Help me find a wedding band in Cleveland

January 26, 2006 6:38 AM

I need help finding a wedding band in the Cleveland area.

So I'm getting hitched, and finding the wedding band is on me. I'm new in town and so far the choices here are ... less than stellar. Lots of bad husband-wife wedding duo's bearing Casio keyboards. And DJ's. I veto both. Looking for nice jazzy vocalist(s), perhaps Ella Fitzgerald-esque inspired.

posted by bhance to media & arts (10 comments total)

Oh, you mean music, not rings.

I live in Cleveland but don't have much advice -- we got married in CT. The general approach I took, however, which might work for you, is look for 'swing' bands and find the one with the oldest, crustiest performers. This worked very well for us a few years ago.
posted by sohcahtoa at 6:46 AM on January 26, 2006

Hmm, this isn't exactly what you're looking for (no vocals), but Up Ensemble is good. They are a fairly new jazz band, but composed of experienced musicians (one of whom is an acquaintance).
posted by amro at 7:05 AM on January 26, 2006

Blue Lunch.
posted by By The Grace of God at 7:19 AM on January 26, 2006

One of the most commonly known entertainment companies in the area is Jerry Bruno Productions. I can't vouch for quality, but they have lots of acts and do tons of weddings, so might be able to find what you want. Check out the "Orchestras" or "Jazz Ensembles" sections.

Gigmasters might also help you find some candidates. At the bottom of the screen it lets you search by genre. For example, here are the results for big bands, jazz bands, and swing bands.

Nighttown is a decent jazz club in Cleveland Heights. If you contact them, or better yet, go spend some money there, they might be able to make some recommendations. They probably get asked this question a lot, though, and I don't know how eager they are to make recommendations, but it's worth a shot, plus the food is good. Good luck!
posted by boomchicka at 7:24 AM on January 26, 2006

Oh -- also, if your time frame allows, check out the local community college's JazzFest, which is held every April. You'll be able to hear a few bands and maybe find one you like. It doesn't appear as if the schedule is published yet, but check back maybe in a month or two. Of course not all of the bands will play weddings, but it's another avenue of possibility.
posted by boomchicka at 7:32 AM on January 26, 2006

Oh and welcome to town!
posted by boomchicka at 7:37 AM on January 26, 2006

Do go to Night Town.
posted by By The Grace of God at 8:10 AM on January 26, 2006

(Doing the reception dinner @ nighttown. At least that's on track.)
posted by bhance at 8:48 AM on January 26, 2006

Oh, your reception is at Nighttown? Then heck, they should really be able to help you.
posted by boomchicka at 9:03 AM on January 26, 2006

A friend of a friend who got married in Cleveland a few months ago hired Up Ensemble and was very very pleased. They aren't old and crusty, though. I haven't heard the band myself.
posted by sohcahtoa at 11:23 AM on January 26, 2006