Photo by Unique Concepts Studio

On May 14, The Untouchables had the pleasure of performing at the wedding of Megan Gould and David Peppard. A great couple, lively guests, and an amazing venue, led to a fun-filled evening.

The staff at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, www.hvccpa.org led impeccably by Carol Keene, did such an amazing job. The flow of the party was perfect, giving the guests the ability to dance all night, from start to finish, which they certainly did.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the Terrace, and were invited back later for a dessert buffet, including an ice cream sundae bar. Sweet!

Here is a small video sample featuring a guest vocalist Richard Gould, the father of the bride.
Sweet Caroline

Another part of the team was the photographer, Paul Roebuck, of Unique Concepts Studio. It was impressive watching him work so smoothly within the party.

From a bandleader’s perspective, it is vitally important that the venue realizes that it takes more than great food and music to make a great party. It is the organization and pacing of the evening that turns a good party into a great party. Carol, and the staff at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, certainly understands that, and it made a big difference in having David and Megan enjoy the party of their life.

Wayne Gustafson
The Untouchables
www.wayneron.com
215-283-1100

On Thursday, May 19, The Untouchables had the pleasure of performing for An Evening in Franklin Square, hosted by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. This was third annual fundraising event to benefit a regional treasure and build upon the success that Franklin Square has experienced since opening to the public in July 2006. The Untouchables also performed at the opening day party in August of 2006.

The celebration was kicked off by Governor Ed Rendell teeing it up for the Governor’s Cup Mini Golf Tournament. Cocktails and a silent auction followed, and then the guests were invited to enjoy dinner along with a live auction and dancing. The Honorary Chair was Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Chair of the event was Randy Chapman of Chapman Auto Group. CBS 3′s lead sports anchor, Beasley Reece, served as the auctioneer and did a great job.

With a week of rain leading up to the event, and downpours throughout the day, the tent company played a major role. As usual, EventQuip did a magnificent job, keeping everyone dry and comfortable.

The event was a great success, with a lot of money raised for the Square, and an evening of non-stop dancing. Hopes for many more.

Wayne Gustafson
The Untouchables
www.wayneron.com
215-283-1100

On December 15, 2010 I had the pleasure to entertain at the annual holiday party of Developmental Enterprises Corporation. DEC’s largest program, the Willow Grove Training Center, knows how to celebrate! No disrespect to all of my fantastic clients of 2010, but NO group rocks it as hard as WGTC!

The Willow Grove Training Center is a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and training center that serves the special needs of adults with multiple disabilities and/or severe/profound mental retardation. WGTC offers a broad range of services and activities that primarily focus on vocational development, while creating outstanding opportunities for socialization and community integration. The Center’s dedicated and compassionate staff, led by Kathy Alcorn, tailors the services they provide to assist each individual in four areas: living skills training; job training and employment services; community integration; and therapeutic and enrichment services.

The party is held at Williamson Banquets in Horsham, and the staff, led by Phil, does a tremendous job

I can’t remember when I started performing for their party, but my best guess is that this year was my 25th year! And, as usual, it was the highlight. WGTC never disappoints. So much joy, friendship, love, and holiday spirit – I am always reminded of the true meaning of the holidays.

Check out this video (taken from my phone – excuse the quality) from the party.
Willow Grove Training Center Video

It doesn’t scratch the surface of the fun that is had throughout the day. The dancing, Christmas carol sing-alongs, birthday acknowledgments (virtually every guest is honored – if your within 9 months, that is close enough),and Santa’s entrance (and his eventual dancing to the Cha Cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle), this is a non-stop fun fest.

Hopefully I will have the privilege to spend many more years with all my friends at D.E.C.

Wayne Gustafson
www.music4assemblies.com
Bandleader of The Untouchables
www.wayneron.com

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is for suggestions for the specialty songs for a wedding, especially a song for the groom and mother. I will include a list of songs that I have done in the past to give you some ideas. But first, let me say this.

In my opinion, the song should be chosen by the parent. This is their dance with their child, so it should have special meaning to them. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “dance” song. Actually, some of the best choices in the past have been very non-traditional. These are a few that I have played that were memorable and great choices.
The Twist; I Saw Her Standing There; Brown Eyed Girl; Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da; You’re The First, The Last, My Everything; The Rainbow Connection; Surfer Girl.

Here is a list of some of the more traditional songs:

Bride and Father:
Daddy’s Little Girl
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Beautiful In My Eyes – Joshua Kadison
Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
Kind And Generous – Natalie Merchant
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
My Girl – Temptations
My Special Angel – Vogues
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Groom and Mother:
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Through The Years – Kenny Rogers
The Times Of Your Life – Paul Anka
A Song For My Son – Mikki Viereck
In My Life – Beatles
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison
The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti
I Am Your Child – Barry Manilow
Unforgettable – Nat/Natalie Cole

This should give you a head start, but remember, ANYTHING GOES!
This is a powerful moment of the wedding, so find a very meaningful song and let the guests feel the love in the room!

Wayne Gustafson
Bandleader of The Untouchables

For many years I have hired the services of the dancers of Cutting Edge Entertainment. I have always been impressed with their professionalism and energy. The dancers come completely prepared and ready to party. My band enjoys working with them, and the parties are always high energy and thus, very successful. I have developed a great working relationship with Craig Sumsky, and lately have enjoyed reading his blog (cuttingedgedjs.com/blog/).

That being said, one blog, entitled “The DJ vs. Band Argument”, jumped to my attention. Craig, I have a bone to pick.

Rather than debating point for point the article, I will say this. A great DJ is far better than a bad band, and a great band is far better than a bad DJ.

It takes more than talented musicians and singers to make a great band. Many more factors are important.

- Years of experience will not only build a tremendous repertoire, but also enable the bandleader the ability to read and adapt to the flow of the party.
- Continuous music is a must. If you need a break, beam yourself back 20 years, and play in the clubs (don’t forget your bartenders and waitresses – they’re working hard for you).
- Interaction with the crowd is important, but a wedding or Bar Mitzvah is not the place to try out your new act for Last Comic Standing. A good rule of thumb: If you think you’re funny . . . you’re NOT!
- Singers should emulate the inflection and phrasing of the original artist. This is not a jazz concert.

So . . . When you have a band that meets these standards, a DJ doesn’t have a chance. The dynamics of live drums and horns, the connection with a great singer, a rocking guitar solo – simply can’t be matched.

The music business is changing at an amazing pace. As a bandleader, I must adapt or die. The future will be the integration of all sources – live music, audio, video – as well as lighting and performance. Who knows, there may come a day when Craig and I share a stage and finally end the DJ vs. Band Argument.

Let’s have both!

Wayne Gustafson
Bandleader of The Untouchables

For many years, we have had the privilege of playing for wonderful people, and performing at exquisite venues. Last Saturday was no exception. We went to Charleston, West Virginia to play at The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, home of the West Virginia Symphony.

This event was made even more special by the people that brought us down to play. Eric and Cyndi Persily asked us to play for their daughter Allie’s Bat Mitzvah. We first met Eric and Cyndi when we played at their wedding in 1993! The circle of life.

This was actually the third time to the Clay Center. Last year we played Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah, and a few years before that, we entertained for the West Virginia Symphony Gala.

As usual, the Persily’s hosted a magnificent party. The cocktail hour was held on the stage in Performance Hall, beautifully decorated in a beach theme. The reception took place in the Grand Lobby. Our dancers, Shoshana and Tony from Cutting Edge Entertainment, were awesome as usual, dancing and playing games with Allie and her friends.

A good time was had by all, and we look forward to another chance for The Untouchables to rock the Clay Center Philly style!

Wayne Gustafson
Bandleader of The Untouchables