“20 somethings”
It’s amazing when we perform how consistently a 20-something venue staff walks up to the stage when we’re done with something like, ”Hey guys, you seriously rocked it. What an incredible job!” Or something like that. Now these kids don’t HAVE to bother saying it but they do, one hundred percent. But couples who wonder how we’d “connect” with a mainly 20-something crowd are missing the boat. As always, the connection is made.
Image by David Bristol.
Fabulous First Flight w/Darelle
Our new six-piece took wing on April 21st at Seattle’s The Sunset Club with songstress Darelle Holden co-leading vocals with me. It couldn’t have been a smoother flight and the audience roared their approval. Here’s to many good times ahead!
Image by David Bristol Photography
The MBB welcomes vocalist Darelle Holden
An exceptional talent and a fabulous career….Darelle Holden is a silky smooth songstress with deep musicality. Pop Diva, R&B Powerhouse, and Jazz Siren all apply to her unique and diverse vocal styling. Darelle toured Internationally for 17 years with superstar Sir. Tom Jones, ala, “20 Feet from Stardom” and along with her constant touring schedule she’s made countless appearances on Dancing With the Stars, The Tonight Show, The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Conan O’Brian and the list goes on. Darelle also performed the duet “I Wanna Get Back With You” with Sir Tom Jones. Darelle’s distinctive vocals can also be heard on the Tom Jones classic “Leave Your Hat On” which is featured on “The Full Monty” motion picture soundtrack. Darelle has performed with extraordinary talents such as Earth Wind and Fire, Bobby Caldwell, Ellis Hall, Elton John, Jazz guitarist Norman Brown, Gerald Albright, and most recently Stevie Wonder.
We are honored to join forces with you Darelle! https://michaelbensonband.com/band/
Exciting MBB news!
Images by Katie Parra Photography, and David Bristol
Breaking news for 2018:
We’ve joined forces with female vocalist extraordinaire Darelle Holden, making us a “Quintet +1” with an exciting new dimension. Darelle brings a wealth of experience, augmenting our award-winning band with a double lead-singer front. A real 1-2 punch! The blending process with this soulful Northwest professional is proving to be a joy. Welcome to the Michael Benson Band, Darelle!
Back by request
Chihuly Garden and Glass
By request, we’ll return next New Year’s Eve (2018) to The Chihuly Garden and Glass House for another blow-out party. Situated beneath Seattle’s Space Needle, the Chihuly Glass House is considered one of the Top-10 New Years destinations world wide. Save the date and don’t miss it!
MBB at Top Spot on New Years 2017
https://viewfinder.expedia.com/features/top-10-demand-nye-destinations/
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
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
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
Can you be our MC?
Will you be our MC they ask? But of course! This is a natural part of my work. I deliver any/all announcements clearly and graciously throughout the night as needed, to keep the flow going at our events. It amazes me how many people wonder if they’ll need to hire someone else to make the necessary announcements for them – like a dj? For that, seriously? Mais oui! Cest si bon! We have you covered!
Image by Cory Parris – Seattle Wedding Photographer!