Evan Arntzen is a charismatic and experienced bandleader specializing in classic jazz. We're talking swing-era crooning, New Orleans music, roaring 20s and blues. Evan has led bands for hundreds of events of all types and is an excellent communicator. Whether you want background music for dinner, a jumpin' swing band for dancing, or the perfect personal touch for your wedding ceremony, Evan's always dedicated to your vision for your event.
4 reviews
Alan F.
December 9, 2024Evan and his group were fantastic! They played for our company holiday party, and they were terrific. They performed a nice mix of traditional holiday music and some Frank Sinatra. I would hire them again in a moment!
Hired as: Jazz Band
Evan Arntzen
Much appreciated, Alan! We had a great time as well and would love to do it again. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review and post this fun pic!
Jay S.
May 20, 2024I've had the pleasure of having Evan and his stellar combo play our summer garden party for two years in a row now. They were perfect—the repertoire, the presentation, the ease and grace of the performance, and, most importantly, the swing! You too can have Evan and his world-class compatriots play for you, and you should do it as soon as possible.
Hired as: Jazz Band
Evan Arntzen
Thank you so much, Jay! It was such a pleasure.
Charles I.
March 9, 2024Evan organized the band for our wedding, which included a trio for the ceremony and a septet for the reception. He was extremely helpful and professional in assembling the other members of the band, and very accommodating in preparing specialized repertoire for us ahead of time. The band played marvelously all evening, and Evan’s clarinet playing was a particular highlight. We could not be happier with how it went.
Hired as: Jazz Band, Wedding Band
Evan Arntzen
Thanks so much, Charles! It was a pleasure to put the music together for your special day!
Marcus Z.
March 5, 2024My wife and I had the pleasure of having Evan lead a small group of talented musicians for an anniversary party we had planned with a 20's theme. We were not disappointed! All of our guests marveled at how great they sounded. Our only disappointment was that we didn't hire them for longer. Him and the group were worth every penny.
Evan was a clear professional with refreshingly great communication, kindly considered all of our requests, and brought a level of class that elevated the occasion. We look forward to the next opportunity we have to request him again and recommend him for any occasion.
Hired as: Jazz Band
Evan Arntzen
Thank you so much for the review, Marcus! It was a pleasure playing for you and your guests ☺️
Price range: $600 and up
Whether leading an intimate jazz trio or a jumping swing band, Evan Arntzen is a class act who espouses the highest standard of professionalism. Having led bands for many hundreds of events, he is an expert at reading a room and catering his musical performance to ensure that everyone has a good time.
Since we can provide music using different instrumentation (from a duo to a 10-piece orchestra or brass band), we can work with a wide range of price points and help you to stay on budget.
Evan Arntzen
Clarinetist - Saxophonist - Vocalist - Educator
“[Evan] has a distinctive style on both his chosen instruments, on which he offers appealing sounds, fluent command, and that often elusive thing called swing."
NEA Jazz Master, Dan Morgenstern
Evan was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, and is the third generation of a musical family. He began learning the great melodies composed by the original New Orleans Jazzmen such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet and Jelly Roll Morton at the age of seven from his grandfather, Lloyd Arntzen, who is also a clarinetist.
Evan has since developed his own expressive voice as a clarinetist, saxophonist and vocalist, which Grammy Award winning jazz writer Ricky Riccardi calls “the very definition of timeless.” He has released three albums as a leader, including his most recent, Countermelody, on Dot Time Records. If you’re looking for hot sounds from the jazz age, classic swing-era crooning or New Orleans good-time music, Evan Arntzen is the real deal.
We can provide sound amplification and lighting on request.
Saturday
Holiday Party
5:30pm - 9:30pm
•
South Windsor, CT
The Charleston - James P Johnson
Ain’t Misbehavin’ - Fats Waller
Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams - Bing Crosby
I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling - Annette Hanshaw
On the Sunny Side of the Street - Tommy Dorsey
Bourbon Street Parade - Preservation Hall Jazz Band
La Vie En Rose - Louis Armstrong
All of Me - Billie Holiday
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got That Swing) - Duke Ellington
Eh, La Bas - Kid Ory
Somebody Stole My Gal - Bix Beiderbecke
Begin the Beguine - Artie Shaw
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
Si Tu Vois Ma Mere - Sidney Bechet
Basin Street Blues - Louis Armstrong
Down By the Riverside - George Lewis
Cheek to Cheek - Ella Fitzgerald
Louis Armstrong
Django Reinhardt
Frank Sinatra
Sidney Bechet
Professor Longhair
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Ella Fitzgerald
Gene Ammons
Jazz Band
