Corporate Receptions

 

Have you suddenly found yourself in charge of hiring the entertainment to set the atmosphere for your company's next event and you haven't a clue of what to do?

Well that is exactly why I started ChicagoJazzEntertainment.com, so you don't have to spend a bunch of time trying to put the perfect musical group together, that's what I do.

Because:


  • I publish Chicago Jazz Magazine
  • I publish the official program for the City of Chicago's Blues Festival
  • I publish the official program for the City of Chicago's Jazz Festival
  • I own and operate Chicago's #1 website for Jazz Entertainment ChicagoJazz.com

Mike Jeffers, Owner of Chicago Jazz Entertainment and Publishing, with Mayor Richard M Daley

I have some of Chicago's most experienced musicians working for me. This allows me to put together an all star band for any type of event.

All you have to do is let me know what type of atmosphere you are trying to create and I will send you an e-mail with a description of several different musical group options that would be perfect for your event.

Feel free to contact me personally with any questions you may have. 773-927-0396 or Entertainment@chicagojazz.com

I look forward to working with you,

Best regards,

Mike Jeffers

 

Most corporate receptions require the musicians to create a fun, exciting atmosphere in the background at a volume that still allows your clients to mingle and network. The presence of a professional musical group only shows your customers and potential clients how important the attention to detail is to your company. They know that it took you a few more minutes to find the right musical group rather then just call up a DJ and this is why they want to do business with you.

Events with 15-30 guests

A solo piano player or even a duo of piano and upright bass will usually be the perfect compliment to your party. The duo gives you the underlying rhythm of a classic jazz group but because there are only two musicians the space needed is greatly reduced.

Events with 30-150 guests

For an event that will have 30-150 guests a three piece jazz trio consisting of piano, upright bass and drums would be suggested. Also when it comes to the drums, volume should not be an issue. If you have an experienced group of musicians the drummer will be able to play very softly while still adding the important rhythms to keep the music lively. Here is a sound sample of a three piece jazz trio:

Events with 150 guests and up

Events that will be attended by 150 people and up require a four, five, six, seven or even a ten piece jazz group.

The make up of the group starts with a basic three piece jazz trio of piano, upright bass and drums and then

Click below to hear a sound sample of a four piece jazz quartet:

 

Vocalists are also a wonderful addition to any reception. Not only does a vocalist mingle with your guests and help to make the entertainment more personable but a vocalist also can create extra energy and excitement at your event.

Here is a sound sample of a few wonderful Chicago vocalists:

 

Music Selection and Style of the Band

Often times if a reception is being held for networking purposes and your customers and potential clients are in attendance then the perfect music selections would be a mix of the music Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and many other well known artists made famous.

For example such well known songs as "Summer Wind", "Fly me to the Moon", "Unforgettable" and "Girl from Ipanema" are great selections because your guests will recognize the songs even if they are preformed without a vocalist..

In addition an experienced jazz ensemble will also mix in ballads, bossa nova, samba and even some blues to round out the set.

However for the more contemporary event a jazz trio or quartet can perform hip jazzed up versions of popular R&B or pop tunes as well as changing the beat of jazz standards to give them a more contemporary feel. This is often a great option for a younger crowd that will know some of the classic jazz music but also would like to hear some music by Al Green, Sting and even Oasis.

 

Proper Attire for a Musical Group

If you are having a black tie affair then you will want the band to wear a classic tuxedo.

However for most corporate functions a dark suit with a tie and the jacket buttoned up creates the perfect look on the bandstand. The dark suit makes the band look uniformed but also very classy. This is a perfect option for formal events but also works well when your guest are dressed nice casual.

 

Performance Schedule

Tune selection, soloing, keeping the flow of the music mixed up so that it doesn't all sound the same are key ingredients to creating the perfect atmosphere. Hard working musicians need to re-energize themselves.

The normal performance schedule for a three hour performance is as follows: