[Dixielandjazz] Wedding Market

[Jim Kashishian]

> In the wedding trade the high end client is still there but the great 
> middle and low end is almost gone to the DJ's.

Obviously, we work a different market (Spain) than those of you that are
gabbing about weddings (U.S), however, we don't even try to compete with the
DJ's.  In fact, we insist that one be hired (unless they want a live band
that does wedding party music, of course) for the dance part of the party.

Here, the wedding guests tend to arrive at the dinner location well in
advance of the bride & groom who are stuck at the church with family members
for the photo session.  We have found our niche in being present during the
cocktails & snacks (tapas) that are served to the guests while they wait for
the wedding party to arrive.  Dixieland is a great option for that moment,
far surpassing the odd string quartet which is normally the music for that
moment.  (We're way much more fun!)

However, I try to discourage playing during the dinner, and flat out don't
accept the after dinner party.  No matter how much a Spanish bride & groom
say they love jazz, by 3am the crowd is going to be screaming for
Sevillanas, Pasadobles, and gobs of Salsa.  Yeah, we can do it all, but why
should we?

Amazing how the people accept your help when you say "look, we do weddings
all the time, and it may be your first or second.  Let me tell you how the
band will shine the best".

Just did a lunch wedding party last Saturday.  The groom had been to two
other weddings where we had played.  They had a sit down lunch for 650
people!  ....just your common, everyday sort of person!   :>  Do the math:
well over $200,000 for lunch alone!

Next wedding I do is not with the band at all.  My wife & I, plus 40 friends
& family are flying to Baranquilla, Colombia in 2 weeks time where one of my
sons is marrying a girl from there.  

No, I won't be playing.  They have hired a 15 piece band, and the music will
be all Caribbean.  The wife & I have been taking private dancing lessons
since Sept!  I can now do (sort of) the Merengue, Salsa, and Bolero.  The
local dance is called La Cumbia, but no one that was not from Barranquilla
would try that one!   My bottom just doesn't move like that no matter how
many lessons I take!   :>  And, before anyone asks, the wife & I are being
picked up at the airport in a bullet proof car.    :<

Jim