Author Archives: Kent Strand
SF Jazz Festival Benny Carter/Mel Martin/Kent Strand at Bimbo’s in 1990
Benny Carter (August 8, 1907 – July 12, 2003) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader. With Johnny Hodges, he was a pioneer on the alto saxophone. From the beginning of his career in the 1920s, … Continue reading
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Guitar/Vocalist Patrick Maier – solo or duo
Patrick Maier is an wonderful solo guitarist with an extensive repertoire spanning classic country, Motown, R & B, contemporary hits, classic rock, blues and jazz standards including Frank Sinatra classics. His duo adds upright bass for a more rhythmic, fun … Continue reading
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Patrick Maier Trio
Perfect for background music or dancing, The Patrick Maier Trio features sophisticated and swinging jazz, blues, Latin, pop, classic rock, Motown, R & B and contemporary hits. The band has performed for hundreds of corporate events for companies like Oracle, … Continue reading
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DJ Joey Gwynn
DJ Joey Gwynn is a great choice for weddings and events. For the last 20 years he’s DJed for hundreds of weddings and clients including Macys, Visa, Facebook, Kaiser, Stanford University, the New Salesforce Transbay Transit Center, Nerdwallet, Blue Shield, Gainsight … Continue reading
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Italian Accordionist Reno DiBono
Accordionist Reno di Bono and his entourage has delighted private parties, mostly in Napa Valley Wineries and restaurants, singing and playing songs from the traditional Neopolitan Italian to contemporary music from Frank Sinatra. Depending on your party theme, you may ask ask for … Continue reading
Posted in Solo Instrumentalists, World Music
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Smash City
Who are SMASH CITY? We are nine professional musicians who have traveled the world, performing for thousands, with Grammy artists such as Prince, Sheila E., Whitesnake, Toni Tony Tone, the Neville Brothers and more. When we’re not on the road, we … Continue reading
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Joey Gwynn – DJ/Karaoke
DJ Joey Gwynn is a great choice for all events for the last 20 years. He’s provided his DJ/Karaoke service for clients including Macys, Visa, Facebook, Kaiser, Stanford University, the New Salesforce Transbay Transit Center, Nerdwallet, Blue Shield, Gainsight at … Continue reading
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DJ Marc deVasconcelos
Since an early age Marc has been involved with music, initially playing Classical Percussion and Guitar in grade school. He was also exposed to 70’s and 80’s Funk, R&B, Hip Hop and Rock from his family and neighbors. In college … Continue reading
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Aerial Electric Violinist Shaina
Upon graduating, and inspired by her generation’s virtuosic force in the lively pulse of the San Francisco music scene, Shaina began branching out stylistically.Currently in demand as a national and international performer, she plays everything from classical to funk, hip-hop … Continue reading
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Digital Caricaturist
One of our most popular options is digital caricatures in full color or black and white. Digital caricatures are drawn on an iPad. This package includes digital drawn and colored caricatures, 4×6 prints available immediately, plastic sleeves to protect caricatures, … Continue reading
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Photo Booth
Our photo booth handles two or more guests. We provide unlimited prints and can customize the screen and prints with your logo and/or wording. Your guests can email or Facebook their pictures in real time as our booth has its … Continue reading
Posted in Games/Team Building
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Live Painter Jeremy
Live event painting by world renowned digital paint pioneer Jeremy Sutton is dynamic, engaging live interactive fine art / hi tech entertainment that adds that unique cutting-edge “Wow!!” factor to your special event. Whether creating live iPad portraits or painting … Continue reading
Posted in Dinner Shows
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Patrick Maier Solo or Duo
Guitarist/Vocalist Patrick Maier features the elegant and swinging sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. If you prefer a mix of hits through the decades, Patrick is great at reading the room and tailoring the music to each event. Patrick’s … Continue reading
Posted in Jazz Vocalists
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LED Designer DJ Booth
The LED-lighted DJ booth is a great addition for a colorfully lighted and elegant stage that hides cables and provides a professional look. The LED lights on the Designer Booth can do a slow ambient color fade and they can … Continue reading
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Pianist/Vocalist Michael Hatfield /Solo & Trio
Michael Hatfield is one of the most versatile musicians in the Bay Area. He leads serveral bands ranging from a jazz trio to a big band, from electronica to country. He coaches singers, teaches music theory, is the music director … Continue reading
Posted in Jazz, Latin, R&B, Rock, Solo Instrumentalists
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Eclecta Quartet
The Eclecta Quartet is now one of the Bay Area’s hottest musical ensembles. With an impressive playlist of classic rock, funk, soul, 80’s and 90’s dance music, hip hop, and today’s top 40’s, they bring the stage alive with their infectious energy, groove, … Continue reading
Posted in Alternative, Classical, Orchestras, Rock, World Music
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Electric Violinist Shaina
Born and raised in Ashland, OR, Shaina began classical violin studies at the age of 5 with Kendra Law, and continued with Russian master, Faina Podolnaya. Her early summers often included performing with her father’s bands and fiddling at bluegrass … Continue reading
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Solo Guitarist Patrick Maier
Patrick Maier is an wonderful solo guitarist with an extensive repertoire spanning classic country, Motown, R & B, contemporary hits, classic rock, blues and jazz standards including Frank Sinatra classics. Patrick plays for top corporate and private events throughout the Bay … Continue reading
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Kitten on the Keys
Kitten on the Keys is a wonderfully fun addition to any party. Strolling throughout the room with her accordion and ukulele, she can include vocals featuring swing, French, Italian, Broadway and pop hits from David Bowie to the Pixies. Recent … Continue reading
Posted in Celebrity/Costumed Characters
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Pianist /Vocalist Gaea Schell & The Gaea Schell Trio
Gaea Schell is a Bay Area-based jazz pianist/composer and singer. She can been heard at hotels and clubs and currently is playing the Sunday Brunch with her duo in the beautiful Garden Court at the Palace Hotel San Francisco. She … Continue reading
Posted in Jazz, Jazz Vocalists, Latin, Musicians, Solo Instrumentalists, Vocalists
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Chris Pimentel Trio
Chris Pimentel is widely regarded as one of the premier guitarists in the San Francisco Bay Area. His noteworthy career has included performances in top jazz combos, rock and corporate party bands and theater orchestras. His diverse repertoire includes jazz, … Continue reading
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Jean-Paul Latin Duo /Trio
Jean-Paul was born into an Italian-French family. His musical training began with classical piano at an early age. He later taught himself electric guitar in high school by listening to the blues guitar playing of B.B King, Muddy Waters, Stevie … Continue reading
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Guitarist Chris Pimentel
Chris Pimentel is widely regarded as one of the premier guitarists in the San Francisco Bay Area. His noteworthy career has included performances in top jazz combos, rock and corporate party bands and theater orchestras. His diverse repertoire includes jazz, … Continue reading
Posted in Solo Instrumentalists
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Don Neely Royal Society Trio
In addition to the eleven-piece Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, Don Neely also leads three wonderful small ensembles: the Royal Society Six and the Don Neely Royal Society Trio or Quartet. These groups are immensely popular for corporate events, weddings, private … Continue reading
Posted in Orchestras, Swing
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DJ Jose Sanchez
DJ Jose Sanchez started his full time professional DJ career in 1986 providing his unique and popular DJ skills for thousands of events including corporate, clubs and over 700 weddings. He pays great attention to all details and timelines and … Continue reading
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Starlite String
This popular ensemble for weddings is also appropriate for corporate events where classical and light classical music is requested for a more intimate setting. The repertoire includes, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Corelli, Schubert, Mozart, and an extensive popular music library. To … Continue reading
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Latin Guitarist Jean-Paul Buongiorno
Jean-Paul Buongiorno was born into an Italian-French family. His musical training began with classical piano at an early age. He later taught himself electric guitar in high school by listening to the blues guitar playing of B.B King, Muddy Waters, … Continue reading
Posted in Classical, Latin, Solo Instrumentalists
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Pop Fiction
The verdict is in…Pop Fiction is the best of the best… Fresh, new, and fantastic!. Founded by an entire line-up of true Bay Area and Sacramento coverband verterans, Pop Fiction is being touted by industry insiders as the next big … Continue reading
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Pianist Paul Dorr
Pianist Paul Dorr can sing or play just about any song from any era. He played for three years at Michael Mina’s Restaurant at the Westin St. Francis with many engagements at The Starlight Room and piano bar at San … Continue reading
Posted in Solo Instrumentalists, Vocalists
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DJ Brandon Anonuevo – DJ Busy B
DJ Brandon Anonuevo, also known as DJ Busy B, is a great choice for turning corporate events into parties! A Bay Area native, DJ Busy B was first exposed to the world of music by his mother who played Soul … Continue reading
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Cafe Americain Trio
You will always hear music you love from the Cafe Americain Trio. Standing at a musical crossroad of the world, the acoustic string group Cafe Americain draws from the bohemian sounds of European cafe music, romantic gypsy jazz, swing, elegant … Continue reading
Posted in Jazz, Swing, World Music
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Steel Jam
STEEL JAM guarantees a fun, festive mood for any party or event! Caribbean-flavored reggae, salsa, jazz, pop, and classical music spice up any celebration — from private parties to corporate events. Your lively and versatile world music was instrumental in … Continue reading
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Patrick Maier & Smackdab
Patrick Maier & Smackdab features the fine guitar and vocals (if requested) of Patrick Maier with any combination of keyboard/piano, upright bass, drums or saxophone. Perfect for background music or dancing, Patrick’s groups feature sophisticated and swinging jazz, blues, Latin, … Continue reading
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The Funtouchables
The Funtouchables, also known as Shark Sandwich are the ultimate band for any party and have been a hit in the clubs around S.F and the Bay Area for many years. Their extensive song list includes surf classics including the … Continue reading
Posted in Party Bands, Rock, Surf Bands, Swing
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Ned Boynton Trio
San Francisco Chronicle Music Critic Phil Elwood referred to Ned as a wonderful guitarist. Ned was the Musical Director for the Enricos Sidewalk Cafe in North Beach and played there every Tuesday evening for over 10 years. He was a … Continue reading
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Belinda Blair
Belinda Blair first sang in public at the of age six, joined her first original band at the age of seventeen and by eighteen was touring the states in an L.A.-based cover band that worked six nights a week. Culminating … Continue reading
Posted in Jazz Vocalists, Vocalists
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Silver or Gold Man
Our Silver or Gold Man is painted from head to toe. He’s stationary but moves occasionally for effect. He can stroll throughout the event space if preferred. He is the perfect interactive character for modern events, gallery openings, large club … Continue reading
Posted in Celebrity/Costumed Characters
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Patrick Maier – Solo Guitarist/Vocalist
Patrick Maier is an wonderful guitarist/vocalist with an extensive repertoire spanning jazz to Motown, classic Rock and Roll, blues and a lot of Frank Sinatra and classic standards. Patrick plays often in the One Up Lounge at the Grand Hyatt … Continue reading
Posted in Solo Instrumentalists, Vocalists
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Traditional Chinese Calligraphy Artist Wilma Pang
Enjoy the tradition of ancient Chinese Calligraphy at your next event. Derived from ancient Chinese manuscripts, your guests can learn this revered art form while having their name printed on hand made paper or silk fans. Your guests will have … Continue reading
Guitarist Ned Boynton
San Francisco based Ned Boynton is a wonderful guitarist and an educator who brings a unique approach to guitar. REVIEWS Boynton comes with a bit of cool guitar that made me hit the internet to find out where I could … Continue reading
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Lion Dancers
Experience the authentic tradition of Chinese Lion Dancing for your next event! Lion dancers are perfectly suited for any celebration such as a new business opening, product launch, or company celebration. In Hong Kong, new businesses are often christened with … Continue reading
Mr. Miraculous
Excellent Juggler, Master Magician, accomplished pianist, origami expert, awesome skateboarder or just “man of many talents” – Call Ken Martin any of these names, they’re all a perfect fit. As amazing as it may seem, Ken began his performing career … Continue reading
Posted in Illusionists /Magicians
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Caricaturists
Our caricaturists are a great addition to any party. Our artists’ caricatures of your guests are fun to watch and they make great souvenirs. Our caricaturists can stroll through the crowd or draw from an easel. A typical caricature takes … Continue reading
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LaTiDo
“LaTiDo” is the Spanish word for heart beat. “LaTiDo” is a quartet that specializes in danceable traditional Cuban music styles like “Son,” “Cha-cha-cha,” “Guajira,” “Mambo,” and “Bolero” among others. The Cuban “Son” is a highly contagious energetic music. It has … Continue reading
Posted in Latin
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Americano Social Club
The Americano Social Club plays music for la dolce vita: a mix of romantic and eclectic melodies from all over the world. At their show you might hear The Americano Social Club perform Pop, Jazz, or Folk, Classical, Rock, or … Continue reading
Posted in International Entertainment, Jazz, World Music
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Dueling Pianists
The Piano Madness Show consists of two versatile entertainers playing pianos and singing songs that everyone knows by heart. Their personalities, comical antics, and uncanny dynamic piano playing will charm an audience to embrace Piano Madness as their favorite show … Continue reading
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Harpist Laura Simpson – from Classical to Coldplay
Laura Simpson is one of the foremost harpists in the country and has performed for over 30 years. Educated at Trinity College in London, England, and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Southern … Continue reading
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Larry Dunlap Trio or Quartet
Larry Dunlap is an extraordinary pianist and arranger, a player with taste and sophistication. He has been praised as a “remarkable and versatile accompanist” and “one of the best jazz pianists around — anywhere” in the pages of the San … Continue reading
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Brad Buethe Trio
Jazz guitar great Brad Buethe studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and for many years was on the UCB Young Musicians Program faculty. In the late 1970s, Brad played with the Bill Bell band (backing greats such as Jon … Continue reading
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Kent Strand Trio
The Kent Strand Duo, Trio or Quartet are the first call for corporate and private events in the Bay Area. One of today’s best-kept secrets in piano jazz. A great classic jazz trio” February 2004 Keyboard Magazine review of Kent’s … Continue reading
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Pianist Kent Strand
Pianist Kent Strand is one of the top pianists for corporate and private events throughout the United States. His repertoire includes bluesy, swinging jazz, funky R & B, pop, Latin jazz including Brazilian bossa novas and sambas and Broadway hits. … Continue reading
Posted in Solo Instrumentalists
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Busta-Groove
Tired of the same old boring corporate or private party? Let Busta-Groove put the fun into your next corporate/private event! Busta-Groove will play for any size party. We guarantee that you and your guests will have the time of your … Continue reading
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Corcovado
If you are looking for a unique band that plays a variety of Latin and Caribbean music plus jazz and standards, CORCOVADO is the band for you! Corovado’s high energy and distinctly Latin sound will instantly transport you to Latin … Continue reading
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Patrick Maier & SmackDab
Patrick Maier & SmackDab is a funky, bluesy and swinging band that is guaranteed to get guests dancing. Their song list highlights their huge repertoire spanning everything from blues and jazz to Motown, Funky Soul, Classic Rock and Roll and … Continue reading
Posted in Party Bands, R&B, Rock, Swing
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