Wayneron Entertainment

The Untouchables Rock West Virginia

 For many years,  we have had the privilege of playing for wonderful people, and performing at exquisite venues.  Last Saturday was no exception.  We went to Charleston, West Virginia to play at The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, home of the West Virginia Symphony.  

This event was made even more special by the people that brought us down to play.  Eric and Cyndi Persily asked us to play for their daughter Allie's Bat Mitzvah.  We first met Eric and Cyndi when we played at their wedding in 1993!  The circle of life.

This was actually the third time to the Clay Center.  Last year we played Aaron's Bar Mitzvah, and a few years before that, we entertained for the West Virginia Symphony Gala.

       As usual, the Persily's hosted a magnificent party.  The cocktail hour was held on the stage in Performance Hall, beautifully decorated in a beach theme.  The reception took place in the Grand Lobby. 

Our dancers, Shoshana and Tony from Cutting Edge Entertainment, were awesome as usual, dancing and playing games with Allie and her friends.

A good time was had by all, and we look forward to another chance for The Untouchables to rock the Clay Center Philly style!

Wayne Gustafson

Bandleader of The Untouchables

Wedding FAQ - Parent dances

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is for suggestions for the specialty songs for a wedding, especially a song for the groom and mother.  I will include a list of songs that I have done in the past to give you some ideas.  But first, let me say this.

In my opinion, the song should be chosen by the parent.  This is their dance with their child, so it should have special meaning to them.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “dance” song.  Actually, some of the best choices in the past have been very non-traditional.  These are a few that I have played that were memorable and great choices.

The Twist; I Saw Her Standing There; Brown Eyed Girl; Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da; You’re The First, The Last, My Everything; The Rainbow Connection; Surfer Girl.

Here is a list of some of the more traditional songs:

Bride and Father:

Daddy’s Little Girl

Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra

Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison

Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman

Kind And Generous – Natalie Merchant

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder

My Girl – Temptations

My Special Angel – Vogues

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Groom and Mother:

What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Through The Years - Kenny Rogers

The Times Of Your Life - Paul Anka

A Song For My Son – Mikki Viereck

In My Life – Beatles

My Wish – Rascal Flatts

Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison

The Man You've Become - Molly Pasutti

I Am Your Child - Barry Manilow

Unforgettable – Nat/Natalie Cole

 

This should give you a head start, but remember, ANYTHING GOES!

This is a powerful moment of the wedding, so find a very meaningful song and let the guests feel the love in the room!

 

Wayne Gustafson

Bandleader of The Untouchables

The DJ vs. Band Argument – Part 2

For many years I have hired the services of the dancers of Cutting Edge Entertainment.  I have always been impressed with their professionalism and energy.  The dancers come completely prepared and ready to party.  My band enjoys working with them, and the parties are always high energy and thus, very successful.   I have developed a great working relationship with Craig Sumsky, and lately have enjoyed reading his blog (cuttingedgedjs.com/blog/).

 

That being said, one blog, entitled “The DJ vs. Band Argument”, jumped to my attention.  Craig, I have a bone to pick.

 

Rather than debating point for point the article, I will say this.  A great DJ is far better than a bad band, and a great band is far better than a bad DJ.

 

It takes more than talented musicians and singers to make a great band.  Many more factors are important. 

 

-          Years of experience will not only build a tremendous repertoire, but also enable the bandleader the ability to read and adapt to the flow of the party.

-           Continuous music is a must.  If you need a break, beam yourself back 20 years, and play in the clubs (don’t forget your bartenders and waitresses – they’re working hard for you).

-          Interaction with the crowd is important, but a wedding or Bar Mitzvah is not the place to try out your new act for Last Comic Standing.  A good rule of thumb:  If you think you’re funny . . . you’re NOT!

-          Singers should emulate the inflection and phrasing of the original artist.  This is not a jazz concert.

 

So . . . When you have a band that meets these standards, a DJ doesn’t have a chance.  The dynamics of live drums and horns, the connection with a great singer, a rocking guitar solo – simply can’t be matched.

 

The music business is changing at an amazing pace.  As a bandleader, I must adapt or die.  The future will be the integration of all sources – live music, audio, video – as well as lighting and performance.  Who knows, there may come a day when Craig and I share a stage and finally end the DJ vs. Band Argument. 

 

Let’s have both!

 

Wayne Gustafson

Bandleader of The Untouchables