"SERVICES"
The STEVENS & KENNEDY Band has been together for the past 26 years. We are a band that plays a variety of music, performing many different styles.
Big Band
Swing
Motown
Rock
Top 40
Disco
Show Tunes
Oldies
Polkas
Speciality Music
Our current library has over 550 songs from these many different styles. (click on the "Library" link)
We perform at many different kinds of functions, Among them:
- Galas, Balls
- Corporate Parties & Events
- Fund Raisers
- Weddings
- Holiday Parties
- Reunions
- Benefits
A letter from a recent wedding client - July 2006
Gary and Marlene,
I just wanted to email and thank you and the rest of the band for doing such a wonderful job last Saturday at our wedding. The music was fabulous and exactly what we had wanted. Thank you again for learning the first dance and father daughter dance songs that we wanted, they were both beautifully performed.
Thank you again,
Sincerely,
Lindsay and Paul
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A letter from a recent wedding client - June 2003
Hi
"Just wanted to write a quick email thanking you for a terrific evening. The band was awesome and totally met all our expectations. You truly added to an already fantastic day!! We had a lot of compliments and people really enjoyed the music. You played a good mix for all the generations and particularly my Father was very impressed!!! Thanks also for an awesome version of our wedding song, I was worried it may not sound the same but it sounded really great and even gave me goosebumps.
I will highly recommend you to anyone!!!
Thanks again,
Daniela and Darren
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What type of music do you play?
Where can I come and hear you play?
I have a musician friend who would like to play a song. Is that OK?
The ages of our guests will vary considerably. Can you keep everyone happy?
How long does it take to set-up?
What information do you need from me in advance?
Do we have to make arrangements to feed the band?
Do you accept credit cards?
I really like a certain song that's not on your songlist. Would you be willing to learn this song for us?
Band volume?
Will the band’s set up or sound check disturb my guests?
How long does the band perform?
How many breaks do you take?
What happens when the band takes a break? I don’t want my party to stop.
Can I use your P.A. system for announcements, presentations and toasts?
Is the band experienced?
How many musicians are in the band?
What are the advantages of hiring a live band?
How will the band dress?
Do I need to personally meet with the band leader/manager?
How far in advance do we need to book?
How much does it cost?
What type of music do you play?
The band plays a wide variety of dance music. To see specific examples of the songs we perform, have a look at our library (songlist) . Our goal is to always provide music that is fun, popular and entertaining. (click on the "Library" link)
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Where can I come and hear you play?
The majority of our events are private affairs so it's difficult to invite you to someone else's event . This is a bit presumptuous so we always check with our client first.
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I have a musician friend who would like to play a song. Is that OK?
Yes, there is no better way to personalize a reception than to have a relative or family friend who happens to be a musician get up and perform with the band. But we do need to talk to them in advance, just to settle some details about their performance.
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The ages of our guests will vary considerably. Can you keep everyone happy?
We pride ourselves in being able to please everyone. The band specializes in performing classic songs that appeal to all generations. In the first set the band always includes enough of a variety to please everyone. As the party continues the band adds more and more modern music in the mix, while continuing with a wide variety to insure that everyone is having fun.
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How long does it take you to set up?
Much depends on the facility we will be performing at of course, but in general it takes about three hours to get everything set up and ready to go. The musicians generally arrive just prior to the contracted start time. Our road crew usually sets up many hours before your guests arrive and are gone before anyone from your party has arrived. After the engagement is over the road crew returns to disassemble everything and that usually takes about 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
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What information do you need from me in advance?
Since every event is different, we don't need the same information from everybody. However, as a general rule, here are the pieces of information we look for:
1. Itinerary for the event. What time do guests arrive, what time is meal served, cake cut, etc.
2. Are there any MCing duties during the dance portion to be performed. If so, we need the list.
3. For weddings - When is the first dance, right after introductions or after the meal? What song?
4. Will there be a Father/Daughter Dance? What song?
5. Will there be a Bouquet and Garter toss?
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Do we have to make arrangements to feed the band?
We do not request that arrangements be made for a meal for the band. Most caterers will allow the band to go through the buffet line after the guests have finished, or they may provide a sandwich tray or other light refreshments. If that's possible, that would be very appreciated but not necessary .
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Do you accept credit cards?
Unfortunately, we do not.
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I really like a certain song that's not on your songlist. Would you be willing to learn this song for us?
We would be more than happy to learn a special song for you for your wedding. It can be for your first dance, father/daughter dance, or just a special song that you want included during the course of the reception. The process of learning a new song is very time consumming but that's our gift to you. If you're having difficulty selecting a first dance, talk to us and we'll suggest something to you. In addition, we have a CD/mp3 player and would be more than happy to spin any additional songs for you during the intermission.
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Will the band be too loud?
Different venues have their challenges and we strive to keep the volume at a good level. Early in the evening we strongly encourage our guests to let us know what volume they would like once we start performing. We strive to attain a volume that is just right for dancing on the dancefloor and just right for conversation away from the dancefloor.
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Will the band’s set up or sound check disturb my guests?
No. The road crew has completely set-up before your guests arrive. Before the road crew leaves they ensure that the sound system is in good working order.
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How long does the band typically perform?
The usual is a standard engagement of 4 hours, although an extended engagement or overtime can always be arranged if the client wishes.
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How many breaks do you take?
Under normal circumstances the band performs for 60 minutes and takes a ten to fifteen minute break. The structure of the evening is always determined by the client but usually we do three long sets.
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What happens when the band takes a break? I don’t want my party to stop.
The band has learned that guests usually want some sit-down time but we always have a CD/mp3 player and if you want, it can be used to continue the music or just play soft background music. On occasion we have had the client prepare their own dance CD and we spin that for them. The choice is yours.
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Can I use your P.A. system for announcements, presentations, and toasts?
Yes. All you have to do is make sure the spot where you’ll be making speeches is in the general vicinity of the stage and you’re all set to go. Many venues do provide their own public speaking system, but if their system is inadequate or nonexistent, you know you are covered with us. If you wish to hire a DJ, we have worked with quite a few DJ's and it has worked quite well in the past.
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Is the band experienced?
The members of STEVENS & KENNEDY are from as far south as Florida, as far west as British Columbia and as far east as Newfoundland. We are fortunate to have four former RCMP Band members within our ranks. Over the years STEVENS & KENNEDY have shared billing with Dionne Warwick, The Canadian Brass, Rosemary Clooney, Wayne Rostad, Valdy, Dan Hill, Dave Broadfoot, Kashtin, Maureen Forester, Michelle Wright, Diane Tell, Veronique Beliveau, Prairie Oyster, Lorraine Segato (Parachute Club), Billy Newton Davis, Duke Daniels (The Platters), Andre-Phillipe Gagnon, The Canadian Symphonic Pops and numerous talented guests, including adventurous members of the audience. The Band's permanent music director /arranger, Gary Morton, a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston and former Assistant Director of Music, RCMP Band, constantly challenges each and every player to reach for their best.
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How many musicians are in the band?
The S&K Band is a ten piece group consisting of 5 horns, 4 rhythm and 1 vocalist. In addition to playing their instruments 3 other members are highly skilled vocalists.
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What are the advantages of hiring a live band?
There’s nothing like live music! People say the Band is entertaining and fun to watch. Audience participation during the event is standard and the Band's professional rapport pervades everything from hosting and MCing to selection of intermission music. The most consistent comment heard about members of STEVENS & KENNEDY in performance is: "They all look like they're having such a good time!" And why not...they're making people happy!
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How will the band dress?
The band dresses in tuxedos unless instructed otherwise.
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Do I need to personally meet with the band leader?
This is up to you but we are always available by phone, mail, fax and email. Many clients want a face to face meeting and we are always available to you at a mutually agreeable time. With today's technology many people just email us to acquire the information.
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How far in advance do we need to book?
As you can see The STEVENS & KENNEDY Band is popular and as a result the Band is busy. Book now (18 months in advance is not unheard of) by contacting Gary or Marlene to be assured of a successful party like so many of our clients before you. This band thrives on repeat performances and if you're an old friend, STEVENS & KENNEDY welcomes you back with a Band that's better than ever.
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How much does it cost?
Every event is different and quoting a fee on a web site is not wise. A simple phone call is all it takes to find out the exact price. Gather all of your information such as date, venue and time frame and we'll give you a price over the phone. We have a great deal of experience with special events and are very willing to share that with you.
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