- Location:
- Manhattan, New Jersey
- Travel Radius:
- Will travel up to 3000 miles from Manhattan.
- Pay Range:
-
$500-$5000 per event
- Member Since:
- 2010
- Primary Category:
- Dance Band
- Additional Categories:
- 40s Band, 50s Band, 60s Band, 70s Band, 80s Band, Classic Rock Band, Cover Band, Disco Band, Funk Band, Jazz Band, Motown Band, Pop Band, R&B Band, Rock Band, Swing Band, Top 40 Band, Variety Band, Wedding Band
- Influences:
- REM, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Louis Jordan, Sinatra, Jason Mraz, Outkast, Temptations, Van Morrison, Jackson 5, Ray Charles, James Taylor, Norah Jones, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Alannis Morrisette, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Count Basie, and so many more
Group Members
- Donna Harris - Lead Vocalist, Percussion
- John Bauers - Pianist, Lead Vocals
Description
WARNING! This band is not for the faint of heart. They are seriously entertaining. Not in that “in-your-face” factory way. They just have so much fun playing and you can tell! They have this amazing repertoire, I swear they know every song ever written! …Guess it’s because they’re full time, on-the-New-York-scene-musicians who have shared the stage with Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Conan O’Brien, Paul Shaffer, Bill Murray, Garth Brooks, Enya, Southside Johnny, Tommy Tune, The Lounge Lizards, Gloria Estefan, Jewel, Maynard Ferguson, Vanilla Fudge, The Shangri-Las, Enya, played Broadway shows, Late Night with Dave Letterman, the Rosie O’Donnell show, the Grammy Awards, won Emmys and ASCAP awards, and played all over the world. Maybe it just seems like they know every song because even if they don’t, they know something just like it… Tiny Dancer, I Gotta Feelin’, Respect, Ellington, Beatles, I Feel Good, on and on it goes. Great vocals, so soulful, not just going through the motions. Some folks dig their jazzy vibe, others remember John’s unforgettable Springsteen medleys or that Alison Krauss ballad that Donna learned for that one wedding. Great band, great fun, great guys.
In addition to being a great dance band, Straight Ahead can offer you top notch jazz and standards (solo to quartet) for your cocktail hour/ cocktail party, cabaret jazz duo for parties or nightclubs, classical music for ceremony (solo to 4 pieces), specialty material, music direction and accompaniment for Broadway revues, any music for any occasion...
SAMPLE THANK YOU NOTES:
“We feel as if we’re still dancing! The music was absolutely spectacular! Everyone, from ages 16 to 85 has applauded your performance. Among the exclamations we have heard: ‘It was the music!’ ‘The music was fabulous!’ ‘The music was exceptional!’ What we heard the most: ‘Donna Harris is the best!’ Dance music can make or break an event, such as Carolyn and Scottie’s wedding. Well they made it! I can still hear her singing full range… the incredibly dynamic ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’ It kept everyone dancing the whole time!’ We thank them so very much.” -Bill T. Short Hills, NJ
“You guys are fantastic! Thank you for playing and making it such a fun party! The music flowed so well and you are all such wonderful musicians. Everyone enjoyed the music (and we are thilled that a lot of people danced!!!) We hope to hear you again!!! - Suzanne and Jonathan. Princeton, NJ
“I have NEVER seen so many people dancing so much at a wedding!! And so many people have told us how much they like the band. So thanks to making our wedding a success – we really appreciate all that you and rest of the band did. Thanks again! We really loved working with you.” -Beth and Mac, NYC
“My heartfelt thanks for the incredibly terrific performance you gave this past Saturday night at my daughter’s Elizabeth’s wedding at Adath Israel Congregation. The music during the ceremony was just perfect. So many people complimented me on how lovely it was. The party was just awesome!! You played music ‘for every generation’ one of my aunts said. My husband Jeff and I had the best time and I think all our guests did too. I have heard so many comments about how great the band was - We will be looking forward to hearing your music again at (our friends’) wedding.” – Judy G., Princeton, NJ
“We can’t thank you enough for the wonderful job you did at our wedding… your band and your personality added to the joy of our day. Many thanks!” –Terry and Rick, NJ
“Your and the band did a GREAT job for us on April 6! …We’re finally settled into our new city, San Diego – and have the most wonderful memories of ‘Crazy Love.’” – Deborah and Bob, CA.
“Thank you for the great job you did performing. You had just the right mix of music and everyone had a great time…Donna, we especially want to thank you for helping us to stay calm during what can easily be a stressful time. We definitely recommend you to anybody looking for a great band. Best wishes, Lisa and Will W., NYC
“Dear John, What can we say? The most wonderful evening of our life! You and the band did a fabulous job setting the tone for the evening… The evening just flew by. We didn’t want it to end. And, judging by the proofs of the photographs we’ve just received, neither did our guests. They were really boogying up a storm! Thanks to the lively music and great atmosphere provided by their group. I will be sure to recommend you highly to those who are planning a wedding or party in the future. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you again.” –Martina, Hoboken, NJ
“People are still talking about the dedications!! And how much they all danced!!” -M., Mamaroneck, NY
Song List
Available For:
Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.
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