“The Mikado”, Wedding Reception Music, and Birthday Party Music
Thanks in advance for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas. I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation. Tell me what you think, and I'll reply. Promise.=========================================================
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, mood lighting and all, adding the perfect touch to a recent “Masquerade Ball” New Year’s Eve party. Coordinated by that party-planning master, Rick Herns. Thanks, Joy, for the wonderful photos.
Let me explain. The Mikado is probably Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operetta, but it contains no wedding reception music or birthday party music.
Still it remains one of my favorites. Here’s why: after all these years, I still enjoy humming one song in particular, beginning with the lines
A wandering minstrel I –
a thing of shreds and patches,
of ballads, songs, and snatches,
and dreamy lullaby!
The singer is boasting about his ability to provide the perfect music to suit whatever his listener wants.
My catalog is long,
through every passion ranging,
and to your humors changing,
I tune my supple song!
When I first heard this song, it caught my imagination and stuck. At the time, though, preparing for a career as a troubadour seemed cool and groovy, but too romantic and impractical. Instead, I leaned toward becoming a scientist.
What did I know? These days, I make a living by assessing the mood of any celebration and providing the right atmosphere – whether it’s by providing wedding reception music, birthday party music, or anything else.
And after all these years, I’m still learning that some projects need extra time to take shape — whether we’re planning our career, or planning the perfect music for a festive event like a wedding or a birthday party.
A tip: Make all the wishes and preparations you want, and just be patient. The seeds of some fine ideas grow slowly, but surely.
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Thanks for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas here. Got one or two? I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation -- I'll reply. Promise.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
Categories: My Musical Career, Planning Party Music