We would like to thank the clients, who hired us for weddings, corporate events, and other private parties, and graciously provided testimonials for our website.

In addition to these new raves, you can also view new photos some of them sent to us, throughout our website.

Testimonials are an important aspect of a reputable wedding and event band. It is essential that potential clients know that not only is a wedding band composed of capable and talented musicians, but that they are reliable. One of the best ways to convey this is through testimonials from past clients. The reason for this is that a band can write about themselves, but ultimately, potential clients looking to hire a wedding band also want to hear from past clients. This is based upon the concept of “social proof.” This is the idea that people tend to favor information from their peers. Essentially, the approval of a peer lends something that a great deal of text may not: additional credibility.

Perfect Music for Weddings provides testimonials on our website for another reason, as well. We are proud of the events our wedding bands have played at throughout Los Angeles, Southern California and across the United States, and are glad for the memories they have provided.

Our wedding bands look forward to performing at more weddings, corporate events, private parties and more in 2009. If you’re interested in reading our testimonials, click here. Or, if you’d like to learn more about booking one of our bands for your wedding, corporate event or party, contact us today!

First, and most importantly, whether you are booking a string quartet for the once-in-a-lifetime event of your wedding or are a beginner and are planning your first corporate event, hiring a string quartet is much simpler than it seems.

The first step to hiring a string quartet is to plan ahead and start early. It is important to contact several prospective groups of musicians, audition them, and make your decision early in the wedding or event planning process. This is important because popular groups, like the Sparrow Lane String Quartet, can become booked early during holidays and wedding season. Therefore, if you are planning to have your wedding or event during the months of April to October, the peak of wedding season, or December, make sure you book your band well ahead of time.

The second step to hiring a string quartet for your wedding or corporate event is to have an idea of what you are looking for. By this, we do not mean you must have a concrete idea (although, if you do, that is fine). However, we do mean that you should have an idea of the type of music you would like to hear. The best way to determine this is to decide what mood you would like your music to set. Think about whether you would like a relaxed mood, a sophisticated mood, or music that will create a backdrop for conversing. Also decide if your event is formal or informal.

This step may seem superfluous at the planning stage, but if you want your wedding or corporate event to be truly memorable, then its important to have ideas to give to the string quartet you are hiring. They can then take the mood you want to establish and translate it into music. Always remember that the musicians are there to help.

When you are considering hiring potential string quartets for your event, there are several things you will want to discuss with them during the audition process. These important items include:

• First, unless the band comes from a personal recommendation, look for testimonials on their website. We publish testimonials from our satisfied clients throughout our website to assure potential clients we can deliver exactly what they desire. Remember, you don’t want to settle for anything less than the best band for your event.
• Second, ask about the band’s availability. This will obviously be a large determinant in the group you hire.
• Third, discuss the band’s fees and rates, as well as any additional charges for travel.
• Finally, ensure that, for whatever string quartet you hire, you make sure you get everything in writing. Although verbal contracts are often satisfactory, its important to get something that says, “We’ll be playing your wedding at 4:00 pm on June 5th, 2009,” even if its just an e-mail.

If you follow these simple rules, hiring a string quartet for your wedding, corporate event or party will be simple and enjoyable. If you would like to find out more about the Sparrow Lane String Quartet’s policies, read out Frequently Asked Questions page. Or, if you’re ready to hire us for your special event, contact us today!

The fiddle is an important instrument in both traditional and modern Irish music. The fiddle is the same instrument as the violin but is played in a different style. For each region in Ireland, there is a different style of fiddling. The most well-known fiddle traditions are from Donegal, Sligo, Sliabh Luachra and Clare.

Most people are familiar with the Sligo tradition of fiddle music, due to it being played by famous fiddlers such as Lad O’Beirne, Michael Coleman, John McGrath, James Morrison and Paddy Killoran, who popularized Irish music in the United States in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Contemporary fiddle players include Brendan Mulvihill, Paddy Cronin, Peter Horan, James Kelly, Martin Hayes, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Cathal Hayden, Paul O’Shaughnessy, Matt Cranitch, Frankie Gavin, Paddy Glackin, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Maire Breatnach and Gerry O’Connor. Notable American fiddlers include Winifred Horan, Liz Carroll and Eileen Ivers.

Not much is known about the composers of traditional Irish folk music, as much of it has been passed down from generation to generation without credit to the original writers. Irish traditional music for dancing was intended to be played at weddings, on saints’ days and for other special occasions.

Traditional Irish fiddle tunes are typically divided into two eight-bar strains, played as many times as the performer desires. Irish dancing is isometric; sixteen measures are known as a “step”, with eight for the right foot of the step and eight for the left. Traditional Irish dances and tunes include reels, hornpipes and jigs.

Music inspired by traditional Irish folk tunes has become very popular in recent decades. Van Morrison, Hothouse Flowers and Sinéad O’Connor have all made music featuring aspects of Irish folk music. The singer Enya has achieved monumental success with her fusion of New Age and Irish music. The Pogues were one of the first punk rock bands to blend Irish folk music into their songs. Their sound inspired American bands such as the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. Other noteworthy Irish bands include U2, who have also incorporated aspects of Irish fok music into their repetoire, as well as The Radiators From Space, The Boomtown Rats, My Bloody Valentine and the Cranberries.

Whether you are a fan of traditional Irish folk music or modern music with a folk twist, you are sure to enjoy the lively sound of an Irish fiddle. If you are interested in having Irish fiddle music for your wedding or other special event, contact us today.

• Consider a winter destination wedding to Utah, Colorado or Montana and take advantage of the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains. This is an especially good choice if you and your future spouse enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
• If you decide to stay in Southern California, a beach wedding is a possibility as long as you plan for the cooler weather with items such as bolero jackets or shawls for the bride and bridesmaids and wool suits for the groom and groomsmen. The cooler weather can work to your advantage, however, because the beach will be more secluded.
• Choose winter colors for your color scheme and avoid spring and summer colors, especially. Good color choices for winter weddings include deep burgundies, rich reds, forest greens, royal blues, dark purples as well as gold and silver. You will likely want to avoid spring greens, autumn yellows and autumn oranges as well all pastels. Remember that winter colors are rich and luxurious.
• Try decorating with winter flowers and using them in your bouquet. Every wedding uses roses and lilies, but if you’re having a winter wedding, then winter flowers will make it truly special. Ask your florist about poinsettias, winter jasmine, amaryllis, hyacinth, tulips, narcissus and hellebore. While poinsettias are considered a Christmas flower, they would work well with a wedding that has a deep burgundy or bright red color scheme.
• Although they can be a lot of fun and very romantic, you may not want to have a holiday wedding for Christmas, Haunukkah or New Years Eve. This is because venues and bands are often booked months in advance for corporate events for these holidays.
• On the same token, you may not want to have your wedding on the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, because this is an extremely popular time for weddings. As such, it can be expensive and the vendors you are looking to book may not even be available. If you want a Valentine’s Day themed wedding, consider the week after.
• Vendors often have special deals for the months of January and February, because wedding are not often booked during these times. Consider marrying during these two months, especially, and you can save a lot of money.
• Although you may worry about inclement weather, just as there may be bad weather in winter, there may be bad weather in summer. Don’t be afraid of the cold, rain or even snow – take it as a cue for creative planning and accessorizing!
• In the article, “Wedding Trends: Off-Season Weddings” several wedding vendors are quoted giving the following advice:
• A Decorator: “[We] Incorporate Christmas trees into our wrought iron gate backdrop, and 24 inch sparkling snowflakes into the ceiling canopy. Christmas trees around the room can be grouped together and accented with lights and fabric on the ground to create twinkling snow.”
• A DJ: “It’s so much easier to plan a wedding in the off-season, because you don’t have to fight to get the reception hall you want, the DJ, the photographer…”
• An Officiant: “You’ll find less people are on vacation [in the winter]. More guests will be able to attend your wedding… It takes a little more planning [for the weather], but then I have seen summer weddings with huge showers and wind storms!”

If a winter wedding doesn’t appeal to your taste, you may want to consider an early spring wedding. A lot of the same tips for planning apply, but consider the following, as well:

• Choose spring colors for your wedding, such as light greens, sky blues, baby pinks, lilac purples and other pastels. A springtime palette is very natural, muted and soft.
• Look to spring flowers for your decorations and bouquet. Daffodils, lilacs and tulips are perfect accents to a spring wedding and will be more appropriate than roses.
• Avoid having your wedding too close to Easter. However, if you are having a Christian wedding, consider asking your church about renting their Easter decorations. This can save you money and chances are in your favor that their color scheme will go perfectly with a spring wedding.
• Wedding gowns are designed for the type of weather spring provides, with full skirts which may be too hot for summer and sleeveless tops which may be too cool for winter. If you do begin to feel a chill, opt for a stylish shawl or wrap in a complimentary color.

As you can see, off-season, winter and early spring weddings can help to save you a lot of money and hassle. Furthermore, they can provide for unique wedding experiences which will be remembered for a lifetime.
If you would like to plan an off-season wedding but aren’t sure where to start, we can help steer you in the direction of wedding planners, venues and caterers we have worked with. If you’re ready to have a fantastic off-season wedding, contact us today!

The first official Bluegrass band, Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, prominently featured the mandolin. Bill Monroe, who is credited with the invention of Bluegrass music, played the mandolin in the Blue Grass Boys. The band also featured the fiddle, the acoustic guitar, the banjo and the upright bass.

Bill Monroe began his musical career in the 1930’s alongside his brother, Charlie Monroe, in their band, the Monroe Brothers. The band broke up in the late 1930’s and both brothers continued to make music. In 1939, Bill formed the Blue Grass Boys. During this time, he completed the transition of mandolin music from the traditional parlor sound to the modern Bluegrass sound. Later in 1939 he joined the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry’s radio broadcasts spread Monroe’s music throughout the South and inspired many country musicians to begin playing the mandolin.

Monroe played the lead melodies of his music similar to a fiddler. He also created a percussive chord sound, which was referred to as “the chop.” Monroe also perfected the sparse, percussive blues style on mandolin.

Monroe’s style of mandolin Bluegrass has been highly influential on many of his successors. His style has been emulated, developed and modified by many mandolin musicians.

Stylistically, his most influential followers included second-generation Bluegrass musician Frank Wakefield and current musicians Mike Compton (of the Nashville Bluegrass Band) and David Long. Other major Bluegrass mandolin musicians who emerged after Bill Monroe  in the 1950’s include Jesse McReynolds, of Jim and Jesse, and Bobby Osborne, of the Osborne Brothers.

Modern Bluegrass mandolin players include Herschel Sizemore, Doyle Lawson, and Sam Bush, who also plays rock, reggae and jazz music. In addition, Ronnie McCoury, of the Del McCoury Band, has been awarded numerous times for his Monroe-style mandolin playing. Finally, John Duffey, of Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene, helped to popularize Bluegrass mandolin among folk and urban music fans.

Bluegrass mandolin has had a large influence on American music. For example, Jack White, of the White Stripes, is an accomplished mandolin player. He played mandolin for the film Cold Mountain. He also plays mandolin on the White Stripes’ songs, “Little Ghost”, “Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn” and the hit “Icky Thump.”

Other popular musicians who play the mandolin include David Bowie, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Martin Barre and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Win Butler of the Arcade Fire, Lol Creme of 10cc, Kevin Hearn of the Barenaked Ladies and George Harrison and Paul McCartney of the Beatles, among many others. In addition, fans of the Grateful Dead know that Jerry Garcia was in a Bluegrass band with mandolin player David Grisman, called Old and in the Way.

Bluegrass mandolin music has a unique, lively sound unlike anything else. It’s sound can be sweet, mournful or electrifying. It is a wonderful style of music appropriate for many occasions, including weddings.

If you’re interested in having live Bluegrass mandolin music at your event, contact us today!

Swing music was the most popular form of music from the mid-1930’s until well after the American involvement in World War II. It also experienced a revival in the late-1990’s with bands like the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, the Squirrel Nut Zippers and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. This was due, in part, to films such as Swing Kids and Swingers.

Although swing music may not be as popular as it once was in mainstream culture, it is still an excellent choice for wedding ceremonies, receptions and other events which require timeless, fun and exciting music. In fact, one of the best parts about having swing music at an event is the fact that classic swing songs can be played alongside swing revival music, allowing for the enjoyment of both younger and older audience members.

In order to fully enjoy swing music, it is essential to understand a little of its history and the composition of swing orchestras. Swing music evolved as an offshoot of jazz music from New Orleans, Kansas City and New York City in the early 1930’s. Swing music did not become widely popular until August 1935, when Benny Goodman appeared at the Palomar Ballroom. The dancers at the ballroom greatly enjoyed Goodman’s innovative rhythm and swing arrangements. After this point, swing music became more mainstream and more bands began to play it.

Popular bandleaders of this time included Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Chick Webb, The Dorsey Brothers, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, Fletcher Henderson, Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller, Gloria Parker, Harry James, Louis Prima, Leo Mathisen and Shep Fields.

Chart-topping swing tunes of this era include:

• “Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter
• “Body and Soul” by Coleman Hawkins
• “Cherokee” by Charlie Barnet
• “Daddy From Georgia Way” by Bob Chester
• “Here Comes That Mood” by Vincent Lopez
• “I Can’t Get Started” by Bunny Berigan
• “In Santiago by the Sea” by Vincent Lopez
• “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
• “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington
• “Jersey Bounce” by Benny Goodman
• “Jumpin’ at the Woodside” by Count Basie
• “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima
• “Song of India” by Tommy Dorsey
• “Stardust”, by Louis Armstrong / Glenn Miller / Artie Shaw
• “Tonight Be Tender To Me” by Una Mae Carlisle
• “Tuxedo Junction” by Glenn Miller
• “White Christmas” by Bring Crosby
• “Mack the Knife” by Louis Armstrong
• “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by the Andrews Sisters

Typically, swing music of the mid-1930’s featured a strong, anchoring rhythm section which supported loosely tied wind and brass instruments. Closer to the 1940s, string or vocals sections were added.  Eventually, swing’s popularity was eclipsed by the pop singers and crooners. Many of the popular singers who came about in this time originated in the swing era. For example, the Dorsey Brothers launched the career of Frank Sinatra. Swing’s popularity waned as World War II progressed, due to the fact many of the musicians were overseas fighting the war and the economic hardship of funding and touring with such large bands during wartime.

Fortunately for this lively, fun style of music, a revival was seen in the late-1990’s. From 1997 to 2001, the swing revival was led by bands like the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Royal Crown Revue and the Brian Setzer Orchestra, among others. Swing dancing was also revived and combined the 1930’s dance styles with those from the 1990’s and 2000’s. In 2001, British pop singer Robbie Williams released a popular swing cover album entitled, “Swing When You’re Winning”, which sold 7 million copies worldwide.

Swing orchestras typically feature the clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, double bass and drums, among other instruments. Swing music features a lead section typically composed of brass instruments like trumpets and trombones which is supported by a strong rhythm section. Swing often has medium to fast tempos and a “lilting” swing time rhythm. Swing bands typically feature soloists who improvise a new melody over an existing arrangement.

Today, Swing dancing is a popular activity for those who are looking to have fun and burn off some steam! If you’re convinced that a live swing orchestra is the perfect touch for your wedding, ceremony, reception or other special event, contact us today to hire the Whole of the Moon Swing Orchestra!

The band was hired to play for the art show opening for the world renowned Pop artist, Jim Dine. This was a wonderful opportunity for the band, as their original music is a fitting accompaniment to an event such as an art show. The Wine and Roses Band played original violin music composed by Chris Murphy, a founding member of the band and the artistic director of Perfect Music for Weddings. The original music The Wine and Roses Band played was influenced by Jazz, Classical, Folk and Ethnic music.

It was an exciting evening for the band, as they performed for the first opening of the new piece by Dine, “Poet Singing.” The Getty Museum’s website describes the piece: “Two ancient Greek statuettes of dancing women, “Statuette of a Dancer” and “Statuette of a Dancer Playing the Lyre,” are magnified in Dine’s four eight-foot-high painted wood female figures. Their arrangement around a seven-foot-high self-portrait head echoes the sculptural group “Poet as Orpheus with Two Sirens”.”

The Wine and Roses Band were thrilled to play at the Getty Villa, noting that it was a wonderful place filled with amazing art.

To learn more about Jime Dine’s exhibit at the Getty Villa, visit the museum’s page dedicated to the piece “Poet Singing” at the following link: http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/jimdine/

If you’re interested in booking The Wine and Roses Band for an event such as an art show, gallery opening or another type of event, contact us today.

What better way to accent your fun holiday soiree than with live violin music from Solo Violin Music? Imagine gathering with all of your friends and family to hear your favorite holiday songs played by a live strolling violinist as you sip spiced wine and enjoy decadent seasonal treats. For added fun and holiday cheer, if you have a fireplace, you could light a fire and toss in a few scented pinecones. If you don’t, its possible to rent a portable fireplace. Or, for a more economic and retro option, you could opt for the visual fireplace on your TV. Your party will be talked about well into the New Year if you opt for the fun musical accent of a violin musician, and a few of our suggestions.

Holiday parties don’t have to be conventional affairs, and with a violin player for your musical entertainment, your options are endless. You could have a sophisticated black tie affair, a cozy get together or a lively cocktail party. Your party them is only limited by your creativity.

To get guests excited about your party, send out hand-made invitiations with a unique flair. If you’re having a Christmas party, tie some mistletoe to the invitation and send it in an envelope sealed with a kiss. If you’e having a Haunukkah party, toss some chocolate gelt into the envelope to wish your guests well. If you’re having a New Years Eve party, attach a wine glass charm to a corner of the invitation.

To decorate for your party, you don’t have to blow your budget on decorations. Make use of holiday decorations you already have, like lights, garlands and ornaments. Try stringing holiday lights around the room for glittering ambiance, filling glass hurricanes with same-colored ornaments, or using tinsel as napkin rings.

For party food, consider forgoing a whole feast and having an afternoon or evening affair and serving pre-made h’ours d’ouvres. Design a buffet of tempting finger foods like mini quiches, cocktail weiners wrapped in phyllo dough and miniature brie en croute with cranberry sauce. These types of party foods can be purchases pre-made or assembled ahead of time and kept in a warm oven before serving them. Your guests will serve themselves and be impressed with your delicious spread. Also, you’ll be able to enjoy your guests’ company and the holiday music played by your solo violinist.

For drinks, make mix-ahead cocktails like Santa Helpers, or for more initmate gatherings, mix peppermint stick martinis. Recipies for these and other festive drinks can be found online.

For a fun time with your guests, after everyone’s had a few cocktails, hand out the sheet music to some holiday songs and have everyone do a singalong.

At the end of your party, send your guests off with small, personalized favors like homemade cookies with holiday wishes written on them in decorator’s icing.

With Solo Violin Music, a bit of creativity and a minimal amount of planning, you can throw the best holiday party of the season!

If you’re ready to plan your holiday party, contact us today!

Mark O’Connor won the National Junior Fiddling Championship in 1974. He studied under Texas fiddle musician Benny Thomasson and Jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. O’Connor has won two Grammy awards. His first was for his album, “New Nashville Cats”, and his second was for his album “Appalachian Journey”, on which he worked with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer. O’Connor was also named “Musician of the Year” by the Country Music Association for six years in a row, from 1991 to 1996. Since then, he has continued to compose, arrange, and record a variety of music, from Classical and Jazz to Country and Bluegrass. O’Connor has composed six violin concertos, and arranged string trios and string quartets, as well as choral works and a Symphony. He has worked and recorded with a wide variety of artists, including James Taylor, Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, and Wynton Marsalis.

The most exciting part of Chris Murphy meeting with Mark O’Connor is their similar interests in musical genres and their performance styles. Chris’ independent work and his performances with the Sparrow Lane String Quartet and the Silver Mountain Fiddle Band, in particular, bridge the genres of Classical, Jazz, Country and Bluegrass. We hope that both musicians were able to take away some valuable knowledge from their meeting. Below, you can see a photo of Chris Murphy’s meeting with Mark O’Connor: