Playing At Weddings

Subject: Playing At Weddings
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 02:38 PM

I got this in my e-mail today. Ring any bells for any musicians?


Dear Bandleader:

We look forward to your performance at our daughter's wedding.
If you don't mind, we would like to request a few of our favorite songs.
Please play these during the reception:
A Keith Jarrett composition from his solo series. Please arrange it for full
ensemble in the key of B but nothing in 4/4 please.
Mahavishnu Orchestra, "Dance of the Maya" and please have the guitarist play
John McLaughlin's solo from the live performance Nov. 16, 1972 at Chrysler
Arena. My wife and I were at that show and we liked his use of polyrhythms.
One of John Coltrane's duets with Pharaoh Sanders. Our guests love high
register tenor saxes.
We thought a little Stravinsky right after the toast would be nice. So
please play "The Rite of Spring." We like a tempo of about 1/4 note = 93 and
transpose it down 3 half-steps - it will be so much more appropriate for
this occasion in the slightly lower register.
Then for the candle lighting ceremony, please play Frank Zappa's "The Grand
Wazoo." The original key of B flat, would be fine but my cousin Jeannie
would like to sing the baritone sax solo in the key of D--she has kind of a
high voice.

When my new son-in-law takes off the garter, please just a little of
Varese's "Ionization." It's such a funny piece, we think it would go over
real well. Much better than "The Stripper." And for the bride & groom's
first dance, please slow things down a bit by doing Barber's "Adagio For
Strings." It's so much better than "We've Only Just Begun" or the
"Anniversary Waltz."

When my wife and I join in the first dance, could you segue to Thelonius
Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" - it's in honor of my wife's grandmother whose name
was Ruby. It would mean so much to the family. Thanks for all your help.

Depending on the outcome we'll certainly be happy to recommend your band to
our friends.
We'll have your cheque for the fee of $250 (minus our expenses in contacting
you of $12.50 ) by the end of next month: we're a little short as the young
lady doing the balloon arch wanted her $1,850 in advance and the DJ had to
be paid up front his $2,500 as normal.

Our daughter assured us that your love of music was greater than your need
for money, and that you would welcome the exposure you would get from
playing this wedding. Before you leave, please feel free to ask the caterer
for a snack sandwich and a soda (the bottles are returnable or you can pay
the deposit to the butler). Please use the back entrance to avoid disturbing
the guests.

Sincerely yours,

Alice Rockefeller Gates

Stolen from a post on MaplePost by Greg Quill

Subject: RE: Playing At Weddings
From: Sorcha
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 02:52 PM

AHHHHAHHHAHHHHAHHH!!!!HEE HEE HEE ROFLMAO!!!!!

Subject: RE: Playing At Weddings
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 02:59 PM

They'd pay me upfront, and they'd be lucky if I SHOWED UP on the day of...

Subject: RE: Playing At Weddings
From: alison
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 07:34 PM

hahahaha.... too true Seamus... too true.....

we knocked one back last year... they wanted it acoustic....
"could the harp and bagpipe do a duet? (bagpipe 10 harp 0).... something nice and ethereal please...... like enya...."

and "I have this list of 40 songs I'd like you to perform" (2 were on our usual set list).... gave it up as too much like hard work took the quiet background music in a restaurant gig instead.....


slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Playing At Weddings
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 09:07 PM

And can you play the --Insert Dance Here -- As we all like the tune.

Subject: RE: Playing At Weddings
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 10:33 PM

ARRRHHH.....ARRRHHH,ARRRRHHHHH

Yipes, you have just meticulously described the ultimate trip to Hell....a trip without a return ticket.

Well Done!!!

Sincerely,
Gargoyle