Matt Stedman Band

• Matt Stedman - Violin/Harmonica/Vocals
• Kenny Smith - Percussion/Vocals
• Brian Burke - Bass/Guitar/Vocals
• Thom Maslan - Piano/Keyboards/Vocals
• Ernie Hendrickson - Guitar/Bass/Vocals

The Matt Stedman Band is a REAL BAND, performing AUTHENTIC music. We are based out of Chicago, IL, & perform nationally & internationally for weddings, festivals, corporate events, universities, private parties, & live music venues. Providing a variety of appropriate music at concert quality is our specialty. Whether we are keeping dance floors filled, adding the right amount of ambiance to a laid back atmosphere, or performing a concert for discerning listeners, we add the elements of style, versatility, & fun!

We specialize in weddings, & are so much more than a typical "Wedding Band"! We are the BEST, have won awards, & have HUNDREDS of stellar client testimonials. We guarantee a FULL DANCE FLOOR & can take care of your ceremony, cocktails, dinner & emceeing! Our brides = happy brides.

~Featured in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine which is by invitation only.

~Featured in the Style Me Pretty Blog which is by invitation only.

~2012, 2011, & 2010 Best of Weddings Award via TheKnot chosen by real brides.

~2012 & 2011 Bride's Choice Award via WeddingWire chosen by real brides.

We encourage you to contact us ASAP!

• Our song list is available upon request, so please contact us!

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.

• Matt and his band played a big part in making our wedding day as special for us as it was for guests. From intimate acoustic sets for our ceremony, to the full five piece band playing songs WELL to a full dance floor. Their set list is extensive and covers many styles. At a wedding where many guests and vendors took time to tell my new wife and I this was the best wedding they had ever been to says a lot!!! ~ The band played a major part in that ~ -- Kathleen N, South Bend, IN, 10/15/2011
• My husband and I danced along with our guests 90% of the night. We have been getting phone calls from our guests saying how much fun it was to dance at our wedding. They are a solid band and have a great range of music that they play. They are friendly and very organized and it's very apparent they have done this quite a few times. We will recommend The Matt Stedman Band to anyone in need of a band. -- Ali L, Milwaukee, WI, 8/14/2011
• The Matt Stedman Band made our day extra special!! Everyone at the wedding enjoyed them. They are exteremly professional and great to work with. After the wedding reception I had a lot of guests ask how I found such a great band and where were they from. The Matt Stedman Band is worth every penny!! -- Emily S, Galena, IL, 7/16/2011
• Matt Stedman band was outstanding on our wedding day. He is very professional and organized. I completely put my trust in him and his band for taking care of all the logistics of music on our wedding day, and they came through completely! Our guests all loved the music and energy. We had just as many compliments on the band as we did the wedding itself. Thanks!! -- Paul M, Hillsdale, WI, 6/26/2011
• The Matt Stedman band was absolutely amazing! Working with Matt was an enjoyable experience. He went above and beyond our expectations to make sure our wedding night was memorable. The music they played was catered to our tastes and enjoyed by all of the guests. I would recommend this band for anyone looking to have a fabulous fun night of dancing, great tunes, and an all around great party. Thanks so much to Matt and the guys for making our wedding night perfect. -- Johanna V, Westmont, IL, 6/11/2011
• Matt is very meticulous in the way he helps plan and organize the performance and logistics of the weddings he participates in. We had so many compliments on the music, my only complaint is that I wish I could have devoted my whole attention to their performance! They offer a variety of styles and have a unique sound yet maintain the integrity of the pieces they perform. Having the Matt Stedman Band perform for us was the highlight of our wedding :) -- Megan M, Union Pier, MI, 6/4/2011
• Great music an energ. I willl definetly hire them again -- Frank F, South Barrington, IL, 5/26/2011
• Awesome Band. Very talented and diverse in their music selections. Highly profesional and talented. I could not have picked a better band. -- John W, Carol Stream, IL, 3/10/2011
• We had the priviledge of working with the Matt Stedman Band. From the beginning of our communication and to the end of the event, the entire group was very professional and easy to work with. We will definitely keep them in mind for any future needs and would highly recommend them to anyone. Good Job Matt Stedman Band!! -- Melanie D, Tama, IA, 2/22/2011
• The Matt Stedman Band Blew us away! They came in and just knew what to do, they read the crowd to give them what they wanted. Our wedding dance floor was packed all night long. Upon arriving at the reception hall my dad greeted us at the door and his first comment was, "you got to hear this band". The Band was very professional, and so much fun. If I had to recommend a Band to do your wedding, or big event don't hesitate to book this Band! We owe a big THANK YOU to Matt and the whole band you guys rocked, and made our reception and absolute blast! -Paul and Kat October 9th, 2010 -- Kat H, Decatur, IL, 10/9/2010
• We booked the Matt Stedman Band for our wedding (both ceremony and reception) and they were fantastic! We were looking for something unique and they definitely exceeded our expectations both with their outstanding musicianship and great selection of songs. We received multiple compliments from our friends and family. They traveled quite a distance to play for us and were very accommodating and professional, which we also really appreciated :) Next time we are in Chicago, we are definitely headed to one of their shows!!! -- Jennifer R, Cottage Grove, MN, 9/24/2010
• Couldn't have hoped for anything better. Great communication leading up to the party, arrived on time, very polite and professional, started on time played the entire 2 1/2 hours with one small break. Extremely talented. Don't need to go to Blues Fest or a Blues Bar, this was better. Have already begun planning a repeat next year. Would recommend them to anyone who likes the Blues. -- Justin S, Oswego, IL, 8/28/2010
• Matt and his band were outstanding--amazing musical abilities, great sound, and overall high energy. Matt's artistry on the violin was as much fun to watch as it was to dance to...highly recommended for an audience that knows good music and expects to see great talent -- NOT another cover band. -- Ann T, Mundelein, IL, 5/22/2010
• Our overall experience was GREAT!! These guys were friendly, professional, and extremely talented! Our anniversary party was over a week ago and people who attended are still asking about who the band was and where we found them. Thanks guys GREAT JOB!! -- Kevin K, Davenport, IA, 10/24/2009
• Matt and the band were awesome, so professional, flexible, and easy to work with. They were the nicest guys and everyone at our party LOVED them. Will definitely hire again! -- Tiffany T, South Barrington, IL, 9/28/2009
• We hired the Matt Stedman Band and were very happy with the band’s professionalism and energy that they brought to both the wedding ceremony and the reception. In preparing for the event, Matt Stedman worked with us to find the music that we believed fit the style of the wedding ceremony and reception that we wanted to create for the event. He also worked with us to organize the timing of the majority of the little events throughout the day. The Matt Stedman Band plays a lot of different types of music, and excels at it all. They play very well together and have great vocals. The Matt Stedman Band comes highly recommended from us and all of our guests! -- Brea L, Bayfield, WI, 9/12/2009
• Just an all-around great group! Was enjoyed thoroughly by all! Bob Struyk Talent Buyers Network Las Vegas, NV 89101 (616) 240-1700 -- Robert S, Battle Creek, MI, 8/1/2009
• I had an amazing time. The Matt Stedman Band was the perfect to touch to my wedding making it the perfect end to a perfect day. I would highly recommend them to anyone for any event. Matt was very helpful in the planning of my wedding reception with having done this before. His advise helped me greatly in scheduling the evening. He made sure that everything on his end was ready and perfect so I did not have to worry about anything. It was in his hands and I trusted him with it. They did a great job and I would gladly use them again a different event. -- Alyss M, Hobart, IN, 7/31/2009
• I was not familiar with Gigmasters until someone recommended them to me and I have been so pleased with them and the performers that have been contacting me for my upcoming events. We were very pleased with Matt Stedman and unfortunately because of the weather we had to change the location and they were very accommodating. Everyone loved them and we will surely use them again. -- Karen S, Long Grove, IL, 7/17/2009
• We hired Matt Stedman and his band for an anniversary event and was so pleased by their performance. What a diverse range of music they play...they are so very talented and enjoyable to listen to. We would use them again and recommend them as well. Matt was a delight to work with! We received so many compliments on the band by those that attended the event. We wish them much success. -- Sara M, Rockford, IL, 6/28/2009
• The Matt Stedman band was not only the best wedding band ever, but also helped put my mind and worries at ease with his organizational skills. Matt acted as an "emcee" and helped with the timeline of the day and was willing to work with the other vendors to make sure the day ran smoothly. Everyone LOVED dancing to the sweet sounds of the super talented band, and I would recommend them over and over again to my friends and family. The dance floor was packed all night long and everyone kept telling me what an awesome band they were. Thanks for a memorable event. -- Kelly J, Saint Joseph, MI, 6/13/2009
• Matt Stedman is one of the most professional bands we have had. His talent and energy is incredable. What a great find! -- Amy H, Wheeling, IL, 5/8/2009
• We we're extremely happy with Matt Stedman Band - We really felt that they made our event great - they gaged who they were playing to and what the event needed to feel like and the music could not have been more perfect - All of our guests, a very diverse crowd, loved them...we'd call them again in a heartbeat - Thanks again to the band!! -- Vicki P, Schaumburg, IL, 4/26/2009
• The Matt Stedman Band was awesome! I was in charge of planning a Silent and Live Auction for about 300 people. The Matt Stedman Band accomodated my every request from utilizing their microphone to taking breaks either ahead of schedule or a little behind schedule. I received at least 20 compliments on the band and would love to have them at another event in the future. -- Kerri C, Rosemont, IL, 4/25/2009
• What a pleasure this band was and how wonderful that they were versitle in their music for our Senior Group. We would love to have them back. Darlene Schnidt -- Darlene S, Addison, IL, 3/16/2009
• Wonderful band! We could not have asked for a better group to perform at our Mardi Gras Celebration. -- Kristin K, Chicago, IL, 3/4/2009
• We cant say enough about Matt & the Matt Stedman band. From the 1st time we heard them play in Chicago, we knew we had found a jewel-and were not disappointed. We were looking for a REAL band, not wedding singers. They have an amazing amount of talent, & we were fortunate enough to have them play at our wedding. They learned songs that were special to us-talked to us on the phone on numerous occasions to get a feel for what we were looking for at our wedding-& he and the guys were right on. They played the ceremony beautifully, & totally rocked the reception-EVERYONE was dancing!! THANK YOU MATT AND FRIENDS! YOU WERE AWESOME!! cant wait to come see you play again! -- Christa A, Kohler, WI, 9/20/2008
• Matt Stedman Band was fantastic - everything I hoped for and more! We received so many compliments on the music at both our wedding ceremony and reception. Our guests were impressed by how versatile Matt & and band were. Matt played the violin so beatifully at our ceremony and then hit the harmonica for blues later that evening - truly a gifted musician. If you are looking for a band with talent, genuine personality and professionlism...then this is it. Thank you for being such a big part of our day! -- Lori K, Monticello, IL, 8/30/2008
• Everyone at the event enjoyed the performance. They are a great group. -- Susan D, Gurnee, IL, 8/23/2008
• This guy knows what he's doing. Bow to the master - Matt Stedman. Everyone kept asking us where we found this band. They're amazing and Matt functions as not only a band director, but also a half-wedding planner. We hadn't thought through the details of our actual evening at all (in terms of when we'd cut the cake, when we'd do toasts, dance the first dance, etc.) but Matt walked us through it. Thanks so much! -- Rebecca R, Minneapolis, MN, 7/6/2008
• Each time we saw the band before out event, they were impressive. Matt and the band took time to speak with us about how our wedding planning was going and if we needed anything from them. Matt was always available to answer questions and was VERY organized with his questions for us. He had pre-made lists for songs and went over every detail. The wedding was amazing! They were fantastic! All our guests wanted to know who the band was and where we found them. There were even a couple people who wanted to book them soon. Long story short, if you want a fun band that plays great music, really reads a crowd, and is super accomomodating, these are your guys! -- Ashley A, Brooklyn, WI, 7/5/2008
• Matt and the group were excellent, just the perfect touch to a perfect wedding. Matt was very professional all the way from the start and always welcomed our questions and concerns. The group was able to accomadate all the music styles that we requested and played wonderful. Thanks for such a great time! Ryan & Amy -- Ryan G, Bradley, IL, 6/7/2008
• Matt was VERY flexible and helpful. Their music was outstanding and I received incredible feedback from the attendees. -- Shanonn F, Chicago, IL, 3/1/2008
• We had the Matt Stedman Band play at our Mardi Gras Event for the Boys and Girls Club of Janesville. They were fun and just awesome!! From the start, it was easy to communicate our needs to Matt and he more than fulfilled them. I would highly recommend the Matt Stedman Band for any event, wedding or party. -- Tricia L, Janesville, WI, 2/23/2008
• The group was absolutely wonderful! They did an amazing job and the people at the party really enjoyed the music. -- Kristin K, Chicago, IL, 2/23/2008
• He played our wedding and it was fantastic. On the dance floor, people would dance up and ask "where did you find these guys?!?!" And just when people would start to sit down and take a breather, they'd hit a song that would bring them all back. We wanted our wedding to be full of dancing, and we got it! -- Rob A, Beloit, WI, 12/28/2007
• Thsi band was incredible - very talented and played a wide variety of music very well. Many guests commented on how great they were and how they reallly made the event special. Thank you so much! -- Carolyn J, St Charles, IL, 10/20/2007
• Very enjoyable. All of the guests really enjoyed the live music. They learned our first dance song, and we had a great time. They could have played a few more of our requested songs during their breaks (pre-recorded music), but the choices they picked were very suitable. I would recommend them to anyone. -- Nicholas S, Orland Park, IL, 9/8/2007
• Matt Stedman from the start was a professional and personable individual to work with. We actually booked him from Gigmasters without ever seeing a performance. We did eventually see him before our wedding, but it was the performance at the ceremony and wedding that blew us and our guests away! The ceremony music was beautiful and the reception music was appropriate, unique and extremely well performed. One wedding guest is already talking about booking the band for her Christmas party, while another wants to know if they have a CD he can buy. Tons of compliments all around! Thanks Matt Stedman and the Band for creating the PERFECT tone for our wedding! -- Melanie D, Chicago, IL, 10/13/2007
• The Matt Stedman Band played at our wedding and it was truly a wedding to remember. They played great music that got everyone on the dance floor. From the classical ceremony music to the blues for dinner and the rock/blues for the reception, their diverse music selections were well suited for our guiests. Matt was very friendly and easy to communicate with which helped make planning the wedding less stressful. Even three months after the wedding we are still hearing from guests about the great music that made such a memorable wedding night! -- Jessica K, Chicago, IL, 8/25/2007
• The Matt Stedman Band was great at our wedding reception. They were very accomadating, playing requests and even providing accompanyment to a bride/groom performance. The band's wide selection/style range, performance talent and ability to 'read the crowd' kept the dance floor full of enthusiastic participants all night. Several attendees commented on how much they enjoyed the band, and some requested information on how to book them for their own events. We highly recommend this group. -- Kim M, Benton Harbor, MI, 8/3/2007
• Matt Stedman Band was so much fun to have at our wedding! They were full of energy and kept us moving and singing and dancing all night. They have great talent and are able to play so many genres of music. Matt was a pleasure to work with, and was consistently kind, generous, and professional throughout the planning process and our event. We thank them for making our wedding an incredible success. -- Nicholas D, Lake Geneva, WI, 6/30/2007
• Matt and his band were absolutely perfect for our outdoor, casual event. The music was perfect, the guys were really friendly. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who likes live music. Next time we have an event, we're calling Matt first! -- Anna G, Monee, IL, 6/16/2007
• If ever there was an original band with a great attitude and talent to no end, it's matt's band. They made our convention booth into the coolest spot in the whole place. The passion and pleasure that they exude when playing is sure to get them opportunities to play with some the brightest rising stars and maybe some old heavies too. Dave Matthews, Coldplay, Rocco Delucca, this is your opening act. ---Ray Chang, Gemart PR -- Ray C, Chicago, IL, 4/17/2007
• The Matt Stedman Quartet played at my wedding and they are very talented. They played the songs and types of music I asked for and were very accommodating. They were on time and very professional. I highly recommend them! -- Jenny D, Des Moines, IA, 3/24/2007
• We hired the band for our presidential inauguration and I can't tell you how wonderful it was! Everyone, including the new president and first lady were thrilled with the band and the energy they had. They were very talented and I would hire themn again in a minute. A big thank you to gigmasters and the Matt Stedman Band for making our event great! -- Amy W, Crawfordsville, IN, 1/27/2007
• The band was fantastic. They played for our corporate "Mardi Gras" themed party and were just perfect. Great dinner music to start the evening, and then opened it up after dinner for dancing. Highly recommended! -- Rob D, Minneapolis, MN, 1/26/2007
• Matt was extremely easy to work with!!! I have booked much talent in my past and found this experience to be one of the best in the overall ease of booking and working with a band! I really do not have any criticism... inasking my managers that were there for the whole event they siad their only critique was that the band could have started playing more dancible music earlier. But they loved the music that they played, as did our guests! -- Rick D, Madison, WI, 12/31/2006
• Truthfully, I was somewhat nervous on what to expect when hiring a performer I had never heard in person and, though, I listened to a few of their songs on the website, I was still "concerned" what to expect for the full evening. From the second these musicians came to my door, I felt a huge relief!!! They were dressed "GQ"-like and had great personalities. The song list was exactly what I wanted and Matt Stedman met every expectation plus so much more. I knew this band was something special when I had several of my musician friends ask "where did you find these guys" "their awesome"!!! To Matt and the other members who performed: I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful party - personally, I feel the most important part of throwing a successful evening is the music and I really hit it on the head hiring you. I hope you enjoyed our party! -- Pamela M, Menomonee Falls, WI, 12/9/2006
• It was a pleasure working with Matt. He was nothing but professional from the start. The Matt Steadman Band played a great variety of music, from a Louie Armstrong instrumental to an Irish jig to the Violent Femmes! This extremely danceable music kept the wedding party on their feet all night long!! A++!!! -- Sheila C, Chicago, IL, 11/25/2006
• Hi Gigmasters, I cannot tell you how happy I was with Matt Stedman Band. Setting up the contract was easy, and Matt listened to my plans, and worked with me to make sure everyting was what I wanted. They were early for set up which was very important because I was having a surprise birthday party for my wife. Most importantly they sounded great and played great music. My wife and I still cannot believe we had such an awsome professional band right in our family room. I think the web site is great as well. Thanks again, and now I just need to figure out where I can go see the band play. Brian Larson Downers Grove, IL -- Brian L, Downers Grove, IL, 10/14/2006
• On a scale of 1-5, the Matt Stedman band is a 10! This talented group of muscians has an eclectic repertoire that can entertain any audience. From classical to zydeco, there wasn't any genre that they did not seem able to play. Matt's electric violin added to the unique sound of the band. As a corporate event planner with limited time, I also appreciated the professional business manner in which Matt handled our event. Thanks Matt & the band for a great performance. -- Judy T, Chicago, IL, 10/5/2006
• Matt Stedman Band came out and played for our corporate event, and they were fantastic! We had a theme of "Mardi Gras" and they definitely played the right music. The crowd loved them! We'd definitely consider this band for future events, and encourage people to consider them as well! -- Shar E, Waukegan, IL, 9/15/2006
• The Matt Stedman band played exactly what I was looking for and fit the theme of the event. Many people came up to me and asked me how I heard of the band, where I found them, etc...because they were so impressed! They were fun and extrememly professional. I plan to use them again for future events. -- Becky L, Crown Point, IN, 7/27/2006
• I would definetly work with The Matt Stedman Band again. They were very professional, easy to work with, and accomodating to what I had requested. Thank you so much for making our company picnic one to remember! Jennifer Porter -- Jennifer P, Long Grove, IL, 7/15/2006
• Matt Stedman and his band were awesome. They are excellent musicians, very professional, good mannered. Everyone had a lot of fun. People that never danced before were on the dancing. We had an unforgettable night. The party was a real success and Matt and his musicians were the main raison for. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone who is looking for a great party. Thank you Matt!!! -- Violeta A, Des Plaines, IL, 6/25/2006
• We asked for dance-able music and they played a great mix for us; everyone was very impressed with their talent & kept asking me where I got the band. -- Katherine L, Deer Grove, IL, 6/17/2006
• The Matt Stedman duo truly made our event an overwhelming success. (People are still talking about how great the music was.) Their talent is superb, presentation is very professional, and repertoire is amazingly diverse--even with just two performers. I can't say enough good things about what a positive impact his music made at our grand opening event. It was a beautiful day at our farmers' market, and he maintained a steady crowd at the adjacent stage throughout the performance, while providing just the right ambience for our neighboring market. He was prompt, pleasant, and exactly what I had hoped for. Can't wait to have another opportunity to book his entire band! Thanks, Matt--and Thanks, gigmasters.com for making finding this needle in a haystack such a breeze. Sincerely, Lynne Kincaid Frankfort Country Market Steering Committee -- Lynne K, Frankfort, IL, 6/4/2006
• Everyone was AMAZED by them. I've had several people ask for their information so they can hire them for their next event! -- Meghan O, Clarendon Hills, IL, 5/12/2006
• they were great and every one enjoyed them. thx, d -- D. S, Palatine, IL, 12/5/2005
• Matt and his band were absolutely fantastic!! I cannot stress enough that this was the best party band I have ever experienced in my life -- if only I knew about them for our wedding!! Matt's violin, combined with recording-quality vocalist and drums and mandolin combined for a completely unique sound and festive mood. We requested some bluegrass, some country, some funk and he combined all of them for a smashing, knock-down night of music. Everyone was raving about the band, and likewise, everyone was dancing and having an absolutely great time. We loved them, and actually want to go out and see them perform again!! -- Caroline V, Chicago, IL, 10/29/2005

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• Matt Stedman Quartet/Trio/Duo — Chicago, Illinois