Joel has been in the Music Agency business since 1982.
He got his start as a musician (keyboards, guitar, drums, and vocals) playing with such legendary artists as Bo Diddley and sharing the stage with bands like James Brown, The Police, Chuck Berry, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. As his business grew, he incorporated DJ's and other variety entertainers. He has worked with virtually every major venue, event planner, videographer, and photographer in Northern California.
Joel is the bandleader of the Joel Nelson Band, a high-energy DJ/Emcee, and the resident expert on Bay Area event planning.
His relentless work ethic and drive to make JNP the best it can be has propelled his agency to the forefront of Event Entertainment in California.
According to Joel, "I can't imagine what my life would have been like without this business.
It is my passion, and the possibilities music and event entertainment hold still gets me up at 5 in the morning. I love my clients, and we are so thankful to have been in business for 20 years. I'm looking forward to the next 20 years!"
Your Wedding Entertainment
You're Getting Married!
It's an exciting time for you and your families!
As preparation begins for the wedding ceremony and celebration, we know that planning the details can be a bit overwhelming. Without question, you need a team of experienced and creative professionals to make sure that your “Big Day” is the best day ever.
Joel Nelson Productions is here for you.
Our team has been invited to over 10,000 Bay Area weddings, and we know what it takes to plan your celebration. Timeless moments like the first dance, the father-daughter dance, cake cutting, and garter toss are JNP specialties. String quartets, variety bands, experienced and diverse Disc Jockeys and MC’s, specialty lighting and photography packages, and more. Joel Nelson Productions has the right plan at the right price to make your wedding dreams a reality.
Don’t trust your Big Day to just anyone…call the wedding professionals at Joel Nelson Productions today at (800) 578-5780.
Talent
Bands
All Access
Get an "All Access" Pass to fun at your next event! This new Bay Area SuperGroup features a lineup of the finest musicians from some of the best bands around the country. All Access ranges from 6-9 pieces. A red hot rhythm section, powerful horn section and versatile front line vocalist reproduce the hits from today as well as yesterday's classic hits. From The Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga to The Jackson 5 and Madonna this band brings their members combined experience of over 5000 performances to bring you the most requested songs from the past five decades! Perfect for your special, hard-to-find requests, All Access is also equipped with a full DJ system to ensure non-stop fun throughout your party.
All Star Jukebox
All Star Jukebox features eight of the Bay Area's most dynamic and talented entertainers. Award winning vocalists Lisa Battle and Jay Middleton front the all-star four-piece rhythm section featuring musicians from Sons of Champlain, Harvey Mandel and The Funky Meters. The horn section includes members that have toured with Tower of Power. All Star Jukebox's versatility and list of songs is nothing short of amazing. All Star Jukebox can also appear as Big Hair- the ultimate 70's and 80's band that specializes in good times and dance music. If you want an experience that you and your guests will never forget, All Star Jukebox is clearly your best choice. It's a dazzling elegant affair reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. It's a totally awesome boogie marathon. It's a wild ride on the music metro. It's awesome. So hop on the crazy train and surf the tidal wave of funk & groove - this could be the best night of your life!
Baguette Quartette
The Baguette Quartette is a San Francisco Bay Area group that plays music that was heard in Paris between 1920 and 1940 on street corners, in cafes, and in popular dance halls. Led by accordionist Odile Lavault, its repertoire consists of valses musettes, tangos, pasos dobles, fox trots, marches and realistic songs. They have recorded four CDs: TOUJOURS (2004), CHEZ MOI (2001), RENDEZ-VOUS (1998), and L'air de Paris (1995). Bon Appétit, Café Classics, a compilation CD containing tunes drawn from our first three CDs, is available in many retail stores.
Big Bang Beat
Big Bang Beat is an unparalleled Variety Band that packs the dance floor from start to finish. The group's wide repertoire of tunes is performed with the boundless energy that has been their hallmark for years. Indeed, BBB is the Supreme Commander of the Bay Area party scene! This seasoned group plays the greatest dance and party hits of every era, including Rock, Motown, Disco/Funk and so much more. BBB plays with a passion and precision that is unique amongst cover groups. Guests have been raving for years about Big Bang Beat, and they are the perfect wedding band.
Big City Revue
"It’s All About The Music!!!” This is Big City Revue’s mantra and this is the reason that Big City Revue has been one of the most sought after musical groups for social occasions, weddings and corporate events in Northern California. The band’s unparalleled passion and enthusiasm to entertain combined with solid, stellar performances keeps this band in constant demand. They have been invited to play in some of the world’s most exciting cities from New York to Maui from Venezuela to Cancun Big City Revue has traveled the world over delivering their own diversified and dynamic musical style of Motown 60’s, Disco 70’s, 80’s Retro, 90’s and current hits. Big City Revue grabs their audiences, young and old with a positive energy that builds an intoxicating, dance driven atmosphere on any dance floor.Completely versatile, Big City Revue offers a variety of musical options from an 8-piece combo to a 16-piece party band complete with dancers, Big City Revue’s format can be uniquely tailored to the needs of any engagement.
Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra
The Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra is a dynamic dance machine featuring bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, a horn section, percussionist, male & female vocalists and 4 dancers. The bands' powerful presentation and ability to ignite a crowd through interactive singing, line dancing, and other wild, fun activities, sets it apart and keeps meeting planners our most loyal clients. Delivering Classic Rock, Salsa, Motown, Soul, Dance Hits, and a Taste of the New, the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra has been described as "A party on stage the best special event band in the world!" Already established as a "World Class Wedding Band" the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra has performed at weddings throughout California and the U.S. Mainlands top resort destinations as well as: Bermuda, Orlando, Cancun, Acapulco, Maui, London, Bali, and Vienna. From customized and themed shows, to performing 3 hours non-stop, the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra guarantees Big Fun! Our band was designed based on the feedback of some of the best meeting planners in the world.
Blue Moon
Based in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties, and firmly established as one of the Northern California wine country's most popular party bands, BLUE MOON is available for your private celebration. This versatile and energetic band features a hard driving rhythm section (they all sing), the mighty four-piece Blue Moon horn section (they all sing too!), and one of the finest female vocalists you will find anywhere! BLUE MOON captures the Motown, Rock n' Roll, Rhythm and Blues, and 70's Disco spirits, performing the music of such notable artists as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Supremes, Peter Gabriel, Van Morrison, Tower of Power, Huey Lewis & the News, and the Commodores. Besides pumping up crowds at fairs, concerts, weddings, grand openings, and corporate parties with these "get up and dance tunes", BLUE MOON is equally enthusiastic playing the jump, classic and retro swing music of Louis Jordan, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Cole Porter, Nat King Cole, Brian Setzer, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. If you add the Latin styling of such artists as Antonio Carlos Jobim and Carlos Santana, BLUE MOON offers a fun party for everybody! BLUE MOON looks forward to sharing your special celebration with you and your guests. We are happy to accommodate the size of our band to fill the special needs for your event (Our band is very flexible and we can help create fantastic parties performing with 5 - 9 members of our band!). Of course we do play your special requests too! Please feel free to ask for our demo tape or if you want to see us perform live.
Body & Soul
So you want a band that sounds like the real thing? How about a band that not only authentically covers a wide range of danceable Funk, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues from the 60's to the 90's, but will also gladly fulfill requests for any tune you desire? You've found it in Body & Soul. In existence since 1994, we pride ourselves on loyalty to the original song. We play the versions of tunes that are familiar to everyone. The ability to combine our upbeat style while playing 60's Motown with the same energy as contemporary 90's makes us ideal for any crowd that likes to dance. With three lead vocalists in front of a solid rhythm section consisting of keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and a horn section, this is a well-balanced band. This combination not only creates a full sound but also allows flexibility to perform various styles in different arrangements. Ecstatic clients agree, "This is a group of personable, talented professionals whose upbeat music will have everybody dancing."
Broken English Band
Broken English is a high energy dance band that takes you on a Caribbean musical cruise you can't resist. Our music will transport you to white sand beaches with hot tropical pulsating rhythms. Our harmonious vocals and blend of exotic instruments add a dose of spice to this truly musical banquet. Your musical experience with Broken English will include ports of call in Puerto Rico for Salsa, the Dominican Republic for Merengue, Jamaica for Reggae, Trinidad & Tobago for Soca, Belize for Punta and Cuba for Rumba, Mambo, Guajira, and Son. Our diverse repertoire and professional approach will ensure a high quality performance for all occasions. Broken English delivers a truly sensational live performance to keep you dancing, moving and enjoying life!
Busta Groove
Busta-Groove is the hottest party band playing hits from the 70's, 80's, 90's and Today! Founded in 1997 and based out of Northern California's San Francisco Bay Area, Busta-Groove can be found performing for corporate parties, festivals, weddings, casinos, sporting events, private parties, birthday parties and nightclubs throughout the year. Busta-Groove has performed at numerous events such as half-time shows for the Sacramento Kings to small weddings in Napa Valley. Whether your event is for 10 people or 10,000 people, everyone will feel special after Busta-Groove steps to the stage. Our song list ranges from from disco hits such as Brick House and I Will Survive to Motown classics such as Respect and Chain of Fools. We also perform 80's Pop such as Holiday, Jessie's Girl and Love Shack. Want a little Hip-Hop/Top 40? We can do that as well! From Justin Timberlake to Nelly, Busta-Groove plays hits from today's chart toppers. If you would like to make your party an absolute success, then let the professionalism, talent, energy and sound of Busta-Groove put the FUN into your next event!
California Beach Boys
California Beach Boys is a Beach Boys Tribute Band. California Beach Boys honor and pay tribute in their music to the legends of surf: Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, David Marks, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and Dick Dale. Members of the band have played on the same stage as Surfaris and Ventures. California Beach Boys music has also been influenced by The Fireballs, The Atlantics, The Chantays, The Shadows, and the Ripcords.
Candela
Candela is a nine piece Salsa Band, based in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987, and is composed of piano, bass, three trombones, conga drums, bongo drums, timbales and vocalists. Smaller versions of the band are also available upon request! Candela has built their 20 year reputation around Edgardo’s impressive skills as a conga drummer and lead singer simultaneously -which is a show in itself-, the pristine vocals of Sandy, the incomparable tight rhythm-piano-bass section of Eric, Omar, Bob and David, and the most powerful trombone playing in the area by Jeff, Marty, and John. Regardless of all that, the Band truly focuses on pleasing the audiences dancing needs. Candela's varied repertoire explores a wide array of Latin rhythms including Son, Bolero, Mambo, Cha-cha-chá, Merengue, Cumbia and the more contemporary Cuban Timba, combined with a touch of Jazz, which makes the band enjoyable for dancers as well as listeners. Besides Edgardo’s great original songs, the band plays a combination of danceable arrangements by composers as Rubén Blades, Ray Barreto, Eddie Palmieri, La India, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Oscar D’Leon, Guaco, Los Van Van and Isaac Delgado. They are as well versatile in playing background Latin Jazz.
Cocktail Monkeys
Swing into the scene with a Bay Area favorite The Cocktail Monkeys bring you more than exciting music and perfect vocal harmony; they bring fun, camaraderie and professionalism to each show. With an alluring and powerful stage presence, from the first song, Renee leads you through a fantasy evening covering your favorite songs by your favorite bands. From note one, you realize you are among the Bay Area’s top notch musicians. Mark St. John plays a screaming guitar while Bobby Asea sets the beat on bass with Will Diamond keeping it rock steady all with the drive and passion you will come to see as the heart of the Cocktail Monkeys. Professional showmanship and the goal of ”a good time had by all” mark the purpose of this band. When you hire the Cocktail Monkeys for your event you know you have set the stage for your guests to have a wonderful and exciting time, dancing and enjoying the sounds and stage presence of each band member. Covering the best of decades from the 60’s through current favorites, their songs range from rock, pop, funk and disco. Audience participation is not overlooked when you never know who will be selected to come up and join in on cowbell. Select shows may feature the popular go-go cage upon request. ‘Return of the cage!” nights invite guests to shake it up on stage! For a unique and lively musical adventure it’s. The Cocktail Monkeys: Served shaken, not stirred.
Cool Jerks
With a three piece horn section, full rhythm section and two lead singers who really know how keep a party going, The Cool Jerks have everything it takes to be the first choice for quality entertainment...
Dick Bright's SRO
Dick Bright's SRO is the party band that will make that happen. The ultimate in dance entertainment, SRO is like no other band you've ever experienced. Clever costumes and props, zany skits, hip-hoppin' choreography and soul-stirring vocals are all set to a pulsating beat. Visually as well as musically exciting, it's MTV, Las Vegas and American Bandstand rolled into one hot act. No other band has such a vast repertoire. Not just the same old standbys so many groups perform, the SRO play list features top dance hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's that go beyond the expected. And SRO is constantly updating its repertoire with new material. When SRO makes its entrance every eye turns to the stage. Led by emcee Dick Bright, the 19-member band features string, horn and rhythm sections as well as vocalists and dancers. It's the biggest party band around. SRO taps the diverse musical interests of its many members, giving you a new take on favorite tunes and making sure there's something for everyone.
Double Funk Crunch
The DFC Story Double Funk Crunch was formed back in 1997 by co-band leaders Jon and Laura Kuppinger. The group was started as a wild & crazy costumed club band that played exclusively disco and funk from the 70s. The band became quite popular and successfully rode that rhinestoned wave into the new millennium, bell-bottoms and all. The new Millineum brought a higher level of success for DFC as they began to perform regularly at many private events, weddings and corporate parties in addition to their club appearances. DFCs popularity as well as their fan base grew and they became known as a high energy, fun party band that focused on 70s & 80s dance music. They eventually added the talents of vocalist and entertainer David "Doc" Robinson to lead the band on stage. Doc brought with him a broader scope of music and new level of professionalism that gained them success in not only the private sectors, but got them noticed in the casino and county fair circuit, resulting in playing almost every county fair in Northern CA (including the CA State Fair) as well as most of the casinos from Reno to Tahoe to Las Vegas. Fast forward to 2005. Seeking a new opportunity to climb even higher, DFC adapts and matures again and diversifies further musically adding latin, hip-hop, R&B and rock to their well known staple of 70s & 80s dance music. But they didnt do it alone. DFC gained a new vision with the addition of a new musical director, bassist/producer/songwriter and recording artist Darryl Anders (Bonnie Hayes, Zigaboo Modeliste, and Tower of Power). Darryl brought with him the experience and talents of Vince Lars and Jeff Lewis to create a powerful and dynamic horn section. Keyboardist Christian Boyd adds all the right seasonings to the Double Funk Crunch Party Flavor. The rock steady pulse and groovalicious feel of Ron SnackJackson Smith on the drums keeps the dance floor packed. Topping it all off with the soul stirring blues and r&b influenced vocals of Leah Tysse.
Encore
The Bay Area's hottest dance band is Encore, a group produced by Dick Bright, leader of the party band Dick Bright’s SRO. Encore is a ten-piece band comprised of four lead singers (three females, one male) as well as guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, saxophone and trumpet. Their repertoire includes music from the 1940’s swing era, through Motown, 70’s disco, 80’s pop, and contemporary hits of today.
Fast Times
Where were you in the 80s? Playing Pac-Man? Watching General Hospital? Enjoying the spoils of Reaganomics? Whatever your memories, Fast Times will bring them all flooding back with a smile-and a backbeat you won't be able to resist. Fast Times plays the ultimate dance hits from the ultimate decade of decadence. From A-Ha to Young MC, every song is an instantly recognizable hit guaranteed to get audiences on their feet and celebrating. From the birth of new wave and the dominance of synth-pop to the ragged edge of rock and the dawn of alternative, Fast Times covers it all. Just don't call it "retro"-Fast Times is powerful proof that the music of the 1980s is alive and kicking, here and now. Currently in its seventh year, Fast Times has hammered out the high-energy hits at Slim's, The Red Devil Lounge, The Paradise Lounge, Blake's on Telegraph, Black Oak Casino, Fat Cat Music House & Lounge, Tongue & Groove, Golden Gate Fields, The Park, Mountain Charley's, Kimo's, Black Diamond Brewing Co., City Beach, Boswell's, The British Banker's Club, and The Shops at Blackhawk Summer Concert Series-not to mention private and corporate functions for Electronic Arts, NUMMI, Shell Oil Corporation, IDG Entertainment, Blackstone Technologies, and more. Fast Times the 80s dance party that's totally live and totally awesome!
Floorshakers
Look no further - The Floorshakers are your one stop shop for a funky, exhilarating, high-energy, live dance and party band! Since the group's inception in 2003, The Floorshakers have been performing funk, soul and rock 'n' roll hits all over the San Francisco Bay Area, expanding into new genres including R&B, Latin and current top billboard hits. While at heart, their influences include legendary bands and musicians such as Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Confunkshun and Santana, you'll be sure to hear all kinds of music from The Floorshakers from a variety of genres that will keep your feet movin' and your hips shakin'! Always dressed to impress, you will not be able to resist this group's spirit, energy and funky groove. Founded in the East Bay, The Floorshakers have expanded its fan base all over the Bay Area. They have performed in venues all over San Francisco & the greater Northern California area for all types of public and private events including weddings, corporate functions, banquets, fundraisers, festivals, night clubs, charity events, holiday dance parties and New Year's Eve parties. Notably, for three years running, The Floorshakers have consecutively SOLD OUT in advance New Year's Eve parties for crowds of over 1,500 people.
Fred McCarty
Fred McCarty was raised in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. He has composed well in excess of three hundred songs and compositions. His background includes composition and performance experience in many musical genres, with deep roots in bluegrass and Country. Some of Fred's earliest influences were Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Wills, Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autry. Professional in every way, Fred McCarty's band delivers a performance that is dynamic and full of energy. Their rich vocal harmonies, combined with outstanding instrumental expertise, make each performance an exciting display of musical entertainment. Fred McCarty stands with the best of the touring "road warriors" of American music. He's played solo, duo, as a band member and as front man. Fred has appeared with: Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Trisha Yearwood, Mark Chestnut, Charlie Daniels, Lee Greenwood and many others. The live performances of his country originals, Texas Swing and Cajun tunes as well as Classic Cowboy songs continue to be a favorite for audiences from coast-to-coast.
Fundamentals
The Fundamentals present a high octane, fun filled stage show featuring three dynamic lead vocalists, two of the hottest horn players around, a super tight four piece rhythm section. and up to four costumed, choreographed dancers. The group has been performing together for over 15 years and has developed a solid reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area's premiere party bands. The Fundamentals have performed at over 2,000 events including numerous weddings. If you are planning a high energy, fun event and and your goal is to get people dancing and keep them dancing, The Fundamentals are the perfect choice!
Funky Little Shack
Want to dance all night long? Funky Little Shack gets everyone out on the floor with a funky party groove. We play the best old and new school funk -- plus r&b, motown, reggae and rock. Funky Little Shack's versatile, fun-loving musicians have performed at hundreds of weddings, corporate events, fund raisers, holiday parties and festivals. We've got what it takes to deliver fresh, high-energy sound, a polished performance, and lots of funkylittlefun! Funky Little Shack features dynamic vocalists, a slammin' rhythm section, and blazingly hot horns. And, we customize our look for you, from fun and funked-out to formal black tie.
Hip Service
It's the music that makes you get up and shake your hips! Rhythm & Blues, Classic Soul, sounds of Motown, Classic Rock, 70's Disco, or today's funky grooves: this is the essential music for any dance party! Every Hip Service show is custom tailored for the specific event and venue. Ranging from smooth jazz for the cocktail/dinner set to the full blown house rockin' Hip show band with costume changes, choreography, audience participation, and special effect lighting -- the Hip Service experience captivates audiences of all ages and backgrounds. SAMMIE (Sacramento Area Music Awards) nominated in the past four consecutive years for "Best R&B/Funk Band", and winner of the "2006 Best Dance Band” Central Valley Stammie Award, Hip Service's appeal has proven to be universal. Their unique sound and visually exciting stage show continues to attracting aloyal audience.
Hurricane Band
The Hurricane band is from the East San Francisco Bay Area. Originally formed as the "Hurricane Blues Band" in 1994 the band has been playing music in the East Bay Area for the past 15 years. The Hurricane Band produced its first CD 10 years ago and has also been featured on the Pat Meadows “Blues on Tap” radio program on KEGR FM 97.7 out of Concord on Thursday nights. The band has undergone several personnel changes over the years until 2008 when the new and improved Hurricane was formed. The force of the Hurricane is driven by a five piece band that combines both male and female vocals. The result is a collage of sound reflecting the best in blues, classic and contemporary rock. The Hurricane is a high energy fun band. Lead Guitarist Fred Musser has a remote on his guitar that enables him to go out into the crowd and dance and interact with the crowd while he plays his guitar. Lead singer Joanie Davis can really belt it out and she has a remote microphone which she uses to go into the crowd and gets the crowd to sing along on some of our songs and have fun. The Hurricane is the perfect choice for special events, wineries, weddings, clubs, private parties and corporate events etc. We can also DJ and make special announcements at your wedding, party or special event. Come feel the fun and excitement and let us make your next event exciting, fun, special and successful!
Jamfunkshus
JamFunkShus shows its deep respect for the "old school" elements of funk, soul, and R&B. They do this with the passion, power, and conviction that gives them a true authenticity when playing the greatest hits that we all have loved for decades. The versatile 11-piece band includes a tight 5-piece horn section that fuels the huge sound and passion the band delivers. With an all-pro rhythm section, vocal harmonies, and their unique "vocal chameleon" the band has won rave reviews everywhere it has performed. Repertoire includes hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Chicago, Ohio Players, Tower of Power, and many more.
Joe Sharino Band
The Joe Sharino Band is the number one versatile entertainment choice for Wedding Receptions or any other party or event! Although they are well known in Northern California's Bay Area in places like San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Napa, Yosemite, Monterey and Carmel, they perform all over the United States and always earn rave reviews. Why does the band consistently please audiences? They sound great, they're incredible singers, with very high energy, they do an incredible variety of music and... they involve the audience. The Joe Sharino Band has an incredible ability to excite a crowd into singing along at the top of their lungs and the dance floor is always full! The band includes a former member of Santana and Sly and the Family Stone, plus a songwriter for Earth, Wind and Fire and Lee Rittenour. A two-man crew operates the sound and stage lighting. Their music is the best of Pop, Rock, Motown, Funk, Country, Disco, R and B, Jazz, Latin and Swing from the last six decades. They always win the audience over!
Joel Nelson Band
"What a moment!" Your Big Day has arrived, and the band is playing the opening notes of the soundtrack to your new life. As you embrace your new partner, both of you are overcome with the beauty and emotion of the music and words of "your" song... Don't trust that moment to anyone but an experienced, talented, and professional wedding band. As a true Variety Wedding Band, The Joel Nelson Band has an impressively diverse repertoire of the latest hits and the greatest classics. With a professional DJ and sound system, meticulous preparation and attention to detail, and a love of special celebrations, the Joel Nelson Band will bring the night together. Since 1982, the Joel Nelson Band has performed at thousands of weddings, special events, and festivals all over the globe. Playing keyboards with Bo Diddley for many years, the Joel Nelson Band's frontman has shared the stage with such greats as James Brown, The Police, Chuck Berry, Stray Cats, Jerry Lee Lewis and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Over the years, the band has garnered a reputation as the consummate wedding band. TESTIMONIALS According to Joel, "Weddings are so much fun to play and plan. I remember my own wedding as an incredibly memorable and euphoric night, and I am honored to make the party happen for other new brides and grooms. Let me know what you wanna hear, and we will take care of your every need!"
JT Horns
Serving all of Northern California for over 10 years, The J.T. Horns is a powerhouse funk, soul, and R&B band. The band is composed of three vocalists, a five-piece rhythm section including a groove-monster Latin percussionist, and the heart of our band, a powerful five-piece horn section. We can be heard playing the music of Tower of Power, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and many others. Our repertoire currently consists of over 200 songs, with a set list that is easily tailored to a client’s requests, and we can also incorporate new songs if they happen to not be on the list. If you have something else in mind, The J.T. Horns can do that too! Ask about our custom productions. Examples include: A little big band featuring a world class Frank Sinatra impersonator, a rock-n-roll band with 5 horns, and a Blues Brothers Review. The band members are professional musicians from the local Jazz community. We are extremely flexible in our repertoire, and are ready to perform many Jazz and vocal standards, as well as “small big band” selections. An important asset of the band is our commitment to quality and client satisfaction. We take pride not only in our musicianship, but also in our professional attitudes. Click here for songlist
Kugelplex
Kugelplex is the West Coast's rockin'-est purveyor of klezmer and old-world party music. Formed in 2001, the group plays weddings, concerts and festivals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The ensemble has played such venues as Oakland's Paramount Theater (with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra), Cafe Du Nord (with grammy award winning Klezmatics trumpeter, Frank London), Jazz at Pearl's, Club Amnesia, Red Poppy Art House, as well as at many top wineries, restaurants, and synagogues. Kugelplex feels equally at home presenting klezmer as a deep-listening experience in a seated concert hall as we do playing boisterous, soulful dance music.
Larry Lynch and The Mob
Get ready for Larry Lynch and the Mob! Here is an impressive lineup of Bay Area musicians, ready to entertain you with the finest popular music from the 1940's through today's favorites. Formerly with the Greg Kihn Band, Larry Lynch was the drummer and a vocalist on their number one hit, "Jeopardy". He has toured with the Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and many others around the world. Each band member brings unique talent and extensive live performance experience to the Mob. Together they make an exciting, energetic band that plays music from the heart. It is clear when you watch and dance to this band that they are musicians who love to entertain! The Mob features both male and female vocalists, giving audiences the widest possible array of popular selections. Because their song list spans six decades, Larry and company can create a special musical atmosphere on request. Whether you need a great dance band or excellent theme music, you can expect the best from Larry Lynch and the Mob!
LaTiDo
“LaTiDo” is the Spanish word for heartbeat. “LaTiDo” is also a quartet that specializes in danceable traditional Cuban music styles like “Son,” “Cha-cha-cha,” “Guajira,” “Mambo,” and “Bolero” among others. This explosive quartet/quintet has garnered a great reputation throughout the Bay Area among dancers and listeners alike, having performed to sold out audiences at re-known venues like Yoshi’s, Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Stanford Jazz Concert Series, San José Jazz Festival and Sonoma Jazz Festival, to mention a few. “LaTiDo’s” features intricate vocal harmonies, the rhythm pulse of the Bongó drum and Bass, the unique sound of the traditional Tres Guitar (a three double set string instrument developed in Cuba) the Flute and the lively compositions are surely to please every audience. “LaTiDo” plays Latin Music from the heart!
Manhattan Towers
A True Variety Band is hard to find... The Knot.com asked thousands of recent Northern California brides what they really thought about their vendors. Manhattan Towers received a Best of 2010 award in the Knot's band category. In fact, there are over a thousand customer testimonials on Manhattan Towers spanning over a decade of excellence. What groups can play with equal skill and passion songs from the Black Eyed Peas, Lady GaGa and Jason Mraz to the best songs of the past eight decades in all styles as well as authentic Jazz, Classical and Ethnic music.We have the answer right here at Joel Nelson Productions...Manhattan Towers. Check out their song list for proof. Directed by Frank Goldstein, Manhattan Towers features a roster of Northern California's most indemand entertainers and musicians from recording, concert and live stage music backgrounds. The group's reputation is defined by the delight of two decades of clients! We have aquired hundreds of music samples over the years and we want you to hear the styles you prefer. When requesting Manhattan Towers information, let us know your style preferences. While you are at it, request the PDF testimonial packages. We are proud of them.
Masterpiece
Masterpiece is a collective of the San Francisco Bay Area's finest performers working together to provide you with the ultimate party experience. Pop, Soul, Funk, R&B, Jazz: We play the widest range of styles and put our all into every performance to ensure that everyone has a great time. Shouldn't you book Masterpiece for your next event?
New Morty Show
With numerous U.S. tours and continuous regional touring, The New Morty Show's many sold-out performances have been seen nationwide. A few sell-out venues include The Fillmore - San Francisco's classic night spot - Bimbo's 365 Club, as well as New York City's Supper Club, Boston's Roxy Theatre and The Montreal Jazz Festival. And what city is more appropriate for the group than Las Vegas? The Mirage played host to the group on New Year's Eve 1997, and the amazing New York New York Hotel and Casino made Vegas history by having The New Morty Show play its grand opening for a two week run. Other Casino's the band has played include: Harrah's, Desert Inn, Hard Rock Hotel, Treasure Island, The Orleans, The Excalibur, The MGM Grand nightclub and Caesar's Palace. Those are just the Vegas casinos! They have also played Caesar's Lake Tahoe, The Atlantis Resort Lake Tahoe, The Reno Hilton, Trump Marina Atlantic City, The El Dorado Hotel and Casino in Reno, and more.
Night Fever
Since the summer of 2003, Night Fever has become one of the Hottest Party Bands in Northern California. The ingredients for Night Fever’s success is 3 outstanding vocalists. Fronting the show, our singers never stop; choreography, crowd interaction, and 3 or 4 part harmony’s are all part of the show. In addition to having 3 great singers, Night Fever has a solid rhythm & horn section responsible for the foundation and tight segue’s. And providing up to 4 hours of R&B, Rock, Disco, and Modern Top 40.
Open Road
From Motown to Modern, we’re your “Road” to Classic Dance Hits for your special event!OpenRoad, plays everything from Classic Rock 60’-90’s, R&B, traditional standards to current Artist hits. We know how to entertain, get people to dance and have a great time they’ll remember. The OpenRoad Band is a group of experienced musicians who grew up playing Rock, R&B, Funk and other styles in cover bands. We look forward to performing for live audiences. We formed in the fall of 2003 and are based in the San Francisco-East Bay Area. Our group showcases female and male lead vocalists with a real flair for connecting with the audience. We feature up to five singers to sound just like your favorite songs! The band name, OpenRoad, was chosen for the following reasons. We are “open” to play our Clients’ favorite songs to take their special event “wherever they want to go." We also work to create that special energy we see when people have a great time dancing and singing along to hit songs they associate with their best memories. It’s like the exhilaration you can experience when you’re on an “open road” traveling some where you’ve never been before after a long work week.
Polyester Express
Polyester Express has thrilled party-goers worldwide for over 10 years and knows what it takes to get your special night on its feet. This 10-24 piece show and dance band provides a fully costumed, choreographed, polished journey into the days of yesteryear with a taste of today. We are a group of unequaled performers committed to fun, quality music and assuring that your event has the finest, most professional entertainment available. We have been nominated for ‘Best Band in San Diego’ by the People’s Choice Awards and we absolutely LOVE what we do. Whether your event calls for jazz, swing, motown, contests, themes, prize giveaways, company interaction or you are just looking for head-turning entertainers, Polyester Express delivers each and every time.
Pop Fiction
If Pop Fiction had to be summed up in a single word, that word would be 'WOW"! Pop Fiction is an 8-piece party band featuring unsurpassed talent, versatility, energy, style, and polish - both musically and visually The band's broad set list features the greatest dance him. sing-alongs, and favorites from the 70s, 80s, 90s. and 2000s, guaranteed to keep the dance floor packed and audiences of an ages ecstatic all night. The 8 performers. dressed to impress, deliver high-energy performances with fantastic choreography. audience participation, and pure unadulterated fun throughout the night!
Pride & Joy
During its 25 years of phenomenal success, Pride & Joy has remained the most popular band on the Bay Area music scene. This group is the Pride of the Bay Area and a Joy to anyone who loves to dance. They have achieved this by presenting the most timeless pop/soul music of our time in an electrifying high-style show that pulls the audience directly into the heart of their performance. Pride and Joy can play anywhere from the most popular clubs on the circuit to wedding receptions the top society parties and corporate events everybody, everywhere, instantly relates to the music. As evidence of Pride & Joy's across-the-board staying power, the band regularly sells out full- weekend engagements at San Francisco's permiere nightclub, the Great American Music Hall and has set a house record at New George's, Marin County's most prominent club. In addition, they have played venues in Reno, Lake Tahoe, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Los Angeles as well as other cities.
Rudy & The Funky Coalition
Rudy & The Funky Coalition is a very energetic and high energy Show Band from Fremont Ca, dazzling audiences all over the bay area. From the high energy sound's of the70's through the 90's and beyond. Great harmony, very classy attire, flashy musicianship and a rhythm and vocal section that will keep you dancing and singing to the hits all night long. Providing the best of entertainment for your guest's and audience with a night to remember. We entertain all venues from Corporate, Weddings, Festivals, Concert, Night Club, and Pubs. We look forward to ENTERTAINING you!
Sage
Beginning their musical quest in 1969, Sage started the journey – never taking the typical path – staying true to the mission of playing good R&B funk and soul. From the early 70's to its present form, Sage has maintained the eight-piece member format for that big, full sound they like to deliver at live performances. Although based in San Jose, CA, it was obvious from the beginning the solid rhythm section and blasting horn section felt the funk and soul influences of the East Bay. Sage has logged thousands of gigs and performance hours from Los Angeles to Alaska, playing clubs, corporate events and concerts – occasionally sharing the stage with such artists as Kenny Loggins, the Temptations, and comedians Jay Leno and Ray Romano.
Sensation
Sensation Showband is a 10-piece ensemble featuring 5 vocalists, 5-piece horn section, 2 Keyboards, Guitar, Bass and Drums. The musicians are some of the most talented on the West Coast with many national touring and recording credits. They’re known for wonderful costume looks that range from elegant gown and black tie to wonderfully coordinated sequined ensembles designed specifically to enhance the energy and reflect light throughout the venue. Stellar music production and a naturally interactive style come as a result of years of hard work, attention to detail and experience. Production includes full front of house sound reinforcement, sixteen source four par color wash for stage and two rear truss towers featuring studio color moving lights.
Silicon Valley Houserockers
The Silicon Valley Houserockers are a rock and roll band out of Los Gatos, CA that plays the greatest rock & roll songs ever recorded. With a wailing 5 piece horn section and rock solid rhythm section of 2 guitars, bass, drums and keys, we bring the timeless rock and roll classics to life. Great rock and roll still strikes a chord with people. When the Houserockers take the stage, for a few hours people can leave the rest of the world behind and play air guitar, pump their fists in the air, sing along to songs that they have carried with them all their life, and dance with friends and strangers alike until the days challenges have been put into perspective. Most of all, they have a great time. To bring a great rock and roll show to your venue or event, contact The Silicon Valley Houserockers.
Silicon Vibe
Make your event sizzle with the sounds of Silicon Vibe, a high-energy ensemble bringing you the best in R&B, pop and jazz music. Beautiful ballads and soulful instrumentals will greet you and your guests as you arrive, serenade you while you sip champagne or cocktails or provide sophisticated background music while dining. With alumni from The Ray Charles Band, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Louis Bellson Orchestra and several others, we have the experience and professionalism to make your wedding a success. Our feature vocalists are Duane Lawrence, Rocio Guitard, Iari Melchor and Rosaura Sandoval. As your party "heats up", enjoy Silicon Vibe's upbeat vocals and powerful horn section as you and your guests dance the night away!
Spice
"Spice" up your party with this powerhouse 5-piece group. Spice has been heating up weddings for 15 years in the Bay Area. This Bay Area veteran SuperGroup's varied repertoire and good-time vibe will take your party to the next level. Don't hesitate to add a little fire to your Party Palate with Spice!
Suite Love Express
From music lovers to music buffs, everyone loves Suite Love Express! This band features endless playlists, top female and male vocals, shredding guitar lines, and a rockin' party, Suite Love style. Get in with Suite Love at one of their upcoming free shows, where you can shake it like a polaroid picture, bring sexy back, and be the dancing queen. Book Suite Love Express for your company party and you are guaranteed a suite party with all your fave songs. Suite Love Express is also now available by special request as a live karaoke band. Call today at (800) 578-5780 to find out more!
Tainted Love
Over the last few years Tainted Love has become in popular demand for weddings. With their highly stylized, nonstop 80's show, Tainted Love offer a refreshing change from the usual party bands and can bring all of the energy and excitement of their live show to your private party. Tainted Love has performed for parties big and small, from high-tech startup's to Fortune 500s and have been hired to perform all over the United States from Florida to Hawaii. Tainted Love is also proud to have taken part in numerous charitable fundraisers such as the American Cancer Society and Christmas in April. If it is a black tie or formal event, Tainted Love can offer a more upscale and appropriate stage attire. But at every event Tainted Love's mission is to "bring the good times to town" and have you on the dance floor all night partying "like it's 1985." When requested, Tainted Love can wear stage attire appropriate for black tie and formal events.
The Alameda All Stars
The Alameda All Stars have been performing throughout the Bay Area and beyond for 25 years. During their illustrious history the All Stars have kept up a high level of musicianship along with a very professional approach to entertaining audiences. Their infectious dance beat and humorous asides are sown throughout a well-planned stage show. Over the years the band has also been a springboard into the high levels of the music biz. From 1979-1986, All Stars alumni, Brad Gillis (Night Ranger, Ozzy Osborne), Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Jeff Watson (Night Ranger), Alan Fitzgerald (Night Ranger, Bruce Springsteen) & Danny Chauncey (.38 Special), all honed their chops while regularly performing with the All Stars. During these years the All Stars took on a "band de jour" type image, constantly changing the lineup based on who was on the road or in town, between tours with their "real" band. It was loads of fun for all the players to be involved in such a band which allowed easy access to playing with a wide variety of talented musicians. The clubs loved it too because we packed 'em in every night. Then, in late 1990 something happened that forever changed the band: the Alameda All Stars met legendary southern bluesman Gregg Allman. A fast musical connection was made and Gregg and the All Stars began performing shows together. A whole new level of commitment came over the band. Rather than the All Stars being the "jam" band that everyone came to play in, the All Stars itself became the "real" band. Since then, the band has never looked back... and we're still packin' 'em in!
The Hitmen
The Hitmen have been delivering high energy dance music for audiences up and down the West Coast performing for festivals, fairs, concerts, nightclubs, corporate events, and private functions over 14 years. The unique musical background of the 9-piece band (consisting of some of the best musicians in the Bay Area) mix their abilities and experiences to create and perform a musical dance review that transcends musical boundaries. The Hitmen play a variety of hits from the 70's to modern day favorites. The Hitmen have performed with the likes of Cameo, the Ohio Players, Confunkshun, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Pete Escovedo and with members of Santana and Tower of Power and has become the unofficial band for KISS 98.1 FM "Classic Soul and the best of Modern R&B". "When we play we deliver" is their motto. If you are looking for the most "band for the buck" then let them show you what you have been missing.
The No Mercy Band
The No Mercy Band consists of six talented musicians and two phenomenal vocalists! The rhythm section has been performing for many years and it shows in the quality of their musicianship. The vocalists in The No Mercy Band are the greatest in the SF Bay Area and their awesome talent is represented at every function. Whether your event requires tuxedo attire or casual attire, The No Mercy Band ensures you and your guests a fantastic time, whether it be leading them in a fun dance from the past or just plain dazzling them with their incredible musicianship. They are always learning new music to make sure their show is fresh, fun and energetic. They are well versed at wedding protocol, having performed at hundreds over the past ten years, ensuring your day to be perfect.
Tito y su Son de Cuba
Heriberto "Tito" Gonzalez, "El Trecero mayor", arrived in the San Francisco Bay area in the summer of 2000. His music is typical and primarily "El Son", the music you know from the Buena Vista Social Club. "Tito" plays a Cuban instrument similar to the guitar, called the "Tres". He studied with Tres master Papi Oviedo of the Buena Vista Social Club and then with the greatest guitarist in Cuba, Octavio Sanchez Cotán. He has played with such famous Cuban groups as Conjunto Estrellas de Chocolate, Aribu Quartet and Chapotin y sus estrellas, all from Havana, Cuba. Before leaving Havana, "Tito" founded and played with the Nuevo Conjunto de Arsenio Rodriguez, a group carefully structured to represent the music of the famous Cuban tresero Arsenio Rodriguez. This group was assembled by Arsenio's daugther, Regla Rodriguez Travieso. She thought long and hard as to who should represent and play her father's music. She chose Heriberto "Tito" Gonzalez, a great honor.
Twang Ditty
If you miss the feel of real country music, one listen to Twang Ditty will take you back with pure, heartfelt vocals and sparkling guitar licks. This is a classic country band! Twang Ditty delivers its punch with female chops on legends like Cash, Haggard, and Jennings. Backed by four seasoned musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, vocalist Maria Nguyen evokes the familiar sounds of classic country with a fresh dose of energy and bite! So come get your fill of classic ballads to flat out honky-tonk. They've got a broad repertoire covering musical territory from Nashville to Bakersfield that keeps the flame burning for every country music fan! Twang Ditty plays regularly throughout the Bay Area at both public and private venues. As much at home in a honkytonk as at a spiffy wedding or a summer barbecue, they'll make sure to give your event the down home treatment. So come on in, pull up a barstool, pop a top, and let them - twang your ditty! Call us at 800-578-5780 for a songlist and audio & video samples!
Her Rebel Highness
Her Rebel Highness offers a spectacular and boldly original musical experience by combining energizing music, stunning vocals, elegant choreography and elaborate costumes with an inspiring, universal message. The fully choreographed performance features 3 dynamic and stunning female vocalists, 2 classically trained modern dancers, an engaging narrator, an elegant female string trio, elaborate custom-made 18th and 21st century costumes, and an exciting fusion of classical and contemporary music, recorded and live. Her Rebel Highness is comprised of San Francisco-based professionals and incorporates universal themes including self-empowerment, breaking stereotypes and coming together to face adversity. This one-of-a-kind concept act is specifically designed for high energy, visually spectacular performances for general sessions (featuring the inspirational song, “Empowered”), and 40-minute theatrical shows for special events. Her Rebel Highness energizes and inspires!
Heartbeats
THE INTRODUCTION The Heartbeats begin their show with a brief glimpse of The Beatles, Elvis, the Disco era and more. It is a sneak preview of what's to come and where the show will take you.
Disco
Outrageous afro's, bell bottoms and polyester shirts. Songs like "Ladies Night", "Shake Your Booty" and "Get Down Tonight". It's a celebration of the 70's disco craze and Saturday Night Fever.
Motown
Matching sharkskin suits, pompadours & Ray Ban sunglasses set the tone for the Motown sounds of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye and The Temptations. Sing along to such great hits as "My Girl", "Heard it Through the Grapevine", "Can't Help Myself" and many, many more. Sammy, as "Manuel Labor", takes center stage and recreates his own personal version of "La Bamba", the hugely successful Latin hit made famous again by Los Lobos from the movie of the same name. Sam the Sham - The wackiest, craziest Pharaoh of them all. Tearing up the stage with his sixties hit "Wooly Bully"
the Beatle
Ed Sullivan introduces The Beatles. John, Paul, George & Ringo take you on a their famous British Invasion of America. A true show stopping moment.
Tom Jones
What more can we say...Tom Jones, the sexiest man with the tightest pants is on the stage tonight.
Elvis
Elvis Presley - The real King joins The Beatles in their first ever appearance on stage together… and you'll see it first.
Soul Music
This Blues Brothers inspired section of the show features the hits "Soul Man", "Land of a Thousand Dances" and a crowd inspiring rendition of "Shout".
the Village People
The Indian, The Cop, The Construction Worker and The Sailor are"In The House". They'll have you dancing and screaming YMCA. Dance to hits like "Brick House" and "Funky Music". This segment closes featuring the solo artist, Stevie Wonder.
Little Stevie Wonder
California Beach Party Surf Music
With bleached blond hair, sunglasses & Hawaiian shirts, they hit the stage with some California Surf music. "Babes & Waves" abound, "Surfs Up-Dude!"
60's Summer of Love
Hip, groovy & totally outta sight. Joe Cocker, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and The Monkees take you right to a concert in Golden Gate Park. Complete with tie dye & head bands ...and you're there.
the Finale
We reunite the cast for one more Latin version of "Hot Hot Hot". To complete the effect, experience swirling lighting, colored smoke and booming confetti cannons as we take your guests on one major conga line... truly spectacular. The Heartbeats have left the building leaving a sea of memories.
Classical
Brassworks
The Brassworks Quintet, Brassworks Band and Gabriel's Trumpets, led by Frank Beau Davis, are three of the San Francisco Bay Area's finest professional musical ensembles. Our wide range and variety of musical styles combine to offer you an unparalleled selection of great music for your wedding, party, graduation, convention, ball, or any occasion, be it large or small. Discover how we can make your event memorable and fun. Let our music inspire your imagination!
Golden Gate Strings
Performance, price and professionalism: three things to look for when choosing live music for your event. We are proud of the new Golden Gate Music and the superior musicians we work with. Performance, price and professionalism: three things to look for when choosing live music for your event. Su Buchignani Music has joined forces with Golden Gate Ensembles to create the finest source of live music in Northern California. We personally take full responsibility for your event's music, from your first inquiry to the last note we play. And we're always available. Clients receive our personal telephone number and we're ready to help in any way to make each event perfect. With all the stress in event planning these days, it's Golden Gate Music's goal to make selection of music and musicians the most pleasant and stress-free part of the experience. Our musicians have been delighting Northern California clients for over a quarter of a century. They create ensembles that are without question some of the finest in the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, Carmel and beyond. Elegant classical string quartets, trios, duos, soloists and large ensembles, jazz combos, cabaret performers, Latin and tango specialists, the best strolling violins in the West - you are limited only by your imagination. At Golden Gate Music we have an exclusive roster of some of the finest performers in Northern California. Check out Ensemble Bizou or the fiery string quartet, Fievre. Golden Gate Music is also pleased to present the truly unique and exciting Golden Gate Strings. Whether performing a formal classical concert or burning it up with R&B and Funk, this larger string ensemble is like no other. Every reason to celebrate can be even more special with the right music. Live music can be remarkably affordable. There are no hidden costs with Golden Gate Music. Perhaps a string quartet or even a trio is way over your entertainment budget.'The Two of Us' is just the answer. T his exceptional string duo is equally experienced in classical and popular music, and possibly the best strolling violinists in Northern California.
Starlite Strings
Whether you dream of a picturesque formation of violins cascading down a grand staircase for cocktail reception and dinner, or the romantic charm of violins serenading guests at a garden wedding, we have the experience and resources to tailor a unique musical experience as you envision it. Let Starlite Strings fulfill your dream of featuring beautiful music for your corporate party or other special celebration. Offering a wide selection of versatile ensembles from which to choose, Starlite Strings will assist you in making the right choice to complement the elegance and ambiance of your event. To ensure the ultimate success of your event, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality professional musical services available. Our musicians have performed together in our ensembles for many years, and are among the San Francisco Bay Area's finest performing artists. Starlite Strings provides classical instrumental soloists, duos, trios and quartets, and a chamber orchestra. After a fabulous dinner, why not shift the mood to light, danceable, acoustic music, for a fitting touch to the end of a perfect evening? Swing, waltzes and popular ballads are performed in classic San Francisco style by our Strolling Violin ensembles or our Continental Combos with violins.If you want to create a relaxed contemporary atmosphere in which your guests can visit without competition from a band, we recommend changing the pace with the light background jazz sounds of the Davis Ramey Trio or Carl Vast's "The BBC Jazz Trio".
Synchronicity Strings
SYNCHRONICITY is an ensemble of professional, experienced musicians available for performances of exceptional quality throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of SYNCHRONICITY have extensive experience as professional solo, chamber and orchestral musicians. SYNCHRONICITY musicians are the best & finest string players in Northern California. SYNCHRONICITY is available to perform as a string quartet, trio, duo, solo violin, viola or cello. You choose the ensemble that best suits the needs of your wedding. Our extensive repertoire allows us to create the musical atmosphere that perfectly suits your event. Generally we perform acoustic, without amplification. However, using our discreet clip on microphones and PA system SYNCHRONICITY can cope with large venues, or outdoor performances. The microphones offer superb sound quality and are visually very discreet with no untidy microphone stands. We carefully adjust the volume to suit the venue and occasion.
DJ's
JJ Smith
JJ has intimate knowledge of all types of celebrations. With a diverse clientele from all parts of the globe and from many walks of life, his time in the private party business has been well-rounded. JJ brings a true touch of class to any wedding, with a depth of experience that few can match. A fun, easy-going personality and a very professional attitude bring a unique feel to any event. Call us today to book JJ Smith at your wedding!
Joseph Adato
Joseph Adato has been a DJ/MC since the mid-1990's in the Bay Area. As a musician and music-lover, Joseph has an incredible knowledge of classic and contemporary hits. He is a warm and wonderful person as well, and his people skills and dedication to perfection make him a terrific choice for your wedding. In addition to being a DJ/MC, Joseph also works in the JNP office as our DJ manager. He has planned and managed over 2,000 events in his career, and his expertise in matching the right DJ for the right job makes him an invaluable asset to Joel Nelson Productions.
Kidd Karter
With a Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia and a wealth of experience in DJ'ing all types of events, Kidd Karter is the consummate professional. His love of all types of music and an innate ability to read a crowd make Kidd Karter a highly sought-after MC from Monterey to Napa and beyond. He has the experience and knowledge to provide outstanding entertainment for any occasion as well as produce a wide range of mulitmedia production.
Matt Marks
Personality, high energy, and experience define Matt Marks as a Master Party Host. Matt is the Master of his craft- Creating dream events! His experience and attention to detail is apparent in all his parties. Here is Matt taking care of details: Excitement in the air; the dance floor is full; the house is rockin'; Matt Marks is in control. The party you want is in his hands!
Miguel Guidos
DJ Miguel is a high-energy interactive Wedding DJ - Entertainer - Percussionist. He has a troupe of Dancers available with stadium style Rockin’ Hip Poppin’ Motivating Music. Miguel brings Vegas style showmanship to your event, and his reputation as a non-stop party machine make him one of the most popular DJ/Emcees in California. DJ Miguel can bring the fun to your wedding celebration call us today to inquire about his availability.
Rick McMahon
DJ Rick has been entertaining at Weddings for over 20 years in the Bay Area. His charm, knowledge of music, and eagerness to play requests make him a JNP favorite. Rick has an incredible feel for every party, and he is in high demand for weddings year-round. Call us today to book Rick McMahon.
Rick Williams
DJ Rick Williams is a Musician's DJ. He is an accomplished drummer as well as a 15-year DJ/Emcee, and he brings a fantastic repertoire of tunes to any Wedding. "I love DJ'ing weddings. I know how sacred and special these occasions are, and I honor them accordingly. At the same time, it is a celebration! I think I am as good as I can be at getting my guests to have a great time, dance, and just let their hair down." Call us today to book Rick Williams at (800) 578-5780.
Roy Stone
My name is DJ Roy Stone and I am not your ordinary disc jockey. I am a sound sculptor, and I select the perfect music for your special occasion. I have been a professional master of ceremonies and disc jockey for more than twenty years. I enjoy providing great music and song selections and will offer the perfect tune at the perfect moment. I carry a complete music library on compact disc to every event with more that 90,000 songs. The music includes, classic soul, rock and roll, rhythm & blues, country, oldies, motown, latin, disco, eighties, nineties, hip-hop, and whatever else your heart desires. I am a music historian and an avid concert-goer. One great way to gauge a good performance is to leave your audience wanting more. I am considered the man when it come to ensuring a great time with my musical abilities and proven talent to rock any event from dusk to dawn. If you're wanting to have a great event, then book DJ Roy Stone for your entertainment needs.
Steve Teiger
DJ Steve Tieger has been involved in the planning, serving, and coordinating of over 1700 events. Steve's experience as a DJ enables him to plan music for every occasion, serve as a master of ceremonies to draw your guests into an entertaining function and work with you to make your wedding a memorable celebration. Steve can also incorporate interactive wedding games as well as a complete karaoke set-up. He is the perfect DJ/Emcee for a large wedding, and his reputation in the Bay Area community is beyond reproach.
Ensembles
Duos
Joel Nelson Productions provides duos with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Jazz/Easy Listening, Variety, and Classical duos. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Quartets
Joel Nelson Productions provides quartets with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Jazz/Easy Listening, Variety, and Classical quartets. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Quintets
Joel Nelson Productions provides quintets with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Classical, Novelty/Ethnic, Jazz/Easy Listening, and Variety quintets. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Trios
Joel Nelson Productions provides trios with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Classical, Novelty/Ethnic, Jazz/Easy Listening, and Variety trios. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Variety Headliner Ensembles
Joel Nelson Productions books many headliner musical ensembles. Many of these bands set their own pricing, so call (800) 578-5780 for a quote! Bands include: Just Right - Keyboards, Guitar, Drums, and Sax; Magic - Keyboards, Guitar, Drums, Sax, and Trumpet; Metro - Keyboards, Guitar, Drums, and Sax; Replay - Keyboards, Guitar Drums, Bass, Vocalist; Spice - Keyboards, Guitar, Drums, Sax, Vocalist.
Jazz
Anton Jazz
Jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz has been drawing listeners in with the power, spirit and subtle complexity of his music since he bounded onto the San Francisco jazz scene in 1995. At 27, Anton was answering the call of his long-standing passion for jazz, stepping away from the high-level research in Artificial Intelligence he'd carried out at Harvard and Stanford. Quite a career change. Once in action as a musician, Anton quickly gained an enthusiastic following as music fans responded to what the San Francisco Chronicle recently called his "warm, generous tone, impeccably developed solos and infectious performance energy." "What I require for music to really captivate me," Anton says, "is groove and intellect working in tandem. Music that gets into your bones, into your head and into your heart. I want to create music that conveys something intriguing-through the rhythm, the structure, the interplay of melody and harmony--and distill that down into something clear and beautiful." A well-rounded professional, Anton is also in great demand as a teacher. He's a faculty member of the Stanford Jazz Workshop and The Jazzschool, where he has designed courses ranging from "The Physics of Musical Sound" to "Improvising Eighth Note Lines." He is also a clinician at the Brubeck Institute.
Atmos Trio
The members of the Atmos Trio are all extremely well-rounded musicians. Having been hiring their services out to other musical projects in every conceivable musical styles for years, it wasn't until 2004 that the Trio decided to pursue their own muse. Combining singable melodies usually associated with "pop" music, unexpected harmonic and tonal shifts of moderns jazz and World textures, the Atmos Trio is busy carving a unique niche for themselves. Mix these elements with stunning solo and ensemble improvisations and the Trio will take you on a musical journey not soon forgotten.
Ben Marcato
Ben Marcato was born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio. Before relocating to the Bay Area in 1993 to embark on his recording and performing career, Ben earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Guitar from The College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Describing himself as a “natural” singer, the self-taught vocalist draws inspiration from personal favorites like Louis Armstrong, Nat “King” Cole, Ray Charles, James Brown as well as Sinatra and Chet Baker. Ben’s touring and recording band, known as “Ben Marcato and his Mondo Combo” have performed at virtually every noteworthy live venue in the Bay Area, including The Fillmore, The Plush Room, Slim’s, Bimbo’s, Rancho Nicasio, The Top of the Mark, Red Devil Lounge, Café du Nord and Bruno’s to name a few. The late, great leader of The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, hand-picked “Ben Marcato and his Mondo Combo” exclusively, to perform at his 1994 Valentine’s Day wedding reception at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. Ben Marcato recently completed his fifth CD “Imagination”, a collection of jazz standards emphasizing his smooth, evocative interpretations of timeless tunes such as “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “Embraceable You” and “The Way You Look Tonight”. New York’s jazz maestro Cedar Walton played piano and wrote the impeccable musical arrangements for big band and string orchestra that complement the set of classic American songs. The recording is being marketed to jazz labels such as Blue Note, Impulse and Savoy. New projects for Ben include an all-original album of songs written in the style of west coast cool Jazz and bossa nova, entitled “Naturally”. In addition, Ben and his six-piece band return to the studio to begin the work on a new CD of “old school funk and soul” originals featuring the title track “21st Century Fox”.
Bruno Pelletier Bacquaert
I studied guitar and Jazz Composition at the University of Miami, FL with Randall Dollahon & Ron Miller. I also studied with John Hart, Dave Creamer, Barry Harris & film-scoring with Laurent Petitgirard. Moved to San Francisco in 1987 where I now work as a free-lance guitarist, bandleader and educator-- with performances at the world-renowned Jazz club Yoshi's with my own Quartet, at the SF Museum of Modern Art, at local Jazz Festivals, and at the Mill Valley International Film Festival. I have played with Buddy Collette, Sonny Simmons, Norah Jones, Bruce Dunlap, Trevor Dunn ("Mr. Bungle", "Fantomas", John Zorn), Reid Anderson ("The Bad Plus"), Jenny Scheinman, Ben Monder, Steve Cardenas, Kenny Wollesen (Bill Frisell), Phillip Greenlief, J. Granelli, Adam Levy (Tracy Chapman, Joey Baron, Norah Jones), percussionist Mingo Lewis (from "Santana"), African World Beat group "Zekele Sounds", and the"Broun Fellinis".
Carla Helmbrecht
Vocalist Carla Helmbrecht has been cultivating her craft since the age of 8 when she began taking piano lessons and singing. A native of Wisconsin, Carla was raised in a evenings making music. At age 13, she began singing professionally, as she continued piano studies. Her early influences include traditional jazz greates such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Julie London, Count Basie, and Dave Brubeck. Later influences include Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Cleo Lane, and Miles Davis. Carla later continued her jazz studies in West Texas, singing with the Texas Tech University Jazz ensemble under the direction of Alan Shinn. While playing and touring with the university band, she had the opportunity to perform with and open for jazz notables such as Tuck and Patti, the Yellowjackets, Louie Bellson and Tony Campise. Carla was featured on the Texas Tech University Jazz Ensemble’s CD “Seein‘ The Light Hearin’ the Hub-Tones” (1997). In July of 1994, Heart Music announced the release of Helmbrecht’s debut “One For My Baby” which showcases a collection of traditional jazz standards (and some not-so traditional). She is joined by a host of world-class musicians from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas areas such as Clay Jenkins (trumpet - Kenton, Basie, Buddy Rich), Kim Richmond (alto sax, clarinet - Richmond Big Band, Natalie Cole) Chris Seiter (trombone - Bob Mintzer, Brecker Brothers) and Frank Mantooth (piano and arranger (Grammy nominee, writer). With tasteful and sometimes surprising arrangements, “One For My Baby” offers the listener a distinct flavor of an era passed, with a unique timely and sensual twist.
Deuce
DEUCE is a 5-7 piece electric Soul-Jazz ensemble led by horn players Jean Fineberg and Ellen Seeling. As freelance musicians, Fineberg & Seeling toured and recorded with David Bowie, Patti Labelle, Laura Nyro, Chic, Luther Vandross, Phoebe Snow, and recorded the famous "We Are Family" with Sister Sledge. DEUCE has released two CDs of original material, both receiving international airplay. DEUCE presents a high-energy driving show which includes original material and standard funk tunes reinterpreted in a contemporary style. All the players are aggressive soloists. DEUCE is available for your wedding and presents a wide variety of original interprations of standards and modern classics.
Laurent Fourgo Jazz Ensemble
Laurent Fourgo & His Ensemble is comprised of seasoned musicians with 15 to 30 years of experience: vocals, piano, upright bass, electric bass, drums, guitar, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, violin and accordion. BORN IN PARIS, FRANCE, Laurent Fourgo grew up in the southwest suburb of Paris and began studying the saxophone when he was eight years old. By the time he was 12, he switched to oboe and played in the local classical orchestra. At 16, he had decided that singing would be his main instrument. Laurent started his first band while in the army, playing at various local city fairs and also at a black tie event attended by all the Air Force officers to celebrate the change of commander that occurs every 2 years. After his military duties, Laurent put his desire to perform professionally aside and pursued a Masters in Business in the southwest of France. While in school, he studied with renowned French vocal coach Christiane Depero and after graduating he recognized that music was indeed his true passion.America would be his destination. “Since age 10, I knew I wanted to live in the US: the desire possibly inspired by movies and music I was exposed to during my childhood”. Laurent landed in San Francisco, put his band together and began performing at various weddings, clubs, and private parties.
Le Hot Jazz
Le Jazz Hot is the new quartet of the Hot Club of San Francisco, still continuing our tradition of fine French Gypsy Swing played on Stringed Instruments. They can be a quartet of two guitars, bass, and violin, or a trio of two guitars and bass.
Liberty Street Jazz Band
Born in England, Liberty Street Jazz Band leader Richard Hall is a graduate from the University of Nottingham where he subsidized his higher education grants with jazz dates at the local clubs such as the notorious Down's Brasserie. As a London-based professional he was involved in various jazz & rock ensembles, a publishing contract with Warner Bros. and a multitude of engagements including appearances at The Ritz, The Savoy, Covent Garden and, before coming to America, a two year run at The Hotel Russell. From 1988 to 1990 he held a lecturing post at Chichester College where he taught jazz theory and improvisation to Performing Arts students. Arriving in San Francisco in January 1991 Richard's career continued with nightly contracts at the renowned Fisherman's Wharf restaurant A. Sabella's then at Club 36 on Union Square. Weekly engagements have included the jazz clubs Storyville, Harry Denton's, The Black Cat, Moonshine and The Plumed Horse. Appearing with various Bay Area Jazz, Latin, and Blues ensembles he has performed at most of the live music venues in the Bay Area including The Fillmore Auditorium, The Great American Music Hall, The Masonic Auditorium (with Tony Bennett), Slim's and The Mystic Theater; in 1999 he participated in the "Blue Journey" lecture/performance series presenting the history of the blues in Universities across California; and in 2001 his trio performed on stage with Ballet California at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts presenting original choreography with his original musical compositions. In September 2004 he performed at the Russian River Jazz Festival opening for Chaka Khan, and in 2005/6 was Musical Director, Pianist and Conductor for both the "Dirty Little Secret" show (60 performances) and the Rat Pack "Tribute" show (250 performances). In July 2007 he opened the Berkeley Jazz festival at the Greek Theater. Richard is extremely capable in all styles of jazz. He has great ability to adapt to circumstances; from subtle ambient music to high profile stage show, from New Orleans to New York, he'll always selects the optimum energy level and style.With impeccable professionalism, punctuality and presentation he is dedicated to surpassing his audiences' expectations, whether as a soloist or in ensemble.
Magnolia Jazz Band
In January 1975, a local nightclub owner heard Robbie at an after-hours jam session, and hired him to lead a jazz band to entertain his customers. Robbie called five friends from the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society and organized the original Magnolia Jazz Band. The job lasted six weeks, every Friday and Saturday night. Through the mid '70s, we continued playing, often expanding to nine musicians, and performed at dances, parties, and concerts. I n the late '70s and early '80s, we specialized in the New Orleans revival style, popularized by the Bunk Johnson, George Lewis, and Preservation Hall Jazz Bands. The sextet made seven recordings, toured through the midwest and the east coast, and performed at many jazz festivals throughout the country. Now, in the 21st century, the band is going stronger than ever. Since the late '70s, the trio (clarinet, guitar, and bass) has been working nearly every day. Our clients get swinging entertainment for corporate events, private parties, and wedding receptions at the best local hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. The band knows how to be flexible -- often adding trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, drums, banjo, or tuba, to provide the right size combo for every occasion. Selecting music from a wide repertoire, we play the popular standards, Latin favorites, and hot jazz classics from the '20s, '30s, '40s and '50s. The Magnolia Jazz Band specializes in entertaining people. Because we help make each event successful, our clients keep calling us for more. Although most of our engagements are private parties, we regularly bring a swinging mood to public events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mike Slack's New Orleans Jazz
Mike Slack's New Orleans Jazz Band is an exciting smaller group spun off from the San Francisco Feetwarmers and featuring Bob Embry or Jim Rothermel on clarinet, Mike Slack on cornet, Bill DeKuiper on guitar, and Tom Clark on string bass. The musical sparks really fly between Mike Slack and the group these guys put the hot in "hot" music. They deliver exciting swinging numbers like Sidney Bechet's "Coal Black Shine," exquisite gems like Willie the Lion Smith's "Echo of Spring," Darby singing "Until the Real Thing Comes Along," "St. Louis Blues," "Mack the Knife" and more. They had a long resdency at the Baltic Square Pub, 135 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA. This venue has reopened as the Royal Oak Pub and the band is back on the second Thursday of the month. A top drawer popular band, ideal for parties, small functions and fund raisers anywhwere in the Bay Area.
Octobop
Cool jazz. Images of the early days on the West Coast when new ideas, harmonies, ensemble playing and great improvisation were all happening. Recreating and updating that experience is the mission of Octobop. Performing and promoting the music that began with The Birth of the Cool - and the innovations of Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Shorty Rogers, Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Dave Pell, Jimmy Guiffre, and Howard Rumsey among others - Octobop makes cool jazz hot again.
Rob Hart Trio
The Rob Hart Trio is an exciting blend of organic traditional jazz, fusion, funk, latin and textural experimental music, along with high-powered, on-the-edge improvisations. Established in the early 1990's the Trio has gone through a series of different incarnations of instrumentation and evolutions, taking the trio through pathways of musical adventures. San Francisco Bay Area native and Berklee College of Music graduate Rob Hart is a consummate musician, teaching and performing regularly with the Rob Hart Trio in Bay Area venues. Rob has also performed/recorded with renowned bassist Kai Eckhardt (John McLaughlin),The Isley Brothers, Antilles recording artist Dave Mann, CC Deville (Poison), and Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani/Steve Vai) among others, and has been featured as an opener for legendary jazz saxophonist Bennie Maupin and seminal jazz fusion pioneers Spyro Gyra. Rob has studied with Steve Smith, Mike Clark, Gary Chaffee, and the late Tony Williams. He established the Rob Hart Drum Studio in 1985. Some of his successful students have gone on to join renowned touring bands and award-winning ensembles. Rob is an active clinician and continues to conduct various rhythm section workshops in the San Francisco Bay area.
Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
Drawing inspiration from the great bands, performers and composers of the "Jazz Age" and "Swing Era," Don Neely and the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra affectionately and authentically recapture the excitement and fascination of that musical heyday. Guided by their affinity for the superb music of innovators such as Fletcher Henderson, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, Bix Biederbecke, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and songwriters like Harry Warren, Fats Waller, George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, and Walter Donaldson, the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra has captivated audiences all across the country. When the saxophones and brass sound their first rousing phrases, the audience will know they are in for a rare experience. Projecting the original and exhilarating spirit of the music, they deliver each song, from high-flying barn burners, bitter sweet love ballads and earthy blues to whimsical novelties, in a fresh and dynamic style all their own. With propulsive rhythms and inventive harmonies, their sound captures audiences in its spell and tranports them to the "Jazz Age," setting their minds and feet to dancing. A concert journey with the RSJO covers a grand panorama of classic American music, from red-hot, Harlem nightclub revues and saucy Vaudeville shows to the Broadway extravaganzas of Florenz Ziegfeld and celluloid fantasies of Busby Berkeley. The artistically fertile time known as the "Art Deco" era, gave birth to some of the most stylish and intriguing music ever created. The RSJO presents a stirring array of selections drawn from this musical cornicopia-from the most celebrated and enduring songs to newly rediscovered gems. Experiencing a performance by the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra is a wonderful tonic, alive with fun, and guaranteed to lift the spirits. The orchestra was voted #1 Favorite Big Band in the Jazzology Poll, and was voted most popular Big Band in the American Rag music poll. The RSJO's popularity and authenticity inspire many large-scale Art Deco-era-themed events in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
String of Pearls
STRING OF PEARLS is a female vocal trio that performs modern vocal jazz and vintage "girl group" music with swing, style, and musical excellence. Susan Halloran, Jeanne O'Connor, and Holli Ross bring a fresh sound and a new face to vocal harmony music from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. The trio breathes new life into the great music of groups like the Boswell Sisters, Andrews Sisters, Mills Brothers, Count Basie, and Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross.. Meanwhile, String of Pearls performs a wide variety of original arrangements that draw on the traditions of bebop, Brazilian music, and American pop. STRING OF PEARLS began in the mid-1980s, when a musical director brought these talented ladies together for a special show of nostalgia material. The singers decided to stay together and expand their repertoire of jazz, cabaret and pop material. String of Pearls began appearing at clubs, cabarets, and concert halls throughout the metropolitan area and beyond. Since then, this exceptional group has appeared in the JVC Jazz Festival, at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, Town Hall, the Latin Quarter, The Manhattan Center, The Battleship Intrepid and The Kennedy Center.
Soloists
Alejandro Jauregui
Alejandro Jauregui is wonderful solo pianist with a flair for the moment and an elegant repertoire of perfect mood music. Alejandro has been providing piano music at cocktail hours for many years in the Bay Area. He is also a wonderful bandleader and on-stage personality. Alejandro also sings in Spanish, making him a perfect performer for you Latin-flavored event!
Angelica Hayden
Angelica Hayden is a professional pianist, singer/songwriter with a full band available. She performs solo piano, solo piano and vocals or with full band. She is known for singing the international main title theme to NBC's hit TV show "Providence". “Providence” airs in over 60 countries worldwide for the past five years. Angelica performs top-40, contemporary, jazz standards, classical and country music as well as her originals (upon request). Buy the "Providence" DVD at Best Buy.
Anna Kristina
Anna Kristina is a California native. Inspired by her artistic mother and bass playing father, Anna has been surrounded by and magnetically attracted to music all her life. She had a collection of nursery rhymes under her belt before she mastered the whole “two legged walking” thing. The epiphany that singing was her calling was said to be at age 5. Her parents had an urge to introduce her to that magical little instrument known as the microphone. They decided to let her sing “Hush Little Baby” with her father's jazz band during a jam session at the house. When she finished the song and the applause exploded, her awestruck eyes and truly euphoric face swayed them to let her sing the song a second time. After the 5th “Hush Little Baby” in a row, they realized that this had become a “situation”. Upon assessing the dilemma, they were left with only one choice. Combining the focused efforts of her mom, dad and a team of adults, they pried her desperate little clutching hands from the microphone and painstakingly dragged her kicking and screaming down the hallway into her room as she repeatedly bellowed “Just one more time! Just one more time!” Legend has it that, other than this historical event, Anna was generally pretty cool at social functions.
Anna Marie Mendieta
Anna Maria Mendieta, harpist, enjoys a busy career as a soloist, orchestral musician, recording artist and teacher. In recognition of her Spanish heritage, she has been invited to perform for the King and Queen of Spain and for concerts for National Hispanic Week in Washington, D.C. In a career that has earned her prestigious awards and performances with top name recording artists, Ms. Mendieta has also been invited to perform for dignitaries and heads of state. Ms. Mendieta has appeared on television, in motion pictures and featured on national radio.
Bagpiper Jeff
I have 30+ years of piping experience and always perform in full highland dress, Campbell tartan of course. I stay very active playing between 6 to 10 engagements a month. I've played with six time Grammy winners The Chieftains. I've performed for the Mayor of San Francisco and opened for Mark Victor Hanson, a nationally known speaker and author of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Recipient of the "Best Legs" award, Fourth of July Parade, Orinda. I was also part of a group that played for the Queen of England when she came to San Francisco. I played on Evening Magazine, Live 105 radio station for the Alex Bennet show, a TV commercial for Tennent's Scottish beer, Channel 11 KNTV morning news, and Raiders playoff half time show. I studied under World Champion Pipe Major Donald Shaw Ramsay, B.E.M. I have played with the San Francisco Irish, Alameda Sheriffs, Dunvegan, Seattle Clansmen and Diablo Highlanders pipe bands. If interested, I also have a drummer, Scottish highland dancers and Irish step dancers that I can bring to supplement my act.
Ben Flint
Evocative, thoughtful, and intelligent are only a few words to describe Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Clinician Ben Flint. Growing up near Memphis, Tennessee, he became excited by Jazz, Blues, and Gospel Music. While still attending high school, Ben began performing professionally all over the Memphis Area. Upon graduation, he attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music on full scholarship. At Berklee, he had the pleasure of playing with Greg Osby, Terri Lynn Carrington, and Delfayo Marsalis. By his second year in college, Ben was featured on the Lomo Records release, "No Strings Attached". Subsequently, this opened the door for him to perform on two more records on Lomo: "Joseph's Path", and "Bakatak". After completing his degree at Berklee College of Music, he returned to the South to resume his music career. Ben began conducting music productions and teaching at the University of Memphis. While in Memphis, he landed a keyboardist position with Isaac Hayes. Working with Isaac afforded Ben the opportunity to travel to Australia, Europe, The Middle East, and all over the United States. Ben has also appeared with Mr. Hayes on television shows that have aired on HBO, VH1, and Comedy Central. He has also performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, as well as the Montreal and Brazil's Free Jazz festivals.
Benett Zussman
Weddings and other special events can be some of the most important and memorable days of a person’s life. Music can contribute to your special day or event in ways that help set the ‘tone’, express love and emotion, or provide a backdrop for romanticism. I have had the good fortune to share my talent and love for music on many occasions with many couples and families. And, I believe, helped make their special days even more memorable. I have also arranged for and played with many different combinations of ensemble musicians for special events. If you would like to have an ensemble play at your special event... anything is possible! From cocktail hours, to receptions to ceremonies... the options are only limited by your imagination. Guitar, flute, voice, mandolin, saxophone, percussion. Just ask!
Bob Moffitt
Book a solo act to a five piece band with a variety of music styles for a diversity of venAccording to the Miami Sentinel, "...when you listen to Bob Moffitt accompany himself on keyboard and guitar as he sings his versions of James Taylor and Bob Seeger songs, you know something unusual is happening. Moffitt manages to keep his audience so riveted that no one's gaze wavers when he plays a short Bach piece among his mellow rock and pop numbers. In fact, the crowd - dressed in shorts, T-shirts and sneakers - loudly applauds the entertainer's classical selection. Some even cheer vociferously. No, he hasn't loaded the tables with family and close friends. The guy really is good." ues and weddings.
Chaz Gunter
Chaz & Co. is a modern day One Man Band DJ.& Soloist-with state of the art high-tech equipment that performs all styles of music from classical & new age, to contemporary, swing, smooth jazz, 50's and oldies, rock, country, r&b, reggae, Caribbean calypso, latin & salsa, blues, 20's to 2007, hip hop and dance tunes on sax, flute, guitar, keyboard, and vocals. Dance to the great classics if Frank Sinatra like "Fly me to the Moon" and "The way you look Tonight" from Elvis to the Fifties & Sixties songs like "Jail house Rock" Runaround Sue" and Rock around the Clock" the night wouldn't be complete without Motown "Respect Signed Sealed Delivered "My Girl "and the Jackson Five " don't forget those great hits of the Seventies "September "I will Survive" and Last Dance" cap off your event with the classics of the Eighties and Nineties " Lady Marmalade" Love Shack" Express Yourself "and 2007 hit Smooth ! Yes even Country Hits from Patsy Cline to Mr. Tim Mc Graw" & Rascal Flatts, all your guess young and old well have so much fun dancing to the sounds of every decade that puts them in the mood to celebrate.
Dale Mills
Dale Mills has spent over 45 years blowin’ his horn, but by industry standards he can't "toot" his own horn, because he is too self-effacing but don’t let that fool you! The conclusion is this guy is a skilled professional whether you watch him perform with the Internationally renowned Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra, with one of the many and diverse local bands he plays with, or observe him teaching one of his students.
Dan Levitan
Dan Levitan is Principal Harpist of three professional orchestras: Marin Symphony (since 1984), Symphony Silicon Valley (since its founding) and Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley. In addition to having performed with San Jose Symphony as Principal Harpist from 1978 until its closure in 2002, he has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet orchestras, and is sought after as a soloist with orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles throughout Northern California. Mr. Levitan's concerto performances by Bach (Johann Christian), Boieldieu, Debussy, Ginastera, Gliere, Mozart, Ravel, Reinecke, and Saint Saens with orchestras throughout the San Francisco Bay Area have been highly praised by local critics, who write of his 'impeccable virtuosity" (San Jose Metro), "virtual perfection"(Marin Independent Journal) and "precision and élan" (Mercury News). Internationally, Mr. Levitan was invited to perform two works for harp and string quartet at the Seventh World Harp Congress in Prague, Czech Republic, and was a semi-finalist in the prestigious 10th International Harp Competition in Israel.
Dan Nieckarz
A veteran Bay Area guitarist, Dan draws from more than twenty years of study and experience to deliver an exceptionally high level of professionalism and musical quality. Dedication to the art of jazz is evident in every performance. His warm, quiet-yet-intense style is a true reflection of his personality, a unique expression of jazz as he experiences it. Whatever the venue may be, whether performing solo or with other musicians, Dan always cultivates the balance so essential in the best of jazz music: spontaneous expression with sensitivity to surroundings. Musical Services: Dan performs in a variety of formats including solo guitar and various duo/trio/combo configurations. In addition to his work as a leader and soloist, Dan performs frequently as a sideman with vocalists and other musicians. Experience Includes: Five years at Garden City with house guitar trio Strings Attached. Performances at San Jose Jazz Festival and Stern Grove Gospel Music Festival. Accompanist for De Anza Jazz Singers, Modern Voice, Brazilian singer Claudia Villela and other top Bay Area vocalists. Worked with several Bay Area big bands and jazz-rock fusion bands. Numerous engagements as a soloist, and with various jazz groups.
Dave Evison
The great songs, the great singers - that's music to me! Cole Porter, Gershwin, Mancini - those were the guys who knew what a melody and lyrics were all about. Throw in Sinatra, Ellington or Tony Bennett to embody that beautiful musical feeling known as "swing". Some of us were born to be keepers of that flame. I usually sing at the piano while playing bass-lines on a small added keyboard with my left hand. Piano and vocals or just solo piano - it works either way for me. First-cabin is a piano/vocal set-up with string bass and a drummer - the trio sound. My slogan "From Nat to Bing-with lots of swing" originally derives from my own renditions of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting)" and "White Christmas". Kind of makes me feel like a "legend in my own mind" when I play them. Whether it be romantic ballads, jazzy swing tunes or mellow Brazillian bossa-nova, I always try to enjoy myself and do look forward to sharing my music with you.
David O'Connor
David has been sharing his talent for more than 40 years in a wide variety of musical situations. Although David's home base has been the Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz, California area since his early twenties, his past experience has found him on tour both nationally and abroad with such notables as The Lettermen and Leonard Cohen. David's music career began in Malaga, Spain where he studied Flamenco and classical guitar with a professor from the Conservatory of Music. Dave's eclectic history blends every style, from jazz, classical, pop and blues to Latin and the salsa big band sound. David continues to perform with groups in various combinations but puts great focus as well on his solo work. His current CD is a collection of acoustic solo material featuring original compositions suitable for weddings, dinner background and private parties, along with classic standards with a keyboard and drum trio.
Emma Jean Foster
Emma Jean Foster, vocalist, actress, producer, arranger and teacher, has dedicated much of the last decade of her artistic life to the research, teaching and performance of great African American traditional hymns, spirituals and gospel songs. Within the past ten years, Ms. Foster has recorded and produced three albums and a gospel dvd. With a voice that critics worldwide have compared to those of Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin, Foster weaves myriad musical threads and cultural traditions into a stunning single fabric. The musical magic of Emma Jean's voice has reached millions. Her virtuosity, talent, elegance of delivery and grace touch all that hear her. Whether performing the National Anthem at major sports events, singing at Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Jazz Festival or for a Presidential breakfast, this incredible coloratura soprano has developed a natural, unforced style that is an ever unfolding, growing testament to the power of a great voice to elicit and unlock the emotional potential of the music for the audience.
Eric Bolvin
Eric is available to play solo at your corporate event. Eric’s solo performance provides the perfect atmosphere for your event, whether it’s a concert environment or background, and is quite reasonably priced. His partial resume: 1982-present Leader and Originator of The Eric Bolvin Group and Eric Bolvin's Quorum San Francisco Bay Area, Recorded three album projects, Performed at many jazz venues, Performed at the San Jose Jazz Festival and the Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival 1975-present Performer San Francisco Bay Are, Performed many styles of music, including jazz, classical, rock, Latin, Asian, country- western in concert and club settings throughout the west coast. Portland Blues Festival 1996, Briefcase Blues Band, MGM Grand, High Sierra, Reno Hilton 1987-1988, San Jose Civic Light Opera 1983-1984, Worked as a freelance musician for many bands, agents and contractors in Northern California.
Glenn Staller
Glenn began his musical studies at the age of 14. His guitar experience developed to explore many styles. Through his desire, persistence, and discipline, Glenn expanded his knowledge independently. Although initially self-taught, Glenn was accepted into studies with masters in the following studies: Classical, Flamenco, and jazz guitar along with classical piano, harmony, and theory. Glenn credits his knowledge and command of the guitar to such outstanding mentors and instructors such as Rey de La Torre, Dusan Bogdanovic, Julian White, Bill Tapia, & Chuscales, etc. Displaying extreme diversity in the ability to present a vast variety of musical styles, he has appeared in equally diverse performance venues including numerous wineries, vineyards, and resorts in the Napa Valley. In addition to offering concerts and performing for weddings, private parties, festivals, states and local fairs, Glenn offers lectures for schools and universities.
Jeff Lewis
Jeff Lewis is a San Francisco area based freelance trumpet player, international clinician, and educator. He reveived his B.A. in jazz performance from San Jose University and has studied with Claude Gordon, Dave Burkhart, and Mark Inouye. Jeff has performed domestically, toured world-wide and/or recorded with many legendary artists including Ray Charles, B.B. King, Boz Scaggs, and The Four Tops.
John Lee Sanders
For the 1st 25 years of his life, John was raised in the Louisiana Mississippi delta, immersed in the wealth of Jazz, blues and Gospel music that became the DNA Of North American pop music for the next 50 years. His musical family includes a cousin who recorded with WC Handy in Memphis. His childhood encounters with the likes of Elvis Presley and Dr. Martin Luther King are part of the landscape that influenced this gifted piano, sax & vocal performer and composer. At 12 years old, John Lee was billed as "Birmingham's answer to Little Stevie Wonder" and opened for many R&B legends. John Lee has performed at Festivals all over Europe and North America, He is one-of-a-kind, and his breadth in musical genre rivals his mastery of instruments and disciplines in the field. He can sit in front of a piano and transport you from a smoky New Orleans Cajun bar to a blues club in Chicago to an uptown Jazz club in Manhattan. Since the 70's, John Lee's musical resume is like a history lesson of American Pop, Jazz and R&B, recording /performing with legends such as Willie Nelson, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Witherspoon, Freddie King, Dr. John, David “Fathead” Newman, The Meters, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Tower of Power, Sam Moore, Mary Wells & Stevie Wonder.
Joseph Magdalena
Joseph Magdalena is an accomplished pianist, trumpeter, violinist, and vocalist. Joseph is a phenomenal talent and is a wonderful personality for your wedding. He has been entertaining in the Bay Area for 27 years, and he is also the leader, composer, and piano player for Joe Mag and the Kool Kats.
Josh Friedman
Josh Friedman started playing guitar at 14, received a B.A. in Guitar Performance from UC Santa Cruz in 2000, and a Masters in Music Composition in 2003, and has taken private lessons from a long list of amazing teachers, including Ben Verdery, Marc Teicholtz, William Coulter, Scott Cmiel, and Mesut Özgen. Josh performs solo, in Santa Cruz Guitar Duo, with his progressive rock band Fractal and his new project Braeburn.
Juli Alexander
Juli fell in love with the glamour and beauty of the harp when she was 8. She started playing immediately and hasn't stopped since! Her professional career has taken her all over the world including 6 years performing on Seabourn and Royal Viking Line luxury cruise ships, The Palace Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, and several years freelancing in both Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Monterey, California. Although harp has always been associated with classical music, Juli's wide ranging repertoire includes Jazz Standards, Broadway Show Tunes, Movie Themes, New Age, Latin and Celtic music as well as Symphony Themes and Concertos. Harp stands well on its own as a solo instrument, however Juli also collaborates with flute, violin, cello, guitar, drums and piano. The visual grandeur of the harp goes a long way in creating an exotic or elegant atmosphere. It is also an amazingly versatile and portable instrument and the tone quality is really special in that it will carry all the way across the room without disturbing conversation close by. Most of all, the harp is a unique centerpiece that will amaze and delight your guests. Juli performs on both the Concert Grand pedal harp as well as the smaller Celtic folk harp. Juli's love lies in performing solo or in small ensembles where she can have the most contact with her audience. "I measure my success in the joy and wonder I see in the eyes of my audience."
Katherine Honey
Katherine's dedication over the years has led to statewide tours with "Reflections", a popular music performing ensemble, which opened shows for name entertainers. Tours also included musicals such as "The Fantastiks", "Kismet" and "Carousel". Classically, Katherine has performed with numerous orchestras in Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. She played for the ceremonies celebrating the gala opening of San Francisco's Davies Hall. Commercially Katherine has recorded for film soundtracks. San Francisco's Fairmont, Hilton and St. Francis Hotels and Los Angeles' Disneyland Hotel, Sheraton Universal and Beverly Wilshire have been routine audiences for Katherine's wide variety of genres of music, from the classical to the contemporary. Katherine has been selected to perform for three U.S. Presidents and has performed for President George Bush's wife Barbara, former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, Nobel Laureate Dr. Linus Pauling and numerous political, sports and entertainment celebrities. Katherine was employed atop Oakland's Kaiser Building at the beautiful four star Mirabeau Restaurant for over eight years, while also providing harp music at San Francisco's renowned Four Seasons Clift Hotel for Sunday Brunch. Katherine opened the elegant Fairmont Hotel, San Jose. She then performed for over 12 years at the magnificent Garden Court at San Francisco's historic Sheraton Palace Hotel for High Tea. She can currently be heard at The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco.
Kent Cohea
Kent Cohea has played with the likes of David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, B.J.Thomas, Lee Konitz and the Don Ellis Big Band. Being educated at Berklee School of Music in Boston, and learning from Joe Henderson in San Fransico, where he presently lives, has given Cohea a wide range of musical expression within the standard jazz genre.
Krista Strader
Classically trained from age four, Krista Strader brings together a high standard of performance, dedication, and passion to her art. An orchestral and solo harpist, Krista combines twenty-seven years of playing the harp with her knowledge, skill, and experience gained from over fourteen years as a full-time professional. Krista has performed for international royalty, Hollywood celebrities, government dignitaries Arnold Schwarzenegger, Colin Powell, and the family of President Nixon. She has performed with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, Sacramento Metropolitan Orchestra, All-American Boys Chorus, Napa Valley Symphony, and Lamplighters Theatre Company. Krista has been the featured harpist with the Mark Thallander Foundation, working with guest conductor John Rutter, and has enjoyed roles as Principal Harpist and concerto soloist with the William Lock Singers and Orchestra, major works including Handel's B-flat Concerto and Ravel's Introduction and Allegro. While residing in Orange County, Krista established positions as the preferred harpist with Disney Entertainment, and the recommended harpist with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Laguna Niguel. Krista graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance from Biola University, where she was awarded the Outstanding String Musician for two consecutive years. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Music in Harp Performance from San Francisco State University. Maintaining an active free-lance career in the Greater Bay Area, Krista is constantly adding to her performance schedule with upcoming concerts and private events. Her premiere recording titled "The Journey", a collection of celtic and popular melodies performed on celtic harp, is now available on Apple iTunes.
Kristal Schwartz
Kristal is a native of Santa Clara Valley who has been performing on the harp for over ten years. She’s in demand for weddings, private parties, afternoon teas, graduations, open houses, grand openings, or any special event. Clients appreciate Kristal’s attention to detail and her ability to bring out each client’s personality in her selected repertoire. Kristal enjoys those engagements where she is able to provide an extraordinary atmosphere that is conducive to conversation, companionship, and memorable moments for those in attendance. “When I was three I was first exposed to the harp while attending a party. Although it sounds funny, I knew then I was supposed to play the harp!” Kristal recalls. Her parents thought it might be a passing fancy, but Kristal’s persistence eventually brought about harp lessons and her very own harp. Although Kristal enjoys using her musical skills in many venues, she is particularly drawn to small, intimate occasions. These circumstances allow her to see the effect that her music has on her listeners as it transforms stress into tranquility – hurriedness into serenity.
Louie Moon
Louie Moon is a passionate and deft guitarist, perfect for any intimate or open setting. His articulate playing has thrilled Bay Area music aficionados for many years. Louie's words: "To me music is powerful magic, opening windows into our hearts and souls. Performing music has given me the chance to interact with people locally, and travel the world to experience the magic in other cultures. This constantly opens my eyes and ears to new ideas. Thank you supporters of live music for giving me that opportunity. I hope to see you at some of the San Francisco Bay Area venues I will be performing in soon. Please check the calendar. Feel free to drop me a line with any questions or comments."
Manolo Vargas
Manolo Vargas was born and raised in Sevilla, Spain at a time when flamenco was pure and a part of the popular culture. Manolo Vargas began his artistic career as a young child in Sevilla, Spain. When his teachers realized he had perfect pitch and could memorize a song after hearing it just once, the Jesuit priests at his school knew he had talent. They pulled him out of classes for leading roles in performances and plays. Manolo came to the United States and worked in clubs and theatres in Miami and Santa Fe where he worked with artists like Cacharito de Malaga, Paco Fonta, La Petrolio y La Salvadora. He toured the United States with companies like Jose Molina and Naranjito and in South America with Paco Del Puerto, La Tolea and La Estefania. Now Manolo is performing in California and giving private Flamenco lessons and workshops for guitarists, singers, and dancers. He continues to produce flamenco guitar Cd's and instructional videos.
Mark Holzinger
I am very lucky to have been part of a musical family, my mom was always the bombshell soprano, vocal coach, choir director and spiritual leader. She taught music in public school and at home where I grew up with the sound of music lessons nearly every day. I am told I sang in the choir at age two, I started formal training on piano and moved to guitar at age 10. It wasn't long before my father was hauling me and my gear to rehearsals in the family station wagon. My family has always been supportive of my musical endeavors... well, aside from some rough moments in high school where I wanted to do nothing but study guitar, but we've gotten way past that, and if you care to read on I will reveal some of the chapters in my musical journey. Over the years I have lived, recorded and toured out of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Nashville and Boston. I have also performed in New York City, 50 U.S. States, Paris, Amsterdam, Canada, Mexico and Jamaica. My performances have included concerts, festivals, major music venues, weddings, bars and restaurants, church, T.V., radio, music videos, musicals, LP's and CDs. Since returning to my San Francisco Bay Area roots in 1994 I have been recording and performing regularly, with venues including The Fillmore Auditorium, the Warfield Theatre, the Chronicle Pavilion, and the Masonic Auditorium. I also perform at festivals including the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Strawberry, Hog Farm, Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, Fat Fry, Two-Day Town, Earth Dance, and Kaleidoscope. In addition to performing concerts and festivals, I make a living by providing entertainment at restaurants, weddings, corporate parties and private events, along with ongoing local gigs.
Martan Mann
Has performed extensively in clubs and concerts throughout Northern California and Hawaii. Performed as jazz pianist for 25 years at The Garden City in San Jose. Performances include performing duos with George Young and Dmitri Matheny; with Martan Mann & Mannkind (contemporary jazz band); The Martan Mann Trio; and The Jazzical 6 (Dixieland Band). Martan is also a sought-after accompanist for many jazz vocalists. Current activities include: Clazzical Jazz Lecture/Performance Series; Developing a new contemporary jazz CD with the Martan Mann Trio; developing a concert tour with Martan Mann & Mannkind and the Martan Mann Trio; writing his fourth book on improvisation. Recently musical director of "The Cole Porter Revue" and "Gershwin,Gershwin" at the Capitola Theater in Capitola, CA. Musical director for "How to handle a woman" at the Vault in Hollister. Currently "house pianist" for the Jazz Society of Santa Cruz weekly jam session at Bocci's Cellar in Santa Cruz.
Mike Galisatus
Trumpeter Mike Galisatus is the Director of Bands at the College of San Mateo. and has been the recipient of various teaching honors including the Peninsula Arts Council Arts Educator of the Year for 2007, the Otter Distributors 2004 Jazz Educator Award for the state of California, and the Gil Freitas Memorial Award for music education. He is in demand as an adjudicator and guest conductor throughout California, and currently holds the office of President of the Bay Section of the California Association for Music Education. As a freelance trumpeter in the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael has recorded with Pete Escovedo and Queen Ida, and has performed with a variety of artists, including Frankie Valli, Kenny Loggins, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Louis Bellson, Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Heat Wave, The O’Jays, and a host of others.
Ned Boynton
San Francisco Chronicle Music Critic Phil Elwood referred to Ned as "a wonderful guitarist".; Ned was the Musical Director for Talk Show Live Live at the historic Purple Onion in North Beach, the second Monday of each month.; Ned works locally in the Bay Area with his Django Reinhardt-inspired trio Cafe Americain and with sax man Jules Broussard.; Ned was an Associate Director of Jazzmasters Worshop from 1999 to 2008.; Ned was a featured artist at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe from 1999 to 2008.; Ned was the Musical Director for Enrico's Sidewalk Cafe from 1997 to 2006.
Richard Patterson
RICHARD PATTERSON enjoys an active international career performing with his groups and as a featured soloist in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. As a student, Mr. Patterson lived in Spain, studying the guitar in the land of its creation. Returning to the United States, he was signed by the world's largest classical music management, Columbia Artists, for six seasons of critically acclaimed national tours. He then formed the virtuoso quartet, Festival of Four with whom he performs more than 70 concerts a year on University campuses and in major concert halls throughout North America. Richard Patterson is also an award-winning recording artist and has been a featured performer on more than twenty-five recordings. His compositions and arrangements are heard in feature films and on television and radio in over 30 countries and he is currently featured on three new guitar CDs featured in Sharper Image stores nationwide. Mr. Patterson has received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Performance from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Masters Degree in Music from San Francisco State University on a Performance Scholarship. He has studied personally and in master classes with virtually all of the world's leading guitarists, including Segovia.
Rick Heizman
Rick Heizman is a versatile guitarist whose ensembles cover everything from classical to Jewish and Italian folk music to light jazz and pop. Especially good for cocktails and dinner receptions are the guitar/cello duo or guitar/violin/cello trio both of which specialize in classical repertoire. The trio has special arrangements for Jewish weddings and can do light jazz as background music for cocktails and dinner. For other types of events, Rick pairs up with mandolinist, Nicola Swinburne, for a beautiful and rustic Italian ambience, or with clarinetist/flutist/saxophonist Jeff Sanford and cellist Moses Sedler for Jewish, jazz, Brazilian and popular music which acts as an elegant backdrop for any special event. Rick is also available as a soloist and covers a wide range of styles in that capacity.
Rick Schaefer
Rick Schaefer is a dynamic vocalist, as well as guitarist, keyboardist and harmonica player whose style is rooted in Blues, Rock, Jazz and R&B. He was keyboardist and singer for the Hoodoo Rhythm Devils for two years where he played many regional club and concert dates in the San Francisco Bay area. He left the Hoodoos to join Maria Muldaur (Midnite At The Oasis) as musical director, keyboardist and singer. He performed with Maria for five years touring throughout Europe, the U.S. and Canada. He then relocated to California where he studied piano from Duke Ellington arranger Allaudin Mathieu and from jazz pianist Si Perkoff. He became a faculty member at Family Light Music School where he taught privately as well as workshops and seminars in Music Theory, Improvisation and Songwriting. He recently returned from Central America where he worked in a world class recording studio as a producer, engineer, singer and voice-over artist for television and radio commercials. While in Central America, he was the featured artist for jazz concerts as well as musical engagements at hotels and tourist resorts. Currently, he resides in the San Francisco Bay Area where he plays at all the top hotels for weddings, corporate special events and for the major cruise line whose yachts tour the Bay. In addition, he is a composer and has recently completed a choral work in SATB arrangement with keyboard accompaniment.
Robert Gastelum
Trumpeter Robert Gastelum has been playing the trumpet for the last 15 years. He began finding his passion for music at a young age. First learning the piano, then the clarinet, and finally the trumpet, Robert eventually attended the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. Finally, in 2006, he began his journey as a professional musician. Robert Gastelum has made a splash in the Bay Area, sitting in with many of the different Salsa bands. Robert now leads a band that includes some of San Francisco’s first-rate salsa musicians. He has also had the opportunity to sit in with one of the most famous Tejano singers of all time – Little Joe Y La Familia, and recently performed with Jorge Santana (Carlos Santana’s brother).
Roger Eddy
Voted "Best Local Artist" three years in a row by Monterey's Coast Weekly Magazine, Roger Eddy is the perfect flute or saxophone soloist for your wedding. Roger also leads the Roger Eddy Band, which performs classic jazz standards to smooth contemporary favorites. Roger's saxophone playing in any combination with other instrumentation including guitar, strings, horns, keyboard, or drums is insipired. The Roger Eddy Band has performed with The Gatlin Brothers Band, Huey Lewis, Glenn Frey, Vince Gill, Eric Marienthal, Lou Rawls, and Frankie Valli. The band has opened for Larry Carlton, Fourplay, The Pointer Sisters, Spyro-Gyra, Tom Scott, Toto, and many more.
Steven Gary
Steven started playing guitar at age 6 – and was singing before he could talk! His ability to remember and perform music gained him a reputation as "the man of a thousand songs" – a number he actually surpassed years ago. While working as Music Director on a Caribbean Cruise ship, he was asked to develop a repertoire of instrumental guitar pieces. This eventually resulted in the production last year of the CD "Atmosphere" – an hour-long recording of instrumental guitar featuring classic favorites and original compositions. As a vocalist, Steven's experience ranges from choirs and award-winning vocal groups to musical theater, rock and country bands and of course his seemingly limitless range of solo guitar/vocal work. Since returning to land last year, Steve has performed at restaurants, businesses, seniors facilities, private parties, fairs, festivals and charity benefits all around the Bay Area.
Tom Rigney
After fifteen years as the leader and electrifying violinist of The Sundogs, fiddler/composer Tom Rigney steps out on his own with a hot new band, Flambeau. The repertoire is original, eclectic, passionate, and filled with a musical and emotional intensity that will come as no surprise to followers of Rigney’s career. Tom Rigney has been a part of the San Francisco Bay Area roots music scene for over twenty-five years. The son of baseball great, Bill Rigney, Tom is a native of the Bay Area. His musical career began after he finished his graduate studies at Harvard University, where he received a Masters degree in Fine Arts. Tom first rose to prominence in the music scene as the leader/fiddler of the legendary Bluegrass/Western Swing band, Back in the Saddle. He won a Bammie award in 1981 for the band’s debut recording. He also wrote their hit song, “Time and Again”, which rode the country music charts in the Bay Area for many weeks, no small achievement for an independent release.
Victoria Hughes
Victoria Hughes has been playing professionally for over twenty years. A native San Franciscan, she received her early training at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music before being awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. During her years in the Washington, DC and Baltimore areas she performed at all of the finest hotels, restaurants, and embassies. Upon graduation, she was recruited to entertain on Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, where, while perfecting her unique talent for arranging well-known songs, she developed an extensive repertoire drawn from classical, popular standards, love songs, show tunes, contemporary pop, folk, swing, and even rock n’ roll. Because of her skills as an instrumental arranger, Victoria is one of the few harpists that can actually take requests. She believes in playing music that people know and recognize, whether it is a classical piece, or a current pop hit. Requests are always welcomed. Victoria also believes that there's no point in playing if you can't be heard. A small, discreet, amplifier is brought to all events, indoors or out. With twelve years experience performing on the best cruise lines, and twenty years performing at weddings and parties both in the Washington, D.C. area and her native San Francisco, Victoria Hughes is one of the most accomplished young commercial harpists performing today.
William Taylor Prichard
He was born in St. Louis and has played guitar for over 25 years. Although he now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has performed across Europe and throughout the United States with different bands at various times, most recently as lead guitarist for Curb recording artist, J.J. White. He has been a mainstay guitarist in the local San Francisco music scene, performing with a diverse group of other local artists at clubs, festivals and private events. William is a veteran of many studio recording sessions, and former partner of "Reeltime Productions" which specialized in composing original music for films, video and CD-Rom. Most recently his original composition "Chain of Dreams", a pyrotechnic rock guitar instrumental aired on HBO's "Sex in the City." He has also cowritten songs with Andre Pessiss, Michael and Patti Silversher, and J.J. White. William studied privately with such world-class guitarists as John Abercrombie, Chick Corea guitarist Bill Connors, Miles Davis guitarist Dave Creamer and jazz guitar legend Joe Pass.
Specialties
Green Screen Photography
Nothing captures a moment in time like a special photograph in a perfect setting. With Green Screen technology, we can make that magic moment happen at your wedding! Guests have been enjoying Joel Nelson Productions unique party services for years. With our Green Screen package, we can transpose your guest’s photo onto thousands of backgrounds, print them instantly, and create a keepsake that they can take home. As an added bonus, we can emblazon a special wedding party greeting, date, etc. onto your photo! Green Screen photos are a fun way preserve special wedding memories that can last a lifetime!
Instant Photography
Joel Nelson Productions provides Instant Photography services for your Wedding. Nothing can make a memory last forever like the perfect photograph. Timeless and memorable, your wedding day will live on for you and your guests. Our professional photographers can create lasting keepsakes by taking your group or individual photo and elegantly framing it or placing it on a designer keychain. Call us today at (800) 578-5780 for a quote on our Wedding instant photography services.
Party Store
Coordinator For A Day
Your Big Day has arrived, and the details for your event are front and center. The band is loading their equipment onto the stage, the lights and catering buffet are being set up, and your photographer is running late. Whew! Need some help executing the master plan? JNP’s experienced staff has over 100 years combined experience in planning weddings so you and your loved ones can relax and enjoy the moment. We have special “Coordinator for a Day” services that can relieve the stress of your event without breaking your budget. Call us today at Joel Nelson Productions at 800-578-5780 for a special quote on our Coordinator services and let the Joel Nelson Productions team of professionals ease your mind.
Lighting
Nothing sets a mood like special lighting to match your music and decor. Whether you need elegant and subtle accent lighting or crazy, "pump up the party" lights, Joel Nelson Productions has the solution! Your event will shine brightly with our lighting option (Call For Special Package Pricing):
Avenger
LED Curtain
Bubble Machine
Martin Water Light
Chauvet Intimidator
Color Pod
Martin Fire Light
Martin EF2
Copter Lights
Mini Gem
Deco 250
Mini Starball
Dual Gem
Revo Sweep
Fog Machine
Saga II
Gobo
Ask about custom-made designs for your event!
Vertigo
H2O II
Helicopter
Photo Booths
Photo booths offer a unique keepsake as well as interactive entertainment for your guests. Choose from an assortment of styles to fit the mood of your wedding.
Black & White Photo Booth
This is a true beauty! This booth is the original Auto-Photo Model 17 manufactured in 1968 that had a home at the San Jose Flea Market for the past 40 years. Dressed in black and white for a formal affair is a perfect addition to just about any venue. Imagine yourself sitting inside this beautifully restored original photo booth, selecting color or black and white and behaving like your true self. Don't worry; it is just you and the booth, no one will ever know. This used to be the case 50 years ago, but with digital technology all the images are now stored in the memory of the computer.
Carnival Photo Booth
This is a crowd pleaser! This photo booth is the original Auto-Photo Model 14 that had a home at San Jose Flea Marked for past 40 years. Completely restored to its original beauty. With its classic wood exterior, original artwork, vintage door and classic spinning chair you could easily transport yourself back to your youth. But don't dream too long, you might miss the poses! If you missed the shots, do not worry, just come back again!
Grand Classic Photo Booth
A stunning beauty! In our opinion, the most beautiful photo booth ever built. With only about a dozen of these booths remaining in the United Stated, we had no choice but to build our own. This photo booth is the replica of the original Auto-Photo Model 11 manufactured in 1958. The booth still retains the original look with a classic wood veneer, vintage doors and the spinning chair using the original parts from the Auto-Photo Model 14.
Boardwalk photo booth
Boardwalk photo booth is the TRUE original classic photo booth. This photo booth was originally build in 1974 and had a home on Santa Cruz Boardwalk until its retirement in Spring 2009. Originally this was a "chemical" photo booth producing the unforgettable 4-pose strip color photos.
Neverland Photo Booth
No, we did not purchase this Portrait Studio booth from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, but it is the same model as the one on his ranch during the good old days. We made a few major changes to the booth, but we tried to keep the look and feel of the booth to resemble the original Portrait Studio booth. We replaced the old CRT 13 in. monitors with new 15 in. LCD monitors so that guests can see live images from inside of the booth. This is the largest and most spacious photo booth in our catalog. The booth will easily fit 3 to 4 people.
Hollywood Photos Photo Booth
Hollywood Photos photo booth is the "classic" style booth. The photobooth is fully enclosed and provides privacy for guests that want to "create" that unique pose. The only "classic" thing about this photobooth is the look. The images produced by the photobooth are high quality digital images printed onto glossy photo paper in less than 15 seconds by the latest high resolution digital printer.
Open Air Photo Booth
Open Air Photo Booth is our newest and smallest model. It is a small compact, versatile photo booth. The compact version of this photo booth allows us to deliver a booth that requires a small footprint or has a complicated delivery access. The versatility and easy setup allows us greatly reduce the rental cost. Another major advantage of the OPEN AIR PHOTOBOOTH is the openness of this setup that allows greater custome.
Photographers
Richard Mayer Photography
Richard Mayer is one of San Francisco's leading wedding photographers. Whether shooting on location or at his Burlingame studio his fine craftsmanship, attention to detail and excellent service make him a first choice for wedding photography. Richard captures the story of an event with expression, spontaneity and beautiful lighting. He prides himself on customer service and communicating with the wedding party, event facility, and other vendors at your wedding to make sure that they receive the best product possible.
Michael Loeb Photography
Michael Loeb is keen on capturing all aspects of your event. He is the official photographer at Wine Country Connections and a board member of the Arts Commission in San Anselmo. Please contact us and we can put together a complete package for you within your budget.
Visual Evidence Photography
Patrick Wong, the owner of Visual Evidence Photography and Videography, is an expert at capturing the essence of every wedding. Timing is everything in art and photography, and Patrick makes sure that he is in the right place at the right time to capture your special moments in the best light.
Larry Brickman Photography
Timeless, classic, modern, elegant, refreshing, redefined. These are just some of the words used to describe Larry Brickman's documentary-style photogrpahy. It is not only about the pictures for your mantle or photo album, it's about documenting and creating a timeless heirloom of your once in a lifetime day. It's Wedding Photography, redefined - a fusion of amazing portraits, unscripted moments, and spectacular details. As a truly modern storyteller, Larry is inspired by the joyous celebration of your wedding day.
Dave Lepori Photography
Dave has been taking pictures for over 30 years and weddings are one of his favorite assignments. It's a great gig, as they are a combination of photo journalism, fashion and portraiture with the best things in life all happening on one day. We would love to be there with you capturing all those precious moments and making the imagery of your wedding as beautiful as you always dreamed it to be. After all the images are all put online, we will work with you to build a beautiful album and art pieces you can share for a lifetime. Congratulations!
Lisa Leigh Photography
Lisa Leigh is one of the nation's leading event photographers. Nationally published, her clients fly her around the world to shoot their special events. Her calm, friendly attitude and attention to detail make her one of the most desired photographers in the Bay Area. Lisa's staff ensure that all her clients receive the utmost in customer service.
Your Corporate Event Entertainment
Creative energy, strategic planning, and precise execution are the cornerstones for any successful business.
At Joel Nelson Productions, the same principles hold true in Event Entertainment.
JNP has been planning and facilitating entertainment for the Bay Area’s best corporate parties and events for over 25 years.
We represent a wide variety of live bands, DJ’s and emcees, and specialty entertainers including magicians, psychics, jugglers, and public speakers. Whether you are planning a thematic holiday party, a team-building seminar, or a company picnic, Joel Nelson Productions has the experience and passion to fulfill any and all of your entertainment needs. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you in planning everything from the most private party to the largest Audio/Visual production. Whatever your budget, we can ensure that your event will be a success.
Don’t trust your Corporate Event to just anyone…call the entertainment professionals at Joel Nelson Productions today at (800) 578-5780.
Talent
Bands
Those Dueling Pianos
“Those Dueling Pianos” is a rockin’ good time for the audience and the performers! We play the fun songs you want to hear, and encourage you to sing, clap, and laugh along. At your request, we will also make time to give a few light-hearted roasts to friends and family. “Those Dueling Pianos” is a unique form of entertainment you can’t find anywhere else - music, comedy, and crowd interaction tailor-made for your audience. Rated anywhere from ‘G’ to ‘R’ as specified by the client and dictated by audience requests, this show is a hit for every event including corporate parties looking for an extra punch, weddings, and fraternity parties seeking a raucous good time. More impressively, we can play for audiences with a mix of all ages. The shows are tailored to your audience, by your audience: We take popular songs, requested by the audience, and encourage singing along and other participation. You will hear comedic lyrics in place of some standard lyrics, fun with audience members on and off stage, and a high-energy mix of music and comedy. “Those Dueling Pianos” are not two piano players trying to out-perform each other. Rather, the two players work together to provide a high-energy show in which the audience is as much a part of the entertainment as is the performers. The show may be better termed ‘duo pianos’. By any name, you won’t find another form of hired entertainment that can match what we do. This is not a concert! Our players are not on stage to entertain themselves, or sing opera... We are there to have fun WITH you! The Evolution of Dueling Pianos- The original: The first dueling pianos show is at Pat O’Briens New Orleans, started in the 1930s. Here, the players read from books and will try almost anything. While sing-along is encouraged, it’s not quite “in your face”, and the show is relegated to song-playing. There is little comedy in this show and few or no occasions for bringing audience members on stage for some fun.- The two-piano rock & roll sing-along & comedy dueling pianos show: This concept started almost 30 years ago in Texas. This is what Piano Mania prefers to do. In this show, the magic and skill of two pianos and two piano players leads the audience through a show of energetic sing-along, comedy, and audience participation on stage and from the audience. This version of dueling pianos has the most audience participation, and is (to us) the most fun.
Aja Vu
The San Francisco-based Aja Vu band performs the music of Steely Dan! From "Hey Nineteen" and "Reelin' In The Years" to "Deacon Blues" and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", you can buy a thrill when you hear the tight chunky horns, vocals and solos note for note and phrase for phrase backed up by an unparalleled rhythm section. The Aja Vu show recreates the combination of rock, jazzy blues and unique storytelling that has made the Steely Dan sound endure throughout pop culture for 30+ years! Come join us at our next show and keep the music of Steely Dan alive in America for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
Alison Sharino Band
Alison Sharino is an amazing and versatile vocalist for wedding ceremonies, nightclubs, corporate events, fundraisers, festivals or any other event. Her song list spans over six decades and features Rock, Pop, Folk, Motown, Disco, Country, Swing, Big Band, Latin, Jazz, Blues, Opera, Show Tunes and even today's hits. Clients may choose which musical styles they prefer. Besides possessing a voice that always turns heads, Alison accompanies herself on piano and guitar. She is professional, flexible, easy to work with and always aims to please. Alison Sharino released her first CD in August of 2003. It features many fully-orchestrated arrangements and two a capella songs. Alison played most of the instruments herself. The musical variety features pop, rock, soul, country, folk, Broadway show tunes and opera music from diversified eras.
All Access
Get an "All Access" Pass to fun at your next event! This new Bay Area SuperGroup features a lineup of the finest musicians from some of the best bands around the country. All Access ranges from 6-9 pieces. A red hot rhythm section, powerful horn section and versatile front line vocalist reproduce the hits from today as well as yesterday's classic hits. From The Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga to The Jackson 5 and Madonna this band brings their members combined experience of over 5000 performances to bring you the most requested songs from the past five decades! Perfect for your special, hard-to-find requests, All Access is also equipped with a full DJ system to ensure non-stop fun throughout your party.
All Star Jukebox
All Star Jukebox features eight of the Bay Area's most dynamic and talented entertainers. Award winning vocalists Lisa Battle and Jay Middleton front the all-star four-piece rhythm section featuring musicians from Sons of Champlain, Harvey Mandel and The Funky Meters. The horn section includes members that have toured with Tower of Power. All Star Jukebox's versatility and list of songs is nothing short of amazing. All Star Jukebox can also appear as Big Hair- the ultimate 70's and 80's band that specializes in good times and dance music. If you want an experience that you and your guests will never forget, All Star Jukebox is clearly your best choice. It's a dazzling elegant affair reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. It's a totally awesome boogie marathon. It's a wild ride on the music metro. It's awesome. So hop on the crazy train and surf the tidal wave of funk & groove - this could be the best night of your life!
Baguette Quartet
The Baguette Quartette is a San Francisco Bay Area group that plays music that was heard in Paris between 1920 and 1940 on street corners, in cafes, and in popular dance halls. Led by accordionist Odile Lavault, its repertoire consists of valses musettes, tangos, pasos dobles, fox trots, marches and realistic songs. They have recorded four CDs: TOUJOURS (2004), CHEZ MOI (2001), RENDEZ-VOUS (1998), and L'air de Paris (1995). Bon Appétit, Café Classics, a compilation CD containing tunes drawn from our first three CDs, is available in many retail stores.
Big Bang Beat
Big Bang Beat is an unparalleled Variety Band that packs the dance floor from start to finish. The group's wide repertoire of tunes is performed with the boundless energy that has been their hallmark for years. Indeed, BBB is the Supreme Commander of the Bay Area party scene! This seasoned group plays the greatest dance and party hits of every era, including Rock, Motown, Disco/Funk and so much more. BBB plays with a passion and precision that is unique amongst cover groups. Guests have been raving for years about Big Bang Beat, and they are the perfect corporate band for your holiday party or event.
Big City Revue
"It’s All About The Music!!!” This is Big City Revue’s mantra and this is the reason that Big City Revue has been one of the most sought after musical groups for social occasions, weddings and corporate events in Northern California. The band’s unparalleled passion and enthusiasm to entertain … combined with solid, stellar performances … keeps this band in constant demand. They have been invited to play in some of the world’s most exciting cities from New York to Maui, from Venezuela to Cancun Big City Revue has traveled the world over delivering their own diversified and dynamic musical style of Motown 60’s, Disco 70’s, 80’s Retro, 90’s and current hits. Big City Revue grabs their audiences, young and old with a positive energy that builds an intoxicating, dance driven atmosphere on any dance floor.Completely versatile, Big City Revue offers a variety of musical options from an 8-piece combo to a 16-piece party band complete with dancers, Big City Revue’s format can be uniquely tailored to the needs of any engagement.
Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra
The Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra is a dynamic dance machine featuring bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, a horn section, percussionist, male & female vocalists and 4 dancers. The bands' powerful presentation and ability to ignite a crowd through interactive singing, line dancing, and other wild, fun activities, sets it apart and keeps meeting planners our most loyal clients. Delivering Classic Rock, Salsa, Motown, Soul, Dance Hits, and a Taste of the New, the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra has been described as "A party on stage...the best special event band in the world!" Already established as a "World Class Corporate Band" the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra has performed for clients throughout California and the U.S. Mainlands top resort destinations as well as: Bermuda, Orlando, Cancun, Acapulco, Maui, London, Bali, and Vienna. From customized and themed shows, to performing 3 hours non-stop, the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra guarantees Big Fun! Our band was designed based on the feedback of some of the best meeting planners in the world.
Blue Moon
Based in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties, and firmly established as one of the Northern California wine country's most popular party bands, BLUE MOON is available for your private celebration. This versatile and energetic band features a hard driving rhythm section (they all sing), the mighty four-piece Blue Moon horn section (they all sing too!), and one of the finest female vocalists you will find anywhere! BLUE MOON captures the Motown, Rock n' Roll, Rhythm and Blues, and 70's Disco spirits, performing the music of such notable artists as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Supremes, Peter Gabriel, Van Morrison, Tower of Power, Huey Lewis & the News, and the Commodores. Besides pumping up crowds at fairs, concerts, weddings, grand openings, and corporate parties with these "get up and dance tunes", BLUE MOON is equally enthusiastic playing the jump, classic and retro swing music of Louis Jordan, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Cole Porter, Nat King Cole, Brian Setzer, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. If you add the Latin styling of such artists as Antonio Carlos Jobim and Carlos Santana, BLUE MOON offers a fun party for everybody! BLUE MOON looks forward to sharing your special celebration with you and your guests. We are happy to accommodate the size of our band to fill the special needs for your event (Our band is very flexible and we can help create fantastic parties performing with 5 - 9 members of our band!). Of course we do play your special requests too! Please feel free to ask for our demo tape or if you want to see us perform live.
Body & Soul
So you want a band that sounds like the real thing? How about a band that not only authentically covers a wide range of danceable Funk, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues from the 60's to the 90's, but will also gladly fulfill requests for any tune you desire? You've found it in Body & Soul. In existence since 1994, we pride ourselves on loyalty to the original song. We play the versions of tunes that are familiar to everyone. The ability to combine our upbeat style while playing 60's Motown with the same energy as contemporary 90's makes us ideal for any crowd that likes to dance. With three lead vocalists in front of a solid rhythm section consisting of keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and a horn section, this is a well-balanced band. This combination not only creates a full sound but also allows flexibility to perform various styles in different arrangements. Ecstatic clients agree, "This is a group of personable, talented professionals whose upbeat music will have everybody dancing."
Boyz Nite Out
For over 12 years, Boyz Nite Out has electrified audiences with its musical talent and impressive style. Specializing in cover, original, pop, and golden oldies, BNO uses its all-vocal abilities - no instruments - to tantalize audiences all over the country. BNO's wealth of experience makes it a true entertainment value for any concert or occasion.
Broken English Band
Broken English is a high energy dance band that takes you on a Caribbean musical cruise you can't resist. Our music will transport you to white sand beaches with hot tropical pulsating rhythms. Our harmonious vocals and blend of exotic instruments add a dose of spice to this truly musical banquet. Your musical experience with Broken English will include ports of call in Puerto Rico for Salsa, the Dominican Republic for Merengue, Jamaica for Reggae, Trinidad & Tobago for Soca, Belize for Punta and Cuba for Rumba, Mambo, Guajira, and Son. Our diverse repertoire and professional approach will ensure a high quality performance for all occasions. Broken English delivers a truly sensational live performance to keep you dancing, moving and enjoying life!
Busta Groove
Busta-Groove is the hottest party band playing hits from the 70's, 80's, 90's and Today! Founded in 1997 and based out of Northern California's San Francisco Bay Area, Busta-Groove can be found performing for corporate parties, festivals, weddings, casinos, sporting events, private parties, birthday parties and nightclubs throughout the year. Busta-Groove has performed at numerous events such as half-time shows for the Sacramento Kings to small weddings in Napa Valley. Whether your event is for 10 people or 10,000 people, everyone will feel special after Busta-Groove steps to the stage. Our song list ranges from from disco hits such as Brick House and I Will Survive to Motown classics such as Respect and Chain of Fools. We also perform 80's Pop such as Holiday, Jessie's Girl and Love Shack. Want a little Hip-Hop/Top 40? We can do that as well! From Justin Timberlake to Nelly, Busta-Groove plays hits from today's chart toppers. If you would like to make your party an absolute success, then let the professionalism, talent, energy and sound of Busta-Groove put the FUN into your next event!
California Beach Boys
California Beach Boys is a Beach Boys Tribute Band. California Beach Boys honor and pay tribute in their music to the legends of surf: Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, David Marks, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and Dick Dale. Members of the band have played on the same stage as Surfaris and Ventures. California Beach Boys music has also been influenced by The Fireballs, The Atlantics, The Chantays, The Shadows, and the Ripcords.
Candela
Candela is a nine piece Salsa Band, based in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987, and is composed of piano, bass, three trombones, conga drums, bongo drums, timbales and vocalists. Smaller versions of the band are also available upon request! Candela has built their 20 year reputation around Edgardo’s impressive skills as a conga drummer and lead singer simultaneously -which is a show in itself-, the pristine vocals of Sandy, the incomparable tight rhythm-piano-bass section of Eric, Omar, Bob and David, and the most powerful trombone playing in the area by Jeff, Marty, and John. Regardless of all that, the Band truly focuses on pleasing the audiences dancing needs. Candela's varied repertoire explores a wide array of Latin rhythms including Son, Bolero, Mambo, Cha-cha-chá, Merengue, Cumbia and the more contemporary Cuban Timba, combined with a touch of Jazz, which makes the band enjoyable for dancers as well as listeners. Besides Edgardo’s great original songs, the band plays a combination of danceable arrangements by composers as Rubén Blades, Ray Barreto, Eddie Palmieri, La India, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Oscar D’Leon, Guaco, Los Van Van and Isaac Delgado. They are as well versatile in playing background Latin Jazz.
Caravanserai
Concieved as a fantasy band by lead guitarist Leo Herrera and fueled into reality by the enthusiasm of friends and family members, Caravanserai is a project of love and devotion. Originally a replication of, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Santana's legendary early days, Caravanserai has grown to include material from all eras of Santana's 30+ year history. From the 1969 hit Evil Ways to monster hit Smooth which is on the world renowned and 9 time Grammy winning CD Supernatural, as well as hits from Santana's most recent CD release All That I Am. Caravanserai performs music to satisfy Santana fans young and old. Painstaking care has been taken in the recreation of early and new music performed by this band of journeymen from the San Francisco Bay Area. All the instrumentation used by Santana over the years is there: guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, timbales, and congas. In some cases the exact kind of instruments are used, right down to the Paul Reed Smith guitars used by band leader Leo Herrera. Caravanserai has also recently augmented their sound with the addition of a horn section - the Bay Area's Cali Horns. They can be seen at select performances throughout the year. Over the past years the Caravanserai experience has grown throughout the west coast, we have had the priviledge of performing at many wonderful venues.
Cocktail Monkeys
Swing into the scene with a Bay Area favorite The Cocktail Monkeys bring you more than exciting music and perfect vocal harmony; they bring fun, camaraderie and professionalism to each show. With an alluring and powerful stage presence, from the first song, Renee leads you through a fantasy evening covering your favorite songs by your favorite bands. From note one, you realize you are among the Bay Area’s top notch musicians. Mark St. John plays a screaming guitar while Bobby Asea sets the beat on bass with Will Diamond keeping it rock steady all with the drive and passion you will come to see as the heart of the Cocktail Monkeys. Professional showmanship and the goal of ”a good time had by all” mark the purpose of this band. When you hire the Cocktail Monkeys for your event you know you have set the stage for your guests to have a wonderful and exciting time, dancing and enjoying the sounds and stage presence of each band member. Covering the best of decades from the 60’s through current favorites, their songs range from rock, pop, funk and disco. Audience participation is not overlooked when you never know who will be selected to come up and join in on cowbell. Select shows may feature the popular go-go cage upon request. ‘Return of the cage!” nights invite guests to shake it up on stage! For a unique and lively musical adventure it’s. The Cocktail Monkeys: Served shaken, not stirred.
Cool Jerks
The Cool Jerks are a dynamic group of nine fun, energetic and talented musicians who take great pride in making every song and every show remarkable. They bring to the stage a unique blend of spirit, strength and professionalism, that combined with their vast experience for entertaining audiences makes them the choice for any special function. With their large palette of songs and styles to draw from, your evening will be orchestrated to be a most memorable event. Ranging from Les Brown to James Brown, The "A" Train to Soul Train, Big Band to Big Chill and beyond, The Cool Jerks deliver Motown, Soul, Contemporary R & B Hits, Big Band and Swing with signature style and class. Timeless material from every era of cool is the basis of a dynamic, non-stop show featuring powerfully energetic vocals, the finesse of the coolest rhythm section around, and a sizzling top brass horn section with a crowd-pleasing wireless stroll through the audience. Specializing in playing the right song, at the right dynamic level, The Cool Jerks ensure your party's success. With a three piece horn section, full rhythm section and two lead singers who really know how keep a party going, The Cool Jerks have everything it takes to be the first choice for quality entertainment.
Delta Wires
The DELTA WIRES is a big, high-energy harmonica and horns blues band from the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area. They were Finalists out 100 blues bands from all over the world, in the Blues Foundation's 2008 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis TN, and were voted "BEST BAND" 2008 Oakland/East Bay in Oakland Magazine's annual readers' poll. The DELTA WIRES were voted Best Live Band by readers of the East Bay Express in 2002, played the San Francisco Blues Festival in 2008, have appeared at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival 8 times including 2007, headlined the Shasta Blues Society’s Redding Blues by the River Festival in 2005, have played Crescent City Blues Festival, Central Valley Blues Festival, Oakland Blues and Heritage Festival, Napa Valley Mustard Festival, and many others. The DELTA WIRES have toured or played with many noted artists including Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, The Doobie Brothers, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, John Mayall, Charlie Musselwhite, Boz Scaggs, Bad Company, The James Gang, Elvin Bishop, and numerous others.
Dick Bright's SRO
Dick Bright's SRO is the party band that will make that happen. The ultimate in dance entertainment, SRO is like no other band you've ever experienced. Clever costumes and props, zany skits, hip-hoppin' choreography and soul-stirring vocals are all set to a pulsating beat. Visually as well as musically exciting, it's MTV, Las Vegas and American Bandstand rolled into one hot act. No other band has such a vast repertoire. Not just the same old standbys so many groups perform, the SRO play list features top dance hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's that go beyond the expected. And SRO is constantly updating its repertoire with new material. When SRO makes its entrance every eye turns to the stage. Led by emcee Dick Bright, the 19-member band features string, horn and rhythm sections as well as vocalists and dancers. It's the biggest party band around. SRO taps the diverse musical interests of its many members, giving you a new take on favorite tunes and making sure there's something for everyone. Dick Bright's SRO has performed all over the world. There's a reason for it. No matter what the language, SRO shows people an exciting time and a party they'll never forget. Nothing short of a blast, it will transport your event to a new dimension.
Double Funk Crunch
The DFC Story Double Funk Crunch was formed back in 1997 by co-band leaders Jon and Laura Kuppinger. The group was started as a wild & crazy costumed club band that played exclusively disco and funk from the 70s. The band became quite popular and successfully rode that rhinestoned wave into the new millennium, bell-bottoms and all. The new Millineum brought a higher level of success for DFC as they began to perform regularly at many private events, weddings and corporate parties in addition to their club appearances. DFCs popularity as well as their fan base grew and they became known as a high energy, fun party band that focused on 70s & 80s dance music. They eventually added the talents of vocalist and entertainer David "Doc" Robinson to lead the band on stage. Doc brought with him a broader scope of music and new level of professionalism that gained them success in not only the private sectors, but got them noticed in the casino and county fair circuit, resulting in playing almost every county fair in Northern CA (including the CA State Fair) as well as most of the casinos from Reno to Tahoe to Las Vegas. Fast forward to 2005. Seeking a new opportunity to climb even higher, DFC adapts and matures again and diversifies further musically adding latin, hip-hop, R&B and rock to their well known staple of 70s & 80s dance music. But they didnt do it alone. In 2005 DFC enlisted the aid of Paul Orella to take over the booking and assisting in the business management of the band. DFC gained a new vision with the addition of a new musical director, bassist/producer/songwriter and recording artist Darryl Anders (Bonnie Hayes, Zigaboo Modeliste, and Tower of Power). Darryl brought with him the experience and talents of Vince Lars and Jeff Lewis to create a powerful and dynamic horn section. Keyboardist Christian Boyd adds all the right seasonings to the Double Funk Crunch Party Flavor. The rock steady pulse and groovalicious feel of Ron SnackJackson Smith on the drums keeps the dance floor packed. Topping it all off with the soul stirring blues and r&b influenced vocals of Leah Tysse.
Encore
The Bay Area's hottest dance band is Encore, a group produced by Dick Bright, leader of the party band Dick Bright’s SRO. Encore is a ten-piece band comprised of four lead singers (three females, one male) as well as guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, saxophone and trumpet. Their repertoire includes music from the 1940’s swing era, through Motown, 70’s disco, 80’s pop, and contemporary hits of today.
Fast Times
Where were you in the 80s? Playing Pac-Man? Watching General Hospital? Enjoying the spoils of Reaganomics? Whatever your memories, Fast Times will bring them all flooding back with a smile--and a backbeat you won't be able to resist. Fast Times plays the ultimate dance hits from the ultimate decade of decadence. From A-Ha to Young MC, every song is an instantly recognizable hit guaranteed to get audiences on their feet and celebrating. From the birth of new wave and the dominance of synth-pop to the ragged edge of rock and the dawn of alternative, Fast Times covers it all. Just don't call it "retro"--Fast Times is powerful proof that the music of the 1980s is alive and kicking, here and now. Currently in its seventh year, Fast Times has hammered out the high-energy hits at Slim's, The Red Devil Lounge, The Paradise Lounge, Blake's on Telegraph, Black Oak Casino, Fat Cat Music House & Lounge, Tongue & Groove, Golden Gate Fields, The Park, Mountain Charley's, Kimo's, Black Diamond Brewing Co., City Beach, Boswell's, The British Banker's Club, and The Shops at Blackhawk Summer Concert Series--not to mention private and corporate functions for Electronic Arts, NUMMI, Shell Oil Corporation, IDG Entertainment, Blackstone Technologies, and more. Fast Times...the 80s dance party that's totally live and totally awesome!
Floorshakers
Look no further -- The Floorshakers are your one stop shop for a funky, exhilarating, high-energy, live dance and party band! Since the group's inception in 2003, The Floorshakers have been performing funk, soul and rock 'n' roll hits all over the San Francisco Bay Area, expanding into new genres including R&B, Latin and current top billboard hits. While at heart, their influences include legendary bands and musicians such as Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Confunkshun and Santana, you'll be sure to hear all kinds of music from The Floorshakers from a variety of genres that will keep your feet movin' and your hips shakin'! Always dressed to impress, you will not be able to resist this group's spirit, energy and funky groove. Notably, for three years running, The Floorshakers have consecutively SOLD OUT in advance New Year's Eve parties for crowds of over 1,500 people. The Floorshakers offers a full range in pricing and package options to meet your entertainment needs, including live band and DJ service combination packages, lighting effects or even adding a complete horn section if you're looking for more than the core nine-piece band. In addition, through its longstanding relationships and contacts within the community, The Floorshakers have several partnerships with top quality professionals who can assist you with your other needs such as photography, publicity, making shirts, hats or gear for your special event and website creation.
Fred McCarty
Fred McCarty was raised in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. He has composed well in excess of three hundred songs and compositions. His background includes composition and performance experience in many musical genres, with deep roots in bluegrass and Country. Some of Fred's earliest influences were Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Wills, Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autry. Professional in every way, Fred McCarty's band delivers a performance that is dynamic and full of energy. Their rich vocal harmonies, combined with outstanding instrumental expertise, make each performance an exciting display of musical entertainment. Fred McCarty stands with the best of the touring "road warriors" of American music. He's played solo, duo, as a band member and as front man. Fred has appeared with: Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Trisha Yearwood, Mark Chestnut, Charlie Daniels, Lee Greenwood and many others. The live performances of his country originals, Texas Swing and Cajun tunes as well as Classic Cowboy songs continue to be a favorite for audiences from coast-to-coast.
Fundamentals
The Fundamentals present a high octane, fun filled stage show featuring three dynamic lead vocalists, two of the hottest horn players around, a super tight four piece rhythm section. and up to four costumed, choreographed dancers. The group has been performing together for over 15 years and has developed a solid reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area's premiere party bands. The Fundamentals have performed at over 2,000 events including numerous corporate events. If you are planning a high energy, fun event and and your goal is to get people dancing and keep them dancing, The Fundamentals are the perfect choice!
Funky Little Shack
Want to dance all night long? Funky Little Shack gets everyone out on the floor with a funky party groove. We play the best old and new school funk -- plus r&b, motown, reggae and rock. Funky Little Shack's versatile, fun-loving musicians have performed at hundreds of weddings, corporate events, fund raisers, holiday parties and festivals. We've got what it takes to deliver fresh, high-energy sound, a polished performance, and lots of funkylittlefun! Funky Little Shack features dynamic vocalists, a slammin' rhythm section, and blazingly hot horns. And, we customize our look for you, from fun and funked-out to formal black tie.
Her Rebel Highness
Her Rebel Highness offers a spectacular and boldly original musical experience by combining energizing music, stunning vocals, elegant choreography and elaborate costumes with an inspiring, universal message. The fully choreographed performance features 3 dynamic and stunning female vocalists, 2 classically trained modern dancers, an engaging narrator, an elegant female string trio, elaborate custom-made 18th and 21st century costumes, and an exciting fusion of classical and contemporary music, recorded and live. Her Rebel Highness is comprised of San Francisco-based professionals and incorporates universal themes including self-empowerment, breaking stereotypes and coming together to face adversity. This one-of-a-kind concept act is specifically designed for high energy, visually spectacular performances for general sessions (featuring the inspirational song, “Empowered”), and 40-minute theatrical shows for special events. Her Rebel Highness energizes and inspires!
Hip Service
Hip Service is unrivaled in the entertainment industry with its unique variety of crowd pleasing, from-the-soul dance music. This accomplished group, made up of world class performers, has become one of the most in demand live acts in Northern California. Performing dance hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's, Hip Service features four outstanding lead vocalists, a screaming four piece horn section, rock solid funky rhythm section and four electrifying dancers. Since their inception in 1996, the Hip Service sensation has taken Northern California by storm. Whether they are sharing the concert stage with national acts such as Huey Lewis & The News, Tower of Power, Con Funk Shun, Midnight Star, Evelyn Champagne King, or performing for an intimate private event, Hip Service delivers a dynamite entertainment package.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum, one of the hardest-working and fastest-rising stars in the musical firmament, has become, over the last five years, a group that is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts. It began with a core of five uniquely talented musicians, writing and singing songs on the mountaintops and city streets of Northern California; five musicians who, on the night they realized they loved playing together too much to ever stop, were sipping a warm buttery drink from which the group derived its name. Since that fateful night, the organization has steadily expanded to include a rich tapestry of fans, friends, and family, reaching from coast to coast. Often described as a rock band playing bluegrass instruments, the band melds blues, folks, bluegrass, jazz, and rock, and the members’ varying degrees of classical training lead them to invest heavily in group composition. The widespread appeal of HBR’s music stems not only from the band’s musical versatility and prolific songwriting, but also from the magnetic chemistry the group creates onstage together. It is this chemistry that is propelling the band to ever greater success.
Hotel California
HOTEL CALIFORNIA "A Salute to the Eagles" was founded with the intent of filling the void left by the demise of The Eagles in 1982. By blending their extraordinary vocal and musical talents, HOTEL CALIFORNIA faithfully and accurately reproduces the sound of the Eagles studio recordings while recreating a classic sound which undeniably transcends the boundaries of Rock, R&B, and Country while delivering a modern, action packed performance that brings this timeless music into the new millennium. This highly acclaimed presentation has a great reputation and excellent references. HOTEL CALIFORNIA has become one of the most sought after acts in the world, with name recognition and true marquis value paralleling today's modern recording artists.The group performs 150 - 200 high profile events every year, including special corporate functions, charity benefits, fund raisers, outdoor concerts, festivals, and fairs, playing main stages receiving top billing as a national act, as well as opening for some of the most prominent names in the entertainment industry. See the “clients” page for a sampling of credit, references and satisfied customers.
Housejacks
The House Jacks of San Francisco are the original rock band without instruments. Using nothing more than their five voices (and mouths), they deliver everything from blistering funk to screaming rock to heart-melting ballads for their ever-growing legions of fans. These pioneering musicians have performed over 1,000 shows and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music, having performed for live crowds of 100,000+, with appearances on at least 3 continents each year. They can be heard on movie soundtracks and their jingles for everything from radio stations to theme parks have been heard (and seen) by millions around the world.
Hurricane Band
The Hurricane band is from the East San Francisco Bay Area. Originally formed as the "Hurricane Blues Band" in 1994 the band has been playing music in the East Bay Area for the past 15 years. The Hurricane Band produced its first CD 10 years ago and has also been featured on the Pat Meadows “Blues on Tap” radio program on KEGR FM 97.7 out of Concord on Thursday nights. The band has undergone several personnel changes over the years until 2008 when the new and improved Hurricane was formed. The force of the Hurricane is driven by a five piece band that combines both male and female vocals. The result is a collage of sound reflecting the best in blues, classic and contemporary rock. The Hurricane is a high energy fun band. Lead Guitarist Fred Musser has a remote on his guitar that enables him to go out into the crowd and dance and interact with the crowd while he plays his guitar. Lead singer Joanie Davis can really belt it out and she has a remote microphone which she uses to go into the crowd and gets the crowd to sing along on some of our songs and have fun. The Hurricane is the perfect choice for special events, wineries, weddings, clubs, private parties and corporate events etc. We can also DJ and make special announcements at your wedding, party or special event. Come feel the fun and excitement and let us make your next event exciting, fun, special and successful!
Jamfunkshus
JamFunkShus shows its deep respect for the "old school" elements of funk, soul, and R&B. They do this with the passion, power, and conviction that gives them a true authenticity when playing the greatest hits that we all have loved for decades. The versatile 11-piece band includes a tight 5-piece horn section that fuels the huge sound and passion the band delivers. With an all-pro rhythm section, vocal harmonies, and their unique "vocal chameleon" the band has won rave reviews everywhere it has performed. Repertoire includes hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Chicago, Ohio Players, Tower of Power, and many more.
Joel Nelson Band
"What a Band!" As a true corporate event musical group, The Joel Nelson Band has an impressively diverse repertoire of the latest hits and the greatest classics. With a professional DJ and sound system, meticulous preparation and attention to detail, and a love of special celebrations, the Joel Nelson Band will bring the night together. Since 1982, the Joel Nelson Band has performed at thousands of weddings, special events, and festivals all over the globe. Playing keyboards with Bo Diddley for many years, the Joel Nelson Band's frontman has shared the stage with such greats as James Brown, The Police, Chuck Berry, Stray Cats, Jerry Lee Lewis and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Over the years, the band has garnered a reputation as the consummate corporate band.
Joni Morris
“Morris Has Cline Down Pat” said the newspaper headlines from the San Francisco Examiner of Joni’s most recent performance there. And the San Francisco chronicle's Date Book section reads “It’s Patsy All Over Again” of her re-creation of the country and western legend, Patsy Cline, at the bay area’s Alcazar Theatre. Joni, from Stockton, California, has traveled nationally for the past fifteen years with her extremely talented “Jordanaires singing style” four-piece band. Audiences love her tributes to the music of Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Legendary Ladies in Country Music, Christmas Shows, and Joni’s own original music, included in every show. Her performance is a solid one, saturated with true showmanship and authentic sound and personality. We’re transported back to Golden Years of the late 50’s and 60’s with songs like “Crazy,” “Sweet Dreams,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “My Happiness,” and “Where the Boys Are.” Joni sings each song brilliantly and adds dazzling costumes and comedy too, but nothing shines so bright as her ability to connect with audience. She is becoming well-known for her great audience interaction as well. Catch Joni on her way to the top!
JT Horns
Serving all of Northern California for over 10 years, The J.T. Horns is a powerhouse funk, soul, and R&B band. The band is composed of three vocalists, a five-piece rhythm section including a groove-monster Latin percussionist, and the heart of our band, a powerful five-piece horn section. We can be heard playing the music of Tower of Power, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and many others. Our repertoire currently consists of over 200 songs, with a set list that is easily tailored to a client’s requests, and we can also incorporate new songs if they happen to not be on the list. If you have something else in mind, The J.T. Horns can do that too! Ask about our custom productions. Examples include: A little big band featuring a world class Frank Sinatra impersonator, a rock-n-roll band with 5 horns, and a Blues Brothers Review. The band members are professional musicians from the local Jazz community. We are extremely flexible in our repertoire, and are ready to perform many Jazz and vocal standards, as well as “small big band” selections. An important asset of the band is our commitment to quality and client satisfaction. We take pride not only in our musicianship, but also in our professional attitudes. Click here for songlist
Heartbeats
THE INTRODUCTION The Heartbeats begin their show with a brief glimpse of The Beatles, Elvis, the Disco era and more. It is a sneak preview of what's to come and where the show will take you.
Disco
Outrageous afro's, bell bottoms and polyester shirts. Songs like "Ladies Night", "Shake Your Booty" and "Get Down Tonight". It's a celebration of the 70's disco craze and Saturday Night Fever.
Motown
Matching sharkskin suits, pompadours & Ray Ban sunglasses set the tone for the Motown sounds of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye and The Temptations. Sing along to such great hits as "My Girl", "Heard it Through the Grapevine", "Can't Help Myself" and many, many more. Sammy, as "Manuel Labor", takes center stage and recreates his own personal version of "La Bamba", the hugely successful Latin hit made famous again by Los Lobos from the movie of the same name. Sam the Sham - The wackiest, craziest Pharaoh of them all. Tearing up the stage with his sixties hit "Wooly Bully"
the Beatle
Ed Sullivan introduces The Beatles. John, Paul, George & Ringo take you on a their famous British Invasion of America. A true show stopping moment.
Tom Jones
What more can we say...Tom Jones, the sexiest man with the tightest pants is on the stage tonight.
Elvis
Elvis Presley - The real King joins The Beatles in their first ever appearance on stage together… and you'll see it first.
Soul Music
This Blues Brothers inspired section of the show features the hits "Soul Man", "Land of a Thousand Dances" and a crowd inspiring rendition of "Shout".
the Village People
The Indian, The Cop, The Construction Worker and The Sailor are"In The House". They'll have you dancing and screaming YMCA. Dance to hits like "Brick House" and "Funky Music". This segment closes featuring the solo artist, Stevie Wonder.
Little Stevie Wonder
California Beach Party Surf Music
With bleached blond hair, sunglasses & Hawaiian shirts, they hit the stage with some California Surf music. "Babes & Waves" abound, "Surfs Up-Dude!"
60's Summer of Love
Hip, groovy & totally outta sight. Joe Cocker, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and The Monkees take you right to a concert in Golden Gate Park. Complete with tie dye & head bands ...and you're there.
the Finale
We reunite the cast for one more Latin version of "Hot Hot Hot". To complete the effect, experience swirling lighting, colored smoke and booming confetti cannons as we take your guests on one major conga line... truly spectacular. The Heartbeats have left the building leaving a sea of memories.
BlackRose Band
If you want a show that is filled full of magic with seasoned musicians that brings the party with them, we are the band for you! BlackRose brings with them the joy of performing to make the party goers happy to join in. BlackRose blends well chosen hit songs with upbeat rhythms of rock with ACDC, the Black Crows and the Eagles to the grove of Fleetwood Mac, John Mellencamp. Classics from Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton that also includes the new sounds of Adele and Lady GaGa. Which gives to an electric fun night on the town. Music is our passion/business, yours is to have fun.
Randy Kirk (Guitarist)
Born and raised in Modesto, Ca. Randy Kirk has been playing guitar since he was 15 years old. Randy has played all over California and toured the USA and Canada. Opening for notables as Dave Mason, Emmy Lou Harris, Elvin Bishop, Nicolette Larson. Captain Hook, Taj Mahal and David Linaley just to mention a few. After playing in the same band for two decades, Randy also did a solo act. Randy's major influences are Chuck Berry the Beatles, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Hendrix, Little River Band, Poco and J.D. Souther.
Mike Watson (Bass)
A Native of Vallejo, Ca. Big Mike Watson began his musical studies at age 8 taking up the saxophone and playing in numerous concerts/marching bands through his teen years, at the same time playing guitar. Mikes musical influences range from Oakland's own funksters Tower of power, to Christian artist Third day, to Jazz inspired Steely Dan, through many years of bass playing. Mike has played many styles at venues ranging from Churches, fairs, night clubs and wedding party's.
Justin Watson (Drums)
Justin is the youngest member of the band, son of Mike our Bass Man, talk about a tight rhythm section they keep it in the family. He was born to Rock and Roll and play the Blues. He gave up all to pursue his wildest musical fantasies. He is always bringing his infectious groves into the mix. If he isn't jamming you can find him fishing or swinging from jungle vines.
Lori Salsa (Vocalist)
Lori is a talented Vocalist with varied musical experience. She began singing in her church then stepped into high school musicals. It wasn't long until she began playing in local bands. She has toured all through the USA and Canada. This led her to an opportunity to tour Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Germany, several Asian Countries like Korea, Tokyo, Okinawa, Philippines and Australia. She opened up for many acts such as Vince Gill, Quarter flash, the Beach boys, Dobby Gray and Pablo Cruse, to name a few. Lori Salsa's main influences include Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Classic Motown singers like Aretha and Diana Ross.
Classical
Brassworks
The Brassworks Quintet, Brassworks Band and Gabriel's Trumpets, led by Frank Beau Davis, are three of the San Francisco Bay Area's finest professional musical ensembles. Our wide range and variety of musical styles combine to offer you an unparalleled selection of great music for your wedding, party, graduation, convention, ball, or any occasion, be it large or small. Discover how we can make your event memorable and fun. Let our music inspire your imagination!
Golden Gate Strings
Performance, price and professionalism: three things to look for when choosing live music for your event. We are proud of the new Golden Gate Music and the superior musicians we work with. Performance, price and professionalism: three things to look for when choosing live music for your event. Su Buchignani Music has joined forces with Golden Gate Ensembles to create the finest source of live music in Northern California. We personally take full responsibility for your event's music, from your first inquiry to the last note we play. And we're always available. Clients receive our personal telephone number and we're ready to help in any way to make each event perfect. With all the stress in event planning these days, it's Golden Gate Music's goal to make selection of music and musicians the most pleasant and stress-free part of the experience. Our musicians have been delighting Northern California clients for over a quarter of a century. They create ensembles that are without question some of the finest in the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, Carmel and beyond. Elegant classical string quartets, trios, duos, soloists and large ensembles, jazz combos, cabaret performers, Latin and tango specialists, the best strolling violins in the West - you are limited only by your imagination. At Golden Gate Music we have an exclusive roster of some of the finest performers in Northern California. Check out Ensemble Bizou or the fiery string quartet, Fievre. Golden Gate Music is also pleased to present the truly unique and exciting Golden Gate Strings. Whether performing a formal classical concert or burning it up with R&B and Funk, this larger string ensemble is like no other. Every reason to celebrate can be even more special with the right music. Live music can be remarkably affordable. There are no hidden costs with Golden Gate Music. Perhaps a string quartet or even a trio is way over your entertainment budget.'The Two of Us' is just the answer. T his exceptional string duo is equally experienced in classical and popular music, and possibly the best strolling violinists in Northern California.
Starlite Strings
Whether you dream of a picturesque formation of violins cascading down a grand staircase for cocktail reception and dinner, or the romantic charm of violins serenading guests at a garden wedding, we have the experience and resources to tailor a unique musical experience as you envision it. Let Starlite Strings fulfill your dream of featuring beautiful music for your corporate party or other special celebration. Offering a wide selection of versatile ensembles from which to choose, Starlite Strings will assist you in making the right choice to complement the elegance and ambiance of your event. To ensure the ultimate success of your event, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality professional musical services available. Our musicians have performed together in our ensembles for many years, and are among the San Francisco Bay Area's finest performing artists. Starlite Strings provides classical instrumental soloists, duos, trios and quartets, and a chamber orchestra. After a fabulous dinner, why not shift the mood to light, danceable, acoustic music, for a fitting touch to the end of a perfect evening? Swing, waltzes and popular ballads are performed in classic San Francisco style by our Strolling Violin ensembles or our Continental Combos with violins.If you want to create a relaxed contemporary atmosphere in which your guests can visit without competition from a band, we recommend changing the pace with the light background jazz sounds of the Davis Ramey Trio or Carl Vast's "The BBC Jazz Trio".
Synchronicity Strings
SYNCHRONICITY is an ensemble of professional, experienced musicians available for performances of exceptional quality throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of SYNCHRONICITY have extensive experience as professional solo, chamber and orchestral musicians. SYNCHRONICITY musicians are the best & finest string players in Northern California. SYNCHRONICITY is available to perform as a string quartet, trio, duo, solo violin, viola or cello. You choose the ensemble that best suits the needs of your event and budget. Our extensive repertoire allows us to create the musical atmosphere that perfectly suits your event. Generally we perform acoustic, without amplification. However, using our discreet clip on microphones and PA system SYNCHRONICITY can cope with large venues, or outdoor performances. The microphones offer superb sound quality and are visually very discreet with no untidy microphone stands. We carefully adjust the volume to suit the venue and occasion.
Those Darn Accordians
San Francisco's accordion-fueled rock 'n' roll band pumps out quirky, catchy originals chronicling life in the weird lane. The six-piece group - fronted by lead singer/squeezebox wizard Paul Rogers and bellows-pumping babes Carri Abrahms, Susie Davis and Suzanne Garramone - promises to forever rearrange your understanding of the accordion. TDA's four extreme squeezeboxers mix solid keyboard chops with a groundbreaking use of guitar effects pedals and amps to produce a super-cool sound like nothing you've ever heard emanating from an accordion. With sterling vocal harmonies and a sense of humor that just won't quit, the one-of-a-kind band blazes through a variety of musical genres - from rock and funk to polka and even swing - and torches timeless classic rock tunes along the way. You won't believe your ears.
DJ's
Kidd Karter
With a Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia and a wealth of experience in DJ'ing all types of events, Kidd Karter is the consummate professional. His love of all types of music and an innate ability to read a crowd make Kidd Karter a highly sought-after MC from Monterey to Napa and beyond. He has the experience and knowledge to provide outstanding entertainment for any occasion as well as produce a wide range of mulitmedia production.
Matt Marks
Personality, high energy, and experience define Matt Marks as a Master Party Host. Matt is the Master of his craft- Creating dream events! His experience and attention to detail is apparent in all his parties. Here is Matt taking care of details: Excitement in the air; the dance floor is full; the house is rockin'; Matt Marks is in control. The party you want is in his hands!
Miguel Guidos
DJ Miguel is a high-energy interactive Corporate DJ - Entertainer - Percussionist . He has a troupe of Dancers available with stadium style Rockin’ Hip Poppin’ Motivating Music. Miguel brings Vegas style showmanship to your event, and his reputation as a non-stop party machine make him one of the most popular DJ/Emcees in California. He and his crew have performed many corporate events alongside groups like: The Beach Boys in the Caribbean for 3Com; Christina Aguilera for IBM at San Jose area; Kool and the gang in Hawaii; Earth Wind and Fire; Eddie Money- (SF) National Broadcasting Convention; Cirus De Sole - Miki Event (from Japan) 4,000 Women; Atlas International - ( Cabo Mexico ); Ray Charles (San Francisco Civic Center); New Years with James Brown -Tower Of Power- Pete Escovido.
Rick McMahon
DJ Rick has been entertaining at Corporate Events for over 20 years in the Bay Area. His charm, knowledge of music, and eagerness to play requests make him a JNP favorite. Rick has an incredible feel for every party, and he is in high demand for all types of Corporate Events. Call us today to book Rick McMahon.
Rick Williams
DJ Rick Williams is a Musician's DJ. He is an accomplished drummer as well as a 15-year DJ, and he brings a fantastic repertoire of tunes to any Corporate Event. Rick is the perfect DJ for a lively holiday party where interactive DJ'ing can make the party rock. Call us today to book Rick Williams at (800) 578-5780.
Roy Stone
My name is DJ Roy Stone and I am not your ordinary disc jockey. I am a sound sculptor, and I select the perfect music for your special occasion. I have been a professional master of ceremonies and disc jockey for more than twenty years. I enjoy providing great music and song selections and will offer the perfect tune at the perfect moment. I carry a complete music library on compact disc to every event with more that 90,000 songs. The music includes, classic soul, rock and roll, rhythm & blues, country, oldies, motown, latin, disco, eighties, nineties, hip-hop, and whatever else your heart desires. I am a music historian and an avid concert-goer. One great way to gauge a good performance is to leave your audience wanting more. I am considered the man when it come to ensuring a great time with my musical abilities and proven talent to rock any event from dusk to dawn. If you're wanting to have a great event, then book DJ Roy Stone for your entertainment needs.
Steve Tieger
DJ Steve Tieger has been involved in the planning, serving, and coordinating of over 1700 events. These include weddings, corporate events, holiday celebrations, reunions, bar mitzvahs, and all kinds of parties. Steve's experience as a DJ enables him to plan music for every occasion, serve as a master of ceremonies to draw your guests into an entertaining function and work with you to make your event a memorable celebration. Steve can also incorporate inter-active and team building activities, as well as a complete karaoke set-up.
Yoni Wunderman
A JNP DJ since 2004, Yoni has a wonderful mix of youthful exuberance, contemporary music knowledge, and hands-on experience. He has state of the art equipment and is known for his work at parties with a younger audience. Whether it is a formal corporate function or a wild and crazy holiday party, Yoni will bring the party to life. Call us today at 800-578-5780 to book DJ Yoni!
Ensembles
Christmas Carolers
Unique musical arrangements and traditional Christmas carols performed in costume by established professional singers throughout northern California and around the country. Songs are accompanied by the merry sounds of sleigh bells, finger, cymbals, & tambourine.
Duos
Joel Nelson Productions provides duos with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Jazz/Easy Listening, Variety, and Classical duos. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Quartets
Joel Nelson Productions provides quartets with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Jazz/Easy Listening, Variety, Classical and Holiday quartets. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Quintets
Joel Nelson Productions provides quintets with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Classical, Novelty/Ethnic, Jazz/Easy Listening, and Variety quintets. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Trios
Joel Nelson Productions provides trios with a wide variety of instrumentation. Our categories include Classical, Novelty/Ethnic, Jazz/Easy Listening, and Variety trios. Call us at (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Variety Headliner Ensembles
Joel Nelson Productions books many headliner musical ensembles. Many of these bands set their own pricing, so call (800) 578-5780 for a quote!
Jazz
Anton Jazz
Jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz has been drawing listeners in with the power, spirit and subtle complexity of his music since he bounded onto the San Francisco jazz scene in 1995. At 27, Anton was answering the call of his long-standing passion for jazz, stepping away from the high-level research in Artificial Intelligence he'd carried out at Harvard and Stanford. Quite a career change. Once in action as a musician, Anton quickly gained an enthusiastic following as music fans responded to what the San Francisco Chronicle recently called his "warm, generous tone, impeccably developed solos and infectious performance energy." In the years since, Anton has won over listeners and critics at high-profile jazz venues across the country, including the Blue Note in New York, Washington D.C.'s Blues Alley and the Monterey Jazz Festival. His frequent appearances at Yoshi's in Oakland draw sellout crowds; one such concert was broadcast nationwide on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater in December, 2005. Each of his four CDs has earned sterling reviews and strong airplay, with his most recent Radiant Blue landing Top Five on the national jazz radio charts. While his own writing earns consistently high praise, Anton remains as much at home with the great jazz standards as he is with his own compositions. Perhaps famed saxophonist Illinois Jacquet put things most succinctly when he told Anton, "You play the tenor sax like it's meant to be played."
Ben Marcato
Ben Marcato was born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio. Before relocating to the Bay Area in 1993 to embark on his recording and performing career, Ben earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Guitar from The College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Describing himself as a “natural” singer, the self-taught vocalist draws inspiration from personal favorites like Louis Armstrong, Nat “King” Cole, Ray Charles, James Brown as well as Sinatra and Chet Baker. Ben’s touring and recording band, known as “Ben Marcato and his Mondo Combo” have performed at virtually every noteworthy live venue in the Bay Area, including The Fillmore, The Plush Room, Slim’s, Bimbo’s, Rancho Nicasio, The Top of the Mark, Red Devil Lounge, Café du Nord and Bruno’s to name a few. The late, great leader of The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, hand-picked “Ben Marcato and his Mondo Combo” exclusively, to perform at his 1994 Valentine’s Day wedding reception at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. Ben Marcato recently completed his fifth CD “Imagination”, a collection of jazz standards emphasizing his smooth, evocative interpretations of timeless tunes such as “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “Embraceable You” and “The Way You Look Tonight”. New York’s jazz maestro Cedar Walton played piano and wrote the impeccable musical arrangements for big band and string orchestra that complement the set of classic American songs. The recording is being marketed to jazz labels such as Blue Note, Impulse and Savoy. New projects for Ben include an all-original album of songs written in the style of west coast cool Jazz and bossa nova, entitled “Naturally”. In addition, Ben and his six-piece band return to the studio to begin the work on a new CD of “old school funk and soul” originals featuring the title track “21st Century Fox”.
Bruno Pelletier Bacquaert
I studied guitar and Jazz Composition at the University of Miami, FL with Randall Dollahon & Ron Miller. I also studied with John Hart, Dave Creamer, Barry Harris & film-scoring with Laurent Petitgirard. I moved to San Francisco in 1987 where I now work as a free-lance guitarist, bandleader and educator - with performances at the world-renowned Jazz club Yoshi's with my own Quartet, at the SF Museum of Modern Art, at local Jazz Festivals, and at the Mill Valley International Film Festival. I have played with Buddy Collette, Sonny Simmons, Norah Jones, Bruce Dunlap, Trevor Dunn ("Mr. Bungle", "Fantomas", John Zorn), Reid Anderson ("The Bad Plus"), Jenny Scheinman, Ben Monder, Steve Cardenas, Kenny Wollesen (Bill Frisell), Phillip Greenlief, J. Granelli, Adam Levy (Tracy Chapman, Joey Baron, Norah Jones), percussionist Mingo Lewis (from "Santana"), African World Beat group "Zekele Sounds", and the"Broun Fellinis". Aside from writing and performing original compositions, I have been working on a "French singer-songwriters project": adapting songs by Serge Gainsbourg, Georges Brassens, Jacques Brel & Charles Trenet and using them as new "standards" (or "vehicules") for adventurous instrumental Jazz improvisations. Wrote the original score for the experimental film "The Making of El Capistrano" by avant-garde director Claire Bain. Original music performed by the Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert Quartet is also featured on the 2006 television movie "The Best Kept Secret", produced by the San Francisco Academy of Arts University and made for the "Documentary Channel".
Carla Helmbrecht
Vocalist Carla Helmbrecht has been cultivating her craft since the age of 8 when she began taking piano lessons and singing. A native of Wisconsin, Carla was raised in a large music-loving family, and had an inherently deep desire for music. It was her father who introduced her to jazz, and it was not uncommon for the entire family to spend endless evenings making music. At age 13, she began singing professionally, as she continued piano studies. Her early influences include traditional jazz greates such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Julie London, Count Basie, and Dave Brubeck. Later influences include Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Cleo Lane, and Miles Davis. Carla later continued her jazz studies in West Texas, singing with the Texas Tech University Jazz ensemble under the direction of Alan Shinn. While playing and touring with the university band, she had the opportunity to perform with and open for jazz notables such as Tuck and Patti, the Yellowjackets, Louie Bellson and Tony Campise. Carla was featured on the Texas Tech University Jazz Ensemble’s CD “Seein‘ The Light... Hearin’ the Hub-Tones” (1997).
Deuce
DEUCE is a 5-7 piece electric Soul-Jazz ensemble led by horn players Jean Fineberg and Ellen Seeling. As freelance musicians, Fineberg & Seeling toured and recorded with David Bowie, Patti Labelle, Laura Nyro, Chic, Luther Vandross, Phoebe Snow, and recorded the famous "We Are Family" with Sister Sledge. DEUCE has released two CDs of original material, both receiving international airplay. DEUCE presents a high-energy driving show which includes original material and standard funk tunes reinterpreted in a contemporary style. All the players are aggressive soloists. DEUCE has appeared at festivals and clubs nationwide, and has received wide acclaim from the mainstream as well as the industry press.
Laurent Fourgo Jazz Ensemble
Laurent Fourgo & His Ensemble is comprised of seasoned musicians with 15 to 30 years of experience: vocals, piano, upright bass, electric bass, drums, guitar, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, violin and accordion. BORN IN PARIS, FRANCE, Laurent Fourgo grew up in the southwest suburb of Paris and began studying the saxophone when he was eight years old. By the time he was 12, he switched to oboe and played in the local classical orchestra. At 16, he had decided that singing would be his main instrument.
Le Jazz Hot
Le Jazz Hot is the new quartet of the Hot Club of San Francisco, still continuing our tradition of fine French Gypsy Swing played on Stringed Instruments. They can be a quartet of two guitars, bass, and violin, or a trio of two guitars and bass.
Liberty Street Jazz Band
Born in England, Liberty Street Jazz Band leader Richard Hall is a graduate from the University of Nottingham where he subsidized his higher education grants with jazz dates at the local clubs such as the notorious Down's Brasserie. As a London-based professional he was involved in various jazz & rock ensembles, a publishing contract with Warner Bros. and a multitude of engagements including appearances at The Ritz, The Savoy, Covent Garden and, before coming to America, a two year run at The Hotel Russell. From 1988 to 1990 he held a lecturing post at Chichester College where he taught jazz theory and improvisation to Performing Arts students. Arriving in San Francisco in January 1991 Richard's career continued with nightly contracts at the renowned Fisherman's Wharf restaurant A. Sabella's then at Club 36 on Union Square. Weekly engagements have included the jazz clubs Storyville, Harry Denton's, The Black Cat, Moonshine and The Plumed Horse. Appearing with various Bay Area Jazz, Latin, and Blues ensembles he has performed at most of the live music venues in the Bay Area including The Fillmore Auditorium, The Great American Music Hall, The Masonic Auditorium (with Tony Bennett), Slim's and The Mystic Theater; in 1999 he participated in the "Blue Journey" lecture/performance series presenting the history of the blues in Universities across California; and in 2001 his trio performed on stage with Ballet California at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts presenting original choreography with his original musical compositions. In September 2004 he performed at the Russian River Jazz Festival opening for Chaka Khan, and in 2005/6 was Musical Director, Pianist and Conductor for both the "Dirty Little Secret" show (60 performances) and the Rat Pack "Tribute" show (250 performances). In July 2007 he opened the Berkeley Jazz festival at the Greek Theater. Richard is extremely capable in all styles of jazz. He has great ability to adapt to circumstances; from subtle ambient music to high profile stage show, from New Orleans to New York, he'll always selects the optimum energy level and style.With impeccable professionalism, punctuality and presentation he is dedicated to surpassing his audiences' expectations, whether as a soloist or in ensemble.
Magnolia Jazz Band
In January 1975, a local nightclub owner heard Robbie at an after-hours jam session, and hired him to lead a jazz band to entertain his customers. Robbie called five friends from the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society and organized the original Magnolia Jazz Band. The job lasted six weeks, every Friday and Saturday night. Through the mid '70s, we continued playing, often expanding to nine musicians, and performed at dances, parties, and concerts. I n the late '70s and early '80s, we specialized in the New Orleans revival style, popularized by the Bunk Johnson, George Lewis, and Preservation Hall Jazz Bands. The sextet made seven recordings, toured through the midwest and the east coast, and performed at many jazz festivals throughout the country. Now, in the 21st century, the band is going stronger than ever. Since the late '70s, the trio (clarinet, guitar, and bass) has been working nearly every day. Our clients get swinging entertainment for corporate events, private parties, and wedding receptions at the best local hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. The band knows how to be flexible - often adding trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, drums, banjo, or tuba, to provide the right size combo for every occasion. Selecting music from a wide repertoire, we play the popular standards, Latin favorites, and hot jazz classics from the '20s, '30s, '40s and '50s. The Magnolia Jazz Band specializes in entertaining people. Because we help make each event successful, our clients keep calling us for more. Although most of our engagements are private parties, we regularly bring a swinging mood to public events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mike Slack's New Orleans Jazz
Mike Slack's New Orleans Jazz Band is an exciting smaller group spun off from the San Francisco Feetwarmers and featuring Bob Embry or Jim Rothermel on clarinet, Mike Slack on cornet, Bill DeKuiper on guitar, and Tom Clark on string bass. The musical sparks really fly between Mike Slack and the group...these guys put the hot in "hot" music. They deliver exciting swinging numbers like Sidney Bechet's "Coal Black Shine," exquisite gems like Willie the Lion Smith's "Echo of Spring," Darby singing "Until the Real Thing Comes Along," "St. Louis Blues," "Mack the Knife" and more. They had a long resdency at the Baltic Square Pub, 135 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA. This venue has reopened as the Royal Oak Pub and the band is back on the second Thursday of the month.
Octobop
Cool jazz. Images of the early days on the West Coast when new ideas, harmonies, ensemble playing and great improvisation were all happening. Recreating and updating that experience is the mission of Octobop. Performing and promoting the music that began with The Birth of the Cool - and the innovations of Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Shorty Rogers, Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Dave Pell, Jimmy Guiffre, and Howard Rumsey among others - Octobop makes cool jazz hot again.
Rob Hart Trio
The Rob Hart Trio is an exciting blend of organic traditional jazz, fusion, funk, latin and textural experimental music, along with high-powered, on-the-edge improvisations. Established in the early 1990's the Trio has gone through a series of different incarnations of instrumentation and evolutions, taking the trio through pathways of musical adventures. San Francisco Bay Area native and Berklee College of Music graduate Rob Hart is a consummate musician, teaching and performing regularly with the Rob Hart Trio in Bay Area venues. Rob has also performed/recorded with renowned bassist Kai Eckhardt (John McLaughlin),The Isley Brothers, Antilles recording artist Dave Mann, CC Deville (Poison), and Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani/Steve Vai) among others, and has been featured as an opener for legendary jazz saxophonist Bennie Maupin and seminal jazz fusion pioneers Spyro Gyra. Rob has studied with Steve Smith, Mike Clark, Gary Chaffee, and the late Tony Williams. He established the Rob Hart Drum Studio in 1985. Some of his successful students have gone on to join renowned touring bands and award-winning ensembles. Rob is an active clinician and continues to conduct various rhythm section workshops in the San Francisco Bay area.
Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
Drawing inspiration from the great bands, performers and composers of the "Jazz Age" and "Swing Era," Don Neely and the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra affectionately and authentically recapture the excitement and fascination of that musical heyday. Guided by their affinity for the superb music of innovators such as Fletcher Henderson, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, Bix Biederbecke, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and songwriters like Harry Warren, Fats Waller, George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, and Walter Donaldson, the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra has captivated audiences all across the country. One of the many things that set this eleven-member ensemble apart is their genuine understanding of the music they perform. By going back and carefully studying the original musical ideas of the period, they have been able to achieve their remarkably authentic sound. The band's entertaining and talented soloists are creatively spotlighted in their exciting and varied show, providing many delightful surprises. And the RSJO plays it all - from intricately-faceted, Syncopated Jazz to ultra-sleek, Big Band Swing.
Spirit of '29
For nearly three decades the Spirit of '29 has been pleasing audiences with its hot brand of exhuberant Dixieland Jazz. Folks of all ages clap their hands, tap their feet and get up and dance. Let the Spirit of '29 turn your party into a memorable celebration, bring excitement and attention to your promotional event, or turn your street fair into a festival. Available with 4 to 8 Musicians.
String of Pearls
STRING OF PEARLS is a female vocal trio that performs modern vocal jazz and vintage "girl group" music with swing, style, and musical excellence. Susan Halloran, Jeanne O'Connor, and Holli Ross bring a fresh sound and a new face to vocal harmony music from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. The trio breathes new life into the great music of groups like the Boswell Sisters, Andrews Sisters, Mills Brothers, Count Basie, and Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross.. Meanwhile, String of Pearls performs a wide variety of original arrangements that draw on the traditions of bebop, Brazilian music, and American pop. STRING OF PEARLS began in the mid-1980s, when a musical director brought these talented ladies together for a special show of nostalgia material. The singers decided to stay together and expand their repertoire of jazz, cabaret and pop material. String of Pearls began appearing at clubs, cabarets, and concert halls throughout the metropolitan area and beyond. Since then, this exceptional group has appeared in the JVC Jazz Festival, at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, Town Hall, the Latin Quarter, The Manhattan Center, The Battleship Intrepid and The Kennedy Center. Holli, Sue and Jeanne performed in May 2001 at the renowned Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. as part of its "Women in Jazz Festival."They have recently performed at New York's annual Cabaret convention, the Mohonk Jazz Festival, the Millbrook Jazz Festival and the famous "Lyrics and Lyricists" program at Manhattan's 92nd st Y Cultural Center. The singers also tour abroad, most recently touring Japan and before that, a sold-out nightclub engagement in Munich, Germany. The group has shared a bill with the McGuire Sisters, and has sung with leading big bands such as Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks and Peter Duchin.
Atmos Trio
The members of the Atmos Trio are all extremely well-rounded musicians. Having been hiring their services out to other musical projects in every conceivable musical styles for years, it wasn't until 2004 that the Trio decided to pursue their own muse. Combining singable melodies usually associated with "pop" music, unexpected harmonic and tonal shifts of moderns jazz and World textures, the Atmos Trio is busy carving a unique niche for themselves. Mix these elements with stunning solo and ensemble improvisations and the Trio will take you on a musical journey not soon forgotten. Over the years, it seems like the members of the Atmos Trio have played almost everywhere for everyone. Here is a short cross-section of clients, festivals and venues for whom we have worked:
Corporate Clients
Sun MicroSystems, 3-com, Yahoo, Microsoft, Sony, Seibel, Excite, Lucas Arts, SF City Hall, The Tech Museum, SFMOMA, Peavey Corporation, Motorola, Bank of America, MacWorld Convention, SF Culinary Institute, Oracle, Apple, AMD, Adobe, Genentech, Coldwell Banker, Mervyn's, Cisco, Emeryville Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Broadcasters, Sonoton Music/Sundance Film Festival, Audio Technica, Clear Channel/Bill Graham Presents, NAPTE Convention of Television Professionals.
Wineries
Atmos is always playing throughout the Napa/ Sonoma wine country, and performed at: Quintessa, Wintey Bros., Frazier, Kolgen, De Loach, Roseville, Spring Mountain, Louis Martitni, Domain Chandon, Paul Mason, Clo Pegase, Sebastiani, Pine Ridge and Paradise wineries to name but a few.
Festivals/Venues/Concerts
Great American Music Hall, Slim's, The Fillmore, The Warfield, Oregon Country Fair, Burning Man, Moscone Center, NAMM Convention, Hog Farm, EarthDance, Sierra Nevada Music Festival, Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, KFOG.
Public Speakers
Dale Snodgrass
"Captain Dale Snodgrass, (better known by his call-sign: Snort), is a living national treasure and among the greatest fighter pilots of our times. I've flown with Snort, watched him teach and groom generations of fighter pilots, and the way Snort is able to articulate those skills to others is like no one I've ever seen. There aren't many people on this earth that I hold in higher regard than Captain Dale Snodgrass." - Admiral Jay Johnson
Dr. Lillian Glass
Dr. Lillian Glass is one of the world's most well respected and foremost authorities in the field of Communication. As a renowned Body Language expert, she has demonstrated her skills throughout the media and in the legal fields. She is also a media commentator where she shares her unique prespective concerning current news events. Known as "The First Lady of Communication" she has authored over a dozen books, including the best-sellers Toxic People - 10 Ways of Dealing with People Who Make Your Life Miserable; He Says She Says, and her current book, I Know What You're Thinking - Using the Four Codes of Reading People to Improve Your Life., available in almost every language, around the world. Dr. Glass has had private practices in both Beverly Hills, California and New York City, where her clients have included celebrities, politicians, and world leaders. She lectures worldwide. Currently, Dr. Glass is seen throughout the media, providing commentary on current issues. She regularly appears on, CNN’s Nancy Grace Show, CNN’s Showbiz Tonight, and CNN’s Headline News. as well as on MSNBC. She also appears regularly on the Today Show where her segments represent all aspects of communication. Her expertise in the area of "body language" and "reading people" continue to be featured in popular television and print media outlets worldwide including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Newsweek, OK, Life and Style, In Touch Weekly, Rolling Stone, and US Weekly Magazine.
Joe O'Brien
Joe O'Brien is one of Joel Nelson Productions' exclusive featured Public Speakers. His life has been filled with trials and tribulations, but through it all, Joe has perservered and is now coaching in the Arena Football League. Watch his video and read his story...you will feel the power of Joe's message, and so will your guests. Perfect for school functions and groups of athletes!
Soloist
Alejandro Jauregui
Alejandro Jauregui is wonderful solo pianist with a flair for the moment and an elegant repertoire of perfect mood music. Alejandro has been providing piano music at cocktail hours for many years in the Bay Area. He is also a wonderful bandleader and on-stage personality. Alejandro also sings in Spanish, making him a perfect performer for you Latin-flavored event!
Allen Fredrick
Allen Fredrick is an accomplished vocalist/guitarist whose “one-man-band” show includes Classic Rock and R&B, Current Top 40, Originals from his CDs and Smooth Jazz. For various major label musical artists he has not only recorded as a studio musician but also toured throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Central America playing showcase clubs, concerts and television including the David Letterman Show. He uses two sound systems depending on the venue; either a small Mackie system for restaurants or a larger JBL sound system, complete with 18” subwoofer to pump out the lows for the big clubs. Although Allen performs solo the fidelity of his tracks is such that one would swear a full band is playing! He plays wireless so he mingles and interacts with the crowd to encourage audience participation in his shows.
Angelica Hayden
Angelica Hayden is a professional pianist, singer/songwriter with a full band available. She performs solo piano, solo piano and vocals or with full band. She is known for singing the international main title theme to NBC's hit TV show "Providence". “Providence” airs in over 60 countries worldwide for the past five years. Angelica performs top-40, contemporary, jazz standards, classical and country music as well as her originals (upon request). Buy the "Providence" DVD at Best Buy.
Anna Kristina
Anna Kristina is a California native. Inspired by her artistic mother and bass playing father, Anna has been surrounded by and magnetically attracted to music all her life. She had a collection of nursery rhymes under her belt before she mastered the whole “two legged walking” thing. The epiphany that singing was her calling was said to be at age 5. Her parents had an urge to introduce her to that magical little instrument known as the microphone. They decided to let her sing “Hush Little Baby” with her father's jazz band during a jam session at the house. When she finished the song and the applause exploded, her awestruck eyes and truly euphoric face swayed them to let her sing the song a second time. After the 5th “Hush Little Baby” in a row, they realized that this had become a “situation”. Upon assessing the dilemma, they were left with only one choice. Combining the focused efforts of her mom, dad and a team of adults, they pried her desperate little clutching hands from the microphone and painstakingly dragged her kicking and screaming down the hallway into her room as she repeatedly bellowed “Just one more time! Just one more time!” Legend has it that, other than this historical event, Anna was generally pretty cool at social functions. Anna performed at her first festival at age 11, singing “Summertime.” She dabbled with many different musical instruments including saxophone, trumpet and piano. Piano has been the consistent instrument of choice.
Anna Marie Mendieta
Anna Maria Mendieta, harpist, enjoys a busy career as a soloist, orchestral musician, recording artist and teacher. In recognition of her Spanish heritage, she has been invited to perform for the King and Queen of Spain and for concerts for National Hispanic Week in Washington, D.C. In a career that has earned her prestigious awards and performances with top name recording artists, Ms. Mendieta has also been invited to perform for dignitaries and heads of state. Ms. Mendieta has appeared on television, in motion pictures and featured on national radio.
Bagpiper Jeff
I have 30+ years of piping experience and always perform in full highland dress, Campbell tartan of course. I stay very active playing between 6 to 10 engagements a month. I've played with six time Grammy winners The Chieftains. I've performed for the Mayor of San Francisco and opened for Mark Victor Hanson, a nationally known speaker and author of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Recipient of the "Best Legs" award, Fourth of July Parade, Orinda. I was also part of a group that played for the Queen of England when she came to San Francisco. I played on Evening Magazine, Live 105 radio station for the Alex Bennet show, a TV commercial for Tennent's Scottish beer, Channel 11 KNTV morning news, and Raiders playoff half time show. I studied under World Champion Pipe Major Donald Shaw Ramsay, B.E.M. I have played with the San Francisco Irish, Alameda Sheriffs, Dunvegan, Seattle Clansmen and Diablo Highlanders pipe bands. If interested, I also have a drummer, Scottish highland dancers and Irish step dancers that I can bring to supplement my act.
Ben Flint
Evocative, thoughtful, and intelligent are only a few words to describe Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Clinician Ben Flint. Growing up near Memphis, Tennessee, he became excited by Jazz, Blues, and Gospel Music. While still attending high school, Ben began performing professionally all over the Memphis Area. Upon graduation, he attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music on full scholarship. At Berklee, he had the pleasure of playing with Greg Osby, Terri Lynn Carrington, and Delfayo Marsalis. By his second year in college, Ben was featured on the Lomo Records release, "No Strings Attached". Subsequently, this opened the door for him to perform on two more records on Lomo: "Joseph's Path", and "Bakatak". After completing his degree at Berklee College of Music, he returned to the South to resume his music career. Ben began conducting music productions and teaching at the University of Memphis. While in Memphis, he landed a keyboardist position with Isaac Hayes. Working with Isaac afforded Ben the opportunity to travel to Australia, Europe, The Middle East, and all over the United States. Ben has also appeared with Mr. Hayes on television shows that have aired on HBO, VH1, and Comedy Central. He has also performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, as well as the Montreal and Brazil's Free Jazz festivals.
Benett Zussman
Bay area native and nationally acclaimed classical guitarist Benett Zussman has delighted audiences throughout California and Hawaii. He earned a Master degree in music from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts under the tutelage of Cuban Maestro Jose Rey de la Torre. Benett has also studied with John Philip Dimick, Bahram Behroozi, Warren Nunes, Lawrence Ferrara and Marc Teicholz, a well as master classes with Ricardo Cobo, Martha Masters and Carlos Barbosa-Lima. He is a member and has been a featured soloist for the South Bay Guitar Society on many occasions as well as numerous universities throughout California. He has also performed at the Maria Benitez Flamenco Seminar in New Mexico. These days, Benett devotes his time to performing and teaching and happily shares his life with his lovely wife Diana and their furry companions Gibson and Fender.
Bob Moffitt (Soloist)
Book a solo act to a five piece band with a variety of music styles for a diversity of venues and occasions including clubs, restaurants, corporate events, and other special events. According to the Miami Sentinel, "when you listen to Bob Moffitt accompany himself on keyboard and guitar as he sings his versions of James Taylor and Bob Seeger songs, you know something unusual is happening. Moffitt manages to keep his audience so riveted that no one's gaze wavers when he plays a short Bach piece among his mellow rock and pop numbers. In fact, the crowd - dressed in shorts, T-shirts and sneakers - loudly applauds the entertainer's classical selection. Some even cheer vociferously. No, he hasn't loaded the tables with family and close friends. The guy really is good."
Chaz Gunter
Chaz & Co. is a modern day One Man Band DJ.& Soloist-with state of the art high-tech equipment that performs all styles of music from classical & new age, to contemporary, swing, smooth jazz , 50's and oldies, rock, country, r&b, reggae, Caribbean calypso, latin & salsa, blues, 20's to 2007, hip hop and dance tunes on sax flute, guitar, keyboard, and vocals. Dance to the great classics if Frank Sinatra like "Fly me to the Moon" and "The way you look Tonight "from Elvis to the Fifties & Sixties songs like "Jail house Rock" Runaround Sue" and Rock around the Clock" the night wouldn't be complete without Motown "Respect Signed Sealed Delivered "My Girl "and the Jackson Five " don't forget those great hits of the Seventies "September "I will Survive" and Last Dance" cap off your event with the classics of the Eighties and Nineties " Lady Marmalade" Love Shack" Express Yourself "and 2007 hit Smooth ! Yes even Country Hits from Patsy Cline to Mr. Tim Mc Graw" & Rascal Flatts, all your guess young and old well have so much fun dancing to the sounds of every decade that puts them in the mood to celebrate.
Dale Mills
Dale Mills has spent over 45 years blowin’ his horn, but by industry standards he can't "toot" his own horn, because he is too self-effacing but don’t let that fool you! The conclusion is this guy is a skilled professional whether you watch him perform with the Internationally renowned Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra, with one of the many and diverse local bands he plays with, or observe him teaching one of his students.
Dan Levitan
Dan Levitan is Principal Harpist of three professional orchestras: Marin Symphony (since 1984), Symphony Silicon Valley (since its founding) and Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley. In addition to having performed with San Jose Symphony as Principal Harpist from 1978 until its closure in 2002, he has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet orchestras, and is sought after as a soloist with orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles throughout Northern California. Born and educated in Philadelphia, Mr. Levitan received bachelor degrees in Music Performance and in Music Education from Temple University, both magna cum laude, and was named "Most Promising Musician" on graduation. He has studied with Margarita Montanaro, Co-Principal Harpist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, internationally acclaimed harpists Susann McDonald and Susanna Mildonian, and well-known San Francisco Bay Area harpists Anne Adams, Marcella DeCray, and the late Phyllis Schlomovitz.
Dan Nieckarz
A veteran Bay Area guitarist, Dan draws from more than twenty years of study and experience to deliver an exceptionally high level of professionalism and musical quality. Dedication to the art of jazz is evident in every performance. His warm, quiet-yet-intense style is a true reflection of his personality, a unique expression of jazz as he experiences it. Whatever the venue may be, whether performing solo or with other musicians, Dan always cultivates the balance so essential in the best of jazz music: spontaneous expression with sensitivity to surroundings. Musical Services: Dan performs in a variety of formats including solo guitar and various duo/trio/combo configurations. In addition to his work as a leader and soloist, Dan performs frequently as a sideman with vocalists and other musicians. Experience Includes: Five years at Garden City with house guitar trio Strings Attached. Performances at San Jose Jazz Festival and Stern Grove Gospel Music Festival. Accompanist for De Anza Jazz Singers, Modern Voice, Brazilian singer Claudia Villela and other top Bay Area vocalists. Worked with several Bay Area big bands and jazz-rock fusion bands. Numerous engagements as a soloist, and with various jazz groups.
Dave Evison
The great songs, the great singers - that's music to me! Cole Porter, Gershwin, Mancini - those were the guys who knew what a melody and lyrics were all about. Throw in Sinatra, Ellington or Tony Bennett to embody that beautiful musical feeling known as "swing". Some of us were born to be keepers of that flame. I usually sing at the piano while playing bass-lines on a small added keyboard with my left hand. Piano and vocals or just solo piano - it works either way for me. First-cabin is a piano/vocal set-up with string bass and a drummer - the trio sound. My slogan "From Nat to Bing-with lots of swing" originally derives from my own renditions of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting)" and "White Christmas". Kind of makes me feel like a "legend in my own mind" when I play them. Whether it be romantic ballads, jazzy swing tunes or mellow Brazillian bossa-nova, I always try to enjoy myself and do look forward to sharing my music with you.
David O'Connor
David has been sharing his talent for more than 40 years in a wide variety of musical situations. Although David's home base has been the Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz, California area since his early twenties, his past experience has found him on tour both nationally and abroad with such notables as The Lettermen and Leonard Cohen. David's music career began in Malaga, Spain where he studied Flamenco and classical guitar with a professor from the Conservatory of Music. Dave's eclectic history blends every style, from jazz, classical, pop and blues to Latin and the salsa big band sound. David continues to perform with groups in various combinations but puts great focus as well on his solo work. His current CD is a collection of acoustic solo material featuring original compositions suitable for weddings, dinner background and private parties, along with classic standards with a keyboard and drum trio.
Emma Jean Foster
Emma Jean Foster, vocalist, actress, producer, arranger and teacher, has dedicated much of the last decade of her artistic life to the research, teaching and performance of great African American traditional hymns, spirituals and gospel songs. Within the past ten years, Ms. Foster has recorded and produced three albums and a gospel dvd. With a voice that critics worldwide have compared to those of Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin, Foster weaves myriad musical threads and cultural traditions into a stunning single fabric. The musical magic of Emma Jean's voice has reached millions. Her virtuosity, talent, elegance of delivery and grace touch all that hear her. Whether performing the National Anthem at major sports events, singing at Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Jazz Festival or for a Presidential breakfast, this incredible coloratura soprano has developed a natural, unforced style that is an ever unfolding, growing testament to the power of a great voice to elicit and unlock the emotional potential of the music for the audience.
Eric Bolvin
Eric is available to play solo at your corporate event. Eric’s solo performance provides the perfect atmosphere for your event, whether it’s a concert environment or background, and is quite reasonably priced. His partial resume: 1982-present Leader and Originator of The Eric Bolvin Group and Eric Bolvin's Quorum San Francisco Bay Area: Recorded three album projects; Performed at many jazz venues; Performed at the San Jose Jazz Festival and the Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival 1975-present Performer San Francisco Bay Area; Performed many styles of music, including jazz, classical, rock, Latin, Asian, country- western in concert and club settings throughout the west coast; Portland Blues Festival 1996; Briefcase Blues Band, MGM Grand, High Sierra, Reno Hilton 1987-1988; San Jose Civic Light Opera 1983-1984; Worked as a freelance musician for many bands, agents and contractors in Northern California.
Glenn Staller
Glenn began his musical studies at the age of 14. His guitar experience developed to explore many styles. Through his desire, persistence, and discipline, Glenn expanded his knowledge independently. Although initially self-taught, Glenn was accepted into studies with masters in the following studies: Classical, Flamenco, and jazz guitar along with classical piano, harmony, and theory. Glenn credits his knowledge and command of the guitar to such outstanding mentors and instructors such as Rey de La Torre, Dusan Bogdanovic, Julian White, Bill Tapia, & Chuscales, Displaying extreme diversity in the ability to present a vast variety of musical styles, he has appeared in equally diverse performance venues including numerous wineries, vineyards, and resorts in the Napa Valley. In addition to offering concerts and performing for weddings, private parties, festivals, states and local fairs, Glenn offers lectures for schools and universities.
Haggai Yedida
Haggai (Justin) Yedida is an interanationally acclaimed pianist and vocalist as well as a dualing pianos entertainer. His diversity of styles and affable personality have made him a rising star in the Bay Area piano circuit. He has composed and recorded for Sony, Showtime, and regional radio stations. An Israeli-born Bay Area resident, Yedidya recently outmoved, outplayed and outfinessed thousands of contenders in the American Idol auditions held in Las Vegas. Haggai’s music and an original song were part of the audition, followed by a flurry of interviews on MSNBC, FOX, CBS and local news. An outstanding piano soloist, Haggai brings an unusual touch to the piano with incredible flourishes and almost magical sleights of hand, and is a wonder to behold.
Jeff Lewis
Jeff Lewis is a San Francisco area based freelance trumpet player, international clinician, and educator. He reveived his B.A. in jazz performance from San Jose University and has studied with Claude Gordon, Dave Burkhart, and Mark Inouye. Jeff has performed domestically, toured world-wide and/or recorded with many legendary artists including Ray Charles, B.B. King, Boz Scaggs, and The Four Tops.
John Lee Sanders
For the 1st 25 years of his life, John was raised in the Louisiana Mississippi delta, immersed in the wealth of Jazz, blues and Gospel music that became the DNA Of North American pop music for the next 50 years. His musical family includes a cousin who recorded with WC Handy in Memphis. His childhood encounters with the likes of Elvis Presley and Dr. Martin Luther King are part of the landscape that influenced this gifted piano, sax & vocal performer and composer. At 12 years old, John Lee was billed as "Birmingham's answer to Little Stevie Wonder" and opened for many R&B legends. John Lee has performed at Festivals all over Europe and North America, He is one-of-a-kind, and his breadth in musical genre rivals his mastery of instruments and disciplines in the field. He can sit in front of a piano and transport you from a smoky New Orleans Cajun bar to a blues club in Chicago to an uptown Jazz club in Manhattan. Since the 70's, John Lee's musical resume is like a history lesson of American Pop, Jazz and R&B, recording /performing with legends such as Willie Nelson, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Witherspoon, Freddie King, Dr. John, David “Fathead” Newman, The Meters, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Tower of Power, Sam Moore, Mary Wells & Stevie Wonder.
Joseph Magdalena
Joseph Magdalena is an accomplished pianist, trumpeter, violinist, and vocalist. Joseph is a phenomenal talent and is a wonderful personality for your event. He has been entertaining in the Bay Area for 27 years, and he is also the leader, composer, and piano player for Joe Mag and the Kool Kats...
Josh Friedman
Josh Friedman started playing guitar at 14, received a B.A. in Guitar Performance from UC Santa Cruz in 2000, and a Masters in Music Composition in 2003, and has taken private lessons from a long list of amazing teachers, including Ben Verdery, Marc Teicholtz, William Coulter, Scott Cmiel, and Mesut Özgen. Josh performs solo, in Santa Cruz Guitar Duo, with his progressive rock band Fractal and his new project Braeburn.
Juli Alexander
Juli fell in love with the glamour and beauty of the harp when she was 8. She started playing immediately and hasn't stopped since! Her professional career has taken her all over the world including 6 years performing on Seabourn and Royal Viking Line luxury cruise ships, The Palace Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, and several years freelancing in both Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Monterey, California. Although harp has always been associated with classical music, Juli's wide ranging repertoire includes Jazz Standards, Broadway Show Tunes, Movie Themes, New Age, Latin and Celtic music as well as Symphony Themes and Concertos. Harp stands well on its own as a solo instrument, however Juli also collaborates with flute, violin, cello, guitar, drums and piano. The visual grandeur of the harp goes a long way in creating an exotic or elegant atmosphere. It is also an amazingly versatile and portable instrument and the tone quality is really special in that it will carry all the way across the room without disturbing conversation close by. Most of all, the harp is a unique centerpiece that will amaze and delight your guests. Juli performs on both the Concert Grand pedal harp as well as the smaller Celtic folk harp. Juli's love lies in performing solo or in small ensembles where she can have the most contact with her audience. "I measure my success in the joy and wonder I see in the eyes of my audience."
Katherine Honey
Katherine Honey was raised in Florida. She was awarded a scholarship to California's Pepperdine University, Malibu, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance - Harp, while minoring in Natural Science. Graduate Studies were then pursued at California Stare University, San Francisco, where she received her Master of Arts. Katherine's dedication over the years has led to statewide tours with "Reflections", a popular music performing ensemble, which opened shows for name entertainers. Tours also included musicals such as "The Fantastiks", "Kismet" and "Carousel". Classically, Katherine has performed with numerous orchestras in Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. She played for the ceremonies celebrating the gala opening of San Francisco's Davies Hall. Commercially Katherine has recorded for film soundtracks. San Francisco's Fairmont, Hilton and St. Francis Hotels and Los Angeles' Disneyland Hotel, Sheraton Universal and Beverly Wilshire have been routine audiences for Katherine's wide variety of genres of music, from the classical to the contemporary. Katherine was employed atop Oakland's Kaiser Building at the beautiful four star Mirabeau Restaurant for over eight years, while also providing harp music at San Francisco's renowned Four Seasons Clift Hotel for Sunday Brunch. Katherine opened the elegant Fairmont Hotel, San Jose. She then performed for over 12 years at the magnificent Garden Court at San Francisco's historic Sheraton Palace Hotel for High Tea. She can currently be heard at The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco.
Kent Cohea
Kent Cohea has played with the likes of David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, B.J.Thomas, Lee Konitz and the Don Ellis Big Band. Being educated at Berklee School of Music in Boston, and learning from Joe Henderson in San Fransico, where he presently lives, has given Cohea a wide range of musical expression within the standard jazz genre.
Krista Strader
Classically trained from age four, Krista Strader brings together a high standard of performance, dedication, and passion to her art. An orchestral and solo harpist, Krista combines twenty-seven years of playing the harp with her knowledge, skill, and experience gained from over fourteen years as a full-time professional. Krista has performed for international royalty, Hollywood celebrities, government dignitaries Arnold Schwarzenegger, Colin Powell, and the family of President Nixon. She has performed with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, Sacramento Metropolitan Orchestra, All-American Boys Chorus, Napa Valley Symphony, and Lamplighters Theatre Company. Krista has been the featured harpist with the Mark Thallander Foundation, working with guest conductor John Rutter, and has enjoyed roles as Principal Harpist and concerto soloist with the William Lock Singers and Orchestra, major works including Handel's B-flat Concerto and Ravel's Introduction and Allegro. While residing in Orange County, Krista established positions as the preferred harpist with Disney Entertainment, and the recommended harpist with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Laguna Niguel. Krista graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance from Biola University, where she was awarded the Outstanding String Musician for two consecutive years. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Music in Harp Performance from San Francisco State University. Maintaining an active free-lance career in the Greater Bay Area, Krista is constantly adding to her performance schedule with upcoming concerts and private events. Her premiere recording titled "The Journey", a collection of celtic and popular melodies performed on celtic harp, is now available on Apple iTunes.
Kristal Schwartz
Kristal is a native of Santa Clara Valley who has been performing on the harp for over ten years. She’s in demand for weddings, private parties, afternoon teas, graduations, open houses, grand openings, or any special event. Clients appreciate Kristal’s attention to detail and her ability to bring out each client’s personality in her selected repertoire. Kristal enjoys those engagements where she is able to provide an extraordinary atmosphere that is conducive to conversation, companionship, and memorable moments for those in attendance. “When I was three I was first exposed to the harp while attending a party. Although it sounds funny, I knew then I was supposed to play the harp!” Kristal recalls. Her parents thought it might be a passing fancy, but Kristal’s persistence eventually brought about harp lessons and her very own harp. Although Kristal enjoys using her musical skills in many venues, she is particularly drawn to small, intimate occasions. These circumstances allow her to see the effect that her music has on her listeners as it transforms stress into tranquility – hurriedness into serenity.
Lori Andrews
Lori Andrews is a gifted and energetic performer who takes the harp beyond tradition and into the elements of jazz, fusion and R&B. Having 7 CDs to her credit, she has performed for Presidents Clinton and Ford, and the King and Queen of Spain, and has entertained a list of celebrities including Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Oprah Winfrey (50th birthday) and Clint Eastwood. Winner of the Jazziz Readers poll as best harpist, Lori's band has been featured at various jazz festivals including Playboy, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Sacramento and Idyllwild. Backing entertainers such as Richard Dreyfuss, Helen Hunt, Ashley Judd, Anne Heche, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Charlize Theron, The Lori Andrews JazHarp Quartet is the house band every year at the Academy Awards Technical Achievement Division which is the evening that the first Oscar Award is given, playing award recipients on and off the stage. Lori's TV and movie appearances include: Beaches, In the Line of Fire, The Tonight Show, Mambo Kings, Drew Carey, Ally McBeal and MAD TV.
Louie Moon
Louie Moon is a passionate and deft guitarist, perfect for any intimate or open setting. His articulate playing has thrilled Bay Area music aficionados for many years. Louie's words: "To me music is powerful magic, opening windows into our hearts and souls. Performing music has given me the chance to interact with people locally, and travel the world to experience the magic in other cultures. This constantly opens my eyes and ears to new ideas. Thank you supporters of live music for giving me that opportunity. I hope to see you at some of the San Francisco Bay Area venues I will be performing in soon. Please check the calendar. Feel free to drop me a line with any questions or comments."
Manolo Vargas
Manolo Vargas was born and raised in Sevilla, Spain at a time when flamenco was pure and a part of the popular culture. Manolo Vargas began his artistic career as a young child in Sevilla, Spain. When his teachers realized he had perfect pitch and could memorize a song after hearing it just once, the Jesuit priests at his school knew he had talent. They pulled him out of classes for leading roles in performances and plays. Manolo came to the United States and worked in clubs and theatres in Miami and Santa Fe where he worked with artists like Cacharito de Malaga, Paco Fonta, La Petrolio y La Salvadora. He toured the United States with companies like Jose Molina and Naranjito and in South America with Paco Del Puerto, La Tolea and La Estefania. Now Manolo is performing in California and giving private Flamenco lessons and workshops for guitarists, singers, and dancers. He continues to produce flamenco guitar Cd's and instructional videos.
Mark Holzinger
I am very lucky to have been part of a musical family, my mom was always the bombshell soprano, vocal coach, choir director and spiritual leader. She taught music in public school and at home where I grew up with the sound of music lessons nearly every day. I am told I sang in the choir at age two, I started formal training on piano and moved to guitar at age 10. It wasn't long before my father was hauling me and my gear to rehearsals in the family station wagon. My family has always been supportive of my musical endeavors... well, aside from some rough moments in high school where I wanted to do nothing but study guitar, but we've gotten way past that, and if you care to read on I will reveal some of the chapters in my musical journey. Over the years I have lived, recorded and toured out of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Nashville and Boston. I have also performed in New York City, 50 U.S. States, Paris, Amsterdam, Canada, Mexico and Jamaica. My performances have included concerts, festivals, major music venues, weddings, bars and restaurants, church, T.V., radio, music videos, musicals, LP's and CDs. Since returning to my San Francisco Bay Area roots in 1994 I have been recording and performing regularly, with venues including The Fillmore Auditorium, the Warfield Theatre, the Chronicle Pavilion, and the Masonic Auditorium. I also perform at festivals including the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Strawberry, Hog Farm, Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, Fat Fry, Two-Day Town, Earth Dance, and Kaleidoscope. In addition to performing concerts and festivals, I make a living by providing entertainment at restaurants, weddings, corporate parties and private events, along with ongoing local gigs.
Mark Kaye
As a solo piano player and leader of Da Funk, an award-winning neo-Funk band from the Bay Area, Mark Kaye is powerhouse performer filled with passion and versatility. Mark also sings and plays a custom guitar keyboard synthesizer with the Calvin Darkness Band. The '70s and '80s dance band features Santana's drummer and the horn section from the Huey Lewis and the News Band. The Calvin Darkness Band has opened for Elton John, Diana Ross, James Brown, and Chubby Checker.
Martan Mann
Has performed extensively in clubs and concerts throughout Northern California and Hawaii. Performed as jazz pianist for 25 years at The Garden City in San Jose. Performances include performing duos with George Young and Dmitri Matheny; with Martan Mann & Mannkind (contemporary jazz band); The Martan Mann Trio; and The Jazzical 6 (Dixieland Band). Martan is also a sought-after accompanist for many jazz vocalists. Current activities include: Clazzical Jazz Lecture/Performance Series; Developing a new contemporary jazz CD with the Martan Mann Trio; developing a concert tour with Martan Mann & Mannkind and the Martan Mann Trio; writing his fourth book on improvisation. Recently musical director of "The Cole Porter Revue" and "Gershwin,Gershwin" at the Capitola Theater in Capitola, CA. Musical director for "How to handle a woman" at the Vault in Hollister. Currently "house pianist" for the Jazz Society of Santa Cruz weekly jam session at Bocci's Cellar in Santa Cruz.
Ned Boynton
San Francisco Chronicle Music Critic Phil Elwood referred to Ned as "a wonderful guitarist".; Ned was the Musical Director for Talk Show Live Live at the historic Purple Onion in North Beach, the second Monday of each month.; Ned works locally in the Bay Area with his Django Reinhardt-inspired trio Cafe Americain and with sax man Jules Broussard.; Ned was an Associate Director of Jazzmasters Worshop from 1999 to 2008.; Ned was a featured artist at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe from 1999 to 2008.; Ned was the Musical Director for Enrico's Sidewalk Cafe from 1997 to 2006.
Noam Eisen
Noam Eisen will add that special musical touch. With over 18 years experience performing at family parties and corporate events, he is a cocktail jazz pianist and sing-along entertainer. Noam performs at corporate events. He often perform solo, but can easily arrange a duo, trio, or quartet depending on the size and requirements for your party. No piano? No worries. He has a wonderful Yamaha 88-key Piano Keyboard that sounds so good, it even beats the sound quality of many upright pianos! What is unique about Noam? He is a very personable pianist. His repertoire spans jazz standards, show tunes, contemporary/rock, classical music, and when requested, klezmer melodies. For more intimate settings, Noam will offer to bring folders of song lyrics to share with your guests so that they can make requests and sing-a-long. Although this isn't a requirement for the success of your party, it often produces very memorable moments that your guests will appreciate. This pianist takes requests! Whether we preplan the music for your evening using a song list, or simply "go with the flow", you will be pleased to know that he has hundreds of songs in his repertoire and can also play many new songs by ear...on the spot!
Richard Michos
Richard Michos is a professional guitarist who has performed extensively locally and internationally.He is an established studio guitarist and music mentor in the SF Bay Area. His solo performances are a rich tapestry of guitar mixed with a masterful use of loops which give an amazingly full, wonderful listening experience. A mix of international, pop, and jazz styles give a soothing and interesting effect, and audiences are always complimentary. Michos plays electricand acoustic guitar, double string styles, sampling and guitar synthesis. He specializes in fusing traditional melodic forms in with modern grooves and instrumentation. He has recorded albums for numerous artists, and is the producer of the world music group Shabaz, (available on I-Tunes),
Richard Patterson
RICHARD PATTERSON enjoys an active international career performing with his groups and as a featured soloist in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. As a student, Mr. Patterson lived in Spain, studying the guitar in the land of its creation. Returning to the United States, he was signed by the world's largest classical music management, Columbia Artists, for six seasons of critically acclaimed national tours. He then formed the virtuoso quartet, Festival of Four with whom he performs more than 70 concerts a year on University campuses and in major concert halls throughout North America. Richard Patterson is also an award-winning recording artist and has been a featured performer on more than twenty-five recordings. His compositions and arrangements are heard in feature films and on television and radio in over 30 countries and he is currently featured on three new guitar CDs featured in Sharper Image stores nationwide. Mr. Patterson has received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Performance from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Masters Degree in Music from San Francisco State University on a Performance Scholarship. He has studied personally and in master classes with virtually all of the world's leading guitarists, including Segovia.
Rick Heizman (Soloist)
Rick Heizman is a versatile guitarist whose ensembles cover everything from classical to Jewish and Italian folk music to light jazz and pop. Especially good for cocktails and dinner receptions are the guitar/cello duo or guitar/violin/cello trio both of which specialize in classical repertoire. The trio has special arrangements for Jewish weddings and can do light jazz as background music for cocktails and dinner. For other types of events, Rick pairs up with mandolinist, Nicola Swinburne, for a beautiful and rustic Italian ambience, or with clarinetist/flutist/saxophonist Jeff Sanford and cellist Moses Sedler for Jewish, jazz, Brazilian and popular music which acts as an elegant backdrop for any special event. Rick is also available as a soloist and covers a wide range of styles in that capacity.
Robert Gastelum
Trumpeter Robert Gastelum has been playing the trumpet for the last 15 years. He began finding his passion for music at a young age. First learning the piano, then the clarinet, and finally the trumpet, Robert eventually attended the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. Finally, in 2006, he began his journey as a professional musician. Robert Gastelum has made a splash in the Bay Area, sitting in with many of the different Salsa bands. Robert now leads a band that includes some of San Francisco’s first-rate salsa musicians. He has also had the opportunity to sit in with one of the most famous Tejano singers of all time – Little Joe Y La Familia, and recently performed with Jorge Santana (Carlos Santana’s brother).
Roger Eddy (Soloist)
Voted "Best Local Artist" three years in a row by Monterey's Coast Weekly Magazine, Roger Eddy is the perfect flute or saxophone soloist for your corporate event. Roger also leads the Roger Eddy Band, which performs classic jazz standards to smooth contemporary favorites. Roger's saxophone playing in any combination with other instrumentation including guitar, strings, horns, keyboard, or drums is insipired. The Roger Eddy Band has performed with The Gatlin Brothers Band, Huey Lewis, Glenn Frey, Vince Gill, Eric Marienthal, Lou Rawls, and Frankie Valli. The band has opened for Larry Carlton, Fourplay, The Pointer Sisters, Spyro-Gyra, Tom Scott, Toto, and many more.
Rosanna Rainz
An exceptional vocalist who has swept away Bay Area audiences for years with her remarkable versatility, power, and style, Rosanna Rainz is the consummate professional. She blends a passion for her entertainment persona and her original music into a rare vocal talent that makes an impression on all who listen. Little Rosanna always knew that becoming a professional singer would be her path in life. She started singing at a very young age while taking charge of family talent shows. As an aspiring young vocalist, Rosanna started performing with some Top 40 Rock bands who also wrote a few originals. After moving to Hawaii, Rosanna toured overseas to Japan, Guam, Korea the Philippines, an experience that would later shape her original recordings. She was also hired to perform as an opening act for the legendary Tower of Power, after which the public began to take notice of her incredible voice. Upon returning from Hawaii to the San Francisco Bay Area, Rosanna started performing with Joel Nelson Productions' groups, which led to more R&B and Motown stylings in her repertoire. For the past 15 years, Rosanna has been singing with a talented and close-knit group of musicians in groups like Manhattan Towers, Replay, Spice, and the Joel Nelson Band. The result of her varied professional singing experiences is true versatility and magnetic stage presence. Rosanna lives for the moment when a show is over and the audience is the judge. “I got chills of joy when I heard you sing that song", along with "You made my night!" and "What a voice!" are her rewards for a job well-done. Also an accomplished singer in Spanish, Rosanna has a love for Latin music that can be heard on her original CD, Back to Monterey (Casa Grande Records), on songs like "Besame Mucho" and "Sabor A Mi."
Steven Gary
Steven started playing guitar at age 6 – and was singing before he could talk! His ability to remember and perform music gained him a reputation as "the man of a thousand songs" – a number he actually surpassed years ago. While working as Music Director on a Caribbean Cruise ship, he was asked to develop a repertoire of instrumental guitar pieces. This eventually resulted in the production last year of the CD "Atmosphere" – an hour-long recording of instrumental guitar featuring classic favorites and original compositions. As a vocalist, Steven's experience ranges from choirs and award-winning vocal groups to musical theater, rock and country bands and of course his seemingly limitless range of solo guitar/vocal work. Since returning to land last year, Steve has performed at restaurants, businesses, seniors facilities, private parties, fairs, festivals and charity benefits all around the Bay Area.
Tom Rigney
After fifteen years as the leader and electrifying violinist of The Sundogs, fiddler/composer Tom Rigney steps out on his own with a hot new band, Flambeau. The repertoire is original, eclectic, passionate, and filled with a musical and emotional intensity that will come as no surprise to followers of Rigney’s career. Tom Rigney has been a part of the San Francisco Bay Area roots music scene for over twenty-five years. The son of baseball great, Bill Rigney, Tom is a native of the Bay Area. His musical career began after he finished his graduate studies at Harvard University, where he received a Masters degree in Fine Arts.
Victoria Hughes
Victoria Hughes has been playing professionally for over twenty years. A native San Franciscan, she received her early training at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music before being awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. During her years in the Washington, DC and Baltimore areas she performed at all of the finest hotels, restaurants, and embassies. Upon graduation, she was recruited to entertain on Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, where, while perfecting her unique talent for arranging well-known songs, she developed an extensive repertoire drawn from classical, popular standards, love songs, show tunes, contemporary pop, folk, swing, and even rock n’ roll. Because of her skills as an instrumental arranger, Victoria is one of the few harpists that can actually take requests. She believes in playing music that people know and recognize, whether it is a classical piece, or a current pop hit. Requests are always welcomed. Victoria also believes that there's no point in playing if you can't be heard. A small, discreet, amplifier is brought to all events, indoors or out. With twelve years experience performing on the best cruise lines, and twenty years performing at weddings and parties both in the Washington, D.C. area and her native San Francisco, Victoria Hughes is one of the most accomplished young commercial harpists performing today.
William Florian
William mixes humor, stories, and song in this upbeat, energizing, musical journey of Americas greatest songs of the 60s. William includes in his show songs he performed as a lead singer of the famous New Christy Minstrels, plus the music of Peter Paul & Mary, John Denver, others, and uplifting originals. This show can be booked with William as a solo performer or with his band backing him. Seniors love this show! William is also known as the American Musical Ambassador Of Peace. Audience members are often given a free CD copy of his popular song Im Declaring Peace. William also has his CD and Cassette "Past And Present” available for sale after the show which includes many of the songs performed in the concert. William will often donate his time and perform at your local senior home care facility or school when you have contracted him for a concert in your city. Ask for more information when calling about booking his show.
Variety Entertainment
Alex Ramon
Alex Ramon Gonzalez was already "San Francisco Bay Area's Best Stage Magician" from his victory at the Bay Area Interclub Stage Competition, when he won the coveted Lance Burton Award for Top Teenage Talent in 2004 at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. Performing his 8 ½ minute dove act, he competed with magicians from around the world to also win first place and the title of "National Stage Magic Champion" at the age of 18. Alex Ramon went on to perform about 250 shows a year all over the country. Returning to Las Vegas in 2005, he auditioned for Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show, and received a spot as a professional Illusionist alongside Master Magician Mickey Mouse in the brand new stage production currently touring the world. Growing up in Richmond, California, Alex Ramon developed an interest in magic when he was thirteen years old. His father's colleague was a magician, and he showed Alex Ramon magic tricks every chance he had. Taking notice of his son's growing interest, Alex Ramon's father bought him a 370-page magic book for Christmas so Alex Ramon could learn his own magic.
Allan Richards
For Allan Richards, life's journey has taken the performer to an expanding range of entertainment events, from TV and radio commercials, to interactive media, modeling assignments, family parties, school programs, films, live stage presentations and trade shows. The performance horizon continues to grow.
Carnival of Chaos
It wouldn’t be totally unusual to see them playing a washboard, guitar, bells & whistles, singing ridiculous lyrics and juggling machetes all at the same time. Nor would it be out of the question to witness an audience member standing in the middle of a cascade of fiery torches. You might even say, that it would not be entirely atypical for an accordion to whimsically accompany a crystal ball on its journey, gliding effortlessly around the body. Or, a man careening all over stage on a 7 foot unicycle with toilet plungers and the like. Not to mention, a disco dancing parody in the midst of a technical juggling routine. But alas, we can’t rule out silly verbal patter or a sketch comedy routine involving low budget super heroes, buckets, a whip and a daring acrobatic feat. Behold, ‘the “balance” of the sexes’–Mark & Dre bring to life the see-saw relationship of men and women. DUO: 1 hour show unless otherwise requested. Mark & Dre present a ‘far-out’ Vaudeville style show which Includes prop comedy, live music parody, insane juggling, balancing of strange objects, sketch comedy and ridiculous stunts. All carried out with their unique brand of theatrical flair. This act comes equipped with a crazed accordion, a monster unicycle, super hero costumes and a disdain for boring theater. Fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this awesome duo. ENSEMBLE: This multi talented group brings vaudeville and cabaret back to life by blending the best of comedy, music, theater and circus arts. The Carnival of Chaos is a San Francisco based performance group of musicians, jugglers, magicians, physical comedians, acrobats, contortionists, stilters, dancers, unicyclists and fire acts under the direction of core members, Andrea Terry & Mark Bunnell. Original live music, and improvisational humor make each show an adventure unto itself. Expect lots of laughs and spectacle.
Comedy Industries
Comedy Industries creates custom presentations for trade shows, training sessions, sales meetings, and other corporate events. We can take your company's messages, add our unique comedy, juggling, magic and audience participation, and create a presentation that will make sure that everyone pays attention, learns and remembers those messages. The Comedy Industries team includes the best variety talent in the country. Our skills include: comedy, juggling, unicycling, magic, fire-eating, improv, tight-rope walking, and straitjacket escapes.
ComedySportz
Not comedy about sports, but comedy played as a sport! Finally, a fun, fast-paced comedy show that's great for the whole family. It's ComedySportz, an award-winning interactive comedy show where two teams of "act-letes" compete for audience laughs and points while improvising scenes, games, operas and musicals based on audience suggestions. A referee calls fouls and keeps the match moving at a blistering pace. The audience is always a part of the interactive show, voting for the winners and sometimes even winding up on stage! We even play the national anthem before each match. It's clean, fast and fun for all audiences. San Jose's longest-running show, we've been named Editor's Choice by The Wave Magazine and Best Local Theatre by The Metro's Best of the Silicon Valley.
Cowgirl Rope Tricks
Hold your horses! A unique fun-filled Vaudeville-style Western Comedy Act complete with Trick Roping, Whip Cracking, Music and Lots of Surprises. The Perfect Choice for your Fair, Festival, Theme Park, Rodeo, Corporate, Private or Special Event or whatever else you can cook up! Karen also performs on stilts as "Lucky Starr" - an eight-foot tall cowgirl - as she engages audiences with her special brand of Western humor. At The Wild West Arts Convention in Las Vegas, Karen won the Comedy Award for "The All Cowbell Orchestra" routine portion of her show. (Thanks, judges!). Karen is raring to perform anywhere in the world a cowgirl is welcome!
Dance Through Time
Although Dance Masters through the centuries left us records of the dances from their times, very few people today have the knowledge and training to decipher these dance notations. Through years of researching original sources and deciphering multiple languages, Dance Through Time has created original musical perfomances that give audiences the unique opportunity to see the dances, the costumes and the traditions of western cultures from the past 500 years. The Company performs year-round in concerts, special events, master classes, lecture-demonstrations and residencies. Dance Through Time has received international recognition for its loving attention to authenticity, stringent artistic standards, and critically-acclaimed performances. Arts in Education programs, video archives and modern notation preserves the Company's work for future generations. Dance Through Time's recent milestones include its 12th national tour and a recent performance in San Francisco's Gay Pride Parade.
Daniel Chan
Experience the artistry and skill of San Francisco jugglers, Dan Chan and Kat the Acrobat! The duo features unique talents such as carpet spinning, unique balancing stunts, illuminated props, fast-paced juggling piece, starting with 3, 4, 5 and 6 ball juggling, 2 Chinese yo-yos and a finale that features a handstand push-up while a yo-yo spins from Dan's mouth. Other show options include outdoor fire juggling, or state of the art light up juggling balls. Dan and Kat entertain, engage and excite audiences at your event with high technical skills, strong visual magic, clean comedy, costume changes and pick-pocketing stunts. Their high energy act will amaze and amuse audiences, regardless of age. As an innovative magician, Daniel is known for being one of the top slight of hand performer in the country.
Dave Wilson
One of San Francisco's most exciting performers, D.W.Wilson is an amazing Magician, and an astounding Palmist or Palm Reader. You may remember D.W. as the magician on the Romper Room TV show during the 1980's or when D.W. Wilson was the featured magician on Cartoon Classics TV show during the 1990's. D.W. is a favorite entertainer for both kids and family events such as birthday parties, company picnics and county fairs. D.W. frequently entertains at country club parties, corporate dinners and many varied social events. Wilson's stage show combines incredible illusions, comedy and audience participation to produce a show that entertains every one from the pre-schoolers to the grandparents.
Dinnie McLaughlin
Dinnie's Delights has been entertaining and booking entertainment in the bay area for the last 15 years. If you are looking for something special, Dinnie's Delights can help you find it. When facepainting, we try to make the whole experience a fun one for kids of all ages. A few of the characters we have are Clowns, Raggedy Ann Character, Queen of Hearts, Festive and Colorful and many more. For the very best in Facepainters, Balloon Artists and Henna Artists, let Dinnie's Delights help make your next party and whimsical and special event!
Frank Olivier
Completely delight your crowd with an up-beat hilarious top-tier, self-contained, and clean comedy show with outrageous skills (including world-class juggling, magic, unicycling and more). The thrills can even be interactive with your people getting involved in the action. Frank Olivier developed his unique off-beat brand of humor in San Francisco's comedy clubs. He was soon sharing the bill with Dana Carvey, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and others. New York producers spotted his talents, and quickly signed him. He performed his act for the next three years in the Broadway hit show 'Sugar Babies'. Olivier has a growing number of television appearances including The Tonight Show, Comic Strip Live, and shows for PBS, HBO, BBC, Disney and more. He also headlines Las Vegas, comedy and theater festivals, and performs countless corporate shows.
Fred Anderson
Fred Anderson creates a dynamic blend of comedy, magic, juggling and escape-artistry fine tuned for the corporate entertainment market! With over 25 years experience, Fred is perfect for After Dinner Banquet Entertainment, "MC/Hosting" the Event and more. He does the work – you take the bows!
Gordon Ng
As a freelance illustrator with a degree in architecture from U.C.B., I started performing as a caricaturist at parties & events in 1990. This intensely-interactive business of capturing ones' look & essence quickly on paper has jolted my nerves, ignited my imagination, and captured my heart. Years of countless speed-drawing workouts have pushed me to new speeds, refined my communication skills, and taught me new, liberating drawing techniques. For more creative fun in my caricatures, I use various "recipes" of humor, discrete exaggeration, and colorful elements designed for different client groups. To engage a certain audience, my ability to speak and write chinese comes in handy, since part of my job is to mingle and to generate audience participation, he he.
Henna Bash
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley (City of Cupertino) and serving the entire Bay Area Community, Henna Bash offers Professional and Exclusive Henna Art (also called as Mehndi or Henna Tattoo) services for individuals, groups, private parties, schools, colleges, businesses, spas, salons, corporations and any event big or small that requires one or more Henna Artist. Our extended services include Event Photography, Ethnic Bridal /Party designer wear, Ethnic Jewelry, Gift items, Flower Garlands, Rangoli Artist and more.
Jay Alexander
A master magician and comic, Jay Alexander is one of the top corporate and society entertainers in the country. He has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, MTV and a favorite on many local morning shows. Star of the award winning cd-rom “Learn the Art of Magic,” Jay creates customized shows for Fortune 500 companies and is a consultant an co-author of many magic books. Jay Alexander is the great grandson of the legendary vaudeville performer,Gentleman Ben Darwin. As a child Jay found a trunk in his grandparents attic filled with magic and escapes. His interest in magic took off from there. At the age of fourteen Jay was honored to be the youngest recipient of the Society of American Magicians Gold Medal of Honor.
L'Artiste
We offer a full range of artwork and entertainment, including caricatures, face painting, and glitter tatoos. We have been established in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1989 servicing both private & corporate needs! Contact us for professional artwork including editorials, magazines, books, posters, corporate gift deals, realistic art, or more. Our work covers multi fields and mediums – from charcoal to oil.
Mad Chad
There’s only one thing more entertaining than a madman juggling roaring chain saws, and that’s when he drops one. Put on your safety goggles and move back four rows, because here’s Mad Chad Taylor, the Evil Knievel of Comedy. This Guinness World Record holder has juggled everything from working video cameras to bowling balls that he can catch with his head. He has cut it up on every imaginable variety show, from “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” to “Last Call with Carson Daily” to “The Donny and Marie Show,” where he kept himself from falling off his unicycle by leaning on Marie Osmond’s hair. Mad Chad’s so unforgettable Sam Raimi gave him a role in “Spider-Man III.” He’s so good he taught Dustin Hoffman to juggle for “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.” And he’s so powerful not even three 100,000 volt stun guns can stop him. Whether he’s performing his hilarious 90-minute show to sold-out crowds at performing arts centers, imploring boisterous college audiences to throw knives responsibly, or teaching Fortune 500 executives at companies like AT&T and Nissan to multitask using heavy-duty logging tools, Mad Chad Taylor may be the most dangerous man in comedy, particularly if you sit too close. Then again, those tend to be the really expensive seats.
Marty Cate
TIME FOR A PARTY? EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! Entertaining the San Francisco Bay Area and Beyond since 1980, we serve all of Northern California – and we travel, too! Let Unexpected Company's entertainment experts make your next occasion unforgettable! Our talented and versatile performers put the sparkle in such Special events as: Business Landmarks: Conferences, Conventions, Company Picnics, Holiday Parties, Award Banquets. Promotions: Product Launches, Trade Shows, Grand Openings. Life Celebrations: Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Anniversaries, Grad Nights, Weddings, Birthdays. Public Happenings: Festivals, Fairs, Community Events We tailor our talents and costumes to bring your vision to life - whether it’s a Hollywood-themed extravaganza, an all-American 4th of July, a re-creation of the Renaissance, the magic of traditional Circus or Cirque du Soleil-inspired innovation, Time Travel back to the 20s, 40s, 60s or into the Future, or Your Theme Here! Special Requests are welcome!
Marty Nemko Presents
From Marty's Blog: A Very Shy Person Performs: A Black Susan Boyle Jeffrie Givens was the shyest career counseling client I've ever had. She readily admits that cadavers are less stiff. She was seeking a job in fundraising research. Even though that's a behind-the-scenes job, I knew her job search prospects were dim unless I could get her to become less shy. Her hobby is singing and I asked her to sing for me. Indeed stiff as a cadaver. I then showed her videos of great performers doing the same song. She improved immediately. I kept working with her and not only does she now have a great job-fundraising researcher for Children's Hospital in Oakland-she's become quite the performer. She has received a standing ovation at every one of the five performances of her one-woman show, Big, Black, and Shy. Essentially it's the story of the person least likely to become a star. She's a Black Susan Boyle. Here's 15 minutes of her singing to a packed house at The NoName in Sausalito. I accompany on the piano.
Mr. Shap
Mr. SHAP is a San Francisco Bay Area balloon artist extraordinaire and performs at events for both children and adults. Mr. SHAP is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and as a magician can add some “oohs and ahhs” to your event as well. His entertainment is geared toward all ages and is delivered to the whole audience, young and old. Adults will be entertained just as much as the kids.
Nito Muraco
Hire artist Nito Muraco to draw each of your guests in 3-5 min.! Nito will draw each person on a high-quality, heavy-stock paper, then insert it into a clear plastic bag for its protection and also for easy viewing by other guests at your party or event! Nito has worked for several different company parties, picnics, holiday events, as well as birthday parties, wedding receptions, grad night parties, awards shows, sporting events, block parties, bar and bat mitsvahs, etc.
Nocturnal Sunshine
Nocturnal Sunshine is a visionary fire-dance troupe based in Santa Cruz, CA. We blend several performance mediums including spectacular fire art, stilting, aerial dance and glow tools with theatrics, original costume and dance. Our troupe has performed for awe-struck audiences since 2000. Nocturnal Sunshine provides unique entertainment for private parties, corporate events, weddings, and festivals. We perform with live musicians, DJs or recorded music. Shows are customized to complement the spirit and theme of each event. Such flexibility is made possible by our extensive repertoire of creative costuming, musical, and choreographic visions. Whether you need one dancer for 5 minutes to wow your audience or the entire troupe to entertain for an hour or more, we can add to your event in ways you never imagined. We also collaborate with many other performers. If there's something you're looking for, just ask.
Norton Wisdom
From 1979, performance painter Norton Wisdom has worked with musical ensembles and spontaneously paints images that capture the essence of the moment and has exhibited and be colleced by museums and galleries around the world. You must see this unique and original artist perform live with a band to appreciate his talent! Performance Collaborations: Disney concert hall with organist Christoph bull: Monterrey jass fest 2005. Lincoln center united nations "bloodless diamonds": Winter Olympics 2002, Salt Lake. Opening of the Baliagio Hotel Las Vegas. Premier of the Cirque Du Soleit, Las Vegas. grand performance los angeles. ucla live Royce hall organica: llynn Foulkes, church of art: Jazz--- Willie Waldman, Big Black, Charles Owens, Ernie Andrews, Venny Golia, Bobby Matos, World Music--- Badal Roy India, kuan ke Orchestra Tibet, Nation Bamboo Orchestra of Bali , Aneliqu Kidgo and Zola South Africa Rock--- Daniel Lanois, Steven Perkins, Ivan Neville, Bernard Fowler(Rolling Stones) Lili Haydn, Flea (Chili Peppers). Darrel Jones (Rolling Stones). Jaguars (Mexico).p-funk george Clinton, christoph bull classical organ germany, Beck, Mike Watt, Rob Wasserman, John Mollo, David Navarro, Nels Cline, Zam Johnson, Eddy Snakepit, Lynn Foulkes, DJ Nobody, d.j. logic, L.T.J. Bukem, Ray White (frank zappa), Marc Ford (Black crews). Museum collection in and Festivals performed at: Coachella, California. U.C. Santa Barbara art museum, Laguna art museum, Skerball museum, Orange county art museum, San Diego Museum, World Music Womad, Milwakee Museum Art, New Port museum of art, Sledian Museum of Art Nebraska, Santa Clarita Museum of Art.
Owen Flynn
Owen Baker-Flynn is one of San Francisco's finest entertainers. He juggles, does magic, balances stuff, spits jelly beans and does a really weird thing with his head and neck! His show is fun for the WHOLE Family! He is available for parties, schools, libraries, school libraries, conventions, rock videos, major motion pictures, stop motion pictures, grand openings as well as so-so openings, malls, mauls, rec-centers and wrecked centers! Owen has been performing all over the San Francisco Bay Area with annoying regularity for over 20 years! He's been on TV, movies, and corporate videos and the voice in Anno's Math Class. He has won awards in Mime and Cartooning. He is married to an award winning teacher and has two kids, a 16 year old daughter who is just learning to drive (So look out!) and a ten year old son who both tolerate his existence. Barely.
Pat in the Hat
Get ready to laugh! Pat in the Hat is one of the most talented clowns and balloon twisters around. His silly comedy shows will delight young and old alike. Pat is a master level clown and has been entertaining audiences for 15 years. He has an appearance in Sean Penn’s movie, “Milk” as a clown, and his balloon art was featured in the Robin Williams’ movie “Patch Adams”. Advanced balloon art is a specialty of his, and people are always amazed at the wearable balloon sculptures and other creative creations made before people's eyes!
Patrick Martin
Selected to perform for the White House, at the Olympic Arts Festival, for top Fortune 500 corporations and on television specials, Patrick Martin elegantly blends humor, visual mystery, and audience participation for a startling, fresh, and enchanting evening that audiences long remember and talk about. Patrick has a braod spectrum of entertainment packages including featured performance sets and walkaround magic. If nothing but the best will do, call us today to book Patrick for your corporate party!
Paul Coggins
Whenever our family went on vacation, either to Hawaii, or visited Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Vallejo, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, or other festival or event, my step-son Robert would always want to get a temporary tattoo. He was so happy and wanted it to last forever. Although we would never allow him to get a real tattoo, we certainly had no problem letting him express himself with a temporary tattoo using a safe, non-toxic, FDA approved body paint. The keyword here is “temporary” as they can be removed from the skin in less than a minute. Kids, teenagers, and young adults get instant gratification and parents have peace of mind. What a great combination. So whether you are 7 months old, 100 yrs old, or anywhere in between, it is bound to make you smile. So when looking to start a family business that was both fun, yet flexible enough to fit nicely into family life, the airbrush temporary tattoo business fit the bill perfectly. With his wife Karla and step-son Robert at his side, Elite Airbrush Tattoo was born. It is a family affair that aims to put a smile on your face.Now that Robert is a bit older now, he is eagerly wanting to learn the business too. He is my assistant while at events and wants to be an airbrush tattoo artist as well. So if you see him at events, be sure to say hello. Also, my beautiful wife Karla assists as needed and makes the whole operation run smoothly.At Elite Airbrush Tattoo we use the highest quality body art paint and equipment made in the USA to produce the best temporary tattoos. Now with over 800 designs to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Rasa Vitalia
Rasa Vitalia is a California Bay Area-based professional dance artist with over a decade of experience in multiple world dance forms, mastering many aspects of both traditional and tribal fusion styles with equal parts talent and skill. Her mastery of sword balance, percussive cymbal rhythms, and dynamic movement has won her many admirers. She has performed as a solo artist to audiences in cities throughout the U.S., contributed her talents to several area troupes, and worked with an array of world-class, international musicians. Originally trained as a Brazilian samba dancer, this early experience has informed her unique and vibrant approach to belly dance. Rasa’s approach to belly dance is in essence improvisational, fluid, and expressive. Her artistry gives timeless form to the subtle truths of the heart. Rasa seeks to unite the spectator with the divine in Nature through her graceful movements, and give a brilliant and generous performance her audience won’t soon forget.
Scarlett & Axelrod
Kate Scarlett and Chloe Axelrod combine imagination, creativity, and skill, to perform a mesmerizing duet on the aerial hoop. Spinning and raised high aloft, their movements take them through a graceful choreography of sculptural beauty. Their performance is a dance of precision and seemingly effortless strength which captivates and delights those who observe.
Sir Lantz
From an Interactive Close-up Magician to a Strolling Master Balloon Sculptor to a Stage Magic Show with Live Animals and lots of Audience Participation; Sir Lantz’s mix of Comedy, Jaw-Dropping Magic, and Incredible Balloon Artistry will make your event spectacular! If you are looking for a Magician who can perform either on Stage or Close-up Magic while strolling amongst your guest, you need look no further. Sir Lantz can deliver a High-impact magical performance tailored to your specific needs that will have your guests amazed and delighted!
Super Gigi
Gigi proudly hails from Queens, New York. She now hangs her many hats (and wigs!) in San Francisco, and is lighting up the events scene all over the bay area. She has worked in film, television, theatre and circus. She has performed opposite Josh Kornbluth in the movie "Haiku Tunnel", worked with Robin Williams on MTV, and left her uncle Angelo in stitches (at the hospital). She was featured in numerous commercials and worked opposite Cheech Marin in "Nash Bridges." Her one woman comedy show "The Psychic Shopping Network" was voted best of !Viva Variety!, and was an award winner by Misdirections Magic Shop. She has ring mastered for Velocity Circus and served as their lead company member for over 10 years. She co-starred In their long running shows, Castlopolis and Heliosphere Junior. She continues to perform comedy characters and also serve as a theatrical make-up artist. She has appeared, disappeared and reappeared around the country with master magician Jay Alexander, entertaining fortune 500 companies, theatre audiences, and each other.
Tara Quinn
Tara Quinn's body-bending art feeds on the thrill, fantasy, and imagination in life and the innate beauty in the shapes, patterns, and rhythms in movement. She invites you to let go of preconceived limits and stretch past the usual boundaries, trusting the strength and light from within to hold you steady. This past year Tara was seen performing all over the world. She had the honor of being the resident contortionist for 6 months at the brand new Venetian Casino and Resort in Macau, China. She then went on to volunteer in Kenya with the Africa Yoga Project co-creating and choreographing a show for the Amani Circus. The circus, made up of talented youth from the slums of Nairobi, brings a message of peace, performs, and teaches circus arts, traveling to the areas that were most affected by the recent post election violence. This past spring in Europe, Tara advanced her own skills studying acrobatics in the Netherlands at the Dutch Acrobatics Festival and completing the Acro-Yoga Teacher Training in Greece. Returning to the USA she was Chief of Circus, instructing flying trapeze at Sandy Cove Resort's summer program in Northeastern Maryland.
The Pack is Back
The Pack is Back brings the three main men of the Rat Pack back to life. Flash back with Frank, Deano, and Sammy to a simpler time of great music and humor. Spot-on vocal impersonations and character acting make The Pack is Back your only choice for Rat Pack entertainment. Authentic and Retro-fabulous, these guys will bring that attitude of yesteryear to your event.
Velocity Circus Troupe
Greg Angelo is the founder of Velocity Circus Troupe. He is an active impresario, and highly respected international producer and artistic visionary of Velocity Circus' fantastic signature acts antics, and shows. Angelo's signature act, the WHIRLING CIRCUS DERVISH, has gained international recognition among theater, corporate, and television audiences. He has made appearances before numerous celebrities and world leaders, including the President of the United States, and has been featured in a Broadway premiere. Greg Angelo performs aerial acts on vertical rope and tissue with the Velocity Circus Troupe, teaches aerial arts in San Francisco, and performs comedy character acting, as well as runs an off-the-beaten-path mini-museum in San Francisco.
Wolfski Customized Art
Wolfski offers art for your own individual or personalized tastes and also books. We produce caricatures, cartoons, portraits, fine art, illustrations, web design and murals. Our artists can draw great caricatures of yourself and your future spouse in a unique wedding banner, which can also be used on your invitation cards. We can produce caricatures for all occasions; little league sports events, sports and hobbies, caricatures of pets, caricatures next to favorite cars, caricatures of the office and office events, cheer leading caricatures and so on. In 1988 Wolfgang Niesielski had the idea of establishing art studios that could produce various kinds of art for individual customized needs and for all kinds of tastes. Wolfski produces customized, individual and specialized art and caricatures for gifts, cutouts, presentations, illustrations, murals and parties. We also supply limited edition fine art and cartoons for all occasions. You can have your caricature drawn from photographs, for wedding banners, retirement parties, and other occasions, and on gift items, such as T-shirts, mugs and mouse pads.
Happily Ever Laughter
Magic Show
Your character will fully engage her audience (grown-ups, too!) with silly, age appropriate magical trcks. However, we don't perform trick after trick; we actually weave together a fun and interactive story where magical things are known to happen!
Puppet Show
Our fuzzy stars of the puppet show will take your children on a search for a missing gift. Along thw ay they will meet several creatures from land, sky, and sea. Everyone will work together to weave the story with lots of audience participation.
Balloon Twisting
Watch her fingers go! Your character can twist those long, plain balloons into creative like flowers, bears, magic wands, event a snail! Each child will go home with one of these exciting balloons.
Face Painting
What would you like to be? A colorful peacock? Have a garden of flowers growing up your hand? Or, you can ask your character to create something just right for you. Our non-toxic paints sparkle in the sunshine, and come right off with soap water. Face Painting is a great activity to have during a meal or even birthday cake time.
Sing-a-long
It is easy for your performer to pack her guitar, banjo, or even a musical saw along with her to help lead everyone in some fun children's songs. She is very experienced in getting even the most shy to hum along to the familiar songs.
Games
Let's all go outside and play! Every child laugh themselves silly after playing with our oversized parachute (up to 25 children!) and musical boomwhackers!
Video Jockeys
Video Jockeys
Music Videos are a great way to stimulate all of the senses and create a true "nightclub experience" or relaxing audio visual atmosphere. Choose from our library of music video genres and combine it with a truss system and specialty lighting to create the ultimate event...
Specialties
Green Screen Photography
Nothing captures a moment in time like a special photograph in a perfect setting. With Green Screen technology, we can make that magic moment happen at your party! Guests have been enjoying Joel Nelson Productions unique party services for years. With our Green Screen package, we can transpose your guest?s photo onto thousands of backgrounds, print them instantly, and create a keepsake that they can take home. **As an added bonus, we will emblazon your logo and web site address on each photo. For all types of corporate events, Green Screen photos are a fun way preserve special memories that can last a lifetime!
Interactive Video Games
Joel Nelson Productions knows what you like...Video Games! We love them, too, and we can bring them to your party for hours of entertainment and fun. Available interactive games include (but are not limited to) Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, Sony Wii, and all Xbox and Playstation programs. Call us today for options at (800) 578-5780!
Audio Visual Production
Joel Nelson Productions can handle the lighting, audio, and visual production for the largest and most complex events. We have over 25 years experience in providing AV production for corporate events, festivals, headliner concerts, and private parties. Call us today and let us handle the heavy lifting!
Company Picnics
Joel Nelson Productions can plan an incredibly fun and relaxing Company Picnic. Whether your event calls for a live band, a DJ/Emcee, or a Variety Entertainer, trust JNP to make your picnic an afternoon to remember. We can also help with some cool Party Enhancers...visit our menu on the left for some fun ideas. Joel Nelson Productions...We provide the entertainment planning; you bring the ants!
Circus Entertainment
Joel Nelson Productions can bring the circus to you! With big top tents, contortionists, exotic animals, fun games and rides, fire-eaters, and cotton candy and popcorn, JNP can bring all of the fun of the circus to your corporate event. Call us today at (800) 578-5780 for a quote on circus fun for your party!
Party Store
Karaoke
Love to sing? How about your employees? Karaoke is a fun and sometimes-hilarious way for the crew to bond. Shower-singers and professionals alike have made the Karaoke craze a national phenomenon for over 20 years in the United States. Joel Nelson Productions has planned Karaoke events for hundreds of corporate parties throughout the Bay Area. We have singers and DJ/Emcees that know how to keep your karaoke event moving and a huge selection of music makes everyone get up and take part in the festivities. Joel Nelson Productions - Press Play for your Karaoke Event!
Instant Photography
Joel Nelson Productions provides Instant Photography services for your event. Our professional photographers can create lasting keepsakes by taking your group or individual photo and instantly framing it or placing it on a keychain or a custom frame. Call us today at (800) 578-5780 for a quote on our instant photography services.
Video DJ Production
Joel Nelson Productions offers the finest in DJ Production. Bring the nightclub to your party with Video Screens, Nightclub and Ambient Video, and specialty lighting.
Casino
Don't Gamble go with a Sure Thing for your CASINO NIGHT! Joel Nelson Productions can make your Casino Night an extravaganza to remember. With trained staff and dealers to lead exciting Vegas-style action including Roulette, Texas Hold 'Em Tournament Poker, Blackjack, Craps, we are prepared to make you and your guests big winners. So scratch that itch and have a blast...JNP is dealing fun! Here are some classic casino options:
Roulette
Roulette was first played in France back in the 17th century. It is now one of the most popular European gambling games and Monte Carlo in Monaco is a well known and famous casino centre for playing roulette.
The Basics
Players, usually up to eight, play against the House represented by the croupier also called the dealer, who spins the roulette wheel and handles the wagers and payouts. In the European roulette and French roulette version, the wheel has 37 slots representing 36 numbers and one zero. In the USA most roulette wheels have two zeros and therefore 38 slots. Each player buys-in a different coloured chips so their bets don't get mixed up. At the end of play, if you won, you exchange back the colorued chips with cash chips. These are special chips with the value amount imprinted on them. There are several denominations in various colours. You then take these chips to the cash desk where they will give you actual cash money in exchange. To play roulette, you place your bet or bets on numbers (any number including the zero) in the table layout or on the outside, and when everybody at the table had a chance to place their bets, the croupier starts the spin and launches the ball. Just a few moments before the ball is about to drop over the slots, the croupier says 'no more bets'. From that moment no one is allowed to place - or change - their bets until the ball drops on a slot. Only after the croupier places the dolly on the winning number on the roulette table and clears all the losing bets you can then start placing your new bets while the croupier pays the winners. The winners are those bets that are on or around the number that comes up. Also the bets on the outside of the layout win if the winning number is represented. (ildado.com).
Texas Hold'em
Texas Hold 'Em (or Texas Holdem) is the primary version of Poker played in many casinos, and it's the version seen on television shows like the Travel Channel's World Poker Tour and ESPN's World Series of Poker. These are the basic rules for Texas Hold 'Em Poker: The Shuffle, The Deal and The Blinds - The dealer shuffles a standard 52-card deck.(In casinos, the dealer never plays. A round disc - known as a "dealer button" - moves clockwise from player to player with each hand. The button marks which player would be the dealer if the deal were advanced from player to player as the game went along.)Most Texas Hold 'Em Poker games start with the two players to the left of the dealer (the button) putting a predetermined amount of money into the pot before any cards are dealt, ensuring that there's something to play for on every hand. This is called "posting the blinds." Most often, the "first blind" - the player to the left of the dealer - puts up half the minimum bet, and the "second blind" puts up the full minimum bet. Each player is dealt two cards, face down. These are known as the "hole cards."
Blackjack
The basic premise of the game is that you want to have a hand value that is closer to 21 than that of the dealer, without going over 21. Other players at the table are of no concern. Your hand is strictly played out against the hand of the dealer. The rules of play for the dealer are strictly dictated, leaving no decisions up to the dealer. Therefore, there is not a problem with the dealer or any of the other players at the table seeing the cards in your hand. Indeed, if you're playing at a shoe game, the player cards are all dealt face up. In any event, when you're just learning to play, don't hesitate to show the dealer or other players your cards and ask questions. (Blackjackinfo.com).
Craps
Craps is a dice game played against other players or a bank. Craps developed from a simplification of the Old English game hazard. Its origins are highly complex and may date to the Crusades, later being influenced by French gamblers. What was to become the modern American version of the game was brought to New Orleans by Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville, scion of wealthy Louisiana landowners and a gambler and politician. The game, first known as crapaud (a French word meaning "toad") reportedly owes its modern popularity from its being spread through the African-American community. In craps, players may wager money against each other (street craps) or the bank (bank craps) on the outcome of one roll, or of a series of rolls of two dice. Because it requires very little equipment, craps can easily be played in less formal settings, and is said to be popular among soldiers. In such situations side bets are more frequent, with one or several participants covering or "fading" bets against the dice. (Wikipedia.org).
Team Building
"Together we stand, divided we fall." Joel Nelson Productions designs team building workshops bring your workers together, united in a common purpose. Our team building games build management skills, develop teamwork, and teach communication and listening skills, while renewing company spirit and motivation. Your employees will be fully involved in teamwork, communication and creative problem solving...and they will have a blast! Scroll down for a look at some of our team-building workshops!
Sample Workshops
Team Building Workshop - You're Hired ?the Apprentice?
Will ?The Donald? and his side kicks George and Carolyn decide that your team has what it takes to climb the corporate ladder? Relive the challenges created on ?The Apprentice? T.V. Show, with this inspiring, interactive team building game where you?re not fired, but hired! Your goal is to navigate your way through business objectives to gain the ultimate power position, to present your project to ?the Donald? in the ?boardroom?. The team with the best presentation will be chosen by your company executives at the ?Next Apprentice?.
Game Show " the Longest Chain Game Show"
Put together all the fun elements of ?The Weakest Link?, ?Family Feud? & ?Jeopardy?, and you find yourself caught in a team building game show that will have everyone eager to answers the questions to win their team a valuable ?link?. The ?Longest Chain Game Show? is a fast moving game show and can be played in about 90 minutes. Our hosts are "Whose Line is it Anyway" alumni and veterans of film, television and the stage. They're brilliantly funny and deliver the game show in an atmosphere of friendly competition.
Game Show Hosts
Our game show hosts create an environment where the players can have a hilariously fun time whether they win or lose. Throughout the game show, our game show hosts will keep the game show fun, fast and entertaining. They will announce the player?s team names, assist in organizing the teams, and encourage the audience to root for their team.
Tools for Teams
The activities during this game show will focus on clear communication, leadership, collaboration, empowerment, to make decisions quickly, improve what is being communicated, to act effectively, to take risks, and to be accepted and appreciated by your team mates. This activity will build on the desire to practice the tools that are necessary to become a productive member of any team. The team at the end of the game with the most links wins.
Teambuilding Interactive Games
Several different techniques and exercises will be explored in this team building workshop. Team building games involving creativity, group participation and communication. Participants work together with our highly trained teambuilding leaders in an atmosphere similar to the televisions show, "Whose line is it anyway?" You'll see teams commit to problem solving skills that they'll be able to take back to their everyday workplace.
Team Building Workshop "the Corporate Inxs Singing Workshop"
Write your own songs! An engaging process in which employees write their own songs in any style that will suite your group; blues, beach theme, country, pop. They can write songs with a message, such as: "what's going on in the organization" or "how to work as a team". They can also write songs with no specific goal other than bonding and presenting the material as a team. Backed by our professional musicians, employees take turns rehearsing with the band before they present their freshly penned songs to the group. Our facilitators are quite skillful at getting even the most reserved to add a line or sing a word. And, there's always enough hams out there to sing the humorous selections of your "Corporate-INXS Workshop". The event ends with an upbeat, "we're going forward with renewed commitment" send off.
Team Building Comedy Mentalism Show
Imagine an entertainer who can read your mind, analyze your handwriting, and duplicate an image locked in your head, all while eliciting laughs along with the gasps. Award winning mentalist Josh will also cause silverware to twist and bend with the power of his mind and help your audience to focus their thoughts on an object until it moves from across the room! This is a show your guests will be talking about for years to come. Must be experienced to be believed.
Theme Parties
What's your occasion? Joel Nelson Productions has planned the Bay Area's best corporate theme parties and holiday events for over 25 years. We have a wide variety of creative options for your company including Casino nights, Holiday parties, exotic location themes, retro nights, and so much more. Let Joel Nelson Productions' staff help you design and plan the most fun event your company has ever had, complete with music, lighting production, and grand design props. Here are some wonderful theme party options: Holiday - We love the holiday season. In fact, there is ALWAYS a holiday to celebrate at JNP! Winter wonderlands, Easter Egg hunts, Valentine's Day celebrations, and so much more we can make your Holiday Event a rousing success. We offer special entertainment including disc jockey/band combos, lighting and props, Santa Claus instant photos, thematic magic and juggling, and so much more. Call us for all of your Holiday Party Planning!
Circus
Animals, clowns, acrobatics, games and rides, and "healthy" carnival food. We can bring the Circus to your event with a huge variety of circus entertainment. Set up a Big Top and let the fun begin. P.T. Barnum would be proud!
Mardi Gras
French for "Fat Tuesday," Mardi Gras has become an international celebration. We can bring masked performers, Zydeco and Cajun music and cuisine, and all the beads you can handle. You take care of the dress code.
Medieval/Renaissance
King Arthur and his Knights of the Roundtable knew how to have a good time after slaying a dragon or rescuing a fair maiden (just ask Chaucer!) Renaissance Festivals have been a mainstay in Northern California for many years; Joel Nelson Productions can provide the mood complete with medival music, activities, props, and food.
Tropical
Winter blues got you down? Escape for a few hours to Paradise. Let's go to the islands! Joel Nelson Productions has Hula dancers, Steel Drum and Reggae bands, Hawaiian leis, tiki torches, luaus, and more.
Hollywood
Hooray for Hollywood! Walk the Red Carpet with Joel Nelson Productions, win your own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or watch a premier movie we have it all. Joel Nelson Productions will bring the glitz and glamour, but we promise to keep the paparazzi away.
Photo Booths
Photo booths offer a unique keepsake as well as interactive entertainment for your guests. Choose from an assortment of styles to fit the mood of your wedding.
Black & White Photo Booth
This is a true beauty! This booth is the original Auto-Photo Model 17 manufactured in 1968 that had a home at the San Jose Flea Market for the past 40 years. Dressed in black and white for a formal affair is a perfect addition to just about any venue. Imagine yourself sitting inside this beautifully restored original photo booth, selecting color or black and white and behaving like your true self. Don't worry; it is just you and the booth, no one will ever know. This used to be the case 50 years ago, but with digital technology all the images are now stored in the memory of the computer.
Carnival Photo Booth
This is a crowd pleaser! This photo booth is the original Auto-Photo Model 14 that had a home at San Jose Flea Marked for past 40 years. Completely restored to its original beauty. With its classic wood exterior, original artwork, vintage door and classic spinning chair you could easily transport yourself back to your youth. But don't dream too long, you might miss the poses! If you missed the shots, do not worry, just come back again!
Grand Classic Photo Booth
A stunning beauty! In our opinion, the most beautiful photo booth ever built. With only about a dozen of these booths remaining in the United Stated, we had no choice but to build our own. This photo booth is the replica of the original Auto-Photo Model 11 manufactured in 1958. The booth still retains the original look with a classic wood veneer, vintage doors and the spinning chair using the original parts from the Auto-Photo Model 14.
Boardwalk photo booth
Boardwalk photo booth is the TRUE original classic photo booth. This photo booth was originally build in 1974 and had a home on Santa Cruz Boardwalk until its retirement in Spring 2009. Originally this was a "chemical" photo booth producing the unforgettable 4-pose strip color photos.
Neverland Photo Booth
No, we did not purchase this Portrait Studio booth from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, but it is the same model as the one on his ranch during the good old days. We made a few major changes to the booth, but we tried to keep the look and feel of the booth to resemble the original Portrait Studio booth. We replaced the old CRT 13 in. monitors with new 15 in. LCD monitors so that guests can see live images from inside of the booth. This is the largest and most spacious photo booth in our catalog. The booth will easily fit 3 to 4 people.
Hollywood Photos Photo Booth
Hollywood Photos photo booth is the "classic" style booth. The photobooth is fully enclosed and provides privacy for guests that want to "create" that unique pose. The only "classic" thing about this photobooth is the look. The images produced by the photobooth are high quality digital images printed onto glossy photo paper in less than 15 seconds by the latest high resolution digital printer.
Open Air Photo Booth
Open Air Photo Booth is our newest and smallest model. It is a small compact, versatile photo booth. The compact version of this photo booth allows us to deliver a booth that requires a small footprint or has a complicated delivery access. The versatility and easy setup allows us greatly reduce the rental cost. Another major advantage of the OPEN AIR PHOTOBOOTH is the openness of this setup that allows greater custome.
Party Enhancers
Joel Nelson Productions can provide your event with fun extras including dance cubes, jewelry-making, interactive video games, and more. Whatever the occasion, JNP can find the perfect party enhancer to take your event to the next level. Here are some popular options:
Dance Cubes
Partygoers have been raving about Dance Cubes for years. These durable dance platforms change colors and flash with each dance step. The most popular way to use them is one on either side of the dance floor.
Interactive Video Games
We can bring the latest and greatest interactive video games to your party, including Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Karaoke, and more.
Beadmaking and Jewelry Design
Joel Nelson Productions can bring fun to your party with beadmaking kits and experts to assist in your creation.
The Ring Guy
JNP has been working with "The Ring Guy" for years. A sure hit at your party, he can create a unique piece of jewelry out of a quarter!
Lighting
Nothing sets a mood like special lighting to match your music and decor. Whether you need elegant and subtle accent lighting or crazy, "pump up the party" lights, Joel Nelson Productions has the solution! Your event will shine brightly with our lighting option (Call For Special Package Pricing):
Joel Nelson Productions has been a leader in the Bay Area Event Entertainment industry since 1981. At Joel Nelson Productions, we provide our clients with the finest live music, disc jockeys and MC's, specialty entertainers, and team building facilitation at the most competitive prices.
We provide Bands, DJs, Entertainment, Photo Booths, A/V rentals, Production Services, and Event Lighting. We have been in business for a long time and we love what we do.