Blog

[singlepic id=369 w=240 h=160 ]

Throughout my career I’ve had the great opportunity to work with comedians. Comedy, like jazz, requires one to be quick witted and connect with your audience in a number of ways. I recently had the opportunity to work with former Tonight Show host and comedian extraordinaire Jay Leno.

It was exciting to watch him work. He uses no cue cards, prompters or help from the sidelines. Just an old-fashioned well prepared show. He really connects with people and is hilarious!

Jay still performs more than 150 shows each year and fly’s home nearly each night after his performance. When he comes to your area, go out and see his show. You’ll be glad you did!

The holidays are just around the corner and it’s not too late to find quality entertainers. It’s true that many of the top artists are already booked for prime date in December. But, there are still excellent entertainers to choose from. I works with more than 400 professionals including bands, dj’s, magicians, children’s entertainers, stage, sound lighting and more. This year there has been a trend in Mariachi entertainment for holiday parties. This is one way to have a great time and enjoy a bit of culture. Another popular program has been to have light jazz for your cocktail and dinner period. After that, transition into a fun dj with a killer light show for pop music to dance the night away. This is affordable and gives you the best of both live and recorded entertainment. These are just a couple of the many ideas I have. If you’re looking for entertainment for your Christmas or private party give me a call. We’ll discuss your vision, entertainment needs and will create a program that will be perfect for your party and budget!

I recently performed again with Las Vegas entertainment legend Wayne Newton. His show is fast paced, fun and entertaining to young and the young at heart. He is genuinely a nice person and a joy to work with. My hand picked Pike Street Horns gets to perform with many celebrities but this time I also brought in string players, guitarists and more to round out his 19 piece orchestra. A good time was had by all!

After a busy weekend full of shows I finally had a day off. Back to work now. Tonight (Tues) a jazz quartet gig at the Owl & Thistle in Seattle starting at 10pm. Tomorrow a rehearsal for a tribute show. Thursday a late afternoon corporate grand opening event with my Red Hot Band. Friday a show with Nearly Dan (Steely Dan Tribute act) at the Hwy 99 Blues Club in Seattle. Saturday a private party and then on Sunday I bring in my Pike Street Horns to back up superstars Frankie Avalon, Fabian & Bobby Rydell for a mainstage casino show.
Summer’s busy but you can still contact me for any last minute bookings you might have. In addition to my band, I work with hundreds of professional entertainers including bands, dj’s, magicians, face painters, balloon twisters, ethnic artists, dancers and much more!

Last Saturday I got perform for the Governor of Washington as well well as the Mayor of Seattle and the members of the Service Employees International Union.

This all began months ago beginning with some phone meetings to determine my client’s vision and desires. (We’ll call her Pat , because that’s her name :-)). We then did a site visit, at the conference center, to begin the process of figuring out logistics, lighting, sound system(s), staging, backdrops and a myriad of other items that come into play in order to make for a successful event.

After months of planning the big day finally arrived. We started off a wonderful cocktail party with my jazz quartet playing some low keyed Latin and smooth jazz sounds to an enthusiastic audience.

Later on that evening the Governor spoke, other presentations were made, and an African Drum Group and a Marimba band performed their beautiful sounds while bringing some fun cultural programming into the evening. For the grand finale, my Red Hot Band took the stage and we performed our Vegas Style Revue that featured a variety of Pop, Motown, Funk, Disco, Classic rock , Latin and more. For the remainder of the night the guests all partied, danced, laughed and a great time was had by all!

Last nights NW Corks n’ Crush gala was the perfect example of an event that was well thought out and beautifully presented. Giant stage, big screens, plenty of sound and lights, decorated to the hilt, incredible food and wonderful wines coupled with a variety of music really set the tone for the evening. We started the opening cocktail/silent auction portion with my quartet performing our blend Latin, Jazz and instrumental pop music to create a fun atmosphere when the guests arrived. Then, to move guests into the main hall, we brought in two fanfare trumpeters to signal the call to dinner. After the guests finished their dinner and live auction, the Red Hot Band kicked it into high gear playing our Billboard Chart Topping dance hits that kept the party in full swing to the very end. Afterwards, the event directors told me this was the longest the guests had ever stayed at this event due to the music and that it truly helped to make this event successful and memorable. If you’d like your your special event to also be engaging and unique, please call me to discuss the many ways I can help tailor an entertainment program that will be just right for you!

I’m gearing up for a huge weekend providing all the musical entertainment for the Northwest Corks and Crush Gala. Starting off the cocktail/silent auction with my Latin Jazz Band. We’ll be performing some smooth Bossa Novas, hot Cha Cha’s and more. Then later in the night the Red Hot Band takes over to play the greatest dance hits of all time. Earth Wind & Fire, Motown, Classic Rock, and everything you could want in a fun cover band. I’m positive that everyone’s gonna have a ball. Can’t wait. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Well, it’s nose-back-to-the-grindstone time after a big Cinco de Mayo week. A huge thank you to Corona for sponsoring the fun events I participated in.

Here’s a fun little piece I co-wrote and played on for the Corona beer company. The ultimate Cinco de Mayo party song. Ahua!

Remember to get your booking in for any events you are planning this summer, as spots fill up fast!

[gravityform id=”1″ name=”Booking Enquiry” title=”false”]