Live Band or a DJ for your event? When
in doubt? Have BOTH as long as...........
(picture by www.jpzphoto.com)
This topic is discussed frequently in
discussions and while making decisions concerning the entertainment
for an event. In a recent post, Top Notch focused primarily on the
main factors one should consider when using a band over a dj for an
event or wedding, however, assuming the band is not solely a
party/cover band, the idea of utilizing both forms of entertainment
can be a great idea.
Top Notch had the privilege of working
side by side with a band this past Saturday for the wedding of Johnny
and Liz at the Stockroom in downtown Raleigh (link to the Stockroom here ) . From DC, Justin Trawick
and the Common Good truly were a phenomenal band to work alongside.
They arrived on time, their sound system set up was not large nor
obtrusive and the volume and style of their sound was perfect for
this specific event and venue. There is no denying the fact that
everyone loves live entertainment. The band was fun, they were lively
and they kept guests on the dance floor the entire time they played.
The band played 2 sets, each lasting approximately 45 minutes to an
hour. Before, after, and throughout the reception, I and the band
were in consistent communication so there were no long pauses in
entertainment as we switched between forms of music for the guests.
Furthermore, Justin Trawick and the Common Good played a conglomerate
collection of various tunes including many originals, and even some
unexpected cover material (including House of Pain's “Jump Around”
and Biz Markie's “Just a Friend” and more.
As I was watching the band perform and
the guests dance, I realized 1 essential factor that made this event
thrilling, fun and exciting with a DJ and a Band working together
under 1 roof. That factor was this....
“The band was not a party band hence,
they weren't playing nor attempting to play what I was playing”
Aha!! I carried that concept with me as
the days after Johnny and Liz's wedding event passed and realized
that every event that I have considered successful where Top Notch
has worked with a band, had this factor in play. Top Notch has worked
with salsa bands, mariachi bands, souther rock bands, etc and the
same concept applies. In contrast, Top Notch has deejayed multiple
events where the opposite of this concept is true as well. Sure,
Justin Trawick and the Common Good played cover/dance songs, but they
performed them with their on spin, their own style, their own flavor
so to speak, and that style allowed many who enjoyed to dance to fun
swing music, and even upbeat rock to enjoy themselves on the dance
floor. I was wary of their sound, and therefore purposely avoided
playing any songs nor style that I knew they intended to play or that
would fit their style of music. This left the door open for my set to
contain many of the more current dance songs, hip hop and line
dancing for guests to enjoy. Because we were not necessarily
competing for the same crowd, we were able to work together to
provide a great mix of entertainment and music for all of the guests
to enjoy. In conclusion, there certainly is nothing wrong with
combining a live band and a disc jockey together for an event. As
long as both are working together, understand the styles and what the
other brings to the table and do not intrude with the other's forms
of music, the event with both forms of entertainment can truly be
epic for all guests in attendance!
For tour dates, song samples and album
information, you can check out the Justin Trawick and the Common Go here! http://www.justintrawick.com/
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