Merrie and Charlie @ The River East Art Center

Andrew Ettenhofer and myself recently partnered up to be the power team to provide an enjoyable, energetic musical background for Charlie and Merrie, a delightful couple who recently had their full ceremony and reception at the River East Art Center. Speaking of a power team, Andrew and I worked with a horde of skilled individuals, including Mina from Taste of America (catering); Benny, our electrical genius from REAC, and photographer Andy Collins (with his lovely partners Charlene and Liza). We also worked with a sextet from Symphony Sounds, who provided over three hours of expertly-played classical music. It was great to work with such cool people on such a humid day.

This event was a bit odd, in the sense that Andrew and I did not begin playing until the first dance. Plus, the typical Rat Pack fare heard at almost every other wedding reception we perform at was not requested to be played by Merrie and Charlie. When I heard that from Andrew before the gig, I initially thought, "What the heck are we playing, then?" Seriously, this is quite a refreshing thing, to say the least. Surprisingly, it was not difficult to get people out of their seats after the first dance and family dances. I started off with the Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and continued on with more Motown tunes before ending my set with Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." Andrew and I then split the decks and took turns playing small sets for the rest of the night. We went in every single musical direction we could think of. I have no idea how we ended with Bob Marley's "Jammin'," but we did. We had a very responsive and fun crowd to play with, and I felt that Andrew and I were totally on the same page musically.

If you are wondering what that crowd looked like, take a look below! I need to cool off from all this writing. Enjoy, all.

– Brent Rolland, resident deejay