your beautiful wedding!
I adore playing music at weddings. No matter what's happening around outside this little bubble, everything is perfect as soon as the love arrives. The rain can fall, and the stars can zoom from the sky, but, I promise, every time I've seen it, as soon as the love walks in, everything is fine from there on in.
Where are we?
I perform in a Jazz ensemble (Duo or Band) from Ballina and Byron Bay to Brisbane.
What are we?
This Jazz Ensemble can, seriously be, what ever instrumentation you like. We are most usually a Duo: Shelly Hughes - Vocals, and Dan Brown on Keyboards. However, you may have a certain passion for the Double Bass (So Stew Barry would join us), or perhaps you just love the trombone or saxophone - easy done - or you want a bigger louder sound, so we would invite our favourite drummer.
I want to make very sure you're getting what you want. If my ensemble is not what you want - I will try my very best to help you find the best band for you. Having completed the Contemporary Music Bachelor Degree in Lismore, and played with local musicians for the past decade, I'm sure I can halp you find what you're after!
Red Bantoo is also available for weddings and functions. Please visit www.myspace.com/redbantoo for contact details, or send me an email.
What do we play?
Our reporitoire includes jazz standards and contemporary pop tunes. Using the word "Jazz" can be a little ambiguous; I do not perform "Swing Jazz" (50's style dancing with those amazing shoes and skirts), nor do I delve to much into Experimental Jazz (blasting dissonant solos and dark, intense time signatures are amazing, but not my style). If you think about singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, you'd be heading towards my direction. Or contemporary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Corrine Bailey Rae, Amos Lee, Mark Sholtez, Natalie Cole, Norah Jones and Michael Buble. You can view an example set list here.
What do we provide?
I have my own PA system, lighting, power leads etc. The PA is small and compact, but powerful and has an amazing sound.
- You are welcome to use my PA system and microphone for speeches during the reception proceedings.
- You are also welcome to bring your ipod or laptop so we can play your favourite song list in our breaks.
- Exciting extras :) Decoration string rose lights, Decoration string white butterfly lights, Bubble machine,
What do we require?
A suitable amount of space. Around 4 metres square is usually perfect (this should not include the dance floor space). A power supply. It is preferable for the stage area to be undercover or inside. This has exceptions, and needs to be discussed - you dont want us passing out from heat stroke or any problems from rain!
It is lovely if some food and/or drinks are provided for the band, but this is not a must.
How long will we play for?
Again, this is up to you, however, from past experience, and so you can mull it over, usually we perform from two to three sets.
Set One - Sultry jazz tunes. As guests arrive, the Bridal Party are announced, drinks and celebrations.
Break - Usually the bride and groom have an iPod or laptop of their favourite msuic playing whilst we break.
Set Two - Sultry jazz tunes and down tempo contemporary. Whilst the reception feasts on dinner and desert.
Break - usually whilst speeches occur.
Set Three - a more livelier set of happy dancing up beat well known songs.
End the night with your favourite songs through the venues sound system.
I would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding a booking for your wedding. Please email shelly@shelly.com.au and I will be happy to correspond via email or give you a call.
~ Random other things Brides and Grooms have requested in the past:
- Yes, we can play your wedding song if you give us plenty of notice to learn it for you!
- Yes, we can dress in pre-selected colours/style for you :)
- No, we won't have a problem with playing an few encores if requested.
- Yes, we do prefer to being paid on the night, or before, so we don't have to chase you down on your honeymoon!
- Yes, we can be there uber early to set up if required.
