Soul Graffiti Entertainment
- Emeryville, CA
- Acoustic Band
- 25 Verified Bookings
Michaela B. said “Everyone was so great! They brought such a great energy and created a beautiful atmosphere for my wedding. They sounded beautiful and I couldn’t have…”
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The Rusty String Express delivers swanky string band music at its finest!
Bring your event to life with music that is an exciting mash up of acoustic excitement, bubbling creativity, and excellent musicianship. Listeners love the mix of familiar favorites, and original tunes coming out of this creative quartet. It's lively, joyful music.
Equally at home on stage in a concert venue, or at a party in a client's backyard, The Rusty String Express provides the perfect music for any setting. And these four pro players are able to rise and rock at the break of dawn, or play late into the wee hours. Or both! Any place that needs music....The Rusty String Express is ready to go!
We asked The Rusty String Express to come play for our community BBQ. It was an outdoor event on a Saturday afternoon, and they were everything we'd hoped they'd be! Doing business with them was delightful from start to finish - they provided us with everything we needed to know, made sure that they had clear details about what we wanted, they arrived timely, were a joy to be around, and the music was divine! I recommend them with enthusiasm and would have them back again in a heartbeat!
Take it from a Southerner, these guys are the real deal. I took a chance and hired them based on a YouTube video. My only regret is that I wish I had found them sooner for other parties! They are professional and sound so so good. My guests were so impressed. People walking by the house asked if they could come to our "concert." I wish they'd move to San Diego with us. :)
So these guys came and played at my house for a St. Patrick's day themed event... and they were fantastic! The rusty string express are an extremely talented bunch of musicians you will not be disappointed...we'll be inviting them back again next year!!
Price Range: $400 and up
Gig Length: 60 - 360 minutes
Typical Performance: 60 - 360 minutes
Fee: $400 and up
Equally at home on stage in a concert venue, or at a party in a client's backyard, The Rusty String Express provides the perfect music for any setting. And these four pro players are able to rise and rock at the break of dawn, or play late into the wee hours. Or both! Any place that needs music....The Rusty String Express is ready to go!
Aaron Balano on dobro, Alison Bailey Streich on violin, Greg Dunn on bass and Joe Ridout on guitar. These four magnetic musicians run the gamut with their playing, and all four are masterful wielders of their instruments. Their music ranges from sensitive and soulful interpretations, to wild and unexpected music you've never heard before. These four magnetic musicians run the gamut with their playing, and all four are masterful wielders of their instruments. Their music ranges from sensitive and soulful interpretations, to wild and unexpected music you've never heard before.
Their repertoire is very original, with each member contributing unique compositions. Interspersed throughout their set are exciting versions of tunes the listener has heard before. They tip their collective hat to Thelonius Monk, Dave Brubeck, The Meters, Duke Ellington, Django Reinhart, Van Morrison, The Cramps....and, of course, a handful of ragtime, Irish, old time, bluegrass and American tunes. There's something for everyone!
- PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS -
The Rusty String Express is an acoustic string band which can easily fit into a 10'/6' space.
Stage plot:
Bass (DI) Violin (Mic) Dobro (Mic) Guitar/Fiddle (Mic)
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers about our services:
Are your rates flexible? Are you open to negotiating price?
Yes, we are happy to work out the details with our clients in regard to price, logistics, etc.
When do you typically arrive at the venue?
We typically arrive one hour prior to performing. This allows us plenty of time to load in, set up, tune, and sound-check.
Once the performance is over, it takes 15 - 45 minutes to take-down and load-out.
Do you take any breaks?
Yes, we typically take about a ten minute break for every hour we play.
Do you MC?
We are willing to do some light MCing like announcing the first dance or introducing the birthday honoree.
Can I choose the songs you play at my event?
Yes, from our repertoire list you may choose as many of the songs that we play at your event. Special song requests must be approved ahead of time.
At a wedding, are you willing to play for the ceremony?
Yes, we specialize in wedding ceremonies. We have a selection of processional and recessional pieces to choose from.
Can we use your microphone for announcements and/or toasts? Is it wireless?
Yes, you can use our microphone but it is not wireless.
Do you require that we provide you with food and drinks?
No, but we greatly appreciate it if they’re offered.
What is your attire?
That's up to you. We’ll dress from casual on up to coat and tie. Please, no bonnets or lederhosen. But if it's really important to you....we can even negotiate about the lederhosen...
What are your parking requirements?
Each musician typically arrives in his own car. We need parking for four cars.
What are your bandstand space requirements?
The band fits comfortably in a space of about 10’ by 6’.
Do you play through a public address (PA) system?
It depends on the number of guests at the event, the size of the venue, and whether the venue is outside or not. Many of the events we play are at small enough venues that we don't need to use a PA as we are loud enough with our set up of non-amplified instruments.
If there are many guests, the venue is quite large (like the size of a basketball court or larger), and/or the event is outside, then a PA might be in order. In this case we can bring one for an additional fee. Please contact us for more details.
Do you have any additional requirements?
We require shade if we are performing outdoors.
We require an electrical outlet near where the band sets up and 3 armless chairs.
How and when do we pay you?
A deposit is due in order to book the band. Full remaining balance is due immediately following the performance. We accept cash or checks. Please make checks payable to: Alison Streich.
Is there a fee if we cancel?
Yes, your deposit is the cancellation fee. So, if you cancel our services after booking the event, we keep the deposit.
Can I review your performance on social media?
Yes! We love reviews. Please feel welcome to share your experiences here as well as on our Yelp page.
May 20, 2017 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Personal Occasion |
August 27, 2016 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
June 11, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
August 08, 2015 | Anniversary Party |
June 27, 2015 | Cocktail Party |
March 14, 2015 | Private Party |
Sea Pod - Balano
Behind The Green Shed - Dunn
Chalet of Lies - Streich
Busker's Breakdown - Cochneuer
Goo Goo Muck - The Cramps
Fourth Dimension - The Rusty String Express
Toothless - Balano
Hubba Royale - Balano
Marty's Jig - Streich
Lapel - Balano
Rasputin's Reel - Streich
Blue Casino - Cochneuer
Boyfiend - Streich
Birthday Suit - Streich
Bow Legged - The Rusty String Express
Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Ellington
Planxty Irwin - O'Carolan
Saving The Good Stuff - Richard Thompson
Caravan - Tizol
Cantaloupe Island - Herbie Hancock
Over The Waterfall - Trad. Bluegrass
Take Five - Brubeck
Pig Ankle Rag - Trad.
Red Apple Rag - Trad. Rag
Moondance - Van Morrison
Manpanion - Streich
Things Ain't What They Used To Be - Ellington
Zapolito Mojado - Trad.
Swallowtail - Trad. Irish
Midnight in Moscow - Trad. Russian
Canon in D - Pachelbel
Trumpet Tune - Purcell
Cissy Strut - The Meters
Footprints - Shorter
Old Joe Clark/Cluck Old Hen - Trad. Bluegrass
Harvest Home - Trad. Irish
Ladies Quadrille - American
Tahoe Reel - Cochneuer
Friendly Tornado - Dunn
Punkin' Slide - Balano
Paganini's Fetus - Streich
Aaron Balano | Dobro |
Alison Bailey Streich | Violin |
Greg Dunn | Bass |
Morgan Cochneuer | Guitar/Fiddle |
Django Reinhart, Thelonious Monk, David Grisman, The Bothy Band, The Meters, Tony Rice, Primus, Jerry Douglas, Kenny Hall
Shaded performance space
Power source
3 armless chairs
water
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