“The Mikado”, Wedding Reception Music, and Birthday Party Music

January 2, 2012

Way back when, I sang in the chorus when my high school presented “The Mikado”. What does this 1885 British comic opera set in Japan have to do with providing wedding reception music or birthday party music in the San Francisco Bay Area? Let me explain. This is probably Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operetta, but it [...]

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Feeling Happy about Wedding and Party Music

December 30, 2011

I am feeling happy this morning.  Last night we entertained a group of seniors and their guests at a terrific party.  Here’s a photo just as guests began arriving.  An “over-the-shoulder” shot with my iPhone.  (I’m always happy trying a new angle.) Calling it their “Winter Formal”, about 80 people all ages, ranging from maybe [...]

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Using Social Media for Wedding and Party Music

December 26, 2011

In less than a week, we’ll be jazzing up our regular New Year’s Eve party. Meanwhile, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were family time for me, and today (December 26) I’m gradually sneaking back to work on marketing the band.  Mainly by devoting a few hours to searching the internet for the latest words on using social [...]

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Year End Taking Stock for Wedding and Party Music

December 22, 2011

As every year draws to a close, I always pause for a year end taking stock. It’s an enjoyable habit and a valuable guide for staying on track toward my larger goals.  I manage to accomplish a lot, by taking stock frequently and keeping all the things I do in balance. Are you regularly taking stock [...]

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Daydream about Future Party and Wedding Music, Part 2

December 19, 2011

Two days ago I began to describe a daydream about my present and future, and here’s the rest of it. Every day brings a new adventure around here, and I love helping people celebrate.  Like this recent day, where we launched a day-long 50th birthday party in Los Altos.  Always a pleasure to work with [...]

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Daydream about Future Wedding and Party Music, Part 1

December 16, 2011

This has been a REAL busy week of holiday parties, so please pardon me while I relax for a few moments and daydream about the future.  Surely, no harm in this… These days, when so much of our fate rests in our own hands, isn’t it smart to daydream about our long-term plans, as well [...]

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Sound Check for Wedding or Party Music

December 12, 2011

I frequently hear the benefits of a sound check.  So do you, but for your own purposes. When the band plays in an area where we need to amplify our music, a large PA system is often provided.  Occasionally the fellow operating the PA is a DJ (or a drummer or a guitarist) who loves rock music.  [...]

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San Francisco Holiday Party

December 8, 2011

This wonderful time of the year, the band is busy entertaining at one holiday party after another.  It seems like every day we’re jazzing up another San Francisco holiday party. It’s fascinating to watch how each party captures the same festive spirit.  Celebrations are happy times, and despite the ups and downs in the world’s economy, [...]

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Tips for Wedding or Party Music

December 1, 2011

Next month begins my 38th year leading the Magnolia Jazz Band.  That’s a lot of celebrations, music, and a lot of practicing.  I’ve learned a lot about how to help people enjoy a wedding or party. For example, here we are setting a lovely, quiet mood at a garden party last summer.  Thanks to long-time [...]

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Blog Ideas, Part 2.

November 28, 2011

Do you enjoy reading blogs?  What a wealth of topics and ideas we can find!  Do you write your own, and do you ever run short of blog ideas?  Here’s help: Since 2007, I’ve been blogging mainly on my own thoughts about managing my band and entertaining at weddings and parties. That’s what I’m most passionate [...]

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