Blog

Which is better for a wedding, hiring a live musician or a DJ?

People can feel the energy of live musicians, see them play, connect with them as they play, change moods, feel the groove, get excited, dance, and sometimes- if you ask them- move about the dance floor or mingle with guests, giving a unique, unforgettable experience for that special moment. On saxophone I can play romantic ballads, smooth jazz, growling blues, classical processionals, or upbeat pop or rock music. It can mimic the variety of the human voice and brings songs to life. If you want to add magic to your event, you should hire a live musician, who creates the music and mood right before your eyes.

What if I have special song requests?

Of course a DJ can spin the song you requested, but I can play the song with energy and flair. I’ll deliver a professional and personalized version of your song. I’ll need enough lead time to create the rendition of your song that you desire, so please tell me as early as possible. But I can put together a song in several hours, so I have done day-before requests for clients!

Is a live musician more expensive than a wedding DJ?

My typical rate is $300/hour, which is usually much lower than a DJ. My rate includes my set up, clean up, sound equipment, and travel time (within reason). I only charge for the time I’m actually ready to play music. If money is an issue, or if you have a small family event, please let me know and I can try to stay within your budget. DJs and other bands might charge higher rates, but my product is superb. You won’t sacrifice quality by hiring me.

How soon should I book a live musician for my wedding?

Because I work by myself, I can accommodate last minute requests. But generally you should reach out at least 2 months in advance just to get on my calendar.

Do I have to provide food and drinks?    

Though some clients provide food or drinks, I actually prefer not to eat too close to my performance. I’m happy to bring my own water, as well. I want to make booking me as easy and affordable as possible. The bottom line is that I love to play music, so I don’t require extras like other wedding entertainers.

Is insurance required?

This depends on the venue requirements. I can purchase insurance for the particular event, but that would be added to my price. Most of the time venues include insurance in the event cost.

What equipment and space do I provide?

Sometimes clients want me front and center, and other times they ask me to discreetly set up and play in the corner. I work with you to create the ideal setup and sound. My saxophone projects well, so I can play softly or loudly, depending on the venue and your preference. I only need space for a 2’x3’ amp. I stand as I play, so don’t take up much room. I’ll work with you to plan the ideal event, however I know that changes always come up and I pride myself in staying flexible.

Can saxophonists play different styles throughout my wedding?

Absolutely! From chill, easy listening vibe, to upbeat dance beats, I play a mix of jazz, pop music, blues, funk, rock, Latin, and classical music. You name it, I can play it!

What will you wear?

I often wear a suit and tie, but I can wear different styles. I like to ask if there’s a color theme, so I can coordinate with the rest of the event and make it even more special.

I was recently interviewed for San Diego Voyager Magazine and they asked some interesting questions… which I can appreciate as a former high school newspaper editor. For a long time, I wanted to go into journalism; I love the process of thinking of poignant questions and stories.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking question was to describe my proudest moment. A few moments came to mind. When I was hired to play UCSD’s all-campus commencement for 7000 people, that was pretty special. Standing on that huge stage, playing melodies and solos, made me stop and think, “Wow, I never thought I’d come this far!”

Another special moment came at a recent wedding. The bride had called me and explained that, more than anything, she wanted sax at her wedding. I was happy to oblige and we worked out the schedule. I always check in to make sure things are on schedule. In this instance, the bride asked me to come an hour later than planned. No problem. But it turned out she was running 3 hours late! Her mother and fiancé kept asking me to stay longer, slipping me $20 bills to cover the extra cost, and giving me schedule updates. I had to play much longer than I ever do, and pull out all the romantic songs in my repertoire. Long story short, the bride thanked me for staying for the whole event, and got so emotional that tears were flowing.  Giving joy like that is one of the many reasons I love playing weddings.

In early 2019 my folks I knew through my college alumni group said their daughter was planning her wedding in Baja. I told them I’d hold the date, but my family almost got in the way! My wife and I were expecting our second child, and the due date was a month after my friend’s wedding. I always honor my commitments, but this international trip had to be cleared by the doctor first. Once he assured us that the baby had only about a 1% chance of being born a month early, and, even then, labor would likely take 12+ hours, I was ready to purchase auto insurance for Mexico and set up credit card travel alerts so I could be part of the festivities!

It turned out really well, and turned into a huge destination wedding weekend with many folks flying in from New York. I was honored to be the musician for the rehearsal dinner at the Encuentro Guadalupe winery and restaurant. Big weddings have lots of moving parts and ever-changing schedules. I pride my services on being flexible and a can-do attitude! Throw in the fact that it was in Mexico, everyone was enjoying the local wine, and most people were relying on limousine for transportation, my show time got changed a few times. But when everyone arrived at Encuentro, they were impressed that I was set up and already playing smooth jazz.

The view over the Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) wine region was spectacular. I felt inspired and enjoyed playing a mix of jazz and pop music, all easy listening background music with backing tracks pumping out of my amp, which added to the ambiance of the event. Between cocktail hour and dinner, they asked everyone for their attention for the practice wedding march. They requested fitting music for the scene, and I went into John Legend’s All of Me, a song that I played at my own wedding years ago. I got rave reviews for my performance during the evening. I’m very happy that our baby decided to come later!

I often get hired to play romantic ballads, jazz, and pop music, for couples who are celebrating their anniversary, engagement, or even first date, with a memorable evening. I set up my small portable amp on the beach near Coronado Ferry Landing and Maria Ojeda Urista of Romance Events in San Diego sets up a romantic candlelight dinner and gets a permit for the beach setup from the City of Coronado.

Sometimes the couple books the event together, but often one person books it as a surprise to their partner. I have a great time seeing the look of surprised partner when they see the setup and beautiful backdrop of downtown San Diego. One of the best parts is the parking: this secluded area a few blocks south of the Ferry Landing, in front of a large condominium, has ample 3-hour parking most times of the day.

Sunset time is most popular, and parking is easy and right next to the beach. When the couple arrives in their car, I’m already playing romantic saxophone music. They walk to the table where the dinner is prepared, and often walk to the water’s edge, sharing a quiet private moment.

As they have dinner, the sun goes down and the buildings of downtown San Diego light up, making a magical scene. It is a quiet spot, and I keep my saxophone volume at a nice level: loud enough for the couple, but not too loud for the neighbors. However, I am proud to say that many residents of the nearby buildings and pedestrians enjoying the area have told me how much they enjoy the music and have hired me for other events. One person who happened to see me was talented photographer Victoria Pennick, of Frozen Glass Photography. She wanted to take some photos and I am pleased to share these.

Kevin Kicks Up the Volume at a Hacienda Hotel Pool Party

The Hacienda Hotel Old Town, in San Diego, hired me for their wedding shoot and marketing video. I was playing in the courtyard when a woman came to watch me from the pool. It was flattering that she kept taking photos and videos, in between compliments on my pop song instrumentals. Then more people came from the pool to watch me play. Pretty soon I had a crowd, and one guy shouted, “How much can we pay you to play for us at the pool?” On my break from the hotel shoot, I brought my amp, set up in 2 minutes, treated them to some music on the pool deck and the photographer on the shoot captured the end of it in this raw video! I love playing in new places, for appreciative crowds, especially when it’s spontaneous. Every time I play my music comes out a little different, because it’s a different setting, different people, and different energy. What makes live music so appealing is clients tell me they feel my energy and the music is much more powerful seeing someone play it live than recorded or cranked out by a DJ. I am creating music and developing it right before their eyes. There’s the connection between me and my sax, and I convey that to the audience, so they feel part of the unique experience. As I was leaving a woman stopped me and said, “Thank you. You are a fantastic saxophone player.” To me, that makes it all worth it.