Way Station Music
Overview
For over ten years, we've been a go-to booking agency for special events, and bars and restaurants all over LA. Our weekly music program at The Varnish has been named dropped everywhere from LA Weekly, to Nat Geo Traveler. Timeout says we're "well-groomed". Punchdrink says we "lend warmth to the room". Thrillist calls us "exceptional" and says we're "one of the best live jazz clubs in Los Angeles".
Whether you're looking for quiet and subtle, or raucous and fun, we've had you covered. Our colorful family of musicians features experts in Swing, Cool Jazz, old-time Rock & Roll, Gypsy, and even Exotica and Tiki.
Reviews
12 reviews
Sandra A. M.
January 16, 2025Remarkable talent-
I must say that the performance was a truly wonderful experience. The talented musicians were captivating, and both the residents and guests were amazed.
Mark was not only talented but also engaging. After the performance, he took the time to interact with the residents. This personal touch made a positive impact on everyone in attendance, fostering a sense of community and bringing a bit of the outside world into the nursing home. I highly recommend Mark and his crew. Inviting musicians to a community like ours can be a wonderful source of joy and enrichment for the residents.
Hired as: 1940s Era Entertainment, Jazz Band, Jazz Guitarist, Jazz Singer, Pianist
Keith S.
October 21, 2024Easy and nice Great music prompt, engaged and responsive.
My one issue was Gage took what seemed like a very long break 40-60 minutes between sets of overall playing time of 2.5 hours. Not sure how long but became very noticeable to me the host.
Hired as: Jazz Guitarist
Connie A.
December 16, 2023The Perfect Blend of Professionalism and Musical Brilliance
Our recent experience with Way Station Music at our annual Christmas party, attended by over 100 guests, was nothing short of spectacular. From the initial contact to the final note played, their professionalism and talent left an indelible impression on us and our guests.
Marc, the point of contact, was a beacon of professionalism with his exceptional communication skills. He provided a comprehensive checklist that not only facilitated our planning process but also introduced us to brilliant ideas we hadn't considered.
The band's punctuality and efficiency were evident as they arrived early, setting up the stage in a manner that ensured everything ran smoothly. Their setup process was seamless, and their willingness to coordinate with our schedule showcased their adaptability and professionalism.
As for the performance, Way Station Music was simply phenomenal. Their upbeat, jazzy style captivated everyone in the room. The quality of the music, from the harmonious vocals to the skilled instrumentals, was exceptional. The band’s energy was infectious, and they had a remarkable ability to connect with the audience, making the night truly memorable. We received numerous compliments from our guests, praising the band's performance and the lively atmosphere they created.
Furthermore, their professionalism shone once again when it was time to transition to the next band. They broke down their setup quietly and efficiently, ensuring a flawless and impressive transition. This level of thoughtfulness and respect for both the venue and the following act was highly appreciated.
We are absolutely delighted with our decision to hire Way Station Music and are already looking forward to having them at our future events. Their combination of musical excellence and professional conduct is a rare find, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking a band that will not only meet but exceed expectations.
Thank you, Way Station Music, for making our Christmas party an extraordinary and unforgettable experience! Your talent and professionalism were the highlights of the evening.
Hired as: 1940s Era Entertainment, Jazz Band, Jazz Guitarist, Jazz Singer
Cassandra M.
December 7, 2023The trio was amazing!
The 3 musicians that played at our event were outstanding! Everyone enjoyed the jazz/ragtime feel and the players were polite and professional.
Hired as: 1940s Era Entertainment, Jazz Guitarist, Jazz Singer, Pianist
Booking information
Price range: $600 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 50 - 200 minutes
What to expect
We will be punctual
We will be dressed snappily, and with personality
We will be easy to work with
We will be friendly (and a perhaps a little bit wry)
We will be sporting quality instruments and our gear will be in good condition
You will be impressed with our selection of songs
You will be able to select a combo that suits your taste and needs
About
When our parent bar, The Varnish, opened over a decade ago, our musical ethos was been to blend into and augment the vibe of the speakeasy -- to soundtrack your trip back in time to the 30's while you sipped your vintage craft cocktail.
Over the next few years, as the vibe of The Varnish evolved from "speakeasy-specific" to just "generally excellent", our repertoire expanded to include songs from later eras -- cool jazz, rockabilly, gypsy, hokum, contemporary singer-songwriter, to name a few. Our goal has been to fill the room with music that we find interesting; to make the sound fit the atmosphere without having to force it. Vibe is paramount; if your thoughts on the music are anything other than, "wow, these people can *play*", or "what is this song? i love this!" we're not doing it right. And we've been at it long enough by now to know the difference. We do it right.
As the music expanded, so did our league of musicians. We feature a broad and talented collection of pianists, drummers, guitarists, vocalists, saxophonists, violinists, woodwind players, mandolins -- we've even got a couple Grammy winners in our ranks.
No matter which combo you decide to go with, you'll know that you're getting players who feel personally connected to the music we're playing, and that we're playing that much better and deeper as a consequence.
Services offered
Past booked events
May 2025
14
Wednesday
Retirement Community Event
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Los Alamitos, CA
March 2025
26
Wednesday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Los Alamitos, CA
January 2025
15
Wednesday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Los Alamitos, CA
October 2024
19
Saturday
Cocktail Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Los Angeles, CA
December 2023
12
Tuesday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Studio City, CA
09
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Los Alamitos, CA
01
Friday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Long Beach, CA
September 2023
11
Monday
Corporate Event
6:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Pasadena, CA
05
Tuesday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Van Nuys, CA
May 2023
06
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
1:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Los Angeles, CA
March 2023
24
Friday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
La Canada Flintridge, CA
December 2022
15
Thursday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Los Angeles, CA
December 2021
16
Thursday
Corporate Event
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Los Angeles, CA
11
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Los Angeles, CA
September 2021
25
Saturday
Fundraiser
5:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Pasadena, CA
December 2019
14
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Los Angeles, CA
October 2019
24
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Sherman Oaks, CA
18
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Anaheim, CA
Influences and inspiration
Fiona Apple, Chet Baker, Andrew Bird, Jon Brion, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Etta James, JD McPherson, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Pink Martini, Django Reinhardt, Brian Setzer, The Squirrel Nut Zippers, CW Stoneking, Brian Wilson