The Signal – The Blog of Dr. Lexie

No one ever says as much openly, but among musicians there seems to be a bit of “ick” associated with being a wedding musician. In the Midwest, there really isn’t that much other work to be had if you are not in the “in” crowd that does most of the commercial recording in the area, or if you’re not wealthy enough to regularly appear on session on one of the coasts. However, I would argue that those of us who live in the trenches of the weekend warrior wedding musician, are actually better musicians over all and likely more patient, kind, and well-rounded humans than those who have the luxury of being on the road with a well-known act or locked into a show on or off broadway. It is simply a fact that the more diverse the music you find yourself performing or seeking to perform will make you a more rounded musician and, being constantly surrounded by celebrations of love isn’t a bad way to spend your weekends either. 😉

I say all of this after having been in grad school for over twelve years for music at a top-10 music school, and after several years gigging up and down the Eastern seaboard. I have done short runs of off Broadway shows, and toured with major artists myself and while I wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world, I will never look down my nose at a “humble wedding musician.” See, there’s this thing called capitalism that we’re all surviving and one thing is for certain- rich folks will ALWAYS want to flaunt their wealth. Therefore, there will always be work for folks willing to play a hokey set list with other patient and good-humored musicians. No, not all of it is glamorous but personally, I find this work so much more meaningful and impactful in a world obsessed with status updates and clout than being an anonymous musician backing up a star studded cast of singer/dancers or similar.

Each weekend, I get the privilege of being in the private rock band for some lucky crowd’s party celebrating ….something! A wedding, a divorce, a baby shower, a birthday party, a big corporate accomplishment… you name it. Now, there are plenty of bands I’ve aspired to be on such as Bruno Mars, The Lawrence Band, Michael Bublé, Huey Lewis and the News, any one of the performing Jacksons, Earth Wind and Fire, and the list goes on. Granted, there are lots of reasons I am not on a major touring band- I’m not easy to book since I live in the Midwest, and though I know a ton of people in those circles… I don’t “fit the part” in several ways and I totally understand that the commercial music world is extremely superficial so, I get it. Every weekend though, I get to be a curated, dynamic performer of the music of ALL OF THOSE BANDS, for an audience that is ravenous to hear more of the music they love played by me and my friends. Who wouldn’t want that kind of performance experience weekly?

Additionally, since I am required to sound like Jimmy King (Bruno Mars), Marc Langer (The Lawrence Band), Jumaane Smith or Jean Caze (Michael Buble), Marvin McFadden (Huey Lewis), or Jerry Hey (Michael Jackson)… I have to have better ears, a more consistent practice regimen, and the willingness to fit into a musical tapestry that is woven of so many colorful fibers, that in general myself and wedding musicians like me are sonically operating at a higher level of ultimate “oneness” with the music industry. We don’t get the benefit of coasting, we have to be aware of music new and old and how to get that sound to happen for our crowds consistently, based on their chosen set list, and sometimes at a moment’s notice. (And yes, I recognize that guitarists have been doing this for what seems like millennia with their Quad Cortex’s and pedal boards, but that’s a conversation for a different day.)

To those reading this who are lucky enough to have regular salaried symphony, pit, or studio gigs, I’m not saying there isn’t an exactness to what you do in any way at all- it’s just more specific and the goal posts don’t move all that often. Being a horn player in the event band industry is like showing up to a hockey game and then finding out it’s actually lacrosse some days; or rolling in ready to rock some long jump but then finding out your events are actually hurdles and the 400-yard dash. The skills you have will get you through, but your ability to adapt and still succeed are what will ensure your survival both musically and financially.

In short, be kind to your friends who play in event bands. The level of musicianship, artistry, and capability to live in the moment with complete strangers is what allows us to keep doing this job and make every single night special for our ever-evolving crowds. That said, I’m always happy to do other types of work from theatre to symphony orchestra to the studio… but for me, as a musician in the Midwest, the most steady, rewarding, and interesting work there is to be had will forever be in the event band world. I’m not “just” a wedding musician… I am a highly trained musical mercenary sent to a venue with a mission from God: To blow the roof off the sucker! ….and make sure everybody in the crowd can lose themselves in the moment …and that my bandmates and I get to enjoy the occasional cash bonus for our time and shenanigans on top of an already stacked paycheck in most cases.

It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. 😎