Kevin Van Sant - Jazz Guitarist

If you are considering having live jazz music at your event you have found the right group. Jazz music brings elegance, sophistication, and great energy to any kind of event. We are not an all-purpose party band that can play "jazzy". Whether playing solo guitar or performing with one of my ensembles what I and the musicians do is play the real thing. I and the musicians I perform with are full time professional jazz musicians who have performed around the world.

What I offer that is different from the other groups here on gigmasters is I configure the size and instrumentation of my ensemble to fit your musical wishes and your budget. I like to talk with the client to get a clear sense of what you have in mind and then organize my jazz group accordingly. This way we tailor our sound to your specific needs. For example if you have a relatively small number of guests and are concerned about the music being too loud, a drumless trio or duo is a great option. On the other hand if you want the music to really energize your guests and be more "out front" at your event, including a drummer is usually the way to go.

Even the instrumentation can be customized to your wishes. If you love the sound of trombone for example, I can include a wonderful jazz trombonist in the group, or if you would like to have a vocalist, there are several I work with who are excellent singers. The point is I am flexible in order to put together the best possible jazz music to fit your wishes and your budget.

I have played for hundreds of weddings, corporate functions, and other private events. If you are unsure what would work best or would like help making choices, I am happy to share my experience. I can always suggest what I know will be the most suitable configuration for your particular event. One thing you can be sure of is you will be getting the finest jazz music in the area.

I and my groups have performed throughout the US, Europe, and in Russia. Performances in Europe include five times at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Again I will say, this is the real thing, real jazz played for you by the best jazz musicians in the area.

I am available as a solo guitarist, or can also provide jazz duos, trios, and larger ensembles. Please enjoy the audio and video samples on this page.

Some of the popular small group configurations are:

-sax/guitar/acoustic bass trio (this drum-less ensemble is ideal for situations where tasteful jazz music is desired, but not so loud as to be intrusive. Among the fine saxophonists I work with one is also a fine flautist and vocalist which can make this trio even more versatile. The drum-less trio is an elegant and economical choice)

-The Orgaphonics (a classic jazz configuration of organ, guitar and drums, this group provides a big sound at the economical price of a just a trio. Our organist is also a great singer. The Orgaphonics can range from mellow background music to funky uptempo or hard driving swing. A great group to feel like you've brought a New York jazz club to your event.)

The classic quartet (guitar/bass/drums/sax full sounding jazz group able to swing hard or fill a room tastefully in the background.)

My jazz groups are available to play for weddings, private receptions, festivals, large or small in-home parties, or any other event. Live music makes a big difference, whatever the occasion!

Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, 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.

• Kevin Van Sant was wonderful to work with and made great recommendations regarding a jazz trio for our event. The trio was professional and very easy to work with. I recommend them to anyone! -- Jennifer M, Charlotte, NC, 11/7/2011