We’d like to confirm that, yes it is Big Mike singing on all those Dish Network ‘Dish Is How We Do It’ commercials. It seems to be playing everywhere right now. I know we lost count after six this past Sunday for the Jets and Giants broadcasts. Maybe we can get Dish Network to pay Mike royalties every time he sings the Montell Jordan song on East Coast Band corporate and wedding band gigs!
With much more important news, we’d all like to congratulate Mike on the birth of his third child, “Ella Violet Lynche” who was born on December 7th.
East Coast was proud to perform at the 13th Annual Cradle of Aviation Museum Air & Space Gala back on November 18th, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope and honoring Space Shuttle Astronaut, Michael J. Massimino. Proceeds from the Gala helped to fund the museum’s Education Programs and Preservation efforts.
Massimino hails from Franklin Square and attended Carey High School and there’s a good chance East Coast played at his High School Prom back in 1979! For over 35 years East Coast Music & Entertainment has been the ‘go to’ resource for Long Island dance bands, wedding bands, corporate and charity fundraising event music; just about any environment that calls for great live entertainment!
East Coast Band, a Live Entertainment Band, servicing Long Island and New York City is happy to provide you with quick tips on hiring a wedding band.
When you are looking to hire a band for your wedding you may realize that this is the first time you’ve ever hired a band in your life. East Coast is a live band that is versatile and will keep the dance floor packed all night and it will truly be an event to remember. Ask the band as many questions as you need to, we encourage you to ask questions and speak your mind! This is your event and we’re sure that you have a good picture in your mind of how you would like things to go. With your ideas and our talent and experience, you can be sure that yours will be an event to remember!
Tips for Hiring a Wedding Band
It’s important to check out their experience, wedding events call for professional live entertainment. Although your friends brothers cousin is great on the drums, when it comes to your special day, you want a wedding band that is seasoned and well rounded.
Always check to make sure the band has a song list, also verify they can learn new songs if necessary.
Make sure the band is familiar with playing the important traditional wedding songs. These songs include the father daughter dance and of course the bride and grooms first dance. When hiring a live wedding band, its important to give adequate time for them to learn specific songs.
When you are looking for the right band for your event, remember that when comparison shopping, the price we quote you is the price you will pay. Unless we specify otherwise, all production costs, insurance, crew and standard lighting cots are included. East Coast Band always dressed formally unless we are instructed to dress in another way. When the band takes breaks, is usually a concern, we are sure that with proper communication between us and our client we make sure the party retains momentum and there are no situations where the guests are idly waiting for something to happen.
New York has always stood apart from the rest of the country in the way we intermingle food service, music and “festivities” to create the illusion of non-stop dancing (and fun) from beginning to end. This time-tested model has recently come under attack. Until the past few years, maitre d’s could be expected to control the “day of” flow with a firm hand and communicate instructions to all the vendors (band, photo, video) in a timely manner. Increasingly we are being approached by clients regarding the “flow” of an event when their questions to their caterers are being deflected with “we will do whatever you want” or “ask the band.” A band that is on stage singing and performing is in no position to monitor the timing of food coming out of the kitchen or keep tabs on a photographer who has the couple or key family members outdoors for extra pictures. Back in the day maitre d’s were compensated extremely well for exactly these duties and we’re not quite sure why so many are MIA. In conversation, a few complain that they have been so barraged by clients with “great ideas they found on the internet” or photographers so anxious to get all their work done in the first 45 minutes of the event that they just “shut down” and become laissez faire. The pattern has been striking and undeniable. We therefore feel the need to share our long experience and perspective. Below is a tried and true timeline and formula that guarantees that guests remain involved from start to finish..
GOALS
Non-stop action, high energy party/ wedding where guests go away thinking “wow, what a great time, I feel like I never stopped dancing.”
Avoid circumstances that restrict guests to their seats for long periods
Multiple dance sets not to exceed 90 minutes. Most wedding guests can dance but for so long without a break, therefore it never makes sense to front load all food, toasts and formalities to the first 45 minutes leaving 3:15 of uninterrupted time on the back end. We’ve heard this formula suggested by photographers and planners. It all sounds great until one stops to consider that no matter how good the band is, people will seek a breather and if there are options outdoors or outside the main ballroom (especially if there is a bar!), parties can lose momentum. Such timelines run the risk of guests leaving early or drifting off into cliques. If you are OK with such a scenario, we still think it prudent to have a sure fire plan to draw them back in. Leaving parent dances or even a “thanks’ for coming” speech by the bride and groom until well AFTER entree can be a useful tool and safety net.
SAMPLE TIMELINE (Old School…the one that was never broken but someone felt the need to fix):
6:00-7:00 Cocktails
7:00-7:15 Wedding Guests enter ballroom/bridal party lined up
7:15-7:25 Wedding Intros and first dance
7:15-7:35 Hora and/or short dance set to set that all important upbeat mood and allow guests to get blood flowing
7:35-7:40 Blessing/Motzi
7:40-7:55 Entree orders taken; Best Man, MoH toasts
7:55-8:30 Dance set. Band plays through salad. Entree food may begin at 8:25 so those not yet served can still dance
8:30-8:50 Entree (vendors served early and resume their duties; dead last is a “party” killer).
8:50-9:20 Dance set
9:20-9:30 Cake cutting
9:30-9:40 Parent dances (bouquet/garter if applicable). Dessert and coffee served.
One of the most important factors that will lead to a successful party or wedding is hiring the right band. A great, experienced wedding band will make your party; inexperience always has the potential to break it. Clients often over value youthful image, failing to realize that the success of a dance party has more to do with the “reading the dance floor”, a sensible timeline (that maintains party momentum) and the interactions with the caterer and other vendors. Hipster bands made exclusively of “twenty somethings” may appeal and sound great doing a prepared set at a concert venue with “house” sound but does that translate to the real world of weddings were acoustics are imperfect and decisions must often be made on the fly. Remember that the band also must interact with your photographer and other vendors so that all remain on the same page. Doing that while trying to sing and play at the same time comes with practice!
East Coast has long been renowned as New York’s most versatile band. No matter the venue or event, we can rock the house with out youthful energy and create fun party experience that your guests will remember for years. Choosing the entertainment for your event really is on of the most important decisions that you will have to make during the planning phases of your wedding.
The decision to hire a band for your big day often leads to the daunting realization that you have never hired a band in your life and you may not know exactly what to do. When you work with East Coast you can be ensured a thoroughly stress free experience. We are there from the very first moment to personally assist you with every phase of your entertainment planning. When planning a wedding, you have enough things to worry about, now music doesn’t have to be one of them! Get your successful party started today and book East Coast for your wedding!
We play music that will make each affair unique and memorable, and include great songs that are not your typical wedding band fare. We love to entertain. A quick look at our song list, we show we play a wide variety of genres. We pride ourselves in not being easily categorized and playing stylistically and with musical integrity. Too many NY weddings bands think it hip to throw everything into their “groove” hopper: in our book, classic or alternative rock is not supposed to sound like James Brown nor vice a versa. Likewise with all the other genres. You can look at our song list to highlight songs that you want to hear or point at songs that you do not want to hear on your big day. We can also learn a number of songs to help personalize your big event. With proper notice (at least 30 days) we will learn the materials and perform it for you.
Wedding Planning Tips:
Figure out the amount of guests
Ask vendors for other vendor recommendations
schedule and set specific times to appropriately plan your wedding
Have a friend or family member commit to assisting you
At East Coast we understand that planning a wedding is very time consuming and can be very expensive. Our goal is to help keeps costs down as well as reducing stress that you may experience while planning your wedding. When you hire us you can be sure that the entertainment planning will be a stress-free experience.
We encourage you to ask questions and to speak your mind in the planning phase. This will help your wedding live up to your expectations, as we know that you have a good picture in your mind on how you would like things to go on the big day.
East Coast Band, a live entertainment group, serving Long Island and New York City, is happy to perform at your next big event. One of the most common obstacles people face when planning their event is picking the right music. You’ve probably had to ask yourself if you should get a band or DJ, and then you need to figure the right song list for the event. Not only that but you have to find reliable performers who know how to keep your guests engaged and having a good time. Whether you’re planning a wedding or retirement party, the music is what brings it all together. That’s why the East Coast Band is the perfect choice to make a lasting impression on your guests, turning your event into a memorable success.
The East Coast Band will make your music choice easy, so you can focus on all the little details for your event. We play all types of music ranging from pop and r&b to ballads and reggae. It doesn’t matter what type of event you’re gearing up for, the East Coast Band specializes in all of them. Need to hire a band for a wedding or engagement party? The East Coast Band will have your friends and family dancing all the way home. Are you planning a fundraiser? The East Coast Band will masterfully score your event with the perfect soundtrack!
There’s more to our performances than just playing the right songs, we put on shows that keeps the energy flowing and the people dancing. Every one of our musicians are experts at their craft and have spent a lifetime perfecting their skills. Have you thought about getting a DJ over a band? Some even prefer both, East Coast Band is happy to work side by side with any DJ. No matter what entertainment choices you choose we can work with you to make the night unforgettable. When you combine our DJ performances, with the incredible experience of a live band, your party will live on in the memories of your friends and family for years to come.
Whatever your needs may be the East Coast Band is ready to deliver the unforgettable experience you’ve been envisioning. Our band is always ready to get the people moving with good vibes and a performance that will keep your friends talking for months. Don’t waste time fretting over choosing a band or a DJ, who to hire and what songs to play. Leave it to us to deliver the perfect soundtrack to your party, the East Coast Band has you covered. We perform at all types of events, contact us now for more information.
East Coast Band Wins WeddingWire “Couples’ Choice Awards” for 2015
East Coast Band has been selected by the premiere wedding destination site, WeddingWire for their 2015 Couples’ Choice Awards. This is the fifth consecutive year East Coast Band has won a top choice award from the wedding planning networking site.
Per WeddingWire, “You’ve won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® for 2015, as determined by reviews from your clients! The Couples’ Choice Awards recognizes your business as being among the top 5% of wedding professionals nationwide.”
Paul Schuermann, East Coast President says, “Being in the top 5% in any industry is a combination of great product and great customer service. We listen to the client’s vision, but also do not step back from sharing advice based on our experience providing live music for thousands of tri-state area weddings and events.”
East Coast Music & Entertainment has a stellar reputation for providing top tier entertainment at fair prices in the New York Cityand Tri-State area. Our mission is to find live music solutions for every situation and budget. Recent additions and some “outside the box” thinking allows us to create packages at various key price points that are sure to meet your needs. We feel blessed to be in a business where smiling faces (and tired feet) are the company goal.
Explore our website. Check out videos, blog, and band schedule. Then be sure to visit us at one of our many public live performances around the Long Island and New York area.
Of course, check out our vendor page on WeddingWire for plenty reviews and upcoming wedding showcases.
Great Vibes @ the Long Island Medium’s 25th Anniversary Party
The party season is upon us and for us here at East Coast Band, this is one of our favorite times of the year. Now is the time of the year when (hopefully) your social card is full with everything from office holiday parties to corporate end-of-year fundraisers to annual Christmas galas and don’t forget about those “ring in the New Year” celebrations—tis the season to relax, look forward, and party!
But what makes a great party?
Music. Music. Music.
We can’t stress it enough. A get together can have all of the great hors d’oeuvres, good conversation, and fine spirits, but nothing sets it off like great music.
There is nothing like great hi-energy music to take a party from dullsville to party town. Although we love them, our specialty isn’t just weddings, we play gigs—club dates, smoky bars, outdoor concerts, you name it. As versatile as we are, East Coast Band is the perfect dance band to play your corporate party, birthday, anniversary, fundraiser, or holiday event. With a repertoire that includes Motown, Contemporary, Modern, Pop, Rock, R&B, Country, Reggae, Jazz/Swing Standards, 50s, 60s, 70s Disco/Funk, 80s, 90s, Indie, Hip Hop, and on and on and on, if you like, we can perform it. Chances are we already have performed it! Our well-known musicians and singers including American Idol finalist Big Mike Lynche, Broadway’s Henry Haid (Movin’ Out), Kool & the Gang’s Gordon Dukes, Fred Wadlington (Cameo) will perform, arrange, and/or do mash ups of your favorite songs to fit any and all unique situations.
Take a look at just a small selection of music that we have listed on our website.
On the Nautical Mile
Whether it’s a hi energy band that you want for your dance party or you need some cool background music to accompany a fundraiser or end-of-year award ceremony East Coast Band is the premier New York and Long Island corporate event band for you.
We play plenty of free public shows around NYC and Long Island several days a week. Come check us out.
Once again East Coast Band has been selected by the premiere wedding website and magazine for discerning brides, The Knot for their 2015 Best of Weddings honor.
Every year The Knot surveys their brides “to rate and review their wedding vendors.” The results are their “annual list of the best wedding venues and top wedding pros.” We are proud to announce that we have been chosen as a top vendor in the New York area.
East Coast President, Paul Schuermann says, “This year we are the ONLY Long Island wedding band to get the honor and I have mixed feelings. Of course we are proud of our achievement, but also feel conflicted that our home area is less supportive of live music than in the past. So many great artists and bands have originated here (Billy Joel, Foghat, Brian Setzer, Blue Oyster Cult, Twisted Sister, Mariah Carey, Lou Reed, Pat Benetar…the list is endless) and locals always were very supportive of the local grown talent. We feel blessed to be full time at our craft and very busy ourselves, but we KNOW there are other great wedding musicians and wedding bands here on Long Island that need to be supported as well. Please consider live music for the special moments in your life.”
East Coast Music & Entertainment has a stellar reputation for providing top tier entertainment at fair prices in the New York City and Tri-State area. Our mission is to really listen to our clients and find live music solutions for every situation and budget. Recent additions and some “outside the box” thinking allows us to create packages at various key price points that are sure to meet your needs. We feel blessed to be in a business where smiling faces (and tired feet) are the company goal.
Our NY flagship band, East Coast is a six to ten piece party band featuring five male and female lead vocalists, a dynamite horn section and rave reviews. Explore our website to check out videos, blog, and schedule. Then be sure to visit us at one of our many public live performances around the Long Island and New York area.
To check out the rest of the The Knot Best of Weddings winners near you click the link to head to their website.
