When choosing your music, bandleader John Malino advises you to ask if the band plays continuous music, and for how long, keeping in mind that a typical reception is normally four hours.
TIPS: “But in my opinion, what’s most important is the band’s repertoire,” says John. “What do you want at your wedding? Do you like oldies or contemporary? Do you want music that’s slow? Fast? A mixture of rock, Motown, and jazz, or just one genre?
“It’s also important to consider the ages of your guests. It is a great idea to hire a band that will please everyone.” Hopefully their wide range of music, including jazz, swing, Motown, R&B, and classic rock, will do just that.
“We’re now even starting to attract young, musically intelligent couples who have been requesting music from performers such as Wilco, Elvis Costello, and Morrissey,” says John.
Regardless of your musical tastes, John advises simple cocktail hour music. “Background piano is always nice,” he says. “Cocktail hour is just before the reception, and you want to save the main entertainment for that time.”
John always suggests saving money for your reception. “If you’re working with a large budget, my next suggestion would be to spend it on ceremony music,” says John.
“It’s important to separate cocktail hour music from reception music. If you hire the same band for both, make sure they’re playing different music during cocktails than at the reception.”
BACKGROUND: John is always present to lead the band for each wedding or event. “We work with a high caliber of musicians who play on Broadway and have performed with some of the biggest names in music. We only have one band, and the musicians have been performing together at weddings, clubs, lounges, and restaurants for over 15 years.”
They like to invite clients in for a consultation to view footage of the band playing a wedding at the Rainbow Room. “It’s the next best thing to actually seeing the band live. We like clients to feel comfortable about what they’re listening to, during their wedding.”
PHILOSOPHY: “What’s most exciting about playing a wedding is the crowd’s energy and excitement,” says John. “It’s terrific to see everyone in great sprits for the couple. We love to watch guests dance to the music we play. It’s so much fun for us.”
John Malino Music
212.673.9334, 800.538.9035
johnmalinomusic@mac.com
www.malino.com
