ?

Don’t fear the DJ: The days of disco fever and flashing lights are gone. Today’s disc jockeys are artists in their own right, offering balanced and eclectic mixes of musical styles for all ages. Plus, the songs played will sound exactly as you remember them, encouraging sing-alongs and improvisation. And, depending on the amount of equipment a DJ brings, she’ll take up less dance floor real estate and can be relocated with relative ease.

 

• Pros: If there are a dozen songs you’re dying to hear at your wedding, it likely won’t be a problem for your DJ to find each track. Also, DJs are generally less expensive than bands. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and excellent emcee skills can really set the mood and keep the party going.

 

 

• Cons: On the opposite end of the spectrum, a DJ with a less-than stellar personality can be a party-killer. Also, improvisation is tough if, say, your dad is dragging behind tempo on the father-daughter dance or your nieces and nephews decide to crash the chicken dance.

 

 

You Must Remember This…

Ideally, you will want to see a DJ or band in action before you commit so that you can gauge firsthand the way they dress, deadpan, and work the crowd. (Ask to see a taped public performance or attend a dress rehearsal, but you should never crash another couple’s reception.) If that’s not a possibility, ask for a playlist, and look for songs you know and love. If a band gives you a CD, cassette, or video, be sure that the musicians you hear or see are the same musicians who will play at your reception. Also, ask for referrals from the last few weddings the band or DJ played. Consider your first-dance song a test. If the band doesn’t know it and is unwilling to learn it, or the DJ doesn’t own it and is unwilling to get it, move on.

 

Before You Sign

Know that all professionals should be open to your likes and dislikes. Give them your personal request list, songs they must, and, perhaps more importantly, a do-not-play list. Worried that you’ll hear the “Macarena” at your once-in-a-lifetime event? Specifically prohibit the playing of a song you feel strongly about in your contract.

— Lori Seto

 

 

Last edition we discussed how New York style weddings are famous for the high energy way we blend food, music and, dancing.  Remember it’s all in the timing, which gives the allusion of non-stop action even though we’re actually keeping a fine balance between calorie burning dance time and judiciously placed pauses that allow all to catch their breath.

Today we address a pet peeve: the timeline trend from the caterer/wedding planner where four hours may pass before any serious dancing occurs!

 
 

Once upon a time…
Or actually, several years ago in the wedding catering movement, caterers began to introduce the concept of 90 minute cocktail hours. This was a logical way to guarantee adequate time for guests to enjoy the ever increasing and often believable array of food presented. Our beef comes with those caterers/planners who insist that guests then be moved directly into 90 minutes of uninterrupted dinner service, punctuated only by a never ending parade of speeches. The salesperson/planner then suggests that guests are free to “party” for 2 1/2 hours straight! Yipee!!!

 

 

The unfortunate reality is that after sitting for an hour at a ceremony, then three more drinking and eating, most people (especially the older folks) cannot be expected to do much more than fall asleep.  Your guests are worn out just from sitting!

 

 

“East Coast Music & Entertainment
will create the hi-energy dance party
of your dreams!”

 

 

Doing all the food at once may allow a caterer to make a very impressive spread and send staff home earlier, but it does not make for a great, hi-energy dance party.  Insist that a common sense wedding reception plan is shared with your vendors, so that all are equipped to balance time for food, photos, music, and dancing.  Trust us.

 

With multiple weekly performances and thousands of successful weddings all over NYC, Long Island, and the tri-state area in our resume, East Coast is the top wedding band and proven experts in combining client input in a way that keeps all your guests involved in non-stop dance floor action.   Unlike other bands we do actually exist outside of lip synch karaoke tracks on a website and perform three to four nights a week.  From your wedding ceremony to cocktail hour to wedding reception – we have done it all and would love to be a part of your special day.

 
 
 

If you want your guests to remember your wedding, get this band!!!
My husband and I tried to go to every table to say hi to our guests but they weren’t there. They were all on the dance floor!!!  Thanks to the band the night went by so smoothly. They worked with the venue to facilitate what happens next.   When the night was over and the band played their last song, our guests started chanting “one more song!!”
JoJoleo
Wedding: 5/2/2014

 
 
 

For more great East Coast wedding band reviews, head over to: Wedding Wire, LI Weddings.com and the Knot/Wedding Channel.  Also, check our schedule and come hear us play.  We can’t wait to meet you.

Not to brag or anything, but East Coast Band has been known for turning around potential wedding fails by keeping the party going with our high energy music and commitment to making sure your dream day is pulled off without a hitch.   Still…stuff happens.   So how does one get over a wedding day fail?

 

Well, you put on your rose-colored glasses and then check out the Huffington Post article below on other folks’ not so fairy tale moments.   I promise you’ll laugh your troubles away.    (And kudos to these Brides and Grooms for making lemonade out of their wedding day fails!)

because ultimately,   …awww

 

 

 

 

These 22 Wedding Fails Are Pretty Much The Worst

The Huffington Post | By Kelsey Borresen

 
 
Some people say that your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. It turns out, the “Big Day” falls short of expectations for many couples.

 

We were reminded of this once again on Wednesday when Jimmy Fallon shared a wedding disaster he witnessed firsthand using the hashtag #weddingfail and got the topic trending on Twitter.

 

Classic.  Below, we’ve rounded up some more of these so-awful-that-they’re-actually-amazing wedding stories for your amusement.  (Click here for the rest!)