Shall We Dance?

There are various types of parties. They all include food, music, and friends getting together. For me performing for formal dinner dance is a lot of fun. It’s very simple, ladies in evening dresses and gentlemen in tux; just good friends enjoying the company of each other, sharing a fine meal and dancing. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of performing with my jazz trio for just such an evening for a private event at the Annandale Country Club Pasadena. Guests had fun; the band had just as much fun.

Here is what we played:

My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Cole Porter

Oye Como Va, Santana

Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, Frankie Vallie

The Way You Look Tonight, Sinatra

Tico Tico, Zequinha de Abreu

Fly Me To The Moon, Sinatra

Sway, Michael Buble

Great Balls Of Fire, Jerry Lee Lewis

Sleep Walk, Santo & Johnny

Stand by Me, Ben E. King

Night and Day, Cole Porter

Old Time Rock and Roll, Bob Seger

Contact Elegant Music

for a free consultation:  626-797-1795

Elegant Dinner Dance or Wine Dinner

During an extended dinner with dancing between courses guests are never bored or neglected; there is always something going on. The evening might progress like this:

• Cocktail Hour – Solo Piano

Ring dinner bells

• Short dance set as guests enter the dining room to a live band such as a jazz trio playing Gershwin and Porter. (10 minutes – 15 minutes – about 3 songs)

Announcement: “Please be seated. Your first course is about to be served.”

• First Course about 10 – 20 minutes. This gives guests time to enjoy their first course and to talk with each other.

Announcement: “At this time you are invited to the dance floor while your next course is being prepared.”

• Short dance set (10 minutes – 20 minutes – about 3 songs)

Note: While guests are dancing service staff clear the first course, fill water glasses and in general tidy up the table.

Announcement: “Please be seated. Your second course is about to be served.”

• Second Course 10 – 20 minutes

Announcement: “At this time you are invited to return to the dance floor while your next course is being prepared.”

• Short dance set (10 minutes – 20 minutes – about 3 songs)

And so on…

After the main course the dance floor is opened for an extended period before desert and coffee is served and of course after desert with guests fully recharged more dancing!

Contact Elegant Music

for a free consultation about your event:  626-797-1795

Wedding Reception with Dancing Between Courses

The above is a dinner dance, an elegant evening together with friends. A wedding reception could be scheduled this way with a jazz trio playing during dinner and a DJ playing more aggressive dance music after dinner late into the night. Here is a link to a wedding at the Fairmont Hotel with the Elegant Music Jazz Trio performing during dinner (with dancing before the main course) and DJ after dinner.  Wedding @ The Fairmont Hotel Santa Monica, CA.

Your Ideas

Well that’s my idea of an elegant evening together with friends. Pacing a dinner to include dancing and conversation between courses extends dinner and encourages guest interaction.  For me planning an evening of entertainment is almost as much fun as actually performing for one.  Call me: 626-797-1795. I would love to hear your ideas for your special event.  Let’s have a party!

Sincerely,
Eric Zimmermann
DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader
Phone:  626-797-1795

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