It’s almost weekly that we receive a call or an email from someone in a panic asking if we can play for their event because the vendor that they hired wasn't able to fulfill their commitments at the last minute. Often we hear that last minute cancellations are due to getting sick, double booking themselves for the day, a family emergency, or timing coordination. We will then hear last minute from clients if we can play because they hired a vendor that cannot play at their wedding for various reasons. Although last minute gigs are stressful for our couples with the uncertainty of their event, we always try to help! Our Musician Backup PlanWhen you book with us, you are also booking a back-up musician from our team for your wedding day! On Saturdays, we always have at least one musician sitting at home, ready to go, in case one of our musicians can’t make their event at the last minute! We’ve had this happen to us in our teams for various reasons - family emergency, COVID symptoms, illness, death of a pet, death of a loved one, flight delays, traffic…. but we do have a backup on stand by! Real Story Backup PlansSick Day One of our musicians was scheduled to play a wedding in Asheville, but woke up that morning feeling horrible and could hardly get out of bed. The night before she felt like she had a slight cold, but the next morning, her cold felt worst than originally expected. With such a terrible cold, she was too sick to drive to Asheville. Shortly after, we called our back-up violinist, and I had the gig covered! Our musicians went to urgent care and found out that she had post-covid pneumonia. Our musician had to stay in bed for 3 days, but the wedding was covered and went beautifully! No one ever even knew that we had to call our back-up!! Snow Storm Another eventful moment was the time that there was a record-breaking snow storm in Charlotte. We were scheduled to have a string trio in uptown Charlotte, NC. Our cellist was coming in from Boone, North Carolina, but he couldn’t get out of his driveway. The following day, it was still snowing heavily and snow covered the morning of the wedding. Vendors were cancelling on our couple left and right, and they were just hoping that they would still had the basic necessities so their wedding could still occur that day. April read bass clef, so that she was able to play the cello lines on my violin. She also took her keyboard to the venue so they would have some extra fullness for the cocktail hour music (since we wouldn’t have the cello they had requested). When we had thought that we had shoveled ourselves out of our snowy dilemma, our two violinists in Charlotte couldn’t get out of their driveways either! We ended up borrowing April's husband’s 4WD and picked up the two musicians stuck in their driveways, and all of our musicians played the wedding! The couple was so relieved to see all three of our musicians walk in that they didn’t even remember which instruments they had booked. They were just grateful to have music! Cancelled Flight One time, one of our violinists was supposed to fly in from out of town, but his flight got cancelled. We then proceeded to call our back-up who was able to step in and play without a second thought. Our couple's wedding day is one of the biggest and most important days of their lives. We understand the severity of having one's vendors cancel and know that our couples vendor team can make all the difference on their wedding day! We have our backup musicians on stand by and ready to play their instrument at a moments notice so that our couples never have to worry about whether or not we will show up on their day. Without our backup plan, our couples would not have the peace of mind that they do when they book us as their live wedding musicians. Vendor TeamCake: Delish Cakery Chair + Drape Rentals: Clux Rentals Furniture Rentals: New South Event Rentals Signage: Ashton Paris Events Photographer: Laura & Rachel Photography Venue: The Mint Museum Uptown
Coordination Planning + Decor: Ashton Paris Events Floral Designer: Le Petit Bloom DJ: Carolina DJ Professionals Ceremony Music: Deans' Duets Catering + Bar:: Best Impressions
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Our corporate events have been a great way to showcase our musicians' talents a part from weddings. Corporate events can range from a wide range and variety of people gathering for numerous types of events. We've included a snap shot into some of our memorable corporate events in the surrounding Charlotte, NC area. Some of our favorites have included fundraisers, photoshoots, brunches, parties, Charlotte project launches, and private events. Charlotte Convention Center EventsOur string trio played at the Charlotte Convention Center for a conference welcome breakfast. This was a corporate event was held on a Monday morning for 500 guests! We arrived at the Charlotte Convention Center at 7am to get set up and ready to play fun and upbeat pop music. What a great way to start an early morning! Carmel Country Club FundraiserWe played the piano at the Carmel Country Club Fundraiser during cocktail hour. Duke Mansion Styled PhotoshootThis Duke Mansion photo shoot was especially fun! Our solo cellist played at Duke Mansion in Charlotte, and these vendors created this beautiful garden scene. There was even a live painter! The colors turned out beautifully and it was the perfect spring day for an outdoor event. Grand Bohemian Hotel BrunchWe played a brunch event on the terrace of the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Charlotte. Our musician sang in Spanish and Portuguese and played mandolin. The guests absolutely LOVED it. The Grand Bohemian in Charlotte hosts brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-2:00pm and has become a popular social hour gathering on the weekends. The Grand Bohemian Charlotte even has a special brunch and entertainment on holidays as well! Billy Graham Library EventThe Billy Graham Library Event has been a fan favorite amongst the musicians. We love playing at the Billy Graham library and their patrons are so sweet! We typically play hymns and contemporary Christian music, but we change the style and instruments depending on the vibe of the event. They have a variety of different venues that have become fun to play at as we are constantly changing where we are set up to play. Emerald Lake Golf Club Vendor Appreciation PartyWe provided a string trio for the Split Second Sound Vendor Appreciation Party and had SO much fun! Split Second Sound provided a 12-minute dance mix to kick of the night, and we arranged string parts to match it. It was quite the production, and it was a powerful kick-off to the event. All three strings plugged in and then jammed to the music after the 12-minute intro. Everyone had a great time and wished that the night wouldn't come to an end. Charlotte Construction Project LaunchWe provided pop music with our violin, mandolin, and guitar trio for a large corporate event to kick of a construction project launch in Charlotte. State and city officials attended and spoke where we provided music for the reception shortly afterwards. When we’re playing for high caliber events such as this, we often take into account the logistical aspects of the event so that everything runs smoothly. Sometimes this is the most challenging part of the day, however with all the prep work that goes into it, we arrive feeling confident that these high profile events will run smoothly. We typically arrive 1-2 hours early, set up, sound check, tune, talk to several coordinator, etc., before we even play our first note. For the Charlotte Construction Project launch, our play time was only about 45 minutes while it took about 6 hours of work on-site to produce those 45 minutes of music. While we continuously prepare weeks and days leading up to these events, many times it helps to be on site the day of and make adjustments as needed so that we are able to see the exact set up of the event and hear how the instruments sound within the space. Grand Bohemian Happy HourOur solo guitarist played at the Grand Bohemian in Charlotte for an outdoor happy hour. Eseeola Lodge Private EventOur bluegrass 4-piece group played for a private event in Linville NC at Eseeola Lodge. It was a beautiful day for our musicians to play outside. For our bluegrass events, we dress slightly differently than for our high end corporate or wedding events, so that we have more of a laid back feel. Uptown Charlotte Construction ProjectThis construction project kick-off in uptown Charlotte was quite the beautiful production! Split Second Sound provided dj and drums, and we provided the plugged in violin. The DJ and violin made for a great combination of sounds that the guests thoroughly enjoyed. We have loved being a part of these large and small corporate events that have brought so many people together! While live musicians are well know for their performances at weddings, we also enjoy bringing classical and modern songs to life at corporate events.
While often many people associate live musicians to wedding days, we also enjoy playing at corporate events! We are classically trained wedding musicians who specialize in traditional wedding music as well as covers of modern music. Corporate events are another fun way to integrate live music into any events. Our violin and DJ sound has become growing in popularity and is a great twist on classical music. Ronald McDonald FundraiserWe played the violin at The Bank of America Stadium for a Ronald McDonald Fundraiser in Charlotte, NC. The Ronald McDonald House believes that, " 'home' is more than four walls and a roof over your head. That’s why every Ronald McDonald House is a safe haven that provides all the comforts of home, plus the compassion and hospitality of staff, volunteers, and other families — all just steps away from the hospital." Ronald McDonald provides families with a place to stay so that they are close with their children while in the hospital. Families are able to rest and recharge for their children while also going through similar situations with other families. 375+ Ronald McDonald House Programs 265+Ronald McDonald Family Room programs 45+Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Programs Comforting meals, quality sleep, playtime for kids are provided at The Ronald McDonald House and we were thrilled be a part of such a wonderful fundraising night for a charity. The kids loved being able to dance on the football field while parents were able to watch as they performed their choreographed dance. Nights like these in Charlotte, NC bring family, friends, and businesses together to support one another and celebrate the good times. The Ronald McDonald fundraiser was a success and the night couldn't have gone better. Gamecocks Corporate EventWe played the solo violin alongside Split Second Sound for a modern twist on live music while playing with a DJ at the Gamecock Corporate Event at The Bank of America Stadium. The Gamcecock Club is one of the many corporate organizations that gather at the Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte,NC. They have over 17,000 alumni in the Charlotte region with 5% of the freshman class being from Charlotte. The Gamecock Club states, "Our baseball and football team play in our city often. We have a PMBA program in Uptown. Our city is the #1 destination for graduates when they are surveyed at the school. In 2022 we have many events coming and to be announced soon. It will only get better being a Gamecock in the Queen City!" Not only does the Gamecock Club hold social events,. charity events,. professional events at The Bank of America Stadium, but also many other organizations throughout Charlotte. The mix of food, balloon decor, lights, live music, and the DJ made for an eventfully reunion of alumni. Corporate events at the Bank of America Stadium are one of many events that are held at the stadium along with concerts and football games. Live music has often been associated with classical compositions, however we like to integrate a modern twist into our song lists to keep up with modern music and trends to create a lively atmosphere. Our corporate events have paved the way for a fun mix of music style that everyone enjoys.. Vendor Team
Ronald McDonald Fundraiser Confetti Castle Ronald McDonald House Split Second Sound Tiffs Treats Gamecock Corporate Event Split Second Sound South Carolina Gamecocks Confetti Castle Zildjian Company RTOM Corporation Anne Springs Close Greenway VenueAnne Springs Close Greenway opened in 1995 and is made up of 2,100 acres which has been has been protected from recreation to conserve the property. The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a family brand that is grounded in nonprofit recreation with a firm belief that everyone should be able to benefit from affordable outdoor recreation, education, and wellness opportunities. Anne Springs Close Greenway's mission is to, "connect people to nature through recreational and educational activities while fostering a passion for environmental conservation, animal habitat, and protection of natural resource." The venue's vision is to preserve the venue for, "people to celebrate and experience nature for generations to come." Anne Springs Close Greenway seeks to enrich the lives of the community and youth which has been made possible through the contributions of school districts, municipals, governments, and partnerships with citizens and the local businesses. They pride themselves in their venue space because of the precious recourse they were founded on and the help that is provided by volunteers to maintain the beautiful scenery. Day of Wedding TimelineOur couple's wedding day was so fun and the perfect mix between summer and fall. While their wedding was during the height of COVID, we were one of the only live musician groups to continue to play inside a wedding venue. With all of the changes happening around the world, the couple was still able to have their wedding day surrounded by their friends and family. Our violin and cello trio loved playing both an elegant and classical ceremony and cocktail hour on the clear September day. 3:30pm Our musician trio parked their cars and unload the instruments. 3:45pm Set up began and we scouted out the move from ceremony to cocktail hour. 4:00pm We rehearsed and talked through song selections so that we all of our transitions were seemless. We use a lot of our time during this portion to plan possible cuts, repeats, etc., during the processionals. It’s our goal to play the most recognizable parts of the processionals while being able to come to a natural ending every 6-8 seconds. 4:30pm We talked to the coordinators about cues for song changes from the prelude to the mothers walking down the aisle, to then the bridal party, and finally to bride. 4:45pm We took a break and talked to the officiant about the final words before the recessional. We always like to double check what our cue will be to start the music. 5:00pm The prelude began and we played a relaxing flow of background music while guests arrived and found their seats. 5:30pm The wedding ceremony began. We played three different songs for processionals with the bride walking down the aisle to “Here Comes the Bride” which is also entitled the Bridal Chorus (by Wagner). 6:00pm The ceremony ended. There was a big mood shift for the recessional to two really upbeat and fun songs: Signed Sealed Delivered AND All You Need is Love. As soon as the trio finished All You Need is Love, we moved quickly to the cocktail hour location and started music there. We played for an hour as guests enjoyed cocktails and prepared to be seated for dinner. Wedding SetlistOur string trio played Arioso, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba Bourrée in F, Butterfly Waltz, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Gabriel’s Oboe, and La Rejouissance for the prelude to name a few. After the prelude, the processional shortly followed where we played the Bridal Chorus by Wagner Recessional, Signed Sealed Delivered, and All You Need is Love. Some of our favorites during cocktail hour included La vie en rose, A whole new world, Music of the night, Fly me to the moon, What a wonderful world, and Can’t help falling in love. Looking back at our wedding weekends that our musicians have played is so sweet as we have the chance to reminisce on such a special day for our couples. Wedding photos have not only been fun for our brides and grooms to receive but also for our vendor teams as we were able to bring their vision to life on their wedding day. VendorsPhotographer: @demimabry // Event Design: @hallandwebb // Venue: @ascgreenway // Floral Design: @properflower // Hair & Makeup: @whosthefairest // Wedding Dress: @haydenoliviabridal @misshayleypaige // Videographer: @bbunn // Band: Black and Blue Experience with @eastcoastentertainment // Catering: @bestimpressionscaterer // Strings: @deansduets // Rentals: @csspecialevents // Paper Goods: @sealeddesignstudio
Boxwood EstateBoxwood Estate's grounds make this venue an elegant backdrop for a wedding anytime throughout the year. The luscious greenery and surrounding florals are a beautiful setting for live music as couples say I do ! This romantic venue is perfect for any couple looking to have a luxurious home garden atmosphere, and we absolutely love playing here!! About The Boxwood EstateThe name “Boxwood” was given to the present house (designed by the internationally noted New York architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich, which specialized in country manor houses for clients such as the Vanderbilts as well as banks, museums and other prominent structures such as the American Embassy in Paris) when it was constructed in 1933. Margaret Cunningham Craig had inherited the 1,500 acre Davie County farm from her husband, William Rabb Craig, a wealthy New York cotton broker, who assembled the property on the waters of the South Yadkin River in the 1910’s to be used as a winter hunting retreat. First known as Yadkin Lodge, the property was embellished with evergreens and English boxwood gardens by Mr. and Mrs. Craig. Following the establishment of a full time agricultural operation, the estate became known as Boxwood Farm. Wedding Day TimelineBrides, planners, and vendors all say that your wedding day goes by in a minute! While keeping on time with wedding timelines is important to get the very most out of your wedding day, enjoying the day is even more important! Our solo guitarist played for our sweet couple's wedding ceremony during the first week of October in Mocksville, North Carolina. The flawless day started with hair and makeup at 10:30am with lunch shortly following after around 11:00am. The florist then arrived at 1:00pm for setup with the photographer arriving at 2:00pm to begin taking photos. Hair and makeup wrapped up around 3:00pm. Catering arrived at Boxwood Estate around 4:00pm to set up where one of our favorite parts of the day, the first look, then occurred. These photos are priceless to capture and we love seeing the bride and groom's reaction to seeing each other before they walk down the aisle and are officially husband and wife. The bridal party and family photos were taken immediately after the bride and groom's first look which concluded the pre-ceremony photos. Then, the ceremony began at 5:30pm where our solo guitarist played for the duration of the time. After the ceremony had concluded, cocktails were served on the patio and the bride and groom went to take more photos. At 6:30pm, the bride and groom had their first dance to "How Sweet It Is" which led into the welcome toast, a blessing, and a plated dinner. Once dinner was finished, the couple did a cake cutting, and toasts were made in celebration of their marriage. Concluding the night was a grand exit. Guitar Soloist SetlistThe prelude began at 5:15pm where we proceeded to play "Fur Elise", "Prelude in C", Meditation - Bach", "Gounod", "River Flows in You", "Spring", "The Swan", "Gymnopedie", "Ode to Joy", "Simple Gifts", and other various classical selections. After the ceremony ended, we led our bride, groom, and wedding party back down the aisle to "Trumpet Voluntary" and "Canon in D." Once the bridal party exited, we recessed their guests to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." We loved that their wedding ceremony was filled with some of our favorite wedding classics! The Boxwood Estate is a fairytale dream when it comes to planning a wedding. With the Estate being already naturally decorated with a drive lined with trees and flowers, simple and elegant decorations accentuate the venue perfectly. We loved playing at Boxwood Estate, and we can't wait to be back to play more weddings and events on property in the future. Vendor TeamPhotography: Amy Kolo Photography
Planner: A Touch of Southern Events Venue: Boxwood Estate Florals: Taylored Blooms Beauty: Mae's Beauty Bar + Bridal Musicians: Deans' Duets Stationery: Art By Addie Mcelwee Catering: Family Catering Service Bridal Boutique: Ladies of Lineage Gown Designer: AMSALE Menswear: The Black Tux Bridesmaids: Brideside Shoes: VinceCamuto Rings: Diamonds Direct Film: Richard Photo Lab Officiant: Gorden Fleming Positive ReviewsReceiving compliments from our brides and grooms, clients, and guests after a wedding or event completely makes our day. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their music selection is personalized, fits within their timeline, and intensifies emotions. With all of the time and preparation that goes into each and every event that our musicians play, it is so nice to receive those uplifting words that remind us of why we do this and why we love our jobs. We've highlighted some of our top moments that have stood out to us over the course of numerous events and that continue to motivate us. Old Cigar Warehouse WeddingNew Year's Eve of 2021, we played our last wedding of the year at The Old Cigar Warehouse in Greenville SC. After having played at the sweet couple's wedding, we received this email response: "First of all, let me say I have received nothing but compliments about your team’s performance during my wedding. Hands down one of THE BEST investments I made! Second, could you provide a copy of the sheet music we paid to have created by your guru for the one song, 'Everything We Need.' I’d love to print and have that one framed in the house as a keepsake. It’ll be a great conversation-starter too that will give us an excellent excuse to keep recommending you all over and over!" Wow! How thoughtful of the couple that not only did they take the time to let us know that our performance did not go unnoticed, but also that they loved it so much that they wanted to print out their custom-arranged sheet music as a conversation starter with family and friends. Here's a video clip from that wedding: Highlands, NC Rehearsal DinnerOn a separate occasion in Highlands, North Carolina, we received a comment from a guest at a rehearsal dinner: "Your music is so magical that it makes me feel like I’m in a movie." Our sextet played that night and transformed the space into a performance so unforgettable that it almost felt unreal. We played for 4.5 hours, and we were still on cloud nine at the end of the evening. It was truly magical. Here is a video from that performance: Raleigh Bridal ShowWe received this comment from a vendor at a bridal show in Raleigh: "I had no idea a violin could play Justin Timberlake." Often, it is thought that, as classical musicians, we are not able to play a wide variety of music selections and genres due to instrumental capabilities. However, this is not the case! Our musicians can play all types of genres, songs, and compositions. From old and new songs to modern and classic covers, our variety of music selections is nearly endless. Some clients will even requests songs that are not on our song lists and we are more than happy to learn them for the day of their event. It's always fun to see the surprised faces as people realize we're playing one of their favorite top 40 songs. Here is a video from that event: |
AuthorApril is a professional violinist and the music coordinator for Dean's Duets. Archives
February 2022
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