To the next level
At The Fairmont Olympic Spanish Ballroom, 4/29/17 (client review)
The Michael Benson Band is amazing. They are so professional and great at what they do. If you are deciding between a band and a DJ, go with a band – and go with Michael Benson. It brought our guests’ whole wedding experience to the next level. MBB did our ceremony piano music, dinner background music, and reception/dance music. I wouldn’t change a thing! By far the best wedding band in Seattle.
Lighting and photo by Crimson Haze Event Lighting — http://crimson-haze.com
2017 Best Of Borrowed And Blue
MBB is honored to win the 2017 Best Live Entertainment at Borrowed And Blue Weddings. Vender-voted by our peers, this award comes to us for the second straight year. Many appreciations to all our industry colleagues who know what we do, and who deliver many extraordinary events together with us.
Why.We.Don’t.Do.That.
“Do you plan set lists in advance?” No way. Planning band set-lists ahead of time for moods and crowds you haven’t even felt or seen yet? Nope. That’s a sure-fire recipe for disaster. At social event performances I can’t see why anyone would do that – and Why.We.Don’t.Do.That.Ever. Instead, I free-flow sets dynamically, calling songs moment by moment for optimal crowd connection. Result: Non-stop seamless segues and total success. Every time.
(Image by: Michelle Waite Photography http://photography.michelemwaite.comhttp://www.facebook.com/MicheleMWaite)
Blowing Your Own Horn
You know things are going right for your wedding ceremony, when JUST as your bridal entry music is to start, the Washington State Ferry Captain blows his horn for you to commence walking. This happened. I was at the piano dropping fingers to begin when suddenly, HOOOONK!
Image at Seattle’s Waterfront Aquarium – 7.16.16
My MC vs. his
I attended a wedding in L.A. with a d.j. and got to sample his emcee style. Why is it so many d.j’s use the “game show host” voice? I’m just sayin – it’s gotta be classy, not schtick. I do my emcee work respectfully and with style. Folks are pleased. No game show hosts on my gigs.
Image by Azzura Photography, Seattle http://www.azzuraphotography.com
HONORED AGAIN
To all our colleagues, clients, and friends – we THANK YOU for your continuing support in this great honor by Seattle Bride Magazine readers and vendors. Congratulations to all Best Of Bride winners and finalists! See you soon on wedding trail – )
Staff love
“You are the best band we’ve ever heard here. Our staff just loves you!”
– Gerding Theater events manager, 6.18.16
Weight off of our shoulders
We just got back from our honeymoon and I wanted to thank you again for everything. I must say how awesome the music was. I initially was worried about how much effort it would be to have a live band at the reception but after contacting many bands and getting poor responses, your professionalism let me know I could just trust you to handle the music. It took a huge weight off of our shoulders for the planning. I especially appreciated how you handled my mistake dialing up our first dance song on the iPhone – again, extremely professional. The music selection was perfect and you made sure we were happy throughout the night without being overbearing. So many people came up to me throughout the night and next day to say how awesome the band was. Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. – Spring, 2016 groom.
Image by:
Jean-Marcus Photography http://www.jean-marcus.com
In their own words (staff, May ’16):
I don’t often give recommendations, but in your case…may I have your card? – Fremont Foundry staff
Best. Band. EVER. – Roche Harbor staff
You put out the same energy of guys half your age – Alderbrook Resort staff.
Image by: Lightworks 360 http://lightworks360.com/about/about
What dj’s can’t do
So you’re watching as a new couple JUST walks onto the dance floor fresh from the bar – at the very end of a slammin song, and they’re lovin it. They want this vibe to keep going, NOT to change. Cuz they’re ready to groove together on it. How do you extend the song for them and not kill the vibe? If you’re a dj, the song is gonna end. You can’t hit rewind cuz that’s the beginning of the song and that’s lame. You can only hope the new song coming up will work out. But, if you’re a live band, and you’re the MBB, you repeat the final out chorus OR, revert to another verse OR, add solo jams OR, add more choruses, etc. etc. as needed. You have real-time OPTIONS to re-arrange the song, and so you do! The couple stays, connects, and commits to the floor. We did this twice last night at Alderbrook Resort. Voila! Success! Done! #whyyouhirethemichaelbensonband
Image by La Vie Photography