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Way Station Music

Way Station Music

Los Angeles, CA

$600 and up

Travels up to 120 miles

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Scofflaws (original composition by Varnish Musical Director Marc Gasway)

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Pillow Talk

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Up To No Good

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Claire Wellin - Violin/Vocals/Guitar - photo credit to mulography

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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

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sandra A. M.

Sandra A. M.

January 16, 2025
Verified review

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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Keith S.

Keith S.

October 24, 2024

On time and good tunes

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Keith S.

Keith S.

October 21, 2024
Verified review

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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Connie A.

Connie A.

December 16, 2023
Verified review

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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Cassandra M.

Cassandra M.

December 7, 2023
Verified review

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

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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.

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