“One of our most memorable recent events was a tent wedding on Center Island off the coast of Long Island,” says Ron James of the Ron James Orchestra. “The bride and groom arrived by boat and departed the same way. There was energetic dancing throughout the reception and just about everyone was on the dance floor! It was great to play for such an enthusiastic crowd, led of course by the bride and groom!”

A few weeks later Ron got a call from the bride’s sister to play at her wedding.

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TIPS: “Find out if the band will take the time to learn the songs you want played so that they sound like the original recording. Does the band perform 100 percent live, or do they support their sound with background tracks? Will they actually play your song requests?

“Some bands play the same songs at every wedding,” says Ron, “and many play along with pre-recorded background tracks. Our sound is 100 percent live.”

For the ceremony Ron suggests light classical music. “The ideal cocktail hour then emphasizes elegance. My main choice is jazz standards, like those popularized by artists from Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong to Chick Corea and Lee Ritenour. People like to talk and mingle at cocktail hours, so the volume should be on the softer side. For reception music, we start out soft and elegant, gradually building to an energetic, lively climax over the course of the usual four hours.”

BACKGROUND: Ron James Orchestra is known for rich vocal harmonies and superb musicianship. “We learn all our material as close to the original version as possible, and rehearse regularly. We feel it shows,” says Ron. “We also try to be extremely accommodating and work closely with our brides and grooms to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

Ron formed the band 14 years ago. “I realized it was possible to have a truly fantastic group,” he says. “Today, I still feel all it takes is a lot of hard work and a commitment from each band member.”

PHILOSOPHY: “I love participating in one of the most important days in a couple’s life,” says Ron. “It brings tremendous satisfaction to make it extra special. Our talents were meant to be shared and weddings are a perfect way to do that.

“Lighten up and have fun,” he says as a last bit of advice. “Leave the details to your wedding pros. Dance a lot and everyone will join you on the dance floor. Smile a lot too! It’s your special day!”

Ron James Orchestra
516.466.8607, ron@ronjames.com
www.ronjames.com