Tag: Best Band in Charlottesville

Best Motown Songs for Weddings

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best motown songs for weddings

If you are looking for those right tunes for all ages at your wedding to enjoy, Motown music produced a large range of classics that are still loved today! The best Motown songs for weddings are those easily recognizable, upbeat tunes that every generation knows. Motown was originally a record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. The name “Motown” is a blend of “motor” and “town,” a nickname associated with Detroit, a huge auto city.

Motown features key combinations of soul, jazz, and blues, marking it with upbeat tempos, catchy rhythms, and iconic lyrics. The best Motown songs for weddings are the ones with upbeat tunes that everyone can sing and dance to. 

My Girl | The Temptations

Released in 1965, My Girl is a fantastic choice for weddings. This song is easily a top favorite for the First Dance or Father/Daughter dance.

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg | The Temptations

Hit single by Grammy Award winner The Temptations, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg is a well-known and well loved crowd favorite. It is a song that is sure to get all on the dance floor.

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough | Marvin Gaye

This happy, high energy vibe song is a must for best Motown songs for weddings. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is a romantic, danceable song that provides timeless moments with you and your guests.

Sign, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) | Stevie Wonder

You can’t have a list of the best Motown songs for weddings without listing Sign, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) by Stevie Wonder. This song was listed #1 on US Best Selling Soul Singles for a reason. It is a popular choice for many occasions during your wedding. It is a favorite among bridal parties for entrances, bride and grooms for ceremony recessionals, and more!

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honeybunch) | The Four Tops

One of the most well-known Motown songs of all time and Billboard’s R&B top hit. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honeybunch) is a spirited and fast-paced tune that is perfect for any wedding reception.

I Want You Back | Jackson 5

Definitely a song that gets people out of their chairs and on the dance floor. I Want You Back is a must have for best Motown songs for weddings. Guests of all ages love it and will dance to it!

If you liked reading this, check out other luxury weddings we performed for, Wedding at The Clifton and Luxury Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

If you want to learn more about planning a luxury wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

Christmas with Elvis

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Matt Lewis as Elvis singing on stage

Christmas with Elvis is a musical performance for all who love live shows and want great entertainment for the holidays with friends and family! This great holiday tour happens every December and is one of the many other exciting events that Big Ray and the Kool Kats perform.

Christmas with Elvis stars Matt Lewis, who was named “Best Elvis in Las Vegas” by USA Today, and features Charlottesville’s own Big Ray and the Kool Kats as The Long Live the King Orchestra. Matt Lewis hails from none other than Las Vegas, Nevada, the live show music capital of the world! 

Matt Lewis and his Long Live The King Orchestra take you on a musical journey through the decades of the life of Elvis Presley. Starting with the early years at Sun Records in Memphis and traveling through to the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. 

Christmas with Elvis doesn’t just happen in Charlottesville, VA, but also tours all up and down the east coast. 

The Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA 

The Tin Pan, Richmond, VA

The Landis Theater, Vineland, NJ

Bob Watts Photos

The Appalachian Theatre, Boone, NC

Weldon Mills Theatre, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Matt has also entertained audiences all around the world as Elvis and almost every major city in the United States. Numerous publications have praised and spotlighted Matt’s talents. Matt has been seen in Leisure Weekly, Las Vegas Magazine, and many more!

You will many holiday classics, such as Blue Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, If Every Day Could be Just like Christmas (0:44) and more! After the holiday set, you will hear all of Elvis’ great hits, such as Burnin’ Love (1:36), Suspicious Minds (1:08), and many, many, more!

There is no better talent than Matt Lewis to pay tribute to the great legacy of Elvis Presley. So come on out with family and friends and get in the holiday spirit with Christmas with Elvis!

Luxury Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

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Ceremony at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards

Catherine and Zack had a gorgeous, luxury wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards on November 10, 2023 with friends and family. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is the premier, luxury wedding venue in Central Virginia, named “Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast. This unique vineyard not only serves the finest crafted wine and culinary dishes, but provides a breathtaking backdrop for weddings at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Catherine looked beautiful in her elegant, ball gown dress by Monique Lhuillier Bride, one of America’s prominent designers in fashion and creativity. Catherine’s look was completed with hair done by Valeska Williams, top media and fashion hairstylist, and makeup by Carolyn Thombs, owner of Lipstick and Chiffon. Catherine and Zack had expert, luxury wedding planner Adam Donovan-Groves, the “Ultimate Master Wedding Planner” by Vogue Magazine. Adam knows Pippin Hill like the back of his hand and helped make Catherine and Zack’s day seamless. Lush florals and greenery were provided by Southern Blooms, and couture tabletop settings by Nüage Designs and calligraphy by If So Inklined. The cohesive details truly brought Catherine and Zack’s luxury wedding vision to life. Expert shooting was provided by Gideon Photography, and we always work with the photographer to get that special “kodak moment.”

You could feel the love and support for Catherine and Zack. Catherine’s sister gave a heartfelt speech and Zack’s Dad wrote and performed a song just for them. When it was time to dance, the dance floor was never empty. Guests of all ages were on the dance floor, singing along to every song. From Taylor Swift to The Temptations, we played all the crowd favorites. We ended the night with Catherine and Zack’s special song, Teenage Dream by Katy Perry (at 1:26 in the video below).

Catherine and Zack had a wonderful, luxury wedding and we are honored to have been part of their day.

If you liked reading this, check out other luxury weddings we performed for, Wedding at The Clifton and Wedding at Farmington Country Club.

If you want to learn more about planning a luxury wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

Venue & Caterer| Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Planner| Donovan-Groves Events

Photographer| Gideon Photography

Dress| Monique Lhuillier Bride

Cake/Dessert| Cakes by Rachel

Florals| Southern Blooms

Hair & Makeup| Valeska Williams, Lipstick and Chiffon

Rentals| MS Events, Nüage Designs

Stationery| If So Inklined

Transportation| Cville Travel

Wintergreen Resort Wedding

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Band playing at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

Brittney and Daniel got married on September 30, 2023, surrounded by gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Wintergreen Resort. Wintergreen Resort is the ultimate, luxury, four-season vacation spot with spacious condominiums and thrilling recreation, all in the heart of nature. Brittney is a competitive ski racer, so getting married at Wintergreen Resort where skiing is one of the specialties, was the perfect backdrop for her special day. Brittney and Daniel had the perfect set up at Blue Ridge Overlook with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a breathtaking setting for their ceremony. Every loved one was there and included in their wedding, even the furry one.

Brittney looked beautiful in her elegant, long-sleeved dress, with hair and makeup by Island Glow, and complimented by a lovely bouquet provided by Burleson’s Big Day. Expert photography was taken by Carly C Photography with lighting and rentals provided by Blue Ridge Event Production,  Riverwood Events and Catering, and Argent Events, and wonderful catering service by Wintergreen Resort.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the Blue Ridge Terrace, where the festivities continued well into the night. The reception setting was a beautiful mix of dusty orange and gold, perfect colors to compliment the scenery and Brittney and Dan’s styles. It got a little chilly, but that did not deter the party! Guests danced all night to Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, The Temptations, and many more. 

If you liked reading about this Wintergreen Resort wedding, check out other weddings we performed for, Wedding at The Clifton and Wedding at Farmington Country Club.

If you want to learn more about planning a great wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

??Photography| Carly C Photography

Planner & Florals| Burleson’s Big Day Events

Venue & Catering| Wintergreen Resort

Hair & Makeup| Island Glow

Band| Big Ray and the Kool Kats

Rentals| Riverwood Events and Catering, Argent Events

Lighting| Blue Ridge Event Production

Planning Your Wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats

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Big Ray and the Kool Kats take pride in delivering great music, entertainment, and providing  excellent service that caters to each couple. Big Ray takes every wedding very seriously and plans each wedding with the couples, and the planner, meticulously. Planning your wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats is stress free. Big Ray meets with you, takes time to understand your musical vision, and works with you on how you can have a great party for all your guests. A fun story Big Ray likes to tell his brides is his Taylor Swift story.

“I’m a Swifty!”

Big Ray met this couple through a mutual friend of his and that was the first thing the bride said to him. He had no idea what that meant at the time. Big Ray and the Kool Kats traditionally play Motown, 80s, 90s, and country hits, but also play modern pop hits!

“If you don’t know one of a “special” song, why don’t you just play it recorded?”

Big Ray gets asked this many times and why would he go through the trouble. First of all, it is no trouble at all. Big Ray and the Kool Kats is more than happy to go the extra mile for any couple if it means they get the wedding of their dreams. That includes learning any song that is meaningful to the couple or family.

Musical moments to think about as you plan.

Big Ray will help you plan your special musical moments as you plan your wedding. Keep your entrance and introductions fun, upbeat, clean; they set the mood for the evening. Your first dance as a couple should be to a song that is meaningful to both of you. Just like Big Ray and the Kool Kats does, insist the band rehearse it and play it live flawlessly. Not too long, 3 minutes is just about perfect for the wedding photographer to get that once in a lifetime shot. Big Ray never suggests doing choreographed dances, it is more work and pressure on you as the couple, sometimes it is easier to just flow with the music.

Father/Daughter dance? Let Dad have whatever he wants here. It’s a big day for him as well. Mother/Son? Same as Dad, let Mom have whatever she wants. Other family dances? Your wedding band will have lots of ideas.

Communicate well ahead of time (months even) with your wedding bandleader, make sure they understand your musical vision for the evening, and let the professionals go to work. It will be a better party. It’s a promise! Planning your wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats is fun, seamless, and unforgettable.

5 Questions You Should Absolutely Ask Your Wedding Music Band

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You should always ask your live music band questions! You want to know what you are paying for and who you are getting. Hiring a crowd pleasing wedding music band is a big step in wedding planning and you want to make sure you hire the right one. A band of professional musicians who regularly rehearse and perform together is exactly what keeps your dance floor full. Be sure your wedding music band meets the standards you expect from all your vendors to ensure a great party!  Below are a few questions you should ask when deciding on your wedding music band.

How Much Does a Wedding Music Band Cost?

Every wedding music band has different costs and packages. Ask what those packages and costs are to see what fits your musical vision the best. Don’t just look at a price tag, research, study and understand what value the wedding music band brings. Check out You Want a Full Dance Floor to understand how to guests on the dance floor and have a great night!

When Can you Speak with the Band Leader?

Kyla Jeanette Photography

Whether you found this band online or through an agency, you want to meet who will actually be at your wedding and have that connection, so you know that band is the right fit for you. How can I get in touch with him or her?

What is the Band’s Experience with Weddings?

The amount of times a band has performed at a wedding does not matter as much as how flexible, professional, and responsive the band is to your needs and specifications for your wedding. The band may have played thousands of weddings, but each and every one is different.  How they planned for last week’s wedding will be completely different than how they plan for your wedding. Check out Why is Live Music Important to see why you should have live music at your wedding.

does the Wedding Music Band Change Musicians a Lot?

Consistency is key. Many bands have a lot of personnel changes, so you will want to ask your band how often their musicians change, if they do at all. Some bands are actually not really a “band” but rather part of a franchise that assembles musicians, some of whom might not even know each other. A professional wedding music band has regular members will provide the top tier experience you want for your guests…something just not possible with a thrown together group.  

Will the Band Learn New Songs for Your Wedding?

Kyla Jeanette Photography

Ask if the wedding music band is willing to learn new songs, it will show that the band is flexible and willing to work for your wedding. What is the process for adding requests and even working with a “Do not play list”?

The photo above is a prime example because when I first met the bride, one of the first things she said to me was, “Ray, I’m a Swiftie.” I never knew what that was, but I do now and I made sure to invite the bride and groom on stage!

The Three Most Important Songs at Your Wedding

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ray-caddell-swing-orchrestra-playing-for-bride-and-groom

There are three songs at your wedding that are undoubtedly the most important when thinking about music.

The Processional

Everyone knows that ancient organ tune, “Here Comes the Bride,” by Richard Wagner signifies that the bride is walking down the aisle and so forth. Nowadays, brides march to their own beat. Processional songs have varied from all types of genres, from traditional to classic, country to pop, and more. The important thing for YOU to decide is what song you want to walk the down the aisle to, what song you want to hear while making your grand entrance for all your guests to see. Some couples like to keep it traditional, some like to mix it up and make it fun, the most important part is that it is YOUR song and you are happy.

We have examples of ceremony music on our Youtube channel and Live Music Song List that you can check out.

The Recessional

You are married now! Yay! Now you and yours get to walk down the aisle, officially married for the first time together and you will need a song to celebrate. There are no rules to picking a recessional, just as there are no rules to picking a processional, it’s YOUR and YOURS day. Your recessional can be funny, sweet, romantic, any song that is sentimental to you both.

The First dance

Your first appearance as a married couple! The first dance is for you and yours to have that unforgettable, special moment with each other. Do you want slow or fast? Romantic or casual? Serious or funny? Take time with your loved one to figure out what speaks to you, it will be a song that you both will love and cherish.

Why is Live Music Important?

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PLANNING THE LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT PARTS OF YOUR WEDDING DAY IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Hiring your live music and entertainment is one of the most important parts of planning your wedding and should be the next thing in line after you’ve chosen your wedding venue, picked your caterers, and decided on a theme. Picture your wedding ceremony being over, you’ve taken your photographs, and now it’s time for your reception. Can you think of anything that is better than dancing to live music like the kind produced by live wedding bands?

Here at Big Ray and The Kool Kats, we know that couples need to have that kind of great live entertainment at their wedding. It’s why we take our entertainment at Charlottesville weddings seriously. We make sure our couples and their guests have the best kind of wedding entertainment available.   

Ashley Cox Photography

Live music is the kind of music that will create the perfect atmosphere at your wedding reception. Most live bands like ours are made up of talented instrumentalists and singers. They make great music that would make your wedding a memorable party.

If you’ve been looking into or considering a live band for Washington DC weddings, you’re on the right path. Here are some more reasons why having them at your wedding would be the right decision.   

Live Music is Amazing

The presence of a live band can improve the atmosphere of any event. It’s the reason why concerts have stayed relevant over the years. Having such music at your wedding would be lovely. It’s sure to get even the most rigid person up on their feet and bursting a few shy moves. Combine this with the right emcee and the perfect song list and you’ll be well on your way to having a memorable wedding reception celebration.   

Your Preferred Genre

Your wedding day is all about you. It’s a day set aside by your loved ones to celebrate you as a couple. If great music is what you love, then you should reach out to our live band. We’ll do justice to those lovely songs you have in mind.  We make that we take the right energy to every 

Your Guests will be Pleased

Like we mentioned before, live bands always have a way of connecting with guests at an event. They’ll encourage your guests to come out of their shells and get on the dance floor. Our band, in particular, has a way of reading a crowd and getting a feel of what your guests want. 

That means we’ll know what to play and when to play it. But that’s not all. With live music, guests at Charlottesville weddings can easily send in song requests. This is sure to please your guests even more as they’ll get a chance to hear their favorite song at your celebration. 

A Romantic First Dance

Picture yourself being serenaded with live music from our band for your first dance. You can’t deny how romantic that moment would be. If you want a great wedding, romance is a key factor to consider. So why not let a live wedding band bring it to your wedding? Need any ideas for a first dance song? Check out this awesome blog, How To Pick Your First Dance Song, for some helpful hints.

Bands can Play at Any Time, Even Your Wedding Ceremony

You don’t only have to hire a live band for your wedding reception! If your wedding ceremony venue is flexible, your band can play there too! Imagine walking down the aisle to beautiful live music played by your band. Bands can cater to your ceremony, reception, cocktail hour, dinner, and other parts of your wedding too. They are a favorite for Washington DC weddings.

live-music-first-dance
Aaron Watson Photography

Live Music Makes a Memorable Day

Your wedding day is special and will always remain so in the memories of your loved ones. Adding a live band to the mix will take your wedding to a whole other level! Great food and entertainment are some of the things that make a wedding memorable. Add a live band and a great emcee to that and you’ll be guaranteeing that you all have the time of your lives. It will be completely worth it. 

Do you need an amazing live band for your wedding in Charlottesville and Washington D.C.? You’re in the right place. Here at Big Ray and The Kool Kats, we believe that every wedding is a milestone that deserves celebration. So, we bring to your party an experienced and talented group of musicians ready to impress you and your guests. Why not contact us and let’s get started with helping you plan a memorable wedding entertainment. You won’t regret it.

Listen to our song list

How Much Should My Wedding Band Cost?

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wedding band cost

Four Questions to Consider When Thinking about Your Wedding Band Cost

  1. Will anybody remember what they had for dinner at my wedding?  
  2. Will anybody remember if the flowers were really exceptional or just nice?
  3. Will anybody remember the custom linens I ordered from New York?
  4. Will anybody remember if they sat on the chairs included with venue rental or I brought in custom chiavari?

You get the picture…there is always a place to spend a little more, make things a little more elegant, add those little touches that maybe only you will really notice. Now ask yourself this:

Will anybody (everybody!) remember a great party spearheaded by that band that knows exactly how to move the party along through the different phases of the evening, play with energy but not earsplitting volume, handle those special moments gracefully; first dance, father daughter, mother son, bridesmaid toasts, etc. and most importantly:

KEEP THE DANCE FLOOR FULL THROUGHOUT THE EVENING! 

wedding band cost

All your guests will remember that type of experience long after they remember if they had filet mignon or chicken.

I have played literally thousands of events of all kinds. Here’s what the most successful ones have in common and my Top 3 places to be sure you’ve utilized you budget wisely (and no the wedding band cost isn’t #1).

  1. You need a top shelf, experienced planner to captain the ship that day. Not the caterer, not the venue’s person, certainly not a relative or friend, and definitely not the Mother of the Bride. Somebody to crack the whip when necessary, so you only have to worry if your champagne glass is full (and the right planner will be sure it is).
  2. You need a first class photographer who understands your style. Remember, when the day is over, there is nothing left but the fabulous pictures and your memories.
  3. Your band. The band with a leader who spends plenty of time with you in the planning process, the band that plays your first dance to perfection, the band that understands your musical tastes, but also your friends’ your parents friends’, and even grandparents. This is a celebration for all your guests. Read reviews of your band, especially recent ones. Ask the leader if the musicians for your special day are for the most part the same every gig or if he utilizes “pick up” musicians frequently, and most of all try and get a feel if the band really likes playing wedding receptions or do it just because that’s where the money is.

Of course Big Ray and the Kool Kats wants to be your wedding band. Of course we understand weddings are expensive. Of course we know hiring a wedding band or booking a band period only happens a couple of times a lifetime for most folks. Even if you don’t book us, read through this and feel free to utilize it, if you need tips, check our other post, How to Hire a Wedding Band or DJ. Or even give me a call and ask me anything you like about wedding band costs even if we’re not the right style or price for you. Really. 

Big Ray and The Kool Kats Perform in Three Amazing Cities

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A KOOL KAT FAMILY AFFAIR

It all started with a Washington DC bride who got married at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. We were just a little nervous when we learned our Washington DC bride worked for Wedding Wire and The Knot, but it ended up being a great party. Many have heard of these sites because most brides do almost all of their wedding planning, look to for ideas, and reviews for their vendors with these sites.  My favorite combination of elegance and get down partying! It was such a pleasure to be apart of such an amazing event.

I got a call shortly thereafter the epic party in Washington DC, hearing the family had so much fun, and they asked Big Ray and the Kool Kats to do it again, only this time oceanfront in Avalon, NJ at The Windrift Resort.  This was going to be a big party with a 19 minute long Polish traditional money dance, which we played live and even sang (phonetically of course) in Polish! 

The third time’s a charm wedding took BRKK to Pittsburgh, PA to celebrate with the same family and they made it so warm and easy for us to entertain them yet again. This time the family tradition of each guest bringing their family’s special dessert made #3 just as charming and unique as the first 2! 

Big Ray and the Kool Kats is always honored to celebrate with each of our brides, but 3 from the same family made it even more special! 

That’s all three brides onstage with us. What a memorable moment.