The Cocktail Collective
Overview
The Cocktail Collective is Denver’s premier live music group delivering smooth, soulful, and sophisticated sound for weddings, cocktail hours, corporate events, and private parties. Featuring elegant vocals, expressive sax, and refined keys, we offer flexible duo or trio formats to fit your event perfectly. With years of professional experience and full sound and lighting provided, we create an effortless, upscale atmosphere that makes every celebration unforgettable.
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Price range: $1,000 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Liability insurance is available if requested at time of booking for an additional fee.
What to expect
WHAT WE OFFER:
Complete Flexibility – Ability to curate to your perfect performance. Whether you want a single vocalist; duo of sax and piano; piano and vocalist; or any combination. We work with you to determine what is best for your event.
Tailored Entertainment – From romantic wedding serenades to vibey lounge sets or jazzy background music for networking events, we curate our setlist and vibe to fit your vision. Have special request? Let us know and we can add them to the show.
All-Inclusive Setup – We bring a full professional sound system and colorful lighting—no extra rentals needed. We set up, sound check, and disappear into the music so you can relax and enjoy.
Wide Repertoire with Soulful Flair – Our music spans classic standards, soulful R&B, slow blues, and acoustic-style pop favorites. Think Norah Jones, Bill Withers, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, and more. We're all about songs that make you feel something—whether it's a toe tap, a sway, or a swoon.
Custom Requests – Have a special song in mind for your first dance, grand entrance, or special toast? We’re happy to work with you in advance to make it personal and perfect. We also are constantly adding to our library so we love requests.
Flexible & Professional – With years of performing experience in Denver and beyond, we pride ourselves on being easy to work with, punctual, and polished. We adapt easily to different venue sizes and acoustics—from intimate cafés to hotel ballrooms.
About
The Cocktail Collective – Soulful Sounds for Unforgettable Events
Step into a sound that’s smooth, sophisticated, and effortlessly soulful.
The Cocktail Collective is a premier Denver-based ensemble specializing in live music for weddings, cocktail hours, corporate gatherings, private events, lounges, and upscale venues. We deliver refined, mood-setting performances designed to elevate the atmosphere and leave a lasting impression.
Whether you're planning an elegant evening affair or a relaxed celebration, we provide the perfect soundtrack for your moment.
A CURATED MUSICAL EXPERIENCE
We offer flexible ensemble options tailored to your event:
• Soulful lead vocals
• Elegant saxophone performances
• Classy, expressive piano
• Or a combination designed specifically for your vision
From intimate duos to a fuller trio experience, we create the sound that fits your setting.
MEET OUR PERFORMERS:
Darla Vaughn – Vocals
With a voice as rich as red wine and smooth as silk, Darla delivers a perfect blend of class, emotion, and soulful power. Her versatility and engaging presence have made her a standout on the Denver music scene.
Mark Strivings – Saxophone
One of Denver’s top saxophonists, Mark brings years of accomplished performance in jazz, blues, R&B, and pop. Whether performing as a featured soloist or weaving through a set, his sound adds instant elegance.
Wayne Lajoie – Piano & Music Director
A seasoned pianist with decades of experience, Wayne shapes each performance with thoughtful musical direction. His specialty is tailoring arrangements to perfectly match the mood, energy, and flow of your event.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Tailored Entertainment
From romantic wedding serenades to vibey lounge sets or jazzy background music for networking events, we curate the setlist and energy to fit your vision. Have a special request? We’re happy to personalize your experience.
All-Inclusive Setup
We provide a professional sound system and tasteful lighting. We handle setup, sound check, and logistics seamlessly so you can focus on your guests.
A Soulful, Diverse Repertoire
Our music spans classic standards, soulful R&B, slow blues, and acoustic-style pop favorites. Think Norah Jones, Bill Withers, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, and more. Every song is chosen to create feeling — whether it’s a subtle sway or a packed dance floor.
Custom Moments
From first dances to grand entrances and special dedications, we work with you in advance to make your key moments unforgettable.
Professional & Polished
With years of experience across Denver and beyond, we pride ourselves on being easy to work with, punctual, adaptable, and performance-ready in venues ranging from intimate cafés to grand ballrooms.
WHY CHOOSE THE COCKTAIL COLLECTIVE?
Because your event isn’t just another date on a calendar — it’s a memory in the making.
We don’t just play songs.
We shape atmosphere.
We read the room.
We create moments.
From refined background ambiance to spotlight performances that command attention, The Cocktail Collective delivers style, soul, and professionalism in every note.
ELEVATE YOUR EVENT WITH MUSIC THAT MOVES THE ROOM
Let’s make it soulful.
Let’s make it special.
Let’s make it yours.
Additional booking notes
Pro Lighting and Sound are included.
Set list
We play from a large library of songs including:
A Thousand Years | Christina Perri
Blue Bayou | Linda Ronstadt
Can't Help Falling In Love | Ingrid Michaelson
Careless Whisper | Wham
Chain of Fools | Aretha Franklin
Come Away With Me | Norah Jones
Crazy | Gnarls Barkley
Don't Know Why | Norah Jones
Dreams | Fleetwood Mac
Drops of Jupiter | Train
Flowers | Miley Cyrus
For The Love Of you | The Isley Brothers
I Ain't Got You | Alicia Keys
I Can't Make You Love Me | Bonnie Raitt
It Must Have Been Love | Amber Leigh Irish
Kiss of Life | Sade
Lady Marmalade | Patti Labelle
Let It Be Me | Ray LaMontagne
Love is Where You Are | Diana Krall
Lovely Day | Bill Withers
Make You Feel My Love | Adele
Moondance | Van Morrison
My Funny Valentine | Various
Natural Woman | Arethra Franklin
Piano in The Dark | Brenda Russell
Piano Man | Billy Joel
Rocket Man | Elton John
Saving All My Love For You | Whitney Houston
Songbird | Fleetwood Mac
Speechless | Dan & Shay
Stay With Me | Sam Smith
Sweet Thing | Chaka Khan
Thank You | Dido
Time After Time | Cyndi Lauper
Upside Down | Diana Ross
Your Song | Elton John
Influences and inspiration
The Cocktail Collective draws inspiration from a wide range of soulful and timeless artists. Our sound is influenced by legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and Etta James, as well as the smooth elegance of Sade and Norah Jones. We also bring in modern romance from Alicia Keys, Christina Perri, and John Legend, alongside the classic crossover appeal of Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, and Diana Ross. From Motown grooves to jazz-infused ballads, our style blends sophistication and soul—perfect for weddings, cocktail hours, and unforgettable celebrations.
Setup requirements
Power needs to support a full PA system.