Wedding•Reviewed on October 8, 2005•From Cape May, NJ
They were great! Everone loved them and many more people danced than I expected -- I credit this to the band. Professional, great sound, danceable, enjoyable songs that made my wedding a huge hit!!!
Review by Josh M.
Wedding•Reviewed on April 28, 2007•From Washington, DC
The Moonlighters are a great band and a professional one. They arrived before an event that was off the beaten path and played a fantastic set of funk and motown songs to get everybody on the dance floor for my wedding. I highly recommend them!
Review by Chester S.
Private Party•Reviewed on August 12, 2006•From Gibson Island, MD
Very prompt. Talented. No real guidance needed. There was feedback on multiple occasions, this was disruptive and I was embarassed. the band did promptly respond to my request to turn down the volume, but it continually increased. I think they were very good. I'll be more inclined to try out another band instead of hiring the Moonlighters back, the sound problems are the main reason for this. Perhaps the members were very talented, but the main sound person was with the other members at another gig.
The band was good and I appreciated their efforts. I did receive postive feedback from my guests.
Review by Michael D.
Wedding•Reviewed on October 22, 2005•From Alexandria, VA
My wife and I were absolutely thrilled with the Moonlighters. We had so many guests tell us that ours was the most fun wedding they had been to in a long time, and possibly ever, and we owe that in no small way to the Moonlighters. If you want people to get up and dance at your event, the Moonlighters will get it done! We recommend them very highly.
Review by Heidi K.
Grand Opening•Reviewed on July 31, 2005•From Chantilly, VA
Once they got their they were great. Only problem was that the manager from 14K, told me they would be there at 12:15-12:30, start time was 1:30. However, they arrived at 1:20, but were not aware they were supposed to be there at 12:30. Turns out they were ready by 1:30, so they were in place and playing on time. I just had about 40 minutes of panicking, not knowing where they were...
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Fortunately, this is an experienced band that sets up FAST. Despite giving ourselves plenty of travel time, we encountered severe traffic en route which slowed us down considerably. Sorry for the delay, and thanks for the positive review overall.
Review by Kenneth G.
Wedding•Reviewed on July 30, 2005•From Moneta, VA
Excellent performance by the band at our wedding reception! They played the requested songs well and were also quick to accommodate a sudden change in the schedule.
What I was most impressed by was their ability to adjust the sound level so that people were able to have discussions during the dinner. Most bands have no clue how loud their music is percieved by the guests.
Review by Julie A.
Wedding•Reviewed on May 19, 2007•From Annapolis, MD
Great band. A few points off for the manager who failed to communicate messages to the band.
Review by Tom S.
Wedding•Reviewed on July 16, 2005•From Washington, DC
Just wanted to thank you for your help in finding an awesome band for our wedding on Saturday. The Moonlighters were absolutely fantastic! From the first song on, it was obvious that these guys were seriously on top of their game. Not only was their musicianship excellent, but they did a great job interacting with the crowd, getting people dancing, and just generally creating a fun atmosphere. I talked with them during one of their breaks and found them friendly and approachable. In short, the experience was just perfect. Everybody at the wedding raved about them. So thanks for making me look good!!!
Review by Abigail S.
Wedding•Reviewed on February 23, 2009•From Alexandria, VA
Review by Devin A.
Wedding•Reviewed on October 8, 2006•From Manakin Sabot, VA
Awesome band. Very talented. The only hang up...They were supposed to play at my ceremony but they were an hour late. So I had to play a CD as I walked down the isle.
They were very apologetic about being late and compensated by staying and playing an hour later. Everyone loved them and enjoyed their music. I would recommend them to anyone. Accidents happen.
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While we always plan to arrive approximately two hours prior to start time, after factoring in travel and unforeseen circumstances, we encountered a major traffic back-up that stopped us for well over an hour. Nevertheless, we arrived fifteen minutes prior to the event, and with a quick load-in and set-up, we were dressed and ready to begin in just thirty minutes. Again, we sincerely apologize for the delay, appreciate everyone's flexibility, and agree that the event was a huge success overall.
Review by Stephen K.
Wedding•Reviewed on February 23, 2009•From Richmond, VA
Review by Tim F.
Private Party•Reviewed on February 23, 2009•From Arlington, VA
Review by Laura D.
Wedding•Reviewed on January 28, 2006•From Washington, DC
The Moonlighters played at my wedding reception, and they did a terrific job - there were always people on the dance floor. Their music is really great. Also, the schedule I'd given them in advance didn't quite work out (through no fault of theirs) and they were flexible about changing the timing of their breaks to accomodate the flow of the wedding. The only negatives were that (1) they did not stick to the song list I gave them, which was disappointing, (2) they said that they would learn the song that my father and I wanted to dance to, but they ended up playing the CD instead (which I found out as we started the dance), and (3) one band member yelled at one of the guests who put a drink on his amplifier (which obviously she shouldn't have done but I would have preferred a more courteous and professional reprimand). Otherwise they were very professional and the guests enjoyed their music very much. They also seemed attentive to the loudness of their sound given our small room, which was very helpful. I would definitely recommend this band.
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While we appreciate the kind words, we strive for complete satisfaction with every performance and feel that these three comments should be addressed:
(1) In order to keep the guests happy and on the dance floor for the entire event, as always, we fielded requests throughout the evening. That's one of the advantages of working with an interactive band that knows hundreds of songs. We did cover more than half of the songs on the provided list, however.
(2) After practicing the requested song for several weeks, we decided that it would sound truer to the original with far less disappointment to the bride and her father if we simply played the CD with live vocal
Review by Peggy W.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on March 15, 2008•From Beallsville, MD
I hired the Moonlighters for my small (40 people) 50th birthday party. They were great musicians and my guests really enjoyed the music, even the ones who didn't dance. I was concerned that the music would overwhelm the venue but people were able to visit,chat and enjoy the music or just dance. They adjusted their break schedule around the dinner without being asked. I think it would be helpful to talk to the band leader ahead of time, instead of just to the booking agent, so that he can have a picture of what you want for your party.
Review by Pamela M.
Private Party•Reviewed on September 15, 2007•From Baltimore, MD
The Moonlighters did an outstanding job performing, they are a very talented group. However, they were 45 minutes late getting started, they said there was traffic. I still paid for the 4 hours and they didn't extend their time to makeup for the 45 minutes. The manager had built a tip into their final payment which caused confusion. Since they did not perform for the contracted 4 hours, I didn't feel as though a tip was required. I did get a refund for the tip from the manager William when I called to discuss. Also, I had requested 3 months in advance a favorite song, they didn't play it. So they have some things to correct before I would recommend them.
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The positive comments and enthusiastic response from the guests are appreciated, but we need to correct a few factual errors: Our keyboard player was delayed, but the other musicians started on time and performed as a trio until he arrived. During our show, we made it a point to play all three requested songs. In fact, we learned them especially for this event. If another was desired, it was never brought to our attention. Finally, had anyone asked us to stay later, we would have gladly done so. However, nobody mentioned that possibility during the event or even as we were packing up. So these comments, posted over five months after the event, are very surprising.
Review by Joel R.
Wedding•Reviewed on February 24, 2007•From Annapolis, MD
The Moonlighters were terrific! They were very professional and everyone loved the music and danced alot. Can't recommend them highly enough.
Review by Erin F.
Wedding•Reviewed on April 22, 2006•From Washington, DC
A little upset when they tried to demand more money at the end of the evening, even though they saw that everyone was lined up to say goodbye to us. He had my contact info and I told him to take it up with me the next day because everyone was waiting for us. He relented eventually when he saw that I would not bend. Annoying at the end of such an amazing evening.
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We apologize for the confusion and appreciate the kind words. It was simply a mutual misunderstanding as our booking agreement typically requests payment directly to the agency within seven days following the event. Instead, a check made payable to the agency was given directly to the bandleader immediately following the reception. He was caught somewhat off-guard and asked, not demanded, that the check be made payable directly to the band. Aside from this small incident, we agree that the event went extremely well.
Review by Kelly F.
Wedding•Reviewed on June 29, 2007•From Germantown, MD
We thought they were very talented but they took too many breaks.
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While we always appreciate the feedback, we strongly disagree with the second part. Our contract specified a 7:00pm-8:00pm dinner set and 8:30pm-11:00pm for dancing. No breaks were taken during the dinner set, except for when the bride and groom were being introduced and speeches were being made. Since the second part of the wedding was only for two and a half hours, we timed our breaks around the events of the wedding, playing a forty five minute set prior to the cake cutting, taking just a fifteen minute break during the cake cutting, performing for another forty five minutes prior to the bouquet and garter toss, taking a fifteen minute break during this time, and
Review by Melissa B.
Private Party•Reviewed on November 11, 2006•From Arlington, VA
The band itself was fine; they played good music and had amazing energy. The only qualm I had was that they did not know some songs we had requested to be played at the wedding. In short, the music was great but the band, particularly their manager, were rather disorganized.
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Although we appreciate the kind words, we are quite surprised and taken aback by these other comments. The requested songs were totally unexpected, and we went completely "above and beyond" in fulfilling at least ninety percent of them. In the original gig request submitted on 8/21/06, the client specifically asked for a "swing/jazz band no larger than six people". Furthermore, in a follow-up e-mail on 9/15/06, prior to hiring the band, the client specified "[We] would like the band to only play swing/jazz" as a trio. As such, our booking agreement of 9/28/06 indicated the following: "Artist will perform post-dinner instrumental swing/jazz standards". Consistent wit
Review by Brian P.
Wedding•Reviewed on May 26, 2007•From Richmond, VA
Both my wife and I believed the band lacked a certain energy we were counting on from the band. It almost appeared the group seemed "burnt-out" with the wedding scene.
In addition, our contract specified a saxophone player and they instead brought a female vocalist. While she did very well, we were a little disappointed in that we didn't get what we asked for. We also specified songs not to play during their breaks that they actually played.
All together, we felt the band was talented but they just weren't what we expected.
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We find all of these comments very perplexing. While we're not exactly sure what type of energy level was expected, our goal is to engage the audience, take requests, and keep the guests on the dance floor. And we did just that. From our very first song to our last, the floor was filled with children, grandparents and everyone in-between. Weddings are our specialty. It's what we enjoy most. And after performing at hundreds of receptions, this is the only time we have received this type of comment. If there was something more that we could have done, it should have been communicated to us. Similarly, if a sax player was preferred instead of a female singer, that shou
Review by Heather B.
Wedding•Reviewed on January 14, 2007•From Fairfax, VA
Musically, they were great, even with their keyboarder having gotten ill and not able to be there, the fill in person did fine. Everyone enjoyed dancing to their music. In terms of knowing what the program was, what we wanted their help announcing, knowing names of wedding party, everything we had sent well ahead of time and repeatedly was apparently not communicated to them. So there were many things that had to be done at last minute, things they didn't understand. I would defintely NOT use them for MC activities. Their agent, who was the only one we were able to communicate with no matter how often we asked, apparently gave them no information. There was also no flexibility on time. The wedding party got there earlier than planned and had to stand outside for 20 minutes since it wasn't time for them to start...we were willing to end early, and did to accomodate that time. So, they were a great band but communication on program is poor. Don't use them for announcing anything and expect to have to provide information on the program at the last minute.
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As always, we appreciate the kind words. It was a wonderful event with a fun-loving and appreciative crowd that provided us with song requests throughout and just wouldn't leave the dance floor: our favorite type of audience! We regret any dissatisfaction with our MC services, however. Please understand that we did the best we could under the circumstances. Most wedding clients will supply this information several weeks ahead of time. Yet, in this instance, a schedule of events and listing of names to announce were provided to us for the first and only time on 1/8 and 1/9, respectively--just FIVE DAYS prior to the event and promptly forwarded to the band members. Fu
Review by Cassandra L.
Anniversary Party•Reviewed on August 26, 2006•From Morgantown, WV
The band was extremly late; although not all of their fault, it still affected the party. Once they arrived and got set-up, everyone enjoyed them and their music.
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Although we always provide more than enough travel time and usually arrive with hours to spare, for this event, we encountered several traffic back-ups along the way. Coupled with some confusion over the directions to the venue once we arrrived in Morgantown, our delay was completely unexpected. As a band that performs in hundreds of events throughout the country, we pride ourselves on punctuality, and lateness is virtually never an issue. Fortunately, the guest of honor and everyone else in attendance seemed to enjoy our show, and again, we sincerely apologize for the wait.
Review by Kim T.
Awards Night Party•Reviewed on April 19, 2007•From Washington, DC
Though we received many compiments on the event and the performance, there were a few things the band or their management could have handled better. We had a clear contract and agreement on sound check and event details yet we were notified the day of the event that the band would be hours late. Therefore we had no opportunity to provide the scheduled sound check.
This caused them to have to set up the equipment during our awards event.
They requested a beef-free meal, and received that, but because they arrived late, we couldn't adequately show them to the green room. It seems they didn't like the catering we provided them because they took a break during the performance and began eating off of our event buffets.
Leading into the event we were very excited to work with the band, but ultimately we were disappointed in the product we received. Performance wise, people seemed to enjoy them, professional performance was disappointing.
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We are surprised and disappointed to see these remarks. Both the signed contract and the University's own purchase order specifically indicate, "set-up completed by 5:30pm". Nevertheless, the client called us just two weeks prior to the event to inquire about an earlier set-up time. We explained that the band would try to accommodate that request at no additional charge; we also noted that doing so would be difficult for a weeknight event as the musicians had already requested earlier leave time from their respective employers in order to comply with the 5:30pm set-up requirement as contracted three months prior. We then called the client on the day of the event as
Review by Jane M.
Anniversary Party•Reviewed on February 23, 2009•From Washington, DC
Review by Kate K.
Wedding•Reviewed on March 10, 2007•From Washington, DC
Overall, I would say that our experience with The Moonlighters was just okay. They arrived dressed in open collared shirts though we had requested tuxedos through their manager. Also, the gentleman that introduced the bridal party seemed to be seeing the names for the first time although we provided them several weeks in advance. Additionally, band members could be heard talking to each other and on their cell phones during the speeches given by the bride's father, brother and the groom's brother. This was particulary upsetting for the bride and the groom.
Their rendition of the groom-mother dance song was also so rough that one of the band members apologized to the groom.
However, once the pace picked up and the dancing started, their musicianship was great. Their high energy female vocalist and the great horn section kept our guests dancing all night.
However, the stress and disappoint caused by the lack of professionalism leading up to the dancing portion of the evening would cause me not to recommend The Moonlighters to other clients.
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We're shocked by these comments, sent almost two months after the event, as we received compliments all evening from the bride, groom, family and guests while filling the dance floor from our first song to our last and playing several encores to everyone's delight. Our contract, as negotiated with the bride several months prior to the event, specifically requests "Tuxedos OR Suits/Sportcoats", and at no time did either the bride or groom mention a preference for formal attire. Many clients will request black tie only, and we're always eager to oblige. In this case, the client seemed completely nonchalant about this requirement and signed off as such on the engagemen
