After your special event, your guests will most likely focus on whether the music and food were good or not, so you need to ensure that your entertainment fits your needs and impresses your guests!

Live Band or DJ

Whether you choose a live band or DJ ultimately comes down to your personal preference. We suggest you think about the most memorable events you’ve been to and think about which form of party music you enjoyed the most.

First consider your guests and whether they’ll enjoy the same music as you. Generally, reggae, jazz, big band and universal groove songs are performed best by live bands, if you’re on the same page as your guests. If you want a large variety of music genres to please everyone, DJs usually deliver that better.

No matter what, both a live band or DJ, should command the crowd and get your audience involved. Sometimes a live band knows how to interact with guests more easily, but a great DJ personality can also seal the deal.

Interview more than one entertainer so you have the ability to shop around and compare apples to apples. You also want to make sure to watch your contenders perform a few times to make sure they play smoothly and interact properly with guests.

Budget

Because you’re just paying for one person, a DJ generally costs less than hiring a live band. With a live band, you’re paying for each band member and his/her individual talents.

Venue

Check with your chosen venue before hiring party entertainment as you might have restrictions in the way of number of musicians and amount of equipment allowed.  Also keep in mind the room’s acoustics and access to outlets.

Make sure to book your party entertainment as far ahead of time as possible once you’ve decided on your entertainment!

If you’re ready to hire a live band, contact Brian Sax Allen for reggae bands, jazz bands, groove bands or any other live entertainment: Brian@briansaxallen.com; 772-336-7517.

Ever wondered where the term “jazz” and its music style came from? You may be living under a rock, but jazz music has greatly influenced our American culture.

Jazz is known as “America’s classical music,” celebrated as one of North America’s oldest musical genres.

Jazz originated from African American culture in the early 20^th century. It has been part of African American traditions for more than 100 years.

“Jazz” used to be slang for Chicago music in the early 1900s, and early jazz men referred to sex as jazz. Musician and songwriter Clarence Williams said he was the first to use “jazz” in a song.

The sounds of jazz are strong rhythmic under-structures, blue notes, solos, call- and-response patterns and melody improvisations. This was an inventive, inspirational, genius style, and it still is in many ways.

Jazz music is most recognizable by its instruments: saxophone, vibraphone, trumpet, piano, guitar, double bass, bass guitar, trombone, drums and of course vocals.

Ragtime, Blues, Big Band and Bebop are all subgenres formed from jazz, and there are many more than that. Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday are just a few of the well-known jazz artists and inventors. They have inspired modern musicians and instilled a special musical love in cities like New Orleans, Chicago and New York City — the most renowned jazz cities.

Brian Sax Allen and his bandmates are greatly inspired by jazz. Brian Allen is a great saxophone player who developed multiple bands for all of the genres he plays. His exceptional jazz band is called Phantom Jazz, and they play all types of jazz from straight-ahead and swing to standards and smooth.

Jazz is perfect for every occasion, from background music to dancing music, quiet dinners and cocktails hours, to parties, festivals and club events.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz

http://www.historyjazz.com/

Brian Allen is really impressive with his multiple bands and comprehensive instrument knowledge. He works all over South Florida and performs jazz, reggae and groove for any occasion.

Looking forward to playing again at Cafe Creme in Port ST Lucie. Will be playing from 6 – 8 PM on Thursdays beginning in November. Come on down to hear your favorite standards and easy listening jazz. The food is authentic German so watch out if you are on a diet and there is a great selection of beer. See you soon.