Average Bar Band

• Jimmy Greenwood - Bass and vocals
• Ernie Fortunato - Guitar and vocals
• Tyler Land - Drums and vocals
• Oscar Bautista - Guitar
• Jerome Morris - Percussion, keys, vocals

Average Bar Band is a soulful and grooving rock cover band with a little R&B mixed in. We play contemporary and classic songs. Please watch the video to the right to get a feel for what we do. We have two more videos on our website.


Our members have played with Gloria Estefan, Norah Jones, Lauryn Hill, The Teenagers ("Why Do Fools Fall In Love"), and The Chiffons ("He's So Fine"), among many others. One member has an upcoming showcase for Clive Davis that was set up by Gavin DeGraw.

We love to play and sing, and audiences respond very positively to our love of music. We are available for parties, weddings and any other events.

We're happy to learn new tunes that you pick for us!

We also sound great as a three piece band, and we can play the same repertoire with acoustic guitars and hand percussion instead of drum kit. This is for a lower volume and to create a more intimate ambience.

We also can provide solo jazz guitar, duo, or trio, or quartet to play bossa novas and jazz standards.

The clients who wrote the testimonials below have all given permission to be contacted for verification.

For serious inquiries, a free showcase can be arranged in Manhattan so you can meet us, and see and hear us play live.

Thank you for your interest in booking us. You will be happy with the process and the results. We look forward to talking to you, and playing for you!

**********************

Kind and funny words about Average Bar Band:

From: Linda Sarfati
Subject: Thanks again for a great job!
Date: August 17, 2010 8:38:26 AM EDT
To: Jimmy Greenwood

I hired the average bar band for a backyard party for my husband's 50th birthday party.  I spoke to Jimmy several times and we corresponded back and forth via email in order to work on the playlist for my party.  He was very nice and accomodative.  He even offered to learn new songs that I like and add them to the playlist.  The 4 band members showed up early for my party in order to set up...They SOUNDED AMAZING!  It was like having a concert in my backyard.  All my guests asked me how I found these guys, because they were shocked at how good they sounded.  As a musician myself, I am very critical, and I have to say, every song they played sounded awesome.  Jimmy must set the bar way up high as far as standards go...and it really pays off..
My neighbors all asked me about the band and told me how awesome they sounded.  I have a stack of business cards and I handed a lot out that night and the next day.  The guys were soo cool, and even let me jam out with them on guitar to a couple of songs. 
 
I told Jimmy he has to change his name to ABOVE Average Bar Band...I can't wait to have another party so I can use these guys..

Thanks Average Bar Band for a great time!!
Linda (Bellmore, NY August 17,2010)


From: [ Patricia Grimason, email deleted, available on request]
Subject: Re: testimonial/recomendation
Date: June 18, 2010 2:58:45 PM EDT

Jimmy,
I am willing to be a contactable reference.
Here is my recommendation:

 "I highly recommend the Average Bar Band. They were very professional and accommodating from the planning of the party through their performance. They learned four new songs for our event, which was very meaningful to me and my guests. I loved their music and all the guests commented on how great they were, so they were a very memorable part of the evening. Even our caterer will be recommending them."
 
Thanks for making my birthday so much fun!
Trish

From Dave Parnes, who sat in with us on drums at his birthday party:

On May 24, 2010, at 11:13 AM, Dave wrote:

"Hey Jimmy,

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Thanks for putting on a great show and putting together the band last minute. It really could not have gone smoother. I've only heard positive feedback from all my friends. I'm glad all of you enjoyed yourselves because I know I certainly did. I'll have no problem writing something up for you. I'll be sure to recommend you to any friends if they are ever in the need of a band.

Thanks for the compliment. A drummer is nothing without his band, so I appreciate you being patient with my rusty chops.

I only wish you the best of luck in the future. Talk to you soon.

Dave"

On Jun 2, 2010, at 10:30 AM, Dave wrote:

"Hey,

I threw a testimonial together. Thanks again for doing all that work to make it happen, I know you were the sole reason those guys were willing to come perform.

Hey Jimmy! Thanks for putting on such a great show at the party last night! I was amazed that with only three days notice, you were able to pull together the trio! Many thanks to Michael Louis and RJ Rabin for subbing in last minute… Everybody loved the vibe, making the live music a perfect addition to the celebration!

-David Parnes

I'm definitely willing to be contactable but prefer it be by email [Email address deleted. Available by request] Thanks for the support on the drumming; I really do need to get it back in my life. Playing live music is just too much fun to let it go… Do you happen to know any real good drum teachers in the city? I feel like I need some direction and motivation to start up practicing regularly again.

If you're ever doing a public gig in the city, let me know. My friends are always in to relax and enjoy good live music.

Thanks,

Dave"

On May 3, 2010, at 12:05 PM, Lisa Hummel wrote:

"Hi Jimmy,

Sorry it took me so long to finally put pen to paper (so to speak) and write a review of my experience with the Average Bar Band. So here goes:

'From my initial contact to clean up after the party, my entire experience with the Average Bar Band was positive. All of my communication was with Jimmy who was polite, professional, courteous and accommodating. The band did a wonderful job with all the music including the several special request songs that they learned for my husband's 60th birthday party. They kept the party going and everyone loved them! They sounded great! They even let my brother, who is a guitar player, sit in on a couple of songs. That was a real treat for the family. The party was a complete success and Average Bar Band gets a lot of the credit. I would definitely hire them again and I highly recommend them.'

Hope this is satisfactory. You guys really did a great job. You were worth every penny!
Sincerely,
Lisa Hummel

PS - I gave your info to a friend of mine, did they contact you for a job?"

On Apr 19, 2010, at 8:52 AM, Karly Iacono wrote:

"Hi Jimmy, Thanks again for playing at my party last weekend – we had a blast! Please find a short testimonial below. Feel free to use my name/number as a referral. Karly Iacono" [ Contact information deleted, available upon request.]

"My husband hired the "Average Bar Band" for my surprise 30th birthday party and they absolutely made the party! They played a wide range of fun upbeat music that got the whole crowd moving. We hated to see them leave at the end of the their time. In fact, I have spent the last week trying to think of other reasons to have a party to have the band back – they were that good. You will not find a more professional, group of non-cheesy entertainers for the price. I would recommend this group to all of my family and friends! All the best, Karly"

Later that day Karly emailed:

"Hi Jimmy, No problem – I am happy to help however I can. Just don't forget us little people when you guys make it big :) All the best, Karly"

From Mike Walker, wedding client 3/27/10: "Jimmy, Thanks again for everything. You guys are the best. We'll be at the next NYC show and I'm happy to be a reference anytime. Thanks, Mike"

When Mike sent us the check for overtime and tip he added this note:

"Jimmy, Thanks again. The guests are still talking about you guys! Mike"

On Apr 20, 2010, at 10:41 AM, Mike Walker wrote:

"Testimonial:

My wife and I were looking for a real rock 'n' roll band to play our wedding. We love that Beatles, Motown and Stone feel, and wanted a band that would bring energy to our reception and get people on the dance floor. The Average Bar Band delivered all that and more. The music was fast and fun, and our wedding guests were still raving about them weeks later."

I'll be happy to answer questions for your potential clients. Just let me know.

Mike"

Uncensored and un-spellchecked from Orla O'Connor, engagement party 1/23/10:

"Jimmy was extrememly professional -- checking out the space and
meeting with us several times prior to the event to determine song
lists, layout, and timing for the evening. The band played well and
looked great. Everyone loved the music -- was definitely much cooler
than the standard wedding band playing hits from the 40's that no one
really wants to hear. Jimmy was prompt, prepared, and made us feel
comfortable with all aspects of the performance/event. For the sake
of balance I'll mention the negatives -- it took a little longer than
we would have liked to get the background music set up while the band
took its break, and at some point in the night Jimmy was asking our
guests which Pink Floyd songs they wanted to hear (but we chalked that
up to getting into the spirit of the crowd and very quickly got back
on course, Pink Floyd not being my own personal favorite :)).
I'd be more than happy to speak to any prospective clients. As you
know we were 100+% satisfied!"

Orla emailed later that day: "Actually think it was Led Zeppelin, now that I think about it. But wasn't a big deal. And seriously, any way we can help w/references we're happy to."

Dave Moser, wedding client, 8/21/09, said "You guys are a great band! "
He emailed this: "An amazing wedding experience! We could not be happier with Average
Bar Band, from the personal attention they showed while planning up
through a brilliant performance on the big day. Young and old, the
crowd LOVED them, and didn't want the music to stop. They even let the
groom and guests perform with them! True professionals from start to
finish - we can't recommend them highly enough.
Feel free to share our contact info with
prospective clients..
-Dave and Samantha Moser"

Renowned bassist, composer and winner of Downbeat critic's and reader's polls, Steve Swallow, said "The band sounds great! Very musical, full of life."

Gold record recording artist with Janet Jackson, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle, bass player Mark Haynes said, "I love the tracks you sent me. I did not know that you could
sing so well!"

Zoe Sansted, daughter of a friend, pre-med at Columbia University said, " You guys are good! How did you get such good people to play with?"

• Don't Stop Believing - Journey
• Living On A Prayer - Bon Jovi
• Just Like Heaven - The Cure
• Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen
• Rosalita - Bruce Springsteen
• Only The Good Die Young - Billy Joel
• Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - Billy Joel
• Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
• Wild Horses - The Rolling Stones
• Yellow - Coldplay 
• Memphis - Chuck Berry
• The Ocean - Led Zeppelin
• Gravity - John Mayer
• Little Sister - Elvis Presley
• Boys Are Back In Town - Thin Lizzy
• I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
• Vertigo - U2 
• I Just Want To Celebrate - Rare Earth 
• I Wish - Stevie Wonder
• Things We Said Today - The Beatles
• Hotel California - The Eagles
• Rock 'n Roll Hoochie Coo - Rick Derringer
• Let's Dance - David Bowie
• Good Times Bad Times - Led Zeppelin
• Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
• Day Tripper - The Beatles 
• Ants Marching - Dave Matthews
• You Wreck Me - Tom Petty 
• All My Loving - The Beatles
• Please Please Me - The Beatles
• No Diggity - Blackstreet
• Yer So Bad - Tom Petty
• You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones
• All Star - Smashmouth
• Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
• I Can't Get No Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones 
• Heaven - Los Lonely Boys
• Miss You - The Rolling Stones 
• Walk on the Ocean - Toad The Wet Sprocket
• Let It Be Me - Everly Brothers
• Down on the Corner - Creedence Clearwater Revival 
• Come And Get Your Love - Redbone 
• Wildflowers - Tom Petty 
• Doctor My Eyes - Jackson Browne
• What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
• Use Me - Bill Withers
• In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett 
• Goodnight Elizabeth - Counting Crows
• Brick In The Wall - Pink Floyd
• Cheap Sunglasses - ZZ Top
• Cocaine - Eric Clapton  
• Slide - Goo Goo Dolls 
• Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
• Pick Up The Pieces - Average White Band
• White Wedding - Billy Idol
• Rock The Casbah - The Clash
• Just What I Needed - The Cars
• Brick House - The Commodores
• Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley and the Comets
• Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting - Elton John
• Lowrider - War
• A Long December - Counting Crows
• Pink Cadillac - Bruce Springsteen
• That's Alright Mama - Elvis Presley
• Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
• Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
• Melissa - Allman Brothers
• Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon
• All Shook Up - Elvis Presley
• Runaround Sue - Dion and The Belmonts
• American Girl - Tom Petty
• Blister In The Sun - Violent Femmes
• Sea Of Love - The Honeydrippers
• Solar Sex Panel - Little Village
• Viva La Vida - Coldplay
• One - U2
• 100 Years - Five For Fighting
• Birthday - The Beatles
• Where Are You Going - Dave Matthews
• What I Like About You - The Romantics
• Hard To Handle - Black Crowes
• Brian Wilson - Barenaked Ladies
• Hello City - Barenaked Ladies
• If I had A Million Dollars - Barenaked Ladies
• Tequila - The Champs
• Roadhouse Blues - The Doors
• So Right - Dave Matthews
• Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell
• I Should Have Known It - Tom Petty
• If I Fell - Beatles
• You Don't Know How It Feels - Tom Petty
• Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
• You Get What You Give - New Radicals
• Interstate Love Song - Stone Temple Pilots
• Wheels - Foo Fighters
• Done Gone Blue - Los Lobos
• Why I Am - Dave Matthews
• Life Is A Highway - Rascal Flatts
• Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
• Snow (Hey Oh) - Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Give It Away - Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Boulevard Of Broken Dreams - Green Day
• Never Let You Go - Third Eye Blind
• Tempted - Squeeze
• Bad Boy - Beatles

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, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• We knew we wanted a live band for our daytime waterside wedding, and as soon as we heard Average Bar Band's demo, we knew they were perfect. They played everything from Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin to Coldplay and Dave Matthews. They even let the best man join in with his guitar on the U2 first dance song. They have such an amazing range of songs, and all the members sing, adding to the diversity of the sound. All our guests raved about their performance, and the staff from Saybrook Point complimented us on how easy and fun they were to work with. We can't thank them enough, as they were such a key part of making everyone happy on our wonderful wedding day! -- Joelle S, Old Saybrook, CT, 7/17/2010
• The "Average Bar Band" wasn't average at all. They were well above average!!!!! They came to my party, and played Classic Rock, Blues, and Oldie but Goodies with heart and soul. The way it was meant to be played. They showed up on time, were very professional, and were a whole lot of fun. They had the 50 plus people up on the feet the entire Gig!!!! They even let me sing a song with the band. To me, that was the most exciting part. hahaha I recommend them to anyone who enjoys the magic of Rock!!! Bobby D* of NYC -- Robert D, Remsenburg, NY, 7/31/2010
• Everyone loved this band, great sound and easy to work with. -- Edith S, Bronx, NY, 10/21/2010
• We first saw Average Bar Band at a NYC performance about a year before the wedding. By the time the wedding took place, they sounded even better. They learned a song for our parent dance and worked with our guests when they wanted to surprise us with an impromptu guest. We received great feedback from our guests of all ages. -- Michael B, Hope, NJ, 9/24/2011

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