What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We take time to try to get a clear picture of what each client is envisioning before making any recommendations. We know how hard it is to put into words exactly the kind of band that you're looking for, so the more songs, styles, time periods etc. that you can tell us, the better we can help you to get just what you're looking for.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Masters in Performance, Bachelors in Performance and multiple degrees in Composition and Arranging as well as on the job training working with the best of Los Angeles studio musicians for over 30 years!
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I started playing the saxophone at age 11 and played my first paying gig at 12 years old. LOL. We actually have footage of that night playing for over 100 people at a New Years Eve party of that performance with my Uncle on electric accordion and my brother on drums, but there's no sound. Anyway, I always worked in bands all throughout High School and College. Often worked in 3 or 4 bands at a time. I loved music and it's the only thing I wanted to do with my life and I've been lucky to do that for over 35 years so I've amassed quite a bit of performance experiences.
What types of customers have you worked with?
You name it. I've worked with Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Shakira, Cher, Stanley Clarke, Brian Setzer (where I won a grammy award) and about 30 more well known artists. And the wedding and event business I've worked with James Spader, Isner, President Clinton
President and Mrs. Reagan
Rudy Giuliani
Isaac Asimov
Sherrif Lee Baca
Red Buttons
Danny DeVito & Rhea Perlman
Michael Eisner
Buddy Ebsen
Thomas S. Foley
Whoopie Goldberg
George Hamilton
Linda Hopkins
Timothy Hutton
Steve Lawrence
Demi Moore
Brittany Murphy
Stefanie Powers
Elizabeth Taylor
Vanna White
Bruce Willis
Debra Winger
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Look for genuine credits and reviews, not just hype. Anyone can say that they hire great musicians. If you choose to hire a band on your own be aware that it's easy to lip sync a demo and pre-record and auto tune the vocals. This is one of many reasons why it's better hire a professional agency that is experienced and has a reputation for hiring A+ musicians. We have done all the groundwork for you. A good agent has already weeded out the average musicians and eliminated the guesswork. We are able to show you a variety of bands, each excellent in it's own way and which makes your experience of choosing a band a fun one. Make sure when you hire a service like a band that they carry liability insurance of up to at least 1 million. All good agencies will do that. In addition, hiring an experienced agent will actually save you both time and money and will protect you from all the possible problems that often arise at an event due to lateness, inappropriate dress, lack of proper equipment, and the ability of the leader to be flexible and cooperative during the event. All of these basic issues along with a timeline that coordinates the music with all of the other events of the day will help relieve the stress that so that you can actually relax and enjoy the celebration!
