Hi everyone. I'm new to the boards but very excited I found them. I've recently booked my ceremony/reception site (the Roslyn Claremont Hotel) and my next focus is the band.
I have two appointments this week with Steven Scott and Hank Lane. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinoins? I'm very wary of booking a band through a company that does not provide the opportunity to see the band play live (neither do showcases or listening shows, nor do they allow clients to peek into another persons wedding, which I can understand).
Then at the end of the week and next week, I will be attending three showcases for Franklin Wayne bands. Has anyone used them?
Does anyone have a rocmmendation for another band that does do showcases?
Thanks in advance!
pinkgirl
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Re: Booking the band
I wouldn't book a band without seeing them either. I am using Franklin Wayne and I have seen 3 of his bands and they were all great!!! I booked Heart and Soul.
D&J
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I'm using Echoe Orchestras Tony Saitta (516) 766-6839
I LOVE THEM!! I'm really excited to hear them play at my wedding... They do a private showcase and they sound FANTASTIC!!
They are aprox $5800 for a 9 piece band - price includes ceremony music & cocktail hour..
Good Luck! And word of advice do NOT book a band with out hearing them play live!!!!!
Rob-luvs-me
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I would not book a band I had not personally seen - JMO - I did hear a few tapes and cd's and when I heard the band live they sounded very different.
I have heard a lot of neagtive comments in re: Hank Lane. They are infamous for the 'bait and switch' tactic. No matter which band you decided to book w/, make sure everthing is in writing (including the names of the band members.)
drewsgirl
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I agree - I wouldnt book a band without seeing them in person. I also booked a band from Franklyn Wayne - Time Piece- and was able to go see them in person. He has a couple to choose from you may want to see if there might be one that plays what you are looking for. JMHO though - that is a lot of money to spend without hearing them for yourself. Goodluck with whatever you decide.
nferrandi
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I know you're probably trying to find a band in LI, but I have a great one for you to check out in Westchester (where I live). Check out Stolen Moments. They have a few different bands and perform at bridal shows and at their own studio (a converted movie theater). We're having Moonlight Silhouettes, which is an 8 piece band for the reception, and through the same company we booked a classical trio for the ceremony and a calypso band for the CH hour. Check their website to get an idea of their sound... www.stolenmoments.com
ktdtlc
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I also booked a franklin wayne band, i got Daybreak's Night.
1017Bride
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For us it was between 2 Franklin Wayne bands and a Faze 4 band. We listened to 3 bands. Ultimately we went with Play by Play by Faze 4, (btw Faze 4 bands are great and also located in Nassau Co. like Steven Scott and Hank Lane.) but we really enjoyed Timepiece and Heart and Soul. If you use any of the Franklin Wayne bands I am sure you will be happy.
dublreedr
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We are using Uptown from Steven Scott. We heard them and they were awesome! We listened to them play at a wedding. They let us come and sit in the back and listen to them. It was the same place that we booked for our wedding. I have only heard good things about them.
ssdare
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I would recommend seeing the band live if possible.
I used a Steven Scott band as well--Anthony Mills. I understand how you feel about not seeing the band prior to the wedding. We were ok with it because we heard the demo, met with the band leader, and interviewed references before booking, and we felt like we made a great decision. You can do a search on my old posts for my review on them.
TogetherForever
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We booked OASIS.... http://www.oasisnj.com/home.html
They do showcases...and they are amazing!!
Barakabella
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We are really excited about NYC Swing. Let me know if you are interested in info via FM.
jrl0223
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Thank you everyone for your replies. Has anyone heard of Skyline Orchestras (code blue specifically)? I've heard that they're good.
Thanks again!
sun86moon
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Hi there, We are going with Code Bleu and are really excited about it. After seeing several bands we went with them. Sean Gillen is great and super easy to work with. Can't wait to hear them at my wedding! FM me if you want more info!
1017Bride
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Yes I saw Code Bleu at the Metro Wedding Expo at the Long Island Marriot on the 11th and they were good. I love that African American gentleman. He was great!
rls32
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I booked Code Bleu and am very excited about them. I went to see a bunch of bands and they stood at as my favorite. Listening them I could picture my friends and family dancing and having a good time. I would definately suggest checking them out. They have a ton of showcases.
sophie78
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I met with Steven Scott because I was interested in 747 and Central Park. Turns out that 747 actually went out on their own and I ended up booking them. I liked them better and they were a little cheaper because you don't have to go through an agency.
But I also did not see them...only a demo. They claim that the good bands don't do showcases. I am ok with it. But in retrospect, I wish I had saw them.
bridejune04
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We are using Arcadia from LI Paramount. Just went to their showcase last night to hear them again. We love them. www.liparamount.com Renegade is also very good! Good luck!