Recently, East Coast Band had an awesome time playing at one of Long Island’s best attractions: The Cradle of Aviation Museum & Education Center for their 12th Annual Cradle of Aviation Museum Air & Space Gala.
Check out our gallery of cool pics and then visit our schedule page to catch us live and in action.
Earlier this fall, while the weather was still warm we had so much fun performing at Theresa Caputo’s a.k.a the Long Island Medium 25th Anniversary Party. Held at the always chic Chateau Briand—a place we frequently play many hi-energy weddings and dance parties—Theresa and Larry relived blissful memories by having us perform their wedding song, Always and Forever, before we launched right back into our Motown dance set.
Judging by the photos, I think it’s safe to say Theresa (the Long Island Medium) and Larry enjoyed the party just as much as we did!
Say Cheese! East Coaster Eartley & Theresa Strike a Pose
Check out our gallery of cool pics and then visit our schedule page to catch us live and in action.
So I read an interesting article on the wedding website, The Knot about Bands vs DJs and thought I’d share. (Personally, we like to go with an unpretentious, hi-energy band with a high repertoire and great sound, but… we’re a bit biased.)
The full article is below, but click the title to view it on The Knot’s website. P.S. while there check out our great wedding band reviews on the East Coast Music & Entertainment page. Then click here for our schedule. We just might be the hardest working band in America because truly we’re out somewhere playing in NYC, Long Island, and all parts between at least seven days a week. Swing by and say hello.
Can’t make a live show? Check out our video page for our montage and other live show performances.
Happy reading!
East Coast Band
Can’t decide who should play your wedding tunes? Here’s everything you need to know to find the right music maker for your day.
No doubt about it: Music can make or break a wedding celebration. It’s the heart and soul of a reception and can send your guests home with happy feet — or pained grimaces! The fact that you want to hire a talented band or fleet-fingered DJ is a given. Finding one is a matter of polling friends, surfing online, shopping around with fine-tuned ears, and making a move quickly — top talent can get booked up to a year in advance. What type of entertainment suits your personal taste, budget, space allowances, guest demographics, and killer dance moves best? Keep an open mind, and consider these issues to start your search.
The type of music you choose can set the tone of your wedding and solidify a theme. And remember, it’s the thing people most often remember. Think about what musical genre best reflects your personalities and inspires the ambience you want to create: Groovy funk or subdued string quartet? Swanky swing or kick-off-your-shoes-and-sweat zydeco? The way the music is delivered — by live band or DJ — also affects the ambience. The type of music you choose may dictate the choice too — big band sounds are generally best live, for example.
Are you a little bit country, while he’s a little bit rock and roll? Regardless of whether you choose a band or DJ, be sure they play slow and fast songs, and old and new tunes to encourage different sets of guests to hit the dance floor.
In the price war, DJs generally cost less, and prices vary depending on equipment requests and whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. A 12-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ, since there are more people to pay. (There are always exceptions; celebrity DJs can be just as expensive as live bands.) Band prices vary by the number of musicians, the amount of time you want them to play for, day of the week, and what time of year it is.
Don’t get your heart set on an 8-piece salsa band before you check whether the reception site has any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces of equipment you may bring in, and whether there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. For example, a registered landmark reception site may not allow you to use large speakers. Ask these questions before you start scouting bands.
There’s nothing like a live wedding band to get a crowd stoked and create a sense of sophistication. Music groups can synergize with the tone of your wedding and almost any niche theme, offering everything from accordion to klezmer ditties. A good bandleader will play the master of ceremonies at your reception if you want him to interact with folks on the dance floor, pay attention to the “feel” of the room, and select music accordingly.
Don’t fear the DJ: The days of disco fever and flashing lights are gone. Today’s disc jockeys are artists in their own right, offering balanced and eclectic mixes of musical styles for all ages. Plus, the songs played will sound exactly as you remember them, encouraging sing-alongs and improvisation. And, depending on the amount of equipment a DJ brings, she’ll take up less dance floor real estate and can be relocated with relative ease.
Ideally, you will want to see a DJ or band in action before you commit so that you can gauge firsthand the way they dress, deadpan, and work the crowd. (Ask to see a taped public performance or attend a dress rehearsal, but you should never crash another couple’s reception.) If that’s not a possibility, ask for a playlist, and look for songs you know and love. If a band gives you a CD, cassette, or video, be sure that the musicians you hear or see are the same musicians who will play at your reception. Also, ask for referrals from the last few weddings the band or DJ played. Consider your first-dance song a test. If the band doesn’t know it and is unwilling to learn it, or the DJ doesn’t own it and is unwilling to get it, move on.
Know that all professionals should be open to your likes and dislikes. Give them your personal request list, songs they must, and, perhaps more importantly, a do-not-play list. Worried that you’ll hear the “Macarena” at your once-in-a-lifetime event? Specifically prohibit the playing of a song you feel strongly about in your contract.
Last edition we discussed how New York style weddings are famous for the high energy way we blend food, music and, dancing. Remember it’s all in the timing, which gives the allusion of non-stop action even though we’re actually keeping a fine balance between calorie burning dance time and judiciously placed pauses that allow all to catch their breath.
Today we address a pet peeve: the timeline trend from the caterer/wedding planner where four hours may pass before any serious dancing occurs!
Once upon a time…
Or actually, several years ago in the wedding catering movement, caterers began to introduce the concept of 90 minute cocktail hours. This was a logical way to guarantee adequate time for guests to enjoy the ever increasing and often believable array of food presented. Our beef comes with those caterers/planners who insist that guests then be moved directly into 90 minutes of uninterrupted dinner service, punctuated only by a never ending parade of speeches. The salesperson/planner then suggests that guests are free to “party” for 2 1/2 hours straight! Yipee!!!
The unfortunate reality is that after sitting for an hour at a ceremony, then three more drinking and eating, most people (especially the older folks) cannot be expected to do much more than fall asleep. Your guests are worn out just from sitting!
Doing all the food at once may allow a caterer to make a very impressive spread and send staff home earlier, but it does not make for a great, hi-energy dance party. Insist that a common sense wedding reception plan is shared with your vendors, so that all are equipped to balance time for food, photos, music, and dancing. Trust us.
With multiple weekly performances and thousands of successful weddings all over NYC, Long Island, and the tri-state area in our resume, East Coast is the top wedding band and proven experts in combining client input in a way that keeps all your guests involved in non-stop dance floor action. Unlike other bands we do actually exist outside of lip synch karaoke tracks on a website and perform three to four nights a week. From your wedding ceremony to cocktail hour to wedding reception – we have done it all and would love to be a part of your special day.
If you want your guests to remember your wedding, get this band!!!
My husband and I tried to go to every table to say hi to our guests but they weren’t there. They were all on the dance floor!!! Thanks to the band the night went by so smoothly. They worked with the venue to facilitate what happens next. When the night was over and the band played their last song, our guests started chanting “one more song!!”
JoJoleo
Wedding: 5/2/2014
For more great East Coast wedding band reviews, head over to: Wedding Wire, LI Weddings.com and the Knot/Wedding Channel. Also, check our schedule and come hear us play. We can’t wait to meet you.
Not to brag or anything, but East Coast Band has been known for turning around potential wedding fails by keeping the party going with our high energy music and commitment to making sure your dream day is pulled off without a hitch. Still…stuff happens. So how does one get over a wedding day fail?
Well, you put on your rose-colored glasses and then check out the Huffington Post article below on other folks’ not so fairy tale moments. I promise you’ll laugh your troubles away. (And kudos to these Brides and Grooms for making lemonade out of their wedding day fails!)
because ultimately, …awww
The Huffington Post | By Kelsey Borresen
Some people say that your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. It turns out, the “Big Day” falls short of expectations for many couples.
We were reminded of this once again on Wednesday when Jimmy Fallon shared a wedding disaster he witnessed firsthand using the hashtag #weddingfail and got the topic trending on Twitter.
Classic. Below, we’ve rounded up some more of these so-awful-that-they’re-actually-amazing wedding stories for your amusement. (Click here for the rest!)
New York style weddings are famous for their unique blend of great food, high energy wedding music and dancing that gives the illusion of five hours of non-stop action. Closer inspection reveals that there is a logical pacing and delicate ebb and flow, which are the result of experienced entertainers and catering staff working together to achieve the ultimate party.
Picture This…
You’re in hour four of your wedding reception, the dance floor is packed, the energy is high, the band is in full swing, and then your host directs the party outside for the next “choreographed event”: Sparkler Lighting on the lawn. Was that really the best time? Did you need sparkler lighting? Would people come back afterwards ready to get back to partying or would they see it as the lull they needed to call it a night?
In this first article in our series, Decisions that can Make or Break your Wedding, we suggest that if a New York styled high energy dance party is your goal, then putting your faith in experienced professionals while having a “less is more” strategy is our best advice!
Avoid overloading your wedding with a ton of choreographed events
Today’s brides often feel pressured by well-meaning party planners, friends, or blogs to make their wedding personal and unique. They are advised to cram their weddings with 20 page lists/”must haves” to be incorporated. However, if you want what is known nationally as the “New York Style” wedding (simply, a great party) then the tried and true game plan is less is more.
Hire PROFESSIONALS
Use professional expertise to help limit your overall stress. Ultimately, you’re guests will remember a great party, not necessarily what they specifically ate or even what songs were played.
Start with a catering venue that gives you a sense that a great party is the ultimate goal. Make sure they include an experienced staff and maitre d’. Yes the chef is important but the maitre d’ is the captain of the ship on the day of your wedding. The good ones manage the flow and momentum of a party like a conductor in front of an orchestra. (In previous blog posts we mention some of the places on Long Island that do a great job with this.)
Choose East Coast Music as your wedding reception band (or wedding ceremony and cocktail hour too!) to work WITH your caterer to make your day the best it can be. Choosing us also ensures that you can take an active role in creating a wedding music “playlist” that reflects your general taste and sense of style, but will still work in a party setting.
Weddings, especially the fabled New York Wedding, are dance parties; and if what you are looking for is a dance band, we excel. Choosing pros ensures that you are relaxed enough to enjoy and remember your own party!
Our great reviews on Wedding Wire, LI Weddings.com and the Knot/Wedding Channel are Unanimous: East Coast Music guarantees a great dance party!
“In all the weddings we’ve attended, we’ve never seen guests abandon the first dinner course to dance. The band created such a lively, classy and pleasurable atmosphere that no one could stay sitting in his or her seat!”
DSElk
Wedding: 7/2/2011
Live Performance Anyone?
Check out any band you are considering performing at your all important day beforehand. If they make you want to get out of your seat and dance, then chances are it will do the same for your guests.
With multiple weekly performances and over 1000 successful weddings in our resume East Coast Music has become the top wedding band and the proven experts in combining client input in a way that it keeps all your guests involved in the non-stop dance floor action. Unlike other bands we do actually exist outside of lip synch karaoke tracks on a website and perform three to four nights a week. Click the link to our schedule and then come check us out!
Stay tuned for our next article on Catering Insanity…
By now many have recognized that East Coast is the premiere NYC Wedding Band based out of Long Island, New York. For the last 30 years we have entertained wedding guests all along the East Coast—from Maine down to Sunny Florida. (Ahem…hence the name people!)
Typically, we musicians get all the praise, but what about the venues that welcome our hi-energy band?
Now, if you’ve ever seen us play at any of our gigs (wedding, dark smoky club, corporate event, or college dance party) then you know we have fun. Still, some of our favorite performances have been at weddings, not simply because of the hi-energy wedding music we play, but because of the gorgeous venues that we get to play them in. From the food to the accommodating coordinators, impressive level of service, budget-friendly packages, and overall lavish wedding surroundings these places are hidden gems that specialize in creating your dream day i.e. these aren’t wedding factories folks!
So discerning brides, grooms, and wedding coordinators look no further. We’ve created a list of some of our all-time favorite locations to host your picture perfect wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
1. Inn at New Hyde Park
Whether we at East Coast Music & Entertainment are just grooving on a weeknight or “Big Mike” of American Idol fame is rocking out at your wedding, one of the places to check out regarding your NYC wedding has got to be the (amazing) Inn at New Hyde Park.
Known for hosting only one wedding at a time they strive to provide top-notch service. Their motto says it all: Modern Luxury…Timeless Elegance. Call them for a private tour and let them create your dream ceremony. Psst…they can also tell you how great their house band is (East Coast Music anyone?). But seriously, East Coast Music & Entertainment was selected as the preferred and recommended vendor for live music at the Inn at New Hyde Park. We’ve even played the owner’s family events. (I think they like us.)
2. The Royalton at Roslyn Heights
Reviewers have said this is the perfect place to hold your posh wedding. We can’t agree more.The Royalton says it best: Unveil the curtain to Long Island’s opulent past and discover, at the heart of exclusive Roslyn Heights, the Royalton. This colonial mansion of the early 20th century stands on 10 acres of wooded arbor and English gardens restored to a magnificence matched only by the level of grandeur of each catered affair. What more could you ask for?
East Coast performs at this venue several times a year; be sure to say hi to our friend, manager Gerard Foster!
Like us, Carlyle on the Green racked up awards from The Knot and Wedding Wire for their impeccable service. One look at this majestic estate and you can see why it is one of our fave places to play. FYI: The venue overlooks the famous Black Course and is a frequent host to the US Open and other PGA events. Click the pic to arrange a tour.
Westbury Manor has a pretty unbeatable formula. A beautiful Victorian mansion that serves as a showcase to your love story. As one reviewer said, the staff’s “professional service and attentiveness to detail” made their event smooth and enjoyable. With beautiful surrounding gardens, the Westbury Manor offers some gorgeous outdoor options for your wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. This place pioneered the formula that has made New York weddings renowned worldwide for that perfect combination of great food and hi-energy dance music. They really know how to throw a party that keeps the momentum flowing. Turn Up!
Anyone that knows their boutique hotels would not be surprised at our next selection. The Fox Hollow Inn has much shared history with The Westbury Manor. However, with the Inn’s recent addition of what’s become one of Long Island’s most luxurious hotels on the property, their appeal has broadened for those of you that may need to accommodate out-of-towners.
6. The Carltun
Last, but certainly not least, what would any discerning wedding venue list be without The Carltun?
As with a few other places on our list, throughout the years we’ve not only played weddings at The Carltun, but other social and corporate events as well. Still this place does weddings…and they do them well. Think elegance and romance meets the time of your life. Give them a call to plan your perfect day.
So get out and get venue shopping! And when you’re done give us a shout. We aren’t the top-rated wedding band on the east coast for nothing. Our many five-star reviews on The Knot, Wedding Wire, and LI Weddings can’t be wrong.
Long Island, New York – March 31, 2014:
American Idol finalist, “Big Mike” Lynche appeared live with several of his East Coast Music band mates on Good Day New York to promote his debut LP, The Mike Lynche Album.
“He’s one of our favorites,” says anchor Rosanna Scotto of Good Day New York. “He’s awesome” agrees GDNY co-host Greg Kelly.
See the live performance here!
And you can catch “Big Mike” and the other core-eight band members from East Coast Music & Entertainment performing live around town. Also, check out the website to book this hi-energy band to perform for your next wedding, party, corporate event, or social.
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 and be sure to visit us at one of our many public live performances around the Long Island and New York area.
When looking for a wedding band, where can you go for live music, star-power, and an eclectic repertoire for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and reception? To the best wedding band on Long Island—correction—the best wedding band on the East Coast, that’s where!
Already in 2014, East Coast Music & Entertainment has snagged (again) The Knot / Wedding Channel “Best of Weddings,” Wedding Wire “Couple’s Choice Award” and “LIWeddings.com “Best of 2014 Award” for top rated wedding band.
East Coast wins because we don’t fit the typical wedding band stereotype and are 100% dairy-free- “No Cheese”!!! Super eclectic, we excel by incorporating all your favorite Motown, Classic Rock, 90’s Soul, R&B, Big Band, Jazz plus all the contemporary pop tunes you can think of. We have your favorite stars too, like “Amercian Idol Finalist “Big Mike”, Broadway’s Henry Haid, Gordon Dukes (Kool & the Gang, Shaggy ,Stevie Wonder) and not to brag, but our female singers and the rhythm section/horns are top-notch too!
So if you are a couple catering to a wide crowd with varied tastes, let East Coast work with you to create your own personalized wedding song list. “The key to our success lies in our ability to listen, overall flexibility and pride in helping clients realize their dreams…all at a budget they can afford.” – East Coast President, Paul Schuermann
