The Chicago Wedding Band

Here’s what I’d like to do. As Stu Hirsh, leader of the Stu Hirsh Orchestra, I want to talk to you about Chicago wedding bands. But instead of giving you nothing but a lot of hype and hyperbole – telling you why my wedding band is the hottest, the coolest, the greatest, the most unique band in the entire country… the world…the solar system…the galaxy…and the universe, blah, blah, blah – I want to give you real information about wedding bands. Information and insights that will help you make your decision about music for your wedding. After 25+ years of performance, I hope I have some good information to share with you.

On to music, wedding bands, and info….

Live music vs. DJ’s

In the last article, we were talking about….. When wedding bands or national acts performs live, the live version of a song can be different from the original recording.   Remember, so many songs are recorded for radio air play or online purchase. The songs are a specific length of time and a particular feel – whatever the recording company thinks will sell. The best bands feed off of the audiences’ response to the music and vice versa.   It’s still the same song, but bands can take liberties with the song – slower, faster, longer, or shorter.

Examples:

Wedding bands vs. DJ repertoire/playlist

The usual Chicago wedding band contract is for a minimum of 3 hours…180 minutes. The band takes 2, 15 minute breaks and that leaves 150 minutes of live music. Consider that a song is typically 3 minutes (or more) and that means you are going to having around 50 songs played by your wedding band.   During the breaks we always have our iPod with us for background music. But you can also give me your iPod, with your own playlist. 30 minutes of break time equals another 8-10 songs.

With DJ’s, or with wedding bands, you’re looking at 60 songs for dancing, and that’s probably on the high side. Most brides and grooms want a good variety of musical styles. Unless you want an all Beatles wedding, a salute to hair bands of the 80’s, or a tribute to Jerry Garcia and the Dead for 3 hours, a great wedding band can give you what you want.