Episode 19 Adam Jaschek, Whitaker Music Festival
A Concert Pitch
The world-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden hosts a summer concert series that boasts an average attendance of 56 thousand people for each 10-concert season, averaging over 5,600 per show. The Whitaker Music Festival, a St. Louis summer entertainment favorite, features an eclectic selection of musical entertainment that is curated and managed by Adam Jaschek, the Garden's Senior Events Coordinator. In addition to the Whitaker Music Festival, Adam manages special events including Chinese Culture Days, Japanese Festival, Best of Missouri Market® and More. I interviewed Adam to get insight on...
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Episode 18 Todd Mosby
A Concert Pitch
St. Louis based Todd Mosby is a phenomenal acoustic musician who
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Episode 17 Darren George of Mirage Band
A Concert Pitch
Getting the Most Out of Your Wedding Band ...
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Episode 16 Tyler Stokes of Delta Sol Revival
A Concert Pitch
The terms singer, songwriter, musician, and bandleader all describe Tyler Stokes, but I walked away from this interview thinking of him as an extremely wise and intelligent young man with amazing insight and vision. In Tyler I found a breed of musicians that defines a new generation, influenced at a young age by the best rock and blues artists the age of their parents, grandparents and older. ...
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Episode 15 Peter Martin Jazz Pianist
A Concert Pitch
I've been following Peter Martin since 2009 when I saw him play at the . I saw him play there again in 2014. In this interview, he shared that is one of his favorite places to play in St. Louis, ranked at the top with Jazz at the Bistro where he'll be performing May 18–19. ...
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Episode 14 — Vincent Golomski of Fanfare
A Concert Pitch
Vincent Golomski of Fanfare Band is my guest in this episode of A Concert Pitch. He is founder, manager, and keyboard player of this popular dance band celebrating it’s 40th year. ...
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Episode 13 — Songwriter Steve Williams
A Concert Pitch
I was introduced to country music songwriter, Steve Williams, through a friend, Myles Kelly, manager and keyboard player for , and band that covered the Laural Canyon — Eagles; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Poco and others. Myles contacted me recently after "discovering" Steve Williams playing with another songwriter, Will Nance, at a performance at Nashville's . ...
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Episode 12 — Randy Mayfield
A Concert Pitch
Randy Mayfield uses his gifts as a musician and songwriter to spread the Gospel. As Pastor of Missions and Outreach at Central Presbyterian Church in Clayton, Missouri, Randy leads missions in St. Louis, nationally, and many foreign countries.
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Episode 11 — Tim Callihan
A Concert Pitch
Tim Callihan is the leader of Spectrum, one of the premier private bands in the St. Louis Area. I met Tim four years ago at a Spectrum gig at the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series at Faust Park. I've been following them ever since. ...
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Episode 10 — Dave Brubeck
A Concert Pitch
Three years ago last week we lost a symbol of American music, Dave Brubeck, one day before his ninety-second birthday. Brubeck was a pianist and composer who helped make jazz popular in the 50s and 60s, and who’s song “Take Five” is one of the most recognizable jazz songs ever recorded. ...
info_outlineGetting the Most Out of Your Wedding Band
Darren George, Mirage manager and drummer, suggested we do an interview about the wedding band business, and how their clients can select and work with a band. We covered business and operational aspects of shopping and working with these bands to help assure the music for the event will be perfect. Consider not only music that appeals to the bridal couple, but more importantly to the guests. A wedding reception will likely have guests ranging from teenagers to those 65 and older. Considering age diversity, a band that plays a wide variety of music will more likely keep the guests entertained and on the dance floor throughout the evening. When you've decided on which band to hire, do it quickly. Many bands book 12 to 18 months out, so waiting may cost you to settle for your second or third choice. Ask the bands you are considering if you can stop by a reception or event to listen and see the band live. While some engaged couples feel awkward stopping by a reception, it’s not uncommon; simply ask the band to coordinate the audition by asking the bride and groom for permission. Include as many details as you’d like in the contract with the band. For example, are there clauses in the contract that cover:
- Is there a charge for the band learning a few special songs for the evening?
- How many breaks will the band take?
- What type of refund policy does the band have for cancellation or moving the date of the reception?
- What type of payment terms does the band offer including deposit, when is the balance due, checks accepted, et al?
- Cost of overtime.
- How does the band handle if a band member is unavailable the night of the reception?
Be certain to hire a band that is experienced in playing receptions. Hiring a "club" may be appealing, there are many nuances to a reception that requires previous experience. Those include:
- acting as the emcee (announcing the wedding party in, announcing the first dance)
- assistance in planning the overall reception
- familiarity with different venues and their acoustics
- logistics of loading in and out.