One weekend, two weddings

This past weekend Peter & the Master Keys brought the full force of the 7-piece band to two weddings. For both couples it was their second time getting married and that brought them the wisdom and maturity to make a strong and lasting partnership.

Peter & the Master Keys played jazz and blues classics in Wilmington De.

I met John and Stephanie at Lafayette Grand Cafe in NYC a few years ago where I played for their friends wedding anniversary. We stayed in touch and I was honored to be invited to play for them when they decided to celebrate their own wedding! The band traveled to their lovely home in Wilmington, De. where they had an enormous tent for all of their friends and family. Since most of their friends were in their 40s-60s, they loved that the Master Keys could play excellent renditions of old jazz standards early in the evening and then transition to rollicking blues and soul that kept them and their friends on the dance floor til the end. Songs like Sinatra’s “NY, NY”, Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell” and “Tequila” were such big crowd pleasers that they wouldn’t let us go without an encore!

Peter with the bride and groom at the River Cafe in Brooklyn

Stephanie found the band through The Knot and soon they stopped by Fine and Rare in NYC to hear the band play. Jim told me that he was a big blues guy so I was more than happy to oblige with some of my favorites. After a very pleasant chat they hired the band on the spot! The couple chose the world famous River Cafe on the Brooklyn waterfront as their venue and it was absolutely beautiful. The band played “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles for the recessional and Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” was their choice for first dance. I always include a first dance request for free and I made a nice arrangement of it which I think I’ll keep for future reference! Jim incorporated his Irish heritage by having a bagpiper play as guests gather and a family friend lead the party in a rousing rendition of “Irish Rover”. We kept the crowd going with the blend of jazz, blues and rock n' roll (and a couple requests) that the band does so well. We love what we do!

CDs are here!

Peter and the Master Keys CD

Well I’m super excited to announce the arrival of the official Peter and the Master Keys debut CD! I’ve been waiting to long to do this. Mainly because I wanted the recordings to be perfect but then recently I listened back to a few recording sessions that the band has done over the last few years and realized, hey they sound pretty darn good! There was one where we had done a video recording at a great studio using their vintage mics. We were all in the same room and we did it live, which is why I think those sound so good in particular. You can really hear the band playing and grooving in the moment!

For those of you who still have an old-fashioned CD player and like having a physical copy, I have actual CDs you can purchase for $15! Also you can download a digital copy for just $7 Check it out here

If you want to just listen you can do so on Spotify but if you like it, please consider leaving a tip. They only pay $.004 per stream!

Back at Fine and Rare

Fine and Rare, NYC

It’s been a while… Before the pandemic I had enjoyed playing at this beautiful establishment and it’s sister restaurant, The Flatiron Room every week. I used the opportunity to season my band and try out new musicians and repertoire. The electric bass came out, a beautiful cherry red Guild Starfire bass from the late 70’s, thumping away in all it’s glory and perfect for the vintage blues and soul we often do.

The room is on par with the best designed in the city, gorgeous and eccentric details abound and is perfectly lit. The space is arranged around an Art Deco inspired stage in a way that makes for an intimate and cozy performance space for the artist and audience with booths for larger parties and a cozy row of tables up front for couples arranged around the stage. There is a liquor library of sorts, complete with a ladder for fetching. That is, if you’re a regular you can have your favorite bottles on hand in their library and they’ll be pulled at your convenience to impress your guests! I should also note that the cocktails and food are top-notch with an unrivaled whiskey selection to boot.

So I hope I have you sold! Come out Thursdays in August and September from 9-12 and relax with us. See you there!

Peter & The Master Keys at Fine and Rare

Playing for the Mariano Rivera foundation with Bernie Williams as a special guest

Yankees great, Bernie Williams sits in with the band at the Mariano Rivera foundation fundraiser.

It’s not every day that you meet a legend of baseball and definitely not every day that one sits in with the band. Ok, I’ll admit I don’t follow baseball. I mean I really don’t follow baseball. So when I booked a gig playing cocktail hour for the Mariano Rivera foundation I didn’t think much of it. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of Mariano, arguably the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history. I know… Anyway the day of the gig I got a call asking if it was ok if Bernie Williams could sit in with the band on guitar and I figured, “why not”? Again, I hadn’t even heard of Bernie, possibly the best switch hitter ever. The guy is a legend. I didn’t know any of this until I told my guitarist and drummer who are huge yankees fans. To say they were excited to play with Bernie is a huge understatement.

So fast forward to the event, which is at Mariano’s beautiful mansion in White Plains. Bernie rolls up and is the most down-to-earth guy you could hope to meet. I learned later that after retirement he went back to school at the Manhattan School of Music to get his degree in jazz guitar. Respect. He just loves to play music and when he heard there was a jazz band at his friend’s house he asked to sit in. So not only did he sit in but he played the entire set with us, which was a thrill for us because the guy can really PLAY! Thanks, Bernie, for making it a truly memorable event! Hope we can do it again soon.

Some thoughts on booking a great band

When you’ve decided that you want to book great wedding entertainment for your big night you have to decide which band you want to work with. Many of the most prominent bands in New York are also what is called “agency bands”. These bands are really bands in name only since the agency has a stable of players that they call for the gigs. The quality among players varies a great deal and often times they don’t have a lot of experience working with each other, which can make the overall quality suffer. If you are looking to hire a wedding entertainment band why not hire one that has great rapport and loves playing together? This is the kind of energy that will come across to you and your guests.

Fine and Rare, NYC

When dealing with an “agency band” it’s important to remember that they may have many bands out on any given night so when you interact with them it will probably be with a manager who will not necessarily be there on the day of the occasion. The advantage of working with a smaller operation likePeter & the Master Keys is that you will work with the band leader himself. It’s like the farmers market of wedding reception bands in New York City. If you’re the kind of person who likes to go to the source and feel a connection to the musician who will be providing a big part of the vibe for your wedding then working with us might be the right move. We are a bit niche and that’s ok, but if you enjoy old school jazz, blues, and early RnB then chances are, we’ll be a great fit for you!

I’ve worked with a lot of couples in search of wedding entertainment bands and I’ve found that providing personalized warm service makes a big difference for them. When clients work with me they know that they are speaking with the person who will not only be singing at the wedding but who will be directing all of the band logistics. Where to set up for ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception. The exact timeline for everything including speeches and announcements. There is no opportunity for there be a miscommunication between the bandleader and office because we are one and the same. Clients also get a chance to share themselves and their stories with me, which helps me set the tone for the evening. I enjoy working with them in choosing specific songs for the ceremony and first dance as well as the
overall mood of the dance music.

There are a number of live bands for wedding receptions in NYC and the benefit of it being a big market is that there are a lot of good choices. Peter & the Master Keys is an excellent choice for those who love classic jazz and blues music and also value making a real connection with the artist and the comfort that comes from knowing that all the details will be handled. It feels good to know that the band is really there for YOU on your big night!

Finding the right band

There are so many wedding music bands in NYC that it can be hard to know where to start. First, if you haven’t already, narrow down the kind of music that you’d like to hear. Pop, country, rock, jazz…? These days it’s easy to find bands with a simple Google search. If you’re reading this then that probably means you’re looking for a jazz band for your wedding. A jazz band is great for wedding reception music because it is classy, sophisticated and can lend a retro vibe to your wedding. What’s more, older relatives will really appreciate it and won’t be left out in the cold as can happen when bands play a lot of contemporary music. The Master Keys is great because it is an excellent jazz band that also does vintage blues and rock n roll. It’s a great and engaging mix for folks of all ages.

There is a lot to choose from if you want great jazz wedding music in New York City. When you search on the internet you will find a few websites such as Gigmasters where you can view different bands and then ask for them to bid on your event. If you look a bit deeper you will find many stand alone bands, maybe even this one! You’ll likely check out their videos and reviews. Many wedding musicians in NYC have great videos these days. It has become increasingly cheaper to produce good content. So if you see videos that seem out of date or of poor production quality, that can be a red flag that they aren’t staying current or even working that much. Apart from that, look to see that they present themselves well and that they are playing with the energy and enthusiasm you are looking for.

If you’re looking to hire the best wedding music bands, it is important to remember that some things can be hard to tell from the video. Most importantly, quality level and experience. Since the barrier for entry with video is so low now, there are many bands that can make a good looking video. But with good editing, it can be easy to obscure the musicians’ ability. There is a big difference between a musician fresh out of college and a seasoned professional. All the musicians in the Master Keys have conservatory training plus many years of New York experience between them.

Experience also means knowing the ins and outs of weddings. There are so many aspects of the event that happen off the bandstand: working with the planner and client, efficiency and timeliness, working with catering and other vendors as a team, serving as MC, staying alert and keeping cool under pressure. These are some some of the skills that I pride myself on as a bandleader and they can only come with years of professional New York experience. Contact us for hiring best wedding bands in New York City.

What sets us apart from other bands when it comes to weddings

Hiring live music for your wedding celebration can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make as you plan your big night but there are so many New York City wedding bands to choose from that the options can be daunting. Here are a few tips for choosing a great one. 

First dance in Philadelphia

First, you need to decide on the aesthetic of your wedding if you haven’t already. Is it glamorous,  super casual, sporty, country, quaint/charming…? That will go a long way in helping you to decide what kind of band to go for. If you’re getting married in a fancy New York ballroom, then plaid table cloths and a country band won’t work obviously. They would go great, however, in a barn. Of course, you should hire a band that will play the music you want to hear but it’s worth noting if  the band is congruent with everything else. 

If you are looking for the best wedding bands in New York City then you have many options. There are many good “top 40 bands” around. They will typically play some jazz for cocktail hour (though the quality can vary greatly since many are primarily pop musicians) then play a Motown medley and then move on through the decades to the latest pop hits and invariably end with a Bruno Mars song! 

Lafayette Grill in NYC

This is a great option for many people but not everyone. First of all, maybe you don’t really want to hear Bruno Mars or Rhianna.  A wedding band in New York City will usually play that material but it often leaves relatives over 40 in the cold. And lastly, they all start to sound the same and maybe you want your wedding band to be different.

Peter & the Master Keys is one of the best wedding bands in NYC because we ARE a bit different.  We play classic American songbook jazz that is quintessentially New York and if you want, we can also play timeless blues, soul and RnB from the artists like Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and Chuck Berry.  You get the class and sophistication of having a swinging little big band at your reception and you get a band that plays great party music for dancing that won’t leave anyone out in the cold. Best of all, instead of a band just like all the other wedding bands you can have one that is fun and unique. 

What to know about booking a band for your wedding

There is so much to consider when planning a wedding. The right venue, invitations, food, flower arrangements… The list goes on and on.  All of these things need to take into account your aesthetic and your values.  Do you want an elegant wedding, casual, rustic, retro, nature-inspired? Those values will affect everything else down to the table settings and they are what set the tone for everything in your celebration especially how you and your guests feel, which is the most important thing. After all, this is an occasion that you want to look back on fondly for the rest of your life!

With the groom at the Yale Club, NYC

I would be the first person to tell you that Peter & the Master Keys isn’t the perfect band for everyone’s wedding.  DJs can be great for people on a budget who want to hear songs exactly as recorded. Top 40 bands are great if you want to hear the big pop hits with a live band. But the Master Keys was designed with a different kind of vibe in mind. It is first and foremost an excellent jazz band for a wedding reception, and yet it is much more than that.

Sitting in with the band

First of all, having live music at your wedding says a lot about you as a couple. Let’s face it. It’s just classier to have real musicians playing ceremony music, top New York jazz musicians playing your cocktail hour, and a great live band for the reception. You can get all of this with our package deal. And when you book a jazz band for a wedding reception you are giving your guests, many of whom came from out of town, something that is synonymous with New York: great jazz music.

The style of live music of course will greatly affect the aesthetic of your wedding.  If you love country music and it is in sync with your stylistic choices, then you should definitely go with a country or roots rock band. A wedding jazz band in New York City will obviously give you a different flavor.  It’s timeless and classic New York. It can be glamorous and even retro. Jazz can lend an air of sophistication if that is what you’re looking for.

What sets Peter & the Master Keys apart from other jazz wedding bands for hire is its versatility. Most of the jazz bands out there are good at jazz and nothing else.  We love jazz of course and can play standards a la Sinatra all night if that’s what you want. But what sets us apart is that we also have a deep repertoire of  blues and early rock n roll. We love playing songs by Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and Chuck Berry, to name just a few.  Our favorite thing to do is to make that transition. And I’ve found that people love it!  There is something for everyone and the stylistic change tracks the change in mood in the room as the party really gets going during the latter part of the reception. Peter and The Master Keys is the best wedding band in New York City.

Gigs in the time of Covid-19

Live jazz trio at the Maplewood library in NJ.

Well here we are folks, 5 months into the pandemic and we’re still muddling through. It’s been hard on the country and especially New Yorkers who’ve seen their city turned into something of a ghost town. But we are resilient people and we find a way to go forward. Restaurants have taken over parking lots for outdoor seating and people have adapted to wearing masks and taking activities outside.

In the last few weeks I’ve started to see an uptick in folks looking to have live music. Not that much of an uptick but we’re starting from zero here! Hearing some live music is healing and a welcome way to find a sense of normalcy. In the last 5 months we’ve done 2 so far as a trio (all in the last couple of weeks). First was on the lawn of the library in Maplewood, NJ, then we played on the rooftop of the Eugene in the Hudson Yards area of NYC. Both concerts were socially distanced and outdoors. Check out the amazing views from the 54th floor!

We are ready to do more of these concerts so please let me know if you have an occasion for a band. The trio or quartet are perfect for smaller settings like a backyard. Rest assured we observe all best practices regarding masks and social distancing. Let’s get through this together!

Honoring Dr. Ruth

Dr. Ruth accepting an award at the YM +YWHA 2019 gala with Peter & the Master Keys on stage

Peter & the Master Keys were honored to be part of the YM + YWHA of Washington Heights 2019 gala last week! The Y has a long history of serving the community in Washington Heights, which was the destination of a lot of German Jewish refugees around the time of WWII. Dr. Ruth is one of those refugees having been put on a train as a young girl and sent to safety from the Nazis.

I can tell you that at 91, she is still quite full of energy and mirth. As we started playing, she sprang to the dance floor, which was very welcome as many people followed her lead!

That’s New York, you never know what kind of situations you’ll end up in or who you might play for!

Playing the Apple TV plus premiere

Peter & the Master Keys at the Apple TV plus premiere of “The Morning Show” at Lincoln Center, NY

The quintet in the lobby of David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center

I got a random email about a week ago asking me if I was available October 28th and did I play with an orchestra. What? I said. I don’t play with an orchestra, I have a band. The person responded asking if I had references and I was pretty sure that it was a scam. Pretty soon I found out that it was a real thing and that there was a French composer who was doing a “big” gig here. I looked at his site and IG and indeed, he does a lot of work for big clients: Porsche, Dior, Chanel. They wanted to know if my band would play along with the orchestra, and of course I said yes!

As it turns out, there wasn’t time for all of that. The composer, Thomas Roussel, had only gotten the green light a week before and barely had time to write for orchestra as it was. We would just be playing for cocktails. Then I found out who and what. This was to be for the unveiling of the Apple TV plus streaming service and the premiere of its marquee show “The Morning Show” starring Jennifer Anniston and Steve Carrell.

The orchestra conducted by Thomas Roussel

Never before have I seen so many production assistants running around, not to mention waiters and other service workers. Lincoln Center was a madhouse during the day but it all came together beautifully that evening. My band, dressed in tuxes and black shirts sounded amazing, as always. You know that’s the easiest part, making music!

After they showed the first two episodes of “The Morning Show”, the orchestra, arranged on the balconies overlooking the lobby, played great arrangements of iconic New York songs. It was a thrill to be part of this and a big thanks to Thomas and Ivan for making it happen!

Rooftop season!

Peter & the Master Keys quartet on the roof of the Hotel Kimpton Eventi

Rooftop season is here and for all of you who were hibernating, well it’s safe to come outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!

The quartet had the pleasure of playing for Ralph Lauren’s VPs as they sipped cocktails after a long day worth of meetings and workshops at the Hotel Kimpton Eventi in NYC. I can tell we are doing our job when folks are unconsciously tapping their toes and swaying as they chat with their colleagues! Mission accomplished.

Looking forward to another wonderful Spring and Summer in NYC!

Summer Weddings in New York City(Guest Post)

Getting married in New York City can be something special, or just genuinely romantic. In New York City, you can host a big grand wedding, or something small and intimate, and the summertime can be a great time of year to have your big day happen. There are endless vendors and venues to choose from in New York, many of which you can find through TheRing.org.

Cocktail hour at the Bryant Park Grill

Couples love getting married in NYC because of the fantastic photo opportunities, such as snapping some pics around countless backdrops. There can be some small hurdles to overcome when getting married in the city, but the result does seem to be worth it.

For any summer wedding in New York City, you certainly need to come up with a reasonable budget. Hosting a wedding in the city will not be cheap, and you should expect to pay quite a bit. But, late summer weddings with large guest lists are popular within the city. However, it is always possible to do a wedding in the city on any budget; it will all depend on how creative you get. There is always something happening within New York City, and when you start to choose a summer venue, you will undoubtedly want to make sure your guests can get to where they are going.  

During the summer in New York City, July is the hottest month, and you will certainly feel the heat. It's why later summer weddings are a favorite. But, if you love the warmth and want something casual, a July wedding could be your thing. The weather can be unpredictable in the city, even during the summer with rain, so it would be a good idea to have a back-up plan in the event the weather changes.

When you start to search for venues for a summer wedding in NYC, it doesn't matter what part of the city you are getting married in; there are countless venues. There is a venue for every style of wedding, and this is what does make it such a great place to have a wedding. There are vast and grand locations, small and intimate settings, restaurants that host ceremonies and receptions. There are also many outdoor spaces, which are perfect for summer weddings. Rooftop and waterfront venues are popular for couples looking for something intimate with a small number of guests, where you can still have the same catering with in-house services. 

Peter & the Master Keys playing on the rooftop of the Starret Lehigh building

Peak wedding season in New York City does tend to be around September, October, and November, but the summer months are a close second. There are numerous ways to accommodate guests in the summer months, and transportation within the city is quite good.  New York City has no shortage of entertainment, which could turn into a mini vacation for your guests, especially those who have never been there before.

Summer weddings can be so much fun, and there are many different vendors to help you plan any style of wedding. It can be quite an experience for your guests because New York City never fails as being a fun place to visit. If you want to plan a summer wedding in New York City, you will want to start the planning process well in advance and book vendors right away, once you have decided on your budget. Summertime weddings are always an enjoyable experience, and being in a vibrant and busy city can add something special to your wedding.     

TIME 100 Gala

View from the stage at the TIME 100 gala 2019

What do Taylor Swift, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Nancy Pelosi, and yours truly all have in common? We were all present at the TIME 100, Time magazine’s annual event honoring the world’s 100 most influential entertainers and world leaders of the year!

Of course I can’t count myself as a member of that lofty rank just yet but I did have the pleasure of playing for them with my ace quartet and creating an upbeat, classy vibe as they mingled and sipped Johnny Walker outside of the Appel room at the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle. Empire Entertainment was running the show and their crack AV team had the sound of the band perfectly filling the space. It was such a pleasure to look out from the stage and see the guests enjoying the great mix of upbeat jazz, blues, mambo and even surf rock that we played for them and at one point, Yalitza Aparicio, the star of Roma stopped by the stage to dance with her small entourage.

Afterwards, I couldn’t resist accepting a well-deserved scotch on the rocks and wandering around a bit just to see who I could see. I’m not much of a celebrity gawker but it was fun to see Remi Malek, Martha Stewart, Gayle King, Nancy Pelosi, Hasan Minhaj, Julianne Moore, Yalitzia, Fallon, as well as probably quite a few I didn’t recognize. I’m a bit bummed I didn’t see the Rock, though! Haha.

It’s always a pleasure to play for people and to find the right kind of music to create a great vibe for everyone. There’s something about a live band like Peter & the Master Keys that creates a mood in a way that piped in music never can and that’s why Empire Entertainment knew that it was worth it for an event like this.

Peter & the Master Keys quartet perform at the TIME 100 gala at the Time Warner building

The Raderman brothers (drums, guitar) with S

First video from the Django!

Here it is, folks! So when we played the Django a couple of weeks back I had my brother shoot some video. He’s a fantastic photographer and videographer and I brought him up from NC just for that purpose (and also to hang out with him in the city)!

This is the first teaser trailer that he edited to our recording of “Barefootin”. It shows how much fun we’re having at the Django with the great crowd who showed up and danced enthusiastically! We’re looking forward to more of these and hopefully playing parties for some of you in the near future as well!

Once again at the Django! Feb 1st

Peter & the Master Keys at the Django in New York’s Roxy Hotel

I’m thrilled to bring my full 7 piece band back to the Django on February 1st from 10pm-1am. Last time was so much fun and truly a thrill to have some of the best musicians I know backing me up as I sing arrangements fo classic jazz, blues, and soul.

This time, I’m excited to add a couple of new arrangements of popular songs that the audience will be sure to recognize. I’ve enjoyed unearthing some great gems from the past and performing them, and now I’m looking to expand that with repertoire that might be more familiar to people’s ears done in a throwback style with excellent musicianship to back it up!

I hope you can join us this time around if you couldn’t last time. We’ll be playing music for lovers and especially for dancers. Also, the Django is a truly beautiful space and an excellent date night. Check it out here: The Django. Friday night will be busy so reservations are strongly encouraged!

New Year's Eve 2019

It’s been a great year for Peter & the Master Keys and I’d like to invite you to a great party in the West Village for New Year’s Eve! It’s at White Oak Tavern, which features excellent pub fare in a beautiful antique wood bar. The theme is Mad Men so folks are encouraged to wear their mini-skirts and skinny ties! I’ve also collected my favorite jazz and classic pop from that era to play for everyone. The best part is that they have waived the cover of $125 per person so it is free to get in and party with us!

Peter and the Master Keys will be performing New Year’s Eve at White Oak Tavern in New York City. Sponsored by Jim Beam and Old Overholt.

Holiday videos are here!

I just wanted to share the first of the batch of three holiday videos that I’m releasing this year. I got together with the core of the band plus our friend, Vanessa Perea to make a little impromptu recording of some holiday classics to share with prospective clients. I think they turned out rather well! If you or someone you know is looking to spice up their holiday party with great live jazz music, please let me know!

We're big in Germany!

So about a month ago I got a call asking if I’d like to film a music video for an up-and-coming German music star. He’s like the Michael Buble of Germany you could say and he needed a band to appear in his breakthrough music video that was to be shot in NYC.

Well it sounded like it was worth a laugh at least and well, it was a paid gig on a Monday afternoon so what the heck! Turns out that the singer, Daniel has a nice voice and was cool to work with. We pantomimed his song probably 30 times over an hour or more in Terra Blues, a blues club on Bleeker street.

From all that footage we got a total of about 5 seconds in this music video haha! I must say the production is excellent though. It’s like a love story and it features NYC so predominantly that I almost wonder if the city’s tourism board was in on it! Anyway, check it out for yourself. It’s fun and pop-y and even a bit of an earworm even though I have no idea what he’s saying. Seems like he has some muscle behind him so I’ll look forward to hearing more from him in the future!Book jazz band for wedding reception for great environments.

If you want to fast forward, we appear at 1:09,1:27,1:43 and 2:12

One night only at the Django, October 6th 2018

Peter & the Master Keys live jazz at the Django in New York

It’s not often that we have a public gig to showcase what we can do with the full 7 piece band. I’d like to invite you to come to the Django on October 6th 2018 at 10:30pm-1:30am. It’s a beautiful French cellar inspired venue in the Roxy hotel down in Tribeca with incredible hand-crafted cocktails.

A bit more about the venue: “Descend into The Django and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. The subterranean jazz club, with its vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, was modeled after the boites of Paris. The venue consists of two cocktail bars, open dining space and a stage for live performances.”

I hope to see you there especially if you are interested in seeing what the band can do as a jazz band for a wedding reception or holiday event. You’ll find that we can do much more than that!

Reservations strongly recommended.