Rockabilly, Swing, Jazz, Country, Classic Rock Wedding Reception Band Portland Oregon Sidecars

 

Booking for all events, and general information:

Collage Music
attention: Susan Langenes

susan@collagetrio.com | (503) 317-5825
www.collagetrio.com

OR
susie@susieandthesidecars.com

The Sidecars are members of Collage Music's
classical wedding music ensembles, and will be honored
to play for your wedding ceremony!

{ Download our Ceremony Music Song List (PDF) }
Any combination of flute, classical guitar, bass, & vocals!

 

Wedding Reception Band Q & A

Below are some answers to common questions about our band. Keep in mind that every event is different, and unlimited individual consultation is always available.

For a list of venues we play regularly, click here.

Q: Why on earth would we hire you?

A: At least a couple of reasons. One of the most consistent compliments we get is on our voices. When you have people singing a variety of cover songs, you really need to like hearing those voices all night, and we promise you we will give you something you will enjoy hearing. Another reason to hire us: we are just about the most flexible, adaptable, and experienced wedding and event musicians imaginable. We are all veterans of a variety of styles of music: jazz, rock, folk, pop, classical, and all the various sub-genres, and this means we have a ton of material to draw upon to keep your party lively and your guests entertained - whether that means dancing all night, or unobtrusive background music. We have years of experience playing to crowds and we specialize in adapting ourselves to the situation.

Q: Can you play "____________" (insert name of song here)?

A: This is really a twofold answer: The first answer is absolutely! We'll play anything! The second part of the answer is that different songs require different resources (i.e. instruments, voice types, etc.) to come off well. Replicating the songs of other bands is, in a sense, exactly what we specialize in, but we have to do it with the resources we have. We'll never sound exactly like any other band, but we will absolutely give you our own best version, which means we'll sound like ourselves. Generally, the more players we have in our band, the easier it is to cover songs.

That said, here's our policy on learning new songs and special requests: we will learn whatever you want for your first dance songs. Up to three songs. Beyond that, we encourage you to look over or song list and indicate your favorites. We will make every effort to incorporate them! And of course, if there's anything on our list that you dislike, let us know and we'll avoid it. Some brave couples have allowed guests to make requests while we are playing. We are happy to supply our song list at the event if you want to take that chance!

Q: When can we come see you play out around town?

A: You can see any and all of us in any of our other projects, and occassionally if we get crazy we might do a show as a band. But for the most part, we just do private events.
Notable other projects you can see anytime: Trashcan Joe, The Stolen Sweets, Fenbi International Superstars, the Pete Krebs Trio, March Fourth Marching Band, the Nowhere Band, Pepe and the Bottle Blondes and of course the Karaoke from Hell Band.

Q: What about breaks? How many and how often? Will you play recorded music on your breaks?

A: Breaks are usually 10 to 15 minutes, and yes, we can plug in our iPod, your iPod, or a CD player. You can leave the music selection up to us (in which case we'll choose music that's more or less along the lines of what we're playing at your event). You are welcome to supply your own CD's or playlists.

How many breaks and when we take them is also dependent on the flow of your event. An approximate timeline can be followed, and we're ok with playing a longer set or a shorter one now and again, or even staggering our breaks to keep the music continuous. One thing we do ask for is that if we are hired to play for four hours or longer, we will need one break at some point that is long enough for us to eat a meal. Usually at a wedding this happens very smoothly during toast time.

Q: Will you Emcee the event?

A: Of course! Let's just make a point of having a conversation beforehand so we know what you'd like announced, and if you want to specify wording for us, that's fine, or we're happy to be inventive (and always appropriate). Our lead singers are experienced bandleaders and have emcee'd many events. You can also use our mic for your toasts.

Q: How will the band dress?

A: Unless otherwise requested, a semi-formal dress (usually black) for Susie, and dark suits for the guys.

Q: What if we have scheduled you to stop at 9:00 PM but the party's still going? Can you keep playing?

A: We'd love to! Bribery and flattery will get you everywhere in these situations.

More questions? Call Susie at 503-317-5825.