Ovations Big Band
Overview
OVATIONS is a premier band, whose members include seasoned veterans who perform the Standards and Swing tunes from the Big Band era along with Dixieland music as needed. Along with exceptional music, its popularity is, in large part, is due to its ability to read and cater to the crowd.
Reviews
1 review
Bonnie S.
September 14, 2019They really were great.
Very professional to work with and attention to details. Had a stage layout drawing from them and a face to face meeting to discuss all details. They were perfect for the 35th anniversary celebration for our theatre. Definitely would have this band back again.
Hired as: Dance Band, Easy Listening Band
Booking information
Price range: $850 - $5,000
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
Unions: AFM
What to expect
The band provides its own band stands, stand lights and library. For local and regional engagements, it can also provides its own keyboard and drums. For shows, festivals, larger venues and engagements outside Charlotte, it will need a piano or quality electric keyboard, drum set and sound system. When possible, it needs a riser that must be a minimum of 8' wide, 8 ' deep and 1-1/2' high for smaller versions of the band. For larger versions, the riser must be a minimum of 16' wide, 8' deep and 1-1 1/2' high. The required size of the full stage would vary, depending on the size of the band.
About
OVATIONS is a premier commercial dance band led by veteran trumpeter Don Edwards, whose impressive and varied background includes playing lead trumpet with the bands of Hal McIntyre, Ray Anthony, Billy May, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton. Following the big band era, Edwards spent fifteen years in Vegas, playing lead in stage show bands, backing major stars and entertainers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughn, Jack Jones and a host of other artists.
The band can vary in size from seven to fifteen members as needed. It is especially popular for special events that include wedding receptions, anniversary parties, corporate events and national conventions. With its hand-picked musicians, extensive song list and exceptional ability to read and cater to the crowd, Ovations always welcomes requests from the audience, and is equally at home performing at both concerts and dances, as well as providing a background of smart listening music at receptions. Shortly after it was introduced to the public, Ovations became known as "the band that keeps dancers on the floor and listeners begging for more!"
Additional booking notes
For indoor events, the band would prefer enough overhead lighting to enable the band members to read their charts. It would also have its own stand lights to use as needed. The band would also require dressing rooms where the members can dress. When performing indoors, It also needs a break room with a minimum of light refreshments during its breaks.
Past booked events
March 2022
01
Tuesday
Retirement Community Event
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
March 2021
20
Saturday
Birthday Party
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
October 2019
12
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Fletcher, NC
05
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Morganton, NC
August 2019
24
Saturday
Fundraiser
8:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Waynesville, NC
June 2018
07
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
Team
Set list
The only time set lists are used is when the band is performing a concert or show. On all other engagements, leader Don Edwards prefers to be adaptable and follow the moods and likes of the crowd.
Influences and inspiration
The big bands of Louis Armstrong, Ray Anthony, Count Basie, Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Harry James,Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Rob McConnell, Billy May, Glenn Miller, Nelson Riddle, Artie Shaw, Charlie Spivak, Jack Teagarden and Claude Thornhill.
Testimonials
Wow!.......This is the best band I've heard since leaving Vegas!!
– Wayne Powers