Jazzing Up A New Year's Resolution


Yes, that’s me last week, wearing my good luck scarf in the lobby at “The Nutcracker”, in San Jose. I'm on the right, and it looks like I’ll need plenty of luck. It's another photo taken on my iPhone. Thank you, Bunch.

For good luck, wedding planners often have the bride wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”, and that’s my theme today. I’ve been considering New Year’s Resolutions, and decided they have to be upbeat this year. Same with you? Anyway, today I settled on four gems, each inspired by something I read or heard last Sunday morning.

First, something OLD. How often do we hear the expression “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”? It first appeared in a 1905 book by philosopher George Santayana, and Ben Stein mentioned it in his recent column about why people continue to fall for “you-can’t-fail-to-get-rich” schemes, despite all we’ve learned about them.

Stein is a practical, sensible fellow, and he uses finances here as a springboard to talk about old, tried-and-true notions of what REALLY counts. Things your mother taught you. Hint: it’s not about money in the bank -- that stuff comes and goes. It’s what kind of person you truly are. How you treat family, friends, and strangers, and support your community and nation.

I like his message, and I’d add it’s also how you prepare for the future. So for my first resolution, I’m riffing on a theme from “random acts of kindness”. I resolve to smile at the first driver who cuts me off every morning. Wouldn’t it be nice if each of us added a little more good cheer every day?

This resolution is nothing new, but it’ll be a start. In my next blog I'll reveal another resolution: something BLUE. In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy a wonderful New Year’s Eve celebration. I resolve to enjoy mine. I’ll be jazzing up a private party for several hundred people in Palo Alto. In the works since last September, the party’s theme is “Fascinatin’ Rhythm”, and the place will be SWINGIN’!

By the way, will you be celebrating a significant event soon? Throw a party and include us. Today I'm talking with people planning parties for Valentine's Day and Easter. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music. Have a question? We'll have the answer.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're easy to work with, so let our experience help your celebration. Please visit MagnoliaJazz.com for details, and I hope to see you soon.

Please leave me a comment. What do you think about all this? I'd love your opinions and comments.

Holiday Parties in January?




December 5, 2008.

Here we are last night, at our regular “first Thursday in December” gig -- the annual Yale Alumni Holiday Party. Left to right: Gary Milliken, Steve Apple, and Andy Norblin. I’m taking the photo with my iPhone. (You're right -- I need a real camera, with a flash. Any recommendations?)

Recognize the room? It’s the famous “Alexandra’s Room”, on the 32nd floor of the Westin St Francis, in San Francisco. What a place -- floor-to-ceiling windows cover every wall! Whenever I’m there I’m stunned by the fabulous panoramic views of San Francisco. Second photo is a closer look at those windows, and third is a shot, facing east and showing Post St on the left, Union Square in the middle, and Geary St on the right.

Yesterday was another festive night at one of San Francisco’s busiest hotels. Sure, December is a bit slower than in previous years. This glum observation is shared by most of the event professionals I know -- caterers, facilities, photographers, decorators, florists, and other entertainers. However, many of them tell me that next month is looking better than usual. Understandable, since traditionally for most of us January rates are lower and availability is higher, so it appears to me that this year’s “holiday season” might be spilling into early 2009 in a big way. Are you finding that, too?

Bottom line: I expect lots of holiday parties will fill January -- scaled down, perhaps, but still cheerful get-togethers to celebrate this special time of the year. In fact, starting at 1:30pm on December 31, we’re booked for four different New Year’s Eve celebrations, ending with a festive, elegant dinner party at the Toll House Hotel, in Los Gatos. Looking for a wonderful New Year’s Eve? Join us, and enjoy a memorable dinner, accompanied by the trio playing your favorite popular standards and jazz classics. We’ve all been waiting for 2009, and this will be a great way to end the old year and begin a bright new one.

Ooops, full disclosure time. Actually, the trio at the Toll House will be three of my best associates, men I often work with, but I can’t be there myself. Instead, I’ll be at an engagement on the books since last September, leading the sextet at a private party in Palo Alto.

So how about you? Still have one more party to plan? Consider scheduling it for January. You’ll have lots of options, and you’ll avoid the end-of-the-year frenzy while you’re dealing with other priorities right now. Today I'm talking with people planning parties for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music. Have a question? We’ll have the answer.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're easy to work with, so let our experience help your celebration. We entertain at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us on New Year’s Eve. Please visit MagnoliaJazz.com for details on this event and more, and I hope to see you soon.

Please leave me a comment. What do you think about all this? I’d love your opinions and comments.

Jazzing Up Support for Local Charities


November 19, 2008.

Here we are last Thursday evening, providing a lively atmosphere for a great meal, company, and conversation in the gym at Bellarmine College Prep, in San Jose. Thanks for the nice photo, Jordan (of Jordan River Productions, San Jose). Left to right: me, Andy Norblin, and Gary Milliken.

Well over 400 people attended this dinner & auction, which benefited Family Supportive Housing. This was the 22nd annual “Soup Kitchen Dinner”, and we’ve donated our services for every one! In fact, everybody involved -- all 26 restaurants & caterers, all the auction prize donors, and all the volunteers -- gave to help this worthwhile program. As I see it, generosity like this is important for a number of reasons.

First, a story. Back in the mid 1970s, a 40-year-old Portland housewife named Jean, working days and attending college at night, read about archaeologists discovering an odd human skeleton, dating back to the Ice Age. The odd part: the bones revealed a cave man who had been elderly and crippled. Jean wondered how, in that savage world, could that crippled person reach a ripe old age. Curious, she began reading everything she could find about prehistoric people, and, though she’d never written fiction before, she wound up writing a very successful series of novels, beginning with “Clan of the Cave Bear”, published in 1980.

Bottom line: That old skeleton is probably the earliest evidence of what today we’d called a civilized community, where we don’t simply let our weakest struggle and die. These days, with the world’s economy teetering, lots of local charitable organizations help sustain our community, and they need our support. Not necessarily the type of “charities” which, when they receive a donation, will send a glossy letter with thank you gifts -- a calendar, return address stickers, or a pen with their logo -- and then ask for another donation.

Worthy charities provide needed services -- like housing, healthcare, job-training, child-care, and food -- that keep our communities together, productive, and thriving. One way or another, the quality of our lives, and our ability to make a living, relies on a vibrant community. I’m very lucky to be in a position to support these efforts. How about you? Wouldn’t it be nice if all of us actively helped support our communities? Think about how you can contribute to this good work. Your reward will include not only strengthening your neighborhood, keeping your own commerce alive, and feeling good, but also you’ll get to know many like-minded people, whose friendships inevitably bring unexpected benefits.

In my case, at the start of every year, I always set aside a special fund to pay the band for playing at benefit events throughout Silicon Valley, this year including Family Supportive Housing, Second Harvest Food Bank, Peninsula Center for the Blind, and Alzheimers Association. We also actively support our community’s cultural organizations, like American Musical Theatre, Ballet San Jose, San Francisco Symphony, San Jose Museum of Art, and Broadway By The Bay.

I’m glad to join all these efforts, primarily to help my community, but also to enrich my life and to enhance the band’s visibility. Funny thing: The more we work, it seems, the more new offers we receive.

Today I'm talking with people planning parties for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music. Have a question? We’ll have the answer.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're easy to work with, so let our experience help your celebration. We entertain at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us on Thanksgiving Day, November 27 (at the newly remodeled Mountain Winery, in Saratoga) and on Wednesday, December 31 (at a festive New Year’s Eve dinner party at the Toll House Hotel, in Los Gatos). Please visit Magnoliajazz.com for details on these events and more, and I hope to see you soon.

Please leave me a comment. What do you think about all this? I’d love your opinions and comments.

It Takes Work to Do What You Love


November 6, 2008.

Maybe it’s the easy way I smile, but people are always telling me how lucky I am to make a living doing what I love. If you’ve ever caught us in action, you’ve seen it’s all about enjoying what we do. Sometime we need to be up front, in everyone’s face, keeping the joint jumping. Other times we need to stay out of the way, and let our music create the right mood. Either way, I love being able to help people have a good time.

Here we are last April 29, providing a soft background for a trade show in the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara. Our job was to keep the room upbeat and comfortable, and, sure enough, everyone there was deeply immersed in their conversations. Which is exactly what you want at a trade show. Looks like we were pretty deeply immersed, too. Whatever the event calls for, whether we’re “front and center” or “out of the way”, whether we’re playing “Summertime” or “I’ve Got the World on a String”, our beautiful music always helps the event, and we always enjoy our little “conversation”.

Thanks for the nice photo, Dave (of Lepori Photography, in Los Gatos). Left to right: Gary Milliken, me, and Andy Norblin.

I thought of this photo last week, when I read an article titled “Think Like A Millionaire”. The author describes research that shows several ways that millionaires tend to think differently from typical people. One way caught my eye: Millionaires learn to seek careers they love. Simple as that! They avoid careers that are dull or a bad fit, because they drain our energy, ambition, and productivity. The rest of the article describes several other habits that help millionaires reach their careers and accumulate serious wealth. Check it out -- it’s interesting reading.

Let me put it another way. My grandfather used to joke: “Hey kid, if you’re so smart, why aren’t you rich?” Now I think I know the answer. Just being smart isn’t enough. To succeed, we need to develop the right habits, and then keep working at them all the time.

There’s a saying: “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” Well, I think we’re better off exercising a bit more control over our destiny, and working at it every day. Everyone has the option to make a living doing what they love, but we all need to learn how to make it happen. Sure, that takes some work, but wouldn’t it be nice if we all developed some of those shrewd millionaire habits to guide our careers, and our lives? If you agree, read the article, and the book it’s based on. And this brings me back to loving what I do every day.

While I’m no millionaire (yet), we have done our homework, and we’ve become quite good. As entertainers, we’ve spent years honing our skills, learning what makes parties succeed, and we strive for our very best at every party. We can do the same for you. Is a significant event coming up in your life? Throw a party and include us. Or do you have friends planning their wedding? Please recommend us.

Today I'm talking with people planning parties for Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music. Have a question? We’ll have the answer.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're easy to work with, so let our experience help your celebration. We play at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us on Friday, November 7 (in the lobby at San Jose’s Center for Performing Arts), Thursday, November 13 (at a casual benefit dinner in San Jose), and on Saturday, November 15 (at an elegant benefit dinner in San Francisco). Please visit Magnoliajazz.com for details on these events and more, and I hope to see you soon.

Please leave me a comment. What do you think about all this? I’d love your opinions and comments.

Hot Trends in Entertainment


October 16, 2008.

Here we are last March, entertaining at a private birthday party in the Pavillion at the San Benito County Fairgrounds, in Hollister. This is a little beyond our customary territory, but what a celebration — like a night in Casablanca! Set in an elegant 1930s nightclub, over a hundred close friends gathered to eat, drink, dance, and toast the guest of honor. We were flexible that night, beginning as this quartet providing soft background during cocktails and dinner, and then added a saxophone and a trumpet for some pretty lively dancing afterward — from “Satin Doll” to “Fly Me to the Moon”.

Thanks for the nice photo, Kim. Left to right: Steve Apple, Gary Milliken, me, and Andy Norblin.

The economy’s on everyone’s mind these days. Practically every business is affected, and I hope you’re doing fine. Sure, the budgets might be tighter now, but, as they say, “The show must go on!” People still get married, still celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, still gather with friends at holiday parties, and businesses still celebrate their landmarks at dinner parties.

Successful businesses are adapting to keep up. Entertainment is no exception, and I’m sure you could tell me stories about how you’re coping, too. I see attendance at big concerts, sports events, and movies starting to reflect lower discretionary income, while free events are doing very well, thank you. It’s the same across the board, up and down the scale, ranging from recorded music sales to booking entertainment for special events. In my line of work, I’d expect that an upscale banquet, which hired a 15-piece dance band last year, might today invite fewer guests and opt for a trio, or even a DJ and a fortune teller.

A few trends seem to be emerging here, and they remind me of the ancient Greek fable of the Leopard and the Fox. One day the leopard, well known for his beautiful spots and fine fur, went out into the fields and saw that most of the other animals had plainer coats, and quickly concluded that the others were distinctly inferior. As the leopard was gloating about the nobility of his appearance, the sly fox cautioned him. 'Go ahead and rely on your extraordinary appearance, so long as my intelligence is more extraordinary than yours. Mental power is more impressive than the glamor of good looks!'

Well, maybe you think the moral is about beauty being only skin deep, or about the folly of believing that your own strength is more important than anyone else’s. But I think the moral is really about the virtues of exercising an agile mind.

What’s my point? This: Quick, deep thinking seems to underlie the latest trends in party entertainment. I certainly can’t speak for the entire field, but in my own corner — playing at parties — I’m seeing entertainers innovating to cope with two significant developments. First, we have fewer qualified clients, most have smaller budgets, and they all want memorable parties. Second, most of our clients need to avoid appearing too extravagant.

Successful entertainers for parties are now thinking creatively of ways to add or enhance the bang for their client’s buck — providing more for less, without going broke. In many cases, this requires digging down to find out what each client REALLY wants, and “brainstorming” new, tasteful, and economical ways to make it happen. Adding extras and some “freebies” is always possible, of course, and I’m delighted to see entertainers working more closely with other event professionals, to create what their clients want. The bottom line for success these days seems to rely on our imagination, resourcefulness, and flexibility.

If you catch the band “in action” today, you'll find us coordinating our music with a DJ, or our attire with a decorator, or the meal presentation with a caterer, or special highlights with an event planner or a photographer. Or you'll find us playing in several locations at the facility, to help guide “traffic” and create distinctive moods throughout the event. These are a few simple ways we’re offering flexibility these days.

I’m trying to take my own advice here. We’ve spent years honing our skills, learning what makes parties succeed, and we strive for our very best at every party. We can do the same for you. Is a significant event coming up in your life? Throw a party and include us. Or do you have friends planning their wedding? Please recommend us.

Today I'm talking with people planning parties for Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music. Have a question? We’ll have the answer.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're easy to work with, so let our experience help your celebration. We play at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us on Tuesday, October 21 (at a casual cocktail party in Saratoga), on Thursday, November 13 (at a casual benefit dinner in San Jose), and on Saturday, November 15 (at an elegant benefit dinner in San Francisco). Please visit MagnoliaJazz.com for details on these events and more, and I hope to see you soon.

Sure-Fire Tips for Planning a Great Party!

September 22, 2008.

Here we are 10 days ago, entertaining at a casual garden party at the Hayes Mansion, in San Jose. After two days of pretty intense seminars, all the guests wanted was a chance to relax, kick back, and enjoy each other’s company. It was a wonderful California evening — a fabulous dinner and the perfect background music, ranging from “Stardust” to “Tequila”. Thanks for the nice photo, JoAnn. Left to right: Dale Mills, me, Gary Milliken, and Andy Norblin.

Well, it’s been a busy summer around here! To name just a few familiar locations, we’ve entertained at hotels (Ritz-Carlton, Clarion Hotel, Dinah’s Hotel), country clubs (Ridgemark CC, University Club, Menlo CC, Palo Alto Hills CC, Decathlon Club), businesses (Mountain Terrace, Testarossa Winery, Deja Jewelry, McKormick & Kuletos) and historic facilities (Rengstorff House, Ralston Hall, Dunsmuir House, Hayes Mansion, Stanford Faculty Club). And of course, every summer we play at numerous garden parties at people’s homes.

How about you? Looking to jazz up your next party? Or do you have friends planning their wedding? Please recommend us. They can preview us in Palo Alto and San Jose on October 4th, or in San Francisco on October 7th, or right now at MagnoliaJazz.com. More about this later.

But first, a story. I love this one. About 20 years ago, a gentleman called me and invited me to lunch at his soon-to-be nightclub in downtown San Jose. When we met, he explained that he recently managed a Disneyland-type club in Florida, and he wanted some advice from me about converting the old building we were sitting in, to morph it into a hot entertainment showcase, presenting a wild party every night. Well, we began talking a little about cosmetic things like how to position the stage, the bar, the dining tables, and the doorways, when out of the blue he asked me, “By the way, when does the tourist season start around here?”

What? He was lost from the start. How could he plan a project like that without first asking, “IS there a tourist season out here?” Unbelievable. Since that time, I’ve seen plenty of small party-planning oversights, but nothing like that one.

Chances are good that you’ve planned a party sometime, or even hired a band once or twice. In the process you most likely learned a few helpful tricks and important things to consider, so the next time around your planning will be easier. I’m always helping people go through the process of planning a party (and hiring a band) for the first time, and here’s my own “How To” list (it’s on my website, too). Please look it over and tell me if I’ve skipped one of your favorite “planning” items.

By the way, you can modify this list to help you plan ANY party, or hire ANY event professional — a caterer, facility, planner, wedding coordinator, florist, photographer, decorator, etc.

Here goes...

Planning music for your party can be easy and fun. Sure, you’ll need to make many decisions, but because you have so many options, taking a systematic approach will help you make everything fit together perfectly.

The following suggestions come from experience. Playing nearly every day since January 1975, we’ve helped make thousands of special events memorable. We’ve seen that whether a party needs to be one-of-a-kind or just-like-the-last-one, the planner helps make it successful by selecting the appropriate music.

So, how do you begin? How do you select the right band for the perfect party? It’s simple — just ask yourself the right questions. They’ll help you quickly find exactly what you want.

No matter what styles of music you’re considering, ask yourself first about the atmosphere you want to create. Picture the overall mood you want for your guests. Formal, elegant and sophisticated? Casual and mellow? Upbeat and rousing? Want a unifying theme for your event?

Keep this image in mind as you continue selecting your music. And don’t plan just what it’ll look like. What do you want your party to sound like? What should being there feel like? How will your guests move around?

Continuing...

Whether your heart’s set on one favorite musical style, or if you’re open to a few different styles — for example, jazz, classical, top 40s, rock, disco, or country — examine what’s available:

Ask for recommendations:
* Friends and Colleagues
* Event Professionals (musicians, coordinators, facilities, photographers, caterers, florists, decorators)
* Event Magazines and Entertainment Agencies
* Local Entertainment Listings (internet, newspapers, radio)

Then, when you contact possible bands, here are a few points to check:
* Speak with the musician who’ll actually lead your band.
* Develop a comfortable rapport — be sure the “chemistry” is right.
* Check their experience. Get references.
* Request a free demo CD, tune list, and related information.
* Arrange to hear a live performance whenever possible.
* Other practical issues: Can they act as MC? Can they provide a PA system? Can they provide music during their breaks? Any additional fees for travel or overtime?

Finally...

Thank goodness you can choose among dozens of musical styles. The Magnolia Jazz Band specializes in entertaining people with popular swing standards, traditional jazz classics, and Latin favorites, and we’ve got what it takes to jazz up hundreds of parties every year.

While many people share our musical preferences, they’re certainly not for everyone. Whatever musical styles you prefer, searching systematically will help you select the right music to make your party perfect. Thank you for considering us, and best wishes for your next party!

So that’s my list, assembled from experience. We’ve spent years honing our skills, learning what makes parties succeed, and we strive for our very best at every party. Let us do the same for you. Is a significant event coming up in your life? Throw a party and include us.

Today I’m talking with people planning parties for Halloween and Thanksgiving. If you’ll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now’s a good time to plan the details, including the music.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You’ll love what we do. We’re easy to work with, so let our experience help your celebration. We play at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us “in action” twice on Saturday, October 4 (inside Macy’s in Palo Alto and later at an elegant benefit party in San Jose) and on Tuesday, October 7 (at a lively benefit party in San Francisco). Visit Magnoliajazz.com for details on these events and more.

Sat, Oct 4, 12–3pm
Macy’s Stanford Shopping Center
El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Sat, Oct 4, 6–9pm
Corinthian Event Center
Third Ave, at St James, San Jose

Tues, Oct 7, 5-8pm
McCormick & Kuletos
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco

Olympic Medals for Parties?

August 31, 2008

Here we are this summer, entertaining at the city of Cupertino’s annual 4th of July festivities. 2008 is our fourth year at the celebration, and the six-man band presented a lively program for family picnickers of all ages, and many dancers, too. It was a wonderful evening, followed by a terrific fireworks show, and I hope you were there. Thanks for the nice photo, Joy. Left to right: Dale Mills, Gary Milliken, Steve Apple, me, Bruce Jolly, and Andy Norblin.

Are you looking to jazz up your next party? Or do you have friends planning their wedding? Please recommend us. They can preview us in Sunnyvale on September 13th, or Belmont on September 19th, or right now at MagnoliaJazz.com.

But first, a story. Yikes — it just happened again. A telemarketer tried to sell me a magazine subscription by asking if I wanted to “support his Foundation or let thousands go hungry”. What kind of illogical offer is that? He gave me two stark choices as though they were opposites and covered all sides of the story. I hear statements like this all the time, and they kill me. Does ridiculous stuff like this ever happen to you, too?

When most issues in the world are some shade of gray, rather than black or white, it makes no sense to select any extreme solution. Chances are it’ll be hasty, superficial, and more wrong than right. Sure, this “either-or” option helps us get off the fence when we’re stuck making a hard decision, especially when making a decision is more important than whatever we decide. But it seems like we’re given these oversimplified options all the time, especially by salesmen looking for an easy commission or politicians looking for an easy vote. “You’re either with us or you’re against us” comes to mind.

I thought about this misleading black vs white situation while watching the recent Olympics coverage. The games were exciting and inspiring, as always, but with so much emphasis on winning medals, I felt the media often verged on saying “We love you if you win a medal (especially a gold one, for our country), otherwise we’re barely interested in you!”

Hold on, the games aren’t primarily about winning medals, are they? Is winning the only thing? That simplistic viewpoint is just too black and white for me. I think it’s far more significant to be in the race at all — win, place, show, or something else. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great honor to compete as an Olympian, and all the athletes, whether individuals or teams, want first to do their personal best. For a few at the very top, this definitely means winning a medal.

But all those medals, and the universal frenzy about national medal totals — don’t they distract from the Olympic movement’s ideal of “excelling”? After all, these athletes are the world’s champions, and at that lofty Olympic level, each one has to be totally focused on their sport. I’m not one of those athletes, so I can’t really know how they feel or exactly what they aim for, but in my heart I hope everyone was striving primarily for the love of excelling at their sport — maybe to come in first place, but always to do their best possible job.

Now don’t be surprised, but this reminds me of my band. Although no one gives a gold medal for helping people enjoy their parties, this is exactly what we aim for. In my opinion, my bandmates -- Andy Norblin, on guitar, and Gary Milliken, on clarinet -- are real champions at entertaining people and helping them have a good time. It’s what we love to do, and we do it well. We’ve spent years honing our skills, learning what makes parties succeed, and we strive for our very best at every party.

Let us do the same for you. Is a significant event coming up in your life? Throw a party and include us. You’ll love it — simple as black and white.

Today I'm talking with people planning parties for Halloween and Thanksgiving. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with, and we know what it'll take to make your next party memorable. We've entertained people since 1975, so let our experience help your celebration.

We play at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us “in action” on September 13 at a lively picnic celebration in Sunnyvale and on September 19 at an elegant benefit dinner party in Belmont. Visit Magnoliajazz.com for details on these events and more.

Sat, Sept 13, 12–2pm
the new Sunnyvale City Center
Mathilda Av, at McKinley, Sunnyvale

Fri, Sept 19, 6–9pm
Ralston Hall
1500 Ralston Av, Belmont

The Tradition for Celebrating with Music

July 30, 2008

Here we are, relaxing at an informal dinner party last September at Parcel 104, in Santa Clara. Setting just the right tone for a casual event! Thanks to Ryan Willis for his nice photo.

Looking to jazz up your next party? Are friends planning a wedding? Please recommend us. They can preview us right now at MagnoliaJazz.com or on Thurs, July 31, and Thurs, August 14 in a wonderful “tropical” lounge — The Island Grill, in San Jose. Details on our website.

You’ve read this before? Well, in some ways I’m just an old fashioned guy, trying hard to stay up-to-date. Though our world is changing very rapidly, I believe some old traditions are worth preserving. Like the tradition of celebrating a special event with a party!

First, a story. All of us rely on some “high tech” these days. I don’t know how you did it, but for me it all started the day I botched typing a letter. By early 1984, I’d been managing the band’s business for 9 years, all with only a pencil, a calendar, carbon paper, and a typewriter. No computer, laser printer, website, or fax — just me, my telephone, my notebook, and Kinko’s down the street. Back then, “cut & paste” meant cutting and pasting, and I did plenty of that. You, too?

One lovely spring afternoon I was sitting in my yard typing a letter to a jazz festival organizer in Colorado (we performed at lots of festivals in those days). Well, the letter had to be perfect (no “white-out”, if you remember that), and I was a poor typist. After about three hours of failing to produce one flawless page, I cried “There’s GOTTA be a better way!” and went out and bought a used Apple II computer for about $400. Turns out it was one of the best decisions I ever made, and as they say, the rest is history. Suddenly with a word processor, a database, and a spreadsheet, I was working more and better, with no limit in sight.

Today I can’t imagine how I managed to take care of business without my computer, and I can say the same thing about telephone answering machines, email, and cell phones. I haven’t tried text messaging yet — maybe that’s next. Today in thousands of new devices, computers are everywhere. We’re deluged with innovations every day, so now we can matter-of-factly say, “Oh yes, I just Googled your website on my iPhone.”

New possibilities seem to be created every day, and for me the changes in our world are astonishing! Just as for my grandparents, I’m sure, who were in their twenties when the first commercial automobiles were created, and my parents, who were in their teens when "talking" movies, radio, and sound recordings became commercial.

Yet with all this new stuff going on, I still think some things shouldn’t change. I’m happy to support a fine tradition, which is that people should celebrate their good times — whether it’s a wedding, an anniversary, a new business, or just the opportunity for friends to get together. Is a significant event coming up for you? Throw a party! When you’re considering a band for your party, call me. In fact, you can even ask me to type the invitations.

We're always ready to help with your next party, whether it's a lively bash, an elegant banquet, or something in between. Swinging standards make everything memorable. Elegant & unique. Upbeat, danceable, & mellow. Today I'm talking with people planning parties for Labor Day and Halloween. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with, and we know what it'll take to make your party a success. We've entertained people since 1975, so let our experience help your next celebration.

We play at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us at one of our public events. Visit Magnoliajazz.com for details on these events and more.

Thur, July 31, 9:30pm-12:30am
Thur, Aug 14, 9:30pm-12:30am
The Island Grill
Clarion Airport Hotel,
1355 N 4th St, San Jose

Sat, Aug 16, 12-4pm
Portraits by Rebecca
17265 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill

Meeting Expectations with Attention to Details

June 30, 2008

Here we are, playing requests (a standard "extra service" for any band) at a cocktail party two weeks ago at the University Club, in Palo Alto. Thanks for the photo, Cristina.

Looking to jazz up your next party? Are friends planning a wedding? Please recommend us. They can preview us right now at MagnoliaJazz.com or at a great 4th of July event in Cupertino -- an opportunity to picnic, enjoy a wonderful family atmosphere, and there’ll be fireworks, too. Come early!

First, a confession. I’m in the habit of telling people I make a living going to parties. (Maybe you’ve heard this before.) Actually, it’s truer to say I help people enjoy the kinds of parties they wish for.

Since 1975, I’ve been involved with what people today call the “Service Industry.” So, like a waiter in a restaurant, my job actually is to listen to people tell me what they REALLY want, and then do my best to deliver it. And more.

Nowadays, those last two words are becoming more and more crucial. Attention to details has always been important, and today it's become a hot topic. Compared with ten years ago, these are challenging times, and across the board, the best of the best are exceeding expectations with extra service.

How many times a day do you hear, “Anything else I can help you with today?” I’ve been counting, and in the last 12 hours I’ve heard it in person and on the phone from a dentist, a phone company, a bank, and 2 retail stores. Lots of people are asking, and they’re all listening carefully for what we want -- trying to out-listen and out-deliver their competitors.

It’s fun to watch people finally discover the power of “extra service”. It’s nothing new to me -- I’ve been digging down deep to provide “extra service” all along, and I’ll even toss in a “surprise” whenever I can.

A photographer friend recently told me some brides-to-be now expect him to provide a professional make-up artist for his sessions. So he has found something new to ask about and listen for. Are you noticing this, too?

No matter what business you’re in, I bet you’re finding similar new ways to provide that extra touch of service. Similarly, many of the people who serve you are eager to give you a little extra, too -- a better discount, finer quality, or faster delivery.

By the way, I’m seeing this “extra service” trend not just in business, but among casual friends, too. But that’s a blog for another day. In the meantime, people still celebrate -- whether it’s a wedding, an anniversary, or the good fortune to be still in business. Is a significant event coming up for you? Throw a party! When you’re considering a band for your party, call me. We’ll talk about what you REALLY want at the celebration, and how I’ll deliver it. And more.

We're ready to help with your next party, whether it's a lively bash, an elegant banquet, or something in between. Swinging standards make everything memorable. Elegant & unique. Upbeat, danceable, & mellow. Today I'm talking with people planning parties for Bastille Day and Labor Day. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with, and we know what it'll take to make your party a success. We've entertained people since 1975, so let our experience help your next celebration.

We play at private parties nearly every day, and you can preview us at one of our public events. Click here for details on these events and more.

Fri, July 4, 6:45-9:15pm
two 4th of July Picnics
two parks in Cupertino

Sat, July 19, 6:30-9:30pm
Benefit Dinner & Dance Party
Ridgemark Country Club, Hollister

Thur, July 31, 9:30pm-12:30am
The Island Grill
Clarion Airport Hotel, San Jose

A Great Testimonial from Albert



June 14, 2008

Looking to jazz up your next party? Or do you have friends planning their wedding? Please recommend us. They can preview us in Cupertino on July 4th or right now at MagnoliaJazz.com.

In the meantime, Dr Einstein is willing to recommend us, but Madonna, Brad, Barbra, Justin, and Paris are just too busy these days. Well, thanks anyway.

Mrs Clinton could tell you that celebrity endorsements are only so good. The best testimonials, I’m told, are from actual satisfied colleagues and clients. And we’ve received plenty over the last 33 years.

Which is why I’m proud to post many of these recommendations on my website, and my profiles on Facebook, WeddingWire, and LinkedIn. Please check them out, and invite your friends to visit, too.

I regularly hear from newlyweds, corporate event planners, catering managers, and couples who just celebrated their anniversaries or birthdays. Here’s a typical note I received last month from Liz, an event planner in Mountain View:

“Great! I wish everyone was so helpful and easy to work with. The music was entertaining and created an atmosphere that was both fun and elegant.”

Let us do the same for you. Is a significant event coming up in your life? Throw a party and hire a band.

Today I'm talking with people planning parties for July 4th and Labor Day. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music. You can preview us in Cupertino on July 4th. Click here for details.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with, and we know what it'll take to make your next party a success. We've entertained people since 1975, so let our experience help your celebration.

Reviving The Timeless Standards

May 26, 2008

Looking to jazz up your next party? Or do you have friends planning their wedding? Please recommend us. They can preview us right now at MagnoliaJazz.com.

But first, a question. “How many songs do you know?” I know hundreds, easily. You, too? When I asked a dozen friends, this quickly became a much more interesting question: “What makes a song memorable?” Well, it’s complicated, I’m sure, but for a start we agreed it must include a combination of the melody, harmony, lyrics, what songs you already know, and what songs you enjoyed when you were young.

On a larger level, there’s something universal about remembering songs. Everyone does it, and whoever you ask will have some particular style they remember best. How about you? For many Americans living today, one favorite style emerged in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Think of the big dance bands, Hollywood movies, and Broadway musicals. Think of “It Had to be You” (1924), “Stardust” (1929), “Georgia on my Mind” (1930), “Embraceable You” (1930), “As Time Goes By” (1931), “I’ve Got the World on a String” (1933), “Blue Moon” (1934), “My Funny Valentine” (1937), “Over the Rainbow” (1939), “White Christmas” (1942), and hundreds more.

Year after year now, contemporary artists revive many of these old standards with a freshness that appeals to today’s listeners. Still, there’s a timeless quality in the best of these songs, which is why they’re called “Standards”. And every year one or two new songs outlive the “fad” stage, and join the ranks of these universally popular gems. Think of “Unforgettable” (1951), “Satin Doll” (1958), “Moon River” (1961), “Girl from Ipanema” (1964), “Yesterday” (1965), and “Spanish Eyes” (1965) to name just a few.

We specialize in bringing these lovely old standards to today’s parties. We’ve found they’ll create the right mood for any special event, whether it’s a formal business banquet, a sophisticated, romantic reception, or a lively, casual soiree. Guests relax with familiar music. They can chat comfortably or dance the night away.

Is a significant event coming up in your life? Throw a party, hire a band, and sing your favorite song. It’ll probably be one of these “Standards”.

Today I'm talking with people planning parties for July 4th and Labor Day. If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music. June is prime time for private celebrations — weddings, anniversaries, and graduations — and you can preview us in Cupertino on the 4th of July. Click here for details.

In the meantime, call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with, and we know what it'll take to make your party a success. We've entertained people since 1975, so let our experience help your next celebration.

Balancing Work and Relaxation

April 29, 2008

Where do you work these days? Half my friends have changed their jobs at least once
in the last 5 years. A few hundred years ago, most people spent their lives carrying on
exactly the same work their families did for generations. Now who of us makes a living
the way our parents did? Grandparents?

Today we’re flexible and adaptable. We can travel anywhere in the world and network
with cell phones and text messages wherever we go. We can find wireless internet nearly
everywhere, and our opportunities for work and play are growing every day.

Though we live in the heart of this whirlwind, we can barely glimpse what’s at stake with
each change. I think the more things change around us, the more essential balancing work
and play becomes for living well.

Americans believe hard work pays off, and for years I’ve said “The harder I work, the
harder I must relax.” Recently I began saying, “Less time with the mouse, more time
with the spouse”, so my wife and I just left town for a refreshing break in the routine.

What an eye-opener! Driving across the country, checking out the local sights and
listening to local talk radio, we rediscovered what a diverse and innovative area we
call home. People in most of the regions we visited seem to live closer to their roots
— both geographical and cultural. It seems to me that here in the Bay Area we are more
ready to overpromise, overwork, and tolerate a broader range of acceptable ideas.

All of us strive to preserve cherished notions and improve outmoded ones. And it’s not
just about the popular “conservative” or “liberal” ideas. In our changing world, we
continually rebalance our attitudes about work and play. Whatever we consider most
important always merits most of our attention, and, lest we paint ourselves into a corner,
we often need to get out for some fresh air.

Don’t get me wrong -- I love my job, and I'm definitely not about to quit. But even in the
busiest times I always need to be relaxed, fresh, and ready to do my best. For years I’ve
worked as many days as possible, and today I believe more than ever that working hard
means you’re earning your time off.

We’re so lucky that Silicon Valley is blessed with so many opportunities to work and to
play. How are you doing? Is a milestone event coming up in your life? Pause a few moments
to consider your good fortune and celebrate. Maybe have a party and hire a band.

I'm talking with people planning parties for Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July.
If you'll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to
plan the details, including the music. You can preview us soon at Mother's Day brunch on
Sun, May 11, or an exciting awards party on Tues, May 13. Click here for details.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You'll love what we do. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work
with, and we know what it'll take to make your party a success. We've entertained people
since 1975, so let our experience help your next celebration.

San Francisco Giants opening day & 50th anniversary

April 16, 2008

We've entertained for the SF Giants at AT&T Park twice in the last 2 weeks. First, on April 7,
at a special party to celebrate the season's Opening Day, and yesterday to help commemorate
the very first game the Giants played in San Francisco, on April 15, 1958. They beat the
Dodgers 8-0. Here's a photo (click to enlarge) from a fan -- thanks Ilene. Left to right:
Steve Hanson, me, Andy Norblin, and Gary Milliken.

Traditional Jazz for Dancing, Weddings, Parties, even Funerals

April 3, 2008

Do you have friends planning a wedding or a party? Please recommend us.
They can preview us at the SF Giants season opener on Mon, April 7, or a benefit
cocktail party on Fri, April 11. Click here for details.

But first, a story. A friend recently asked me to play for an event she said
might be "kind of a downer". Turns out, it was a memorial service, and not
gloomy at all. Sadness brought everyone together, but they met with music
to say "life goes on". It reminded me of the first jazz tradition, "playing music
to serve the people".

Thirty years ago, I became friends with a few of the original musicians who
played at Preservation Hall, in New Orleans. From the start, that city boasted
a huge calendar of social celebrations, and these old-timers spent a lifetime
providing uplifting music for all sorts of occasions. Whether at a fish-fry, a
banquet, a neighborhood dance hall, or a funeral, their music always set the
right mood and made it "an event".

That was the purpose of their art. It's what they taught me in the 1970s, and
it's how I make a living today. Now I'm talking with people planning parties
for Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. If you're having a party on
one of these days, or on any day in between, now's a good time to plan the
details, including the music.

Call us. You'll love what we do. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with,
and we know what it'll take to make your party a success. We've entertained
people since 1975, so let our experience help your next celebration.

Networking with Facebook, LinkedIn, & Plaxo

March 6, 2008

Friends planning a wedding? They can preview us at this small, exclusive
wedding showcase, on Thurs, March 13. Click here for details.

But first, I'm always seeking tools for working better, and I found some
you might like, too. Look at some of the new internet networking programs:
Facebook, LinkedIn, and Plaxo.

They keep us in touch and help us discover new opportunities. Other social
programs seem best suited for online dating or giggly pre-teen gossip, but
these three seem ideal for "taking care of business". Each new link expands
our circle of contacts, so more of us can work together.

Give one a try. It won't replace a face-to-face conversation, letter, phone call,
fax, or email. But it will add to how you share information, ask questions,
and get answers. It'll help by letting you contact "friends of your friends".

Each of us contacts lots of people all the time. Online networking could be a
great way to be more efficient and effective.

Today I'm talking with people planning parties for Easter, St Patrick's Day, and
Mother's Day. If you're having a party on one of these days, or on any day in
between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music.

Call us. We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with, and we know what it'll
take to make your party perfect. We've entertained since 1975, so let our
experience help your next celebration.

"To be a good talker, be a better listener".

February 1, 2008

Hi. Have you ever played in a jazz band? It's a terrific way to make a living,
and you learn several valuable "rules for life".

One is "Success Requires Careful Listening". Just like in any conversation you
might have, the musicians I work with carry on a little "give-and-take" magic.
When we play any familiar song, we all know the melody and harmony, and
together we just help it along. Whatever one of us "says" depends on what
we hear the others saying. Same with you?

"To be a good talker, be a better listener". This might be true for you; definitely
for us. Watch for it next time you catch us in action.

Maybe it'll be at a party on Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, Easter Sunday, or St.
Patrick's Day. If you're having a party on one of these days, or on any day in
between, now's a good time to plan the details, including the music.

We're veteran party-goers, easy to work with, and we know what it takes to
make your party perfect. We've entertained people nearly every day since 1975,
so for your next party, let our experience help you.

Preview us at one of our public events. Find
details for these and more on our website.

Sat, Feb 2, 5:30-8:30pm
elegant benefit dinner
Ralston Hall, Belmont

Thur, Feb 14, 6-8pm
romantic Valentine's Day dinner
Embassy Suites, Milpitas

New Year's Resolution: Maximize Efficiency

January 3, 2008

Happy New Year. Making any good resolutions? Here's mine, and you might
like it, too: Whatever you do, vow to be more efficient. Maximize the time
you devote to whatever you do best. Focus on the most effective and satisfying
80% of all you have -- personal and business activities -- and "weed out" the
rest. Seems to me life's too short for keeping time-wasters, and the start of a
new year is a great time to "clean house". (Listen to that, I must be getting old.)

I hope you've enjoyed wonderful holiday parties. I'm working with some people
who skipped last year's holiday rush, to schedule their next event in January or
later in the spring.

They mention several advantages to this plan, including links with holidays like
Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick's Day, and it'll be easier on the
budget. If you like this strategy, too, now's a good time to start planning details,
including music.

We're veteran party-goers -- easy to work with, and we know what it takes to
make your party perfect. We've entertained people nearly every day since 1975.
So for your next party, let our experience help you.

Preview us at one of our public events. Find details for this and more on our website.

Sat, Feb 2, 5:30-8:30pm
Elegant benefit party
Ralston Hall, Belmont