"WE were so glad we found Andrew Thielen Big Band. They are a real band that has been together for over twenty years perfecting their music, showmanship and dazzling variety of music that kept our dance floor jammed. WE almost got swayed into one of these chain bands called Empire something where they throw together bands for one night until we figured out you cannot be a 3 piece band one week and a 12 piece band the next. WE wanted a real band where the band leader has had repeat performances for the most discriminating buyers for years. Every age, everyones taste in music and our twenty something wedding party had the time of our life. Call them now for sensational singers, instrumentalists and organization. "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
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"Cristiano ist ein hervorragender und mitreißender Musiker. Er hat unserer Hochzeit seine ganze Leidenschaft gewidmet. Wir können es wärmstens empfehlen!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Amazing addition to our wedding! Dan and Karen and the rest of the band were so talented! Dan also helped MC our event everything went absolutely perfect. They are a joy to work with and will take your event to the next level. Great communication and professionalism. Lucky to have them play some jazz on our big day!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
" When we set about choosing our nighttime entertainment for our wedding ceremony we wanted a band that would appeal to all, with a sense of fun - to get people up and dancing. We watched you on YouTube and read your reviews, it all seemed quite good. Your energy - live, on stage - was even better than we expected. We were also very impressed by your professionalism throughout the booking process and on the night itself. Judging by the numbers on the dance floor, I'd say the night was a success! Sandra and I would like to thank you very much for making our celebrations perfect. We cannot recommend you highly enough. Chris"
Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:
"“A fantastic jazz band that lifted our reception to a higher level! The Jazz Centrale made our reception unforgettable. They arrived well on time, were very friendly, and exceptionally good at what they do. The music created exactly the right atmosphere. Communication beforehand and during the event was smooth and professional. They were flexible and thought along with us, which made the collaboration very pleasant. In short, a wonderful experience and absolutely recommended!” (10 / 10) Elisaar"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
" I am proud that the Rick Holland - Evan Dobbins Little Big Band calls Tala Vera cantina home once a month. Rick is a consummate professional as well as a top tier musician. His Band comprises the best players Rochester has to offer. Such talent coupled with an amazing book of swing and traditional jazz, presents a special evening of music every time they play at Tala Vera. Bernard Matthews, Owner of Tala Vera, Rochester, NY I have had the pleasure to do some arranging and writing for Rick's groups and I have to say that his groups are always chocked full of the best musicians around. It's a pleasure to have music played with precision and integrity - no matter what the style or genre. I would highly recommend any or Rick's groups for a jazz or commercial setting. Jim Martin, Grand Rapids, MI We had the pleasure of having the USO-10 piece play at our wedding in May 2017. From the minute we met Rick Holland and heard the band play we knew they were the band for us. It was a pleasure to work with Rick, who was so professional and helpful in many ways especially song choices from everything to cocktail music, our entrance song, first dance, parent dances to our exit song. The dance floor was never empty. We are thrilled with the USO and look forward to hearing them again in the near future!! Thank you for making our wedding so special! Maureen and Mark Deckman Sometimes it all just falls into place. The setting, the situation, the scene, the tone -- everything is going your way. That describes last night for me. And at the heart of this mid-week Xanadu was the Rick Holland Uptown Orchestra, a modest, brass-centric outfit led by the trumpet-blowing Holland that swung with equal parts effervescence and laid-back cool at Lovin Cup. And come to find out, five of his Hollands regular guys were sidelined, and the holes on the bandstand were plugged with subs --- hired music muscle like Po’ Boy Erik Jacobs on the slide trombone. By the time the Orchestra heaped on a helping of Count Basie, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. I dragged my mom out in the cold for this show and she was thrilled when they stomped on the Savoy. Holland led the affair with a relaxed air, coaxing more than conducting under his porkpie lid. He went around the bandstand numerous times so every cat there got his fair shake, including pianist extraordinaire Bill Dobbins. This is one sweet band, yes, yes. Frank De Blase, Roch City News With all the hype going to Wynton Marsalis, you might not guess that there are other, lesser-known, straight-ahead trumpet players out there who are consistently ripping the hide off the ball. This, Rick Holland's auspicious debut, is an impressive effort. The trumpeter leads his quartet, backed by a solid Michigan-based rhythm section: pianist Terry Lower, bassist Ed Fedewwa, and drummer Larry Ochiltree, through a fiery trail of originals and standards, interspersed with some fine balladry. Holland's sensitive ear translates to some tight arrangements and a well-organized program. On flugelhorn, he boasts a rich, full tone that purrs with warmth. On the faster tunes, he steams. This is the kind of jazz that feels just right on a wintry day, with the fireplace in full throttle, and the feet resting on a cushion: it hits the spot perfectly, drenched with emotional power and skillful fortitude. Steve Loewy, All Music Guide You get the feeling from Holland’s recordings, that Holland and his compatriots are not only talented musicians, but fully formed human beings with wit, style and elegance---folks whom you would enjoy sharing a fine dinner and stimulating conversation. Bill Barton, Green Mountain Jazz Messenger "Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. We couldn't be happier!" P.S. Lindsey was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!" Sam and Ellie Carrell I hired Rick Holland Productions for my wedding and I thank my lucky stars I did. They were just an absolute solid band. I live in Toronto so the 10 piece band crossed the border for my wedding - our wedding coordinator said she'd never heard a band that good over her decade long career. I like to think I'm a genius for finding them ?? Kian K., Toronto, ON, CA From the bride: "The music was wonderful! We could not have asked for a better band. Our guests were really impressed; the Uptown Society Orchestra really made our reception special.” From the groom: "What a professional group. Their exceptional musicianship brought a real element of class to the party. There is nothing like the sound of a live band, and this group made our reception better than we could have hoped for.” From the father of the bride: (Dennis Nowicki): "The band was fantastic -- they really exceeded our expectations." Anders Dahlberg and Stacy Nowicki, Wedding at the Chicago Art Museum The Uptown Society Orchestra may have had six members, but it sounded as if it had twice as many as members blew triumphantly throughout New Years' eve night. (Front page Kalamazoo Gazette, regarding the New Years Eve Festival 2004, Kalamazoo, Michigan) Bill Wood, Arts and Entertainment critic, Kalamazoo Gazette Amazing! Rick Holland Productions worked seamlessly with our wedding, where we had three separate "performances" that were adpated to by Rick's use of different members of the Little Big Band. We had a cocktail reception where a trio played, then a brass quartet accompanied our Wedding ceremony. After our guests were transported by horse-drawn carriage to a lake side reception site, the Little Little Big Band got things started and the full Little Big Band played the night away to the extreme pleasure of our entire party. They even let Joe Robinson jam with them in the chill of the autumn, fire-lit evening! Thank You so much Rick! Matthew Cooper, Bradford, PA Rick brought his quartet and the little big band to our wedding and reception. He was wonderful to work with, being both receptive to our requests and knowing where to fill in the gaps with his expertise. Not to mention I could call him anytime, and he worked around our schedule. They played a tasteful mix of songs great for just listening to and a few that got everyone up on the dance floor. In the end, everyone was raving about how great the band was. Lindsey Holland was amazing, the two comments I heard most were "Wow, they are great!" and "That girl can sing!"We couldn't be happier! Sam and Ellie Carrell When we heard the Uptown Society perform at a New Year's Eve concert we knew that we wanted them to play at our wedding. They had the perfect blend of jazz, swing and romantic ballads. They are excellent musicians and we were thrilled to find that they were available for our wedding. Our guests were thrilled that we hired them; we received so many compliments. Uptown Society provided a wonderful 'soundtrack' for our storybook wedding. Eric and Kim von Oeyen, Battle Creek, MI Rick Holland and his band played our wedding on August 28, 2010. Rick could not have been more accommodating to my husband and my wants and needs for music at the wedding. We communicated through email, over the phone, and met with each other once to go over the details. Rick was very thorough and always set our minds at ease. During our ceremony, his quartet played us up the aisle with a romantic song and down the aisle with ''Fireworks'' which set the mood for the festive evening to begin. The cocktail hour began immediately following the ceremony and Rick''s band did not miss a beat....the little big band entertained guests while they mingled and got a bite to eat. When the wedding party was ready to be announced, Rick took the microphone as we were all introduced. After the speeches were out of the way, Rick and the band let loose! With a full band and two singers, a male and a female, we partied for the next four hours! The guests were dancing, singing, and truly having a great time as did we! The band definitely made the night! The songs were exactly what we requested and the sound quality was superb. I would gladly book Rick and his band for another occasion as well as recommend them. Thanks again Rick! Erin and Mike Victor, New York"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We would like to thank you and the swing band for making Clare and Terry’s wedding reception an occasion we shall never forget. The music was magic and enjoyed by both old and young."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Amazing band that played at our pub recently. Would 100% recommend, we've already got the regulars asking for them back!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Absolutely one of the best performance bands in the region! All four of the lead vocalists were amazing, the band, perfect timing and of course the horns took it over the top!! I had the pleasure of working with them as a sound engineer and they were totally professional and great to work with." SJ Stanley Jackson Jackson Audio East "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"The band went down a storm and already I’ve been asked for your details. We really appreciated the effort and journey and thank you all. In hindsight, I wish that we had you on longer as the feedback really has been amazing. Please pass on my thanks to all of the band."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We hired Soul Vibe Band to play our wedding, and they were fantastic! Kainy who was our contact was very helpful in the lead up to the wedding and was a pleasure to work with, and they even arranged something especially for our first dance, which we hugely appreciated. They keep the energy up and put on a great set, and for a six piece band were exceptionally reasonably priced. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone looking for their own wedding band!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Kit was booked to perform at a adult / children’s party. Kit was excellent and managed to blend the first set into an entertaining piece for the adults and kids. To a second set which was a perfect piece for a transition and background piece while w rate food and the kids relaxed. The third set was much more upbeat, grey for the adult entertainment and brought an excitement to the evening. I would not think twice about hiring Kit again. He manage our requirements perfectly , by listening to what we required and delivering on every request. The feedback from all our guests was exceptional! Thank you Kit and hopefully we will see you at the next event. Roy and family"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"‘I just a wanted to say how fantastic you and the guys were at our wedding. It still makes me smile thinking of the day and in particular the wonderful, wonderful music and your stunning voice. It was my dream to have your kind of music a part of the day and you were all completely amazing. And do let me know if you record your stuff, I'll be first in the queue!' "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We needed a band for our wedding in Lisbon. Given we had a themed wedding (rock and heavy metal), we’ve been looking for a band playing in this genre. We were so glad to have found Rocktonight, and when they sent us their setlist, there could be no other choice! We aren’t from Lisbon ourselves and all our guests were coming from somewhere else, so looking for a band had to be done remotely, and we weren’t able to meet the band in advance. But the communication with the band was great, with Laura replying to all our questions promptly. In addition, we somehow managed to pick the hottest day of summer for the wedding, but Laura and co. took up that challenge! They have been absolutely awesome! Not only they made everybody dance (mainly, jump), but they also learned our wedding song (a ballad by Steel Panther), which wasn’t an easy one to learn. Needless to say, all our guests were amazed by the band too! We doubt the party would have been the same without them. Highly recommended!"
Reply by Rocktonight
Thank you so much! It was such a pleasure to be part of your special day. You are amazing and we wish you all the best! ??
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"To Jim and the whole Swing Shift crew: My wife and I just really wanted to thank you guys YET AGAIN for playing at our wedding back on Dec 21, 2010. So great to have you here for my brother's wedding too. Thank you so much, for all the fun, for all the joy. Thank You! JP & Michelle & baby Penelope Love"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: