Nightmares, Dreams, and Wedding or Party Music

Do you ever dream like this? Nightmares and dreams inspire my imagination and fuel my creativity. Do you ever have nightmares and dreams?  Doesn’t everyone? I had one last night, and it’s after Christmas.  I seldom have nightmares and dreams, but I think this one was OK after all.  I think it just reminded me […]

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

Way back when, I sang in the chorus when my high school presented “The Mikado”.  And I loved it! 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 in the 21st century? For example, here we are, […]

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Feeling Happy about Wedding and Party Music

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

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

Taking stock is something I do throughout the year, not just in December. 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 […]

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Daydream about Future Party and Wedding Music, Part 2

Recently I started describing 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 expert event planner, Rick […]

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Daydream about Future Wedding and Party Music, Part 1

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

I’m frequently reminded of the benefits of a sound check. I bet you have your own version of a sound check — a “trial run” — suited to your own purposes.  More about that in a minute. We frequently play acoustically — without amplification — and when the band plays in a large area where we need to amplify […]

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San Francisco Holiday Party

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

Next year begins my 41st year leading the Magnolia Jazz Band. That’s a lot of celebrations, music, and a lot of practicing.  Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about how to help people enjoy their wedding or party music. For example, here we are setting a lovely, quiet mood at a recent garden party.  Thanks to long-time […]

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