Bay Area Strings played at our wedding and I couldn't have asked for more. During planning, Jen was…read morevery easy to work with, responded quickly to questions, and has an amazing repertoire of songs to choose from. Her team showed up early to the wedding to ensure they had plenty of time to setup, and started right on time. They played so beautifully that I'd would've thought it was a recording had my fiance (now wife!) not mentioned that it was the quartet playing. We performed all our dances with the quartet's music, and they played flawlessly. Jen also rearranged one of the songs to fit our choreography. I would recommend Bay Area Strings to anyone looking for a quartet for any events. Jen is an exceptional Cellist, and her team members are top talent as well.

We used Bay Area Strings for our wedding at the Berkeley City Club, and they were absolutely…read moreincredible. Jen was so easy to work with--responsive, organized, and happy to play all the songs we requested. Having them there truly made the day feel even more magical. They play beautifully and created such an elegant, romantic atmosphere for our ceremony and reception. We received so many compliments from our guests. I would 100% recommend Bay Area Strings for any special event!

Marcus was on point for our wedding a few weeks ago. Very communicative in the months weeks and…read moredays up til our big day. He talked me through the songs I would need for various parts of our ceremony, cocktails, dinner and reception - and offered recommendations and suggestions whenever he thought I could use some help. From a bride who had ZERO idea of how I wanted my wedding to go, look, and feel, Marcus nailed it. 100% recommendation. Reach me anytime for additional feedback.

Marcus was the DJ and live music performer for our wedding, and we couldn't recommend him more…read morehighly! What really blew me away about Marcus was that he was such an expert on finding the right song or approach for the right moment - not only did he put together an amazing live singing and guitar set for our guest arrival and dinner, but he also kept everyone (across generations) energized and happy on the dance floor. We got so many compliments on our soundtrack, thanks to him! On top of that, when things didn't go perfectly according to plan (delayed caterers, etc.) Marcus was incredibly flexible and coordinated between the other vendors and us, making some suggestions about how we could adapt to make sure things felt smooth for the guests in the moment. He even thought to ask us before he announced dinner if we wanted to give my 100 year old grandmother a heads up to get seated before the crowds headed towards the tables. He was kind, calm, observant, creative, and helpful - everything you need when you're managing your own event without a planner!

My wife and I were looking for a different speed for our wedding (April 2021) music as a "DJ"…read moredidn't fit the vibe we wanted; Carl and his team were just what the doctor ordered! They played "Paris cafe" type music at our request and even made some recommendations with additional musicians to foster that vibe. They were wonderful! Our guests loved it and we got so many compliments! We highly recommend Carl and his team!

We had the FABULOUS experience of having Carl Vast and three other of his co-musicians provide the…read morelive music for the ceremony, the cocktail reception, and the dinner portion of our daughter Lily's wedding at the Highlands Estate in Cloverdale. Honestly, five stars is not enough. For the pre-ceremony ("greeting" music) and for the ceremony itself we had Carl on the guitar, Jeff on the woodwinds (flute, clarinet and saxophone) and Kathryn on the cello. For the cocktail reception and dinner we added Steve, with a bass. I am a big music lover, and for me, the music was maybe even my number one highlight of what was from start to finish a fabulous wedding. Carl was able to arrange it so that the type of music that was played CHANGED for each segment of the event (mentioned above), just enough so that it all flowed together, yet each portion of the event had a distinctively different "feel" to it. I don't know my music terminology very well, but Carl explained that in addition to the wedding music used during the ceremony, they also played jazz music, classical, Bossa Nova and Variety types of music. (All of these types of music can be heard on Carl's website.) Carl speaks the "language of music" very well and was able to be specific with me prior to the event so that we were able to set the mood for each segment of the wedding exactly as we wanted. Also, he was able to tailor certain segments with special requests. My daughter had something a bit more contemporary that she wanted to use for walking down the isle during the ceremony, and for a minimal extra fee (something like $40) the group learned the music and had it ready to go. In the months leading up to the wedding, Carl was extremely helpful when it came to the logistics of what would be played and when. He also went the extra mile when deciding where the musicians would set up the instruments during the ceremony and then during the reception. This enabled the sound to be optimilized (it was an open-spaced outdoor event) and the musicians to be seen and enjoyed, yet people would not be bumping into them (this DOES happen at events if the planning isn't done right). Carl, if you happen to read this, I want you to know that my absolute "high point" of our daughter's wedding was when, towards the end of the dinner, your group played my husband's and my special request, The Ashokan Farewell. We ADORE this piece, and when your band started to play it, my husband and I instinctively got up, walked away from our dinner plates and seated ourselves on a bench near the band. I get choked up just thinking about it. It was at that moment when, fully enraptured in your music and sitting among the rolling hills of the Highlands Estate, when I was finally able to calmly take it all in and reflect. Our past, our present, and our future as a family and how it felt to figuratively release our daughter into the world swept over me swept over me like a swiftly moving San Francisco fog. Thank you, Carl, for everything. But especially for that one moment.

Highly recommended. Hired for a private party of about 40 people. Professional musicians and great…read moreentertainment. They can provide background music or take center stage. Raj did a great job reading the audience and adjusting music to match the party vibe. Could not ask for more.

Absolutely, fantastic. They were incredible in range…read more And sophistication. I would hire them again in a minute.

I would highly recommend as a solo pianist for live performances, especially one where you need a…read moresolo pianist to perform special pieces. He was an outstanding pianist for our wedding. We requested some unique modern songs arranged for piano, by Beach House, Philip Glass, Sufjan Stevens, and Agnes Obel. Miles performed all of them solo in our outdoor wedding ceremony, and for 2 he created a unique arrangement upon request since they were not common. He also had some standards that fit in with the style as prelude music. He was responsive, punctual, and reliable for initial conversations, preparations, and the performance. We would definitely hire again and recommend, Miles.

From the owner: Miles McKenzie and Prune Farm Studio teach piano, trumpet, and voice to students of all ages. He…read morespecializes in teaching students the music they want to learn, customizing lessons to the individual student's needs Miles regularly performs throughout the Bay Area. He is experienced in performing and teaching jazz, classical, latin, pop, rock, funk, R&B, and many other styles.

Alec played guitar at our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at the Fairmont in Sonoma. His great…read moremusic and easy-going attitude really fit in well with our ceremony, and we heard many compliments from our guests. He came recommended by the live band we hired to play our reception, and we couldn't have been happier. We highly recommend Alec if you are looking for a live guitarist for your special day.

Alec is an excellent musician and a wonderful entertainer. He helps make any event he performs at…read morememorable. Whether he's performing or teaching he is totally professional and excellent.

The Silverheels performed for our friend's 40th Birthday party and they were fantastic! Everyone…read morehad a blast. Joe was great to work with during the whole booking process and did a fun DJ set for us before the band played. The band has a great list of songs to choose from and made the party a hit! Highly recommend the Silverheels!

So easy to coordinate, great price, perfect in every way. Not one worry. Highly recommend!!! We…read moreused Joe for a DJ--put together a lovely play list for a COL.

Midori was super easy to work with from start to finish. We found them through our wedding planner,…read moreand the whole process was very straightforward. They send over a sheet with their music selections, you fill out what you want, and send it back about a month before the wedding. One thing I'll say is that the music sounded even better in person than in the samples. So many of our guests commented on how cool it was and how much it added to the atmosphere. For our 2-hour City Hall wedding, it was honestly perfect. It really fills up the space and makes everything feel a lot more grand and special without feeling over the top. Based on their samples and advice from some of our musician friends, we decided to go with the trio for a fuller sound, and I'm really glad we did. Highly recommend going that route if it fits your budget.

We used Corelli Strings for our wedding ceremony at SF City Hall and we were absolutely blown away…read more The space would have felt so empty without music, and since speakers aren't allowed at City Hall, having live violin and cello was truly the perfect choice. Their performance added so much elegance, emotion, and romance to our ceremony. The sound filled the rotunda beautifully and created the exact atmosphere we were hoping for. So many of our guests came up to us afterward raving about how amazing they were and how much the music elevated the entire experience. If you're getting married at SF City Hall or hosting any special event and want live music that makes a lasting impression, Corelli Strings is the way to go. They truly enhanced one of the most important moments of our lives and we couldn't recommend them more highly!